June -> July

Transition is something that happens. It just happens. If there's no significance to the transition, no fireworks will go off. Like day to night, night to day. Who really cares and parties every midnight? It's just some cold logic though.

Other transitions are more memorable though. Your 18th, your first day at a new school, anything that will change your life by more than just 2 inches will be memorable.

-Unrequited love always hurts.-

Hibernation

Such is winter. I am more or less hibernating as well. There's not much to do, and thanks to my parents, I'm forced to get back home by 3 pm if I go out. So that's kinda limiting some of my travelling, since exploring far out places like Clayton or Springvale need time. And it seems that time isn't always what I have. Oh well.

Chrono-technology is matter transfer technology. I want it badly.

The Forgotten - part 7

He wakes
alone in the dark
silence washes over him.

It is bliss
the welcome quiet
after an evening of noise and anger.

Clouds scud across the sky
blotting out the silver moonlight
blanketing the houses below.

This is what I like
Just let me be.

Housing/Science and Maths

Went house hunting yesterday. Found 2 decent places, so around this time next year I'll be living in the city. I haven't confirmed which part of the city though, although I know I'll be either somewhere around Melbourne Central or up near Spring St. At least that's one thing I worry about less, now that I've figured out my accommodation.

*

The Star
Monday June 29, 2009
Anwar: Scrap use of English for Science and Maths

PETALING JAYA: Scrap the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English and bring back Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the education system, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He also called for the return of Bahasa Melayu’s status as the supreme language, which includes using it as the medium to teach Science and Maths in national schools and also strengthening its usage in Chinese and Tamil schools.

“This issue has become a controversy for far too long.

“We consider this policy a betrayal of Bahasa Melayu as our official language,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Anwar, however, conceded that it was important to master English and agreed that there should be constructive steps taken to improve the usage and understanding of the language.

“But how we do it should be decided by educationists and with consideration towards the national education policy.

“This includes not forcing our children to pass English as a compulsory subject in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as this will result in many students, especially in rural areas, to fail,” added Anwar.

On another matter, Anwar questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s sincerity when announcing the government’s plan to introduce a new category of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships which would be based purely on merit.

“The last time when I suggested the plan, I was called a Chinese agent and a traitor to the Malays,” he said.

Anwar also lauded PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s proposal to have a debate with Najib.

He said an open debate would be the best way to clear up the accusations against the Kelantan Mentri Besar.

Unfortunately for Pakatan Rakyat, I have to disagree with Anwar over his handling of the Science and Maths issue. I am seeing first-hand how some of the mainland Chinese students struggle to deal with the technical terms used in tertiary level studies. So if you think these stuff should come instinctively, you are dead wrong. There are those who can do it intuitively, and there are those who can't. It's one of the sad facts of life now.

The Forgotten - part 6

The abyss looms
deep and dark.
I peer inside
feelings welling from deep in me.

The love once budding
cut by shears,
sharp and bright.
The trust once given
now crumpled and cast aside.

From the darkness
A light beckons
From within
Forgiveness waves hello

I crave solace.
I hunger for release.

"Just let me go."

The Forgotten - part 5

He walks again, amongst the living.
He's next to you, but you don't feel him
until you need him.
By then, he's miles away, seeking acceptance
forever trying to fit in.
Like a key bent out of shape
by some malevolent force.
He is desperate,
but few will stop to help
for he is but another oddity
in their minds.

When will he find solace?
When will he find acceptance?
When will he be satisfied with his life?

When will he find himself?

Transformers 2

It was good for the action and Megan Fox. Other than that, apparently some people don't really like the plot and the way it unfolded. To me, when I watch a movie for the explosions and stuff, I don't really think deeply about all the mechanics of plot and stuff, I just watch for the boom and bang. Although how a destroyer carries a railgun is kinda interesting and plot-breaking.

Oh and by the way, for those guys whining about Megatron, think about it this way instead. Why did they make Optimus Prime so strong?

Red Alert 3

Finally finished the 3 campaigns for Red Alert 3. I am once again, bored.

I wish I had the Cryocopter's cryobeam weapons. Imagine all the cheesy stunts you could pull off.

Star Wars fan fiction

There's a reason why I stopped reading Star Wars fan fiction once I'd read Jedi Eclipse. It just got overly boring. I mean, there's only so much death and destruction that you can take. Don't tell me that the galaxy is only that big. Come on, there have to be better scenarios than genocidal aliens coming in to eradicate every sentient being.

Having said that, I still find that fan fiction spawns some of the more intriguing stuff. Like Kyp, for example. Hotshot Jedi, he doesn't always play by the rules. And he makes his own rules, I guess, like me. Haha.

