End with a Bang, or Bang at the End?

Well its been quite long since I posted. Eventhough it was mid term break last week, I couldn't really find the time to post anything. I was not busy, maybe quite lazy, and when I look back, I don't know how I actually managed to waste so much time, doing .... nothing!

I did manage to accomplish something though, and that is my NM2216 project. I think I spent quite a few hours, spread out throughout the week, doing this project. Eventhough I took quite long, I would say I kinda enjoyed doing it, as I guess I am the type who loves to work with designing and aesthetics related projects, as you can always see the wonderful and colourful end product.

I am happy to say I have up-ed the level of my presentation skills, not in terms of speaking or presenting, but more of making more attractive presentation materials. At the start of the term I managed to make my IT1003 powerpoint react like how a flash presentation would, with all the movement and transition. This time round, I finally managed to revise on how to use flash, and managed to make 2 flash applications for my 2216 project. Am quite satisfied with what I managed to came up with, and would definitely use more of this in my future projects and presentations. My best friends are now adobe photoshop, macromedia dreamweaver and macromedia flash.

However, I would say after all the hard work, the whole 2216 project thingy ended quite, I would say disappointingly. I would say we crashed it at the end. Quite stupid that we only have 7 minutes to present a 25% project, and eventually we rushed through our presentation and I would say our presentation was eventually not very clear, and we could not present everything we wanted to. Everything was fast forwarded, and got a little messy. Just hope that she does not base it too much on the presentation itself, but more on the quality and substance of our project.

You know, this scenario reminds me of days in choir. Sometimes life is just not fair. You do so much work at the start, you practice and rehearse, you do even more work, and then on the day of the performance itself, it goes all wrong, and eventually people only judge you on the final poor performance.

So Good So What?

Firstly, a Happy Lunar New Year to all! Not really gonna blog about the happenings during New Year because it is the same thing again and again every year. The only thing worth mentioning is that, I can forsee Chinese New Year becoming less and less meaningful as the years go by, and the number of visitings will start to decrease when all the older folks pass on. I read someone's blog saying that there is no meaning in reunion dinners. Well in a sense I still treasure my reunion dinners with my family, but I would have to say that the overall Chinese New Year occasion has lost its meaning. People visit just for the sake of visiting, red packets are given just simply because a married couple has to give an unmarried child. Then again, I am not sure it applies to everyone, but I am sure there will be many who will agree with me.

Moving on to something else. Last friday, there was an incident which disturbed me. Apparently, some who have the ability, have the education, and have the money, just do not have the heart nor the conscience to do something right to contribute to the society. So what if they may seem reputable for the achievements they have, I would say being selfish and disrespectful just wipes everything out. As much as I would want to have their financial and professional status, I would rather give it all up and be a descent and respectable normal person. The scary thing is that I am already starting to see this ugly trend in some people around me.

Pre Chinese New Year Celebrations

I am sure many of the 27th would agree with me that we had the happiest and most fun OM since we stepped into office. We actually 'lao yu sheng' and had steamboat along the AS6 walkway (hopefully no one from the school admin reads this), whilst going through the second half of our OM. It all started out with shopping for food with reuben and tienkwan at ntuc, and somehow even going shopping was fun. Guess I was really excited that for once in so many months, all 18 of us in the 27th would finally be having dinner together. It was what the exco had always wanted, and finally it has happened.

The last few days made me realise how fortunate and blessed I am to be a part of the 27th, and to have them as a big part of my university life. When we were doing the whole 'lao yu sheng' thingy, I felt a great sense of warmth and togetherness, seeing the smiles and sense of joy on everyone's face, it was great. It somehow made us forget about the hectic school work and arts club projects we are all busy with. Just 2 days ago we were happily giving out and receiving valentines gifts from each other, and now this. I would say this has been a great week for us, well for me at least.

