Double Happiness

AHEM!! Just an additional note, joy does come in pairs. Went to buy a new camera earlier. Budget must be under 2 grand so DSLR? Out of the question. Originally, my bro and I, after much researching (about 15 minutes) settled on a Sony Cybershot T700 as our next requisition. But the funniest thing happened at the shop. Seriously:

Location : Sony Style Centre in Ipoh.
*conversation between me and the salesperson.

Salesperson : Yes, can I help you?
Me : Yeah, I'd like to see the Sony Cybershot T700.
Salesperson : Cybershot T700?
Me : Yes, that one.
Salesperson : (Asks supervisor about the camera) Erm.... Sorry but we do not have any in stock.
Me : Oh....ok, can you let me know when the new stock will be coming?
Salesperson : Err....We no longer order stock. It's out of date already.
Me : ???????????????
Salesperson : Can I offer you a T90, sir?
Me : No, what camera, a digital camera, can I buy with a under Rm2000 budget?
Salesperson : Like that ar? Then, may I recommend the Cybershot TX-1?
Me : What's that? (terminator camera....XD!)
Salesperson : This is the newest Cybershot to enter the market. Full touchscreen with......( too long to list features)
Me : Really that good? Hmmmm....I'll think about it.

(15 minutes later, I bought it....XD!)

Yes, the salesperson was very convincing. But it is indeed a lovely camera. Compact and portable, any which is an added bonus especially when mobility is needed. Yes, the price is a bit steep at RM1500 but it's well worth it. The touch screen may take a while to get used to but thing Iphone and all will go well. Takes great shots no matter how dark the area is.......now military grade technology, my friend. In your face, US Sec Def!!!!

I also got a pair of new spectacles. Crocodile, full titanium with H.R.I lenses. Really comfortable and it weighs only a quarter of my old glasses' weight. Extremely comfortable. It's like I'm not wearing glasses at all.

So, I guess sometimes, good things do come in pairs. Best gifts to ever be acquired and requisitioned, if you know what I mean. So, it really represents the amazing things which actually happen, if you believe. So never give up hope no matter what. Even if you don't get what you want now, you will get it eventually.

JAVOL!!!

Sony Cybershot TX-1. Finally, an awesome camera to take pictures with.

Mood shot of the leather casing, courtesy of Kenny Liew.

Crocodile All Titanium Glasses. That's right, I got a new pair of spectacles.

Seriously, it's made of titanium.

TA-DA! All Rimless glasses. Quite classy. Just my 2 cents though.

Air weight frame. Gotta take care of it. Costs a bomb to make.

What The %#$@?!?!?!

Well, here's something I would like to point out. My Add. Maths tuition teacher once said to me, Paper 2 is always harder than Paper 1. Should've taken her more seriously. 25th November 2009 marked one of the darkest days in Add. Maths history not only for me but I can safely say, a vast majority of Form 5 students sitting for SPM. Science stream students to be exact. It's a known fact, if you've tried all the past years SPM questions that somehow or rather, Paper 2 is indeed more fun and relaxing to do as compared to Paper 1. But still, it's basically opinion and self based.

Paper 1 for Add. Maths ranged a clear sign for superiority among all of us. Seriously. it was something which made 'kacang puteh' look like a rank amateur. I held my head up high, confident that Paper 2 would secure ultimate victory for me. I could smell it, the sound of the band playing, "We Are The Champions!", as I clench my fist, sticking it up to the world proclaiming total triumph over a long feared subject. But I should've paid attention, to the Grim Reaper standing by the door brandishing his scythe, waiting to proclaim his own brand of justice.

Returned for Paper 2 at 2.00pm, only to be greeted by the greatest shocker ever. Even as I read the instructions, my smug still lay inscribed on my face. I can do it. I will live!! The grim reaper still stood, waiting. Waiting for the precise moment, to hit where it hurts most. The instant the exam began, with a swift swing of his scythe, he beheaded me. My smile immediately turned into a frown. The band, the victory parade, all disintegrated.

"GOOD GOD!!! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!?!?!" These words kept ringing in my head.

One by one, students began throwing in the towel, leaving with a dead look, after conceding defeat. At the end of the paper, I left the hall, with an army of dumbfounded and shocked Fifth Formers. Life just stood still for me. Will my record be destroyed? The straight A's I've always got since primary.
What kind of a sadistic madman would do such a thing? It's not even comprehensive to what we normally do. It dealt a harsh blow on all of us. But l felt the full brunt bear down on me. My air supply hit zero. My pulse hit the flat line. Sweat trickled down my forehead. Fear, anger and disappointment overwhelmed me.

A conversation between me and Walt, much later :

Me : That's it, gone case already.

Walt : Why la? Got so serious or not? Face pucat like 'sei si' or something.

Me : Of course la! I ter-died already. Mampus la my exam slip.

Walt : Why you care la? You already got an award with full tuition waiver. No need scared la.