Szechuan food

Chilli is fun, as is peppercorn. Apparently peppercorn, when chewed, tastes of berries after the residual pepper taste fades away. And that was the reddest meal I'd ever had, with chilli in every dish except the long beans.
Sheer boredom then led to the following stuff. I don't usually think of myself as an inspiration, but then a random comment about the taste of peppercorns led to a peppercorn treasure hunt.

Searching hard for the peppercorns. Plenty of effort expended.

And voila! The end result. Not much to speak of though.

Others join in a different hunt.

And their result - lots of bean sprouts!

Finally, change of scenery. Tea art with chilli oil.

Cameras

2 megapixels is no longer enough for any decent photo work nowadays. All the pictures I take on my mobile phone are hopelessly blurry. Looks like this holidays I'll be looking out for new/reliable models for digital cameras.

Sunday

It's that day in the whole week where nobody shouts if you sleep in.

It's that day when your friends tell you, "Not morning please, I'm busy."

It's the last day of the week, when you curse and say, "Back to serious stuff tomorrow."

Parties

In vino veritas. That sums up the whole party last night.

Unfortunately I had to miss the Kokoda trip, but then in a way, I'd already made up for it by going to Olinda. Near enough to the Dandenong Ranges to count as "going up the mountainside". The houses there are lovely, even though they're hardly counted as mansions.

*

At least the cleaning up paid off. I now have an open space in my lounge, didn't expect that. It was fun to have so many friends over, except that it was kinda boring - nothing to play with or watch in my place, except lots of music. And so we ended up eating, enjoying music, and generally fooling around. Good clean fun.

I honestly need to get a good digital camera. Most of my mobile phone shots aren't worthy of blog space.

Catalyst

I know two things that will make a guy clean his house. Friends coming over, or the landlord coming to inspect. So at least I've got something done already for today, despite getting up at 12.

Plenty of stuff for me to do up during these 2 days.

Party - Olinda, 8 pm tonight, staying over until morning
Trekking + picnic - Kokoda walk, 9 am tomorrow
Box Hill lunch - Station St, Box Hill, ~1 pm tomorrow
Dessert - Surrey Hills, ~2.30 pm tomorrow

But for all that stuff, I'm gonna miss my friends during the winter break, since most of them won't be in Melbourne then. T_T

Forever

I will say this for the last time, before my friends ask me to shut my gob for good.

EXAMS ARE FINALLY OVER FOR ME TODAY!

Got that outta my system now, so that's good. Bloody tired after barefoot volleyball, dodgeball and random chasing around Flagstaff Gardens.

*

I'm being coerced into finding a job for winter. I know it's a decent idea to work during winter, but I still feel it's the kind of jobs I'm being asked to apply for that turns me off. Argh.

Well, then it's time for me to find solace in poetry.

There's no reason
There's no point
There's already the best one in front of me

Why do I search so hard?
Why do I look so far?
Why do I wonder what they think of me?

Nobody but you will do
Nobody else will be you
I think of you forever more
You're that shining one
In my dreams

Forever and ever
you'll be there for me
always in my heart.

English again

The Star, Wednesday June 17, 2009
DPM: Students must improve command of English
By KAREN CHAPMAN and PRIYA KULASAGARAN

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government recognises the need to improve students’ command of English to ensure they can compete globally.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said students must be proficient in the language and have other skills to interact with the global community and tap into knowledge.

“Equity of access must be demonstrated in the provision of the knowledge and skills that will facilitate this access,” he said when delivering his welcome remarks before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“While we are aware of the importance of mother tongue instruction in the early years of childhood education, we also need to address the future needs of our youth,” he said.

Muhyiddin, who is Education Minister, said Malaysia has always believed in the sharing of experience and knowledge through partnerships with each other in the region and beyond to attain Unesco’s Education for All goals.

As lack of resources often limits access to universal education, all stakeholders including governments, donors and the people must act to overcome it.

He said Malaysia was working with its Seameo, Asean and Unesco partners to make Education for All a reality.

The conference, which was also the golden jubilee celebration of the first Commonwealth Education Ministers’ Meeting in Oxford in 1959, was an ideal platform to minimise the impact of the global economic crisis on the education system of member states, he added.

Speaking to reporters later, Muhyiddin said the Government was close to making a decision on the language of instruction for Mathematics and Science.

“I will be briefing the Prime Minister soon.”

The Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English policy was introduced in stages, starting with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students, in 2003.

Proficient in the language indeed. Hmm. Why is it when Malaysians go overseas, some of them find it easier to speak in Malay?