Finally managed to complete and hand in the 2101 research proposal. Once again, there was alot of rushing and last minute work involved. But well, guess that is just me. Also managed to meet up with my 2219 project mates, and guess what, I am the only year one in the group, with 2 of them being honours students, 2 of them year 2 students, and another a year 3 student. At first it felt a little bit strange and funny, having a project meeting with so many seniors, but I would say that I am already feeling very comfortable speaking to and working with them, and I am sure things will turn out very well. I am sure I have alot to learn from them.

So fast, time has flown by again. It's the end of the first half of this semester, which also means I have that little time left to catch up on all that I have fallen behind.

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines Day to all reading this. Well it has been quite a day today, haha with all the flowers, chocolates, gifts and gossips. For me and my gf, it was a little different, as I think we are one of the very few who actually celebrate this occasion in the morning/afternoon. Well, I think I have repeated this like 159 times today, but I shall repeat it again. The reason why we decided to celebrate it in the morning/afternoon is because she has her final year project presentation early tomorrow morning, and I too wanted to do a project tonight, so we agreed on having the celebrations earlier. Although I must say it was quite funny how we stepped into Marina Square, with the both of us perhaps the only customers in the building at that time. I must say eventhough it was Valentines, it was pretty much like any other day for us. Good or bad? I would say good, as the saying goes, for all relationships, any other day should be Valentines Day, so twisting it around, Valentines Day should also be like any other day. Hope I am making sense here, haha.

Well when I reached school, everything was rather hectic. For once, it was not over school work or projects, but more of the guys rushing to get gifts and flowers for the gals, and vendors and of course arts club trying our best to get those gifts ready for them. Haha, when I came, I was like right smack in the middle of a lost island, having no idea what happened earlier in the day. It was only until a while later that I realised that some of the guys in MC actually got flowers and stuff for the girls in the MC, and I started to realise, oh no, shouldn't I too. Haha, so in the end, I got lilies for them. Haha, I must admit that peer pressure played a part, and secondly I wanted to help in the sales of the flowers. But do not get me wrong, haha, I think most importantly, the gers certainly deserved the flowers for the very special friendships that we have. Hope you all like it!

So today marks the end of another arts club project, V'day Carnival. I would say overall it has definitely brought the spirit of love and valentines to the walkway, and it was quite fun getting people to buy all the stuff we were selling over the past few days. Haha must kind of apologise to Camy though that I didn't really manage to help out as much I said I would. I promised to help out today as it was one of my freer days, but turned out that I went to accompany my gf due to our early celebration plans. So sorry, so I guess I will try to make it up by doing more of clearing up. Haha, anyway, I think much effort has been put into this whole event, and it turned out to be a job well done. Guess it is now on to the next project, in our very busy schedule.

Projects and More Projects

Ok before I carry on, just wanna inform everyone that I added quite a few links to those blogs that I know of, and if any of you feel that you are not comfortable with me linking your blog, and wish for me to take them off this site, do kindly let me know. Thanks!

Projects, projects and more projects. Yup that is what my life is revolving around now, both school work projects and arts club projects. But then again, I saw this coming, as I chose the path to have modules with more projects during the semester, than to throw all my eggs into high percentage exams right at the end. I think I am quite lucky that I have no mid term test before the break, as people are now rushing to study their test, and at the same time get their projects done.

Had a 2101 project meeting today, and I would say that it is the most draining and tedious project meeting to date. We actually met for more than 3 hours, and you know what, after 3 hours of discussion, we landed back at square one. But then again, its not that we accomplished nothing, we actually discussed and gave lots of considerations to our research, and am sure that we are all now much clearer of the direction we are taking. Theories and hypothesis are just a pain, and Im starting to detest this dry module. Come to think of it, many of us are thinking that this module is not a core module because it is really useful, but perhaps more because no one would ever take it, therefore they make it compulsory.

Well for those who really know me, the one word which means alot to me, is RESPECT. Whoever I speak to, whether I joke around or am serious, I always make sure that I give every one the due respect they deserve. Then again, if the respect is not returned, I still try my very best to show as much respect as I can. But there are some people who are really too much, and to this people, I am sorry, but you have gone over limits which are already set at a very generous level. Why I am bringing this up? Well, I noticed recently that some people expect to get respect, but they themselves do not show respect. Just feel like slapping these people to wake them up, hopefully slapping into them the fact that only way to get respect, is to earn respect.

