A whisper in the wind

The dreaded mondays

2009-02-16T00:33:00.002+08:00

It's that time of the week again, the time where we are forced to drag out half asleep bodies down to our classes or our workplace to start yet another monotonous week......I just have a particular dislike towards Mondays forgive my crazy babbling but I just hate the fact that I got to drag my half dead body to class for 9am Structures and Materials........ Oh well nothing I can do about this.....Till the next post... chao!

An alternative view of Valentine's day

2009-02-15T01:43:00.002+08:00

FEB 14 — While the world is going to hell in a logarithmically increasing function, are we still going to agree that Feb 14 still makes the world go round? I really don't know why people even bother celebrating Valentine's Day? There is nothing even remotely romantic about Valentine's Day. Romance should be a spontaneous thing.
This "holiday" is the most bullshit day on the calendar. Regardless of whether or not you have someone. If you don't, this day only serves as a slap on your face that you don't. Even if you don't want a relationship, this day is trying to tell you otherwise. "Come to the dark side." It whispers in your ear. "Better than Single Malt Whiskey".
The whole day only emphasises all the "pink" things about a relationship, completely ignoring that most real relationships take a good deal of commitment, sometimes work, and aren't always rosy. Yes, I do agree that passionately there is the love between a man and a woman for each other. How is this love articulated? From down on my knees kinkiness to up my head conservativeness, the point being that very individual has inimitable ways of getting the message across. But definitely, for a start it isn't expressed specifically on one day!
The foolish part is that if you do actually have someone, this is a fabricated day in which you basically have to prove your love. Even if both parties don't particularly feel obligated to do something, social pressure may demand otherwise. I see it all the time, a guy has a nice, simple evening planned, hears that his buddies plan to rent the entire restaurant , which probably costs him more than what it takes to feed an entire village in Somalia for a week, then feels compelled to upgrade.
Isn't it ridiculous to buy a Valentine's Day gift to make up for a year of neglect? It's as if to say "Here honey, it's the time of the year again for the overly priced flowers! Be thankful since you ain’t getting nothing for the rest of 364 days". Valentine's Day has indeed received the same fate as the rest of the holidays; it has been hijacked to contribute towards the growth of economics. Saint Valentine used to be the patron saint of lovers, now he seems to be the patron saint of card makers, chocolate manufacturers and not forgetting the 1-800-what is the number-FLOWERS.
Alternatively handfuls of single souls get into cynical mode; I suppose that's why folks call Valentine's Day as the Singles Awareness Day. By some means Valentine's Day becomes a yardstick to measure their self-worth and confidence. Slowly the cynicism evolves into depression that drags on till Feb 15 or perhaps longer. Believe it or not, wallowing in bitterness is definitely not a way to live.
I'd love to completely ignore this day, but you can't. Unless you hole yourself up in your room, shut the door, close the blinds, and immerse yourself in good sex or a book, it's everywhere. Turn on the TV and there it is on from Oprah to Ellen De Generes. Turn on the radio, there it is. Oh, and those annoying high school-ish dedications... does that make anyone else want to reach through the radio and slap them silly? Go outside, and there it is on STREOIDS.
If two people are truly in love, they do not need a contrived, commercialised holiday to prove it to themselves and others. , So I don't give two hoots on needing Valentine’s Day to provide me that satisfaction. I believe that life and love has a couple of things in common: It's an everyday commitment — not a one-day agenda (leave that to one-night stands!) and both don't have known expiry dates. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.

Valentine/ Single Awareness Day

2009-02-14T12:43:00.002+08:00

It's been a long long long time since I added a post in my now cob-web infested blog.

A lot has taken place since my last posting in November 2008, will update this blog more frequently as I seem to have time nowadays. The reason I didnt update it often is due to the fact that I thought I deleted this blog, but apparently it is still here.

I actually wanted to start a new blog but since this is here might as well make good use of it.

To all those couples out there, HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY

To the singles, enjoy your SINGLEDOM

Personalisation

2008-10-24T00:19:00.000+08:00

This shall be my first post in my "newly" personalised blog.
Since the general stuff can be read in any newspaper or magazine anyway.
Pending the aquisition of my new camera phone. I wont have many pictures in here yet. So in the meantime I shall blog about my typical life as a University student......Enjoy!!!

