James Ng

Clarissa's New Blog

2012-02-09T11:45:00.000+08:00

Click Here!!!!!!!!!

Maroon Bells

2011-07-20T10:48:00.004+08:00

Prime Minister of Malaysia

2011-07-12T00:32:00.002+08:00

Prime Minister of Malaysia nominated for best actor award in Malaysia.

Biggest joke of the history of Malaysia, live on TV3

July 8

2011-07-08T01:14:00.003+08:00

Its July 8 already. I have been away from home for 17 days already. Time flies by so quickly.

I really hope that tomorrow's Bersih rally will go on smoothly. Hope that no ones gets injured by the police and other parties.

The government should not ban a clean and peaceful protest.

BN, its time for you to step back and look at what you have done to the people. You should realize that most of the people want you out and stop fighting for your own sake of power. Its time to let go, country comes first, not power.

A Malaysian in the States

Messy Room

2011-07-04T23:19:00.004+08:00

Before posting a picture of how my room should look like before there are inhabitants, let me show you what is a messy room

This is my bed

Our room (his stuff all over the place)

Aspen Festival Orchestra

2011-07-03T09:40:00.002+08:00

So, tomorrow's concert,

Aspen Festival Orchestra,

Robert Spano conductor,

Markus Werba baritone,

Vladimir Feltsman piano,

Eric Kim cello,

Sabina Thatcher viola,

Mahler Songs of a wayfarer,

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 Op.18

R. Strauss Don Quixote

MUST WATCH!!!!!!!

Part 3, Dubai to Houston

2011-06-26T10:51:00.010+08:00

So boarded the plane to Houston at 905 Dubai time, surprisingly most of the passengers are either Americans or Indians.

I had 3 seats or a row to myself because nobody was seated next to me, only the cello.

left

right side of me

That's right, red wine to accompany me, because I hardly slept on the journey to Dubai. After walking around in Dubai, it is morning again. Just in case you don't know, I can't really sleep during the day, especially when the sun rises, I will just open my eyes even though I am really tired. So, 187.5 ml of red wine did the job. I slept for two hours non stop.

I wasn't feeling that great on the journey, partly because I have not gotten a full good rest (at least 5 hours straight), my digestive system was wonky. I couldn't take much food in and was nauseous.

Looked at the flight information, 12 hours to go. I thought it might be bad. The only solution I have is to force myself to sleep as much as I could on the plane. It wasn't a very pleasant journey, seated two rows in front of me were a large Indian family who has a few small children who would just cry any second. Again, I had half an hour naps which did not help the situation at all.

I tried my best, eventually, 9 hours before landing, I felt much better already. Then I saw where we were heading to. We were going up the north pole, taking that route rather than travelling sideways on the globe.

Yup, my journey from Dubai, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Svalbard, finally flying down South to Greenland, Canada and to Houston.

Emirates airlines has these downward camera which allows you to see what is happening right below the plane.

Check these out:

That's right, ice rocks

Melting Ice, or Ice lake, I don't know

Come to think of it, if you have seen these Ice for yourself, you might want to do a little more to help reduce carbon emissions to prevent Ice from both poles to melt. More seawater, less land and freshwater. Human are just destroying themselves. Not a very smart thing to do, especially those who contributes so much to pollution.

So yeah, reached Houston at about 4.30 pm Houston time. Went through immigration.

OMG! So slack, they just asked me what I was doing here, showed them the I-20 form, they let me through. Stay at the airport for the whole night.

Trust me, never stay at IAH for a night. There are only two shops in the international arriving hall, one Starbucks, and one magazine shop. Starbucks is really cheap in the US, $3 for a cup of coffee (cheapest coffee). Bought some energy bars and some water for the night.

IAH has a terrible layout. 5 terminals plus a hotel connected by the bloody small inter-terminal train, which can only seat 12 people per ride. So small. No shops that are opened 24-7, limited seats and terrible information counters and limited seats.

They have a Marriott hotel which charges daily, not by hour. Bad business. $250 per day, even for a few hours, decided to stay at the lounge. Did not sleep for the whole night because of cello and luggage security. Loiter around with nothing to do.

And.....

No free Wifi, bad service. So if you want to travel via IAH, I advise you to change your booking at go somewhere else.

Next up, from Houston to Denver airport

Part 2

2011-06-24T13:03:00.005+08:00

Dubai International airport, great architecture. Temperature was warm though.

Enter to the transit door, went down two floors then went up 3 floors, amazing, like a maze.

If you like to shop for expensive stuff, choice first class, price 2nd class. Some of the most expensive stuff, 24 carat gold, watches above 50,000 AED, they don't even put a price tag on it. Meals were super expensive (Burger King, Starbucks etc...)

Burger King

1.15 AED = RM 1, do your calculations now.

Some of the restaurants use ipad 2 for their menus, isn't that cool? No more printed menu, using electronic devices and placing your order via Ipad.

Waited for 4 hours, finally got on to the plane to Houston airport (IAH) which will take approximately 15 and a half hours to get there.

I would say if you have a lot of money to spend, you should go to Dubai, it has everything expensive that you might want to buy, its the best place to spend millions of dollars there.

Next up, flight to Houston airport

Trip to Aspen Part 1

2011-06-24T12:39:00.005+08:00

So was at the airport by 10.30 pm to check in Emirates economy class. Had an over sized bag 26.5 kg, took out stuff and put in the second bag and checked in.

Really enjoyed walking in KLIA because of so many shops and food centres to choose from, unlike other airports especially at the States (continue reading in the next few post to find out). Saw people vomiting right before they board on plane.

Flight to Dubai was good, had a fat guy sitting next to me taking my armrest and my leg space since my cello was a bit bulky at the bottom.

The cello, just fit right into the seat

Resort to sitting like a girl (legs close).

Ate supper on the plane

yummy cheese! Emirates air has a variety of air hostess, from many countries so they speak many languages. The fat guy was snoring all the way through, had a German Asian lady who looks like Wang Ya Hui sitting in front of me.

Arrived at Dubai airport at 445 am Dubai time. Temperature was hot for night time, 32 degrees Celsius, walked around and saw many things.

Next post coming up soon!!

A Letter From Mr. Bean To Bill Gates

2011-06-19T00:43:00.000+08:00

My Dear Mr. Bill Gates,

I've bought a computer for my home and I've found some problems, which I want to bring to your notice:

1. There is a button 'Start' but there is no 'Stop' button. I request you to please check this.

2. One doubt is, whether any 'Re-Scooter' is available in System..? Cos I find only 'Re-cycle', as I own only a scooter.

3. I recently learnt 'Microsoft Word', now I want to learn 'Microsoft Sentence'. So, when will you provide that?

4. There is 'microsoft office', but what about 'microsoft home' since I use this at home only.

5. One personal question, how is it that your name is 'Gates' but you are selling 'Windows'; instead of 'Doors'..!! Awaiting Reply.

With best regards, Mr. Bean.

Updates

2011-06-16T02:30:00.000+08:00

Will be posting more updates soon!!!

Penang Food

2011-02-27T09:10:00.001+08:00

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Life, 20 years on, 50+ (hopefully) to live

2011-01-07T19:36:00.001+08:00

Should I think in the box and try to achieve what I have always wanted

Should I think outside the box and try to achieve whatever lies in front of me?

After that,

What should I do after I achieve one of those two above?

What's life?

2011

2011-01-02T18:57:00.003+08:00

One more year to go to 2012, end of the world????

I hope it will be a better year for me, not to say 2010 was a bad one but yeah, look at the positives.

Arsenal again on course for silverware this season.

2010 Reflections

2010-12-31T19:23:00.002+08:00

Spend CNY in Singapore with family

Finished my first year in Singapore

Played Mahler 2 with OMM

Bought myself a new cello case

Off to 2011, hope it will be as awesome as 2010!!!

Violin Octet

2010-12-30T19:41:00.002+08:00

Violin Octet by Carleen Hutchin (March 24, 1911-August 7, 2009).

Each instrument is based directly on the violin shape and its acoustical properties.

Instruments:

Treble Violin

Soprano Violin

Mezzo Violin

Alto Violin (vertical)

Tenor Violin

Baritone Violin

Small Bass Violin

Contrabass Violin

Found the Place

2010-12-28T10:55:00.001+08:00

Hahaha,

3-1 to the Arsenal!!!!

Best Christmas Present

2010-12-26T23:14:00.003+08:00

On the other hand,

DAMN FREAKING EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't worry, I will find the cheapest way back

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

No more Wed Morning Classes

2010-12-21T22:44:00.004+08:00

Passed SS with a super low mark

No more SS

Hahahahahaha

I can sleep more on Wednesday mornings

Another Christmas?????

