English an essential tool

Last weekend I attended a Finishing School Program organized by the counselling department. On first thought, the program sounds funny. What could possibly be conveyed in the program? Puzzled and reluctant, we still attended it.

So what we learnt was ... English. The objective was English. Having the courage to speak in English, think in English and the whole 2 days was about English. The best part? we were exposed to the post studies environment - interviews, writing resumes and cover letters etc.

Its fine, I think the program is educational and I appreciate the fact that the university is aware of this issue. But exposing final year students to english now? Gosh, its a little too late. We don't master English overnight and given 6 months to brush up? Possible, if its put into practice every single day, and I think it'll only be good enough for communicating plus a good, simple writing.

They could have done better, if they want their students to master English. We could learn better if certain systems in the varsity is implemented with English and English only. A two day course like that is not sufficient, people will forget! Let alone when being forced. Learning language has got to be on constant basis.

Ps: It applies to all language and its sad to say that we, Malaysian students are still behind time.

Crisp breeze

Feeling the cold wind outside chills my spine and dampens my body but it never fail to activate my mind. And today, I'd like to share a lot of things. It could be a very random, long post. So, please, be patient with me.

I'm back on my own legs - living without a car at the moment. Its good that I can actually compensate all my missed work outs but it is a terrible thing that my freedom is restricted. No more lone-ranger outing at McDs whenever I want to =( Why isn't there a Starbucks in Uni? or a McD kiosk? or Subway Sandwiches? or....something that can kill my boredom and distract myself from being in my own world.

The most annoying. People begin to get addicted with Fb while I'm beginning to dislike it. I think its because of the recent events that I find it annoying. I think the objectives of Fb has been achieved beyond that it is starting to give all the negative effects. If guys like browsing pictures of pretty/sexy ladies and girls like posting pictures to attract attention, well, maybe it is still acceptable. But cheating behind your other half's back by sending sweet mails/messages through fb to other people? C'mon...Ever thought of how your other half will feel if he/she reads it?..Think about it. *I feel for you to those who been through that. Stay strong!*

Updates. Another 3 weeks to a 3 week study break! But before all the fun, I'll first have to go through many restless nights. I must say that juggling between time, studies & activities as well as my own life hasn't been easy, but the one thing I'm amazed is that I always go through it well. I hope I could make it too this time. I should be a juggler!hehe. With all the projects, assignments, presentations - all due soon, I'm most worried with my FYP 1 presentation next week. Having Dr. Kok as my panel is so alarming. Famous for asking lots of questions, I'm afraid I'll be standing there dumbfounded! while having Dr. Goh as my supervisor, I'd say, thumbs up! haha. By the way, they're both best friends. ;)

Dean list. finally..The one thing that I'm waiting for to achieve again. I'm back on the list last semester. Am contented =) and I'm so lucky to get a hamper today. ^^ Thanx to mum, dad and joon aun and of course, myself for the never-ending support. Pictures up soon.

I've got more to say, unfortunately, I've got to go now. Tedious maze set up tonight! I'll write again soon!

Shoerizon

My room's bit romantic tonight, I wonder why. The moment I opened the door, the room is so dark. So rare, so weird. Usually the lights are on even when the sun is high up in the sky.

Anyway, you must be wondering what is shoerizon. Its Shoe + Horizon = Shoerizon. LOL. I've been thinking.. there are so many trendy, nice heels that I'll miss out next time because many are made of snake skin. And just the word snake...is enough to keep me few feet away. Hence, my smaller shoerizon Ughh..

xxxx

I love the blue velvet heels I saw on a blog few weeks back.But 15cm high...how to walk?!

A Garden View Deluxe

The title sounds nice, not the content.

All my 3 years, I've never faced any problems with my roomies. I dare say it was heaven living with Joo, Tai, Ye-Ne and Rachel. At least we all have the basic manners - switching off the main lights when others are sleeping, keeping our voices down, putting our phones into silent mode etc etc.. Hence, we lived very peacefully.

Little would I expect to meet a whole new bunch of roomies on a crucial semester and really, they're hmm...inconsiderate. It is a total opposite. Maybe because they're younger? Thats a lame excuse, I tell you. The beginning of the semester is the best time to have great sleep, I usually hit the bed by midnight but haha I guess not this time. Two weeks into the semester and I've never slept well yet. Luckily I have quite a flexible timetable, I could slee.p more in the day but thats just not my best way out.

xxx

Plus, the horrifying room location. The presence of slimy creatures off and on - outside, in the toilet..its freaking me out. Having impolite services from the hostel officers..I just hate them. Being sarcastic when you're just a hostel staff.. Hey, you people should think twice.

Ps: I think I'll fail my not-going-back-every-other-weekend plan. I'm depressed.

No more 'agendas', please.

Last semester was very much unexpected with all kinds of Agendas.

The term kicked off very badly, with myself being lost in my own world most of the time and barely paying attention to my lecturers. Oh, I still looked at them when they were teaching while my mind wandered elsewhere. =P Sorry teachers, I can’t help it. However, it ended pretty well when I least expected it.

…Probably I did the right thing. =) Thank God.

Anyway, the most exciting part would be the economics project – business for 2 days. My group sold Lok Lok and we managed to make some profit out of it too since no one else was selling it. Having to see people eat and eat and eat and eat…while money flows in. hehehe. It was a good experience. I bet everyone had a good time, though it was very hot. Well, I think I spent quite a lot in the stall next to mine too. They were selling some Sarawak dessert. Ish ish ish, lucky you people!!

Street Steamboat menu

What a name for a company to sell lok lok

Second best would of course be the Robot project. It was one of the projects that every other guy would want to take charge of – hold on to the robot and play with it. Yes, it was a success and an experience for those who are not Robocon members. We had a competition at the end of the day, it was quite exciting and funny, seeing all kinds of shapes of robot arms on the go. Well, I realized I'm not very into it after all, I'm just not good in programming but its a learning process. Even the exam question was about this robot! No chance of escaping it. haha.

Robot by Cytron technologies

Modified into Bumblebee!

As usual there were assignments and project datelines to rush for…Which we definitely, managed to hand in, in time. When there’s a will, there’s a way. Be optimistic!

Alright, enough of all the crap.

I’m excited actually. Looking forward to the following semester, not because of the new library… but because I’m A FINAL YEAR STUDENT, finally!! And the fact that I’m one step closer to my goal Hahaha. There’s just 2 more term to endure, I hope everything goes well , nothing bad pops up and please people, pray for me! =) Bless me!

Cho0Ose 1!!

I have 5 days to decide...either

Communication

OR

Robotics & Automation

I'm not only considering about my interest but also the market demands, practicality, some pros & cons and a lil' gender discriminations in certain fields [yeah, it does happen in the engineering world, thats the truth]. Hmm, maybe I don't need to think much about it, because in the end of the day both fields will end up in the production/designing sector. Somehow or rather I'm torn between 2..hmm

If you have some opinions, no hesitations please, do enlighten me =)

Mourn for the Ruler

Am I being conservative, open-minded, modernized, weird or ms. nice citizen[just kidding]?

I think mourning for the ruler isn't a big deal, to me its a form of respect. Well, I don't go all out and put on the black band, but I wear dark-coloured clothes and like Darurat has it in yesteryears, I don't walk out of the university grounds during mourning hours. