New·Arrivals

Relocation.

2010-05-27T15:58:00.002+08:00

Hi, everyone!

This blogger has since moved to a new blog space:
• Always Second from the Right @ http://alwayssecondfromtheright.blogspot.com/

Peace out & reinvent love,
Bernard Sam

For the Record

2009-12-27T18:28:00.003+08:00

After a state of hibernation, New•Arrivals meets an awakening to the year 2010.

2009 is summing up to become another great year. Eventhough there's just four more days left until the countdown timer is wound up again, I've got a feeling there's still more to come.

The story is definitely far from finished, with pages left to fill.

With that, I just have to say: 2010, bring on the funk!

I Have Just Met You & I Love You;

2009-10-24T14:01:00.002+08:00

Hi, there.
My name is Dug. I have just met you and I love you.
My Master made me this collar. He is a good and smart master, and he made me this collar so that I may talk --
-- SQUIRREL!
My Master is good and smart.

_{Up, up and away.}

Goodman King;

2009-09-18T13:23:00.005+08:00

_{That's right, Saxxy's back.}

& That's Ratchet;

2009-09-18T13:23:00.003+08:00

Do Their Destinies Lie Together?

2009-09-03T19:01:00.005+08:00

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
"Stop, Captain Copernicus Qwark!"
"Any of you villains order a nice, tall glass of revenge?"
*crank*
*BEW!* *BEW!* *BEW!*
27.10.2009

_{Let's find out, shall we?}

The Merdeka Assembly & Forum '09

2009-09-03T18:57:00.004+08:00

_{What say you?}

Spaced Brace Face;

2009-08-29T21:01:00.003+08:00

I've been wearing my set of steel for the past 2 years and 4 months. It's been attached to my chompers from the depths ocean to the highest peak in South East Asia. Granted it hasn't been the best of buddies, occasionally letting me know how much it hates the inside of my mouth, but it's really become a part of my life and image.

Right now, I can honestly tell you that I don't remember what my smile or my grrh face looks like without that shine and colour.

Speaking of colour, I've been told my colour choices can be described as boring. I only ever choose two colours and even then, most of the time black is one of them. Once though, I opted for a gold and white combination which looked pretty snazzy.

And for the record: yes, I have chosen the colours purple and pink at least once; at least once.

But let's get back into the current picture. I went to orthodontist today, and I heard something I have never quite heard of before: "They'll be off by October." So that'll be two more appointments. One to remove the rings at the back and push back the last bit of space. One to remove the entire brace.

For the first time, I'll finally remove my braces.

_{The grrh face.}

& He Resisted The Heat.

2009-08-24T19:46:00.001+08:00

The seat in the van rattled & shook, very much like the way a massage chair would.

& Year 11 Begins;

2009-08-21T12:15:00.047+08:00

The last chapter in the Class of 2010's tale of highschool unravels.
Now we find ourselves gathered at a fork in the road. There are those among us who walk along a road that is paved unlike the one we thread upon. Unfamiliar faces enter these roads, while some make their own paths.

Looking back, things only stay the same for so long. Looking forward, things are looking up & up. Are you ready?

• Class of 2010:

• Commencements 2008 - 2009:

• Damansara's Live Right Now! Campaign:

^{A Lifestyle Revolution}

• FAME: The Musical Season:

^{Guess what Mr. Shienkopf? We're starting a band!}

• That Sleepover of Five:

^{Oh, & a frag-fest it was}

• Drum Slices '09:

^{In Dressing Room 4}

• Hearts to the World:

• The Inter-house Debate Competition '09:

• Talentime: Save the World '09:

^{Share the Arts, Save the World}

• Sports Day '09:

• The Inter-house Cheerleading Competition:

^{Seladang! Say what? We take it to the top!}

• Games Carnival '09:

• My Sweet Sixteen:

• That Weekend With The Holloways:

^{At 1850m Above Sea Level}

• World Mathematics Day '09:

• Cempaka Voices in Concert '09:

^{Poppin' those confetti}

• Swimming Gala '09:

^{Mannin' that booth}

• That Chinese New Year Assembly:

• Those Outings Back in December:

• Prom '09:

• Leadership Night '09:

• West Side Story Season:

_{Begin with a bang.
End with an explosion.}

Of Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Rocket Roasted Potatoes & Red Wine Reduction;

2009-08-17T21:32:00.007+08:00

_{Seeing rainbows from the sky.}

In District 9.

2009-08-12T18:51:00.003+08:00

"You are not welcome here."
Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them. Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens' welfare - they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens' awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA. The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable - he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

Catching it tomorrow at 1330, One Utama Shopping Centre.

Directed by: Neill Blomkamp

Produced by: Peter Jackson

Official Trailer 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6PDlMggROA

_{For Humans Only.}

Lombax.

2009-08-11T00:17:00.004+08:00

Ratchet from Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time.

You seem like the kind of reader who enjoys quirky metaphors.

Head on down to the next post. However, be warned: They are not for the faint of funny.

_{So he said, "Would it be all right,
If we just sat and talked for a little while?
If in exchange for your time,
I give you this smile?"}

Not Personifically Unamusing;

2009-08-08T17:34:00.018+08:00

I was just talking to Sharon Chen; remember that petite girl back in Year 9? Yeah, well she's in Melbourne currently doing boarding at an all-girls. She misses nasi lemak and all things Malaysian, but this post isn't exactly about her.

So here we were talking about the English Language and how words could always be seen from a different perspective; meaning sometimes something doesn't really mean what it seems to mean, if you catch my drift.

Then all of a sudden out pops this blue, underlined address that leads to "Strange Metaphors from GCSE Essays 320116." For your reading convenience, I have placed all the quirky metaphorically amusing metaphors below.

They remind me of something the Narrator from Pushing Daisies would say.

Ready yourself, these are not for the faint of funny.

Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two other sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a tumble dryer.

She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that used to dangle from doors and would fly up whenever you danged the door open again.

The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

McMurphy fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a paper bag filled with vegetable soup.

Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze.

Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the centre

Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree.

The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.

Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left York at 6:36 p.m. travelling at 55 mph, the other from Peterborough at 4:19p.m.at a speed of 35 mph.

The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the full stop after the Dr. on a Dr Pepper can.

John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

The thunder was ominous sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play.

The red brick wall was the colour of a brick-red crayon.

Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long it had rusted shut.

The door had been forced, as forced as the dialogue during the interview portion of Family Fortunes.

The plan was simple, like my brother Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.

"Oh, Jason, take me!" she panted, her breasts heaving like a student on 31p-a-pint night.

He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

Her artistic sense was exquisitely refined, like someone who can tell butter from "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter."

She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

It came down the stairs looking very much like something no one had ever seen before.

The knife was as sharp as the tone used by Glenda Jackson MP in her first several points of parliamentary procedure made to Robin Cook MP, Leader of the House of Commons, in the House Judiciary Committee hearings on the suspension of Keith Vaz MP.

The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a lamppost.

The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free cashpoint.

The dandelion swayed in the gentle breeze like an oscillating electric fan set on medium.

It was a working class tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with their power tools.

He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a dustcart reversing.

She was as easy as the Daily Star crossword.

She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room-temperature British beef.

She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.

Her voice had that tense, grating quality, like a first-generation thermal paper fax machine that needed a band tightened.

It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

_{Go on, grab your hat & fetch a camera.
Go on, film the world before it happens.}

The Time Traveler's Wife;

2009-08-03T14:09:00.006+08:00

"...about a love that transcends time."
The Time Travelers Wife is based on the best-selling book about a love that transcends time. Clare (Rachel McAdams) has been in love with Henry (Eric Bana) her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveler—cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control. Despite the fact that Henry's travels force them apart with no warning, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.

The song used in the trailer is Broken by Lifehouse.

_{My head is saying no, but my heart keeps giving in.}

Yellow Ribbon Remembrance;

2009-08-02T16:08:00.003+08:00

_{A night to remember.}

glee.