Just for fun

2008-10-20T01:43:00.001+08:00

Just so cute!!!!!

I hijacked this from Min Hao's blog.

quick update

2008-10-18T01:40:00.000+08:00

seems like I havent updated my blog in quite a long time. I think I should update my blog more often but due to the small number of readers and the fact that it is not a personal blog I somehow dont have much incentive to actually put in new posts. But I will try to update more regularly and also try to add some more personal stuff into my postings as well.
Every1 that actually reads my blog are free to post their comments in the comment area.
Thanks to all that actually read this blog

Time flies, it really does

2008-09-19T23:00:00.000+08:00

It's been 3 weeks since I last posted something on my blog. Some how time seems to past me by without me even knowing it.
somehow things which seem to happen quite recently actually took place years ago.
The innocence of childhood.
The carefree-ness of school days
The fun of college.
It all gone, in the past never to return again. As I set my sights on yet another chapter of my life, University. I sit back and wonder where has all the years gone. Soon I will be stepping into those hallowed halls, but I know before long I will be standing there on graduation day closing yet another chapter of my life, life seems to fly by.......there's no repeats, no do-overs, no resets. this is it our 1 shot at life, we got to make the most of it, thought it sounds cliche live everyday as it it is our last day on earth. Treasure the simple things in life.
and not forgetting the most important part of life, love..... no not the love between those of opposite genders, althought it is important too, but instead I'd think that the love between family members are the most important and pure.
The love a parent has for their child, or the love that the child has for the parents are certainly something great that cannot be diminished. Then there is also the wonderful thing called love between the siblings and also those with the uncles, aunts, grandparents etc. To me this is what life is all about, love.
So I think we should all really treasure our love ones while we have them because life on earth is merely temporary and hence we got to make the most of it.

A new Merdeka for Malaysia??

2008-08-26T22:29:00.000+08:00

Perhaps it'll be a new dawn for Malaysia as the much awaited results of today's by-election reaches the millions of Malaysian who were eagerly glued to their TVs, their radios, and their computers to get the latest on the Permatang Pauh by-election.
The people of Permatang Pauh were king makers for a day and both sides tried their outmost to woo the people with all sorts of promises. But one party seemed to have delved into dirty politics with all sorts of slanderous accusation ranging from corruption to sodomy. But in the end those accusations seemed to have failed to sway the voters as they showed that they have the brains to differentiate truth from falsehood, such as the allegations that a 60 year old could rape a 23 year old man, 6 times!!!!! Here's the election result breakdown

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (parti Keadilan Rakyat): 31,195

Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah (Barisan National) : 15,524

Hanafi Mamat (AKIM) : 92

Majority : 15,671

Winner : Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ( PKR)

Now to sit back and witness what might be a change in the government of Malaysia come September 16th.
after 51 years of a mono-party rule, perhaps it is time for a change, if we never try we will never know.

MALAYSIA BOLEH!

The Georgian sideshow

2008-08-26T00:49:00.000+08:00

These past few weeks while the world was fixed on what's going on in Beijing, another important issue was talking place in another part of the world, in the once little known country of Georgia,

in the past when people mention Georgia, many, especially those in the United States would think that it meant the State on the East Coast of the United States, but by now most people would know about this small nation.

How did Georgia propel itself into the eyes of the world?

Well it is simple, all u need to do is launch a full scale invasion against a territory that you consider part of your country.

That is exactly what Georgia did, pouring troops into the Region of South Ossetia, which internationally is recognized as part of Georgia but in reality it has had de-facto independence since 1992. Peace between the Georgians and the South Ossetians were mantained by a peace keeping force headed by Russia.

By ordering a large scale invasion to take back South Ossetia it is inevitable that the Russians would be caught in the cross-fire. This caused Russian to take action against the Georgians to drive them out of South Ossetia.

The fact is Georgia provoked Russia, they had hoped for American intervention in the face of a conflict, they gotten too brave due to American promise, but they have forgetten that America always forgets. It is a known fact.