2010-12-20T22:56:00.002+08:00

It will be another Christmas again.

This time it will be very very different.

Hope for the best.

Final day of my sem

2010-11-30T00:23:00.003+08:00

11 more hours to finish my semester.

Hahaha!!!

Great,

can't wait to go back to KL to see my family and friends!

Time to spend some time before going back to practice!!!

FOOOODDDD!!!!!

2 weeks

2010-10-29T20:31:00.001+08:00

2 more weeks to finish my assignments!!!!!!

I can do it!!!!

Toenail dropping off soon, only the side attached

Lets do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Malaysia in Singapore

2010-10-03T15:18:00.001+08:00

Went to a Malay Raya dinner last night, it was very entertaining.

I felt so Malaysian with the Raya music.

Hahaha

iConcert MPYO

2010-09-14T22:42:00.003+08:00

Come and support!!!!!!!!!

I am playing Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto with Dylan Lee

Mahler 1

2010-09-10T15:09:00.001+08:00

Mahler 1 is always one of the best symphonies,

I am glad that I am going to play it for the 2nd time in my life!

Looking forward to December

A-E-F-C-D-Bb-A

.....................................

Vincent 22nd Birthday

2010-08-28T01:41:00.004+08:00

Happy Birthday Vincent!!!!!

Known him since 3 years ago???

Thanks to Jebat Kee for the photos

We went to Brotzeit!!!

We had:

German beer

German Sausage

and Pork Knuckle(Yummy!!!!)

Ah, for mornings!!!!!!

2010-08-25T08:23:00.000+08:00

BUSY and BUSY and BUSY

2010-08-19T23:54:00.003+08:00

Here is an overview of my schedule:

Monday:

9-11 Classes

12.15-1.15-ish Noon recital

2-5 Orchestra

Tuesday:

9-11 Classes

2-3 Chamber Music Class

8-9 (possible) orchestra excerpts

Wednesday:

10-12 Singapore Studies

6-7 Chamber Music Studio Class

Thursday:

9-11 Class

6-9 Orchestra

Friday:

9-12 Classes

4-6 Singapore Studies tutorial

5-7(yes, what the heck) Cello Studio Class

Not too mention that I

need to practice at least 4 hours a day,

schedule a major lesson every week,

have at least 3 hours of chamber music practice every week,

SSO concerts to attend,

YST concerts to attend,

prepare for performances,

Do SS, Critical Thinking, History and Music Concepts and Materials assignment week in week out,

Finish at least 2 projects for each subject for a semester,

Prepare for exams in 12 weeks time.

I NEED TO BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Controversy over meal packs for YOG volunteers

2010-08-13T21:08:00.002+08:00

I am part of it!!!!

Shitty food!!!!!

From this source:

Local internet forums are buzzing over the sub-standard food being served to the volunteers at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
The issue surfaced after a volunteer snapped a photo of the meal and uploaded it onto his Facebook page.
According to the volunteer, a typical lunchbox consists of a piece of meat (fried chicken in this case), long beans, corn and white rice. Debate has raged on since the photo was posted on Tuesday.
Netizen Chris Liew, 33, an investment banker said, “Even if the meal was an isolated incident, such a logistics oversight of providing sub-standard meals to our volunteers should have been avoided at all costs.”
Another full-time NS man Leslie Wong, 20, who was stationed at the Marina Bay floating platform, was quoted on The Straits Times as saying, “One of the meals was a dry, tasteless piece of chicken with a few slices of carrot and soggy rice. I ended up throwing most of it away.”
Online socio-political website Temasek Review even had an anonymous volunteer comparing the bland meals to “dog food”.
Food for the volunteers is provided by Singapore Food Industries (SFI), a subsidiary of the Singapore Airport Terminal Services (Sats). Sats has confirmed that the meal in the picture above was indeed part of a meal that was provided to the YOG volunteers.
“We have received feedback from the workforce regarding the meals served. We take their feedback very seriously and have promptly taken action to improve and ensure that the portions and variety served will provide the workforce with a balanced meal,” said the Sats spokesperson.
YOG’s organising committee have also been quick to respond: “We are aware of the feedback (on the meal) and have taken immediate action. We will work with the caterers to continually improve the meal standards.”
YOG volunteers Yahoo! Singapore spoke to had a mixed experience.
20-year-old Audrey Ng, a volunteer at the National Sailing Centre had a better dining experience.
Ms Ng said volunteers there are given meal coupons they can redeem at various food vendors.
When asked if she’s been given lunch like the one pictured above, she said ‘no’.
“The food at the other venues seems lousy. Ours is not that bad and we have free flow of drinks here. I’ve heard from my friend that the food provided was quite bad on the first day of rehearsal but it’s getting better,’’ said Ms Ng.
But 21-year-old Md Raziman Sani, a full-time NS man activated to volunteer at the YOG floating platform, agreed that the food he’s being served is similar to the lunchbox pictured above.
“Our meal consists of rice that’s cold, vegetables and a meat usually chicken or fish. It’s nice and generally enough to fill us,” he said.
For dinner, volunteers are given free drinks such as a can of Coca-Cola, green tea or ice lemon tea. On top of that, they get a packet of wet wipes and dry tissue and once a week, they get ice cream.
“We also got vouchers from MacDonald’s and some Old Chang Kee vouchers,” said Raziman.

$3 Old Chang Kee voucher given to the volunteers at the Floating Platform.

Clearly, there are different caterers for different venues so standards vary.

And surely the YOG athletes at the Games Village are being treated to a different kind of feast.

So it would seem that the very least YOG organisers can do is ensure that Singapore’s own army of volunteers — many of whom are sacrificing their precious time — are well-fed and taken care of.

In Johor

2010-08-09T23:39:00.010+08:00

pictures from Lu Ee

We checked into Puteri Pacific Hotel,

the rooms were quite nice,

price almost the same in Kuala Lumpur.

But, never mind, Petrosains paid for it, I am grateful and happy.

The Lighting and the air cond

Me eating breakfast(all vegetables, yes EBEN)

Petrosains in JB state library(fun)

Me trying out the pressure thingy, bend the object and see its stress point

Spot my cello!!!!!

Sorry Dyl, Audrey's idea, I was performing as a subsitute cellist

FUN!!!!!!!!!!

Somebody was having a holiday all the way through and was falling sick because ... ate some hair in the Pizza

Journey to Johor, Encounter Outreach Program

2010-08-06T09:11:00.008+08:00

30th July, I traveled South to Johor Bahru for a Petronas education event to promote and introduce Classical music and its instruments to little kids and their parents alongside Petrosains.

It was a fun trip down(like a holiday for most of us).

So we headed to Johor by van, stopped by Ayer Keroh and saw a few 'nice' incidents.

First of all

4 people on a see saw?

Trying to destroy it?

They are not kids you know and they are quite .................. plump!!!

Next,

we saw

A public telephone booth without a telephone!!!!!

Malaysia Boleh!!

Must be somebody who vandalized the damn thing

We were quite bored until something appeared!!

Lets take a closer look

MONKEY!!!!

Yeah, one of my friends was trying to feed this monkey with....

not bananas,

but a pack of chips which he bought at the rest area.

Funny,

the monkey did respond,

too bad my friend was so bad at throwing, the monkey couldn't catch any of them,

and decided to jump around the trees.

Next up, At Johor!!!!!!

Good Service

2010-08-03T14:04:00.002+08:00

I submitted an online complaint about my wall light in PGP, it was not working well. Submitted the online report at 11 am, got the call back at 11.30am (can you believe it, no need 48 hours to respond, or 2 working days), asked whether I can let the technician in to fix my light, I was in YST that time, so had to arrange a time(2.00pm) for the guys to come and fix

Got back to PGP at 1.45pm, they called me again, came 2.00pm sharp, the light was done in 3 minutes.

THIS IS GOOD SERVICE!!!

Next,

My mattress

PGP

2010-08-01T21:50:00.002+08:00

Right now, I have just checked into Prince George Park Residences, I have quite a nice room, bed was damp so the whole room stinks. Cleaned up the whole room which was covered with 1 inch of dust. Going to YST tomorrow to put my cello and books.

It was nice to see Malaysians in PGP again, welcome all Malaysian Freshmen

Bye bye KL for a month and a half(hopefully)

2010-07-28T23:21:00.003+08:00

I am going to say goodbye to Kuala Lumpur, hoping to come back in September and enjoy the life here again.

I will miss my family, my house, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the life here as well as Malaysian KL

FOOOOODDDD

Hokkien Mee, I will definitely miss you. The black sauce, Singapore Hokkien Mee like ang mo, all white and yellow colour.