2009-07-29T21:49:00.004+08:00

Glee is a musical comedy television series that airs on Fox. It focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a glee club, set within the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio.

So far only the pilot episode has been aired but the rest of the season will begin airing on September 9 later this year.

Kind of reminds me of Cempaka, in whimsical and bright way. Definitely caught my attention right after the first few seconds of the trailer.

This is absolutely joining Heroes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars & Lost in my list of followed television series.

_{By doin' Hard Work.}

& It Comes To An End.

2009-07-23T22:35:00.000+08:00

Two months of acting, music and dance come to an end in an explosion of colour, light, emotion and motion. Our last show became the crowning jewel in our latest run of Cempaka Box-Office Musicals.

In the end, all (including several members of the audience) shed tears to the end of yet another musical season.

This musical has captured the vision and the many experiences of most of our lives here at a school that takes focus on the performing arts. It starts off typically with the application forms and the anticipation of entering said school. What follows after is the different paths each of us take throughout the journey of highschool, for good or for worse.

Of course, this all ends with the graduation day. Familiar faces clad in academic regalia with coloured hoods stand around the stage, singing a tune marking the end of that journey and the beginning of an entirely new odyssey.

This production has had some truly memorable and unexpected moments. Take for instance the show of the 16^th: The Show of Spontaneity. Saxxy, my lovely Saxophone, wasn't in the hall that night and I ended up "being late" for Mr. Sheinkopf's class.

"And why are you late, Mr. King?!"
"Oh, urm... Tuning."

And then you've got the last show, which was absolutely shiz magnificent. Every scene, every routine and every line turned out and trumped our expectations. The last scene was made ever more dramatic with several of us actually breaking down on the stage; a few of the main cast couldn't even finish their solos! Truly a movie-esque moment and not something you see everyday.

Don't get me started on the cast. This year we've got an amazing cast starring in the production. Not only are they talented on stage, they're mighty friendly off stage. I've met a few friends during the course of these two months that I think I'll be keeping for the foreseeable future.

San Diego Comic-Con International
Bring on the fanboy geek spasms
23.07.2009 - 26.07.2009

Live Right Now
A Lifestyle Revolution
26.07.2009

_{Awh, come on. I need some love too.}

Peace.

2009-07-23T18:45:00.003+08:00

San Diego Comic-Con International
The Force is strong with this one
23.07.2009 - 26.07.2009

_{The Pillars of Fandom will be shaken.}

Bugger.

2009-07-22T20:47:00.009+08:00

It's the Summer Break. Finally, five weeks of a well-deserved holiday.

But oh, what's this? I've been thrust back to school for extra classes.

While I'm at it, Cempaka Beat practise for next week's Commencements and (most probably) a dance routine for said event finish off the time after class.

Don't get me wrong, the classes have been great and all -- I get to see my friends again, plus the classes aren't exactly the serious and simply talking types. Though I can't tell you how many times I've been pulling the Captain Jack Sparrow face; especially during the Add. Math period.

^{*post-fame post to be posted soon}

Live Right Now
A Lifestyle Revolution
26.07.2009

_{Drink up, me hearties.}

Live Right Now!

2009-07-21T21:31:00.005+08:00

Venue: Ground Floor Promenade, 1 Utama

Date: 26 July

Time: 10:00AM to 10:00PM

Organised by: The Umbrella Societies of Cempaka Damansara

It's all about change:
• Live Right Now! is a lifestyle change movement and charity fund-raising project targeted to promote healthy lifestyle habits among Malaysians.

The event will be an exhibition-cum-bazaar scheduled for the 26th of July this year at the Ground Floor, Promenade, at the One Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama. Lasting for twelve hours from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., Live Right Now! will inspire you to know that living healthy can be fun! Don't believe us? Come down to our exhibits and also drop by the many sales booths. Not to forget, enjoy the array of games, competitions and performances by our very own talented Cempakans.

All proceeds of sales will be donated to the National Cancer Council (MAKNA). We'll see you there!

Link:
• http://www.cempaka.edu.my/liverightnow.html

Download a banner & pass it on.
• http://www.cempaka.edu.my/liverightnow/lrn_banners.html

_Heal(thy).

Notice Board;

2009-07-06T19:29:00.001+08:00

^{*click to enlargen}

_{And it begins four days from now.}

Can't Keep It Down;

2009-07-05T20:30:00.000+08:00

And you shouldn't either. Spread the word.

Venue: North Hall, Cempaka Cheras

Dates:
• 10 | 11 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 19 July

Time: 7:30PM

Organised by: Cempaka Performing Arts Centre (CPAC)

Ticket Pricing: ^{*proceeds go to charity}
• RM55 | RM70 | RM85 | RM90

What it's all about:
• FAME: The Musical is the story of the life and times of a group of vibrant, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, energetic young people who gather to study at New York City's High School of Performing Arts. As they progress through their four years of high school, they discover it takes a lot more than dreams to succeed at "P.A."

Enquiries:
• + 603 - 9076 8400 (Cempaka Cheras Campus)
• + 603 - 2094 0623 (Cempaka Damansara Campus)
• Location map: www.cempaka.edu.my

Character List:

The Actors:
• Nick Piazza (Jes Ebrahim): Ambitious and enthusiastic, this classical actor is very serious about acting. He has had experience in the world of acting, such as his appearance in a peanut butter commercial. As he goes through high school, he develops returned romantic feelings for Serena.

• Serena Katz (Claudillea Holloway, Aiman Ahmad Marzio): A shy, timid yet keen and enthusiastic actress. From the very beginning, she develops a romantic interest for Nick.

• Joe (José) Vegas (Abang Iwawan): A Spanish acting student. He is an extrovert, loud, funny and the comic of the show. As he begins his studies at "P.A." he develops an unreturned colossal crush on Carmen.

______________________

The Dancers:
• Tyrone Jackson (Abdul Muhaimin): A dyslexic hip-hop dancer who comes from a lower income background. He is strong-willed and has a short fuse. He shares a love-hate relationship with Iris whom he constantly argues with.

• Carmen Diaz (Annatasha Saifol): A sexy, confident but cocky dancer with a big ego. Carmen is determined to make it big and is obsessed with (instant) fame; she believes she has what it takes to achieve this. She has returned romantic feelings for Schlomo.

• Iris Kelly (Ellya Sam): A very talented and graceful ballet dancer who is believed to be extremely wealthy although it's not as it seems. Iris is insecure with herself and cares about what people think about her. She shares a love-hate relationship with Tyrone.

• Mabel Washington (Meenakshi Lachman): A loud and chubby dancer who is desperate to lose weight but can't resist food. She often speaks her mind and gives out advice to other characters in their times of trouble.

______________________

The Musicians:
• Schlomo Metzenbaum; Piano (Michael Chang): A shy classical pianist in a rock band he sets up. Schlomo comes from a musical background and his father is a famous violinist. Schlomo is fed up from the strain of being expected to do well and wishes to rebel. He and Carmen develop feelings for one another.

• Grace 'Lambchops' Lamb; Drums (Fara Adnin Faidzan): A loud, confrontational rock chick and tomboy who plays the drums for Schlomo's band. She often loses her temper and at times doesn't take school seriously.

• Goodman 'Goody' King; Sax (Bernard Sam): A saxophone musician who is in Schlomo's band. Sarcastic and amiable, he's Schlomo's right hand man. He starts off initially as a sexist, but that changes throughout the course of his high school life.

______________________

The Teachers:
• Miss Esther Sherman; English (Zenna Law): The classic strict, old-fashioned and academic teacher who loves her students despite the fact that she comes down hard on them.

• Ms. Greta Bell; Dance (Alexis Lee): A teacher with a big passion for different styles of dance. Believes that dance is a way of life. Sarcastic and at times cynical, she is a mother figure to her students.

• Ms. Myers; Acting (Yehbonne Bien): A teacher with an obsession for human psychology. Her optimism and colourful nature are the highlights of her classes at "P.A."