So Russia invaded Georgia, the Americans cant complain because they did they same thing to Iraq, a soviergn nation with a democratically elected government, but wait, that is not American idea of democracy, to them democracy is when the government that gets elected is pro-America, that's why they love Georgia so much, their president is very pro-America and hopes to join NATO 1 day.

If America can accept Kosovo's declaration of independence why not that of South Ossetia and Abkhazia?? The Russians did exactly what the Americans did, so how come the EU suddenly decided to intervene?? Is the Russian wrong for going against a nation who uses tanks and artilery on people that they claim to be their own citizens. Is a government who uses soldiers to shut down an opposition TV station such as the government of Georgia really democratic?? Shouldnt the USA be against this crimes against humanity??

It is the cold war mentality all over again. it is actually a power play between Russia and the USA. The United States set their pet Georgia to provoke Russia, but Russia swiftly destroy and crippled that puppy state. 1st let's show the pre-war states of the Russia and Georgia military.

Personnel

Russia: around 700,000

Georgia: 20.000 maximum

Tanks

Russia : almost 20,000

Georgia: 800

Aircraft

Russia: almost 7000

Georgia: 20

With such discrepancy there is no way in the world Russia could be threatened. The EU has been silenced by Russia's placing of NUCLEAR WEAPONS in the European Enclave of Kalinigrad. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has also been armed with nuclear arsenal.

There is no way in the world that America would dare challenge Moscow. But it is clearly a proxy war between the US and Russia.

The Georgian Affair, is merely a side show

The great haul of China

2008-08-19T02:26:00.000+08:00

Michael Phelps the name that most people would know by now did the impossible by winning an unprecedented 8 gold medals at the olympics and 14 overall surpassing Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals at a single olympic game.

It was certainly a moment that will go down in olympic history when Jason Lezak touched home a mere .5 seconds faster than the australian freestyler to give the US men's medley team the olympic gold and more importantly hand Mr. Phelps his 8th gold medal in the Beijing games. Acheiving a feat which retired Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe claimed was "impossible" , well Phelps seemed to have taken que from the adidas motto of "Impossible is nothing" and decided to "Just do it", in most of his races the fight was clearly only for second place as Michael was head and shoulders over the rest of the competition, he did have to depend on Lezak to deliver 2 of his golds in the team event but other than that Phelps was phenomenal. Setting world records in 6 of his 8 races. And after winning the 8 titles Phelps said "I just want to go see my mother" a true mama's boy which makes it all the sweeter

Hat's off to a true swimming great. Perhaps Usain Bolt can do the same on the track??

Silver it is

2008-08-19T00:12:00.000+08:00

The hopes of an entire nation was on his frail shoulders, sadly Chong Wei was overrawed by the momentous occasion and went down tamely to the world number 1 Lin Dan. Though it may be easy to pin the blame on him for an abysmal performance, we should also blame ourselves for the over dependence on 1 man for gold. Had there been other who were challenging for medals perhaps the pressure wouldnt be so great. But well this is Malaysia searching for a good athelete is like looking for a needle in a hay stack.

But anyway a silver is better than most could hope for and I would like to congratulate Mr. Lee for making the entire country proud and for a few days united all Malaysians to support our charge for a 1st gold medal. so there is nothing much to feel disappointed about, our search for the elusive gold continues but maybe the anticipation itself is well worth it.

Olympic medal for Malaysia

2008-08-17T00:16:00.000+08:00

Malaysia finally ended their 12-year wait for an olympic medal when Lee Chong Wei defeated Lee Hyun-Il of South Korea 21-18 13-21 21-13 to enter the final and assure himself and Malaysia of at least a silver medal in the olympics, the match was certainly pulsating and filled with excitement as it was Malaysia's most realistic chance of getting any medal in these games. When Chong Wei won the 1st set I am sure almost all of Malaysia rejoiced but when he lost the 2nd game most Malaysians would be left biting their nails, but in the end Chong Wei redeemed himself to win the last set in style. It assures Malaysia of a medal at long last, what colour will it be only time will tell, but let's all bask in the moment,

6.30pm this sunday will be when Chong Wei meets Lin Dan for a stab at olympic immortality, can he do it??? I'm secretly confident that he could, but we will all have to glue our butts on the couch and sit back at enjoy what might turn out to be a momentous and historic moment for Malaysia.