Maggi Goreng Ayam. I will miss the spicy taste of KL's maggi goreng mamak, as well as the ayam goreng. Singapore's Maggi Goreng has too much tomato sauce in it and it is not spicy(blek, not nice)

Malaysian rojak. Singapore's rojak really not nice, I don't know what they put inside, no prawn crackers, coconut stuff, even the kuah also not nuts, not spicy.

CENDOL!!!!!!!!!!!! The KL version(pic above), I really don't like the colour of the Singapore one(below), illuminating green??? I am afraid when I sleep at night I will see glow in the dark Cendol in my stomach.

BYE KL, I will miss you!

Chan Academy of Music Lvl 2 Opening

2010-07-26T22:54:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Mr. Chew Tjia Hwei for the photographer, here are some photos

Warming up before the concert

Mr. Chan Ling Chee, my first cello teacher

Sebastian Lee, Cello Duet

My 180 year old cello(Breton), well not exactly mine, but I am using it thanks for Mr. Rin's generous loan

Nicholas Choo on guitar

A couple of stands, a cello, a double bass and a stopper

Mr. Chan introducing me to the audience

Nicholas Cheng on the violin

Ray Aun on the cello

Marcelo Sonata for two cellos with basso continuo

Vivaldi Concerto for 2 cellos

Final applause(tired)

*Had fun playing in my hometown after a year in Singapore

Lee Young needs a haircut

2010-07-23T15:06:00.002+08:00

Do you prefer guys to have short hair

Long hair?

I have a friend who has not cut his hair for 7-8 months and looks like this now

so if you want to see him revert to his old hair style,

Please join this group

If we have 500 people, he will cut his hair. Currently we have 68 members, we need 432 more.

So, what are you waiting for, together we can make a change!!!!!!

Your help is much appreciated, thank you!

Bad Service

2010-07-21T16:36:00.002+08:00

Being a Malaysian, I can't stop but to complain about lots of companies that provided very very bad services for its customer.

It is all in the mentality, most of the company's vision is to make money, not providing good service.

Not all though...

Can you imagine(or perhaps you definitely have experienced it) doing something online, suddenly the connection just drops or you want to relax by listening to some music or comedy on youtube but it just doesn't load or load slowly(slower than a tortoise, try putting one on a hot cement floor during the afternoon, they walk very fast)

Cute, isn't it?

Can you imagine, if you are running an online business, doing something that requires fast transactions, incoming money every second, suddenly the connection just stops for an hour or two and it resumes, you call the company, yet they say its a minor breakdown or TECHNICAL ERROR(this is so famous).

I think they should reorganize their priorities, serve the customers well first before even collecting our money. Since we are paying such good money to them, most of us pay RM 50-100 per month for these services, yet they can't give us high speed and quality connection, even India has a faster connection than us, do not even compare Singapore, US and the UK, they are MILES ahead.

To be honest, these companies annoy the hell out of me because I am force to pay for their shitty services(including public transport, they can't even fix a damn leaking air-cond, or repair a broken chair, never on time, rude drivers who are suppose to give good service, bad routing etc......... you name it)

I am fed up with all these because I should deserve better quality service.

Thankfully not all are like that, Nuffnang so far has been the best, giving advertisers their gain, bloggers their money, a win win situation, everybody is happy.

Ramly Burger

2010-07-18T22:32:00.002+08:00

An introduction to one of the favourite burgers in Malaysia - the ultimate Ramly Burger

The Ramly burger, also known as burger Ramly, is a Malaysian burger created by Ramly Moknin.

While the amount and type of ingredients depend on location, a typical Ramly burger consists of two pieces of burger buns, chicken or beef patty(produced by Ramly), onions, cabbage, egg(optional, only in special burgers), margarine(normally spreaded on the bun), mayonnaise and chili sauce or ketchup.

Despite its popularity among Singaporeans, it is illegal to sell Ramly burgers in Singapore, thats why I just had two friends from Singapore and a friend from New Zealand who just can't stop praising how good was the Ramly burger.

Well, Malaysia is about a country with good but unhealthy food. If you come to Malaysia to have a diet, you came to the wrong place!!!!!!

According to various sources, the Ramly burger patty contains 180 kcal, and consists of 15 grams of FAT!!!!

Thats not even including the oil and the mayonnaise used

Well, you can do your own calculations!!

Anyway, I am still going to enjoy my

since I only got a life to live!!!!

Enjoy!!!!

Malaysia to bid for 2026 World Cup?

2010-07-15T23:05:00.003+08:00

According to Utusan Melayu:

Hasrat Malaysia untuk menjadi tuan rumah kejohanan bola sepak Piala Dunia 2026 bukan omong kosong, kata Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad.

Menurut beliau, cadangan tersebut merupakan satu usaha yang baik untuk pembangunan bola sepak negara.

Sehubungan itu, katanya FAM menyokong usul berkenaan sekiranya kerajaan berhasrat melaksanakan impian tersebut.

‘‘Bagi saya ia merupakan satu sasaran yang realistik, bukan sekadar omong kosong.

‘‘Saya menyangkal dakwaan yang menyatakan cadangan ini mengarut,’’ katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia, semalam.

Menurut Azzuddin, jika ada yang menyifatkan cadangan tersebut sebagai ‘angan- angan mat jenin’, itu adalah pandangan umum, di mana rakyat berhak untuk menyatakan pendapat mereka.

Jelasnya, penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Bola Sepak yang ditubuhkan oleh Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS), membuktikan keseriusan kerajaan bagi memajukan sukan tersebut, terutama dalam usaha melahirkan pemain berwibawa.

‘‘Kita perlu meletakkan sasaran, jika berhasrat untuk menjadi tuan rumah pada 2026.

‘‘Kita perlu ada program sokongan dan pembangunan semasa, bermula dari sekarang dan salah satunya ialah penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Bola Sepak,’’ ujarnya.

Beliau berkata, tiada yang mustahil jika kerajaan berhasrat untuk menjadi penganjur kejohanan tersebut, sekiranya perancangan yang disusun dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik.

Katanya, individu yang menjadi tulang belakang untuk menjayakan projek tersebut, perlu benar-benar berkaliber dan mampu melaksanakan tugas dengan penuh dedikasi.

‘‘Kita pastinya mahukan keuntungan dalam setiap program besar yang dilaksanakan, begitu juga dengan penganjuran Piala Dunia.

‘‘Jadi, kita perlu menyusun perancangan secukupnya dan mengambil iktibar kesilapan atau kesalahan lalu, bagi memastikan hasrat ini dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik,’’ katanya.

Azzuddin berkata, jangka masa 16 tahun sebelum 2026 amat relevan yang mana anak-anak yang berusia sekitar 8 hingga 12 tahun ketika ini, merupakan kumpulan sasaran untuk bakat mereka dibentuk.

Is he dreaming??????

Malaysia with a ranking of 150+, lower than North Korea, South Africa, Thailand, who gets thrashed 5-0 in most matches of their PRE-qualifying tournament in the world cup, who can't even beat Singapore, a nation of 4 million people with no land to build good football pitches?

None of current crop of Malaysian players playing in leagues elsewhere.

Bidding for 2026, waiting to be thrased by Brazil 8-0, Mexico 4-0 and maybe even New Zealand 4-0??????

A nation with no ardent supporters around

Getting out of the first round with no goals scored and trying to equal North Korea's poor show?

What are we trying to prove?

Go and fix your football systems before even thinking of hosting a World Cup event.

Even chicken can play better football

Singapore Woman Making Demands for Marriage

2010-07-13T12:09:00.005+08:00

Have you ever seen a girl making marriage demands?

Have you seen a Singaporean girl with typical Singaporean accent and personalities making demands?

I was on the MRT from City Hall to Buona Vista, coming back to PGP after the OMM Mahler 2

rehearsals.

Standing beside the door, I heard an engaged couple talking about their marriage plans, obviously the girl was dominating the situation because it is very difficult for the guy to say no when it comes to all these important matters. He just wants her to be please. After the proposal to somebody who has looks and body(erm...), you can't just say no to her demands.

Well, I think this is what you normally brand a Singaporean girl (Singaporean readers don't be offended, it is just some but not all of you have these mentality), the 5 C's of Singapore, namely

1)Cash

2) Credit Card

3) Car

4) Condominium

and

5)Country Club.

If you have these five, you have no problem getting a girlfriend in Singapore, even though you are damn busy or damn ugly, just throw them 3 pieces of credit card and s$10000 cash per day, you would probably get someone like one of these for life.

Even though you are not a Singaporean, Ang Moh better still...

Too bad, I have big ears, I was eavesdropping.

The girl asked the guy how many bridesmaids could she have, the guy asked her how many she wants, she said 6!!!!!