• Mr. Sheinkopf; Music (Afiq Rahim): A professional music tutor with a love for classical music and dislike for all things rock and roll.

_{Guess what, Mr. Sheinkopf? We're starting a band!}

The Others.

2009-06-26T19:00:00.002+08:00

"Who are you people?"

"We're the good guys."

_{Bet you didn't see that one coming.}

Egg-Men.

2009-06-25T16:25:00.001+08:00

Bernard, Ryan & Josh

^{* Credits to Joshua Lee Shuean Loong}

Bending.

2009-06-23T19:08:00.004+08:00

Avatar: The Last Airbender was an Emmy-winning animated television series that lasted for a good three years before it was finally ended in 2008 with the downfall of the Fire Nation Empire. None expected to see a new Avatar series on the TV screen for a while.

A live-action fantasy film directed by M. Night Shyamalan titled The Last Airbender might be able to satisfy our taste for more element bending action.

Personally I have never quite enjoyed M. Night Shyamalan's films, at least the ones I've seen -- being Signs and The Happening.

However I am putting faith into James Newton Howard, the eight time Academy Award-nominated film score composer, who will be working on the film's score. His most notable works were on Batman Begins, The Dark Knight (both with Hans Zimmer) and King Kong.

Industrial Light & Magic will be handling the visual effects and animation. Now this is the Lucasfilm motion picture visual effects company founded by George Lucas himself that has done the effects for films such as Star Trek, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; which by the way hits screens tomorrow!

My only hope is that movie doesn't turn out to be a cheesy and terribly "out-of-the-series" motion picture.

Catch exclusive teaser trailer: here

_{Airbending slice!}

As We Lie in the Shade of Poison Trees;

2009-06-21T17:10:00.003+08:00

Lately, I just can't shake it.

_{And I'll know I'm alive.}

Life in Technicolor;

2009-06-17T19:39:00.001+08:00

_Roar.

In Dressing Room 4.

2009-06-15T19:54:00.004+08:00

_{Live, I wanna live inspired.
Die, I wanna die for something higher than myself.
- Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights), Anberlin.}

365 Days.

2009-06-12T20:54:00.007+08:00

The Year 11's have finished their IGCSE Papers.

Which means they most probably won't be around school anymore. Cempaka Cheras isn't going to be the same without them around.

I think I've reached the stage of life where I start seeing people take their own paths while I take mine. I'm not going to say goodbye, because our paths may cross yet again in the unforeseeable future. The Fates were never that unreasonable.

This also means that I have just about a year until I finish my IGCSE Papers. Ergo, I have that amount of time before my highschool session ends; or at least that's how it appears for now.

I'm making my highschool venture in Cempaka count.

_{There exists a star above that always steals my stare.}

Kaleidoscope.

2009-06-12T18:47:00.003+08:00

HANDS Drumming Festival 2009

Jom Jam Drums!

This year HANDS adds a little more scope to their annual student concert series, "Drum Slices". Kaleidoscope is intended as a learning festival for drummers, percussionists or for any music enthusiast for that matter. Highlights of the festival are performances by several groups, including drummers from several schools under HANDS tutelage. Having various drumming troupes participate, each with its own experience, makes it a great way to share, and to learn skills and knowledge, for both participants and contributors. Moreover, having different groups of people together will create "sparks" which will ignite into a wonderful learning experience for all concerned. We hope this first festival of ours will set a tend for our ever challenging artform.

Interested?

Venue: Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)

Date:10 - 14 June 2009 ^{*cempaka beat's performance is on the 14th!}

Time:
• 12 | 13 | 14 June: 8.30PM
• 13 | 14 June: 3:00PM

Ticket Pricing: RM72 | RM 58 | RM38 ^{*purchase 15 RM 72 & RM 58 tickets, free 2}

Box Office: + 603 - 4047 9000

Enquiries:
• + 603 - 6141 4480 (HANDS Office)
• + 6012 - 274 4292 (Jason)
• mail@hands.com.my
• www.hands.com.my/festival2009
• Location map: www.klpac.com

Friday, June 12 2009 - Ran to the bottom of the stairs of the N₁ Block today, the one closest to the bridge, at 11:45. Grabbed an assortment of buckets and ran over to the guard house at the top of the hill.

Left school in a bus at 12:05 to KLPAC.

When we arrived we were led to a holding room and were left in there until 3:00. Most of the corridors were in complete darkness (them being painted black didn't help) and only the holding room and the gallery were properly lit. I slept from 2:00 to 2:45.

Following my rude awakening, we changed into our costumes for our first rehearsals on the stage. The seniors were to wear white shirts, jeans and the sportiest of shoes. Juniors changed into this very martial artist-looking red and black coat -- I thought it looked pretty slick.

We sort of got used to the place by then, knowing which stairs and corridors to take. The place is huge with a complex network of dark corridors and stairs.

The stage is pretty huge too, but it seemed smaller than my last visit here as a spectator.

The lights are blinding. I found myself many a time blinded by flashes of light (me not wearing glasses didn't help).

For some reason, the booming of the drums were much more solid here. Huh.

Regarding our piece, it's a completely Cempaka Beat choreographed work and is about 10 minutes long. If you came for the Hearts for the World concert event, you would've seen a snippet of the piece -- a preview if you will.

And it's all coming to you the day after tomorrow.

_{We played (and are going to be playing) on Golden Drums. WOA.}

Moments Like These.

2009-06-11T17:02:00.002+08:00

Time seems to have slowed to a crawl.

Sunlight seeps through the zinc canopy, finding the steel pillars and the rough concrete. Dust swirls in the air, twisting the light and filling the air with an orange palette. A boy sits on the steel rods that protrude from the pillars leaning onto one of them, cherishing the smaller tales that unfold around him.

A couple of guitars played by familiar faces beside him, released acoustic tunes into the still long corridor. On the other side of the pillar he is leaning upon, a sister and a singer discuss about their futures in the arts. Cars swerve in, as people run to them, opening the doors prior to entering them.

Not too far away, he sees students exchanging hand shakes and stories without being able to hear them. They had smiles stretched out on their faces. Some sat, clutching their hands, constantly checking their watches, hoping that time had moved just a little faster; desperately looking at every car for the reason of returning home.

The boy who held one of guitars took out his hand and raised it up, expecting something in return. The one who was simply sitting down, took out his and slapped it firmly. Both smiled at one another.

& that boy is me.

_{A picturesque score of passing fancy.}

There She Goes.

2009-06-05T23:05:00.004+08:00

More details on FAME: The Musical coming very soon.

Drum Slices '09
At KLPAC
14.06.2009

The Electronic Entertainment Expo.

2009-06-02T20:38:00.002+08:00

It's that time of year once again.

Twitter will become my new best friend for the next 72 hours. I've already had a hundred plus tweets from the multimedia news and reviews websites that I follow and they're not stopping there!

The next few days are going to be chucked full of previews and announcements, and I'm finding myself wanting more each time I read one!

Electronic Entertainment Expo
02.06.2009 - 04.06.2009

A Crack In Time;

2009-06-02T20:34:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya.

Electronic Entertainment Expo
02.06.2009 - 04.06.2009

The Old Republic.

2009-06-02T20:31:00.003+08:00

Just watch:
Click: here

Rayne;

2009-05-31T20:24:00.004+08:00

Rayne -- the exactly two month old Golden Retriever puppy.

He's a chubby fellow, who runs sideways when he gets hyper. My dad says he's like a truck when it loses control.

Truth be told, he's incredibly lazy for a dog. He loves the indoors and fears the outdoors. He hides underneath the living room couch for most of the day, crawling as if he were in NS.

As most of the dogs I have recently met, he always tries to eat my face whenever he gets the chance (especially when I'm lying down). It's probably because I keep saying "BOO!" to his face every so often, so I wouldn't blame him. Hah!

When he's not hiding under furniture or trying to eat my face, he's usually eating. Man, can this guy eat.

He's great company around the house and is so easily made hyper.

Oh, and I've thought him how to shake hands!

