My Psy-tiphic world

A Really Merry Christmas…

2011-12-25T21:48:00.000+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Well, I had one of the best Christmas as well. Met so many friends during the 全球慈青日, and I get to use English so frequently without anyone complaining about my accent, talked to a dear friend for a long long time, and got some very nice gifts from home, as well as a surprise gift of a second monitor for my use.

It’s a blessing to know so many people, to receive so much love from everyone. Thanks.

Taroko National Park

2011-12-19T21:37:00.000+08:00

A visit to the Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) during the autumn is beautiful. It’s the closest experience with nature and its beauty. Water from deep mountains is so clean, so pure, you can really see that it’s blue…

In order to encourage more visitors, some paths are created for visitors to walk through. Due to this reason, you may experience some water dripping on top of your head, and in some areas, you may observe increased risk of getting hit by a rock.

There has been several cases of deaths due to falling rocks. So during typhoon or heavy rain, visitors are strongly discouraged from visiting this place. If it’s sunny after heavy rain the day before, please don’t even consider visiting this hazardous place. Nonetheless, nature is just fascinating and you can experience it all in Taroko Gorge and National Park.

Some aborigines here making business out of arts and harvests of the forest.

Somewhere at the swallow grotto (燕子口), we had to wear safety helmets for ‘some’ protection, cause even with safety helmets, it doesn’t deter larger rocks to crack your head like an egg. So some visitors chose not to wear them.

I think the most interesting part of Taroko gorge are the rock formations and the layered stones, some close approximate to the Grand Canyon in the US. View the photograph below with red-cyan anaglyph 3D glasses for best result.

This trip there may only be a one day trip, but the view up in the mountains was breath taking. I would want to spend more time there, and I’m definitely looking forward for a second visit.

Horticultural Therapy

2011-12-16T17:48:00.000+08:00

It works… cause it requires much patience and creativity. It’s healing because we get closer to mother nature! Just love the experience! My art piece to share with everyone.

Be an idiot

2011-12-15T22:37:00.000+08:00

Perhaps I should be an idiot.

Or someone who couldn’t think or talk or listen.

To ignore others when they are hurtful.

To keep my mouth shut when they’re not willing to listen.

To stay away from all the rumours said about me.

To act stupid when they’re being sarcastic.

Afterall, an idiot finds much more joy and laughter in life.

Perhaps I should just decide not to care anymore.

話都是你們說的。。。

2011-11-26T23:11:00.000+08:00

儅我給意見的時候，你們認爲我在強迫意見。

儅我不在的時候，你們都自認爲這個、那個，胡説。

一直以來，我都在嘗試給意見，但是都被推開。

看來就算了。既然你們都不在乎別人說什麽，我就繼續靜靜聼就好了。

你們在乎的，也只有Gossip而已。

都是在說他人的是非。

Another unexpected gifts…

2011-11-24T23:24:00.000+08:00

Ever since my ranting about some expensive stuffs in Hualien, someone brought some nice gifts all the way from Malaysia. Thank you so much. Didn’t expect so much love from everyone.

Has been so busy these few weeks… and I really hoped that I could find time to share some experience here with everyone…

A Sustainable Future

2011-10-29T17:43:00.000+08:00

National Geographic Magazine is one of my must read reading material of all time. Not only I improved my use of vocabulary and diversify my writing techniques when I indulge myself in the articles, I get myself abreast of all the latest news and updates, especially on environmental discussions.

Recently, I found myself watching the National Geographic Live! Explorers Symposium featured in the Apple iTunes Podcasts. I couldn’t help but agree more with one of the discussions in the episodes – Seafood and Survival by Barton Seaver. He is not a scientist, but merely an observer. As a chef, he realized the importance of a meal to humans – it is where humans get together as a family. As he got older, he came to realize that the seafood he used for cooking has become exorbitantly expensive, and some of his favourite catches were no longer there for harvesting. It was then he said this, “As chefs, we are responsible for creating a demand of exotic food. We are the one who popularized shark fin soup and we are now in control of the natural selection of seafood species.” He believed that it is our duty as the harvester of our natural resources should use our natural resources wisely.

“Sustainability is not about the environment, it’s about sustaining people. We may have used an eco-friendly method to cultivate shrimps in farms, but having a shrimp buffet as a business is not a sustainable method. Sustainability failed on the human part.” He’s right! At the end of the day, we’ll be affected when the ecosystem collapsed. I can firmly say that ecosystem is there to support our living!

In short, we should really take a step forward and look at our dinner plates. You are indeed what you eat, but at the same time, the Earth’s wellbeing is what you eat too! So be responsible for what you consume.

I hate competitions

2011-10-25T20:57:00.001+08:00

Sorry to say this, but I hate competitions very much.

Ever since I was small, I was put into competitions with my cousin sister and brother.

Then I was put into competitions again, from singing to story telling to whatever Chinese Know-it-all competitions, in which the Chinese class made me absolutely miserable.

Then in Secondary School, I was put into competitions again, this and that and everything else.

It was in UTAR in which I found no competition at all, I competed with myself.

Then I realized this, it wasn’t that I don’t like competitions, I just don’t like to compete with other people. It makes me miserable when I lose, and it makes the other party miserable when I win. Plus, I hated the idea of being put into comparison with others.

Now, I love the idea of competing with myself. Absolutely love the idea of self-competition.

Then here I am again, being put into a situation where I was being compared at what I’m not good at. I’m sorry to say that I’m not good at sports, so stop comparing! I tried my best every time and I compete with myself to do better each time.

So I guess I’ll have to say this, I’ll never join another competition that is all about winning. It’s not the winning that matters, it hurts me when people started comparing me with the others. I loath that idea. Hated it so much right now.

And don’t get me started on respect. How am I to respect another person if he doesn’t prove to be worthy of my respect? Respect is EARNED, not because you’re merely more senior than I am. Please, for heaven sake, stop all these childish games. Grow up!

Cold Autumn is Officially Here

2011-10-17T17:08:00.001+08:00

With the chilling air brushing by every moment now, with some of the trees withering as day passes, I can firmly say that the cold autumn days are here

May he rest in peace…

2011-10-06T21:28:00.000+08:00

On the 5th of October 2011, we shall remember the departure of this man who made so much impact in our lives. To Steve Jobs, who devoted his life to making us crazy about Apple, thank you for bringing design and innovation to the next level.

We shall miss you dearly.

Interesting Exams

2011-10-03T13:05:00.000+08:00

Here are some examples of interesting exams I had to take in this semester:

Classical Music Appreciation:

Name the classical piano when it's being played during the exam.

Introduction to World Religion:

Write a book review out of the 5 books recommended, and I picked the book about Australian Aborigines.

Jing-Si Aphorisms:

Write a personal view of Jing-Si Aphorisms. Anything will do, from the origin to how it has changed people.

World Culture Studies:

No right or wrong. They’re just personal opinions. The lecturer told us some of the most interesting stories of all time, from Greek mythologies to ancient Egypt.

Chinese Language:

Present each chapter of the text book. During Mid-term and Finals, the whole class is required to present 2 books together. That’s all.

Genes and Diseases:

We’re allowed to prepare an answer beforehand and just copy it into our exam answer sheet during the exam…

And basically for now, I have to write an average of three self-reflect or sharing notes each week, never less than that. Plus, I get to read all the books and novels I can read. How cool is that?!

Anyway, some weather updates: It’s raining heavily out there due to typhoon, and classes for today has been cancelled. And I believe that the sales for instant noodles went up just because of this weather… haha

Till then, do take care everyone! More to come…

Weekend in Taipei

2011-10-02T20:48:00.000+08:00

I spent my weekend in Taipei when my course mates were out on a camp. Don’t worry about them, I’m sure they’re doing just fine with the typhoon passing by Taiwan bringing torrents of rain and some occasional strong wind.

My train trip there was basically sponsored for, to attend the 2011 Taiwan Scholarship Orientation, and since it was the weekends, I asked for an extended stay in Taipei. So on Saturday, I met up with some friends, dropped by one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan. It was YehLiu Geopark (野柳地質公園), located on the North-East side of Taipei, about 45 minutes bus ride away from Taipei Main Station.

Before entering the geopark, we passed by a little town. It’s basically a harbour for deep sea fishermen to dock their boats and sell their harvests to the middle person.

An easy going town indeed!

This dish below was a surprise! It’s known as the ‘sea vegetable’ (海菜) and it’s crunchy…

It’s a geopark because of the stone formations. It’s interesting… but still far away from the Grand Canyon though.

As aforementioned, typhoon was passing by Taiwan, bringing lots of rain and wind. Still, that did not deter anyone of us from going forward. Many put on their rain coats and brave through the strong wind.

Then in the evening, I met up with my UTAR friend who’s doing her masters in Taiwan.

On Sunday morning, I had a short walk to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

At 10am, I witness some interesting ceremony where the guardians of the door change shifts. They had to perform some gun-throwing-flipping-stabbing, salutations etc. before the official change of shift actually took place.

By the time the ceremony has ended, some ladies, such as the one pictured below, had fallen in love with the men in uniform… haha

Basically, it was a nice stay, cooling weather but a bit too much of rain due to the typhoon. Still the night stay at Taipei Hostel was quite comfy and it’s very much affordable too! Comes highly recommended the next time you intend to stay in Taipei.

English in Taiwan

2011-09-27T16:11:00.000+08:00

The most awkward thing I ever experienced in Taiwan is their English.

While I was here, I did not even dare to say that my English is good, when my classmates claimed that theirs is American accent or New Zealand English. My roommate even tried to compete with me on the pronunciation! Thank goodness for Dictionary.com for the pronunciation.

And you know what? The American English lecturer in our university can’t seemed to get what they’re talking about. He too found it hard to understand the messages these students were trying to convey!

Someone even insisted that my English sounded weird and awkward when I have in fact, worked with an American for nearly six months, and he did not find my English awkward or incomprehensible at all! (Or maybe he did, behind my back… haha).

Anyways, I hope that I can keep myself from going gaga when I attend more conferences in near future. Remember that medical conference I attended a few weeks back? Yeah, that conference was the most difficult to understand among all the other conferences I have ever attended. The conference seemed to go faster when the scientists started to use Mandarin instead of English. hmm…

Autumn in Hualien

2011-09-26T22:51:00.001+08:00

Autumn is beautiful here, with some days cloudy and gloomy, while some other days sunny and bright.

Till then, more to come.

Zero Limits

2011-09-24T21:30:00.000+08:00

Very simple mantra: I’m sorry, Please forgive me, I love you, Thank you.

As simple as this, everyone can use this mantra to clean themselves. The author of this book “Zero Limits”, together with his teacher Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, Dr. Joe Vitale encourages everyone to clean themselves. Very much like self-cleansing.

One extremely crucial point in this book:

Be responsible on everything that occurs in life. You are responsible. Why? Because every time something bad happens, you’re there! You’re there at that very moment! So you need to clean yourself, to keep you calm so that you can connect to Divinity, and from there you get the inspiration you need.

It’s a good book to read. I recommend everyone to read it. If you want something with more depth, try the 《慈悲三昧水懺》instead. This book is equally good.

So clean yourself. Everything is beyond your control. Only when you let go, clean yourself, and most importantly, love yourself, you’ll feel better. Only a joyous mood would enable you to think clearer. Let your subconscious do its work!