And why does the Education Ministry find it useful to keep changing its policies? If you're a fan of conspiracy theories, I think you'll find the answer pretty fast.

Oh and one more interesting note:

"Close to making a decision on the language of instruction for Mathematics and Science."

Haven't you guys made up your minds on that yet? I know about all the roundtable talks and stuff, but seriously, what's taking you guys so long to decide what to do?

Mirotic

I'm slowly turning into a K-pop fan, thanks to my friends now. Getting more information to K-pop thanks to them.

Ok, to be fair I'm actually getting most of my K-pop info from one good friend, since Form 4 [I think]. And now I try to introduce it to other friends. Well, I try. Sometimes it doesn't work, then I enjoy new songs by myself.

Check out the songs which hit the 100+ list!

I went to bed when it was light, and I got up when it had gotten dark.

Empty

What happens when you're bored and there's nothing much to do.

Like me now, I feel like I've got too much time on my hands now. Hence the improved blog layout, changed colours and Yuriko Omega sitting on the bottom corner.

Oh yes, finally got my hands on Red Alert 3. After beta-testing it last year, finally I get to play the game. Whoopee!
Now I'm trying out the Rising Sun missions, should be done with them by tonight.

This is what happens when you're that bored.

City vs. suburbs

Just came back from the city after spending close to 4 days there. My God. He works in very strange ways sometimes, now hinting that I should move down to the city as soon as I get the chance to.

In the city, I know that I'll be near enough to all of my friends, then I don't have to run up and down from the city to Surrey Hills.


I can't wait for October to be here, it feels far away still.

Post-calculus effect

Exams -> long lunch -> walking around Camberwell -> back to city -> Fed Square -> Liling's place for dinner -> Hoyts Melbourne Central for The Hangover

The post-calculus effect. It's fantastic. At least it got most of our circle together for a lot of fun. For one, I managed to get some of us to see my side of life, out here in the suburbs. And we also got to try out some good food in Camberwell. Well, finally something I really like - friends coming to the suburbs for some fun.

Fed Square had an interesting art exhibit this time, called Volume by UVA. I was pretty impressed with what they did. Unfortunately for anyone to fully enjoy the effects of Volume, you need to be able to listen to the musical effects as well. The changing colours won't be enough to enthrall anyone.

And a side note on cooking: Once you've been forced to fend for your own self for at least a year, you develop your own style of cooking. Whether it's derived from cooking shows, or your own housemates, the skill will always differ with person and cooking utensils. You can imitate, but eventually you'll develop your own style.

I can't believe a girl suggested that we watch The Hangover. I guess it's better suited to guys, but that's just me, since the show was just lots of swearing and jokes. A little too frank for my tastes, but, well, considering the plot and stuff, it's pretty good for a de-stressing show.

Now I also know how innocent [or lack thereof] my friends are, with them laughing at every single joke The Hangover threw at us. Every. Single. Joke.

You can't choose your relatives, but you can choose your friends.-
-Not me.-

Core

Suggested theory: In any circle of friends more than 6 people, you tend to have a core/nucleus of friends who are the main movers and shakers of the whole gang.

It seems that I've found the movers and shakers for my circle of friends in Melbourne.

1. Jun Yeu
2. Michelle
3. Me
4. Shu Jie
5. KC

You'll definitely see us around anything we organise. We'd call out for something to do, and you'll definitely see the 5 of us in the thick of it.

Camberwell tomorrow. After Calculus 2.

Fun.

Fun.

Fun!

"Proof needed"

Sometimes the problem with teaching is that the concept can be alien. And thus, some people feel that they need clarification on topics you took for granted.

*

And when you get stuff like "Proof needed" in your sample answers you feel like punching the person who gave the answers in the first place. Why the hell bother to give answers if you can't tell us how you arrive at the "proof"?

Anyhow, back to studying. Getting bashed by my friends for not doing much for calculus now.

English?

Wednesday June 10, 2009
Many object to making English a ‘must pass’ SPM subject
By KAREN CHAPMAN

PETALING JAYA: Most of the 500 views received by the Education Ministry as at the end of office hours yesterday are against any move to make English compulsory in order to obtain the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate.

A ministry official said those who contacted the ministry wanted the status quo to remain.

“We started receiving telephone calls from 10am until 5.30pm yesterday,” she said.

From today, she said people could telephone the ministry’s hunting line at 03-7723-7070 with their views from 8am to 5.30pm.

“There are 27 lines and we have enough people manning them,” she said.

People can also e-mail their views to kpkpm@moe.gov.my or send a fax to 03-7710-8880.

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said he was surprised to learn that English was not a “must pass” subject for SPM and wanted public feedback on the matter.