_{Ellya calls him Fatty.}

Coupled With;

2009-05-28T19:30:00.001+08:00

The feeling of anxiety & enthusiasm ripples through me.

- Only 4 hours and a half until Friday.

Lost.

2009-05-27T19:09:00.002+08:00

Oh, yeah. I've joined the few million people who are already hooked on the series, Lost. I'm currently on the sixth episode of the first season, and I'm really getting to know why it's become so popular.

I think I'm going to like this series, very much.

The Inter-house Debate Semi-Finals were held today in Cheras, and it was a war of speech and views from both the competitors and the members of the floor.

The end result? Seladang and Beruang stepping up to the finals. Vikram and I are in for one amazing rebuttal against each other.

Let's hope the spirit carries on to the Debate Finals on Friday.

Speaking of this coming Friday, the day after tomorrow is summing up to become one heck of a day.

First of all, you've got the Inter-House Debate Finals -- which from the looks of today is going to be epic.

Secondly, Hearts to the World. Exhibitions, booths, performances, maybe a few surprises -- need I say any more? ^{*refer below}

And finally Insomniac Games is releasing the first ever footage of gameplay from their upcoming project, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Not to mention more Uncharted 2: Among Theives gameplay! Being the geek that I am, I'm mega hyped.

_{Are you ready?}

Rest in Peace.

2009-05-23T11:56:00.003+08:00

Maxine has passed away.

May she rest in peace and no longer suffer the effects of the Power Virus
that had afflicted her.

She will certainly be missed terribly.

Hearts to the World.

2009-05-22T22:29:00.005+08:00

"Raising awareness with the Performing Arts."

Date: Friday, 29 May 2009

Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Venue: North Hall, South Hall; Cempaka Cheras

Attire: Casual wear, preferably in the shades of blue, green or black; Save the World shirts will be welcomed as well!

Organised by: CADAS, PAPS, & Save the World -- Umbrella Societies of Cempaka Schools

Ticket Pricing:
• First 20 buyers (Early Bird): RM15
• Each consecutive buyer: RM20
• At the door buyers: RM25

What'll be going on:
• North Hall: A rock band-esque concert featuring the winners of Talentime: Save the World from both Campuses, as well as a variety of performances.
• South Hall: A wide selection of booths headed by our school's societies will be placed around the hall to sell various products or even games and to promote their club, while in the center there will a platform for representatives from each of the umbrella societies to talk about this year's different campaigns.

Links:
• Facebook

_{Save the cheerleaders.}

Get Well Soon, Maxine.

2009-05-22T20:40:00.001+08:00

UPDATE: Breaking news. Maxine's condition is improving! She was walking around the vet's today and she actually started eating again! However, the doctor says not to get our hopes too up, as even though the signs show otherwise the virus could be still inside her.

Maxi's at the veterinarian's right now.

We suspect that she has been afflicted with the Power Virus disease; a very serious viral disease. Puppies from three to six months old are particularly susceptible. She has lost a considerable amount of weight and has become lethargic.

There really is no cure for this illness -- the vet can only help her body to get stronger so that her antibodies can do the rest.

Maxine's only been with us for four days, but now the house just doesn't feel right without her. Like there's something missing.

All we can do now is wait.

_{Hope for the best, plan for the worst.}

Live Long & Prosper.

2009-05-17T17:14:00.006+08:00

Went to the Curve with Joshua, Kevin and Muhaimin today and first thing I wanted to do was watch the recently released film: Star Trek

Let's get right into it, and let's start off with the direction from J.J. Abrams. I think it's exceptional; for a second feature film, Abrams has really blown it out of the water in the terms of how Star Trek handles action and character dynamics. It's a bullet of a movie -- the man knows how to move his camera, the man knows how to keep the story moving at all times. He is definitely the director to reboot the franchise.

It's definitely a much more action-packed film which makes the connect to the mainstream easier. However, the film does have its comic relief such as when Scottie beams into the water tube. Star Trek will have you laughing, furious, cheering and deeply saddened in various scenes.

Dynamic and engaging, this Star Trek film felt more like a Star Wars film.

I feel like they've even encrypted a little bit from the Empire Strikes Back, because you have Skywalker crashing on Dagobah and Yoda helps him out. You have Kirk crashing on the snow planet where Spock Prime is and Spock's helping him out. The whole destiny themes of that sort of nature in the film, as well. Star Wars is more accepted in the mainstream than Trek has ever been, until now.

As of right now, I would say this could be best movie of the summer.

Subsequent to exiting the cinema hall, we were faced with a decision. Take a left and that's you're ticket out of the cinema, while the bathrooms were on the right. We took the right down the dark, dank and long hallway -- Joshua needed the bathroom, bad.

While waiting for Josh and Mu, I spotted the most peculiar thing:

You've probably guessed it right.

It was an advert. for the ultimate toilet bowl. ^{*Josh thought it was a movie advert.}

I came home to find Max feeling a bit under the weather.

I carried her up to my room so she could take a nap -- she can't climb the stairs just yet, remember? So I lay down on the floor and the sweetest thing happened.

She walked up to me and gave my face a few good licks, before she walked up to my left leg and rested her head down on it. She slept for about 20 minutes before my door swung open.

A total "awh moment", I know.

Oh, and I'd like to add that whenever Maxi trots around the house she looks just like a little lion cub.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: Vindication
20.05.2009

Infamous
26.05.2009

Hearts to the World
A Cempaka Schools Awareness Event
29.05.2009

ThinkCon '09, Cheras
30.05.2009

Drum Slices '09
12.06.2009
13.06.2009
14.06.2009

_{Verily this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose.}

Arf.

2009-05-16T20:54:00.005+08:00

Let me introduce you to the latest addition to the Sam Family, Maxine.

Maxine's her full name, but we like to call her Max or Maxi. I like it. Short, easy to remember.

She's exactly two months and a day old to the day and guess what: she has a twin brother. I know dogs are born in litters but only two were born in her case. Her older brother's with another family now.

Her birthday's on the 15th of March -- and that's just one day away from mine!

I think she's a little deaf, because she just doesn't listen to anything the family says.

She has a fear of heights; we've only thought her how to climb up the stairs leading to our front door. She's also slightly afraid of wavy yellow curtains.

From the way she treats the grass and other leafy things, you can tell she's a vegetarian.

Right now, I really have to watch myself when I lie down. For some reason every time I do, she tries to eat my face. So far she's only got a taste of my nose, but I can't tell you how many times I've seen the inside of her mouth.

If you haven't seen her on skype already, head down to the previous post to see a few snapshots of her in the car after picking me up from school.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: Vindication
20.05.2009

Infamous
26.05.2009

Hearts to the World
A Cempaka Schools Awareness Event
29.05.2009

ThinkCon '09, Cheras
30.05.2009

Drum Slices '09
12.06.2009
13.06.2009
14.06.2009

_{I wanna learn how to play the saxophone.}

Maxine.

2009-05-16T14:44:00.002+08:00

_Goody.

Perception.

2009-05-12T19:50:00.000+08:00

"Only through observation will you perceive weakness."

Strength.

2009-05-11T19:46:00.001+08:00

"It's essential to give your arguments impact."

Sounds of Change.

2009-05-04T19:45:00.005+08:00

I've just downloaded Hellogoodbye's first full-length album:

Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
The album's title's a little different, but I must say that the songs are exactly that; a little different. Hellogoodbye is a power pop band and as such their music incorporates strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs.

Certainly a must hear for those looking for new music to satisfy their eardrums.

Download worthy:
1. Here (In Your Arms)
2. All Time Lows
3. Baby, It's Fact
4. Oh, It Is Love
5. All Of Your Love

_{It's a matter of fact.}

Here (In Your Arms)

2009-05-04T19:39:00.003+08:00

By Hellogoodbye

I like where we are,
When we drive, in your car
I like where we are...
Here

Cause our lips, can touch
And our cheeks, can brush
Our lips can touch...
Here

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers, "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

I like where you sleep,
When you sleep, next to me.
I like where you sleep...
Here

Our lips, can touch
And our cheeks, can brush
Our lips can touch...
Here

Well, you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers, "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

Our lips, can touch
Our lips, can touch...here

Well, you are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

Our lips, can touch
Our lips, can touch...
Here

Well, you are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

You are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers, "Hello I miss you, I miss you"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

Here in your arms.
Here in your arms.

