tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12649809951523486392024-02-02T00:14:09.529-08:00Mine.Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-41401539044269178172011-12-28T21:06:00.000-08:002011-12-28T22:04:27.452-08:00Dear 40 year old me<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_4jgUcxMezM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought that was a beautiful way to convey a message of checking yourself for melanoma, which is skin cancer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, while not in the same, good meaning, nostalgic spirit, this post is a message for me, in 20 years. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear 40 year old me, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would really like you to be the suit wearing, whiskey slurping, womanizer that all teenagers grow up to be, more so now with the phenomenon that is Barney Stinson. But, as the most realistic person(some may say boring) I know, I'm going to try and keep this realistic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You should be a partner at a major law firm by now, or even associate partner. Your clients include some really big corporate companies, or large car manufacturers. You should be driving a Camaro, or something that goes from 0 to 60 in 3 secs. Preferably a cherry red Ferrari. Yellow's good too, but with Ferraris, the only colour it looks good in, is red. Your place, either a bohemian-themed bachelor pad, or a swanky, metallic dark colours penthouse. Whatever your preference at that time. While I may not know what the styles of 2022 may look like, I know that some classics never change, and I consider this a classic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family is optional. Children are optional, though highly frowned upon. Here's a tip, everytime you think kids are a good idea, head to a jungle gym, or the mall. Wife (highly optional but don't let her see this) should look decent, but posses a great sense of humour. Or one that's unique, like yours. Funny, charming, knows how to take a joke, and knows how to dish one out too. I'm really trying to downplay my expectations here, so you better be overachieving! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess thats mostly it. One more thing, could you send me a sign at exactly 2.05pm on the 29th of December that time travel exists? Thanks bro.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-45760870827063891902011-12-27T21:13:00.000-08:002011-12-27T22:22:46.440-08:00Clichèd2011, for me, will be remembered for so many reasons, on personal and international reasons.<div><br /></div><div>The world changed alot in the past year. We've seen the uprising of the the people that were once content with their lives and just skating by with what little they got from their governments. That all changed, when the now famous Mohammad Bouazizi set himself alight and drew the attention of the world upon Tunisia. </div><div><br /></div><div>That the protests were sufficiently consistent to force Ben Ali was testament to the power that people previously never knew they had, or knew, but never forced the issue consistently for any significant result to manifest itself. Opression has always been present in somewhat poorer countries, but never have revolutions taken such a large share of media attention as it has this particular year, so much that it has prompted to TIME Magazine to name The Protestor as its annual Person of The Year contest. </div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't only in Tunisia that revolters made headlines. All over the world, people were drawing inspiration from each other, and social media was at the epicentre of it all. Facebook, Twitter and Skype, once meagre communication tools used by bored teenagers to connect with their equally bored friends, was used to spread the fire that was lighted by the Tunisian people.</div><div><br /></div><div>From Tunisia, the desire for better government went on to Egypt, Libya, Spain, Italy, America, Russia, and most recently, Syria. Mubarak and Gadaffi were ousted through peaceful protests, which were made violent by the government's brutal efforts to crackdown on these protests. Bersih 2.0 might have been bad, but compared to the tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray that the enforcement officers used, it seemed much less violent, although still uncalled for. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the methods were the same, the cause was different, none more so evident than in America, where Occupy Wall Street inspired countless other movements, like in Oakland. The growing disparity between the insanely rich and desperately poor was enough to drive the people of America to start the movement, camping out on the now infamous Zuccotti Park. It wasn't only one class of people that supported thier cause, people from all walks of life were joining in, including retired police officers who were arrested by those previously his colleagues. What irony.</div><div><br /></div><div>Closer to home, Bersih 2.0 showed that Malaysians too, were capable of forcing change. While it may not have been as widespread or influential as the protests in the Middle East, it certainly made headlines for several weeks. While newspapers covered the major events, Twitter and Facebook were awash with news, some true and some quite unlikely.</div><div><br /></div><div>Protests aside, on a personal level, 2011 was a major crossroads moment for me, especially in my education. Completing A Levels was only part of it. That I have finally decided on Law at Monash University is a major decision, and one no doubt I will regret(at some point) in the future. I never gave much thought to choosing a career previously, I always thought it would all fall into place eventually, as has been the case since the beginnning of my education. Having to make a life defining choice at the age of 19 may be one of many flaws in our education system, but it is one that I am glad to have made.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world's changed in so many ways, and I for one, am excited to see what 2012 holds. Speaking of evil dictators, how about one more protest to overthrow Sepp Blatter? How about it, world?</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-3803717362938572342011-12-12T19:04:00.000-08:002011-12-12T19:33:46.059-08:00Devotees of Little faithWe've all grown up being taught that we have freedom of choice in this country. In most democratic countries even. We're granted the freedom of speech, the freedom of choice, the freedom to go anywhere, do anything, provided it doesn't break the law. It's all stated in the Federal Constitution by which the laws must abide.<div><br /></div><div>Which obviously includes the freedom to select a religion one chooses to put his or her faith in. </div><div><br /></div><div>That brings me to the headache of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ponder this: Given that we are free to choose a religion, why is proselytizing illegal?</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who don't know, proselytizing is the act of attempting to convert a person from one religion to another. </div><div><br /></div><div>ATTEMPTING. Proselytizing is an attempt to get one to switch faiths. but faith is not as fickle as a light bulb switch. We don't believe in a religion one minute, and then in another the next. If that really is the case, then that person never truly put his faith in his religion. Makes sense, doesn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>The raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church on the basis of prostelysizing Muslims seems like a plot. By who? Don't know. For what? Will never know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Granted, places of worship can be used as foils for crimes, and has been in previous years. But if one is to perform a raid, one should do it respectfully, at the very least. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, there should be less fault on the part of the prostelysizer than the prostelysizee. Excuse the language, it probably isn't accurate, but you get the point. If you put your faith in a religion, you should be committed wholeheartedly to practising said religion. There should be no doubt in your mind and heart that said religion is the best fit for you, that its principles resonate with your very own. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, if a person were to lack faith in his/her religion, it is due to the fact that he/she is not committed fully to practising the teachings of his religion. Don't blame others for your own devotee's shaky religious beliefs. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can't be preaching freedom of choice on one hand, and then say you cannot choose your own religion on the other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Abort all beliefs, become an agnostic.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-61667993799524142142011-12-07T22:48:00.000-08:002011-12-08T00:23:28.889-08:00Wanting to pull my hair outEvery once in awhile, the stars align to give the perfect arrangement and outcome of events that lead to the seemingly improbable. <div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, it happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>United, on paper, really should have had this group done and dusted. A group containing Basel, Benfica and Otelul Galati, should not have posed so many threats to Manchester United, the biggest club of all time. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what was perceived to be a walk in the park, a piece of cake, quickly transcended into a farce of epic proportions, United will not be involved in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.</div><div><br /></div><div>The gravity of that statement has yet sunk in with me, and I think it will when the draw is made for the last 16. Knowing that Manchester United will not be in any one of those tiny balls that they use, absolutely kills me.</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, the autopsy begins. </div><div><br /></div><div>What on earth happened? United seemed to be cruising in the early stages of the campaign. They were sweeping all before them in the Premier League, with Wayne Rooney scoring back to back hat tricks. United even pounded Arsenal 8-2. (The fact that Arsenal qualified doesn;t take away the fact that it happened. Grow up, Piers Morgan.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Even after the opening draw with Benfica, there was no panic, as we were all so certain that United would recover from it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The events that took place after gave so much to be expected. The wins against Otelul, even the draw against Benfica at home, I thought United had played reasonably well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking back, what is more infuriating, is not the fact that United are out of the Champions League, but the way that they exited Europe's top tier competition. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was no drive in their game, no hunger to win the ball back, no invention in midfield. Even though he remains a creative force, Giggs did not have the legs to track back and left all his defending duties on the shoulders of Phil Jones. While this boy is one heck of a defender in central defense, in midfield, he was definitely overrun by Basel's trio of midfielders. If that wasn't bad enough, no one picked up Shaqiri.</div><div><br /></div><div>Floating from left to right, popping up all over the pitch, the kid was a constant threat, running at the United back four and keeping the ball very well for Basel. No one picked him up. SAF, as respected as he is, didn't do much to counter that threat, which is disappointing, to say the least.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even in the last ten minutes, when they needed a goal to salvage that elusive point that would have put them through. Yet, they stood back, probably stunned by the fact that Basel were outplaying them. It was frustrating, very frustrating. </div><div><br /></div><div>By last night's performance, United deserve to be out of the competition. </div><div><br /></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-70146981121452085262011-12-05T00:36:00.000-08:002011-12-07T22:48:08.193-08:00Grammys!Yes, the music industry's most prestigious award is back. The best of the best will be awarded a tiny gold phonograph for their achievements in making glorious melodies. <div><br /></div><div>Or do they?</div><div><br /></div><div>In a world where more and more music is discovered through Youtube and less through actually going out and seeing bands perform live, the condition that rules music domination, is exposure and airplay. We've seen so many artists being discovered through channels like Spotify and SoundCloud that live performance is becoming a less important avenue to music labels in looking for the next great thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, in this writer's humble opinion, it is exactly the ability to entertain and exhilarate that should be the deciding factor in signing an artist/band. Concerts are the ultimate way of paying homage to one's musical idol, especially in this day and age where music is being downloaded so easily off torrents and P2P sharing programs. Concerts are the only true way to gauge an artist's talents, and I am sure that every person that has been to a concert would agree. </div><div><br /></div><div>So much is made of autotune, which is a tool producers use to enhance the tone or pitch of a singer. In other words, it is the Photoshop of the music world. Music is perhaps the one field that has gone backwards with the advances of technology. Back in the day, when large black discs were the only way of distributing music, manipulating sound was almost a miracle. Then, singers had to be really good. I mean, really! There was no distortion of melodies to ensure that they sounded perfect, it all came from the mouths. Arethra Franklin, Shaka Khan, they were ladies with amazing powerhouse vocals that earned the respect of so many.</div><div><br /></div><div>These days, can we really call anyone powerhouses anymore? Is there truly an amazing voice that can blow audiences away, bring them to their feet?</div><div><br /></div><div>I am a skeptic. I need to see it to believe it. Or this case, hear it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-90959412087570021852011-11-29T20:55:00.000-08:002011-11-29T22:57:58.119-08:00Off the railsIf I were you, and I think its safe to assume that I am you, in terms of being a student with high hopes and bright eyes, I'd get out of Malaysia as soon as you are given the opportunity.<div><br /></div><div>This country has gone mad, thanks to the racial segregation, petty squabbling and monkeys as politicians.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead of headlines that champion our economic progress or our national football's team successful retention of the SEA Games gold, our papers are filled with stories of politicians slinging mud at each other. One even called the other a Hitler. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the convenience of my memory, for I am hopeless at their names, I shall refer to them as "one".</div><div><br /></div><div>So One1 called One2 Hitler, One3 labelled One4 metallic black, and One5 asked for One6's resignation because of her husband's antics.</div><div><br /></div><div>It really begs the question, are the people my parents have put in power to run this country, running the country? Because all that seems to make the news are the squabbles that have honestly created a wedge between PR and BN. </div><div><br /></div><div>Democracy is fine and all, till it impedes the progress of the nation. Take the US for example, the Jobs bill that Obama has introduced is going nowhere because the Republicans cannot see eye to eye with the Democrats. But yet, they are making progress there.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can't on one hand blame Najib for the high rate of unemployment, and on the other be opposed to all the efforts he puts forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>Malaysia oh Malaysia, as beautiful and as lovely a country you have been towards my child and teenhood, when I grow up, I'm getting out of here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry to say, I suggest you do too.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-72370718196963365002011-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:002011-11-16T00:16:27.497-08:00Tribute to Herr Klose.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLM_erhc8LqctYhNYBRYIEvrXqvX6tmAGNB4QNLHqpEOR-F6rr0Gri-aKbs9wiUjCSvxPc0L0qPZzo54sRyQ48__WufCs2nJX813WMRBAOf3S-g11-LC-_aKbyTMALdvaQzb4Q_OQTQM/s1600/Miroslav-Klose-Hairstyles-Picture.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLM_erhc8LqctYhNYBRYIEvrXqvX6tmAGNB4QNLHqpEOR-F6rr0Gri-aKbs9wiUjCSvxPc0L0qPZzo54sRyQ48__WufCs2nJX813WMRBAOf3S-g11-LC-_aKbyTMALdvaQzb4Q_OQTQM/s320/Miroslav-Klose-Hairstyles-Picture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675493500843868146" /></a><br /><div>What else can you say about this man?</div><div><br /></div><div>Miroslav Klose seems like he has been around forever, and his goal rate seems constant. </div><div>Everywhere he's gone(okay granted, he has only played for 4 clubs) he has scored goals. </div><div>Some players have a tendency to play better for club than for country(Messi), and some players play better for country than for club, but Klose has remained a model for professionals not only in football, but in sport as a whole.</div><div><br /></div><div>Klose started his career in little known Kaiserslautern, but even then the goals came easily.In his first 67 matches, he scored 33 goals. By any standard, that is an impressive goals to game ratio. </div><div>And not too long after, he signed with Werder Bremen, where his reputation for a goal poacher burgeoned. 25 goals in a season is always impressive. but to call him a goal poacher, is doing the man injustice. Klose is not only up there with the great poachers like Van Nistelrooy, but he can fill the playmaker role just as comfortably, providing his teammates with 16 assists. </div><div>So indirectly, he was responsible for 41 goals in a single season. Incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then came the move to Bayern Munich.He didnt make much of an impact on his first season, only scoring 20 goals in all competitions. If you ask me, that itself is very impressive, but by Klose's lofty standards, his debut season with Bayern was deemed a somewhat failure. The second season however, was anything but. Again, with 20 goals in a season, which could have been more had he not sustained an injury in March. He also helped himself to 7 goals in the Champions League, and was second only to the great Messi.