6!!!, holy shit!

She mentioned she wants all of them to dress differently, with the guy looking at her with his suddenly enlarge eyes like this

WTF!!!! Even the baby above agrees

'They pay their dresses?' he asked.

'Of course we pay la!!!!' the girl said.

Scene 2

The girl asked again what car are they using for their wedding.

The guy replied maybe he could ask one of his friends to drive them in their friends car, a Toyota or Audi maybe.

The girl snapped, 'I want a Mercedes SLK!'

The guy immediately replied OK, OK, we will rent one

The girl said ' why can't we just buy.'

If I were the guy, I would never ever marry to somebody like this unless I am already a multi millionaire by the time I am 30.

If you were a girl, always remember that the day when you marry is never that important, it is always who you marry and how do you live together in the later part of your life that is more important. If you constantly ask for such stuff, go marry one of the Malaysian minister's son, they have plenty of cash left in their bags.

No matter how much the guy loves you and how much he is willing to spend on you, he will always put his career first before you, unless he is already so successful that he just wants to spend the remaining of his entire life with you.

I would rather have cash in my bank, go for a honeymoon to some of these places

I hope that my mind won't change having to live in Singapore for another 3 years!!!

SleEP

2010-07-12T13:28:00.002+08:00

I need to sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after 2 nights of not having decent sleep.

Post Mahler concert- awake for most of the night till 6.30 am because of the adrenaline, woke up at 7.45 am, slept in the bus for like 2 hours.

Watched the World Cup final after that, slept at 5, woke up at 1, still not enough!!!!!

BACK TO SLEEP AGAIN!!!

David Beckham Visits a School

2010-07-08T14:04:00.000+08:00

David Beckham is visiting a school. In one class, he asks the kids in the class if anyone can give him an example of a ‘tragedy’.

One little boy stands up and offers that if my best friend who lives next door was playing in the street and a car came along and killed him that would be a tragedy.

“No,” Beckham says, “that would be an ACCIDENT.”

A girl raises her hand.”If a school bus carrying fifty children drove off a cliff, killing everyone involved….. that would be a tragedy.”

“I’m afraid not,” explains Beckham. “That is what we would call a GREATLOSS. ”

The room is silent, none of the children volunteer.

“What?” asks Beckham, “Isn’t there any one here who can give me an example of a tragedy?”

Finally a boy in the back raises his hand. In a timid voice, he says “If an airplane carrying David Beckham was blown up by a bomb, *that* would be a tragedy.”

Beckham beams. “Marvellous! And can you tell me WHY that would be a tragedy?”

“Well,” says the boy “because it wouldn’t be an accident and it certainly wouldn’t be a great loss.”

Jokes again

2010-07-04T11:52:00.000+08:00

A guy walks into a bar, and sees a 12 inch pianist playing a mini piano.

Amazed, he asks the bartender "Where did you get this guy from?"

The bartender replies "easy, I just rubbed this magic lamp, and made a wish. Here, try it for yourself."

So the man takes the lamp, rubs it, and says out loud "I wish for a millions bucks!"

POOF, all of a sudden the bar fills with a million ducks, quaking in unison.

Slightly agitated, the man yells at the bartender "I wished for a million bucks, not a million ducks!"

The bartender replied "you honestly think I wished for a 12 inch pianist?"

Nestle Fat Free Yoghurt????

2010-07-01T22:56:00.004+08:00

Thanks to my dear brother whom brain is so innovative for creating a Chocolate, nutty, tangy Nestle Fat Free Yoghurt which suppose to be almost tasteless but sour.

Ingredients:

1 Nestle Fat Free Yoghurt

1 slice of chocolate cake, no cream

A few nuts, I think it is Brazilian Nuts

A few slices of Orange

Yeah, he ate it.

Emmanuel Eboue

2010-06-30T22:53:00.003+08:00

Classic by Emmanuel Eboue, one of the funniest player in football!!!!

Palak Paneer

2010-06-29T23:25:00.002+08:00

Palak Paneer is an Indian dish consisting of SPINACH and paneer cheese in curry sauce. It is a very popular vegetarian dish.

Great Taste!!

Great Looks!!

Great Smell!!

Recipe

Ingredients:

Paneer

Fresh milk 1 litre

Lime juice extracted from 2 limes

Palak

Oil 3 Tbsp

Onions 2, big, sliced

Chilli Powder 1, Tbsp

Green chillies 3, sliced

Salt to taste

Spinach 1 kg, cut into 1 cm lengths

Water 180 ml

Garlic 3 cloves, sliced thinly

Ginger 2.5 cm knob, sliced thinly

Method:

1) To prepare the paneer, bring the milk to the boil and add in the lime juice. Allow the mixture to curdle. When the mixture has curdled, pour through a muslin cloth and squeeze dry.

2) Place something heavy over the muslin-covered paneer and set aside for 1 hour. Cut paneer into 1 cm cubes and set aside

3) To prepare the palak, heat oil in a pot. Fry onions until slightly brown. Add in the chilli powder, green chillies and salt. Stir well. Add in the spinach, water, ginger and garlic. Cover and cook until Spinach is soft.

4) Mash the cooked spinach and stir well. Add in the cubed paneer and let the mixture boil for 2 minutes.

- Best served with Naan or Chapati.

My favourite - Garlic Naan with chicken curry.

ABRSM Exams Guide

2010-06-28T20:48:00.007+08:00

Nervous taking ABRSM music practical exams?

Lack of confidence?

Don't Worry, here is a list of things one should be looking at to help you before and during the exams!!!!!

1) If you are taking your exam in 2 weeks and you think you are not fully prepared, don't worry. Find time to sit down and really practice. 2 weeks is enough to make a difference. Trust yourself to do the job.

2) Do not leave preparations to the last minute, cherish every second you have during this time period.

3) Take in advice and filter them according to your needs. Some teachers may give you a bashing for not playing well during classes. Use it as a motivation to work harder and take in their advice. Its not the end of the world.

4) Perform for friends and family. Yes, when you play in front of friends, its a totally different pressure(more pressure), you will get use to it and its very helpful during the exam time. You will know your strength and weaknesses.

5) Practice in front of an object which can be your cat, barbie doll, ultraman toy collections. Just tell them 'Listen to my playing'. Play through all your pieces and scales at one go(do not stop for mistakes) and you will notice more things that can go wrong during an examination.

Lastly, if you are feeling nervous, it means that you are not fully prepared for the exam.

Guides and hints for sections of the exam!!!

1) Pieces

- never let a mistake screw you up during the exam, just keep playing, the examiner might not notice it

- try to be as relax as possible during the exam, move your body accordingly, it helps with the expression and mood

- know your pieces inside out (yes, I mean inside out). There are chances that your mind will totally blank out during the exam. You have to rely on your muscle memory (it helps)

- take in advice, the audience usually hears something that the performer doesn't, just keep an open mind.

2) Scales

- although worth 21 marks ONLY, it is worth a shout if you can get 19 and above. Practice your scales slowly, better with a metronome.

- never play your scales too fast, play it in a moderate tempo. Its better to be steady and accurate and not fast and full of mistakes

- play it with shape. Shape it accordingly if it is ascending or descending

- practice your scales slowly. Intonation accuracy is a must.

- listen carefully. Limit bow change noise and avoid poor sound quality

- play with a good forte sound

- know your syllabus well (type of scale, key). It helps with your respond time.

3) Sight reading

- read your syllabus, know what is in your grade, e.g. compound time signatures, sight reading up to four flats and sharp etc...

- RHYTHM. Its mostly about rhythm, keep a steady pulse throughout the sight reading process, it might be slow but keep it steady

- take note of all markings in the score, both tempo and dynamics. If it states Largo, play it slow Allegro con brio, take it at a more lively tempo and character. Exaggerate your dynamic markings, make it prominent. The examiner will give bonus points for that

- if you make a mistake, do not hesitate, keep going, never turn back to fix something,

concentrate on what is ahead, mistakes are bound to happen, never let is affect you.

- stay calm at all cost

- don't be afraid to try out when you have the 30 seconds. You may discover some fingering patterns.

- observe articulation markings

- notice the phrasing

4) Aural

- be bold, sing or clap out loud

- if you do not understand the examiner, ask in a polite way, he or she will do everything to help you

- keep on listening, concentration is the key

- practice more aural sessions with your teacher

- be familiar with the common Italian terms

- keep a calm mind

Before examinations

* get enough sleep

* get a clear mind

* do not think too much about the examination, get some fun

* arrive at least 45 mins before the examination and get a chance to warm up, warm fingers are essential

* drink more water a day before the examination

* do not eat too much before exam

* dress properly

LASTLY,

Greet the examiner

Smile

Do all you need to do

HAVE FUN!!!!!(its not so bad afterall)

Me trying to be an examiner =)

ALL THE BEST!!!!!!