_{Baby, It's Fact.}

Eat Lead.

2009-05-03T10:01:00.005+08:00

Coming Soon:
^{*as soon as i get rid of the homework piling on the vle}

I'm already working out the kinks on a bunch of art I've been itching to properly start on. I'll be writing more about it as soon as I actually start churning out the work.

I'm onto Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics now and man, there's a whole lot of questions from the looks of it -- and when did the teachers start liking to use minuscule-sized font?!

_{Gah, should've been there.}

Save the Cheerleader;

2009-05-01T15:30:00.002+08:00

Save the World

Thursday, 30 April 2009 - Don't tell me you have never heard of this famous axiom -- and when I mean famous, I mean really prominent.

But today wasn't about saving any cheerleaders in particular, more rather it was about performing on stage to show our extreme appreciation to our little patch of heaven.

Ergo: Share the Arts, Save the World

Here's how it went down: At approximately 0830 every Cherasian, be they old or young, gathered at the North Hall for our annual Talentime competitions -- and I wasn't one of them.

To tell you the truth, I pulling down my track pants prior to removing my shirt.

Don't worry, I was getting changed into the outfit I was supposed to wear for the performance I was involved in. Trust me on this.

Cheese!

Now as part of our act, four of us had to come on stage from the audience. So at the very beginning we already found seats for ourselves hidden away between the hundreds of Cempakans. This of course, was supposed to come as a surprise; at least to the majority of the Cherasians.

Our very suave emcees

I was classified in the performance as the "Ipod Geek", so my earphones were practically a part of my head for the rest of the morning. It's tough to go undercover, when everyone knows you and you stick out like a sore thumb amidst the mass population wearing the Save the World shirts -- what's even tougher is trying to keep the 12-inch long drumsticks in your jeans.

*snap!

Despite the harsh circumstances and what I had to work with, I kept my cool and stayed under the radar trying not to get even more attention than I already have.

Very soon, Dr. Rizal was on stage to open the ceremony and the first entertainers were brought up on stage.

*click!

NOTE: As soon as manage to grab the videos of the performances today, I will either post them or link them. Seeing as how this post is already summing up to become a long one, I will make a separate post just for the videos.

Onto the performances, which are ordered chronologically for your convenience:

To witness 49 out of the 200 photos from Kanako Uchimura's camera, simply click: here

1. Pitch
• Band
• Anthem Of My Dying Day
• With:
- Prasanth Ganasan and his voice
- Abdul Muhaimin with his guitar
- Josh Ryu and his guitar
- Kevin Wong and his bass guitar
- Catherine Yew on the piano
- Chung Zhi Wei slamming on the drums

2. Vocal Duet
• Vocals
• Stand Up For Love
• Starring:
- Cathy Lee
- Zenna Law

3. Aurora
• Band
• Hero
• With:
- 5 of our A-Level buddies at the helm

4. Vocal Solo
• Vocals
I Don't Wanna Be
• Showcasing:
- William Sin & his guitar

5. Funk Clusters
• Band
• Comprising of:
- Julie Chan
- Arthur Kam on the drums
- Julian Tan with his guitar
- Derrick and his bass
- Boom and his guitar, I believe

6. Dance Solo
• Dance
• Choreographed & performed by:
- Najwa

7. Mobsterz
• Dance Ensemble
• Choreographed & conducted by:
- Lim Jia Yong
- Wen Xian
- Jasmine Tea
- Priya Aras
- Shuk Khuan
- Lee Yan
- Agnes Puah
- Kowenwu Wenwu

8. Beatboxing
• Vocal Duet
• Amazing show by:
- Michael
- Jason

9. Vocal Solo
• Vocals
• Where Is The Love?
• Sung & on the piano with:
- Claudillea Holoway

10. Vocal Solo
• Vocals
• Only Hope
• With:
- Farah Alya

11. Novem
• Instrumental Piece
• Unity
• Our very own:
- Calvin Yong
- Syazana Abdul Malik
- Steven Chow
- Cherise Tan
- David Kam
- Bryna Meivitawanli
- Bernard Sam
- Najiha Zahiera
- Lee Hao Zhi

Right after the performances the judges disappeared into the Store Room at the front of the hall, to decide our three winners for the day's event.

While waiting for the judges, we had six boys and girls from the Primary School to give a talk on the recent Earth Hour event.

After that we had Catherine Yew and Michael to "entertain" us, while the judges discussed mysteriously in the room.

Soon, Mr. Andrew was thrust up onto the stage to give the end results:

First Place:
• Claudillea Holloway

Second Place:
• William Sin

Third Place:
•Calvin Yong
• Syazana Abdul Malik
• Steven Chow
• Cherise Tan
• David Kam
• Bryna Meivitawanli
• Bernard Sam
• Najiha Zahiera
• Lee Hao Zhi

It's finally Friday, so I'd like to write something special:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ABDUL MUHAIMIN!

To the buddy of mine who always had moves up his sleeve, have a great one.

To the buddy of mine who has almost always been at my side since three years back, may all your wishes come true.

To the buddy of mine who is simply one of my best buddies, cheers.

Friday, 1 May 2009 - I've just returned from the Pavilion, and I'm proud to say I'm one of the fortunate ones to have watched X-Men Origins: Wolverine in the three days after its release.

It's a great movie I'll give you that but if you're as much of a MARVEL fanatic as I am, you might get a little disappointed. I for one wasn't very satisfied with the storyline -- however, I won't spoil anything for you.

Still it is a prime opportunity to catch some of your favourite mutants in action; I managed to spot quite a few of my well-liked villains and heroes in their teens.

A great summer blockbuster, and you definitely have to one of those lining up to buy tickets for this film.

Still wondering what our Save the World T-shirts look like? Look no further than the previous post.

Fallout 3: Broken Steel
Probability of Mission hindrance: Zero Percent!
05.05.2009

inFamous
It's going to electrify you
26.05.2009

_{Should I really?}

Solar Powered.

2009-04-29T20:38:00.004+08:00

^{*Kanako's design}

Talentime: Save the World '09
30.04.2009

_{As clear as daylight.}

Jamming on the Concrete & Buckets.

2009-04-27T20:25:00.004+08:00

UPDATE: Cherise has uploaded both videos on Facebook. The links are conveniently placed below for your viewing pleasure.

Chinese Drums Bucket Jamming #1
Note: Steven loses control.
Click: here

Chinese Drums Bucket Jamming #2
Note: Syazana gives a brief introduction; a must watch!
Quote: "I'm da bomb!" - Najiha
Click: here

^{*do remember to comment as this is a work in progress!}

For Chinese Drums today, we were asked to bring buckets. You can probably imagine what happens next.

Now, not everyone had buckets to spare -- so a couple of us used the floor outside the North Hall.

Steven just went crazy with the whole idea.

Sports Day '09
Seladang! Say what? We take it to the top!
26.04.2009

_{Puts the colour inside my world.}

Reading from Touch.

2009-04-26T13:36:00.003+08:00

Talentime: Save the World '09
30.04.2009

_{What you see before you.}

Here & Now.

2009-04-25T05:45:00.002+08:00

UPDATE: It's Sports Day, and I seriously can't believe I have to be there in half an hour. Dad just scared the shiz out of me right outside my room door, but a little more on that later. Well, I'm off -- see you at one of the biggest events of the year.

Here's a little teaser for you.

All attempts to convince my parents to participate in the 4x100 relay and/or the tug-of-war events have failed.

My Dad claims he's too old and that there are loads of other younger parents about that could participate -- I bet he just doesn't want to show off his unbridled machismo. ^*wink

I have good feelings for tomorrow, and it's looking to become quite a day for all Cempakans and Non-Cempakans alike!