Gold or Silver?? I hope it's gold

Something random

2008-08-09T02:08:00.001+08:00

Name: Darryl D
Sisters: 3
Brothers: 1
Shoe size: UK size 8, US size 9
Height: 178cm (Ithink)
Where do you live: Kajang (not for long though, yay!!!)
Favourite drinks: vitagen
Favourite breakfast: bacon and eggs
you ever been on a plane: of course!!
Swam in the ocean: yup!
Fallen asleep in school: yes!
Broken someone's heart: I think a few years ago, yea probably
Fell off your chair: ya!!!
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: no no no!!!!
Saved e-mails: yes..
What is your room like: it depends, it evolves a lot
What's right beside you: my handphone
What is the last thing you ate: cookies
Ever had chicken pox: yes
Sore throat: constantly
Stitches: I think so
Broken nose: no
Do you believe in love at first sight: it is possible, I wish it is, lolz
Like picnics: depends on with who, with family?? sure!!!!
was the last person you danced with: With my frenz!!!
Last made you smile: Kenneth L
Talk to someone you like: of course I like lots of people, there are many likable people
Kissed anyone: yea, my family love them so!!!!
Get sick:2 months ago
Talked to an ex: last month
Miss someone: not really
Best feeling in the world: hard to say
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: I have 1 stuffed bear
.Who do you really hate: people who only think of themselves and not the sufferingof others,people with too much pride, people with lots of hatred, people who kill people in the name of God
What time is it now: 2.19am
Randoms :Q: Is there a person who is on your mind right now:there are always people on my mind
Q: Do you have any siblings: I answered that just now
Q: Do you want children: yes just 1 or 2
Q: Do you smile often: yes yes yes!!!!!
Q: Do you like your hand-writing: NO. probably one of the worst I've seen
Q: Are your toenails painted: nope, that's be weird
Q: Whose bed other than yours would you rather sleep in: asalkan boleh tidur sudahlah
Q: What colour shirt are you wearing: black..
Q: What were you doing at 7:00pm yesterday: Sitting home watching TV
Q: I can't wait till: I finally get a clear picture of my future
Q: When did you cry last: hmmm years ago??havent had many reasons to be sad
Q: Are you a friendly person: depends on the situation
Q: Do you have any pets: yes, my lil tortoises
Where is the person you have feelings for right now? : I dont think there's any1
Did the last person you held hands with mean anything to you now? : Haha of course, my lil sis means a lot to me!!!!
Do you sleep with the TV on? : Nope
What are you doing right now? : Doing this, and listening to music, coldplay!
Have you ever crawled through a window? YUP!!!!
. Can you handle the truth? I'd like to think so
Are you closer to your mother or father? My mum
Who was the last person you cried in front of? Not sure
How many people can you say you've really loved?: all my family members!!!!
Do you eat healthy? I try to, but fail miserably
Do you still have pictures of you & your ex? hmmm?
Have you ever cried because of something someone said to you? yea long long ago
How often do you go to church? weekly
Qs.If you're having a bad day, who are you most likely to go to? My mum
Are you loud or quiet most of the time? : No specific answer
Are you confident? : YES!!!!
5 things I was doing 10 years ago..(1998)-
-Sleep
-eat
-play
-play
-play.

Can the world be healed?

2008-07-22T00:23:00.000+08:00

Lately I have been musing on the state that our world seems to be in, large gaps better the haves and have nots, food shortages, fuel shortages, wars, terrorism, starvation, diseases, a spike in the crime rate and a whole host of other problems.
there should be something wrong when some people can throw away steaks that are 'left' for 5 minutes and yet there are millions of others around the world that have to seek their next meals in the trash. It is rather a sad situation where the world has enough food for all it's people and yet not all of it's people are getting food..somewhere along the line of human history a sort of survival of the fittest mentality has taken shape, 'survival of the fittest' seems to be the rule of the day where people fight to stay on top of a mountain and do not care on who they have to step on to get there. We all have grown so selfish (this writer included) caring only of our personal needs and whining as if we are going thru the biggest pain in the world, for example the person that complains bout the fact that they will be furthering their studies abroad because they will miss home, they have an arguement, but spare a thought for those that can't afford an education those that has to be given away to orphanages just so they can go to school, seems fictional? It is real, it is happening right next door in Indonesia. Closer to home people in the interior areas of East Malaysia sometimes dont even have desk to sit on to study, sitting on the floor is the rule of the day, did they complain? NO.....so who gave us the right to complain bout the fact that we will be 'far away from home' when in reality we will come home every month or so?

