UPDATE: The entire experience is finally readable. Also about three quarters down is our Chinese Drum piece - figured I'd let you guys get a feel of what we play exactly. Oh, and did I mention? It's in words.
Friday, 22 August 2008 - I was in school at 1255. Went to the BookMart to get (well, buy) my books. Right outside I saw Brian Cheng, Si Mynn & Lauren lazing about. We exchanged greetings, and I went into the BookMart. I started to get the books from my "upgraded" booklist, then I had this strange moment with the BookMart Lady on how my booklist is wrong. She gave me one of the untouched booklists and then started writing loads of stuff. She also said she needed to eat lunch or something like that (?). Then Julian Thean, his mum, Ian, Nigel & Denzel walked in. Ian is incredibly adorable. We talked about loads of things, sat down for awhile.
Right after, I helped my mum carry the books to the car. It wasn't as heavy as I assumed, really. Walked down the quiet, lonely (there really was no one about) path back over to the BookMart. I figured besides me, the three rock-climbers were there. Hung out with them for a little bit. Then they walked up the stairs, probably heading for CPAC. Si Mynn was carrying her violin, see. Then came one of my most loneliest days, ever. I walked over to the canteen and saw a few teachers sitting round a table, it didn't seem to interest me so I headed for Avenue. Walked up and down there for about 20 minutes. The place gets a lot of breeze - it was a hot day, even for Malaysia. Didn't see anyone around at all. For one of the only times in my life, I actually felt all alone. I'm a people person, see.
Then I walked to the edge of the field, right at those concrete benches. Sat on the one closest to the stairs leading up to the right-ish side of the North Hall. Lay down here staring at the sky for about 20 minutes. The breeze was awfully nice. Then I walked up to the Guard House and sat there for about 15 minutes. Saw Ms. Ellen, hopefully she'll be my math teacher next week, she's wicked awesome - she turned out to be both my Math and Biology teacher. Then I slowly walked back down to the benches at the field. I saw this car go right past me and it stopped opposite the lobby on the other side. The part above the field. Pryce came out of it. Followed him to the Bookmart. Gave the fella some tips to survive and come out of Year 9 in one piece. It's not too difficult.
Then Puan Aimi walked in. She called me and gave me a task. Collect 8 different sized shirts for the Chinese Drummers, for our performance that night, keep them safe and pass them to the members. Nothing too challenging. So I packed them into my rucksack, sat down for a few more minutes and I was on my way. By now, I've been to all the places that are usually filled with people, only to find it complete devoid of it. I went to the bleachers by the swimming pool, climbed all the way to the top, dumped my rucksack beside me and took out my mum's iTouch. Yes, I've actually started using it. Shocking. Watched a couple of videos and played a few dozen songs.
And suddenly something was rumbling inside my pants. Fortunately, it was Hao Zhi calling to say he was already here! Finally, a drummer! He ran down the stairs and sat with me for awhile. We blasted some songs, until we received a call from David. We had orders to check the hall, and so we did. We walked up the stairs and crossed the road. It was right there, Bryna was striding down the walkway from the carpark. We slowly opened one of the sidedoors and peeped in. We saw Datin and almost immediately Hao Zhi said her name and pulled out. I stayed a little longer. I actually stepped in. I looked to the left and I saw the orchestra! Me old lads.
We called David back, and were told to go directly back down to the drums right beside the bookmart. Off we went. We saw Syazana walking down the stairs at the side of the lobby and David was already there. We arranged the drums and took our positions. It was around this time when it started to rain. We practised for abit and then Najiha can strolling down. As we played, the rain grew heavier and more intense. Like our drums was part of some "Calling The Heavens To Rain Down Upon Us Ritual". Mr. Jimmy came soon and he had a plan for our opening, beginning and endings. Around here Siew May and Si Mynn walked past. I smiled gleefully and waved. I'm very easily distracted, try me.
Then Mr. Jimmy taught us one of the best last poses, I personally think we've yet to learn. From the front it looks like we formed a Lotus, with its petals all opened. Strangely, when only Bryna and I did it, Najiha says it forms a heart. They laughed, the meanies. Then Mr. Andrew walked beside us and placed a box of pizzas on it. I felt so incredibly grateful. Mr. Andrew, if you're reading this, "Thank you". Then after, what 10 minutes, Siew May and Si Mynn walked beside us with another smaller box of pizza. I wanted to say something or at least thank them, but I was rehearsing for that very night's performance and the teacher was in front. All I could do was look. But they didn't look back, so no thank you signs could be given. Thanks though, you two. I really appreciate all this.
Then we started to get short on time. We needed to loads the drums and get on the bus by 1800. We were rushing to finish rehearsing our 3 pieces. When it was 1805, we ran to load the drums and stands. We had to run across the swimming pool, up the stairs and make a U-turn to get to the bus. Rinse, Dry, Repeat. We did this about 4 times running back and forth? Then we ran down again to grab our bags and dragged our limp bodies back to the bus. We got into the bus and apparently, there wasn't enough space for the drums in the storage area below that four drums (I think, maybe 3) were sitting with us on the bus. Then just when we about to get a place with two seats for ourselves, David said sit in our chinese drum positions. Hahahaha. We practised by singing and hitting our laps, bags & chairs. The bus at this time was driving out of school, then at the housing area it started reversing on the slope and we were going back to school. The bus stayed there for awhile then we were on our way. We just kept singing and moving to the beat. :)
Around this time, when the bus started moving again, we found out the entire bus was ours - with three other teachers and two funny bus driver dudes. We asked the teacher, "Are we the only people performing there?" with "Yup" as our reply. Then we asked, "[We're the] Only Cempakans there?". She answered, "Mhmm." Oh, dang. We were going down the road on the way to what we only knew as "The Davidson School", and it was smack in the city. Soon there was this major traffic jam. Then it rained.Heavily.