On a separate note: I have discovered I have several different variations of laughter. A couple of which are apparently quite amusing.

Also to all Seladang Cheerleaders, both Cherasian and Damansaran, my hat's off to you!

Alright, I've just finished re-watching WALL•E for about the fourth time, and quite suddenly I heard a ^*clank!* outside my window.

It was a ladder

I knew that a few people would be coming to service the air-conditioning machines around the house today, but quite frankly I didn't expect this!

My dad came in to my room a few moments ago to inform me that they had arrived; the air-conditioning service-men. I asked, "So do I need to leave the room?"

"No, you can continue with your work. Just go open the blinds, will you?" answered my dad.

I went over to the window, pulled up the blinds and then the ladder collided with the side of the house.

Okay, right now at this very moment, there is a man on the ladder outside my window. Don't worry, he can't see the inside of my room -- unless he starts swinging the ladder from side-to-side; which is quite a risky and daring, so I really doubt he will.

And now they're hosing the window and unit -- along with muttered, undistinguished words. I can only vaguely make the words out; must be something to do with air-conditioning units, hoses and/or ladders.

Sports Day '09
Go fight, win tonight. Boogie down alright, alright.
Seladang's gonna win alright.
26.04.2009

_{I need my own internal orchestra to complement my life.}

Sports Day '09

2009-04-23T18:13:00.003+08:00

"I've missed not running on grass and mud."

Sports Day '09
Oxterminate, we dominate -- Seladangs attack!
26.04.2009

_{Why is it always two, never one?}

Of Strides & Leaps.

2009-04-21T22:31:00.003+08:00

^{*if you look real close, you'll find out the song I'm currently hooked on}

The Sports Day Athletics & Cheerleading Competition
This year, it's going to be a little more epic
21.04.2009

_{The Fates were never that heartless.}

The Humans Have Taken It.

2009-04-16T16:51:00.007+08:00

The continuing battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons here on Earth rages on. The stakes have been raised and shiz, it's going to be epic.

Which machine are you rooting for? Bombs Away on the right.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Revenge is coming
26.06.2009

_{A touch of destiny.}

No Quarter.

2009-04-15T17:39:00.002+08:00

Iniquitous coloured blobs, you will not escape my pollices of righteousness
-- not this day.

_{Tap Tap Revenge 2 is mighty addictive.}

Tres Missen Unus.

2009-04-14T23:28:00.007+08:00

That's three missing one, for those of you unfamiliar with Latin or German.

Yeah, it's both.

Bernard Keo's been stuck on my Skype account page for about more or less the entire day. Before the cbox on the right gets spammed with similar questions, Bernard Keo was a Cempakan but has since moved to Melbourne, Australia.

^{*about the cbox, it's not moving -- at all.}

We tried to get Resistance 2 online in the afternoon for some fragging, but required updates and patches popped up all over the television screen.

Instead of wasting time to both download and install said updates, we decided to just challenge each other on how fast we could complete the single-player missions on the hardest difficulty. There was also not to mention the declining internet connection at both our residences.

Nowadays the connection's nothing but cranky.

We got to as far as past the second chapter, which took about say two hours or so. Surprisingly, we didn't get as killed as many times as i thought. Those Chimera got nothing on us veterans.

Fast forward to tonight: Skype Conference Call with Keo and Lee.

Like I said, cranky.

It felt just as good as the great old days -- filled with all the fun and hysteria.

The only thing that's missing? Ryan Wong, that crazy little guy in Dubai.

_{Holy Handbaskets, your voice cracked.}

Vector.

2009-04-13T23:59:00.002+08:00

"You heard what she said. You want to live forever?"

"Forget forever -- just get me to next month!"

_{Puts the colour inside my world.}

36 Hours.

2009-04-13T19:08:00.003+08:00

"Joshua Lee's at your house?!"

"Yeah, we brought him home from a barbecue."

_{True story.}

Like Old Times;

2009-04-09T23:47:00.002+08:00

UPDATE: It's midnight, so I'd like to wish Teoh Jiah Sze a Happy Birthday. To the friend who never ceased to surprise me.

Spent the entire day with Jiah Sze and Jason Teoh.

And I enjoyed every single millisecond of it.

Day started off proper at 1200, when we left the house for the Teoh residence. A quaint and quiet drive with their driver at the wheel lasted for about twenty minutes.

The Teoh brother and sister go way back with the Sam twins -- we've been spending time together ever since our fateful meeting nine years ago. Two years back, we actually went down all the way to Singapore with just our bags, a wallet chucked with cash and two room keys. Heck, we could survive a fallout together.

Returning to today: we stood at the doorsteps of our old friends. Ellya spotted a chicken; I made out four. I insisted they were real, and my sister didn't agree. Jason opened the front door and Ellya asked whether they were illusions. Jason claimed, "They're holograms," in his old poker face -- that's Jason!

We stepped inside and were greeted by two familiar faces, Auntie Joni and Uncle Teoh. Then, walking down the staircase was Jiah Sze. We exchanged our greetings and took a bit of time to catch up.

Soon after, we were whisked off to One Utama. Our first stop was the cinema, where we took a look at what they were screening today. Strangely every film was only being screened much later -- so we headed off for lunch; we were starving as it was already.

We walked down the many floors trying to find something to satisfy our growing hunger. As we stepped off the escalator, something caught Jason's eye -- the words: HALF-PRICE. It was on a billboard outside the Sushi Groove establishment located right in the Oval division of the shopping complex. The rest is history.

After a filling lunch, we headed back to the cinema.

We took a good half hour to decide on a movie to watch. Eventually, we agreed on Coffesions of a Shopaholic, despite Jason's and my craving for something smothered in action with a twist of adventure.

To burn off the one hour of time before the doors were opened, we headed off to the bowling alley. Jason and Jiah Sze had a game of foosball, then we proceeded to the bowling kiosk to purchase a game. I must say, the attendant at the stall was obviously cranky and unpleasant.

We had a good game with everyone scoring spares and strikes, minus Jason. Hah.

After the game, Jiah Sze had the sudden desire for Bubble Tea. The only outlet known to sell this elusive beverage was on the other side of OneU -- but hey, we had loads of time to spare.

At the outlet, I felt as if it took a longer time preparing the four teas compared to us having to walk there. It was a refreshing drink nonetheless, and it was really worth the walk. The teas had balls of flour in them; strangely they found this phrase amusing.

We headed back to the cinema, only to find we still had about twenty minutes left. We decided the arcade was a good place to stop at. Jason and I had a good round of shooting villainous troopers, and we all had a good game of mini-basketball.

To prevent us from sleeping in the hall, Jiah Sze and Ellya purchased these "sour power" treats from a small outlet right outside the entrance to the halls. We stepped inside and watched the film.

Right after, we took a slow walk to the drop-off bay and were sent back to their place. We had a good round of jamming on ROCK BAND and I finally heard Jason sing; albeit slightly gibberish-y.

We had home-made nasi lemak for dinner, and then we had Jason drive us for the first time.

I had the most amazing drive back to my place ever. Jason's been driving for about a year now (though Jiah Sze claims it to be much less than twelve months), but Ellya and I have never been in a car with him behind the wheel. The three of us were his navigators.

During the journey, we took the time for lively and random conversations which involved anything and everything.

Back at the Sam homestead, we watched Marley & Me. No one cried at the end. Surprised?

They left about an hour ago, and well: it was an exhilarating day and certainly not the last of our meetings. I look forward to our next gathering, whenever that may be.

_{It's those sort of flowery things.}

Infamous.

2009-04-08T21:10:00.004+08:00

A famous axiom states that a civilization is never more than a few missed meals away from anarchy. If a society's infrastructure -- government, utilities, law enforcement -- stopped functioning, how long would it be before people put aside the trappings of civility and focused solely on survival? Imagine how far you would go to feed yourself or your family after just one day trapped in this bleak scenario. What about after 15 days?