Over active schedule…

2011-09-21T21:51:00.000+08:00

Life here seemed mundane for a while, then the next second, it becomes overwhelmingly busy.

Course structure is basically simple. You need to attend the core subjects, and you have extra 6 credit hours for electives. On average, each elective is 2 points. Minimum of 16 points and maximum of 25 points per semester.

Thank goodness I’m exempted from taking subjects like Basic Biology, Basic Chemistry, Calculus and English. But the most headache part is that others are required to convert from Mandarin to English, while I have to convert from English to Mandarin.

And because of all these exemptions, I have to take more elective courses!

So here’s a list classes I am required to attend:

Core:
1. Chinese Language
2. Humanities & Care to the society
3. Life Education
4. Sports and Health

Electives:
1. Web database management system
2. Genes and Diseases
3. International Relations
4. World Cultures
5. JingSi Aphorisms
6. Classical Piano Appreciation
7. Introduction to world religions

In addition, I have to exercise and attend Biology and Chemistry as usual… From what I see right now, I might have cramped too much into my schedule… But what to do, there are so many interesting elective courses I can attend!!!

Till then, more to come. Hope that I can show everyone the beauty of autumn here in my next post!

Back to 七星潭

2011-09-17T20:39:00.000+08:00

It was about 3 months back when I first came to 七星潭... A beautiful rocky beach.

The funny thing is, the place may be quite crowded with people, but you can still find a quiet spot for yourself.

A group of eight of us went there. Six of us including I cycled there. It was about 8km away from my hostel, approximately 25~30 minutes away.

Well, I cycled quite a bit today, clocked approximately 34 kilometres today. The truth is, traffic here is somehow safer than KL but with more inconsiderate and crazy drivers on the road.

Till then, more updates soon.

GIANT bicycles

2011-09-13T15:48:00.000+08:00

Went out to buy a new bicycle today… Very friendly shop owner.

Now, I can cycle around Hualien already! =D

By the way, the shopkeeper told us several fun rides we can join… in which we can cycle our way around Hualien County with a group of over hundreds of cyclists! It must be fun!

Mooncake Festival

2011-09-12T23:02:00.000+08:00

My first experience of a different mooncake festival celebration outside Malaysia. Very special, I must say.

I hope you enjoyed yours very much as well. Happy Mooncake Festival!

Nike MAG

2011-09-12T10:09:00.001+08:00

Remember those shoes worn by Marty McFly in Back to the Future?

Believe it or not, Nike really made that pair of kicks!

They’re auctioning them. Benefits from the sales are directed towards Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.

They even made a special ad for the sneakers!

So if you’re interested, better get them fast! They’re very much limited edition, and that pair of kicks may costs up to USD 6k! For more info, visit http://nikemag.ebay.com

25th Anniversary of Tzu Chi Medical Mission

2011-09-11T20:48:00.001+08:00

Today marks a quarter century of Tzu Chi Medical Mission. For the past 25 years, the doctors have served so many people in need of medical care, and the patients were, and still are, very much like family to them.

During the presentation of some medical cases, it showed how much the doctors cared towards their patients. All of a sudden, you see hope in the future. A future where doctors treat their patients as if they are flesh and blood. A doctor who tried their best to save lives and not take fortune and fame into consideration.

Doctors and staffs from all 6 hospitals scattered all over Taiwan came gathered during this magnificent ceremony to present everyone this beautiful hand-sign language.

And after that, a magnificent dinner surprise which took everyone’s breath away…

The best buffet dinner ever! Even the decorations and the colours made everyone smile!

And ice-creams too! I know the food looked VERY nice, but please don’t lick your computer screen okay? =D

Anyways, the day ended very well and tomorrow’s dinner, they’re having special mooncake festival dinner! How am I ever going to slim down with meals like this everyday?!

Fourth in the World, First in Asia

2011-09-10T15:57:00.000+08:00

As doctors and nurses and other medical personnel from all over the world pour into Hualien these few days for the celebration of 25th Anniversary of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation General Hospital, the mood was very much joyous and you see some rarely seen (famous) doctors and physicians going around the Tzu Chi area in Hualien.

During the opening ceremony of the welcoming of Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) members, superintendent Dr. Chin-Lon Lin proudly announced that Tzu Chi Hospital ranks as the 4th best hospital in the world, and the 1st in Asia.

Top 1000 Hospitals:

Top Asia:

In short, I’m happy to be here… haha

Anyways, they’ve arranged several activities during this period of 5 days. I’ve attended the Second International Conference of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. It was pretty much informative and I certainly learn more about stem cells research. Some fascinating discoveries too!

The past two days have been pretty busy and really learnt a lot from the doctors and researchers.

By the way, I met Dr. Chin-Lon Lin on my way out of the conference room. I was pretty much stunned and I only managed a “Hi” and a wave of my hand, didn’t had much conversation, but he definitely looked very much friendly, busy but approachable.

Till then, more updates to come!

Fire Escape Rehearsal

2011-09-08T15:36:00.000+08:00

The best fire rehearsal ever! Never once had this experience. The firefighters actually let us try all the important steps on putting out fire.

When I was in high school, our school merely let one person demonstrate, while the others just stood by to watch. Same goes to our universities in Malaysia.

Here’s the first one, putting out fire with a fire extinguisher.

This one was quite fun but slightly scary: to use the descending device to lower yourself down safely. Extremely helpful for high rise buildings.

And this last one, which I didn’t try, was on how to use the fire hydrant.

Definitely love the experience. At least I learnt how to save myself and others during a fire.

Anyways, here are some photos of my other classmates… Hopefully I could remember their names by the end of the month. They’ve headed home for Mooncake Festivals and I’ll be celebrating mine here in Hualien.

Till then, best wishes to everyone! Take care. More tk.

Owh ya! I forgot those important disclaimers….

2011-09-06T23:20:00.000+08:00

I realised that my blog might become known to my university course mates, and some of the posts might have unintentionally directed mainly to them.

Just to clear things up a bit, the guides are purely to help others in adapting better in Taiwan University, especially Tzu Chi University.

IF, and IF, you intend to come here because you thought that TCU is a university for Tzu Chings and family of Tzu Chi Volunteers, you’d better think again. It’s not as it seemed to be, and if you intend to come here, be prepared for a bit of culture shock if you don’t prepare yourself enough.

Anyways, if you need assistance in applying into this university, do not hesitate to contact me and I shall walk you through the process if possible.

Till then, take care.

P/S: if you’re a TCU student reading all the posts before and after this disclaimer message, I hope that you don’t mind a bit of my personal opinions. They are merely for others to refer to, and hey, everyone has room for improvement, tell me my fault too!

Thanks.

Orientation Week

2011-09-06T21:52:00.000+08:00

The orientation week was alright so far. Been trying to know as many people and remember as many names as possible. From my past experience, as soon as the lessons start, most people would just shut themselves up and throw away the keys. In other words, they would not be as willing to learn and know each other.

So far, things are going alright, and the only (slightly) funny thing I’m experiencing is that I have to call my university seniors as ‘Seniors’ when I am much elder than them… haha

There are a total of 59 of us, and we were separated into five groups. Each group would have a teacher counsellor and two to four daddy and mommy in charge of us (懿德爸爸媽媽). They come from all over Taiwan and would be with us until we graduate.

Also, some unexpected surprises for us, was that the composer/producer/singer of many famous songs came to the university just to explain the meaning of our university anthem. What a rare opportunity for us to hear it all from the person who wrote the anthem himself. Here’s teacher Shou-Quan Lee (李壽全).

And lastly, some introduction to my classmates, this is Yao-Zhang (劉曜彰), which is also our course representative, in which they call as (班代).

Till then, more updates soon.

Not as simple as it seemed…

2011-09-04T23:37:00.000+08:00

I may be here, closer to Master. But a Tzu Ching said something very meaningful to me today, “You might as well be spiritually closer to Master than just to stay closer to her.”

I may now be studying in Tzu Chi University, but the truth is, students here do not necessarily agree with our Tzu Chi Humanity standards. As college and university students are just as playful, they tend to do what they like, such as being disrespectful by not wearing clothing in the Temple of Buddha, or do things like not attending class, categorizing people etc.

At this very moment, I felt like I’m studying in a university with students worse than UTAR for some reason… haha

Nonetheless, I would try as much to blend in. Changing myself as much as possible to suit them. But there are 2 things for sure that they will NEVER change me:

1. I am a PROUD and CONTRIBUTIVE member of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Organization, and

2. I would never ever change my vegetarian diet.

So here, I include the second tip:

TIP #02:

What ever you do, try to make yourself small. The smaller you are, the easier you can blend in. Do what is right for yourself, believe in yourself. Have a still mind, and be flexible to learn. You will adapt quickly to the environment.

Best wishes to everyone. Really hoped to post some photos soon.

A New Chapter of Life

2011-09-02T23:16:00.000+08:00

It has been 24 hours since my arrival.

Marking a new beginning of my new life in Taiwan.

Along the way, I’ll be posting up some tips along the way to survive in Hualien, especially if you’re from the Tzu Chi Big Family.

So here goes,

TIP #01:	Not all Tzu Chi University (TCU) students agree with the Buddhist Foundation itself, and frequently, if you are not friendly enough, they would find those Tzu Chi People (慈濟人) as aliens.
	So, try your best to blend in with the group of friends. Like I, although I insist on being a vegetarian, I don’t talk much Tzu Chi stuffs in front of them, for they may not like it very much. Try be befriend with those around first. And you shall find much joy in mingling with them.

Till then, will keep everyone posted from time to time, and hopefully with photos too!

That long waited mail…

2011-08-27T13:43:00.000+08:00

The honking of a motorcycle out there in front of my house took me a little by surprise, as I expected that to happen next week, or perhaps not at all. It turned out to be the postman from the local post office. There it was, came registered, a big white envelop printed with that familiar sender’s address.

Mom did the opening, though the mail was for me, I knew that somehow my mom was more anxious than I am. There it was, that magazine, and a little gift of blessings from everyone from the Tzu Chi Humanities Development Centre.

Thank you for the mail. I really appreciate it. And the blessings are wonderful too! By the way, I wonder if the English Edition for the month of September would still have some of my work there…

Why mosquitoes?

2011-08-21T19:28:00.000+08:00

They were everywhere! Twenty, thirty of them, buzzing away, causing much nuisance in the car. Although there were two of us in that spacious vehicle, the six-legged blood-sucking Athropods were crowding around us, attempting to annoy every bit of us.

Then it became an interesting topic of conversation: Why did God create mosquitoes?

“Out of so many insects, why did God create mosquitoes? They contribute nothing beneficial to the earth. Instead, they spread diseases, suck other people’s blood, cause itchiness… Perhaps it was created by mistake.”

Very interesting indeed! Even cockroaches and rats find themselves useful in chewing up waste materials to help degrade organic materials faster. Houseflies also help to speed up the degradation process.

So why mosquitoes? hmm…

Thank you for the opportunities

2011-08-17T23:37:00.000+08:00

There I was, staring at the magazine. Somewhat, a mix of emotions clouded my senses – relieved, joy, touched. I did not expect that they would published that work of mine in the magazine.