</div><div><br /></div><div>Surely, he was to remain at Bayern and finish his career a legend. But surprisingly, to me at least, he's moved to Lazio. Yet, his goals have not dried up. So far, he has helped Lazio to second place, including a winner in the 93rd minute in the always fiery Rome derby. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even in national colours, Klose has never failed to deliver, having the distinction as the only person to score 5 or more goals in consecutive World Cups, as well as scoring 4 or more in three different tournaments. You might argue that the last World Cup was a year ago, but one need not look further than the Germany-Netherlands game last night.</div><div>And to prove my point : </div><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPigFubRlm8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><div>Klose was involved in every goal Germany scored, the first with the lay off, the second with a wonderful header(seriously, who scores a header from there??) and the third, a wonderful interchange between him and Ozil to provide his counterpart with simplest of goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is why it would be unfair to call him a mere goal poacher. The way he set up both goals and took his, makes him the complete player, in my eyes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why Man United never signed him at his peak, is beyond my belief. Heck why didn't most of the big clubs even declare interest. But then again, has he peaked? The goals just keep on coming.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps Sir Alex will do another Henrik Larsson and rope him in when he's 35. Sir Alex does have a reputation of signing strikers well into their careers, although Micheal Owen has not turned out so well.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-54407928204630066512011-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:002011-11-08T19:55:25.097-08:00Who are they to speak?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">Let me first begin with an anecdote. There is a famous legend which goes like this: French society during the time of the early Bourbon dynasty was fraught with deep poverty and hardship.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">The royal family and aristocracies were however blind and protected from these harsh realities. So much so that when it was related to the French Queen Marie Antoinette, that people on the street had no bread to eat, she uttered, “Let them eat cake!"</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">This was quoted by Nouri Farshad in <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/let-them-eat-english-nouri-farshad/">The Malaysian Insider</a>. He was speaking about the PPSMI issue.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">As always, when a keyboard is present, everyone has an opinion. Here's mine.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">PPSMI, for those of you who don't already know, is basically the policy that Tun Dr. Mahatir came up with that decreed Maths and Science be taught in English in schools. At the time, it was lauded as a great move by our then Prime Minister, and it should be even now, in my eyes. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">The world is moving forward in English, like it or not. The global medium for intellectual discussion is English, no one can deny that. International forums are being conducted in English. Even here in Malaysia, as much as they try to use Bahasa Malaysia, English always finds a way to creep into their speeches.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">Thats not to say that we have totally forgotten Bahasa Malaysia. Taking a walk down any prominent street in KL and you will hear Bahasa spoken quite frequently. It is still the language of choice of Malays, and since Malays are the dominant race in Malaysia, the language is still very much alive.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">But English is the way to go if Malaysia wants to be seen as a truly global nation. Why does one language have to take precedence over another? I am sure Malaysians are perfectly capable of being bilingual, heck even trilingual. Being fluent in both English and Malay not only gives us an advantage, but also makes us unique in the eyes of the world.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">So back to PPSMI. Forget the argument of wanting to improve English through Science and Maths, because thats why we have English classes taught as a subject. Is that not the point of English class? How much English can one learn through Science and Maths? I'm pretty sure most people already know the numbers in both English and Bahasa.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">It is the issue of these future students having to move on to English based tertiary education that should be the core concern of every person involved. Being a science student, as well as a great advocate of the English language, I've found my transition from secondary school to pre-university education seamless in terms of language. Everything is in English! </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">The main concern is the fact that translating scientific terms would be a real hurdle. Some of these words sound complicated as it is in English, to translate from Bahasa to English would be a nightmare. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">One might argue that a substantial amount of students go on to public tertiary education institutions. The main mediun there would be Bahasa. Is it? Then I say, change that to English as well! Instead of treating children like guinea pigs, why not make the ones who are mature enough change? It would serve a better purpose for them anyways.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">This is not fair opinion as anyone who knows me would know, I live my life using English. Everything I've written is in English, save for a few "karangans" that were poorly articulated in Bahasa tuition.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">But as I try to remain objective, I do stand by the fact that switching to Bahasa would not be a good idea. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">That said, whats done is done. In the words of Tan Sri Muhyiddin, our dear DPM, "it might be a democratic country, but the Government's words are final." </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">It really is the people's fault that this Government is in power. But who's to say that the Opposition would be any better? PAS, who wants to implement hudud law, which is basically Islamic law, would probably champion the implementation of Bahasa so really, there is no upside at all.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">But why is it that the people in power have made this backward decision, without consulting the people they are implementing it on? </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">Let the students have a voice. Which is a totally different issue, by the way.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">But yes, let the students have a say. I don't mean PAGE, which are just the parents who quite frankly, probably have not considered the wishes of their children, but are more afraid of the fact that their children would not land high paying jobs if they were to be educated in Bahasa. I'm not being fickle, most parents I know have that train of thought. Mine for one probably do, although its a relief that it won't be affecting me.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">Children are getting smarter and maturing at a faster pace, with the Internet and what not.(no dirty thoughts here please.) So let them decide! If they want Bahasa, go with Bahasa. If they want English, go with English. This is true democracy. Allowing old men who were educated in the 50's make this decision is beyond my comprehension. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">Let's not be old fashioned and stick the younger generation with a burden they will have to bear in the future, purely because we want to preserve Bahasa. That ship has sailed a long time ago. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; ">It really is saddening. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 208); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; "><br /></p></span></span>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-70499582633367120452011-11-03T21:08:00.000-07:002011-11-06T08:33:17.389-08:00Tres Bien!Its always hard to judge your life by looking at it as a whole. You either focus on the good parts, or scrutinise the bad ones. But if you examined your life really carefully, you'd realise, life is so much better than the bleak outlook we have come to associate with these three words.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b>FUCK</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b>MY </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b>LIFE.