Hope is difficult to find in such a harsh environment, but not impossible.

Infamous, a new open-world action title from Sucker Punch Productions, puts players in a position to save what is left of a deteriorating society. As an ordinary man developing extraordinary abilities, you can be the light that guides people out of the darkness...if you choose to be.

I Need Some Inspiration.

2009-04-08T20:27:00.001+08:00

Read above.

Wishful Thinking.

2009-04-07T20:30:00.004+08:00

_{The Force is strong with this one.}

Twitter.

2009-04-06T12:07:00.002+08:00

_{Yippidy do da.}

And Just Like That;

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000+08:00

The week of sports is over.

Quotes of the day:
• Reform the line!
• Defend, Defend!
• Get in between!
• Shoot!
• Shiz!
• Argh!
• Seladang!

_{Credits to: Ellya Sam}

_{Credits to: Kimberley Tan}

_{Credits to: Kanako Uchimura, Meenakshi Lachman
For more click: here}

_{Credits to: Calvin Yong
For more click: here

Like a heatwave without warning.}

Stop & Stare;

2009-04-04T21:27:00.001+08:00

_{So I've got my hands in my pockets, and my head in the clouds.

Credits to: Claudillea Holloway
Date: 7 March 2009
Location: 6,070ft above sea level}

The Second Day.

2009-04-01T22:02:00.002+08:00

The Sun was still as fiery as ever, though it failed to get my attention. For some uncanny reason, I more more focused on the games and cheering rather than my burning, lobster-red arms.

But even with all the fuss we had to accomplish during the House Deco Competition, I felt today was even worse.

I was running about all over the place doing things from patrolling the blocks to shouting hysterically on the field.

After school, I learnt a little rugby, tossed a frisbee or two and played a game of softball. Then Chinese Drums 'till 6:10.

A massive day -- but it's really not as bad as it sounds, but tiring nonetheless.

^{*Oh, and I have a Twitter account now.}

GAMES CARNIVAL '09
31.03.2009 - 04.04.2009

_{Your chain formation is obstruction my passage down the steps. It is both disturbing and incredibly annoying. Please move.}

House Decorations '09

2009-03-31T19:33:00.003+08:00

We prayed for it to not rain. We pleaded to approaching threatening clouds to stay where they were.

We weren't expecting the Sun.

GAMES CARNIVAL '09
31.03.2009 - 04.04.2009

_{We're on a roll here.}

Homerun.

2009-03-30T17:26:00.001+08:00

GAMES CARNIVAL '09
31.03.2009

_{Are you ready?}

Like Sparks Fly Upwards Innocent.

2009-03-29T20:00:00.001+08:00

The three bands that have become a daily part of my life thus far:

• The Fray
• Animal Liberation Orchestra
• Thriving Ivory

Oh, and on a separate note:
I've finished all twenty-one examination papers!

What's next? Games Carnival, then the holidays.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

The anticipation is driving me insane.

GAMES CARNIVAL '09
31.03.2009

_{Smooth and creamy like peanut butter.}

A Sweet Sixteenth.

2009-03-16T19:01:00.003+08:00

Thank you for all 435 birthday wishes
& 27 belated wishes!

Monday, 16 March 2009 - This year, I didn't expect to receive a whole slew of wishes -- especially not from Dubai and Australia.

As I was counting down this morning, to my surprise I wasn't the only one. Ryan Wong, an old buddy of mine who moved to Dubai two years back, was slashing down the minutes with me. Joshua Lee was right there too.

A few friends even called to shout the minutes left; not to mention smses aplenty. And don't get me started on the Skype & MSN conversations.

My surprises didn't end there. Ten and a half hours later, I stepped into the same canteen only to find it almost completely different. The tables and chairs were nothing special (same 'ol, same 'ol), but there were now six different lines and stalls. There was even a counter just for drinks!

Not to rub it in on the previous food & beverages -- but I've got to say -- the food now is uh'mazing; and don't get me started on the price.

Then thirteen hours; thirty minutes; 23 seconds and a millisecond later, I was amazed by the Prefects' Board with a Sandwich Cake. Yeah, a Sandwich Cake and it was just what it was: a sandwich with a candle jabbed on the top of it.

Little did I know, that it was simply a distraction -- a diversion.

Seconds later, a huge chocolate cake was brought in with sixteen candles with sixteen flickering flames. Claudillea Holloway baked it just for the occasion and if you're reading this Claud, it was the loveliest home-made cake ever. Incredibly sweet and topped with coloured rice candy.

Then they brought in a huge card, made by Kanako Uchimura, signed on the inside by everyone. ^{*it's right below}

But really, this whole secret surprise was thanks to Momoko Uchimura, a long-time classmate of mine, and Yoh Hao Zi, the seemingly shy and quiet violinist/pianist.

And to Joshua Lee, thanks for everything. Heard Ellya was pretty hard to distract and contain -- but you pulled it off.

Hey, it's 7:01 -- looks like I'm officially 16.

The 60 signatures and messages inside.

Ridzwan insisted on handing me this right after school.

_{Sandwich Cakes are all the rage.}

It's All In The Prime.

2009-03-13T19:54:00.002+08:00

Two days; 23 hours; 8 minutes & 45 Seconds
16.03.2009

_{It's that time in your life.}

At 1850m Above Sea Level;

2009-03-09T13:21:00.006+08:00

The Sam family spent their weekend with the Holloways.

Brace yourself
16.03.2009

Welcome To Helghan;

2009-03-01T16:11:00.005+08:00

It's on my couch, it's on my TV --

-- It's Killzone 2! :D

_{We're making history, Gentlemen.}

Bah.

2009-02-25T12:39:00.005+08:00

I hate falling sick -- especially when it involves headaches.

My mind is like a snow globe being shaken by a three year old who's clearly never seen a snow globe before. I can't even walk straight for heaven's sake.

At least the fever's simmered down, the shivering has stopped and my arms and legs don't feel like they would spontaneously cramp up anymore.

I can't believe it's only 12:40.

I hate falling sick.

Fzzsstt!

2009-02-23T12:25:00.000+08:00

The utility belt should be done by tonight -- then it's onto the lower torso.

Hint: See that long saber in his right hand? It makes a vvmmm sound when twirled around.

_{Nightmares & daydreams.}

It's Going To Be A Close One;

2009-02-22T18:26:00.003+08:00

And Seladang takes the first cup!

_{I need a slice of courage -- stat.}

In The Works.

2009-02-21T22:47:00.003+08:00

_{An intervention. For the galaxy.}

Guess Who;

2009-02-20T22:29:00.006+08:00

My latest personal assignment.

A freshly sharpened pencil, a sheet of paper, a large carton of McDonald's Coke, a dying internet connection, restless thinking, Thriving Ivory on iTunes and you get this.

Ain't that swell.

_{May the Force be with you.}

Save The World.

2009-02-19T16:50:00.002+08:00

My design proposal for our new umbrella society.

_{Save the cheerleader, save the world.}

Back In The Day;

2009-02-17T17:43:00.002+08:00

People had long voyages to transport pepper spices between India and the European countries. You can probably imagine how long each trip to and fro takes, right? So, as Mr. Kulpa puts it, this was the golden time of Mathematics. In their boredom on the ships, they would either duel (the good old wrestling matches on the deck) or they would figure out mathematic solutions.

Totally unbelievable right? Trigonometry was discovered at the time (the very topic on the board during the class).

Bernard: Ingenious! I would have never imagined any of that - very, very cool.

Joshua: Lifeless bunch of souls.

It's About Valentine.

2009-02-14T16:30:00.002+08:00

Wishing everyone a lovely Valentine's. ♥

_{At a rate that is truly alarming.}

Valkyrie.

2009-02-14T16:25:00.005+08:00

In a country in the grips of evil, in a police state where every move is being watched, in a world where justice and honor have been subverted, a group of men hidden inside the highest reaches of power decide to take action.