Low Productivity

Since last semester, I realised that my productivity at home is really low. Sitting on a comfy sofa, in front a big tv, and a laptop in front of me, I tend to get very little work done. Most of the time my eyes would be on the TV screen, and when I am tired, I simply lean back and relax on the sofa, and before I know it, I wake up to see myself wasting a couple of hours sleeping again.

I guess that is the reason why everytime I have assignments, tests and exams, I would always make sure that I stay overnight in school, knowing that I can do much more work there. This weekend has been another good example. I actually spent almost the entire Saturday night and Sunday on a macromedia flash work, but then again, I spent alot of time re-learning how to use flash, and am quite happy with the end product. Am really glad that what I have learnt in poly has come to good use.

Well Friday has been quite an eventful day, in a not so pleasant way I must say. I guess everyone is just starting to feel the pressure. I am too. I am currently taking a step at a time, but you know what, sometimes I feel that this is perhaps the best solution. Why bother thinking so far ahead, when the future is always so unpredictable. To those concerned, always remember, our lives are full of obstacles, but as tough as times may get, we will still overcome them. Time does not stop for us to ponder too much, so just make do with the best we have at hand, and one way or the other, things will get better.

A Little Breather

Handed up two assignments yesterday, and had another two project group meetings today. Glad that those are finally over, as it gives me a little time to relax amidst my very busy schedule. I am just feeling happy that I have tonight to at least take a breather, watch some TV, and get my mind off work for awhile. This break is just so important, as I know that once I wake up tomorrow morning, I will have to start getting busy with my projects again. It somehow just never ends.

Met Gerald Low at IT 1003 lecture yesterday, and we spent the entire time at the back of the lecture hall catching up, chatting about the good old times in secondary school, and about all our old friends. Felt really happy to chat with Gerald again, but then again, somehow it made me feel old. It has been 7 years since we both graduated from Dunman Sec, and it is really amazing how after going our seperate ways in this 7 years, we have managed to meet up again in the same lecture hall taking the same module. Wonder how everyone else is doing now ...

Riding on to Arts Camp

I think this is like the 5th or 6th time I am complaining about being sooo busy, and about how I need more time to complete the so many agendas I have in my life now. Well, I can guarantee that it would not stop at 6 and there will be many more to come.

I am going to stay back again today, this time to complete 2 assignments which are due tomorrow. Oh boy, I am feeling so tired already, and am feeling quite lazy just thinking about the assignments.

Oh and now with Bike Quest completed, its time to move on to Arts Camp. Just had our first meeting yesterday, and it turned out pretty well. The committee looks good, real good, and I still hold the exact same sentiments I had last month, that I am confident of this team, and am confident that they can assist me in making Arts Camp a success this year!

Cycledelic

Wanted to post this on Sunday after the event itself, but was somehow too busy and too tired to do so. But anyways, here are some of my thoughts of Cycledelic, Bike Quest 07.

Overall I think the event was great. To me it was quite a big scale event with 26 teams, and then on that day itself, it became 36 teams, and it became even larger scale! I was sooo happy that so many more teams turned up on that day, but then again I knew that would bring about more last minute planning in terms of programmes. But well, my programmers and station ICs all did very well, and that my life much easier.

Haha after flag off, bit, carol and I had this mobilephonobia, ok its a term I just created for fear of mobile phone ringing. Haha we were just so afraid that teams would call, as any call from them would mean either something unfortunate has happened, or that something in our game play was screwed up, or that they are just plain unhappy with something. But fortunately, I would say we did not receive as many calls as I had expected. There were periods where our phone did not ring for an hour or so, but there was also a period whereby we received so many calls at one time, we had to start passing our phones around, helping each other answer. Quite funny, as it was something like those old stock exchange rooms whereby everyone is so busy talking on their phones and hand signaling to each other. But, overall, I would say it went well.