So basically for the next two and a half hours, we were stuck in the bus in the middle of nowhere (we couldn't see outside - the windows were frosty and covered in water) in a jam. About one quarter of the way through, Steven needed to pee; real bad. He kept walking up and down the bus, wailing like a baby. We found it entertaining - Sorry, buddy! Later on he went down and peed in a bush before the bus even moved a centimeter. After peeing, he was awfully happy, striding down the bus, smiling his face away. Hah. The jam was bumper-to-bumper and we weren't moving. We plugged in to our iPods, most of us. Hao Zhi was sleeping, Two Drummers were on their MP3s while two were gossiping and Bryna was on her DS. Hao Zhi was sleeping beside me and at one moment Syazana started playing with my mohawk, pushing it and gleefully smiling.
Later on, we figured that we won't have enough time to change at the school - it was already getting so very late. So the solution? Taking turns changing at the back of the bus. The girls were bossy. Hahaha. Whenever they changed, they shouted countless times, "Oi, LOOK IN FRONT!" Then we said back while looking in front, "Well, there isn't much to look at!" David turned behind a little and showed a face which in my mind said either "Eughhh" or "Are those reaaal?"Hahaha. Doubt he meant anything or even looked at them. He's not that kind.
He's obviously respectful of girls private changing spaces (even if they're in buses). I accidentally woke up Hao Zhi once. I was bored at one bit with everyone getting dormant, that i actually started to talk to him. Really, really. 'Twas fun.
We arrived soon at the school which was right beside a Monorail track. We had to carry the drums, we were running late (No, duh) and Datin was already waiting for us. We picked up our drums and made our way down. The school was huge. And I think the person who built the school really loves stairs. This is my experience of carrying the huge monster of a drum to the backstage of the hall. I climbed down a two flight of stairs (like one bunch before reaching a flat part of ground) and to my left was the hall. The hall is INCREDIBLY huge - it's more than three stories high and it could probably fit a helicopter or more in it. I walked past it and went down another two even longer flights of stairs. By now my leg's were going to give way, gravity just loves these drums. We had to make a U-turn and climb up 4 flights up stairs up. these one's were tall. like the ones in Cempaka that turn, but much higher. After that was the door to the backstage. We had to repeat this process about two more times? When we were done, we were panting and tossing our limp selves over the drums backstage.
Apparently, we weren't the only ones who were late. Even the emcees hadn't arrived yet. So we went on stage and just stood there. David then talked to Datin and apparently we had individual introductions. They were going to announce our name and we had to play our very own fanfares (like our own little 4 noted piece). We waited for the VIPs to arrive, and just as they were about to enter, we played the widely known drum-roll - Cempaka Beat style. Then right after, David signaled us to stop. He walked up to the rostrum and started introducing all of us individually, with himself first of course - he being our captain and the man behind the mike. It sort of went like David Kam, Syazana *dum dum tak tik - or something like that* and so forth. Then we began our performance, with a whole new opening.
For your reading pleasure, I'll type our our piece - with sections labeled out! I recommend you to sing it out load. For more enjoyment, sing it aloud with a friend. OR better yet dance and move about abit. Oh, and I mean it.
Note: Movements not included.
David: DUM drummmmmmmm
Bernard: DUM drummmmmmm
Syazana: DUM drummmmmmm
Najiha: DUM drummmmmmm
Bryna: DUM drummmmmmm
Steven: DUM drummmmmmm
Hao Zhi: DUM drummmmmmm
Taktak tak tak tak, tak tak tak tak, taktak tak tak tak, taktak tak tak tak | taktak tak tak tak, tik tak tik tak tik tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | taktak tak tak tak, tik tak tik tak tik tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | taktaktaktaktaktak, tik tak tik tak tik tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | taktaktaktaktaktak, tik tak tik tak tik tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak.
Tak tak tik tak tak tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | Tak tak tik tak tak tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | Tak tak tik tak tak tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | Tak tak tik tak tak tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak.
DUM dum tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tak dum | DUM dum tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tak dum | DUM dum tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tak dum | DUM dum tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tak dum.
DUMDUM tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tik dum, dum tak dum dum tak dum dum dum | DUMDUM tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tik dum, dum tak dum dum tak dum dum dum | DUMDUM tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tik dum, dum tak dum dum tak dum dum dum | DUMDUM tak dum tik dum tik dum tik dum tik dum, dum tak dum dum tak dum dum dum.
taktak taktak taktak taktak | TAKTAK TAKTAK TAKTAK TAKTAK.
taktak tak tak tak, taktak tak tak tak, tak tak tik tak, tak tak tik tak | tak tik tak tik tak, tak tik tak tak tik tak tak tak | taktak tak tak tak, tik tak tak tak tak, tik tak tak tak tak | tak tik tak tak tak tak tak tak.
dum dumdum dumdum dumdum dum, dumdum dumdum dumdumdumdumdum. X 5
taktak tak tak tak, tak taktak tak tak tak, tak tak dumdumdum X 6 (?)
dum dum dum tak, dum dum dum. X 8
dum dum dum dum.
dum tak tak dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum tak dum | dum tak tak dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum tak dum | dum tak tak dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum tak dum | dum tak tak dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum tak dum | tak tik tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak | tak tik tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak | tak tik tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak | tak tik tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak.
tak tak tak tak | dumdumdum dum dum dum, dumdumdum dum dum dum | tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak.
dum dum tak dum, dum dum dum dum tak dum tik dum tak, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum | dum dum tak dum, dum dum dum dum tak dum tik dum tak, dum dum dum dum dum, tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak.
dum dum tak dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum.
dum dum tak dum tik dum tak, dum dum tak dum tik dum tik dum, tak tak tak tak tak tak tak tak, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum.
dum dum dumdumdumdum, dum dum tak dum, dum dum dumdumdumdum, dum dum.
tik tik tik tak, tik tik tik tik tak, tik tik tik tik tak, dum dum dum.
dum dum dumdumdumdum, dum dum tak dum, dum dum dumdumdumdum, dum dum.
tik tik tik tak, tik tik tik tik tak, tik tik tik tik tak, tak tak tak tak dum, tak tak tak tak dum.
taktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktak, dum taktaktak dum tak dum dum dum dum dum *SA* | taktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktak, dum taktaktak dum tak dum dum dum dum dum *SA* | tak tak tak tak dum, tak tak tak tak dum, taktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktaktak, dum taktaktak dum tak dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum *SA*.