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also realise that people tend to use that phrase a bit too liberally. I mean, does your life really suck so bad because you have a really hard exam? It always seems bleak during, but its still no reason to curse your no doubt wonderfully blessed life, with a car, loving parents, great friends. Thats all anyone could really ever ask for. A billion dollars wouldn't hurt either, but you can't have it all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So that brings me to the point of this post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes, when I have had a really high point in my life, I like to reflect on the different aspects of my life, because everything seems so rosy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What is this high point you ask? *cue exasperated faces like in Big Bang Theory.*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My family and I were in Kajang, or I thought we were, and Paps had been taking his liquor like he takes his medicine, as if it were necessary. But for once, I was glad he did. He then proceeded to hand me the keys to the Mercedes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*HALLELUJAH*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, the ride home felt too short. It might not sound like a big deal, but to me, it is. I drive a Myvi, and the engine vibrates like it ran on nuts and bolts at 120. But the Mercedes is such a beast. It felt like I was in one of those gliders you see in The Jetsons. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But besides appealing to the materialistic and vain side of me, it also showed me a new found level of trust Paps had in me. I know this sounds very tween and 13 year old girl with daddy issues like, but it did. Don't worry, it didn't unfold in the movies, where the dad smiles like an idiot for several minutes with uplifting music in the background playing before the girl runs and jumps into his arms. Not so drama, thanks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But it did. I have crashed my car once, and to allow me to drive home was a newfound sign of trust I'd do well not to misuse. CHEH.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I guess I won't be using "that" phrase anytime soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">:)</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-2232385172519380272011-11-02T20:12:00.000-07:002011-11-03T00:15:09.515-07:00Look. Now observe.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Malaysia has always been championed as a multiracial melting pot. With Malays, Chinese and Indians living with each other, we experience each other's cultures and learn and tolerate each other's beliefs.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">With the tagline, "Im Malaysian before Im Malay/Chinese/Indian", its easy to believe for people looking from the outside that Malaysia is a tight knot group of different races. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Just look at any mamak stall. A Malay-Indian establishment that is popular with Indians, Malays and Chinese of every age and social status. We've seen artists, businessmen, football fans, families sit and eat joyfully at these mamak stalls. It seems all really rosy, doesn't it?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But take a really good look at the people of each table. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The chinese are sitting with the chinese. The indians are laughing and jesting, among indians. Malays enjoying their teh tarik, with their fellow malays.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">See the obvious?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We're still pretty much a segregated community, aren't we? We'd like to think that although we get along with each other, the bulk of our time is spent with friends of the same race. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm not being racist, neither am I trying to drive a wedge between the races, but this is the observation I got over lunch. As my eyes scanned each table, the phenomenon was true. Each table was occupied by a single race, be it Chinese, Malay or Indian. There was not one table that had a Malay, a Chinese and an Indian that sat together, laughing and joking as is portrayed in most 1Malaysia ads. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Why are we pulling the wool over our own eyes? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Its a simple reason, why this is happening. We come from different cultures. We each have different beliefs. From these cultures, come different languages, and because there are so many different languages, its making communication between races not difficult, but still inconvenient. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As I tried to listen in on the tables around me, the Malays conversed in malay, as they do normally. The Chinese conversed in chinese and the Indians conversed in Tamil. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Where's the common denominator that can bring all these races together? Where was English?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Thankfully, the future looks substantially brighter. When I was in school, we had no problem communicating with each other. Malays, Chinese, Indians, everyone was friends with everyone, and the trend repeats itself over the levels of education. It encouraging to see that these are the people that will make up society in the future. perhaps one which is a true 1Malaysia, rather than only in ad campaigns.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">These are grey times, but as they say, it is always darkest before dawn.</span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-26144017705775873142011-10-31T21:17:00.000-07:002011-10-31T21:52:11.163-07:00Idiot should be a culture.Go to any news site these days, and they have organized their stories into columns or tabs. You have main, sports, business, all the important stuff that people need to know, but very few do. <div><br /></div><div>Then there's showbiz. You wonder, what does showbiz have to do with the world? I would imagine we can live in a world without one. But then, we wouldnt have the opportunity to enjoy the works of say, Micheal Jackson or other great musicians. Fair enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>But thats not what the headlines there really tell you is it? </div><div><br /></div><div>A recent visit to the Malaysian Insider inclined me to pen this phenomenon. Some of the headlines include:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Kim Kardashian Files for Divorce After 72 Days"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Rihanna taken to Hospital in Sweden with Flu"</div><div><br /></div><div>Even on CNN:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Piers to 50 Cent: I work out to "In Da Club"</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not bashing these specific news channels. Don't get me wrong. Please don't sue me with defamation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are these articles really necessary for the general public? What is our obsession with beautiful people that we need to know about Kim Kardashian getting a divorce, even though that is a source of endless humour. Two stupid people getting married and thats what you get, really. Amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>This really, is what the world has come to. That Rihanna has got a simple flu is newsworthy is quite stunning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I should get off my high horse and remind myself that I too, sometimes enjoy these fluff pieces. Its a welcome relief to the seriousness of reality, but really, it isn't a necessity at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>The money that these people are paid to look beautiful is also quite amazing actually. Granted if its something they've worked for, they deserve paycheques that have the same number of zeros as the number of germs underneath my shoe. </div><div><br /></div><div>But Kim Kardashian? Really?</div><div><br /></div><div>Between a sex tape, a really big ass, two failed marriages and a slightly dysfunctional family, I'd say she's not worth the amount she's paid. If she were a pornstar actually, the money she gets would probably be deserved, but not for whatever important work she's done. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, I really cannot recall anything that she has been involved in. One failed Scary Movie? Ads? </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps it isn't really her fault for cashing in on her fame. It really is our fault, society. We're so obsessed with their antics that fan the flame of their popularity. The media is driven by demand, and we demand that someone tell us the dating history of John Mayer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps its the fame that we really crave. American Idol seemed to have hit a gold mine by taking advantage of that social need. Look no further than William Hung. She Bangs? What idiot would make such a gigantic fool of himself? Or "Pants-On-The-Ground" guy? Seriously??</div><div>I laud American Idol for picking up on our retarded need to attain even a slice of the spotlight. Otherwise, they would only air the auditions that were amazing, instead of the weird Americans that are tone-deaf. How do we know that? Because out of nowhere, in the later rounds, there is a petit, average girl with an amazing voice, and everyone's wondering, from which rabbit hole did this angelic voice rise up from? All because, the producers decide that ridicule attracts viewers better than quality.