It was a proud moment for me. At the same time, I am thankful for the opportunity to be featured, to be able to see both my writing and photographs published in the magazine. It was amazing.

Often, my work get published in the magazine and I must admit, none of this is possible if I weren’t given the opportunity to try and explore. The opportunities given to me are so much more than what I have given back to the society.

At the end of the day, I am glad that I was given the opportunity to serve, to ask nothing in return. All I could say is, thank you for letting me learn. I really appreciate those who helped me along the way. Thank you.

P/S: Get your copy of this magazine for free at http://chn.tzuchi.my/ or direct download link here.

Global economy crisis

2011-08-10T23:32:00.000+08:00

I don’t normally blog about economics, but it’s nice to share this with everyone.

So this is what is about to happen in the future…

May you find this video informative. So please cut your expenses and save up. Meet your needs and not your wants. Hopefully, we would be able to go through this crisis together.

Long time no see…

2011-08-08T23:52:00.001+08:00

Remember those days when we sat down together and chat.

Those long hours of talking, and we discussed nearly everything in and out.

Then we parted our on ways, wishing the best to the both of us.

After nearly a year without seeing each other, we met again yesterday.

The meet might be short, but it was very much meaningful to me.

We may have chattered a lot of things,

some topics were very much in common, some others were mainly personal.

Still, our chat reminded me of those days:

when we sat down to enjoy a simple meal, where we get to know each other better.

A day will come when we meet again, and hopefully that time, we could have more time for a cup of tea, to chatter like those old times again. Someday… one day.

A cruel 10 minutes

2011-07-30T21:59:00.000+08:00

Again, I was reminded of how bad the condition of our public transport is.

The journey from KL Sentral to Mid Valley by KTM train takes only 5 minutes to arrive. But these are the things that would lead you to frustration:

1. Frequency of the train is normally 20 minutes, with extremely high frequency of delays.

2. The number of people rushing into the train is extremely high, with over 50 people going into one carriage at once.

3. Frustrated with the long queue, people from the back of the queue would squeeze the people in front to go in, hoping that they don’t have to wait another 20 minutes for the next train to arrive.

4. The squeezing and pushing leads to the high frequency of theft.

So how are we going to move forward? With this speed of upgrading work, we’re moving backwards to be in par with India.

Miss you dearly

2011-07-27T13:32:00.000+08:00

有您在的日子果然不一樣。現在您要走了，大家都有點不捨。

這次回去是要完成孝子的責任，大家都會祝福您。

和賢菩薩，祝福您與家人平安吉祥，更祝福您母親早日康復。

Stage lights

2011-07-19T23:32:00.001+08:00

It has been awhile since I last play with those stage lights. I loved them very much.

I understand that I should not publish these photographs on my blog, but I hope that everyone could learn a few tricks to photographing with stage lights. The end product never fails to amaze me!

大愛之夜

2011-07-18T18:39:00.000+08:00

昨日的大愛之月跟美金老師和師丈一同合照，還請老師簽上名。太棒了！

感恩倩宜協助拍攝。

Jubilee Perak Park

2011-07-10T10:37:00.000+08:00

Hello? Telephone…

2011-07-08T09:07:00.001+08:00

Have you ever called a company or an institution, where the first few lines you heard when the person on the other side of the line answered, “Hello, company name”.

Here are some instances where I’ve experienced, and perhaps you should try.

Call UTAR, and you hear this first line, “Hello, UTAR”

Call Dell, and you hear, “Thank you for calling Dell.”

So you may ask, what’s the difference?

The both of them are grammatically sound, but they mean different things. How are they different?

How would you greet your friend? Say, “Hello Peter.” or “Hello Jane”. So if the person answering your call said “Hello UTAR”, it means that your name is UTAR, not Peter or Jane.

A lecturer once pointed this out to us during an English class and this funny line never failed to entertain me throughout the day. “The next time you call UTAR and the person answered ‘Hello, UTAR’, you should reply this instead, ‘I’m sorry, my name is not UTAR. I am Mike.’”

So I hope that the next time you’re answering calls, try to say something like “Thank you for calling company name, how can I assist you?” or “This is company name support/hotline, how can I help you?”

Happy calling.

Photograph Prints

2011-07-03T14:25:00.001+08:00

Got some of my photographs printed large on A3… They looked beautiful! Even better than what I see on screen!

Anyways, these prints are for sale. If you’re interested, do let me know. =D

Eventful today

2011-07-02T22:55:00.000+08:00

Lots of stuffs happened today… some came really unexpected, while some others, are just meant to be that way.

Incident #1

I wanted to finish my 36 exposure film. When it was done, I found out that I could still wind some more. Then I got curious… could the film go beyond 40 exposures?

Then I stopped and rewind the film. Only to realize that the roll of film might have torn.

Upon sending it to the photo studio for aid, only I found out that that very roll of film did not load properly, resulting in an unexposed film… *speechless*

Incident #2

Sent my panorama of KK for printing, and it is beautiful! I’ve never had any of my panoramas printed beyond 4 foot!

Incident #3

It was an eco-friendly day for me. Went to Carrefour to shop with my own shopping bag (cause today is Saturday), plus, I cycled there. It felt great!

Incident #4

I went to Digital Mall to get some photo paper. It was then I saw the new KTM Duke. Didn’t expect to see that bike in Malaysia so soon…

Anyways, more updates soon, with photos I hope.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

2011-06-29T23:47:00.000+08:00

Just like sequels of many hit movies, this movie sequel could be a bit dull sometimes. The plot may come very much anticipated, with occasional twist of plots.

To say that this movie is fantastic is a bit of an overrated. The movie was overall nice but like all movies from Michael Bay, this one has more explosions and gun fights, with awesome use of military technologies and soldiers.

The really intriguing part would be how they manipulated history, to a stage that you may come to realize that all the space expeditions may be just frauds. They've been to places where no one would expect, like Chernobyl in Ukraine and the Angkor Wat. Still, at the end of the show, you'll see that the whole movie was just about the great epic war, trust and ignorance.

So, to watch it in 3D or not? Good question.
Many Hollywood movie producers hoped that this movie would help to give the 3D technology a push, as of current, 3D screenings are not doing as well as expected. Well guess what, not worth the money to watch Transformers in 3D. The effects are quite normal, and even worse, most of the actions were kind of slowed in order to accommodate to the 3D movie development. In short, it's like you're watching high speed actions in slow-mo.

So here's my rating:
Storyline/plot: 7.5
Visual FX: 9.5
3D FX: 6
Overall: 7.5

Owh ya, if you haven’t watched the first one, please do so before you watch the third.

Uniquely Sabah

2011-06-26T16:03:00.000+08:00

Sabah is unique (to me), where no words can simply describe the wonders she holds. So I’ll keep it simple – Enjoy the photos, and hope that you find them unique too.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

2011-06-24T08:12:00.000+08:00

A walk down the Gaya Street Sunday Market in the town of Kota Kinabalu, you will realize some interesting people selling interesting items. Some at jaw-dropping prices too!

The Gaya Street market is a must go if you’re in Kota Kinabalu for the weekend. They’re open on Sundays from 6.30am to around noon. Don’t miss it!

Magnificent Mount Kinabalu

2011-06-22T16:43:00.000+08:00

I just came back from a trip to Sabah, and I must say, Sabah is a beautiful place. I can't wait to get a licence for scuba diving, for I shall come back to the islands of Sabah again.

This is my first time here in Sabah, and of course you can't miss the climb up Mount Kinabalu. The majestic submit and the breathtaking sunrise took my breath away. All the tiredness and weariness were all gone.

It was a tough climb, I must admit. With the cold air, chilling mist of rainfall, the high climb and altitude sickness will make you tired quickly. But along the way, you'll soon realise that the climb was all worth it. It's a battle of physical and mental strength. Your body could take it, but can your mind keep you moving forward?

I was very fortunate to be able to climb up Mount Kinabalu on a very beautiful weather. The wind was cold but not too strong. The temperature may be low but the sky was sunny.

Anyway, here are some suggestions if you intend to climb Mount Kinabalu:

1. Please train!!! Climbing up stairs is extremely helpful.

2. Rehydrate yourself constantly. Consume some chocolates or energy bars can be helpful too. Mars and Snickers chocolate bar may come in handy.

3. DO NOT over pack. If you are not physically fit, please do not carry more than 2 kg in your backpack. This would kill you. In short, travel as light as possible. Hire a porter if necessary.

4. Walking sticks may come in handy, especially when you're going downhill.

5. If it's your first time, spend 2 nights at mid-hill (Laban Rata). It's better to do so, in case you're too tired to walk downhill the same day.

6. Medications like Panadol and ORS may come in very, very handy.

7. When you climb up, avoid coming in contact with water. Using wet climbing gloves or shoes would lead to severe frostbites.

8. Get good shoes with proper traction. Nike's ACG (all condition gear) or other trail/hiking shoes would do just fine. Lightweight shoes are a plus too.

9. If you are travelling in groups, try to push each other, encourage your friends to try harder.

10. Remember to bring along a hoodie/beanie and a scarf too!

Here are some sceneries you might observe along the way…

More updates on Sabah to come.

Discovering Hualien

2011-06-13T23:19:00.000+08:00

A quick update before I’m off to somewhere else again…

I spent 5 days in Taiwan, mainly in Hualien, meeting people, attending to stuffs. In addition, I was in luck this time as my aunt was able to take me to the outskirts of Hualien.

One of the prominent landmarks in Hualien, The Still Thought Hall.

The beach located some 10 kilometres away from town.

What fascinates me the most is the rocks along the beach. They’re so beautiful!

One of the local houses by the beach.

We also dropped by one of the local parks at HuaLien.

We were there with some friends.

The next few photographs are self-explanatory. They’re the beauty of nature in HuaLien.

Before I depart to Taoyuen, we visited a pine tree garden nearby.

It was quite an enjoyable trip, but I come to realise that the Taiwanese often order a lot of food for their meals. I was very much fortunate to not have the chance of feeling hungry for the past few days.

Anyways, I look forward to visit this place again.

Next update in another week’s time!

Flying off

2011-06-07T18:46:00.001+08:00

I’ll be away for a while… so no updates for a couple of weeks…

Anyways, things were going kinda fast these few days and I really hope that things could go smoothly as planned. But then again, no one can predict the future.

Just like the movie ‘3 Idiots’, put your palms on your heart and chant ‘Aal Izz Well’… it doesn’t help to solve the problems, but it helps you to get through the hardship.

Till then, will keep everyone posted.

Take care.

Taking it apart

2011-05-30T13:02:00.000+08:00

Took my laptop apart today, just to fix something simple – my LCD.

Initially, I thought that the hinge on the right is broken; but only to find out later that the connector was loose.

And this saved me money and the time to send it to a technician.

Thank goodness nothing serious to repair.

Before and After

2011-05-26T15:15:00.001+08:00

It’s amazing what Photoshop can do.

These few weeks I’ve been doing some film scanning and here is an example of the scans I did.

The colour was bad, the tone was out, colour faded and everything.

But when I put into Photoshop for some colour enhancement and correction, this is what I got.

It’s amazing isn’t it?!

Anyways, if anyone is interested in getting their negative films or slides scanned, do let me know.