David: dum dum dum dumdumdumdum tak tak tak tak tak tak dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dumdumdumdum tak tak tak tak tak tak dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum.
dum dum dum dumdumdumdum tak tak tak tak tak tak dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum | tak tak tak, dum dum dum tak tak tak, tak tak tak dum tak tak tak | tak tak tak, dum dum dum tak tak tak, tak tak tak dum tak tak tak | tak tak tak, dum dum dum tak tak tak, tak tak tak dum tak tak tak | dum dum dum dumdumdumdum tak tak tak tak tak tak dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum.
dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum | dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum | dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum| dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum.
David: Solo.
Steven: Solo.
dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum, dumdum dumdum dumdum dumdum dumdum dumdum dumdum dumdum | dumdum dumdum dum dum dum, dumdum dumdum dum dum dum, dumdum dumdum dum dum dum, dumdum dumdum dum dum dum | dum dum, dum dum, dum dum, dum dum | taktaktaktak taktaktaktak, taktaktaktak..
dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum, DUM DUM DUM dum dum, DUM DUM DUM dum dum, DUM DUM DUM dum dum, DUM DUM DUM dum dum, dum tak tak dum tak dum *HO*.
DUM dumdumdum, DUM dumdumdum, DUM dumdumdum, DUM dumdumdum | dum taktak dum, dum taktak dum, dum taktak dum, dum taktak dum | dumdumdumdumdumdumdumdum, dum dum dum dum dum dum dum dum.
dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum, dum dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum dum | dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum, dum dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum dum, dum dum tak tak dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum dum, dum tak tak dum dum dum *SA*
*Cue last pose.
Trust me, it's not as hard as it looks. So, right after we bowed and brought the drums back-stage. The guy from the school who was sort of our caretaker was there. Using methods unknown, the guy manages to pop up anywhere at any given time. Freaky. So he told us we could eat. We waltz down the stairs and climbed up some more to the side of the hall. As we entered the hall, loads of faces turned and stared right at us. We gave our "Ohhellyeah" faces. We saw an ex-cempakan there even, though I didn't know her too well. They found us a table, but three people were sitting there. They asked them whether the table was taken as there were still spaces for all of us. They said they had friends coming in an almost indistinguishable chinese accent. So we stood there awkwardly for about 10 minutes while they rolled a table in and prepared it.
We sat down soon after and when we turned around, the table was empty. We looked in the front of the hall and saw the same people there. Go figure. We sat down and/or stood around the table for a good ten minutes (?) before student waiters ran about setting the table. We sat down and began arguing about how far we could reach across the table (no offence, 'jiha; hee) and our table manners. We waited for those snazzy looking orange juice that looked so good, only for them to serve us plates, cutlery and water. Datin walked over and thanked us for coming. Being manner-able we thanked her back for asking us to perform that night. Then the food came! But before we could even lift our forks/spoons, the guy came back. We all looked at him, he talked to David for abit then it hit us. They wanted us to do an encore.
Now, it wasn't like we didn't want to perform again. It's just they wanted another piece, which we didn't have at the moment - it was just that. Now, we begun to make up silly excuses because clearly, we did not want to disappoint. First we said if we played right after eating we'd hurl. He recommended we play now and eat later. I forgot the rest. But eventually (this meaning after 30 seconds), we drank some water, picked up our sticks and went down and up the stairs again. But before we went backstage, we went to the toilet. We had to climb up more stairs and through this closed door. The place was really dark, and the corridors narrow. You could hear the monorail whooshing on by. It was shadowy. I scared the crap out of Syazana. Hehehehe. Then we did our business and waited for each other outside. Then the dude appeared again. Right across from us. And he asked us what we were doing here all alone at night. It was freaky. We said "Uhhh, toilet *point*". We were cleared.
Backstage, we discussed a little more on what exactly we were going to do. We changed the opening and last pose sections to our newly created ones earlier that day. We went on stage and looked right down on our drums. By now the emcees had already arrived. The lady one started talking for a bit, before introducing all of us yet again. We played our little fanfares as she did. Then we played yet again with all the changes added. For obvious reasons, I won't type it all out again, if you don't mind. We bowed and carried the drums back. We walked down and up those dreadful stairs AGAIN, before sitting down at the table set in the middle of the hall. We began to eat food as the emcees and guests started doing their speeches. Now, not to be perasan or anything, but I really think these people love us or something. There was this dude with a video camera that kept following us and filming us. Also, I swear I heard the emcee mention "Cempaka Beat" and point and gleaming at us more than a couple of times. Dang.
Then right after I finished my second plate, everyone started standing up and walking out the side doors. It was already over. Talk about fast. While everyone was walking out, we just sat there and stuffed our face with more food. Datin walked over and thanked us. I had the most awkward moment with her, and if she's reading this right now (which I doubt) I really hope you understood what I meant that day. It's nothing bad, just misconception-al. So then we had to carry the drums again back to the bus. We left our food and walked down and up the stairs again to the drums. This time it was much slower and a little less stressing. I taught Vanessa and Bryna how to lift and carry the drums to their shoulders! Though, I think they need to work out a little more. I mean that in the best way, ever possible. Then suddenly, Najiha ran up to us and said someone wanted an INTERVIEW! Gosh, an encore and an interview in one night? Ohhellyeah.
We walked up the camera guy again and he asked a few questions. Then as Najiha was busy staring at the lens, we (the other drummers) slowly crept backwards to the stage. Basically, we ditched her. Nyehehehe. So then we managed to get all the drums back on the bus. Najiha I don't think will ever forgive us. So we got back on the bus, laughed and taunted each other as we lugged the drums up the stairs all the way to the bus, which was incredibly nicely parked so far away. We got on and sat down.
So began one of the most fun moments (and loud too) I've ever had in my entire life. Probably top ten, probably top five. Heck, top three.When the song "Apologise" came on, we started to sing. Then shout. Then as more hiphop and modern music started playing, we started dancing and jumping and singing in the bus. It was like a mobile rave. Words can't explain how amazing that was. It was fun. We also did this huge long wave through the course of the bus. And danced up and down. The bus was rocking all the way back to Cheras (literally).