Operation: Valkyrie is in effect.

_{I need Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: Vindication.}

Holyhandbaskets;

2009-02-09T13:35:00.003+08:00

It's Ben 10!

Heart of Stone.

2009-02-01T18:14:00.005+08:00

Found this little pebble right by the lake during the Kite Flying Competitions. The imprint it left behind was in the perfect shape of a heart.

Sweet, ain't it?

_{Anyone needs a heart?}

Kite Running.

2009-01-31T18:34:00.004+08:00

The problem of flying a kite using up three entire rolls of string?

Getting it back.

Through the heavy rain, the grassy field, across two streets and two trees, we trailed after the runaway kite.

Lovin' the Style.

2009-01-28T19:20:00.001+08:00

I've finished the entire four seasons of Samurai Jack - you know, that animated series about that samurai lost in time?

Let me break it down for you:

"Long ago in a distant land, Aku, the shape-shifting master of darkness, unleashed an unspeakable evil! But a foolish samurai warrior wielding a magic sword, stepped forth to oppose him. Before the final blow was struck, Aku tore open a portal in time and flung him in to the future, where his evil was law. Now, the samurai seeks to return to the past and undo the future that is Aku.

*cue the Samurai Jack theme*

This is a series that that is truly cinematic in scope and that incorporates action, humor and intricate artistry. "It is noted for its highly detailed, outline-free, masking-based animation, as well as for its cinematic style and pacing", as Wikipedia puts it. And I simply can't get enough of it.

Unfortunately, the series was never finished - with Season Four being the last one aired.

Though one can always hope; and hope I shall.

_{Some slimy, toothy goat took your brain!}

Eclipse.

2009-01-26T23:17:00.003+08:00

Happens on rare occasion - the shielding of the sun by the moon. Some go their whole lives without seeing it, some claim to have seen it and some use the internet; cheeky fiends.

Sometimes, they even watch Heroes or Avatar just to catch a glimpse of it - you didn't hear it from me.

Josh & I have officially joined the ranks of those who have stood under the shadow of the moon.

It's pretty slick.

_{It's a doozy!}

The Reunion.

2009-01-24T23:47:00.002+08:00

We traveled across the globe when we were kids. We haven't seen each other in about three years.

Tonight, we met again; and caught up with all that we've missed.

_{And how my heart's about to burst into a thousand pieces - so it must be true.}

Chinese New Year '09

2009-01-23T20:26:00.005+08:00

For Momoko's photos
Click: here

For Syazana's snapshots
Click: here

_{If you cut me open, you'll find a stash of fortune cookies - and one fortune.}

Crunch.

2009-01-22T19:11:00.002+08:00

Ecstatic Beyond All Measure.

2009-01-18T20:23:00.003+08:00

My dad has just returned from the UK; huzzah! Before he left, I asked him to go and look for a book for me.

It's a sketchbook by Alan Lee - the one that contains all his conceptual drawings used in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Now here's the catch: this book is almost sold-out the world over. It's almost impossible to find. Exceedingly rare, if you will.

I was hoping I would pose a chance of acquiring the book from London - I mean London's all about books, right?

My mum told me my dad went from huge bookstores such as Foyles to small, dusty antique libraries.

When he got back, sitting in his huge luggage bag, was the book lying among his shirts. He got me a shirt too, a long-sleeved blue striped one. I thought it was to be meant for business involving work, but he insisted I wear it to outings and parties and the such. Thanks, dad. (:

Well anyway. Apparently, this is the only copy in the whole of London - whole, mind you.

As soon as I flipped open the hard cover, I immediately fell in love with the book. Alan Lee's artwork has a certain beauty and lyricism about it. His art has definitely captured and evoked the feeling I think J.R.R Tolkien had hoped to capture with his books.

If you remember watching the credits of The Return of King, you can see some of his art. His drawings of each of the actors were displayed as their names flashed across the screen. Some of his conceptual ones were shown as well.

_{It's for you.}

Shift.

2009-01-18T12:19:00.000+08:00

The Fray is my new Theory of a Deadman.

It's the First Time.

2009-01-15T20:29:00.004+08:00

I walked across the bridge to the library. A long line of kids were coming across as well. One bumped into my elbow and said:

"Eyer, your bum bum so smelly."
All I could think about then, was that why was he commenting on my arse when it was my elbow that hit him? Joshua was walking almost right next to me at the time so I turned and gave him a good sardonic stare - with a little grin nudged in between. 'Nuff said.

Thursday. The day Ellya has her ballroom dancing classes. It just so happens that I had no transport home - my dad's in the UK right now. Ergo, I had to follow my mum and sister there and wait for two freaking hours for her to finish.

Didn't turn out to be as boring and uneventful as I had initially thought. I mean, two hours, come on. You would've thought it too.

First, we (meaning my mum & I) followed Ellya to the studio to see her off. We walked to as far as the stairs leading up to the place.

After that my mum brought me to this old coffee outlet - though I was kind of hoping for some Starbucks at the moment. We both ordered a Milo Ice each and three plates of this kaya/butter/orange-thing/toasted bread thing. It wasn't too bad.

I knew we were going to be lazing around the place for quite some time, so I brought my Biology Textbook to accompany me. It wasn't much of a read but after awhile, it started to get interesting.

After an hour of reading and drinking and eating, we set off to burn the other hour at the studio.

So I went up and to my surprise, everyone already knew my name - I feel it must have been my mum or Ellya's doing. They took awhile to pronounce it right (benard being one of the examples), but I'd hardly blame 'em.

What follows after is me making a few new friends and being swept off onto the dance floor.

I learnt and danced a part of the waltz; albeit rather lousily - and I'll definitely be coming back for more.

I have never heard a mathematical term used as an insult --

-- until Jin Hern called Joey an x-axis and that he had no gradient. Have you met Joey? I'm making him reprise his role as Santa Claus this year. He wants me to be his "dwarf" - though I think I'm a little above the height requirement.

Guess he's not particularly interested in elves.

_{I would stand in line for this. There's always room in life for this.}

Need I Say It Again?

2009-01-14T21:11:00.001+08:00

SELADANG!

Say whuut?

We take it to the top!

_{Theory of a Deadman. Have you listened to any of their songs? I'm simply hooked.}

Singular.

2009-01-13T17:59:00.003+08:00

That one word took the entire Additional Mathematics class from Matrices into a whole new direction.

First, Mr. Kulpa asked us what came to mind when you hear the word "singular" - singular where the matrix has a zero determinant meaning that its inverse does not exist.

I won't share with you our foolish thoughts, but Mr. Kulpa said the word brought to his mind the term "singularity".

See, Mr. Kulpa is a man of both complex math and complex science - a truly impressive combination, if you ask me. Heck, when he writes words on the board his writing seems to be a mixture of mathematical symbols, upper-class letters and alphabets.

So anyway, for the rest of the period we discussed quantum mechanics, string theory, wormholes, black holes, the time-space continuum, the bending of light and the current standing of science in the world today.

He claims Astronomy to be the King of Science as it utilises all the known sciences, whereas Mathematics is the Queen.

As he spoke, he began to draw diagrams and theories all over the board from atomic structures to how light is trapped in a black hole. His knowledge on the subject was truly astounding.

I'll never look at Mr. Edward Kulpa in the same way again.*

_{*not a bad thing.}

Another Year Goes By --

2009-01-12T21:23:00.007+08:00

-- and I have yet another pair of splintered Chinese Drumsticks. At least my current pair is still intact.

The other pair of western drumsticks seem almost brand new, with just a few scratches here and there.

Only one Chinese Drumstick seems to have made it through the year still in the same condition as how I had initially bought it in.

I still bought a new pair anyway; and it's unlike any of the other drumsticks I've owned before. These drumsticks are strangely an albino pair and is noticeably heavier than it's predecessors. They're longer and thicker too - but that's gonna change after I'm through with them. Oh, and they smell like Ikea for some reason.

Wishing Cempaka Beat another thunderous and upbeat year! Cheers.