容易被影響的人

2011-05-22T17:44:00.001+08:00

平時自己不精進了，就不要再去影響他人。

若讓他人斷了慧命，罪業有多大呀！

Giant ants

2011-05-17T18:02:00.000+08:00

I always love the after rain.

Cause it’s the time where droplets of water would hang in fragile, and a light touch would cause it to drip down to the ground.

It’s also the time where insects and creatures and people would come out and enjoy the fresh air.

Here are some photographs for everyone to enjoy. Till then, take care.

Find the owner

2011-05-14T22:36:00.000+08:00

I found this item during my photo shooting, and I decided to return it to its rightful owner.

Yep, I found a swiss army knife. The owner has got his/her name etched on to the blade, so it makes searching the rightful owner a bit easier. So here are the details:

Item: Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Name Etched: Shin Chee Fai

Item found: Around Petaling Jaya Area

Condition: Brand New

In order to return the item to its rightful owner, here are some requirements for verification:

1. The person must produce 2 (TWO) valid identifications (IC / Passport / Driving License etc) in order to match the name etched to the knife.

In order to prevent fraud,

2. The person must describe the knife he/she owns. As there are so many various versions of this Swiss Army Knife, he/she must be able to describe the tools that came with this blade.

and finally,

3. The rightful owner should claim the item on his/her own. No ‘on behalf of’ allowed. No mailing the item around as well, unless there is a solid reason I see deem fit.

And to other friends, please help me spread this message out. I would deeply appreciate it if you guys could help me find the owner of this beautiful knife. Thanks.

做事不麻煩他人

2011-05-12T20:30:00.000+08:00

做任何事項，最好是盡量不讓他人麻煩。

平時開完會以後，都已經是晚上十點、十一點了。

那時候，想到自己要麻煩他人載我回家，就有點不好意思。

但是就是有那麽多的菩薩，不嫌麻煩，還是仍然把我安全的送到家門去。有時候甚至到了門前，還願意花時間跟我聊天。都是很感恩有這些無私付出的菩薩。仍然，那個覺得麻煩的心還是始終存在。

要怪，就得怪自己有時候爲何要扛起那麽重大的責任。還得自己那麽多會議要出席。有時候，還得在一大清早就起身，為的是參與重大活動。

那麽早，哪有公共交通？而晚上十點完畢的會議，若搭公車到家時已經是將近十一時半了。

一樣的告訴自己，做任何事項，最好是盡量不讓他人麻煩。

直到這一天，不想發生的事情發生了。

一場大型活動的前一晚，因爲活動前的籌備，我已經38小時沒有休息了，所以決定早點回家休息。因爲忘了安排交通回家，就看見身邊的一位伙伴，明知道她載我回家是有點不順路的。可是問了她，她還是很歡喜的答應送我回家。“可是還有一個人要跟我一起走哦！”她又再補充。也剛好隔天的交通也沒安排，就再麻煩她一次，她也毫無介意地答應了。

就在她說要離開的時候，她要載的人到了。而我的事情還沒辦好，就拖了時間，結果兩人在那裏等了十分鈡。離開后的路上，車主一句話都沒說，旁邊的載客就開始嘮叨了。

都講要走了，你還在那邊托什麽？難道你們Petaling那邊沒有人可以載你回家嗎？明天一早還要特地去載你。那麽麻煩，難道就不能擺脫Petaling那邊的人載你去嗎？

聽到這些嘮叨，讓我心裏更難過，後悔麻煩了這位車主載我回家。自己的眼淚都快要掉下來了。

那時候，如果知道如此事件會發生，自己那麽累也一定要搭公車回家，誰都不要麻煩。那時候後悔都沒有辦法回頭了。可是明天的交通還是可以自己解決，我只好回應說：“我已經將近兩天沒睡覺了，覺得為了這些事情心理很煩。既然你們覺得我那麽麻煩，我也不想再麻煩你們。明天我自己搭Taxi去好了。”說完，自己覺得很想離開，找個角落來哭。

車主聽到了還是很冷靜地告訴我：“不要擔心，明天我可以載你。”

這真個點點滴滴，讓我有了深深的體會。如果可以不需要麻煩他人，就乾脆自己來好了。既然沒有交通，就算在緊急的時候，還是搭Taxi好了。麻煩了他人，自己也沒有好後果，而還造成對方造口業。

Tired

2011-05-07T21:40:00.001+08:00

I’m tired of asking for something that is originally mine.

I’m tired of having to listen to other people making decisions for me.

I’m tired of having to entertain these types of people.

I’m tired of people comparing this and that.

I’m just tired.

Just because of one simple thing I’ve decided, these people decided to say this and that.

Why can’t you all just leave me alone?

I don’t want to be someone I’m not. It’s just not right.

Singapore: A Different Perspective

2011-05-05T20:09:00.000+08:00

Went to Singapore for a few days and really enjoyed my time there. Went to a few places, some for free, some have to pay.

I think the most expensive ticket I paid was for the Singapore Flyer. Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands is worth a visit as well.

Anyways, here are some of the photos taken during the trip.

Met a few friends in Singapore too!

Busy busy week ahead… Hopefully got time for updates… =D

Colourful monotonous life

2011-04-28T21:06:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, life may be monotonous, but if you look at it differently, you’ll see something different.

In short, it’s called – STAYING POSITIVE.

The road long ahead, is filled with wonders and curiosities…

Would the one who could adapt to changes and challenges would stay ahead?

Or maybe the person who looks at life with simplicity would enjoy the most?

127 Hours

2011-04-20T23:48:00.000+08:00

Watching this 127 Hours was very much like watching a horror movie. Rather than scaring you because of ghosts and something gory, this movie scares you because of reality. Anything can happen to you just like that.

Here are some take away lessons:

1. Never, never EVER go somewhere adventurous alone. Always have a companion, or at least inform them where you’re going.

2. Always bring sufficient water with you. Drink your own urine when you’ve finished your fresh water. Bring some biscuits along too.

3. Stay as calm as possible when you are in a crisis.

4. Don’t ever buy any cheap Made-in-China multi tools, when your life depends on it, get the best you can afford. Get a REAL SWISS-made knife…

5. Always pack for emergency when you go out for trips. Always assume that you may be in danger and in need of the emergency pack.

And what did Aron learn?

1. Your family comes first. Know how to prioritize.

2. Even he believes in Karmic Laws. He believed that it was he himself who brought this accident to himself.

3. He is now thankful and grateful that he survived.

Aron Ralston (on the left) and James Franco

See this video as he described how he amputated his arm.

尊重與信任

2011-04-19T20:07:00.001+08:00

今天想要談《尊重與信任》這個話題。我沒有權利為大家決定誰對誰錯，也沒有權利指導他人，但是希望大家在這分享當中可以領悟到《尊重》和《信任》的重要。

感恩、尊重、愛

就像靜思語說的：“要感恩、尊重、愛”。往往一時的疏忽，一時的自我，傷害了他人對我們的尊重。每當這個尊重被輕視了，自然的，別人對您的信任就減少了。

擧個平時常見的例子，就如父母離婚后要爭孩子的事件一樣。父親想要擁有孩子，不想把孩子交在母親的手中保管，更不願意共同輪流照顧那孩子。母親也是一樣。因爲如此，父母親打官司，最大的受害者是誰？那孩子的意見有沒有被尊重、背靠量？

再一個例子，有兩個不同的Project，最後還是前往同一個目標。因爲雙方人手不足，Project協調就拼命搶人手。而站在中間的員工，想參與Project B，因爲他認爲Project B有更多讓他發揮潛能的空間。可是Project A的協調就是不放手，也不管這位員工的意見。

各位，如果您是那一位員工，您覺得您的意見被尊重嗎？

好，再多給其他的例子。黨有一位長久不見的好友見到您，但仍然記得您的名字，您覺得他尊重您嗎？您是否有那種感覺：“不可思議！他盡然還可以記得我的名字！”相反的那儅有人寫錯您的名字的時候呢？

所以這裡要借機會懺悔，有時候因爲自己不用心，一時的疏忽，缺乏了對他人的的尊重。因爲説話的不用心，所以讓自己傷害了他人。因爲一時的小動作，傷害了友情和親情。

信己無私，信人又愛

可能有一些人有曾看過一封有關《信任》的Chain E-mail。電信裏描述著一位年輕人因爲找到了法律的漏洞，而常常在搭公車的時候沒有購買車票。這位以輝煌成績畢業后的年輕人，到好幾閒大公司去面試，可是都沒有被錄取。最後詢問公司后才知道，原來因爲過去沒買車票被警告，所以公司認爲這位年輕人不尊重國家給人民的信任。

一時的疏忽，讓自己失去了別人對您的信任，多可惜啊！

再看回先今的生活，平時有沒有把信任交給他人，讓他發揮最大的良能呢？還是分了一份工作給他，又一直要在旁邊指指點點的？

要先分清楚，在旁邊指指點點，跟全程的陪伴是有所不同的。如果在旁邊指指點點的，他會是希望他人照著他的指示去做，而最後的成果，會是有如他自己做的。相反地，如果在身邊陪伴的，他會給與意見，不會為他做決定，而是鼓勵新人自己探討自己，發現自己的能力，而最後的成果，會是新人自己的作品。

就像靜思語所說的：“要信己無私，信人又愛”。簡單來説，要相信自己的能力，因爲人有無限的可能。同樣的要相信他人，要對他有愛的信任，鼓勵他，相信他會盡心盡力去把事做好。當然，也不能隨便完全相信他人，而是要用智慧思考、探討，才用心去相信他人。

就如我在中學時期，最要好的朋友多數會是較差班的同學。因爲我們互相尊重，互相信任，所以友情會是最難得的。我不曾看低他們，因爲我知道他們都是大贏家，都是社會最能幹的人，都是最有生命力的人。這些友情，對我來説是很特別的。

在社會中做事也是一樣，要尊重對方，要信任他可以把最好的呈現出來。因爲尊重，我們才能得到大家的祝福，互相成就共同的目標。因爲有了信任，我們才能安心把事情做好。在這裡，祝福大家。

Technology Update

2011-04-16T22:14:00.001+08:00

Sometimes when you get old, you need a boost of technology update.

I’m not asking anyone to buy anything here, but at least update yourself about the latest technologies available on the market.

I went to PIKOM fair today, didn’t see much new stuffs, but would like to share some info with everyone.

**If you find this article a bit bias towards certain brands, my apologies; cause I didn’t have enough time to explore all the things. Hey, knowledge is everywhere! You’ve got to keep learning.

1. Super LED by LG

Saw this high energy savings Super LED from LG. Save some extra 25% energy compared to LED, and some 45% compared to conventional LCD. (Not sure about how true it is, but worth to know.)

2. Flicker-Free 3D display by LG

Coming out soon, perhaps next month. So much better than the active shutter 3D glasses you have to wear. This flicker-free 3D display has larger viewing angles and better light penetration. Best of all, no batteries on the glasses = less weight on the glasses.

Take a look at LG Cinema 3D USA for more info.

3. HD+ and High Gamut Range Professional LCD Display by Asus

This stunning LCD Display by Asus produces some beautiful colours on the screen. HD+ because it displays image beyond HD (conventional HD : 1920 x 1080) and the High Gamut Range ensures that the colour representation is as accurate as possible. In short, more natural photographs with HD+ quality. Visit site: PA246Q

4. Docking Tablets.

Instead of just getting a tablet, get one with docks enabled. Like the one from Asus Eee Pad.