Nokia

2010-06-27T12:36:00.003+08:00

Recently, Nokia has offered free Ovi Navigation Maps to a few selected phones:-

*Nokia 97

*Nokia 97 mini

*Nokia 6710 Navigator

*Nokia X6

For those who owned

*Nokia 5800 Xpress Music(the one I am using)

*Nokia 5230

*Nokia E52

*Nokia E72

you can download the map and install the new Ovi Map.

Thanks to Nokia, I have GPS in my phone now having previously bought it last year.

Being a Tech nerd who focused so much time on music and football related stuff, I have just updated my software version from v 21 to v 50!!!!! YES, thats after a year of not updating.

After installing the new firmware, I downloaded the new Ovi map v 3.04, then downloaded the Malaysian and Singapore (I am studying there) maps.

They even have a selection of voices that you can choose from.

If you are a male, you can choose:

-French (female)*Oooh Lala

-Chinese (female)

-English UK (female) or

-English UK( male) *if you are gay

too bad, the one I am looking for was not there -English UK(female with French accent). This is a male, but he is funny enough. French accent~~~~

Yeah, the v 50 on my phone makes it better, though copying some of the iphone's technology such as the kinetics scrolling in the main and app menu.

Some other additions include:-

-music player improvements(hide option available, faster refresh)

-improvements to the camera quality

-option to enable history list in web browser

-option to send webpage via Bluetooth in the web browser

-Ovi Sync added

With its new kinetic scrolling, it makes scrolling much more easier and controllable (who needs an iphone?)

I am a staunch Nokia supporter having used Nokia phones for the past 6 years, since the ever-reliable Nokia 3310

I was using the 3315

which was another version of the Nokia 3310.

This phone is ever lasting, dropped into the toilet bowl, picked it up, clean in, dry it, still functionable.

Drop it from the second floor until all cover smashed, all the parts flying in all directions, put it back, still working.

Drop it on the floor 5 times in a row, STILL WORKING!!!!!

It never dies, until when it is old and unable to serve its customer.

I know somebody(who is quite famous, earns a 5 figure salary a month) who still uses the Nokia 3315 today!!!! Unbelievable!!!

Why Nokia?

Imagine if you put an iPhone there!!

Happy using Nokia phones!!!

Which one should I watch?

2010-06-26T12:00:00.004+08:00

Which one should I watch?

The Karate Kid?

Toy Story 3?

Ip Man. The legend is born?

Tough decision, help me decide before Monday.

Going to eat at Little Taiwan as well.

They have:

Toast with Garlic Butter. OMG!!!!

Rule No.1

2010-06-25T19:43:00.003+08:00

Never give up in achieving a goal, whether it is a personal goal of a World Cup match goal, just like the USA team.

Bravo to their fighting spirits!!!!!

Such a joy to watch when their spirits are high, even en route to a World Cup exit if they don't score.

Orchestra of the Music Makers

2010-06-24T20:03:00.002+08:00

Mahler 2: Resurrection

Chan Tze Law, conductor
See Ian Ike, violin
Jeong Ae Ree, soprano
Rebecca Chellappah, mezzo soprano
Queensland Festival Chorus
Singapore Festival Chorus

Date: 10 July 2010, Saturday
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Time: 7.30pm

MAX BRUCH Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 2 in C minor "Resurrection"

HSBC is proud to present recipient of the 2009 HSBC Youth Excellence Award, the Orchestra of the Music Makers conducted by Chan Tze Law, with Mahler’s Second Symphony “Resurrection” and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 in concert.

Gustav Mahler’s epic and invigorating “Resurrection Symphony” took six years to perfect and changed the musical landscape forever. Combining enormous orchestral forces with a massive chorus and two vocal soloists, the work takes the listener from solemnity to an apocalyptic conclusion, depicting earthly terror and heavenly glory. This is one of the most moving, uplifting and exhilarating symphonies ever written. The Orchestra of the Music Makers is joined by soprano Jeong Ae Ree, mezzo-soprano Rebecca Chellappah, the Queensland Festival Chorus and the Singapore Festival Chorus.

Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, with Singaporean violinist See Ian Ike as soloist, remains one of the most popular and lyrical Romantic concertos in the repertoire.

This is an event not to be missed!

Tickets at S$50, S$35, $27, S$18 and S$12 available at SISTIC.

Full ticket proceeds from this concert will be donated by HSBC to ChildAid.

Please come and watch, I am part of it.

Its going to be a big event!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blonde Jokes(no offense)

2010-06-22T20:40:00.004+08:00

Phoebe, a blonde city girl, marries an Australian dairy farmer. One morning, on his way out to check on the cows, farmer John says to Phoebe, "The insemination man is coming over to impregnate one of our cows today. I drove a nail into the 2 by 4 just above the cow's stall in the barn. You show him where the cow is when he gets here, OK?"

Then the farmer leaves for the fields. After a while, the artificial insemination man arrives and knocks on the front door. Phoebe takes him down to the barn.

They walk along the row of cows and when she sees the nail, she tells him, "This is the one... right here."

Terribly impressed by what he thought just might be another dizzy blonde, the man asks, "Tell me lady, how did you know this is the cow to be bred?"

That's simple. By the nail over its stall," Phoebe explains very confidently.

Then the man asks, "What's the nail for?"

She turns and walks away, and with complete confidence, says, "I guess it's to hang your trousers on."

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A blonde goes into the world wide communication center.
She wants to send a message to her mother in Poland.
When the man tells her it will be $300 she says loudly,
"I don`t have any money... But I would do ANYTHING to get a message to my mother in Poland."
The man says "ANYTHING" ?
The blonde says "Yes... ANYTHING".
The man says, "Follow me."
He leads her to the next room and tells her, "Come in and close the door." She does.
He then says, "Get on your knees."
She does. He then says, "Undo my zipper."
She does.
He then says, "Go ahead... Take it out."
She takes it out and takes hold of it with both hands.
The man says, "Well go ahead!"
She brings her mouth closer to it, and while holding it close to her lips, she says, "Hello, Mom ?"

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A blonde goes into work one morning crying her eyes out.

Her boss, concerned about his employee's well being, asks sympathetically, "What's the matter?"

The blonde replies, "Early this morning I got a phone call saying that my mother had passed away."

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Why don't you go home for the day... we aren't terribly busy. Just take the day off to relax and rest."

The blonde very calmly explains, "No, I'd be better off here. I need to keep my mind off it and I have the best chance of doing that here."

The boss agrees and allows the blonde to work as usual. "If you need anything, just let me know," he says.

A few hours pass and the boss decides to check on the blonde. He looks out over his office and sees the blonde crying hysterically. He rushes out to her, and asks, "Are you going to be okay? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No," replies the blonde, "I just got a call from my sister, and she said that HER mom died too!"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A blonde began a job as an elementary school counselor and she was eager to help. One day during recess she noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other.

The blonde approached and asked if she was all right.

The girl said she was.

A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the girl was in the same spot, still by herself. Approaching again, Sandy offered, "Would you like me to be your friend?"

The girl hesitated, then said, "Okay," looking at the woman suspiciously.

Feeling she was making progress, the blonde then asked, "Why are you standing here all alone?"

"Because," the little girl said with great exasperation, "I'm the goalie!"

Alien Juice

2010-06-20T22:57:00.003+08:00

What is better than having lunch with a nice Smoothie?

Tired of Chocolate Smoothie? Strawberry Smoothie? Mango Smoothie?

Try----

ALIEN JUICE!!!!!!

Recipe:-

*2 baby cucumbers

*2 baby bitter gourds, seeds removed(Oh Yes, Me Like!!!!!)

*a bunch of young watercress

*a few springs of mint leaves

*an apple

Optional ingredients: -

*frozen mango

*banana

*spinach

*lemon juice

YUMMY!!!!!

GOOD FOR BODY DETOX!!!!

NO MORE CONSTIPATION!!!!

ONE GLASS A DAY, KEEPS THE CONSTIPATION AWAY!!!!!!

Popper!

2010-06-20T00:36:00.003+08:00

This is killing my eyes, especially if you are reading No. 26

But I still owe so much to this guy!

Post camp trauma

2010-06-18T11:09:00.003+08:00

June 5-16/17 has been a wonderful time for me hanging out with my dear friends, having a great time with the vegetables part of it and some random jokes.

After this 13 days of joy and fun, I picked up my cello once again just to find out that I cant even play a scale in tune.

There you go again, the words of my teacher ring into my head "If you are studying in London, would you go back to Malaysia to play in an orchestra for a week and come not prepare for the lesson? Your intonation is shit, cant even play a tune properly."