</div><div><br /></div><div>And sadly so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Its a weird world out there, and I'm part of it.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-82033603406389017452011-10-30T20:58:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:20:11.536-07:00You are only as good as your last game.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Just a couple of weeks ago, Lee Chong Wei had lost to Chen Long in the final of the Denmark Open. At the time, it seemed as though he had lost the aura of invincibility he had against the world's top players, excluding Lin Dan. Errors began to creep into his game, and smashes tat routinely found the line were nowhere to be seen. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">People started doubting his abilities. Was he past his prime, over the hill? Losing to Chen Long twice, who though promising, is not yet in the same class of Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan, certainly seemed to suggest so.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Then came the semi-final of the French Open. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Datuk Lee came up against Chen Long again. It looked like another tough game, as the first set had to go to extra points. Datuk Lee showed resilience in taking the first set 23-21, and eventually took the match as well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Yet it was in the final that convinced the world that Lee Chong Wei was still a force to be reckoned with. Kenichi Tago had given him problems, but not enough to ruffle his feathers. Datuk Lee had won the previous 6 games against Tago. The first set began like a see-saw, with points going to both players like a pendulum swinging. Some of it was down to the great attacking play that Tago was capable of, but most of the points he earned had come from errors Datuk Lee made. Long clearances, wide placements and smashes that weren't hitting the target. With just enough effort, Datuk Lee took the first set 21-16.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But if the first set was a nailbiter, the second was anything but. Lee strung a run of 11 points together to pull away from Tago, and the Japanese was visibly frustrated. At one point, the Malaysian began toying with Tago, diving for a shot he could have easily reached. It seemed all too easy for Lee.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Perhaps the doubts were slightly premature. Lee has after all come back from uber-demoralising losses, noticbly in the Beijing Olympic final, where Lin Dan absolutely pulverised him. The class he showed in yesterday's final was simply outstanding, and the fact that he has reached the final of every tournament he has played in 2011 speaks for itself. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What he does need to do is to win a major title, i.e. the World Championships, or the Olympic gold. Reaching the final doesn't seem to be a problem, neither is winning. His biggest problem, is beating Lin Dan, wherever Lee meets him. It looks as though Lee is mentally stumped, and overcoming this block against Lin Dan will be a big step towards validating his claim as the best badminton player ever to grace the international scene.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-36000413165888711942011-10-23T21:39:00.000-07:002011-10-23T22:12:25.690-07:00Stonking weekend!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjNEy7Q3eUKFfEFj68GMFvS8EB9THDVKgLiaCvHfHB7-nkJshRdfWrBu5cGS_XAffKE7u-Ui2ctuDKAxNrbqnBC2U8_n_DhpRQMatxrmqU-u5gEunC2eD7BOgibmZUsWwSEwKHaPVBDw/s1600/Britain-Soccer-Premie_Nava.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjNEy7Q3eUKFfEFj68GMFvS8EB9THDVKgLiaCvHfHB7-nkJshRdfWrBu5cGS_XAffKE7u-Ui2ctuDKAxNrbqnBC2U8_n_DhpRQMatxrmqU-u5gEunC2eD7BOgibmZUsWwSEwKHaPVBDw/s320/Britain-Soccer-Premie_Nava.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666922088879698322" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Wow, where to begin? </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The game was billed as one of the greatest derbies of all time. Both Manchester clubs at the top of the table, both teams stocked with players of amazing potential and skill, both teams in the Champions League. Manchester, right now, is the place to be, in terms of football superiority. The game however, maybe showed that one team was taking over as the dominant force of Manchester. (No prizes in guessing who.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As far as changing of the guard goes, I think its too early to tell. Form is temporary, class is permanent. If the championship was based on one game, then Manchester City would be champions, by a mile. But as the saying goes, its a marathon, not a sprint. There are 29 more games to go, 87 points more up for grabs, 2610 minutes more to be played, you get the idea. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Maybe this is the United fan in me speaking, although that side of me is in temporary hiding at the moment, but its is true. United have lost games before, and by big margins against big rivals as well. Yet, here they stand, as the best team in England with 19 championships. (Yeah thats right, Koppites, Im looking at you.) There is no way they could have achieved that, without learning how to bounce back from losses. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Perhaps the hiding Manchester City shelled out is a blessing in disguise. United, sorry to say, while adventurous going forward, have been found wanting on many an occasion at the back. One need not look any further back than the Basel game where United went 2-0 up and eventually had to perform a United (yes Im coining the term) to salvage a point. Yes, Basel aren't exactly a force in Europe, but lets not forget that they are the champions of Switzerland and deserve a certain amount of respect. The way United let up on them suggests complacency has crept in to this young side, which hopefully will be eradicated as they mature. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That it is a young team should be taken into account. Most of the players on Sunday were below 25, certainly all were below 30 bar Ferdinand. With experience, they will develop a sense of responsibility in terms of knowing when to attack and when to defend. Or how to defend. (Johnny Evans should be gone.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Then there was the death of Marco Simoncelli. Poor guy, he was an upcoming star in the world of MotoGP, yet to have his life taken away at the age of 24 is disappointing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">RIP Marco SImoncelli (1987-2011)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Lee Chong Wei lost for the second time in three weeks, and for the second time to the same player. No its not Lin Dan, although he probably would have preferred to have lost to him, it would have been an excusable loss. No, this was to Chen Long. Anyone recognize that name? I thought so.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I would say Datuk Lee has underestimated his young Chinese opponent. The first loss Datuk Lee felt was maybe luck on his opponent's side, and Datuk Lee responded, "I know what I have to do to beat him this time." Apparently not. Maybe Datuk Lee is finally living up to his title of Datuk? The day he retires, is the day Malaysian badminton is plunged into a blackhole. There is no one singles player, men or women, who is even close to reaching the heights that Datuk Lee has. Just look at the Thomas Cup team. Wong Choong Hann? Past his prime. Hafiz Hashim? Never even reached his prime. While China are producing top class player in every category like a factory, Malaysia are scrapping in the mud, looking for rare gems. These are gloomy times ahead.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Chelsea-QPR game was also an odd game of football. Every outfield Chelsea player was booked, and two were red carded. Yet despite having a two man advantage, QPR were on the backfoot most of the time. It just goes to show the gulf in class in the EPL. Granted, the situation is not as bad in La Liga, where two teams make up the league. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">To end on a high note, New Zealand are Rugby World Champions! Congratulations!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">They finally won their second world title, despite being the dominant force in rugby for so long.</span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-14027424107896750652011-10-19T21:16:00.001-07:002011-10-19T21:38:27.393-07:00Never going to happen.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There are high hopes for Malaysia to someday be rid of ethnic and religious friction, but right now, that day is nowhere to be seen. As long as there are different policies that are set aside for different ethnicities, there will always be a sense of injustice to the lesser races. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The issue of Himpun and prostelysizing Muslims has gotten a way out of hand. Whether the crime is actually being committed, no one can say. The issue here is whether there is a need to respond with a rally. The rally feels like a show of power, so to speak. Riling up the people is only bound to create a sense of conflict between the religions and intensify the already strained relationship between Islam and Christianity. While its easy to outline the intentions of the rally, what happens on the actual day might be totally different. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We need not look any further than the events that ocurred on July 9. It was intended to be a peaceful march as agreed by both parties. Yet, there are reports of cops being violent towards the marchers, and tear gas being fired into the Tung Shin Hospital compound. It might not be the intention of both parties as a whole, but these parties are made up of individuals, and these individuals have minds of their own. What they never realize is that while they may act on their own judgement, they act while wearing the colours of a party. Then the entire party is blamed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Who's to say that events at the Himpun rally won't descend into a hotbed of violence? We've seen religious scrimmages happen before, and they have not been pretty. Suffice to say, we really don't need anymore incidents. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'd be glad if the intentions of Himpun are truly to reinforce the faith of its practitioners, but one bad apple spoils the bunch. With such a sensitive issue, all that's needed is a spark, a small coming together, and it could light up like the 4th of July.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-27626435048571347042011-10-19T00:42:00.000-07:002011-10-19T01:08:35.799-07:00Hypocritical.<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The term hypocrisy is defined as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform to. Thats exactly what the Malaysian government is to me right now. Hypocritical of its own policies.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">The government has been flaunting the 1Malaysia concept all over the place with endless ads in print, radio and television. In fact, long before 1Malaysia, it has always preached unity among the ethnicities that include Malays, Chinese, Indians, as well as the other less well known ethnicities in the country. Many policies have been started with 1Malaysia in its name, like the 1Malaysia Grocery Store, 1Malaysia clinics, and even, assigning every citizen a 1Malaysia email. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">They're all fantastic initiatives on the part of the government, trying to relieve burden on Malaysians in terms of healthcare and spending. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">But the real issue I have, is that its called 1Malaysia. The name suggests that the programme is to focus on uniting Malaysia as a whole. Right now, its anything but united. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Im not saying that the initiatives that have been started are not useful. But they do go under a separate name, shouldn't they? I doubt grocery stores and clinics are tools in bringing a sense of unity to this country. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So, back to the issue of hipocrisy. The reason I've associated the government with this term is because, while they are preaching unity, there are still political parties that allocate membership based on ethnicity. Umno for the Malays, MCA for the Chinese, and MIC for the Indians. Yes, they might operate under the mast of Barisan Nasional, but the fact is that, there is inter-party separation. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Why aren't the Chinese allowed to join Umno? Why aren't the Indians allowed to join MCA? As a political party, shouldn't they be invested in the importance of the people regardless of ethnicity? If so, then what is the point of having three separate bodies in a party if they share the same ideology?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">If I remember history correctly, and its a BIG "if", Umno party members were reluctant to allow other ethnicities to enter Umno. That was a long time ago. We're now in the 21st century. We have phones that can understand what we say, not just recognize it. If the human mind can produce such technological marvels, surely it should be able to comprehend the fact that any form of separation will drive a wedge between these ethnicities. As much as they try to convince themselves that being a coalition will work, it won't.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So I hope that something will be done, preferably in my generation. I have made many great friends across the ethnic board, and I don't see any restrictions as to why we cannot all come together as one nation, instead of being a nation with many cliques.</span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-31786975190738307162011-09-18T08:55:00.000-07:002011-09-18T09:53:53.960-07:00What a weekend.<div style="text-align: center;">What a weekend of football this has been.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, the highlight of the week, was Manchester United winning against Chelsea 3-1.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, the icing on the cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arsenal losing 4-3.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Liverpool getting hammered as well 4-0.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is there a heaven? This looks like it.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-14558478960223713592011-09-17T07:18:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:35:19.798-07:00The Beginning of An Exodus<div style="text-align: center;">All those times we've spoken about leaving this country. All those times we've spoken about what adventures lie ahead in countries foreign to us. Its finally on the horizon. For some, its better than that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So Lai's the first to leave among our little group. He's gone to University of Sheffield, doing Chemical Engineering for the next 4 years. Its a little surprising that he's the first to go, he's always been the shy one among our group. But this will do him a world of good, being in a foreign country with no close friends, out of the proverbial comfort zone. Maybe he'll come back, outspoken, loud, and maybe even with a British accent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It feels weird when one of your friends leaves. Its the same when Luther and Soon Yi left for India and China respectively. As if they weren't populous enough already. At the airport, it feels like a happy occasion. He's smiling, you're smiling. All the laughter, the jokes, the prodding and nudging. Then the walk to the departure gate. The slow footsteps. The caring questions. The quick responses. Then it sets in. As he steps pass the gate, you're not allowed to go in. You only watch as he walks in. You try your best to hold back the tears, he does too. He fakes a smile, you yell his name. But you haven't realised that he's leaving for 4 years. Up the escalators, and into the sunset.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It doesn't really set in, till the next time you want to meet up. He's gone. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The fact that he'll be back in a couple of years never does much other than remind you, he's gone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But all in all, its a great thing to have the opportunity to study overseas. Many crave it, few often obtain it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's wishing Lai a safe trip, have a great 3 years there, make plenty of friends ( or poker kaki's as Choo prefers) and come back soon! </div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-35990801590688913592011-09-13T22:37:00.001-07:002011-09-13T22:46:49.367-07:00Leaving, or left behind?<div style="text-align: center;">Im at a crossroad. The decisions I make now will decide the path my life takes in the future. Such grave responsibility to place on young shoulders. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Funny how life works. That we have to make up our minds about the rest of our lives at a time where we know so little about the world. How the world works, how it might affect us, so much that we dont know, but yet, it is at this time that we choose our future.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Im obviously flustered about university. As if it wasn't hard enough choosing a course to enroll, now I have to pick the correct university as well. There can be no mistake, considering the money involved in this. So I put it out to you, I'd love to have more opinions!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Situation:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monash is located in Melbourne. Melbourne has a high living cost. Queensland would be cheaper. Queensland also is more fun, according to a reliable source. I would like fun, but fun would mean being sidetracked alot. I get sidetracked and distracted alot. I don't want to. I want to be top of my class and graduate with first class honours. Fun would decrease that possibility. But it would be cheaper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monash has also offered me a scholarship. $6000 AUD a year is no small amount. I would gladly take it, but money can't be the only factor in my choice of university, can it? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I'd love to hear from everyone. Please!</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-11541282997552077982011-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:002011-09-12T17:56:23.779-07:00Novak wins US Open<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4tQSaPLNdL00VKAJhavXn630jppVNFKyboevpd66A64wu8lAcISvQjUSIqGx7BMDUX_adeYxxSmZXkgiQ54lWJ6yWJa5DqCtV7foek09Wt5FmlTUCeo1Uv-fhzJjS1jQumn4TEO8yv0/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4tQSaPLNdL00VKAJhavXn630jppVNFKyboevpd66A64wu8lAcISvQjUSIqGx7BMDUX_adeYxxSmZXkgiQ54lWJ6yWJa5DqCtV7foek09Wt5FmlTUCeo1Uv-fhzJjS1jQumn4TEO8yv0/s320/Unknown.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651640797593071506" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What an amazing year of tennis its been. The fall of Roger Federer, and now the rise of Novak Djokovic. And my word, what a rise it has been.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Novak's 2011 record : 64-2.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thats right, he has won 64 matches. That is superhuman. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The final was a very peculiar game of tennis. In both the first and second sets, Rafael Nadal held his serve and broke Djokovic in the first two games. but yet, in the first game, Djokovic comes back to win the next six games. That induced a mental block in Rafael Nadal's game, especially with his serve. At this point, he was serving at 90-100 mph, where as Djokovic blasted his serves at 115-120 mph. Sensing a weakness, Djokovic preyed on Nadal's first serve, constantly stepping in and returning with interest. Rafa was stumped.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The second set was almost a mirror of the first set as well. Nadal broke Djokovic's serve as well as held his own, yet back came Djokovic, to level the set at 2-2. From then on, it was all Djokovic. Serve after serve, he pummeled Nadal, giving the Spaniard no chance. Even though Nadal would go on to win two more games, Djokovic never lost control of the set. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then came the twist in the story. After the disembowelment of the first two sets, one might have been forgiven for thinking that the third was a forgone conclusion. But this is where Nadal is a champion, in more than one sense of the word. Mentally he was shot. Destroyed. Yet he never gave up, constantly plugging away at Djokovic. They broke each other, both playing tennis of the hightest quality. At 5-5, Nadal was broken, and it seemed like it was going to be an early night. All credit to Nadal, he broke back to level the set again at 6-6 and then in the tiebreak, raced to a 5-1 lead. Djokovic threatened to come back, but Nadal put out the fire quickly, winning the tiebreak 7-3.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">However, the third set had taken alot out of Nadal. Out of both players, in fact. Djokovic had the trainer work on his lower back, and the crowd began to savour the prospect of another five set classic. However, Nadal was quickly broken again in the first and third game, coupled with the fact that Djokovic held serve, the inevitable was near. Djokovic broke Nadal to go 5-1 up, and the rest is history. The final game was an unfitting conclusion to a great final, with both players visibly labouring around the court. But as has been the case this entire season, Djokovic's famed gluten-free diet paid off, as he was the fitter of the two. Nadal was spent, not showing the determination and doggedness that is synonymous with his name, giving up on countless returns by the Serb. In the end, with one great swipe, Novak Djokovic became the 2011 US Open champion. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next season would certainly be an interesting one. Will Roger Federer be able to compete with the younger maestros? Will Rafael Nadal ever be able to rise above Djokovic as he so routinely did back in 2010? Or will Djokovic go on to have another amazing season, maybe replicate the Invincibles that WAS Arsenal. Or will Andy Murray finally take that next step, becoming more than the "best of the rest" man.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-61477509147003967892011-07-08T09:06:00.000-07:002011-07-08T09:56:38.920-07:00Two sides to every story<div style="text-align: center;">Ladies and gentlemen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As everyone knows, the Bersih rally is on the 9th of July. And surely by now, everyone knows what the issue at hand is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone's got an opinion, and this is mine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe, both sides are at fault. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(how typically me)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lets start off with the government. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Words can only go so far as to state one's intention, but actions go further, infinitely. They say that this rally is allowed so long as it is peaceful and does not cause public unrest. Yet, their actions simply show that they are unwilling to give them a chance. Yes, it is better to evade than to cure. However, as the government, do they not have and control the means to a peaceful rally? If due concern had been given to these complaints when they were just political embers, would they be facing a wildfire right now? Same goes with the denial of a stadium. Bersih applied for a permit to hold this rally in Stadium Merdeka, so they have gone through the proper channels. And as expected, they have been denied. The official reason? "Internal sporting event". Seriously? I honestly wouldnt be surprised if they created an event that just so happened to fall on this date, and just so happened to be at Stadium Merdeka, where, COINCIDENTALLY the Bersih rally was to be held. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Democracy is a practice, labelling oneself democratic, really has got to be backed up by actions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There really is nothing much about Bersih's demands. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.6em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAUAAAANCAYAAABhPKSIAAAAGXRFWHRTb2Z0d2FyZQBBZG9iZSBJbWFnZVJlYWR5ccllPAAAACtJREFUeF7NjbEJAAAIw7zRu/w5ouBUBEeHDM2QGiA8kObBULuFcJbSXN8T78SqnpKltAIAAAAASUVORK5CYII=); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">The use of permanent ink to ensure that voters may only vote once.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">A clean out of the electoral rolls to remove entries that are no longer valid such as deceased people.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">The abolition of postal votes on the basis that they are easily abused.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">Perhaps most importantly, <i>Bersih</i> demands that all candidates and political parties have equal access to print and broadcast media.</li></ul><div>How hard can it be to practice that? In fact, why hasnt it been practiced since the beginning? Elections are meant to be fair, are they not? What problems can there be in implementing these steps to ensure that a fair election is carried out? Cost? Please. There is a 100-storey mega tower being built for 5 billion, yes BILLION. If they took out 2 floors, they'd probably have enough to fund these changes already. </div><div>With these changes in place, wouldnt a victory be even sweeter? </div><div>If they lost, then so be it. </div><div>Democracy, remember?</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, a really interesting video.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K0ND7EadIIg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah well, you decide if that was necessary.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And on a related note, THAT WAS OUR FUCKING INFO MINISTER?</div><div style="text-align: center;">COULD WE NOT HIRE SOMEONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY SPEAK PROPER ENGLISH?</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is not discrimination, this is malaysia projecting a bad image. I am ashamed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">AKU TAU KAU MARAH, TAPI PROFESSIONAL LA SKIT BANG!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">okay, enough government-bashing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The people at Bersih arent exactly too pristine as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all, laws are to be abided by, regardless of which government is in power. And the law states that, unless you are registered as a society with the Registrar Of Societies, you officially are not a society. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bersih is not registered. Hence, whatever gatherings that they organize, technically is illegal. Does this not make it easy for the government to label them illegal? Yes. And this has to be a fault on the hands of the people at Bersih. If you claim to be peaceful, there is no reason to not abide by the rules. This just plays into the hands of the government.