Unlike other tablets in the market (including iPad), this one yields a higher resolution screen, with support of HD video. Best of all, the extra docking is included with the whole package, and you can get up to 16 hours* of battery with the dock.

Take a look at the video. Loved it very much!

And according to many posts on Facebook, everyone can’t wait to get their hands on this Transformer. A charmer indeed! Visit site: Eee Pad Transformer TF101

5. Sandy Bridge: 2nd Generation Intel i3/i5/i7 processors.

I know this news has been here for quite some time, several months ago, still worth a share for those out there looking for a new laptop or computer soon. The Sandy Bridge processors has got a higher memory bandwidth and they come with built in graphics on (processor) die. Better graphics performance? Definitely. However, discrete graphics is always better than built in. =D

6. P1 WiMAX upgrading to LTE-TDD

Very new news update, where WiMAX would be launching LTE-TDD (long-term evolution-time division duplex) network by the end of 2010, (hopefully no delays). This technology would enhance wireless access speeds, with top speed reaching 120Mbps (equivalent to 30MB/s or approx. 3000 KB/s). The best thing is, you can simply upgrade your existing P1 WiMAX network by a software update. Read the news on The Star Tech Central.

Passionate Photographers

2011-04-06T21:16:00.000+08:00

The following article was written based on personal experience, with the purpose of motivating other photographers around. May readers like you find this sharing useful in improving your photography skills.

“To be a good photographer, you have to be a good human being. Have humility, feel their lives.” The humble Khaled Hasan from Bangladesh shared his experience as a photographer in his home place.

As Nikon Malaysia celebrated their 10^th Anniversary Celebration, photographers and enthusiasts were given the rare opportunity of attending photography talks by the professionals. This was the place where the pros shared their photography passion with those present. Ten talks, spread out in 4 consecutive days, saw some over two thousand people attending the talks, where the audiences were given the chance to be up-close and personal with the pros.

Photograph with Emotions

Khaled Hasan, who was awarded the All Roads Photography Award by the National Geographic, shared his powerful images with the crowd on Saturday evening, where he featured his black and white photographs of his people in a stone factory. Being a documentary photographer, he spent time with the subjects and tried to understand them. “My mentor once told me that I must be a good human being before I start photographing. This is because when I know the history and emotions of my subjects, the photographs I take would reflect how I feel.” With strong emotions in his photographs, the photographs he shared gave everyone a sense of hopelessness in the stone factory workers.

Currently equipped with a Nikon D200 and a 28mm prime lens, he believes that one should know their gears thoroughly before shoots. He gave some tricks away as well, “look out for emotions, contrasts, and tones. Always photograph what you feel.” As Khaled started off with film photography, he liked his time spent in the dark room developing his black and white photographs. As for now, he still spends some amount of time on the computer burning and dodging some of his shots before prints. On his last note, he advised everyone to “outdo yourself, push yourself and challenge yourself with the other professionals.”

Deanna Ng from Singapore started off with her own project on photographing Pasat (Market) in Singapore. “It was a something more personal, as I know some of those sellers myself.” Her photographs from a project called Life Before Death campaign by Lien Foundation moved those present to tears, where the photographs showed much emotion in the hospice and terminally ill patients and their families in their last days. “Those are not patients. They are my friends. They are dear to me.” Deanna shared with us while flipping through her album. There were times she found it hard to press the shutter, as those very sad moments for her. “Believe it or not, the hardest people to photograph are those closest to you. Try photographing your family and you will realize how hard it is.” She also took the opportunity to encourage everyone to not just focus on taking nice photographs, but take photographs that mean something.

Emotions, strong and powerful, they put the viewers into deep thoughts. Many photographers sharing during the event do agree that emotions play important roles in portraying the subject of the picture. Indonesian photojournalist Ahmad Zamroni, or just Roni, shared his experiences and photographs he has taken during many natural disasters, especially those involving his homeland. He found that those emotions came rushing through and he can’t let go of his camera, he kept on clicking away, wanting to get the best shot he could to show the world how he felt about the natural disaster. On a lighter side, he has experienced joys of photographing as well. “There was once my assignment was to photograph a football league. When one of the teams struck a goal, I was hopping with joy, totally forgotten about my photograph.” He laughed reliving the moments. “Only a few seconds later I realized that I have a responsibility to fulfill.”

Compact to Pro

From a psychology teacher to a professional photographer, Manny Librodo from the Philippines started off his photography with a Nikon Coolpix compact camera.

“I got this camera to photograph myself. That time, I did not know about the settings, compositions, or how to make the shots nice. But I know one thing for certain: I love colours”.

Manny Librodo took hold of the power of the internet and shared his photographs online, where he learnt from the others and got feedbacks from many viewers. The positive feedbacks helped too. That was where he started to photograph better pictures.

“The turning point of my photography was when I borrowed my brother’s Nikon D100 to a Bangkok school trip.” That time, he was oblivious about the technical aspects of the camera, but he still managed to get some wonderful shots with Aperture Priority and Program Mode. “I was totally blown away by the images. So, I went to a photo store the next day after my trip and got myself a new DSLR.” His skills grew from that day onwards.

From using his students as models to spending time doing post processing his shots, he learned so much and he shared much of his passion and experiences with the other photographers through workshops he conducts. He also gave away some hints and tips during the presentation for the Nikon Photography Talk. “Always look out for catch-lights when you photograph portraitures, observe the natural lightings, use props and tools to diffuse your light, and capture those patterns and textures with your photographs.” He too believes in sharing and he hoped that everyone could share what they have learnt. “When others are better than you, it creates a friendly competition where it drives you to try harder.”

High Speed Sports to the Game of Patience

High speed sports are pretty much unpredictable, and you can never have your subject redo what they have just done. To capture those memorable shots, Khalid Redza, who has been covering sports events for the past 34 years, shared that practice makes perfect. “When I first started off, I was told by my editor to head towards sports field to photograph. That was the place where I practiced and learn. It was a challenging process, and with film that time, you can only know how well you shoot after you develop them.”

As he recalls his days of film photography, he advised many present to “not be shy to ask.” He said, “Get yourself a mentor and do not hesitate to ask the pro photographers how to shoot. Most of the time, they are willing to share their experiences with you.”

Besides these, he encouraged everyone to learn and practice the photography skills, and also be knowledgeable about the sports. “When you are on the field, remember the winners, as well as the team who had just lost the battle. Look at the crowds, their reactions.” To him, it is the attitude of the photographer which will determine the end result. “You must be willing to take risks, know all your gears, and be prepared. Good captions for your photographs help a lot too.”

Wildlife photographers may not experience much adrenaline rush like the high speed sports photographers, but they too share some similar points. Just like sports photography, wildlife photographers would gain the most if they do their homework. “You need to know the behavior of the animals and plants. Only with such knowledge, you know when and where the animals would appear in the forest, and when the wild plants would grow and blossom.” Cede Prudente, who is Sabahan, has worked with many scientists and researchers in preserving wildlife in photographs. “The photographs I take would be a reference for researchers around the globe. It becomes a proof of existence.”

During his talk, he emphasized again and again that patience in wildlife photography is a must. He shared a few photographs which he finds it hard to ever come by again. “Photographing flying creatures of the Borneo is time consuming but worthwhile. You don’t see much of these creatures in the forest, and therefore you really need to spend time knowing these animals and their behaviors.

Besides taking photographs, he videotaped some of the scenes where he encounters the wildlife. “Photographing is just not enough sometimes. A video is more powerful in conveying the message.” He recorded some rare clips on the behaviors of the orang utans and some of these clips were used as educational materials for the BBC. “Most importantly, I realize that what I have taken would show the whole world the wonders of nature, and this message can be a reminder for everyone to preserve our natural habitat.”

Quick Tips to Share

The time it took for Stefen Chow to become professional was 4 years. This self-taught photographer from Singapore shared some of the truths behind the photography world during his talk. “It is a competitive world out there. Do what it takes to survive out there, but remember, do what you love. You need to know all kinds of things, learn them, relearn them, and remember to apply them.”

Most of the time, he finds himself working on personal projects, where he pushed himself harder each time, to make his work stood out among the crowd. “Do something people wouldn’t commission you to do. Pay for your own projects and put yourself in a unique position.” Not only that, he advised everyone to learn to work with everything, evolve and generalize oneself. “Most importantly, make your photography useful. Share them.”

Occasionally, a photographer may find it hard to stick to the original assignment. Deanna Ng was happy to advice a solution to the issue. “Write down your thoughts and ideas you want to photograph before a shoot, as specifically as possible. At times you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with unexpected incidents and you started to lose focus on your main objectives. At the end of the day you may find that you did not accomplish much of your goals. The thoughts you have written down, they help. They help to bring you back to your main story.”

One thing for certain, the photographers who shared their work during the event showed much enthusiasm and passion towards photography. They love what they do, and they believe that sharing would make them stronger. Before I end this article, allow me to do a quick summary of all the 8 talks I have attended.

1. Get yourself a mentor. Be it someone across the internet, or someone professional you know of.

2. Believe in yourself, be willing to take risks.

3. Evolve and generalize yourself.

4. Challenge yourself to do better each time.

5. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don’t just take nice photographs, make them meaningful.

6. Study your subject, do your homework and understand them.

7. Make use of the gears you have. Learn your gears.

So here, I wish everyone the best!

Nikon 10th Anniversary in Malaysia

2011-04-02T22:08:00.001+08:00

This weekend has been one of a kind, to get to know great photographers from different field of work sharing their passion and career in photography.

As usual, exhibits were up, and the most attractive item would be the cut D3 with Nikkor 14-24mm lens.

You can see the intricate design of the camera and how it was being constructed.

It even got the toy giraffe curious, wanting for a closer look.

It was a learning opportunity for everyone…

Like father like daughter.

Just like the family tree, the Nikon history goes a long way…

Even the Canons can’t resist the temptation of a Nikon event. I’m sure they learn a lot during the exhibition… only given that they open their mouths to ask.

Got some competition going on out there.

It seemed like the daddy and the kid was grumpy by the end of the tour…

Anyhow, the talks were great so far, definitely loved their sharing… How I wish I could attend tomorrow’s talk the entire day.

Reminders…

2011-03-31T22:33:00.001+08:00

Went to a photography talk by Nikon, where the talk was by Manny Librodo, a portraiture photographer from the Philippines.

The talk reminded me lots of things…

1. Always tell stories with your photos

2. Look for colours, contrasts and textures/patters.

3. Be spontaneous.

4. Take photographs of the face, and also photographs of not the face.

5. Natural lights are the best.

6. Always engage with your subject matter.

7. Workshops make you grow faster, at the same time, they may create challenges along the way.

And here are some other facts about him…

1. He shoots with JPEG

2. He rarely shoots after 6pm (as there is not much of natural lights).

3. He started out his photography with a compact camera.

4. As he was a teacher, he used to have his students pose for his portraitures.

5. He may spent hours in front of his computer to do post processing.

Can’t wait for another talk tomorrow: Wildlife.

Visit http://www.nikon10.com.my for more information.

Getting old…

2011-03-30T23:23:00.000+08:00

For the past few months, my dad has been complaining to me that his mobile phone screen is so small.