Yes, till today. I still think about it. After spending two weeks of playing in an orchestra, one's technique and musicality would have taken its toll due to the nature of orchestra playing, not paying details to the intonation and sound quality because so often we can't hear ourselves.

When the conductor wants more sound, we often have to sacrifice the right technique and sound quality to give in the demands of our maestro.

Camps are fun, but tiring. I have to take at least 2 days before my body recovers fully, muscles feeling fresh again, ready to practice. That sums up to two weeks not able to improve and be a better musician(as a soloist or whatever) and another few days to get back into shape and restart the routine.

It means that I have wasted a month and a half in a year struggling with orchestra duties.

Well, back to reality, if I want to enjoy the fun of camp, I really have to sacrifice all these things.

Next on the list...........................

SCALES!!!!

6

2010-06-17T17:40:00.002+08:00

Its going to be 6 in about 6 hours.

Its gonna be 6 o clock soon

Camp is over, needa get some rest and back to work.

6, yes

its a very memorable 6,

i love u

6 letters

Jokes

2010-05-28T11:21:00.001+08:00

A married couple went to the hospital to have their baby delivered. The doctor said that the hospital was testing an amazing new machine that would transfer a portion of the mother's labour pain to the baby's father. He asked if they were interested. Both said they were very much in favour of it.

The doctor set the pain transfer to 10% for starters, explaining that even 10% was probably more pain than the father had ever experienced before. But as the labour progressed, the husband felt fine and asked the doctor to go ahead and kick it up a notch. The doctor then adjusted the machine to 20% pain transfer. The husband was still feeling fine. The doctor then checked the husband's blood pressure and was amazed at how well he was doing. At this point they decided to try for 50%. The husband continued to feel quite well.

'' this is fuck all '', thought the husband and he encouraged the doctor to transfer ALL the pain to him. Soon after, the wife delivered a healthy baby with virtually no pain and the husband had experienced none. They were both ecsatic.

When they got home they found the Milkman dead on the porch.

Holiday!!!!!

2010-05-27T13:20:00.002+08:00

Holidays are the best time to practice--- So true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can wake up at 11 in the morning, facebook till 12, start practicing, have lunch at 1.30, start practicing again at 2.30 until I want to stop, facebook again, practice again, eat, practice, play games, facebook, eat, practice, eat, sleep, facebook, practice, games, games, practice, facebook, sleep, basically anything I want to do.

SO FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soon, counting the days.

homework-2 down, 8 to go

days- 9

MPYO

2010-05-25T14:22:00.000+08:00

Woohoo, Mpyo camp in 11 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep

2010-05-22T18:08:00.002+08:00

Its amazing how the quality of my sleep in Singapore is better than Malaysia, I don't know why.

Probably the reason is Malaysia has insomnia therapy class(Dr. E).

I don't think so.

Its makes me cranky the whole day long. Sorry

Today

2010-05-21T23:56:00.002+08:00

Today I went out with my old friend TJ. We have known each other since 8? more than half of my life, he hasn't change a bit, still my long old good friend.

I wonder how somebody can work in an environment full of smoke+air cond. Its just terrible. Never mind, we had fun anyway. I promise I won't go in again.

There is always a difference when a particular race owns or runs a shop, the food will never be authentic and it will always be cooked half-heartedly, not to mention it is supposedly German food, but what can you expect.

Finally had my ciku fruit during dinner. I bought it from KLCC on May19th when I met up with you know who(yes, its her). Waited for two long days for it to ripe and finally cut open and ate it. I was wondering why the fruit can't grow any bigger, its so small, yet so tasty. I will be licking my lips even more if it is the size of a coconut.

I have a dilemma which even puzzled TJ. I recently bought a router. After setting it up, my house desktop can't sign in into hotmail, my bro's laptop can't sign in into hotmail and can't load youtube, but I can do all of those. If connected straight to the modem, they can all log in or load what they can't.

Funny?

BACK IN MALAYSIA

2010-05-17T23:32:00.002+08:00

Yes, I am back in Malaysia after a long and extended semester in Singapore.

Now I kind of miss YST and the Singapore environment, but..... it is such a pleasure to work and practice at home. No stress and I am able to work at my own pace.

A big THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to all those who surprised me on my birthday, especially Clarissa and Andrew who went all the way to Clementi to get me a chocolate cake. YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you guys!!

Thanks to those who wished me on Facebook as well, some really old friends and some unknown people as well. Hahaha.

This is really the first time such a large number of people wishing me happy birthday.

Went to Sentosa island as well during the small "break". Enjoyed walking with you by the beach, soaking our feet in the sea water, looking at turtles who apparently looked like me, getting sun tan and spent our money on luge and skyrides. I wish I had more time to go to a holiday further away from the equator.

Soon, I can hear New Zealand calling...

Something that really surprised me as well, I haven't fully unpack all my stuff yet. The two suitcases are still lying on the floor in the living room and more than half of my stuff are still in those suitcases. Hahaha. Must have been the holiday mood affecting all my normal functions.

Finally tasted Malaysian food as well, can't tell you how much difference there is between Malaysian and Singaporean food. The sauce and all that. Bought two coconuts for the price of 5 Ringgit, unlike Singapore 2 coconuts for 5 dollars, 2.35x the price here.

Anyway, I am so out of sorts now, not having a routine here. I am just going to enjoy the rest of my vacation here.

Bill Gates Vs Volkswagen!!!

2010-05-07T09:09:00.000+08:00

At COMDEX recently, Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If Volkswagen had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."

In response to Bill's comments, Volkswagen issued a press release stating: If VW had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull over to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive, but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again, because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. Oh yeah, and last but not least . . . you'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off!

Holiday!!!

2010-05-05T00:20:00.001+08:00

I am so busy during Holidays, lots of unfinished stuff.

Started packing to go back home, can't wait to see my mum and dad and my little brother(not that little), maybe I should give him a nickname called Tiny if you know what I mean.

Semester Done!!!

2010-05-03T23:44:00.002+08:00

Finally done with the semester even though homework is due tomorrow at 10 am, but I have already submitted it, so no more worries.

Looking forward to YOG, having fun with MPYO members again(late night suppers, oh yeah).

Going to do lots of things, packing, bow rehairing, buying books, rosin for friends, holiday and stuff......

Looking forward to eating outside school tomorrow..

New Music

2010-04-28T10:24:00.004+08:00

This coming Friday, I will be playing Thatchatham Silsupan's new work, called Transitory Study 2, for his senior recital. This is my first time playing a new music work as an ensemble and but not the first time premiering a new music work.

Listen to this:

Issac Chia's 50%

I like it!!!!

All the best on Friday!!

So nice to be done with jury

2010-04-26T23:46:00.002+08:00

Now, I can relax more and practice at a slower pace.

PD peer review form is utter bullshit, how are we suppose to rate our own group members from 1-10?

Waiting for all of the stuff to be done with, especially MCM.

All the best for you tomorrow!!!! You will be fine!!!!!!

DONE WITH JURY

2010-04-25T01:23:00.002+08:00

Finally, done with Jury. Played OK.......
Quite satisfied with myself, could have done better though, now I can relax and...

1) Start to organize Final Project rehearsals, no more "I can only make it 2-3 pm" I swear to kill you if you try to twist our time to suit yours.

2) Start to throw some of the unwanted things in my room

3) Get a few scores from the library to photocopy(Malaysian mah.....)

4) Call home more often.......

5) Plan where to eat and go out, I seriously need to a little visiting in Singapore

6) Find out how much time left before YOG rehearsal starts

7) Do my useless PD peer review thingy

8) Sleep more

9) Start packing my bags

10) Play more games, Yes DUNCAN

What were you thinking?

2010-04-21T15:20:00.000+08:00

A first-grade teacher, Ms Anna (Age 22 ) was
having trouble with one of her students.
The teacher asked the boy, 'what is your problem?'
The boy answered, 'I'm too smart for the first-grade.

My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is!
I think I should be in the third-grade too!'

Ms Anna had enough. She took the boy to the principal's office.
While the boy waited at the reception of the office, the teacher
explained to the principal what the situation was.

The principal told Ms Anna he would give the boy a test
and if he failed to answer any of his questions.
He was to go back to the first-grade and behave.

The boy was brought in and the conditions were
explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: 'What is 3 x 3?'
Boy: '9'.
Principal: 'What is 6 x 6?'
Boy: '36'.

So it went with every question, the principal thought a
third-grade should know.The principal looks at Ms Anna
and tells her, 'I think this Boy can go to the third-grade.'