Back at Cheras, we unloaded the drums to the guardhouse. No, we weren't going to go all the way down to the avenue that late at night. School was dark, real dark. Darker than usual. Then just as I was carrying my first drum. Cramps. Syazana started panicking. I started joking and saying meaningless "Ow's" and "Argh's" and telling little kids (Najiha's little brother and sister who are both incredibly cute) to stay in school and don't be a sissy like Bernard and get cramps at 2300 in the middle of school. Yes, lame. But it was late at night, and it's late right now so this all's probably gonna sound very wonky. Sorry, I wanted to get this up and readable as soon as possible. It's been pressurizing. So well I reached home at 2345 and got rid of the cramps. We had Steven, a waterpolo player, on the team so no worries. And that's my story. With the cramps and all, I can say just one thing (and no, it's not THE END).
What a darn fine way to end a truly spectacular experience.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Climb Rocks, Save Lives
That right there is our "war-cry". Each of our groups has to have a war-cry. Figure 8 proclaimed that our war-cry was probably the funniest and most entertaining. It involves weird spins and even stranger dances.
So today was Day 1 of the course and it was the theory session. We wouldn't be climbing or anything until tomorrow's practical session which I won't be attending. Gah. Well we learnt the different components today and learn how to make figure of 8 knots in ropes, which will be attached to our harness and carabiners. It was fun. Real fun. We made it our mission to be able to tie figure of 8 knots behind our backs to live up to our name. Plus we even found out new, easier, more efficient and faster ways to tie these knots. They don't call us the Figure 8's fer nuthin'.
Our team consisted of: William, Nadat, Bernard, Lauren, Pal., Ainura and Hua Jin. Our two teachers, everyone else got one (Hah) were Encik Salleh and Encik Raman.
For life saving, we did the pretty much the same things. Plus we learnt how to properly tie bandages for different types of wounds in different parts of the body. Momoko said we should start a new fashion with these. And toss in a couple of those ring floats and we've got our selves a pretty fun (and tiring) lesson. Oh, did I mention the whole pool was ours?
I swam the entire length of the pool underwater without breathing. Success!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Shangri La Performance
First of all:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
NICHOLAS OH, MARISE TAN & AUNTIE TRACY!
Secondly:
Been in school since 1400. Just got back from Shangri La. Performed for one of the most awesome birthday parties I've yet to see. Told ghost stories. Ate all-you-can-eat buffet food. Stole snacks from the scattered snack bars. My drumstick is about to lose one third of its body. Saw a table made out of ice carrying drinks. Saw two giant disco balls. Saw a tower covered in desserts. Named places from A-Z. Saw Hao Zhi play the PSP. Heard Vanessa's supernatural stories. Posed on the drums for like a kazillion photos. Played on the drums on the grassy patch behind the hall (for the first time). Scared Cherise. Sang songs in the van. Played songs in the van. Smsed like crazy. One thing I've got to say:
The most fun (and loudest) moments are with Cempaka Beat.
And thirdly:
Chinese drum photos from the Run&Roll event:
* Courtesy of the Uchimura Sisters.
My freaking long ghost story scared the crap out of a Form 4 guy. Respect.
Secondly:
Been in school since 1400. Just got back from Shangri La. Performed for one of the most awesome birthday parties I've yet to see. Told ghost stories. Ate all-you-can-eat buffet food. Stole snacks from the scattered snack bars. My drumstick is about to lose one third of its body. Saw a table made out of ice carrying drinks. Saw two giant disco balls. Saw a tower covered in desserts. Named places from A-Z. Saw Hao Zhi play the PSP. Heard Vanessa's supernatural stories. Posed on the drums for like a kazillion photos. Played on the drums on the grassy patch behind the hall (for the first time). Scared Cherise. Sang songs in the van. Played songs in the van. Smsed like crazy. One thing I've got to say:
And thirdly:
Chinese drum photos from the Run&Roll event:
* Courtesy of the Uchimura Sisters.
My freaking long ghost story scared the crap out of a Form 4 guy. Respect.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Male Brain Game
The truth behind why guys tend to game more than girls. Scientifically.
Note: The following article is from my Issue 021: August 2008 Playstation® Official Magazine - UK, Page 023.
Why men need to conquer, but women aren't so fussed
Scientists may have discovered the reason why gaming remains a male dominated activity - and it's all about brain chemistry. In a surely valuable and in no way likely to cause massive rows piece of research by Prof Allan Reiss of Stanford University, male and female participants were hooked up to an MRI scanner while playing a strategy game in which the implicit aim was to win as much territory as possible, by clicking on balls before they hit centrally placed wall. Guess what happened...
All in the mind
In both sexes victory stimulated the brain's mesocorticolimbic centre, usually associated with reward and addiction. However, with the male subjects the activity was much more pronounced, and motivation grew as they gained more territory. Women understood the game and knew how to win, but their pleasure centres remained comparatively unmoved.
"I think it is fair to say that males tend to be more intrinsically territorial," said Reiss of his findings, hinting that games appeal to a primal male instinct for conquest. In his report for the Journal of Psychiatric Research, Reiss goes on to suggest, "These gender differences might help explain why males are more attracted to, and more likely to become 'hooked' on, videogames than females." In other words, lads, it's not our fault we spend night after night hitting Liberty City [the city in which the videogame Grand Theft Auto IV takes place in] for cheap thrills, we're powerless slaves to our mesocorticolimbic overlords.
Want to find out more about your game-obsessed brain? Read the full report at snipurl.com/2e33a.
A little scientific advice from the scientists:
Note: The following article is from my Issue 021: August 2008 Playstation® Official Magazine - UK, Page 023.
Bet on red
Next time you're heading online for a frag-fest make sure you get on the red team. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen recently studied 1,347 bouts of online UT 2004 and found that red teams won 55% of the time. Neuroscientist Mihai Moldovan reckons this is all to do with red being a psychological distractor for men because it symbolises anger. Blue on the other hand probably just means depression. Or shame. No one is scared of shooting at those.
Note: The following article is from my Issue 021: August 2008 Playstation® Official Magazine - UK, Page 023.