Then last week, he got himself a new 3.2” touchscreen phone with the font size set to ‘large’.

Yet, he complained to me that the screen is still small.

It made me realize one thing:

My parents are both getting older as the day passes.

The day would come where my dad would ask me to read out his messages, and I would have to send E-mails with large fonts to my mom.

If only Apple could release an iPhone with a screen size as big as the iPad, I would not even hesitate to get one for them.

In short, love your parents dearly before you’re left with memories of them.

A millionaire in Jakarta

2011-03-23T18:50:00.000+08:00

Simple. Go to the money exchange, hand over RM 350, and be a millionaire in Jakarta.

Jakarta is one of the busiest cities (I’ve been so far), and the traffic jam is horrible.

You see motor and mobil (motorcycles and cars) going around, with the motorcycles weaving through the traffic. If you’re not competent riding a bike in Indonesia, don’t ride one. Nonetheless, travelling by motorcycle is the best way to go around town.

Instead of wearing a helmet, some others wear a cap or hoodie instead.

To be hemat (safe) when you cross the road, you can literally blindfold yourself when you cross. If you observe the traffic before you cross, it’s either you’ll never cross the road, or you’ll get knocked down by a vehicle. The drivers on the street evades pedestrians, not the other way round.

Less traffic lights on the streets means less traffic jam even though the place has high vehicle density. Giving an opportunity for the local people to earn some living.

You pay for parkir (parking) and you pay again for the person who lead you out from your parking slot. They even provided parking spots for ladies.

Lots of gratis (free) stuffs around to lure more people to purchase, and the advertisements on cigarettes filled the TV screen and the billboards along the road.

Shopping malls are grander than ours, with brands not even found in Malaysia and Singapore, and things may be dirt cheap as well. You can get a pirated DVDs as low as RM 1.80 each.

As usual, food here is good, and one of the most popular – masakan padang.

On the other side of the Jakarta Town, you’ll see a different group of people trying to survive on the streets. People who make a living by pushing carts around, selling all sorts of stuffs. Plus, because they can’t afford to buy a car, the carry all sorts of things on their motorbikes and push carts.

And again, because there are more motorcycles on the street, they have motorcycle wash all over the place.

They can’t use money to buy fancy stuffs, so they built them.

Some scenes you don’t see much in the big city of Jakarta…

Family coming together to enjoy.

People repairing motorcycles by the roadside.

Selling of colourful motorcycle seats.

Jaw dropping graffiti art…

And lastly, some other photos to share with everyone:

People here are survivors. They grow up working hard, learning all the street skills we didn’t learn in school. So you think that they’re weak? Think again.

The unpublished note

2011-03-22T00:21:00.001+08:00

There is a note, which I have written and re-write so many times,

but not published.

This note has got all the feelings inside,

so rich, yet so selfish.

This little note shall remain as it is.

Written again and again, but would never be shared.

When it comes to the day when I stop writing this note,

would I be free?

or would I regret having spent so much writing such note?

we shall wait and see.

Why wait? ACT now!

2011-03-13T17:21:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I wrote the second English article for publishing. Although it was not as hard as writing a journal paper, it was still as tough, expressing my feelings with words. I felt that what I wrote would made a greater impact than if I were to write in an high impact journal.

On the evening of 11th March, Japan had one of the worst natural disaster in the history. It made me wonder again. Are we doing enough? Am I doing what I should be doing? Most importantly, did I made an impact?

Yesterday evening, I helped a blind to the LRT station. He may be able to navigate around even without help, but i knew that my little assistance would be able to help him get to his destination quickly.

At the platform, he told me that he's going towards the other direction. I was sad that I could not accompany him throughout the journey. There were people at the platform, but they’re just staring at him. When his LRT arrived, no one helped him at all. I went back to guide him into the carriage and left quickly before the doors were closed.

That incident left thinking again and again. What does publishing a journal paper gives you? Fame? Money? And does all these have an impact on the people who needs your help urgently? A quick action may do much more. Some things can wait. Some others just can’t.

So ACT today. Don’t just be glad that you’re safe from all these shortcomings. Take an action to help others in need. I said this once and I’ll say it again:

Someday, the person who really needs the help is YOU.

Forced to do something you don’t like

2011-03-08T22:23:00.001+08:00

What if the thing you’re doing is something good… very good…

What if the thing you’re doing can help a lot of people…

but…

you find no joy in doing it…

you find yourself wondering why you are wasting time on it…

you noticed yourself dozing off while doing it…

or you noticed that most of the time you felt like you’re wasting your life on it.

But what you’re doing is noble!!!

What would you do?

Continue the work, or leave it and go somewhere else?

Two Blind Persons

2011-03-05T22:33:00.001+08:00

I saw two blind persons in the LRT today.

When the LRT arrived at their destination, the two of them stood up and headed towards the wrong door.

No one helped them.

When the two of them started panicking, a kind lady helped to direct the two of them towards the right exit.
Just when I thought the problem was solved, the two blind persons headed down the wrong platform exit.

Again, no one helped them.

Some rude man even jumped across their walking stick, holding back his curse upon seeing the two who almost made him tripped.

And again, no one helped them.

Everyone left the platform except for a kind couple, who spent time guiding the two of them out of the station.

Someone helped them.

I was seating 5 metres away when I saw this. I was helpless. "Oh heaven's sake, why can't anyone help them?" However, I did learn something out of this incident.

1. Life is unfair. Some people are born with a perfect body, but do not use their brain.
2. There is still hope in this earth. There are still many helpful people around.
3. Treat these handicapped with kindness. You'd never know one day, you might be the handicapped who yearns for a little extra attention.

The next time you see someone like them, why not just spare them a few seconds, and that would make a huge difference.

The Spear River – Sungai Lembing

2011-03-04T21:32:00.000+08:00

The most interesting fact about this small little town - it floods every December, every single year. And the worst floor ever recorded was in the year 2001.

This small little town also contains other wonders. You will need at least 3 days to complete the tour around. By the time you're done, you'll want to come back here again.

This town, which has never failed to mesmerise everyone, is better known as Sungai Lembing, just a few kilometres away from Kuantan, Pahang.

The growth of this town some one century ago was due to the mining of our rich minerals, especially the tin ore. A visit through the local museum will reveal much of the history of this town.

Some of the remains can still be found located around town and most of them are preserved in the museum. A few sites to visit include the place where the refinery of the mineral ore took place and the underground cave entrance.

So why 3 days to complete a visit? Because on the first morning, you'd most likely be interested to see the beautiful Mount Panorama, and on the second morning, an early trip to the Rainbow Waterfalls is worth every second spent. Sadly, I did not take the latter trip.

When you're done with all these activities, you can enjoy some famous Sungai Lembing noodles, especially the tomato sauce noodles. Their local biscuits tastes great as well. I find their sesame biscuits tastier than the coconut biscuits though.

This local bakery also sold some very nice Kaya puff.

Other attractions include crossing one of the many hanging bridges, visiting the crystal house, buying your freshly made noodles from the local factory, and if you're bored at night, talking a stroll around town at night.

Road signs in English are certainly new in Malaysia.

About 10 kilometres away from this peaceful town, there is a cave – Charas Cave (Gua Charas).

My dad told me that he came some 20 years ago, he had to pay RM 2 for the Indian guy down the cave to start up a electric generator for the lights. So much has improved, and people can be seen coming here to pray.

A grand Taoist temple located not far away from the Kuantan Toll exit is the Temple of the Golden Dragon (太子金龙). It is a grand temple with the dragon as the main theme. I find the place is a bit lavish though, somehow felt that the money should go somewhere else better use.

This short journey to Sungai Lembing certainly brought much joy and peacefulness. See the kampung people around, old shop lots, and people riding bikes without helmets.

In short, I would come back to Sungai Lembing again. And if you love nature, you'd definitely love to explore this place.

Positive Stress

2011-03-03T00:30:00.000+08:00

A change of stress, towards positive stress.

It’s very much helpful to my mind.

No wonder those who came never left!

A week full of travelling

2011-02-28T10:03:00.000+08:00

The past week has been travel crazy.

Travel back to hometown, then to Singapore, and ended my weekend with a night’s stay at Sungai Lembing, Pahang.

Tiring indeed.

Update on the on the Sungai Lembing trip to come.

** I’ve gone crazy over panorama. Took over 20 sets of panorama to be stitched. Anyways, here’s a sample… Click on the image to enlarge.

More photos to come.

Less than 48 hours in Singapore…

2011-02-25T23:15:00.000+08:00

This are the things I learned in Singapore within less than 48 hours.

1. More people are commuting by public transport, especially the MRT, now that the MRT coverage is much more extensive.

2. It’s almost impossible to go back immediately right after your working hours. Many spent additional time in the office completing their work. Even those who could go home early would end up spending time doing office work at home.

3. Waiting for someone outside the MRT station is like in the airport. You see couples meeting each other, giving pecks on the cheeks etc. It’s like they’ve been away for many many centuries.

4. Whenever there is something called “Sales”, people go shopping crazy!

5. Singapore is promoting Green. You can see most rubbish bins now are equipped with additional signage asking people to sort their wastes for recycling.

6. Electronics are not really that cheap in Singapore.

7. iPhone 4 are still being sold like hot cake over there.

8. People, people, more people… so crowded… more and more people in Singapore now.

9. Singaporeans here love seafood. You could find restaurants selling seafood easily.

10. People here are very fashion sensitive…

Just a quick update on the bus back to KL. More to come…

Web surfing on bus

2011-02-23T21:36:00.000+08:00

With the convenience of 3G, I’m posting the first post from the bus!

Well, as technology improve so quickly, I believe that everyone should try to catch up.

The learning process should be a continuous one, that’s why the elderly should always try to learn harder and faster. The more you learn, the better you are!

Anyways, I’ve been busy for the past few days, and will be so for the next few days as well.

One thing for certain, I gained an important lesson yesterday: Penny wise, pound foolish.

Stop spending money on cheap stuffs. They’ll waste your time, and more of your money. Plus, with all the wastes you’re generating, they’re not good for the environmental at all. Always buy quality stuffs, because they lasts longer and you have less headache.

Just something to share with everyone. More to come.

Hiking Bukit Gasing

2011-02-19T17:45:00.000+08:00

A few of my friends would be heading to Sabah to climb the famous mount Kinabalu. That’s the reason why these people got the sudden urge of hill climbing. Haha.

It was quite a hike and the morning crowd was still bearable. Several paths for you to chose while hiking and we took about 2 hours to complete the hike. Then we went downhill for some famous Raju Mamak food…

Each small chef would be in charge of one type of dish, such as this one below prepares only Roti Canai.

This one on the left prepares Roti Canai as well, while the other on the right prepares thosai.

And this one, serves us! Thanks to him.

They served some very nice food. Should try when you go hiking up Gasing Hill.