Now that's something which really pissed me off. The reason I got the award is a whole different story. So what if I'm a leader? So, what if I'm 1 of 20 students from all over Malaysia to get it? It is a different segment of my life. Must be a compulsive habit of mine. To achieve supremacy. Well, heading down to INTI on the 22nd for the award ceremony and Youth Empowerment 2009. Plenty of foreign delegates present. Hope to meet an Estonian if I ever get the chance.

Back to present time. All in all, I'm really disappointed at my performance. Hence, it explains my reckless driving style after school. Sorry daddy, I nearly totaled the Merc. New lesson learned, never drive if ever under the influence of anger. It can cause the ultimate loss...at such a strategic time? Heh! Heh! After doing other states trial papers and scoring well above 85%, I felt the confidence build up inside me. Enough for me to promise my tuition teacher that I'll succeed with distinction. Guess I was wrong. I was dead wrong. Sorry teacher, I didn't expect this to happen.

All I can do now is sit back and hope for the best. May God bless us all. Still, will I ever pull out of this sorrow and misery? I say........

JAVOL!!!

Anyone care to turn this into a reality? It'll really be doing a big favour for us all.

All The Best!!!

To all SPM and STPM candidates,

The Long Road Ahead

The time has come,
Through the sound of reverberating drums,
The sands of time run, not concerning an honest pun,
We stand the might, of a blowing storm,
The determinant factor since we were born,
As we stand solemn, with a grid iron smirk,
We falsify all the false dirt,
As trash is hurled from all but here,
We place back what we hold dear,
Before us lies, the fork of Fate,
For everything we've worked for, can fall in late,
A game of roulette I must say,
But the future lies between light and day,
It's time my comrades,
For the leap of might and faith,
For the effort so far, rests on a bar,
The line stretched thin, with a choice to win,
Or destined for failure, that's up to you dear,
It's an Arden Gamble, of victory or defeat,
As we set our heads,
For the LONG ROAD AHEAD!!

All the best my dearest comrades. It's my greatest honour to have been acquainted to you all. Where I've not regretted, a moment with you all. I hope by chance or Fate, to see you all once again in the near future. All the best I say again. Take care and God bless.

The Final Charge. Let's make it count.


JAVOL!!!

Officially Street Legal

A little update ladies and gentlemen. I'm officially street legal. Another milestone in my life. However, there is a lot to learn and already learned with this new found achievement. some of them, are really painful to learn and discover. Namely,

- 'Friendly' road users.
- 'Cheap' and reasonable fuel prices.
- 'High-Quality' road facilities.
- 'Low cost' of maintenance.
- 'Compassionate' fellow drivers.

*Highlighted to emphasise sarcasm.

A few days ago, a fellow driver, after seeing the frustration etched all over my face as I alighted from my vehicle, "Ahh, you're a new driver I see. Well then, allow me to welcome you to Malaysian driving!"

The type of drivers you get on the road today are all $#*!%. I mean, would it kill you to move your finger, 1 inch to activate the indicator lights every time you want to turn? It's not that hard. And do you mind not hogging up the whole 2 lanes? I know it's your grandfathers road but it's my grandfathers road too along with all the other drivers. And for %#!* sake, when will you realise that the parking zone with the wheelchair sign on it is for the disabled. If you're not disabled, don't park there. It's basic elementary ladies and gentlemen. Yet, some road users just don't get it. Either it's just Malaysian mentality or their skulls are too thick and hollow.

But overall, it's indeed a great feeling to be able to drive. Most importantly, I no longer have to trouble my parents in the issue of transporting me to any location I may require to go to. I've began driving to school lately. Heh! Heh! The fact that I actually make it to school in one piece is a testament of how adamant I am........to make it for SPM!!! (yeah...right) So far, I've not had any infractions, nor have I dented or demolished my vehicle. But I have however, increased the fuel consumption of all the cars. No idea how that really happened but yeah, I'm down to 1 tank of fuel per week.

Well, don't really know what to say now so, enjoy the pictures below.

Yep, it's Japanese. And it's a seal of originality

Yep, it's a four wheel drive. As in the off road vehicle kind. Hell yeah! Urban off roader.

This wheel is made out of rubber and woven kevlar. Built to crush anything under it. I'm not joking.

Ahem! The reason this car looks small is because I'm holding the camera over my head. XD!

A shot from the door which I usually enter from. Heh! Heh!

A 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder inline diesel engine with an intercooler turbo shown as the silver block. About 170bhp at 3000rpm. Just enough to beat Malaysian traffic.

So, is driving amazing? I say....

JAVOL!!!

Add. Maths 101 by Sunny Yee

A group of elite Form 5 students were invited to attend an Add. Maths workshop, organised by K-Perak and conducted by Mr. Sunny Yee. Yes, the one and only Sunny Yee, the Add. Maths and Physics genius. It was indeed an honour to be learning from him. However, if the time was taken into account, one can't help but wonder whether it was all worth it. The course lasted from 8.00 am -5.00 pm which is nearly the whole day.