Ms Anna says to the principal, 'I have some of my own questions,
can I ask him?' The principal and Boy both agreed

Ms Anna asks, 'What does a cow have four of that
I have only two?

Boy: after a moment 'Legs.'

Ms Anna: 'What is in your pants that you have
but I do not have?'

Boy: 'Pockets.'

Ms Anna: 'What starts with a C and ends
with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid'?

Boy: 'Coconut'

Ms Anna: 'What goes in hard and pink then comes out
soft and sticky'?

The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop
the answer, the boy was taking charge.

Boy: 'Bubblegum'

Ms Anna: 'What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting
down and a dog does on three legs'?

The principal's eyes open really wide
again and before he could stop the answer..

Boy: 'Shake hands'

Ms Anna: 'Now, I will ask some who am I sort of questions, ok?'

Boy: 'Yep.'

Ms Anna: 'You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get
me up. I get wet before you do.'

Boy: 'A tent'

Ms Anna: A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're
bored. The best man always has me first.

The Principal was looking restless and a bit tense He took one
large Vodka peg.

Boy: 'Wedding Ring'

Ms Anna: I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When
you blow me, you feel good.

Boy: Nose

Ms Anna: I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates.
I come with a quiver.

Boy: Arrow

Ms Anna: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' that means
lot of heat and excitement?

Boy: Fire truck

Ms Anna: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' & if you
don't get it you have to use your hand.

Boy: Fork

Ms Anna: What is it that all men have one of. It's longer on
some men than on others, the pope does not use his,
and a man gives it to his wife after they are married?

Boy: Surname

Ms Anna: What part of the man has no bones but has
muscles, lots of veins and loves pumping?

Boy: 'Heart'

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the teacher
'Send this boy to Stanford University, I myself got all the
answers wrong'.

5 more days to freedom

2010-04-19T23:57:00.003+08:00

When my jury finishes on 24 April, I am completely a free man. Never mind the MCM and CAM projects. I am willing to do those after my jury.

Now, I shall only practice in the mornings and afternoons to not risk myself any form of overwork injuries or fatigue which I had experienced a few days ago. I feel fine now, just need to fine tune a few things and I think I am quite ready for my jury.

I have extra pocket money this coming week too, earning a bit being a cellist accompanist for somebody. I should be playing for Big's composition senior recital on April 30th as well, new music.................... But I don't mind.

I just found out that so many people are really against A, and he himself doesn't notice it. Applied for vacation stay for the Youth Olympic Games period. Fine of 20++ because we didn't know we had to apply. I hope I get the same room which I am living in right now.

Sigh......................5 more days. I should plan where to go to relax after my juries. Not to mention I have to get a few music scores(photocopy) when I am free.

Its just another 5 days.....

Looking forward to tomorrow!!!! What day is tomorrow???????

I don't know??????????????

Maybe it is "just" a day that is closer to April 24.....

OOH YEA!!!!!!

Somebody please fix the few tiles in front of my locker. Its so irritating. Idiot building manager

Random

2010-04-17T13:05:00.001+08:00

Feels so good resting now.

Maybe somebody should arrange this for a few pianos:

John Stump, Death Waltz

My Arm Again

2010-04-16T23:55:00.002+08:00

Should have taken precautionary steps, now I have to rest for the Weekend, then prepare 2 days for next major class. I know today I was not close to be playing at my best, muscle fatigue is the issue.

I should rest more and stop worrying, hope that everything will go by well.

Maybe I should adopt the spirit of this story:

There is a guy name A who likes to make this girl, B laugh. B likes to listen to her laughter and couldn't stop laughing. B has a friend, C who likes to listen to B's laughter and laugh together with her. So A will tell some lame jokes to make B laugh, and C will laugh together with B. Upon listening to C laughing, B will continue laughing. With B laughing, A will start to join in the laughter as well

Such a happy family.

That is what I encounter quite frequently, but I am neither of them.

I am D, who couldn't appreciate their laughter, so I stay away from them.

Roman Numeral Analysis

2010-04-13T23:41:00.002+08:00

After doing that for most of the year since I came to Singapore, I must tell you that I am relieved that my analyzing days are numbered already. One more test on Thursday and one more for the final project, that's it for the first year.

Spending 48 hours++ during this two semester doing RNA is not a good thing actually. I started to hate doing it because it is so repetitive. Sometimes I feel if we analyze too much of RNA, we may get use to analyzing it in how we interpret our music by determining the types of chords, e.g. major, minor , diminished etc.

I personally think that music should not be analyze through chords to determine the expression and mood but rather feel the whole phrase. I maybe wrong, but that is what I feel as a musician. Many people like to dwell on chord qualities rather than enjoying every different sensation. I mean different keys(different frequencies) have a different effect even though it is of the same scale or pattern. So I believe by doing RNA, we just have to know the composer's harmonic progression rather than analyzing the feeling and character through Roman Numeral Analysis.

To those who make my classes interesting on every Tuesday and Thursday, thank you for your eagerness and enthusiasm to "share" the knowledge by trying to outsmart each other and trying to analyze every dot on the page. This helps my life so much because there is always those few voices which are so "helpful" and I don't have to analyze any chords after all.

"Bravo" to the spirit!!!!!!

Practice Room 12 For This Week

2010-04-12T22:52:00.002+08:00

My arms are about to fall off after practicing. Yes, after hours and hours of practicing.

Last Friday, I was a minute late when I wanted to book practice rooms. When I logged on(successfully), all the rooms in the afternoon were taken and I had to settle for Room 12 in the evening.

Room 12 is known for "The Room" that nobody likes to practice in because in that particular room, lives a particular resident, a.k.a Ter........................x. She never leaves the room, put clothes, shoes, food, medicine, blanket, jacket sprawling across the room. It has a stench in it, and the air-cond is not cold enough.

Being such a slow person, I had to succumb using that room in the evening, spending a few hours with that horrible stench and vast amount of property not belonging to me. She is a nice person though.

Sometimes I wonder how somebody can be so thick face using a room somebody has booked, standing in the center of the room, looking at himself in the mirror, playing some out of tune notes, not realizing that the right owner of that room has to practice in a tiny little corner, suffering from being nice to not shoo the other people in the room.

To those lazy assholes, please go get your own room or ask before you use my room, not barge in like a "princess" stealing the limelight with your butt facing me!!!

Funny Pics from NUS Part 1

2010-04-11T23:28:00.006+08:00

From Overheard at NUS group on Facebook:

Very Singaporean

Toilet only for Superman

Work, work, and more work

2010-04-10T02:51:00.003+08:00

I have so much to do(practice), yet so little time.........

I have to:

-practice Elgar Cello Concerto 1st movt, first line(chords not good enough), second page(not happy enough), (bow distribution not good), (vibrato not diverse and powerful)......

-2nd movt (change technique, more focus sound, more left hand)

-Popper Etude No.9(so many double stops and finger shifting like a spider)

-Bach Suite No.2 Prelude and Allemande(try to memorize)

All for Monday...........

-Beethoven Sonata Op.102, No.1 C major, 2nd Movt(studio class)(not perfect yet)

-Scales for Jury.

Yet, I have no time on Saturday afternoon, Sunday evening with OMM reading.

Screwed?

Not really. I will give my best shot.

Lesson was good on Wed, now I just have to be better.

For academics stuff:
-Dr. Koo's homework(do last minute, means after lesson on Monday)
-Fantasia(done, hopes meeting will be brief, everybody coming fully prepared and not full of trouble)
-CAM Research Paper(75% done, just don't bother about it, the last assignment won't improve my grade, screw it, just hand in next week)
-PD Reflections?????(He doesn't know, so I don't bother to know also, screw it)

13 FREAKING MORE DAYS TO JURY, YET TO PLAY MY BACH WELL!!!!!!!!!!!

Till then......

Sorry to All

2010-04-07T22:29:00.002+08:00

First of all, I would like to apologize for pulling out of the plans in the last minute.

I know this have ruined the supposed plan to Redang for a holiday for most of you, but I have to.

To David who helped us all organize the whole trip, it was really nice of you to sacrifice your time to make sure we have a holiday after a long and tiring camp in June. I am very grateful of you for being thoughtful and you could have paid the deposit first to book a place for us, luckily you did not.

I am the one to be blame for my actions, not anyone else. It just so happened that my parents who gave me the green light weeks ago decided to call me one night and tell me to cancel my trip citing safety reasons. I can't blame them because this year is definitely not a good year for my family(at all) and with some of the accidents that happened past few months regarding safety issues on tourism have definitely got into my parents' minds.