感情太重了。。。

2011-02-18T22:46:00.000+08:00

今天，我承認，晚上的會議是有點遲到了。

可是，儅學姐在那裏說：“打了兩次電話給你又沒接。等到白頭發都有了。皺紋都出現了。”

當時，知道學姐是開玩笑的。

但是，我自己感情是有點重，學姐雖然是開玩笑，但是這種對話會讓我一直自我檢討。

其實，那個時候根本笑不出來。因爲覺得自己做得不夠，必須再檢討。耽誤了人家的時間。

學姐，抱歉。

P/S：今天的背包實在是很重。看見秤，包包放上去，嚇死人，盡然有 9 公斤！別開玩笑，以後放進包包裏的東西要注意，千萬不要傷了身體。自己都已經駝背了，還要拿那麽重的背包。

單純的一念心

2011-02-17T21:29:00.000+08:00

要像小孩一樣，具有單純天真的心。

用這單純的心去學習，發揮自己的長處，改進自己的短缺，增加自己的智慧。

就像下圖的阿媽，放下自己的雜念，放下一切的擔憂，用心做環保。

單純的那念心，改變了她的人生，治好了自己長久的心病。

最後的人生，也只有快樂、歡喜。

加油！

命運。。。

2011-02-16T20:15:00.000+08:00

有的人就是有那所謂的“命運”。

生下來，就有那個福，活在比一般人更多的幸福中。

所謂的“命運”，生命的前半段是沒有辦法改變的。

但是，生命的下半段，就在您掌握中，所以說：“ 人生劇本自己寫”。

如果願意在這前半段的“命運”中，耕種福田，后半段的生活一定有所改變。

“命運”，難道就一定要服從嗎？

“命運”，就讓它決定一切嗎？

醒來了哦！沒有他人美好的“命運”，就得耕耘自己的。

People change as time changes

2011-02-15T23:15:00.000+08:00

I used to be grumpy when we worked together, but today, we are one of the closest friends ever.

As I see it, when we forgive and forget, we cherish more of our friendship.

Didn’t expect till today, we could cam-whore together. Haha.

And you could see me looking fat in the photo…

Anyways, I took this photograph during the TIMA Thanksgiving Concert session, and I personally find the shot quite intriguing.

An offer that came a bit late

2011-02-15T00:14:00.001+08:00

Why can’t this offer come one year ago?

If it came one year ago, I wouldn’t be in this stage right now.

I can’t believe that I’m torn in between of these two decisions again.

Unlike the previous, these two offers are much better than before.

A harder decision to make,

Where this one decision would affect my whole life.

Do hope this time, I’m thinking very, very carefully.

A friendship built in 5 months that lasts forever…

2011-02-12T11:15:00.000+08:00

Time is short. This short 5 months has been so much fun and I certainly learned so much from each other.

I’ll let the photos do the talking.

It’s great to know these friends who could help each other when in need. They are willing to tell you your faults and let you grow and learn.

Thanks. I’ve learned so much from all of you.

曾經是討厭中文的我。。。

2011-02-11T09:34:00.001+08:00

爸爸曾經提起過，小時候，爸爸是要求孩子用英文來溝通。當時，爸爸還說，“你們是哭著都不想學。媽媽還叫我不要勉強你們學。”然而，爸爸堅持要我們用英文，所以才有今天常常被誤認“香蕉人”的我。

說起來，會中文的“香蕉人”，學習中文過程也沒那麽順利的。

教中文的母親，其他人當然就會說“您的孩子中文一定很好。”那時候在小學上課，母親和我小學老師都互相認識，所以這樣子的一句話，讓我起了無形的煩惱和壓力。

◌ 站在孩子的角度想可更了解孩子想什麽

真正讓我幾乎放棄中文的時候，是我就讀小學六年級。那時候，要準備小學政府考試（UPSR）。自己當然是最了解自己的中文程度，又不是好到哪裏去，但是被中文老師派到特別的‘筆試’班，所謂高人一等的中文班。

主要有這‘筆試’班，就是要訓練同學出校外參加比賽。拜托，老師明知道我是根本沒有機會的人。放我在這樣子的課室裏上課，一點都沒有幫助，反而讓我失去對中文的興趣。每一堂的‘筆試’課，我都是坐在班上發呆，G老師說的又聼不進去，簡直是互相浪費時間。

當然，我有親自去問C老師爲何要把握放入如此的班裏。“就是希望給你機會去學更好的中文。”不但沒有做到，反而讓我漸漸對中文的討厭。

後來上了初中，也是面對相識的問題，一直在猶豫要不要考初中的中文。老師當然沒有強逼，但是在母親的鼓勵下，還是考中文。記得那一切都是苦苦的日子。

一樣的在高中，重新考慮要不要繼續拿中文。母親就說了一句“讀了先，再來打算啦。那時候再作不考的決定也不遲。”結果，還是堅持考下去。

◌ 放棄的孩子放棄了老師

高中的中文課，多數是被安排到放學后再上課的。由於學校裏還有馬來及印度同胞，所以最適當的上課時間，就是黨其餘的同學囘了傢后我們這些人才可以上中文課。

班上是有好幾位同學的中文是比較好。當然，我自己也要爭一口氣，自己要努力學習。自然的，儅老師上課時，一定是想要坐在前面，最靠近Z老師。而那些好玩、中文又好的同學就坐在後方。可是，老師卻沒有注意在前面要上課的同學，反而去跟後面好玩的同學一同開玩笑，說廢話。那時又回到當初小學，覺得自己真是浪費時間，何必要虐待自己，呆在學校上中文課又不是會學到什麽東西。但是還是忍了再忍。

直到要考高中政府考試（SPM）的三個月前，決定放棄不再去碰中文了，也不再去上中文課。

大考的幾個禮拜前，盡然還有Y中文老師請我到辦公室開導我，說什麽“其他科目都可以拿A，中文沒有A，會是美中不足”啦。我在用心的時候，就被他人放棄；儅自己放棄時，竟然要來勸我，哪裏聼得進去？

後來在母親的鼓勵下，還是有做一點中文練習。記得考試那年是2005年。家裏沒有很多中文參考書，但是偏偏就是抽出了一本十年前的試卷練習。也沒有復習什麽語法等的，就是在那些試卷裏，只回答‘古文’。

記得在大考的前一天，碰上了Z師。她冷冷的問了一句：“你放棄中文了是嗎？”我只是輕輕笑一下，就離開了。

沒想到，考中文那天，考卷裏的古文盡然是那本十年前的試卷練習裏的其中一則古文！沒有了古文的煩惱，考起試來輕鬆多了。真是感恩有福。最後考試出來，還不是一樣一個B，有什麽大不了的事，美中不足又能怎麽樣？給自己，已經是一個很大的成就感了。

◌ 考驗中學習再找回使用中文的喜愛

說實在，我的中文只是差在寫和認字，幸好漢語拼音還蠻好的，只要字會拼，就有辦法認字。但是太深的字，當然也不會啦！

儅有人請我閲讀一些中文的咨詢，我都會躲開，因爲可能需要整整一個小時才能讀完。相反地，若有英文翻譯的同一則文章，只需要10分鐘就可閲讀完。所以多數時候，有得選擇，當然是要看英文書，因爲讀得比較快，省時間。

上了大學，參加了慈濟活動，無形中，增加了需要閲讀中文的次數。開始時候是有點困難，但還是一路走過來。因爲使用繁體字，反而覺得這些生字更有意思。擧個例子，繁體字的“愛”是要用“心”去愛，不要像簡體字的“爱”，只有“友情”但沒有用“心”。

這些考驗讓我學習，漸漸的，我長大了。從平時不敢寫文章的，現在已經刊登了第一張文稿，接下來還發願要寫更多。平時負責攝影，現在還可以偶爾寫文稿，讓大家感受一種不同的突破。現在受到更多的肯定、支持和鼓勵，給了我更大的空閒發揮良能，再次找回對中文的信心和喜愛。

這幾個月以來，相信我的部落格閲讀者也會發現，現在所寫的post多數是使用中文來寫的。感恩各位願意聆聽我的心聲，包容我的錯字。您們就是鼓勵我多寫文章的那些人。感恩您們。

Weight loss

2011-02-11T06:43:00.001+08:00

4 months of weight management… all so that I can regain all those lost weights during this Chinese New Year…

I guess, now that I have got more time for myself, I should exercise more… Hopefully.

別害怕去夢想

2011-02-10T22:47:00.000+08:00

# - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Go！別害怕去夢想。 Never give up 向前闖

世界上沒失敗除非你認輸投降

Go別害怕去夢想傾聽內心的願望

就算碰到阻礙也一定會天天都有成長

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - #

今天重新再找回自己當初的夢想，去追求。

沒想到，一切是那麽的順利，還得到了大家的祝福。

看來，既然敢說出口，就一定要試試做到！

加油吧！已經逃出了上一次的考驗。接下來的考驗，更是要加油咯！

《一閃一閃亮晶晶》

2011-02-09T15:56:00.001+08:00

沒想到這次的新年會是追《一閃一閃亮晶晶》的日子。

看見做老師的偉大，教育學生，改變學生的人生。

頓時響起曾經想要做老師的夢想。

看見學生的改變、成長，那種成就感，喜悅，難以形容。

現在，換個人生的方向，也還是不錯。

Chinese New Year Celebration

2011-02-04T20:25:00.000+08:00

This year’s reunion dinner was more like a mushroom feast.

Went back to my mom’s Kampung the next day and found out that many of my relatives are now Apple ambassadors… Kampung people also getting more and more advanced these days…

There are a lot of cute children also….

By the way, tried out the Canon 5D Mark II. Quite a good camera, I must admit. No samples here, cause I don’t have a CF Card reader with me, and the owner didn’t bring back any transfer cable. Next time perhaps.

Just a short update… More TK.

Lou Sang

2011-01-28T10:43:00.000+08:00

Days before Chinese New Year, I already participated in a few Lou Sang…

It’s nice to share the joy and happiness with your family.

Here, wishing everyone, Happy Chinese New Year, have a safe journey home.

Thaipusam at Batu Caves

2011-01-20T17:28:00.000+08:00

This year, was the first time I was there to witness Thaipusam.

Thaipusam at Batu Caves has been famous for so many years… famous for the huge crowd of people going there to pray, as well as famous for creating litters after the event.

The litters were thrown all around the area, and every single year, the local municipal has to send over hundreds of staffs just to come clean up the area.

Other than just going there to take photographs, I was there to help inform the public about the act of recycling. I know that I shouldn’t be posting this following photograph, but this shot is just too beautiful to be kept as an archive.

A group about 20 people went out to help create awareness, but due to the huge crowd, it’s not really effective.

I did a quick survey around, observing and listening to the public, and made a short note on why can’t the area be clean throughout the event.

Lack of rubbish bins, therefore lack of convenience to throw them.

Rubbish bins misplaced in some un-crowded areas, and you could see these bins were empty.

Filled rubbish bins are not cleared quickly leading to overflowing rubbish bins.

It’s not like the people there were not educated to properly utilize the rubbish bins, they just couldn’t find one, or the bins were just too full to contain anymore rubbish.

No point for us to be there telling them to throw litters into bins or have litters placed in recycling bins when all the bins were actually full of rubbish!

By the way, most of them walked to Batu Caves and many of them took the public transport there. This was good, wasn’t it? But how about the train service? Badly managed ticketing system, no proper queues, people rushing to get into the trains. All these bad services just made things worse. Anyways, I just feel that something has to be done about this, people of the public has to be included as well.

For a while, I felt like I was in India…

In short, Godspeed, Malaysia.