Why men need to conquer, but women aren't so fussed
Scientists may have discovered the reason why gaming remains a male dominated activity - and it's all about brain chemistry. In a surely valuable and in no way likely to cause massive rows piece of research by Prof Allan Reiss of Stanford University, male and female participants were hooked up to an MRI scanner while playing a strategy game in which the implicit aim was to win as much territory as possible, by clicking on balls before they hit centrally placed wall. Guess what happened...
All in the mind
In both sexes victory stimulated the brain's mesocorticolimbic centre, usually associated with reward and addiction. However, with the male subjects the activity was much more pronounced, and motivation grew as they gained more territory. Women understood the game and knew how to win, but their pleasure centres remained comparatively unmoved.
"I think it is fair to say that males tend to be more intrinsically territorial," said Reiss of his findings, hinting that games appeal to a primal male instinct for conquest. In his report for the Journal of Psychiatric Research, Reiss goes on to suggest, "These gender differences might help explain why males are more attracted to, and more likely to become 'hooked' on, videogames than females." In other words, lads, it's not our fault we spend night after night hitting Liberty City [the city in which the videogame Grand Theft Auto IV takes place in] for cheap thrills, we're powerless slaves to our mesocorticolimbic overlords.
We spoke to one of the research team, Fumiko Hoeft, who told us they're planning further work in this area, including repeating the experiment using different types of game and more complex simulations, "that interrogate territoriality." In other words, why do men care about dominating virtual landscapes?
Based on our own experience, the research team is likely to get very different results from the female participants if they use a copy of SingStar Legends and a couple bottles of Rosé. Next month: why boys like guns and cars.
Want to find out more about your game-obsessed brain? Read the full report at snipurl.com/2e33a.
A little scientific advice from the scientists:
Note: The following article is from my Issue 021: August 2008 Playstation® Official Magazine - UK, Page 023.
Bet on red
Next time you're heading online for a frag-fest make sure you get on the red team. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen recently studied 1,347 bouts of online UT 2004 and found that red teams won 55% of the time. Neuroscientist Mihai Moldovan reckons this is all to do with red being a psychological distractor for men because it symbolises anger. Blue on the other hand probably just means depression. Or shame. No one is scared of shooting at those.
An Odd Way To Say Goodbye
Kanako Uchimura and Joanne Lim of Year 9 Terra, Cempaka International School have one funny way of making a interesting and memorable farewell.
They made emoticons of the entire class.
And quite frankly, I think they did a great job (the emoticons have a distinct resemblance to their real-life counterparts). So here's the Year 9 Terrans, emoticon style:
Top Row: Anupreeta Arumugam, Tan Kar Man, Elina Allyssa Sulaiman, Ellya Sam, Hana Najeeb, Jacqueline Lim, Joanne Lim, Julie Chan, Kanako Uchimura, Krystal Oon, Kristen Oon, Lydia Siow, Mariana Popa, Meenakshi, Michelle Tang, Momoko Uchimura, Pearl Lynn Chong & Sharon Chen
Bottom Row: Bernard Keo, Bernard Sam, Joshua Lee, Varindra Pradhana, Vikramjit Lahiri & Chin Yeung Fwu
Figured if I'm gonna post Kanako and Joanne's farewell gift, I might as well introduce you to the Year 9 Terrans.
This post is dedicated as my little farewell to the wonderful class of 9 Terra; the funniest, lamest and most amazing Year 9s you'll ever meet.
Here are the names of the people I (had) to see for the five days of the week and my view/special nickname of/for them.
*Yes, our class only has 6 boys. As Vikram puts it, "The roses among the thorns". Ohhellyeah.
.:: YEAR 9 TERRA ::.
:: CLASS TEACHER ::
Ms. Ong Yee Ten - Understanding, loving, caring. What more can you ask for?
:: MONITOR ::
Anupreeta Arumugam - Gotta love her British accent and her innocent-ness.
:: ASST. MONITOR ::
Bernard Sam - He rules the class with his supreme power, awesomeness and wicked sense of humour. ;DD
:: THE SMARTS ::
*These are the people who (always) get the high marks. No kidding.
Bernard Keo - Books. Games. Guns & Fun. :P
Sharon Chen - Got a question about the world, politics and current affairs? She's the one. ;)
Chong Pearl Lynn - Silent but a brilliant genius.
Mariana Popa - Math whiz.
Tan Kar Man - She knows.
:: THE PREFECTS ::
* These are the secret agents who evoke fear in the hearts of timid little Year 7s.
Ellya Sam - Fear her. :)
Hana Najeeb - Laughter ensues.
Joshua Lee - The Best Friend.
Julie Chan - JULAY! :D * Green
Momoko Uchimura - Kunichiwa!
Vikramjit Lahiri - Leader of the Ballistic, Opportunistic, Young Services*. *B.O.Y.S. ;DD
:: THE LIBRARIANS ::
* Silent but deadly. You've been forewarned.
Kanako Uchimura - YATA! KUNICHIWA! GANBATTE! :DD
Kristen Oon - The planner.
Krystal Oon - Fear her Librarian Head-ness.
Meenakshi - Latest addition to the class.
:: THE STONERS ::
*The guys.
Chin Yeung Fwu - King Stoner. :P
Varindra Pradhana - 'The toilet is that way.' *flexes bicep* :D
(Note: I do this to him. Not the other way around.)
:: THE SWIMMER ::
*She's the swimmer. :)
Michelle Tang - Fish! :D
:: THE MASSEUR ::
*She's the one who can unstress-ify.
Elina Allyssa Sulaiman - She has hands of gold.
:: THE ROSES ::
* The girls. :P
Jacqueline Lim - Very quietttt.
Joanne Lim - JOANNE-YYY! :D
Lydia Siow - Li Jia! :D
And quite frankly, I think they did a great job (the emoticons have a distinct resemblance to their real-life counterparts). So here's the Year 9 Terrans, emoticon style:
Bottom Row: Bernard Keo, Bernard Sam, Joshua Lee, Varindra Pradhana, Vikramjit Lahiri & Chin Yeung Fwu
Figured if I'm gonna post Kanako and Joanne's farewell gift, I might as well introduce you to the Year 9 Terrans.
This post is dedicated as my little farewell to the wonderful class of 9 Terra; the funniest, lamest and most amazing Year 9s you'll ever meet.