certain places the poor have to sell thier children just to make ends meet, some resort to selling their body parts such as kidneys and all just so they can get their next meal. The world is in a very sorry state with no end in apparent sight.....I could go on and on complaining bout the state of the world , the fact that many are homeless due to conflict in Darfur, Palestine, Iraq, Afganistan and closer to home Southern Thailand. World peace remains elusive, nations get bullied and pushed around on the international level because , yet again it is survival of the fittest.

Back home in Malaysia, corruption seems to be the sourge of the country, an estimate by JP Morgan puts the figure at RM432 BILLION lost to corruption over the years. Who's money is this supposed to be? Not the elite but the nation's money, meant for the poor and the downthrodden, corruptions steals from the people that should be aided by the money, with that figure image the hospitals, schools and other public ammenities that can be provided, yet again it is survival of the fittest, those already in power uses their power to stay in power by robbing, yes robbing, from the poor in the country. Then there is the treament of migrant workers and the high level of rape and prostituition, are our human values so eroded that we decend to the level of animals and giving in to lust, without demand the flesh trade will stop, men should treat women with respect and not some1 u can pay for a one night stand...

I could go on and on about the problems plaguing our world, but the question is, can anything be done to stop these things from happening?? The problem is basically human instinct, most people say it is human nature to get ahead of the rest....It is true btw, without competition there will not be any progress, but how sweet is progress if half the world is still left behind. I frankly dont seem to have much ideas about this matter because we cannot please everybody but things should be done for the greater good and not the good of the individual, for the community and not the person, but even I am a hyprocrite when it comes to this matter, we are all talk but no action, another reason why the world is where it is now. But there are individuals who put others before themselves, people such as Nelson Mandela, mother Theresa and Martin Luther King. The civilians that would help wounded enemy troops, this are all signs that there is still hope in this world, and that it might possibly be saved. As I am writing this the famous 'heal the world' song from Michael Jackson comes to mind
Heal the world, Make it a better place
for you and for me, and the entire human race,
There are people dying, if you care enough for the living,
So make a better place for you and for me

I hope we all could have the resolve to strive and make this world a better place, together!!!

the debate

2008-07-15T23:30:00.000+08:00

Usually I don't blog much about politics but today has to be an exception, for the 1st time in the history of this Country a pressing National Issue is debated under life public telecast........Althought this is the norm in some countries throughout the world, it is something that we sorely lack...
The topic of the day was on the fuel price hike, something which affects the livelyhood of many of us in this country and well I shall include the rest of the world as well.....
The debate was between the De-facto Opposition leader (not to be confused with the post of Opposition leader) and our new information minister.
This is now my personal view on the debate, both sides seem to have points which were not addressed by the other party, the point raised by the Opposition leader that went unanswered is the fact that if corrupt practices are reduced then the government would have more money to tackle the fuel price increase, this point went unanswered by the government rep.
The minister did ask quite a good question though, what happens when Malaysia becomes a net oil importer, what shall we do then?? Althought Mr. Anwar should be congratulated for trying to address the issue it still remains unanswered, but overall I feel that the opposition leader seemed to have won this round as many of his point went unanswered, kudos to him.
As for the minister? I find it rather disgraceful that a member of the cabinet has to stoop to personal attacks when he can't answer a point, this does not bode well for the nation when our minister uses such tactics in the debate instead of addressing the issue at hand which was the fuel price and the economy...
He also compares Malaysia with both ends of the fuel price spectra, Venezuala and Europe, (for the uninitiated Venezuala has the lowest fuel prices in the world while Europe has the highest)
This is where I thought Mr. Anwar really controlled the debate.