Old Faithful Camera

2011-01-15T22:54:00.000+08:00

Got my old faithful camera back from SP… certainly enjoy the simplicity of simple point and shoot camera…

So today, after working in the lab, I head over to KLCC to meet a friend, then we had a short walk over to Pavilion.

This year’s theme for Chinese New Year is RABBIT!!!

They’ve got some nice decorations going out there. Inside is just as nice too!

The very main attraction are the drums out there. They certainly know how to draw a crowd!

Kids definitely love them…

The adults alike!

See this foreigner also enjoyed himself!

This grandma and grandson was sitting by the stairs, resting after a long walk I guess.

There were some shops selling some nice decorations and gifts, this guy here etches on the marbles to create drawings…

But then again, kindly think whether is it necessary for you to buy them. Cause by the end of CNY, those decorations are most likely discarded… Think before you decide to buy them.

At the end, here I wish everyone:

(Which translates: May you be safe and prosper always).

And if you want to look young on the outside, perhaps you could pay this shop a visit… haha…

P/S: So here, I prove to everyone here that the camera you’re holding does not affect you from taking great photos. Use them wisely, and you’ll be amazed by the wonders of photo story telling! Keep shooting everyone!!!

Wonders of Nature

2011-01-07T23:58:00.000+08:00

It was a rainy morning, and out I went to the garden of inspiration.

Nature, never fails to amaze me.

Look at this little bug…

It’s not a bug, but leaves and flower buds.

And this one… A green butterfly resting on a tree bark?

Nope, it’s a small crawling plant using nature’s resources to create the most beautiful structure ever.

See, the beauty of nature is around you. And may you find joy in observing them along the way in life!

Blood Donation

2011-01-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

Today, marks the date of my 10th blood donation.

People often think that vegetarians shouldn’t donate blood. Well, I’m a person who eats lots of chocolates. So who says that my iron is insufficient?

By the way, those meat eaters, beware of iron overload. The only way you can prevent iron overload due to red meat is by donating blood, especially for males.

So for your own health, as well as to save other’s life, donate a pint of blood today!

上人每日的祝福

2010-12-26T22:58:00.000+08:00

很久沒有聼聼師公上人的開釋。今天，看囘師公上人在十一日那天的開釋。所說的，就如師公上人對我現在狀況的祝福。要我這傻孩子多加油。

所以今天，也想要跟各位分享。祝福大家。

Religion

2010-12-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

What a ride.

Sitting with someone, who’s a Christian.

Saying that it’s wrong for me to believe in someone who was once human.

Saying that we who believes in him, does not believe in god.

Saying that the only way to heaven is believing in the existence of god.

Saying that those who help the needy will not go go heaven.

Saying that it’s foolish of us to follow blindly at him.

Saying that an educated person like me is wasting time on Buddha.

In short, he’s saying that his god is ultimate, his god is fair.

But then again,

did he understand about other people’s religion?

did he understand the truth behind Buddha’s teachings?

did he just say that god is fair because you believe in him?

little did he know that everything on earth is because of karma.

little did he know that Buddha’s teachings are teachings, not religions.

little did he know that Buddha wants us to learn and understand, and not follow blindly.

little did he know that Buddha came to earth in the form of human, just like how Jesus come to earth in the form of human.

I know these may spark lots of fights, but let me get this straight.

I have no right to comment on other people’s religion because I do not study them as well as you do.

I have no position to say that other religions are bad and mine is the best because every religion teaches the good.

I too, believe in the spirit of Buddha, that one should study them before believing in them. That’s the true path of life.

One should not convince others to change religion just because his is better than others. That’s why, Buddha didn’t ask you to change religion, but believe in the truth of life with great love and compassion.

Tron Legacy

2010-12-18T23:00:00.000+08:00

It all began so many years ago… and now, the legacy of it.

I watched the original Tron just a few days back. During the production that time, the visual was bad, music was horrible… but then, it’s a dream of technology and beyond.

Now, it’s back, with better music by Daft Punk, stunning visuals and colour, but not worth paying extra for the 3D effects.

Didn’t expect Disney to go so high tech…

Anyways, back to the movie. The plot was so so, acceptable. But don’t go watch the movie with high hopes. The fun parts in the whole movie were the front, somewhere in the middle during a lightcycle race, and the last part. Other than that, nothing much which is memorable.

So, here’s my rating:

Visual effects : 85%

Audio : 90%

Plot : 60%

3D effects : 35%

OVERALL : 70%

Then again, Tron Legacy is 20 times better than the original Tron.

兩位打架的國王

2010-12-16T20:54:00.000+08:00

傳説有兩位國王。兩位都是很出名的國王，人民也非常多。

可惜人民，又疼又恨這兩位國王。

爲何？

因爲這兩個國王每次都一直派兵上戰場，時時都想打倒對方，佔取對方的土地。

平時只顧著贏，所以往往都忘了手下，忘了自己的兵，忘了人民。

最後受傷的，是誰呢？

還不是自己的人民。

難道只顧著贏，就會受到人民的疼愛？

久了，那人民還會相信這些國王嗎？

相反的，如果雙方國王一起合作，那麽人民不是活得更舒服。

獲取的成就不是更大？

You, Melayu ke?

2010-12-11T20:16:00.001+08:00

I got this questions quite frequently, or rather, questions relatively close to this one.

For example, today at PIKOM fair, as many as 8 Chinese salespersons/promoters came up to me to promote their products. Out of that 8, 3 of them started the conversation with Bahasa.

“Encik, mahu cari apa?”

“Printer sekrang hanya jual satu sembilan sembilan saja… Murah, boleh beli.”

If I got anymore suntanned, I must be looking exactly like a Malay boy.

I have got used to it actually. But the most hilarious one happened today, at the University LRT station, when a Malay guy was hesitantly approaching me to ask me something. I was listening to my music while waiting for the bus.

“Erm…”

“Huh?” I asked.

Still hesitating… he asked again, mumbling softly “Melayu?”

I couldn’t hear quite clearly… so I questioned him “Melayu?”

I swear, I could see him shocked when I said that.

“Kamu MELAYU? atau cina?”

“Bukan bukan, saya cina la…”

And he went off scratching his head… As if he’d heard something bizarre.

I swear, if I kept on insisting that I’m a Malay, with my (quite) fluent Bahasa, he would have believed me.

Perhaps I do look like a Malay. A guy with dark suntanned skin, a short goatee and wearing a cap.

A Universal Studios Experience

2010-12-07T23:05:00.000+08:00

The infamous Universal Studios, produced many many great movies, from action and comedy to romance to thrillers. Now, your favourite movies are closer to you with their Universal Studios Experience.

Get the rush of sound room at Lights, Camera, ACTION! with the help of Steven Spielberg. Enjoy the action packed live performances of actors in Water world and Broadway productions. Walk along the classic New York streets, under the glowing neon lights. Soak yourself on rapids thrill of the Jurassic Park. Get yourself haunted by the mummies in Ancient Egypt. And soon, you’ll find yourself wanting for more.

Under the hot sun and evening rain, we toured along 7 main sections – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi, Ancient Egypt, Jurassic Park, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. They are equally enjoyable and some sections, you’ll get the opportunity to get splashes, and in some cases, soaking wet. So don’t forget your umbrella or rain coats if you want to stay dry, but you’ll regret later for missing the joy of getting wet.

Along the New York Street, experience Broadway theatre at the Pantages Hollywood Theatre. See the classic monsters of Universal Studies come to live and dance! Sit as close as possible to the stage for a better view.

Another not to be missed is the Lights, Camera, ACTION! hosted by Steven Spielberg. See how many movie studios transform a light room into an action filled room, where you can feel and see the action for yourself.

Walking along, the Sci-Fi section was basically quiet as compared to the other zones.

Two main attractions – Battlestar Galactica CYLON and HUMAN roller coaster rides were non-operational. Rumour has it that the field test for the roller coaster ride failed. After a vigorous field test, the engineers decided that it’s not ready to be opened for the public just yet.

Transport yourself back to 65 million years ago, where dinosaurs once roam freely on earth. Take the Canopy Ride and soar above the sky, look at the breath-taking view from sky high. Get yourself wet on the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, a raft ride through the research facility of Jurassic Park.

Next water fun on list is the Waterworld live action theatre, where a war to find dry land on earth has begun. Filled with pyrotechnics, loud explosions, and adrenaline-rushed survivors, definitely not to be missed!

Come to Far Far Away and you will be enchanted by prince charming Shrek and princess Shrek. A Shrek 4D movie theatre is a real attraction, with over 500 people in the cinema screaming and laughing at the crazy 4D effects, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to try it again. Best seat in the house? Of course the middle seat!

A lot more to see here – Ogre house, Enchanted Airways junior rollercoaster and Magic Potion Spin. They’re all mainly for kids and adults alike.

Look at this crowd in the Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop.

“I like to move it move it! MOVE IT!” You’ll never forget this crazy song of Madagascar, with Alex the lion and his friends, they danced along the street and have others go crazy with them.

Basically, you’ll find much joy and fun in Universal Studios. Although there were some glitches while I was there (my sister and I had to queue up for the Revenge of the Mummy Roller Coaster ride 3 times just to find that the ride failed to operate properly during our first 2 queues) and some of the rides were still not completely open to the public, there were still much to see. At the end of the day, you’ll probably start complaining that why this great park closes at 7pm and not midnight. Well, let’s hope that in near future, they’re going to extend their operating hours from the current 10am to 7pm.

When the time is right again, I’ll be heading back there for a second time, and along with a few extra T-shirts!

Tips and Tricks when visiting:

Wear a raincoat or bring an umbrella if you don’t wish to get wet.

Jump the long queues by getting into ‘Single Rides’ zone.

Perhaps an early lunch would help you avoid crowded cafeteria. Vegetarian Meals are available at all restaurants.

Some lockers are for free of charge, look for those.

Water dispensers are available around the park.

One whole day is not enough, you might want to consider coming back!

四個月來。。。

2010-11-29T23:24:00.000+08:00

已經是第四個月啦！就快要第五個月了。。。

經歷過種種的情緒變動。。。

從開始什麽都不懂的人，明白了社會的複雜。

每天都借著上人靜思語的陪伴，支持自己走下去。

天天都有父母親，朋友的關心，自己頓時不再覺得寂寞。

久而久之，發現到原來多數人都患上“缺愛症”，都是需要他人關心的。

祝福自己，接下來的十一個月，要更把握時間，超越自己，勇敢去夢想。

縂有一天，回頭去看，就會覺得“我長大了！”

加油吧！

Batu Caves

2010-11-27T20:09:00.000+08:00

This was the first time I shoot at Batu Caves. A nice place to meet foreigners and talk to them…

These Iranian kids came here for a week’s holiday in KL with their parents.

These two Turkish ladies were huffing and puffing by the time they reach the 200th stairs.

Strangely, though there are over 200 stairs, it was quite an easy climb for me, perhaps because of the short breaks to take photographs along the way?

Not sure where these kids are from, but their parents were quite willing enough to allow us photograph their children.

As usual, seeing people praying inside the cave…

The team of photographers… =D

Dinner Together

2010-11-21T22:44:00.000+08:00

Dinner to bid farewell to 3 學長姐...

Table full of food, and yet like not enough… they ordered some more!

A final group photo of all of us…

Will miss them dearly when they’re gone… 慈濟路上一同精進，大家加油哦！