Here are the names of the people I (had) to see for the five days of the week and my view/special nickname of/for them.
*Yes, our class only has 6 boys. As Vikram puts it, "The roses among the thorns". Ohhellyeah.
.:: YEAR 9 TERRA ::.
:: CLASS TEACHER ::
Ms. Ong Yee Ten - Understanding, loving, caring. What more can you ask for?
:: MONITOR ::
Anupreeta Arumugam - Gotta love her British accent and her innocent-ness.
:: ASST. MONITOR ::
Bernard Sam - He rules the class with his supreme power, awesomeness and wicked sense of humour. ;DD
:: THE SMARTS ::
*These are the people who (always) get the high marks. No kidding.
Bernard Keo - Books. Games. Guns & Fun. :P
Sharon Chen - Got a question about the world, politics and current affairs? She's the one. ;)
Chong Pearl Lynn - Silent but a brilliant genius.
Mariana Popa - Math whiz.
Tan Kar Man - She knows.
:: THE PREFECTS ::
* These are the secret agents who evoke fear in the hearts of timid little Year 7s.
Ellya Sam - Fear her. :)
Hana Najeeb - Laughter ensues.
Joshua Lee - The Best Friend.
Julie Chan - JULAY! :D * Green
Momoko Uchimura - Kunichiwa!
Vikramjit Lahiri - Leader of the Ballistic, Opportunistic, Young Services*. *B.O.Y.S. ;DD
:: THE LIBRARIANS ::
* Silent but deadly. You've been forewarned.
Kanako Uchimura - YATA! KUNICHIWA! GANBATTE! :DD
Kristen Oon - The planner.
Krystal Oon - Fear her Librarian Head-ness.
Meenakshi - Latest addition to the class.
:: THE STONERS ::
*The guys.
Chin Yeung Fwu - King Stoner. :P
Varindra Pradhana - 'The toilet is that way.' *flexes bicep* :D
(Note: I do this to him. Not the other way around.)
:: THE SWIMMER ::
*She's the swimmer. :)
Michelle Tang - Fish! :D
:: THE MASSEUR ::
*She's the one who can unstress-ify.
Elina Allyssa Sulaiman - She has hands of gold.
:: THE ROSES ::
* The girls. :P
Jacqueline Lim - Very quietttt.
Joanne Lim - JOANNE-YYY! :D
Lydia Siow - Li Jia! :D
Sunday, August 10, 2008
08.08.08
Right, before I begin, sorry. Yeah, you read me. "Soh-Rey." You know, for all the posts I owe you (plus drawings, and not to mention that Debate Finals '07 Report for YJC). Hmmm, it's gonna be a long week.
* The story on the event itself is coming soon. Patience, young grasshoppers.
Friday, 8 August 2008 - Run and Roll: Silver Streak. To tell you the truth, the night portion of this Run and Roll shindig was (yeah, you guessed it) boring. Not many people actually came, there was only milo & water for beverages and satay, fruits & some white thing for consumption. But the real excitement, fun and thrills for me were hours before the event even started.
So here's how it all began. Arrived in Cheras at 1400. Went to an empty hall, called David Kam, moved over to the Lobby. Hao Zhi, Syazana & David were already in there, David had something to do so I followed Syazana (who was apparently dead hungry) & Hao Zhi to the canteen. There I saw a couple of familiar faces: Aaron Ong & Natalie Wong at the stairs leading up to the lobby when Syazana & Hao Zhi were putting their bags in some place safe. Tyen & Izzwan at the cash register in the canteen. Chong Kien (who hugged the living daylights out of me) at one of the tables. There were a few more, but no contact was made with them. Just so you know, I'm real shy.
Syazana bought chicken rice, Hao Zhi disappeared and I got myself a bottle water for the long day ahead. Sat down with Syazana while she ate. Kept rushing her too. It was fun, really. Then David ran up to us saying "After you eat, go to the Lobby(yes, he punched out this word)." So rushed Syazana, I did. Later on when she was dumping her plate and utensils, I walked toward the swimming pool. Then I suddenly saw Hao Zhi walking beside Syazana. Where'd he come from? Caught up with the two, and we dashed back to the Lobby. Soon the whole Seven-Man-Team was here: David Kam, Steven Chow, Lee Hao Zhi, Syazana, Bernard Sam, Tsara & Rachel.
We dashed over to the hall, apparently there was a prize-giving going on for the runners of the jogathon. Syazana, Momoko and I were the last-minute, impromptu prize-givers (a.k.a. the tray carriers) for the event. There were so many medals to give out (everyone was given one for participation), and everyone was moving so quickly. We had to hold the trays AND get ready the medals to be placed over their heads. The sashes getting tangled almost every time wasn't helping. It was soon over, with everyone glad (participants got their medals and the prize-givers could leave & rest). Soon it was time for the chinese drummers to get our transports arranged to go to the Enstek area. Did I mention we'll be the first "students" there?
I was in Mr. Kang's car, along with David, Hao Zhi and Steven. Basically, only the CPAC Teachers and us would be there. Funtastical. The long journey there (like really long) was quite short for us in Mr. Kang's car. How? David and I told our childhood stories together. He has three brothers, yes three. And all of them have "different personalities", so you can tell how the stories turn out. Man, it's like some friggin' adventure. Though, personally, I think my childhood TWIN stories are much more, interesting. Loads of psychic, weird, cool stuff there. But that's really a story for another day. Still curious? Find me, sit down for awhile. I might just share my little tale. OR I'll post it all in one huge post filled with my baby/childhood pictures. Oh, for a fact I look totally different when I was a kid (Ellya looks pretty much the same), so look real hard. And guess.
After much talking, we arrived in Enstek, Sepang. We stopped at this "roundabout" with one arc having stairs leading up to what appeared to be a square and a hill directly opposite. With much excitement, we got out of the car and dashed right up the stairs. I wanted to make a call to someone who couldn't make it and brag how awesome this place was. But my phone wasn't in my pants. Gee. I ran back down the stairs, much annoyed, to Mr. Kang's car. I managed to get there before he drove off. Lucky me. Opened the door, jumped (literallly) into the back seat, grabbed my phone and uttered a almost indistinguishable "Soh-REYYY" to the drivers seat and slammed the door. Mr. Kang was still in the car, just about to take off. I started my way up the stairs, which formed an arc, split into six sections with immense, looming pillars reaching out into the sky on each of the seven "dividers." There were two pots at the end of each "divider". I was using the middle section. An awesome sight, it truly was.