Mr minister: Venezuala has low fuel prices but high Inflation.

Opp leader: BUT MALAYSIA HAS HIGH FUEL PRICES AND HIGH INFLATION.

Mr Minister: Countries like Finland, Norway has much higher fuel prices than Malaysia but yet they have a low inflation rate.

Opp Leader: They have a percapita Income 10 times higher than Malaysia.

Based on the answers given by we can see who the real gentleman is and who's the better debater and who is the better choice for our nation.

But the sad thing about Malaysian politics is the fact that a lot of it revolves around race, it is sad that 50 years on we are still having communal sentiments calling ourselves, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Bidayuhs, Ibans and lots more instead of the fact that we are all Malaysians 1st and foremost.

2008 the year that America might be electing it's 1st black president, Malaysia is still stuck in it's racial quagmire which seems to have no sign of abetting.

and there is also the possiblity that the de-facto opp leader might be arrested 2mrw, it is not rumours I saw it on the 8pm news, well we just have to wait and see,
Here's hoping for a better Malaysia

The boring days

2008-07-09T23:45:00.000+08:00

Haven't had a new post in here for quite some time, probably because I have nothing to post about, everyday it is the same old routine.....I think I have too much time on my hands but too little stuff to do, sleep at 2am every night and wake up at 10am. 10am mostly to watch parliament proceedings as sometimes it does get amusing.....I really wish I got something interesting to do so I can blog about, maybe I'll blog about TV programmes, yea that is possible
till the next post, chao

Stuck in MidValley

2008-07-05T02:08:00.001+08:00

Today after our farewell gathering for Alex I had to head back home via the KTM Komuter trains. Well as I stepped on to the platform I heard to announcer say "train ke Seremban telah mengalami gangguan waktu perjalanan kerana masalah teknikal". I was like "WTH? now what am I supposed to do in MidValley till the service resumes, so I went and had Mc D first....hmmmmm the new double chicken Mc Deluxe was certainly great....
Then received a msg from Amanda ' shoot, Alias Grace'....... I was supposed to pass her the Alias Grace Literature text book but I kept forgetting....so dashed across the complex and headed to the south court to pass her the book, saw Perasanth, Justin and Devan there too..they were trying to get a cab..
so after that I went back to the crowded KTM station, since I already complain much about the KTM in the previous post I wont do so here. so I sat there with nth but a cell phone with me......so what else could a person do with a cellphone in such a situation except text message or play games....since I phone lacked the latter I had to make do with texting...... Thanks Rachel for actually spending time to Text with me.... I owe u one.... anyways had to wait for almost 2 hours before boarding the train...but thanks to Rach and a few others such as Mei San and Alexander the wait didnt seem that long, thanks guys.,.....I blogged this just out of randomness

KTM blues

2008-07-05T01:21:00.000+08:00

It's time to really start blogging, at first I thought about blogging on our trip to MidValley (yet again) as it was the last outing with our very own 'Uncle' Alex, but something happened at the end of the day to make me change my plans.......

It involves the bane of many KLites, dont know what I am talking bout? Well then I guess u must be one of the lucky one that do not have to ride one of the most unreliable train systems in the world.... THE KTM KOMUTER....

When KTM started it's commuter train service it touted itself as being a clean, efficient and reliable way to bring in people from Kuala Lumpur's suburbs into the city itself, but over time this system which once proudly boasted that it runs with 'German Punctuality' (the Germans must be really embarrassed by this) has ran into dissaray, most probably due to our typical Malaysian Mentality....we build the biggest and the best.....but eventually it will detiorate due to our notoriously bad mantainance system....from our public toilets to the commuter train, from the humble dustbins to our world class sports complex it all has fallen into disuse by this build and leave mentality, but I'll save that for another post, as for now it is time to flame KTMB.