The Education Minister said it was a revelation to him as he had always thought that it was a prerequisite since students had to learn English in school.

He said he was also shocked to learn that national schools no longer taught English grammar.

Muhyiddin said students were now merely learning communicative English.

“This means they are picking up the language for communication purposes only,” he said, adding that almost 70% of students who take English passed the subject.

A pass in English has never been compulsory for SPM. Since 2000, a pass in Bahasa Malaysia was sufficient to get the SPM certificate. Previously, a credit was a must.

Somebody is living in the past here.

Anyway, for once I agree with something somebody in the government has to say. English should have been made compulsory, and yes, we have been learning basic grammar and communicative English only. Anyone will know whether you're Malaysian overseas. You tend to speak in your own brand of English. Which is how I know whether that Asian sitting across from me is Malaysian or not.

Now, who is against this move to make English compulsory for getting the SPM cert?
Speculation isn't really my forte, but if you ask me I think there are 2 main groups who would shout the loudest now - the traditionalist Chinese groups and some Malay groups. Holding onto old things, I guess, how far would that take you?

Chem

I just realised how much the tests cover that the lectures don't.

I don't like that. It forces us to actually use the textbooks. Not fair.

Oh well. Can't complain too much. Back to studying.

In every loss
In every lie
In every truth that you denied
In each regret
In each goodbye
Was a mistake
too great to hide
-New Divide - Linkin Park-

Winter

It's cold every day. Sometimes even the people turn cold. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the exams.

Showers.
Sunlight.
Songs.

Ghost of Love - The Rasmus

Does it hurt
Does it burn
Do you know
What you've lost
Are you scared
Of the dark

Now that you've gone
All that remains
Is the ghost of love
Deep in my mind
I hear the dreams
Of the ghost of love

-I didn't come here looking for love, but if I stumble across it here why should I reject it?-
CY

Preston trip

Don't ask me what I was doing up in Preston before exams. I myself don't understand what I do sometimes. Accepting a tutoring job before my own exams? That's really... unusual. Oh wait, it's kinda like me to help others before solving my own problems.

Anyway, about Preston. It's quite a quiet town, I'd say. Not many trees, not much greenery. The main street is High Street, where you find almost all the shops. The other street is Gower Street, which intersects High Street and is where most of the public facilities are.

It's too silent a suburb for me. That might be part of the real estate agent's charms though - "Beautiful quiet suburb". Otherwise there's nothing much to describe about Preston.

Oh, and I did promise pictures, didn't I? Here you go!

Merri? This station, and the next one, Rushall, embody the Aussie spirit of finding weird names for places.

Preston town hall. I bet it's a relic of colonial times past.

Don't you just find the bird logo intricate?

Walking in the rain
so they can't see my tears - random quote

Plans

Creative writing assignment due - must print, must bring previous assignments, must get cover sheet, must attach SAE.
Preston trip - need to get Epping line to Preston station. [I promise pictures.]
Borrowed books - need to return by 6pm to Baillieu or risk epic fines.
More exam preparations - State Library closes at 9pm tomorrow.

Whee.

-It's really good to hear your voice
saying my name
it sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
hearing those words it makes me weak-
Lips of an Angel, Hinder

Bored

Finally finished my creative writing assignment.
Now I can focus on my final preparations for Chem, Calc 2 and ESD - although there really isn't anything to study for ESD, just probably going through all the past topics discussed in lectures. I still wonder what the use of ESD 1 is. The way I put it:

If NASA were to use Lego Mindstorms robots in their future space missions, or if Lego needed a remake of the Mindstorms program, only then would Robolab be justified.

But that's just a simplified way of looking at it.

Better get back to studying.

Fear denies faith.
-Space Marine quote, Warhammer 40k-

Forgotten part 4

I need my friends. They spark my life to greater heights.

Going outta my mind
Thinking of you
Random thoughts, random memories of us
Just you and I
Unforgettable
Not now, not ever

I weave in and out
of sanity
Between the poles
of light and dark
Being lonely isn't for us
being alone isn't a choice

Random conversation II

The intricate art of talking rubbish. Useful for jokes and to annoy people. Just make sure that you do it properly so that the victim will still forgive you. Here's an example [you know who you are, and I've modified parts]:

Location: Melb Uni Bookshop

MQ: He's not picking up.

CY: He must be wanking then.

JY: Yeah, "********!" [censored for privacy]
[with appropriate wanking action]

MQ: ... [1 second silence] What the... [starts chasing JY while whacking him]

Stress

Haven't felt like updating much now. Exam stress is upon me again. Why does the State Library close so early on Fridays, 3 hours earlier than usual? At least that's a place where I can study, unlike at home, where all I do is switch on my laptop and start playing and chatting.