Those are the seven dividers, the hill and CILC.
Make no mistake, this place is breath-taking. As I stood on the edge of the highest step, I could see Banjaran Titiwangsa in the distance, a up-and-coming CILC, the gigantic roundabout, palm trees, and construction vehicles. Behind me was grass so green and like seemingly soft you could just lay down on it (we did later on, and it's like acupuncture; you've been warned). Also there was a few show houses, very nice I might add, a large square, and a playground. Everyone ran for it soon after Syazana shouted, "PLAYGROUND!". Then they stopped, turned around and asked, "Um, can we teacher? Pwease?" Ms. Wan answered, "Hah, yeah sure!" Then they ran off. I just stood there laughing. The place is quite echoey. Then I whipped out my phone, rolled out my Contacts List, pondered whether I should make the call and changed my mind at the last second. I called Tyen. I bragged as hard as I could, but he didn't seem as enthusiastic as I thought he'd be. Still I got the message pretty far across.
Then I ran off to the playground, and like mad children we ran around trying everything out. The monkey bars wasn't much of a challenge; if I tip-toed, I'd be touching the floor. The slide was pretty amazing, though at the top you needed help to actually enter the darn thing and to actually move. It was only much later on that it was really steep that you almost couldn't stop yourself from going down. Everyone was interested in the "animals-on-springs" things, them bouncy critters. So we ran around like we've never seen a playground before, laughing, shouting & screaming our lungs out. Then it we pretty much did all we could there.
Then later, we went back to our bags - which we conveniently dumped on a nice huge patch of grass. We sat down, discussed stuff, relaxed. Then the unimaginable happened - Hao Zhi shouted, "THE GRASS LOOKS TO COMFORTABLE." then he lay down/jumped on it and all I got out of that was "OUCHHH!" or maybe some swear word, I don't know. He told us not to sit on it. Man, that grass is pokey. David asked us to start thinking of designs for our incoming costumes, I wrecked my basic man figure, gah. Then David at one point, when only Steven and I were left, whipped out a container of foooddd! All of us we're getting hungry already. At this point all the trucks were arriving with the food. Durians, satays, fruits, them white stuff, you name it. At this point, was random walking around the square.
Some of us were here, some of us were elsewhere. We also tried to plan how we would perform later, the locations, the patterns, everything. More and more people were beginning to arrive starting with the last batch of CPAC Teachers and soon Julie, Tasha and the bands. We starting playing at the playground more, calling it our "home-base". I smsed a few people. Got back fewer replies. Nyeh, won't complain. Haha. Enjoy the rest of the pictures:
* Don't forget that all the way at the bottom is where I write about the Run and Roll actually beginning.
That's CILC on the right of the hill.
That's the unfinished "stage" and the pond.
That's the playground and a couple of show houses, which are amazing.
That's the edge of the playground and part of the show houses.
I'll finish this off tomorrow, expect modifications on the existing post, captions on the photos and additions on the event itself. For now, enjoy the only three photos I have of the night. ;D
* The story on the event itself is coming soon. Patience, young grasshoppers.
Friday, 8 August 2008 - Run and Roll: Silver Streak. To tell you the truth, the night portion of this Run and Roll shindig was (yeah, you guessed it) boring. Not many people actually came, there was only milo & water for beverages and satay, fruits & some white thing for consumption. But the real excitement, fun and thrills for me were hours before the event even started.
So here's how it all began. Arrived in Cheras at 1400. Went to an empty hall, called David Kam, moved over to the Lobby. Hao Zhi, Syazana & David were already in there, David had something to do so I followed Syazana (who was apparently dead hungry) & Hao Zhi to the canteen. There I saw a couple of familiar faces: Aaron Ong & Natalie Wong at the stairs leading up to the lobby when Syazana & Hao Zhi were putting their bags in some place safe. Tyen & Izzwan at the cash register in the canteen. Chong Kien (who hugged the living daylights out of me) at one of the tables. There were a few more, but no contact was made with them. Just so you know, I'm real shy.
Syazana bought chicken rice, Hao Zhi disappeared and I got myself a bottle water for the long day ahead. Sat down with Syazana while she ate. Kept rushing her too. It was fun, really. Then David ran up to us saying "After you eat, go to the Lobby(yes, he punched out this word)." So rushed Syazana, I did. Later on when she was dumping her plate and utensils, I walked toward the swimming pool. Then I suddenly saw Hao Zhi walking beside Syazana. Where'd he come from? Caught up with the two, and we dashed back to the Lobby. Soon the whole Seven-Man-Team was here: David Kam, Steven Chow, Lee Hao Zhi, Syazana, Bernard Sam, Tsara & Rachel.
We dashed over to the hall, apparently there was a prize-giving going on for the runners of the jogathon. Syazana, Momoko and I were the last-minute, impromptu prize-givers (a.k.a. the tray carriers) for the event. There were so many medals to give out (everyone was given one for participation), and everyone was moving so quickly. We had to hold the trays AND get ready the medals to be placed over their heads. The sashes getting tangled almost every time wasn't helping. It was soon over, with everyone glad (participants got their medals and the prize-givers could leave & rest). Soon it was time for the chinese drummers to get our transports arranged to go to the Enstek area. Did I mention we'll be the first "students" there?
I was in Mr. Kang's car, along with David, Hao Zhi and Steven. Basically, only the CPAC Teachers and us would be there. Funtastical. The long journey there (like really long) was quite short for us in Mr. Kang's car. How? David and I told our childhood stories together. He has three brothers, yes three. And all of them have "different personalities", so you can tell how the stories turn out. Man, it's like some friggin' adventure. Though, personally, I think my childhood TWIN stories are much more, interesting. Loads of psychic, weird, cool stuff there. But that's really a story for another day. Still curious? Find me, sit down for awhile. I might just share my little tale. OR I'll post it all in one huge post filled with my baby/childhood pictures. Oh, for a fact I look totally different when I was a kid (Ellya looks pretty much the same), so look real hard. And guess.