If you are one of the unfortunates that have to put up with the KTM you'll most probably agree with me that the train almost never comes on time, it is as if the ETA on those blue flashy boards are for display purposes only, wow we Malaysians certainly have a knack for expensive ornaments (large metallic flowers anyone?) On usual days the train would be delayed by a few minutes to half an hour....This is normal and must be factored in if we want to have an accurate estimate of our travelling time, for example if classes or work starts at 8 and the train ride would take u 20 mins to get there, u must be at the station at around 6.30am if u want to be on time (remember factor in the half an hour delay sometimes more). This delays are at a tolerable level as it has been taken in as a normal way of live, but remember...it wasnt always like this I'll elaborate on that later.

and then there are the monster delays, delays streching for hours on end, these delays would cause the crowds at KL sentral station and many other stations on the network to swell to epic purportions, the crowds at this station could probably be compared to the crowd at a North Korean workers day parade.. hmmmm maybe not, but still the conditions at the station will get so bad that it is hardly bearable for a country that wants to acheive developed nation status in the year 2020, the poor ventilation, high density of people and the iritated commuters are some of the most pressing of all problems at those instances... when u have so many combustible elements together it will certainly not bode well...There were many instances where tempers would start to flare up.

Then there is the frequency of the train, usually when one rides the LRT or the Monorail missing a train does not matter as the next train is merely 5 minutes away (at most) sometimes it is only a minute apart, but for the KTM missing one train would mean having to sit at a station where we are exposed to all the elements in all their fury for 20 minutes at least, but usually (as mentioned earlier) it will take around 30 mins, this is certainly a major put off for the consumers...... the frequency of the trains used to be 1 every 15 minutes but due to the Malaysian Boleh attitude the once sufficient fleet of 62 trains has dwindled to just 28....this certainly puts extra strain on the already overworked train......which by virtue of being overworked becomes unsafe and hence dangerous to us, the consumers....

and then some smart aleck decided to run before they can even run properly, even before the complaints above can be rectified they decided to add extra stations to the already long route, it is really crazy because they cannot even properly run the Rawang-Seremban and Klang-Sentul route and yet they wanna add stations all the way the Kuala Kubu Bahru, really brilliant stuff here..... in a later post I will elaborate on why this is a problem..

As a conclusion to this rather long piece on the KTM, I would like to request those that decided to ask the public to change their lifestyle and take public transport to first come experience the problem faced by the rakyat firsthand instead of sitting in their chaffeur driven beemers and Merc and tell the rest of the population (who voted them in btw) to ride this rickety old service!!!

IMPROVE THE KTM!!!!

It's Spain

2008-07-01T23:30:00.000+08:00

Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal in Vienna proved enough to defeat Germany in the final of UEFA EURO 2008™.
History an inspirationSpain had won their only previous piece of silverware in this competition in 1964 and had not been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament in 24 years, yet Luis Aragonés's men chose to use that history as an inspiration rather than a burden. After a strong start from Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion although it took just one goal – in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and unerring finish – to end their long wait.
Ballack boostGermany received a significant boost before kick-off with captain Michael Ballack included despite a much-publicised calf problem, and, perhaps buoyed by that news, Joachim Löw's team settled quickly. Much had been made of the contrast in style between the sides yet in the opening exchanges it was Germany whose passing looked crisper, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger failing to make the most of glimpses of goal. Meanwhile Spain, shorn of four-goal leading scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury, struggled to find their feet in a new 4-5-1 formation in which Cesc Fàbregas was rewarded for a fine semi-final display with a starting place.
Instinctive stopAs an indicator of the pattern of the match, however, Germany's bright beginning proved misleading. Spain soon worked their way into the contest, with Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann – becoming, at 38, the oldest player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final – forced into action for the first time in the 14th minute. Although his instinctive save came when his own defender, Christoph Metzelder, inadvertently deflected Andrés Iniesta's cross towards his own goal, Xavi Hernández's fine through pass had unpicked the Germany defence and showed the Spanish were finding their feet.
Torres on targetRight-back Sergio Ramos was then allowed to cut inside and deliver a deep cross, Torres peeling away from Per Mertesacker to create space for the header only for the right-hand post to come to Lehmann's rescue. The warning signs were there for Germany, yet they failed to heed them and duly fell behind three minutes past the half-hour. Again Xavi was the architect, playing a pass in behind the Germany back line towards Torres, who outmuscled a hesitant Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Lehmann and just inside the far post. David Silva then volleyed over Iniesta's cross when given time and space inside the area as Spain threatened to increase their lead.
Spain openingsSpain had more openings in the early stages of the second half, Lehmann getting the merest of touches to Xavi's low shot before Ramos nearly guided in Silva's drive from the resulting corner. Yet a hint of the threat Germany still posed arrived on the hour, substitute Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot centimetres wide. Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort past the post and, in response to Germany's renewed menace, Spain coach Aragonés promptly introduced Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Fàbregas and Silva. The switches reinvigorated Spain instantly, Lehmann making smart stops from Ramos and Iniesta while Torsten Frings blocked another Iniesta effort on the line.
CelebrationsAs the final moved into the last 20 minutes, Spain had had seven shots on goal to Germany's one, but with the Mannschaft having turned virtually one in two of their attempts on target into goals en route to the final, that would have been scant consolation to Aragonés and his side. In the event, however, it was Spain who continued to carve out chances as the match reached its conclusion, Marcos Senna narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch to an unselfish header from substitute Daniel Güiza – but the celebrations would not be delayed much longer.