Better yet, I just realised that my Creative Writing final assignment is 300 words short of the 1500 word count. Gotta do that up then. So I've got to switch gears, summon my artistic side in to do that job for me.

New Divide - Linkin Park

Whee. New song from Linkin Park, for the new Transformers movie. Have fun!

EPIC PHAIL of the Malaysian education system

The Star, Malaysia
Thursday June 4, 2009
Why 10 subjects is enough for SPM

KUALA LUMPUR: There are many positive reasons to limit the number of SPM subjects to 10, including the fact that it could overcome the shortage of teachers, Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said statistics showed that almost 90% of students took 10 subjects anyway.

“It all comes down to how we want to manage our education system so that we can produce students who are capable and not only in exams,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Asked whether opposition to the idea would lead to the proposal being shelved, he said:

“There are many who agree and they come from the education system.”

Muhyiddin said by limiting the subjects, the students could focus on core subjects as well as participate in other activities that would open up their minds.

“Apart from this, it can help teachers. With the reduced number of subjects, their energy can be focused on core subjects and the shortage of manpower could be somewhat overcome.”

Muhyiddin said that students also pursued more subjects just to add a few more As to their score.

“There are 111 electives, and some of these are not taught in school but require tuition outside of school. This means only those who can afford the tuition will benefit,” he said.

Producing students who are capable, not only in exams is a dream. As long as you retain the current ailing and failing syllabus, you won't be getting anywhere near achieving that dream of yours.

And what the hell are core subjects anyway? Look at the stuff we get fed in Malay. Your literature has a long history of being good, yes I agree with that. But it doesn't encourage lateral thinking.

"Patutkah Hang Jebat menderhaka terhadap Sultan Melaka?"

When the day comes when we students can say "Patut, seratus peratus patut!" to that question, then only will I say there is an improvement in anything you suggest.

And when you look subjectively at Moral Ed, think. Just think. And I'll prove that you will fail, Muhyiddin. You will bloody well fail if we asked you to take the Moral Ed exam for SPM. Civics is another subject which has practically nil value. How in the world are you supposed to teach patriotism and civic duty when the newspaper is full of stories of corruption and lawlessness? Don't think that students nowadays are so into games and studies that they neglect to look at current affairs. How are you supposed to teach good values when there are so many out there who don't practise what they preach?

And what sort of "other activities" will help to open up their minds? I will not be shocked or surprised to know that 90% of your students have parents who invest in piano education for their children. I have yet to see adequate proof that playing music is good for the mind. Sure, I have close friends who play the piano and consistently get good grades in exams and such. But there are those who don't play any music instruments and still get better grades. And talking about open minds, what counts? Does participating in political rallies count as "open minds"? Does participating in F1 research count? Does being national champion for Under-18 golf tourneys count? Does emerging as the runners-up in SEA DotA championship count?

Gah. And to think that I came from this sort of education system. I'm only lucky that I read outside of the syllabus for enjoyment, or life would be a constant torment.

Relatives

It seems to me that most of the Malaysians I know in Melbourne all have relatives somewhere about Aussie. In fact, I've always wondered why Melbourne is one of the cities of choice for Malaysians to go to.
Quick comparison of 3 major cities in Aussie:

Brisbane: Haven't been there for long, but the tropical weather would most likely suit us, coming from the humid tropics.

Sydney: Milder than Brisbane, but the beaches are more happening, apparently. More evidence needed from my friends in Sydney. More cosmopolitan than Melbourne, and nightlife seems to be better.

Melbourne: For the cold weather. It's good fun here, nightlife is adequate [although I haven't been allowed to go clubbing legally yet], beaches are ok, there's lots of different people from different backgrounds here.

But it still doesn't explain the clustering well enough. Sometimes even asking those who've been here for >10 years doesn't really help.

Revision

I don't feel productive enough. When I study in the State Library, at least I know I'm accomplishing something. But at home, that's a different story totally. Messenger is running, Facebook is active, I'm checking forums. Doesn't sound like I'm getting important stuff done at all. I'm thinking I should spend more time out of my place, so at least I know I'm studying properly.

Facebook quizzes

Now most of my friends are hooked on Facebook quizzes. How accurate these quizzes are, don't ask me. I made mine difficult but doable and still nobody's scored 100 for it yet, which isn't weird - cos I haven't shared everything with most of my friends yet. Proves that you guys don't really "know" me as well as you think you do.

I'm not gloating. I'm just being serious and reflective of the truth.