I just have to be grateful that I have such caring parents to look after me even though I am 350 km from home. My parents just want me to be safe. Of course I am very very disappointed for not able to join you guys to Redang. My parents are disappointed to see their son not happy too. Again, the most important part is this is not fair for David to kill the plan since he did all the work to make this happen. I will never disobey my parents order to make the plan work because whatever happens to me, they will never be able to forgive themselves.

So back to the point, it is my fault that I never triple check with them, hence this has happened.

It was just like driving on a road at 100 km\h and suddenly the traffic lights turn red and I have to pull the emergency brake to avoid hitting the car coming from the junction. Luckily time was wasted and not money.

But we can opt for another holiday, somewhere nearer and this time, I will make sure that I will triple check with my parents before giving the answer.

Really really sorry for all the trouble, I really do give a shit about what you are doing.

Quartet Woes

2010-04-06T00:04:00.002+08:00

When 4 people working as an organization which involves emotions as a group together have some problems, how do we solve it?

1) Solve it professionally, not affecting relationship of being friends?
2) Solve it in a friendly manner, which may affect friend relations?

It is such a dilemma that my quartet, which I think is a pretty successful one, in terms of collaboration between so many countries and personality, not even touching the issue of being a good performing group uses the second way to solve our problems.

Problems always arise when there are some communication problems that always include the way to think of a piece, how to interpret it, technically and musically, what to rehearse and stuff like that.

If only we can be more professional and remember what we have said, learned, and experience as group, the relationship between the four of us can be much better.

There are some quartet mates whom never speak to one another because they hate each other, but they never show when they are performing, nor try to create a mutiny to force resignation on some members.

We should organize all our plans better, schedule good rehearsal times, practice our own parts, come prepared, give equal quantity and quality ideas and point out each others mistakes and most importantly feel the music together. That will be ideal.

Online harassment happens, we need to stay together to get through this difficult period of time. No matter what, nobody can do any sort of harm to you. Time will heal all these, although it will teach us all a lesson on security, online or in the real world.

Singapore Symphony Orchestra(April 3rd)

2010-04-04T09:56:00.002+08:00

The audience were so annoying, they start clapping before the conductor finishes, between movements and were so rude, talking and giggling loudly during the performance.

There are a few reasons:

1) The dress code is inappropriate for this kind of event, it doesn't reflect the seriousness and professionalism in attending an evening Classical music concert.

2) The ushers are not stern enough to help control the situation.

3) The building is class, the concert hall is class but the atmosphere itself is not class. People go there not to seriously listen and enjoy music but to fool around. Can't you save your talks and giggles after the performance?

Another noticeably annoying thing is the stage crew who took a century just to arrange the chairs of the orchestra before the Piano Concerto. They looked fat and slow, clumsy, disorganized. So many stage crew, yet so slow. They should be sent to work with another organization such as selling Chicken Rice in a famous shop, that will speed up their work rate.

At last, BRAVO to Huseyin Sermet. Wonderful playing, although some of the audience again, do not appreciate the expression you portray.

My room is clean

2010-04-01T17:49:00.002+08:00

Going to watch a movie tomorrow.

Doing my laundry now, cleaned my room, threw away unnecessary stuff, eat dinner then go back to school to practice.

Finally, my room is clean

Anyway, my room has a lot of food. I must finish it before the end of the semester.

I have:
1) 3 packs of Mamee Monster
2) 1 pack of Loacker's Quadratini Dark Chocolate(nyam nyam)
3) 8 Nature Valley's Crunchy Granola Bar
4) 4 Cowhead Cheese Sandwich Crackers with calcium
5) 27 pieces of Oreo's Double Delight Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cream
6) One box of Chinese New Year cookies
7) Lots of Milo and Cadbury Chocolate Drinks

Please tell me how to finish it.

Not to mention, somebody left a huge chunk of Ba gua in my room.

Going to get fat!!!!

Griffith Trio Masterclass

2010-03-31T22:19:00.000+08:00

Just had a masterclass with Griffith Trio. Here is a write-up of them:

The Griffith Trio has been presenting concerts around Australia, Asia and the Pacific for over a decade. Formed in 1997 as Ensemble –in –Residence at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, the trio is comprised of three of the Conservatorium’s teaching staff committed to the high level performance and teaching of chamber music. Their performances, recordings and broadcasts are regularly heard on local and national radio and have been widely acclaimed for the vitality of their music-making. Their broad repertoire covers the Classical and Romantic masterpieces for trio in addition to a range of 20th century music including music commissioned from Australian composers such as Andrew Schultz, Gerard Brophy, Louise Denson and Vincent Plush. The trio has released five CDs recordings with a sixth (of Haydn trios) to be released in 2010. The trio maintains a busy performance schedule again this year including concerts in Singapore and a residency at the Beijing Conservatory in April.

We had a masterclass with the pianist Stephen Emmerson. Different to the previous masterclass we had with Kam Ning, he shared with us some tips of playing the piece in a lighter way, discussing about how we should be thinking in small phrases rather than interpreting it as a strong first beat, weak second and third beat scherzo. It made the "story telling" more convincing by bringing out how the hemiola works against the normal triple meter time, and how some phrases could have more character in it.

As usual, some people from the "big country" are not serious about learning. Their mindset is often screwed up, sometimes throwing big chances away, because they think they are the best and nothing interest them anymore. Sometimes, it is so frustrating that by performing, we want to show the humanities in playing an instrument, expressing feelings, but to most of them, they just want precision, technique and capability to play in time. Programmed into their head, there is no possible way change their thinking.

"The sixteenth notes must be clear"

Thats one of their responses to the character of the piece.

Another Day

2010-03-30T21:48:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow my string quartet might have to play in a class for Griffith Piano Trio. It is a good opportunity for us to play our Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 44, no. 2, 2nd movement as we have worked on it for quite some time.

Watching a video on Ralph Kirshbaum's masterclass in London now.

Click Here.

Last semester, I used to get a practice room at night at Yong Siew Toh but I don't know why it is so difficult to get one this semester.

Going to get some pictures from my old Friendster account and post it up on Facebook.

Youth Olympic Orchestra

2010-03-29T22:54:00.002+08:00

So, here is a vague explanation(not confirmed) of what are we doing for the Youth Olympic Orchestra event in May and August:

We are going to record a newly commissioned work for this year's Youth Olympic games during May, starting on May 9, Sunday right till May 14, Friday. Rehearsal sessions will hopefully start in the afternoon till late evening, two sessions each day(not promised).

This recording will be made so that the other performers(dancers, whatever.......) will be able to rehearse for the opening event of the Youth Olympic games. Meanwhile, it will be played on the opening ceremony and the orchestra will have to act playing it because we can't possibly hear the orchestra even though with mics. The arrangement of the seating is yet to be confirm because we might have different types of traditional instruments in the orchestra.

This organizing committee is the same as the others which have organized the Olympic games, which means one of the most professional organizations in the world, working with world-class technicians and engineers.

Other than recording the sound track for the opening event, the Youth Olympics Orchestra has to perform in a concert in Esplanade, consisting of pieces such as Dvorak 9th symphony, Torke's Javelin and many others(to be confirmed). This concert will be held in August(exact date unknown).

The whole orchestra will consist of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music students, Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Singapore National Youth Orchestra as well as students from Peabody and England, although they will only be in Singapore for the August event, not for the May recording session.

Interested?????

I FINALLY DECIDED TO BLOG!!!!!!

2010-03-28T20:43:00.002+08:00

After a year lapse of blogging, I decided to return to the blogging world because i just felt like it today(maybe I am quite free today).

A friend of mine who is currently studying in University of Tasmania just chatted with me on MSN this morning. He told me that the living expenses there is unbearable, so he asked me whether I cook since we share pretty much the same situation, living alone without our families.

I had no problem purchasing food in campus due to the fact that we get a hefty chunk of discount(yes, even a dollar a meal less is still a lot). Basically, spending less than 10 Singapore dollars a day is not a big deal here. He told me that if he needs to buy edible food, he has to fork out at least 5 Australian dollars per meal. Even though on campus food is quite bad(bad taste, weird taste), I still eat just to live on. Occasionally, I might just get out of my campus to get some better quality food (rare in Singapore).

Sometimes, the only way to survive eating all these food without being sick is eat less, not in terms of quantity but in a better way, variety. Sandwiches for lunch is actually better and healthier compared to some shit rice(not clean).

Cost of living is always a dilemma for everyone. Its just how we manage our own time, schedule, money and choice.

If I want to save my money, I can eat:

Nasi Padang for both lunch and dinner: $4.40 per day(weekday)
Subway(one foot): $ 7 (on weekends)

That is around $160 per month on food.

If I follow this routine, I will
1) get sick
2) lose 10 pounds in a month

So, I will just stick to my normal routine of spending less than $8 per day on weekdays and hope that I can spend a bit more on weekends