Pool fever!

2008-06-28T23:08:00.000+08:00

Yet again the proposed trip to Sunway lagoon had to be postponed due to some last minute cancelations, so we decided to head down to our usual hang out- Midvalley Megamall for a pool fiesta, and I dont mean the swimming pool, it's the pool that is played on the table, as can be seen in the disclosed image.

We played pool for almosts 5 hours, which I am sure is a record of sorts,
somehow there is a great excitement to be attained from shooting balls into holes.., hmmmm does that sound wrong>?
oh well but it is basically what pool is all about.....and during the course of the afternoon Alex and I have somehow "graduated" to the more professional 9-ball version of the pool game, wow I guess practice indeed makes perfect.

and after a full day of hitting the malls what better way to end the day then by playing 5-a-side futsal...It was indeed an awesome day, hoping for more of the same to come!!!

Germany v Spain

2008-06-28T22:52:00.000+08:00

Since the EURO fever is still well and truly in the air, I've decided to include comments of the 2nd greatest sporting event in this blog.

The semi finals were played out to sell-out stadiums at Basel and Vienna. It was Germany v Turkey and Russia v Spain as mentioned earlier.

The Turks were the suprise package of this tournament, beating out the more fancied Czech Republic and Croatia. But the Germans were unfazed by their last minute giant killing ways and beat the Turks at thier own game, with the winning goal at the very last minute of the game.

The second semi-final saw Spain out-passing, out-playing and out-classing the Russians.

The Russians held on until the second half but caved in under relentless pressure from the Spaniards.

and so now we are down the SPAIN v GERMANY

personally I'm rooting for the Germans!!

Priorities

2008-06-25T00:13:00.000+08:00

Was supposed to go to Sunway Lagoon tommorow but due to some last minute changes my mates decided to postpone it till Thursday,
well I am supposed to go out with my family on Thursday and family is definately more important than friends so I guess I gotta skip the Sunway thingy
oh well there is always next time

The new sleep pattern

2008-06-24T12:10:00.000+08:00

Lately I have a new sleeping pattern, 5am to 12.30pm. It's not that I am suffering from insomnia or anything it is because of the once-in-four years football fest that is the EUROs.
It is quite great that my exams finish right on the day that the quarter finals of the championships commences.
For the uninitated, the EURO is a football championship between 16 of Europe's top teams.
for this year's championship the 16 teams are Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Poland, Croatia, France, Italy, Romania, Holland, Spain, Russia, Sweden and the reining champions Greece......and yes there is no England, whoever said England was a top team anyway?
Well now we are at the semi-finals stage with Germany taking on Turkey tommorow evening and Russia playing Spain on Thursday evening.....
After all this is over I might reclaim my regular sleeping pattern,
but for now I'll just sit back and enjoy the show!!!

A new beginning

2008-06-24T00:11:00.001+08:00

I had a blog before this, but due to extreme neglect I decided to start a new 1. Hopefully with the loads of extra time I have on my hands I could actually mantain this blog properly.
Anyway here's to a fresh start.... Let's see how long this lasts