There were definitely one or two teams who were not so happy at hard to find checkpoints and the scoring system, but well, as much as we tried to make the game more intriguing and tried to please everyone, it was just almost impossible. We PD and DPDs did have our share of incidents, going from checkpoints to checkpoints, being stopped at road blocks, and of course, bit being questioned by the police, haha. It was rather tiring for us too, but I would say it was eventually a job well done. It just made my day knowing how people really enjoyed themselves in the very event that we spent so much time planning. Feeling very much relieved that bike quest is completed.

Would really wanna thank soooo many people for making this event a success. The entire o-comm, my dear programmers, all the station ICs, the 27th for helping out, the medics and drivers, all other helpers, and of course, bit and carol. You guys were all great! And of course, bit and I just found out that praying works, as both the participants and the weather was fantastic. Guess we were just blessed.

We are the Champions

Yeah! Singapore has won the ASEAN Cup! I am really feeling so happy for the team and country. Still remember a few years back, I was always so skeptical about Singapore's soccer team, not being able to score at all, not defending well, lack of fitness, and of course, that infamous 4-0 defeat to a very young and inexperienced Malaysian squad. But now, things have very much turned for the better. We have better and more committed players, we have players who are starting to show great touch and flair, and we have players who are strong, keep running and never give up. Yup, as much as I still feel that Goal 2010 is still impossible, I think I can cautionsly say that there is still a slight hope in the next decade or two. Then again, ok maybe not the World Cup, the Asian Cup first.

I was actually having dinner with my uncle, auntie and cousins when the first half was being played, and when I heard that Singapore went a goal down, I was feeling a little disappointed. After dinner, we managed to find a big screen showing the match Live, and then Khariul Amri came up with that amazing goal. Just cannot describe how proud I am of the Lions. This is perhaps one of the only tournament in a very long time that I have followed from the start to the end. And boy am I glad it ended with the Singapore team on the winning podium, holding the ASEAN Cup up high and proud.

Hopefully, the Singapore team will build up on this, and not let all these achievements go down the drain. Well done Lions!

Where is the Professionalism

Ok before I carry on with this post, I would first want to say that all comments I will be making in this entry are purely based on my own personal opinions.

I managed to reach home in time to catch the last few minutes of the Singapore vs Thailand match, and it was tied at one a piece. Quite disappointed at first as I knew Singapore had taken the lead, but failed to keep it. But what was to come was truly shocking. Singapore was actually awarded a penalty, however the thais disagreed with the decision, went to the sidelines, and refused to come back onto the pitch. It took them almost 20 minutes before they finally made their way back onto the pitch.

I would say it was really unprofessional and a disgraceful show of sportsmanship from the Thais. Disagreement of the referees' decision has always been happening in soccer, and yes it is true at times referees make the wrong decision, but then again, things happen so fast on the soccer pitch and I truly believe referees try their best to make the best decisions on the spot. Soccer matches are between two oppositions, and never in any match will a referee make any decisions which will go uncontested. But usually, no one would or should challenge the referee. Ok, maybe they can go up to him, complain and show dissent. But at the end of the day, they will still follow whatever decision he makes, and the match carries on. But apparently, the Thai football team decides to create a new rule in the game. However, I must applaud the referee for being firm, but then again, I think that the didn't have a choice as there was no way he could retract his decision.

I feel that the Thai football team, or maybe even their whole football federation should be severly fined at punished for what happened today. It just throws the image of South East Asian soccer down the drain, and spoils the tournament which has been wonderful so far. Furthermore, it was the last match at the National Stadium, and this is how they honour this match. As much as I would want Singapore to win the championship via results, I just feel that Thailand should now be banned from playing, and be disqualified from the competition. Oh heck, even for the next 2 competitions. Then again, even if nothing were to be done, I am sure that with this 2-1 first leg victory, the Lions are in a strong position to pick up their 3rd ASEAN Football Federation Championship. Go Lions!

So much has been happening between Singapore and Thailand, and this disgraceful incident just makes whatever positive relationship left sour. It does make one wonder if somehow these two issues were co-related. Hmm...