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bersih is also backed by, SURPRISE SURPRISE, Pakatan Rakyat. This is, honestly, the biggest problem that stands out. </div><div style="text-align: center;">IF Bersih was an impartial, independant committee, it would have so much more conviction. It would be much more believable as a reforming agent, but as it is backed by Pakatan, one cant help but wonder if it is just a facade that Pakatan is using to pressure the government. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We need to consider as well, the people who make up the numbers. There are those who are genuinely concerned with Bersih's cause, and there are those who are there to make a scene and create mayhem. And the worst part of it is, they do it in the name of Bersih. Bersih might be peaceful, but its members may not. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We need not look far for an example, i.e. our former information minister (refer to video above). A simple interview that should have been conducted in a professional manner turned into a venting session, which really is a shame. That is what he has portrayed to the millions that watch Al-Jazeera. He claims they are portraying Malaysia as Myanmar. I say, he is portraying Malaysia as immature. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, what Im trying to say is, it only takes one to start a riot. And there will certainly be a few "one"s on Saturday. And when that happens, the government is forced to react. Can we really blame them then? The means of dispersing a riot is not the issue, tear gas and water cannons are used all over the world, most recently in Egypt, Libya, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are two sides to every story. In politics, there are massive grey areas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">However, this is just an opinion.</div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-25166013223952438752010-01-20T04:21:00.000-08:002010-01-20T04:34:24.752-08:00Beginnings<div align="center">College has finally started. Last Monday was orientation. Which we duly skipped. Cause we're "cool" like that :D </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Instead we went to a mamak stall in BA. And then Cue Ball in Ampang Point.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Classes started on Wednesday. I have to say that I didnt really like it at first, cause everyone always stuck to themselves and it felt so quiet in the classes. Made it boring.</div><div align="center">But after a week or so, its really beginning to get better. Mike, some funny chinese kid, is a loudmouth who really helps liven the class. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Hardesh, Farhan and I recently discovered the computer lab, which is absolutely FREE, or paid for in our fees, and now, I think we'll be on the computer a lot more. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The quirkiest thing, Amelia hangs out with us now. Yeah, THAT AMELIA. She's common sense to our stupidity. Which is necessary cause we dont wanna degenerate too quickly ;)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Untill next time.</div><div align="center"> </div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-17845279436582879362010-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:44:17.795-08:00WTF<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szeNtiOFt5ngdagn9ILlU9R87owHUOs_SoKa7_-eS_zUyfQomkuIHuZ0Vvy4HZ9vTazAxjHZH2dv-DTTdjrWRW1dw-tmmjLdBCxIEyN9GsqAfUodT1eaIO51av-aHvfnkfUIH8BnmJg/s1600-h/0000050380_20080724094445.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423668409905859874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szeNtiOFt5ngdagn9ILlU9R87owHUOs_SoKa7_-eS_zUyfQomkuIHuZ0Vvy4HZ9vTazAxjHZH2dv-DTTdjrWRW1dw-tmmjLdBCxIEyN9GsqAfUodT1eaIO51av-aHvfnkfUIH8BnmJg/s320/0000050380_20080724094445.jpg" /></a>the black dude's Joshua btw. Who's damn good as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />CHELSIE AND MARK WERE ELIMINATED OFF SYTYCD!<br /><br /><br /><br />Actually Im just pissed that Chelsie is off. She's fantastic. And hot. :D<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-87882935037299503252009-12-28T07:01:00.000-08:002009-12-28T07:16:03.626-08:00Christmas<div align="center">For once, I had fun during Christmas.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Went to Leon's house. In freaking SHAH ALAM. Last time I ever drive down there. Though we made so many wrong turns that I think I know the whole place already. It was me, Hardesh and Douglas on a roadtrip. It was pretty fun riding with these two. Hardesh was our navigator. Lucky I stopped to pee. Otherwise we would have ended up in some weird kampung. After like 2 hours of searching we found Leon's house. And if it wasnt for Douglas and his "never give up attitude" we wouldve found it waaaaaaaaaaay sooner. DUMBASS. We passed by his house twice! But because GENIUS here didnt allow us to call Leon, we spent half an hour going round the taman, not realising that his house was right there. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Ate at his house. This is the first time Ive seen parents allow us to drink. Heck, t was in the punch. Thanks Leon. Then we went out to SACC after waiting for Jon, Yusoff, Aliff and Johan. Thats was time wasting, since they had to go home early. Bowled at SACC Megalanes. We got our asses kicked by a girl man. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then lepaked at her house. Damn pool table had like mountain terrain man. Lepaked in the playroom. We started rambling and stuff. Leon (another GENIUS) decides to prank call Abigail. but she could tell. Im one and only, dude. :P</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Watched TV at 4 and fell asleep. We were supposed to sleep, but Hardesh, Leon and I started talking and we end up sleeping at 7. And woke up at 8. ==</div><div align="center">Got lost trying to send Leon home again, but in the end, Hardesh and I got home. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">ROAD TRIP WAS FUN DUDES. LETS DO IT AGAIN!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!</em></strong></span></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-30110676438111935302009-12-25T10:40:00.000-08:002009-12-25T11:14:47.319-08:003am<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">I have no idea what Im still up for. I think I have insomnia. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center">Went to India in case you guys didnt know. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center">Three things that are essential of India:<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">1 GREAT FOOD. Symren should know. ;)</div><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center">2 Traffic is a fuck there. They will shove their vehicles into every micromolecule of space there is. But surprisingly, I did not witness a single accident. Maybe theyre that good. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">3 There's shit on the floor. Literally. Id show you disturbing visual images, but I think you would want your dinner to stay in you. </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">Some pictures.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxbrNG5LQvc6N7YcWcdq212F58fTWQv9I7a0fBAMBKxBRNb4AoKJnzUxeHoOdOyjYQZ_rXbiItE1Kj8V2N6XOivdg9DEGfbwZGxkAMR4t7t2G3xOYMlsl4idiKMR33iSbwu4GTys3xYI/s1600-h/IMG_0194.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419250886977745026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxbrNG5LQvc6N7YcWcdq212F58fTWQv9I7a0fBAMBKxBRNb4AoKJnzUxeHoOdOyjYQZ_rXbiItE1Kj8V2N6XOivdg9DEGfbwZGxkAMR4t7t2G3xOYMlsl4idiKMR33iSbwu4GTys3xYI/s320/IMG_0194.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><p align="center">tv. Essential.</p><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBTGEPOsioIRadVMgCXNgfDIRYYgcM5ANoc26_wv2uk-QF6zIm-SEYXgVU3C02zQiZ8upwB4H2qpFzG7zJxNR_VcpMf2JJoQ8xl9gz7M8QggxyiQxtx0mxiSV5KCAYioHhvA7drQhAKY/s1600-h/IMG_0247.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419252105144090802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBTGEPOsioIRadVMgCXNgfDIRYYgcM5ANoc26_wv2uk-QF6zIm-SEYXgVU3C02zQiZ8upwB4H2qpFzG7zJxNR_VcpMf2JJoQ8xl9gz7M8QggxyiQxtx0mxiSV5KCAYioHhvA7drQhAKY/s320/IMG_0247.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">adidas in india. </p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419253044326702706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO2hw1Q4qWZwaW49rx6EoJcwTsJh9McKZWT6hTAF7qtCjJWbBf3DdDg4wLrf7G_9wrqmFNAVN8CGg9SU5B2Uhyb9HildZDYtP6X8py7SX9Uz8cg0h5G6d3kwr1g4CrTFf2ZmgLFxAUHQ/s320/IMG_0397.jpg" /> <p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center">lighthouse. :)<br /></div>Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1264980995152348639.post-71326524952316164212009-12-10T06:07:00.000-08:002009-12-10T06:15:26.705-08:00Post SPM^^<br />:D<br />:)<br />=)<br /><br />yeah well as for most of us, SPM's over. Now what?<br /><br />All the things that I planned to do, I dont remember. Thats really awesome. I should make a new list then.<br /><br />1. Get a drum set.<br />2. Learn the drums.<br />3. Play lots of basketball.<br />4. Clean my room. Though however unlikely.<br />5. Fix my PS2<br />6. Get a PS3. Depending on number 5.<br />7. Pick a college.<br />8. Pick a course to study.<br />9. Party<br />10. Not hit anymore cars.<br /><br />out of which 2 are likely to be done. ==Anak Tauke :Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06260641053678227320noreply@blogger.com0