But in my opinion, it was all worth it. I arrived there at the same time as Ban Siong. Next came along RJ Kevin and Vinod. The first thing we had to check out was the toilet. Don't ask me why but we expected it to be high tech and all that crap. Now we know, not all funds allocated for the building was put to full use. In fact, I don't even think half the money was used to build this building. Hence, at this moment, a cry of, "Malaysia Boleh, Apapun Boleh!" is in order.

As we left the loo, Melwin and Kah Chuen showed up. Followed by Joshua who at that moment thought that being fashionably late was an accessory. Well, we went to the top floor and lucky for us, we got front row seats. We waited eagerly for the arrival of Sunny Yee, only to be told he would be late so, we had about 30 minutes to kill. Went to the lobby to catch some fresh air and got some cool photographs.

Finally, he arrived and all were attentive. Wow, he made a real lasting impression as a Add. Maths genius. Within the first 15 minutes, nearly the entire hall was left in confusion. But Mr. Yee was kind enough to slow down. His explanations were indeed detailed and intricate. He was able to prep us to face the hardest and most ambiguous questions known in the Add. Maths world. Nice of him though but I don't really see the relevance of it being taught if compared to SPM standards.

As Michaelians, the best time occurred during the lunch break which lasted an hour or so, as demonstrated by the pictures below. After lunch, we resumed the impressively long lecture which had nearly 3 quarters of the hall sleeping. (nata's have a very short attention span) The only groups left awake were the Michaelians and the Andersonians. Yeah, we love to study. At exactly 5.00pm, the participants were dismissed, much to the shock of the snoozing bums. All in all, I reckon it was indeed and eventful day. So, did all this bring me one step closer to Add. Maths supremecy? I have to say......

JAVOL!!!

The Perak Techno Trade Center. Yes, it's the one near Jelapang.


Ahh, the not so technological signage.

That man is the one and only Sunny Yee in action.

Add. Maths in progress.

The Michaelian line. Attentive as usual.

Vinod, RJ Kevin and I.

Ban Siong and I.

Poser on the 7th floor a.k.a The Michaelian Hangout.

Check out the view. And the people blocking it. XD!

We've taken over the data centre. XD! You are officially under Michaelian control.

Portrait shot next to a....Fibre Optic Room?

STOP!!!!!!

The Elite Michaelians........XD!

Don't sleep RJ!!!!

Well, I guess that's about it.

Zieg Heil!!!!!

A Slice of The Past 3

Finished studying Add. Maths with head splitting consequences. As I kept my writing utilities in my drawer, a shiny box caught my eye. I reached into the drawer pulling out an old, dusty, silver spectacle box (classy eh). As I wiped the layer of dust off, the name 'Revo' appeared inscribed on the cover. As I opened the box, I was greeted by a sight, I thought I had long forgotten. My first spectacles.

Upon primary observation, this pair of glasses resemble that of a bygone era. An era when digital cameras was still on paper, when LCD televisions costs RM30,000 per piece, an era I'd like to call, the late 90's. Year 1999 to be exact. That's right fellow readers. I was short sighted for 10 years already. That's a decade in other words. Yeah, but it's the institutional matter of total geek-ism which makes this pair of glasses unique. If you've noticed the design, one can't help but wonder, how prehistoric it is.

All in all, this glasses have served me well, giving me my artificial eyes when I needed them the most. It doesn't fit me now but just finding it brings back fond memories. Memories of the impact these glasses made, the impact it made on me, the impact it made on my friends and the impact it made on my future... It'll be the forerunner for the entire lineup of glasses I possess. And it'll always be.

In your face shot.

Glasses deployed....

Top view..

Now, with that,

JAVOL!!!

15 Malaysia - House

This is one video I thought would never be made. It really drives a nail into the hearts of all Malaysians. And though we try hard to tell ourselves none of this happens because we live perfect little lives, one can't help but realise that it actually does. Just pick up the newspaper and you'll see what I mean.

There are some, who live in poverty, who depend on a house, as their life source and shelter. So ladies and gentlemen, before you go around ranting and fretting about how small your house is, or how incomplete your life is, just watch this video and remember it. There are others who have it far more worse than you.

Now without further ado, allow me to present, 'House'

"One's life is not necessarily insufficient, to that of one who lives insufficiently." -Murphy's Law-

With that,

JAVOL!!!

Malaysian Laughter

Went to Tesco to get some stationery supplies. (yeah, I ran out of Foolscap Paper for the 4th time). Not to mention, groceries. Then, I came upon this sign which really got me wondering about Malaysian thinking.

Either the person ignorantly placed this signboard here, or he needs stronger glasses or maybe, the management doesn't have the correct signs. Whatever the case, it still sends a misguided message. Any foreigner who'd stumble upon this sign would stare around aimlessly looking for the escalator.

In conclusion, in Malaysian life, things like this always occur. Hence, do not be surprised to find signboards, 3 times as hilarious.

JAVOL!!!