After much talking, we arrived in Enstek, Sepang. We stopped at this "roundabout" with one arc having stairs leading up to what appeared to be a square and a hill directly opposite. With much excitement, we got out of the car and dashed right up the stairs. I wanted to make a call to someone who couldn't make it and brag how awesome this place was. But my phone wasn't in my pants. Gee. I ran back down the stairs, much annoyed, to Mr. Kang's car. I managed to get there before he drove off. Lucky me. Opened the door, jumped (literallly) into the back seat, grabbed my phone and uttered a almost indistinguishable "Soh-REYYY" to the drivers seat and slammed the door. Mr. Kang was still in the car, just about to take off. I started my way up the stairs, which formed an arc, split into six sections with immense, looming pillars reaching out into the sky on each of the seven "dividers." There were two pots at the end of each "divider". I was using the middle section. An awesome sight, it truly was.
Make no mistake, this place is breath-taking. As I stood on the edge of the highest step, I could see Banjaran Titiwangsa in the distance, a up-and-coming CILC, the gigantic roundabout, palm trees, and construction vehicles. Behind me was grass so green and like seemingly soft you could just lay down on it (we did later on, and it's like acupuncture; you've been warned). Also there was a few show houses, very nice I might add, a large square, and a playground. Everyone ran for it soon after Syazana shouted, "PLAYGROUND!". Then they stopped, turned around and asked, "Um, can we teacher? Pwease?" Ms. Wan answered, "Hah, yeah sure!" Then they ran off. I just stood there laughing. The place is quite echoey. Then I whipped out my phone, rolled out my Contacts List, pondered whether I should make the call and changed my mind at the last second. I called Tyen. I bragged as hard as I could, but he didn't seem as enthusiastic as I thought he'd be. Still I got the message pretty far across.
Then I ran off to the playground, and like mad children we ran around trying everything out. The monkey bars wasn't much of a challenge; if I tip-toed, I'd be touching the floor. The slide was pretty amazing, though at the top you needed help to actually enter the darn thing and to actually move. It was only much later on that it was really steep that you almost couldn't stop yourself from going down. Everyone was interested in the "animals-on-springs" things, them bouncy critters. So we ran around like we've never seen a playground before, laughing, shouting & screaming our lungs out. Then it we pretty much did all we could there.
Then later, we went back to our bags - which we conveniently dumped on a nice huge patch of grass. We sat down, discussed stuff, relaxed. Then the unimaginable happened - Hao Zhi shouted, "THE GRASS LOOKS TO COMFORTABLE." then he lay down/jumped on it and all I got out of that was "OUCHHH!" or maybe some swear word, I don't know. He told us not to sit on it. Man, that grass is pokey. David asked us to start thinking of designs for our incoming costumes, I wrecked my basic man figure, gah. Then David at one point, when only Steven and I were left, whipped out a container of foooddd! All of us we're getting hungry already. At this point all the trucks were arriving with the food. Durians, satays, fruits, them white stuff, you name it. At this point, was random walking around the square.
Some of us were here, some of us were elsewhere. We also tried to plan how we would perform later, the locations, the patterns, everything. More and more people were beginning to arrive starting with the last batch of CPAC Teachers and soon Julie, Tasha and the bands. We starting playing at the playground more, calling it our "home-base". I smsed a few people. Got back fewer replies. Nyeh, won't complain. Haha. Enjoy the rest of the pictures:
* Don't forget that all the way at the bottom is where I write about the Run and Roll actually beginning.
I'll finish this off tomorrow, expect modifications on the existing post, captions on the photos and additions on the event itself. For now, enjoy the only three photos I have of the night. ;D
Saturday, August 2, 2008
From Yesterday
Personally, I think it's coming out pretty well. Don't you?
Ohhellyeah.
Monopolize
Went for the Choir, Syarahan & Ucapan Competition at Cempaka Cheras today. I was doing duty at The Bridge, which was completely devoid of anyone (the choir members were already backstage and hardly anyone goes there), for majority of the competition. How convenient.
While I was there with Tjaai Kedd, I took these pictures with my phone:
* how invigorating. :)
Then we went back inside when the last of the choir members went into the hall for their performance. We lazed around there, while the long, repetitive closing speeches [in malay, mind you] were given. Here is where I got Tjaai Kedd hooked on Stolen by Dashboard Confessional, the song which I got everyone addicted to; including myself. It's a great song. You should be listening to it too. ;D
Cempaka won the Choir competition by the way. Whooh.
Back home right now, and my cousins from Beijing are here! We played Mark's The Indiana Jones: Monopoly Collector's Edition. It's pretty cool, yes, but incredibly confusing to play. In the end I had 6 Properties, and 1,725 Reputation Points while he had 5 Properties and 1,983 Reputation Points.
I've got Megan entertained with my monocular, she's by the window right now staring at faraway objects. And Mark's at the moment playing Crysis while I quickly and aimlessly type out this blog post. Aimlessly. So don't mind any errors or the simplicity of this short blog post. :)
While I was there with Tjaai Kedd, I took these pictures with my phone:
* how invigorating. :)
Then we went back inside when the last of the choir members went into the hall for their performance. We lazed around there, while the long, repetitive closing speeches [in malay, mind you] were given. Here is where I got Tjaai Kedd hooked on Stolen by Dashboard Confessional, the song which I got everyone addicted to; including myself. It's a great song. You should be listening to it too. ;D
Cempaka won the Choir competition by the way. Whooh.
Back home right now, and my cousins from Beijing are here! We played Mark's The Indiana Jones: Monopoly Collector's Edition. It's pretty cool, yes, but incredibly confusing to play. In the end I had 6 Properties, and 1,725 Reputation Points while he had 5 Properties and 1,983 Reputation Points.
I've got Megan entertained with my monocular, she's by the window right now staring at faraway objects. And Mark's at the moment playing Crysis while I quickly and aimlessly type out this blog post. Aimlessly. So don't mind any errors or the simplicity of this short blog post. :)
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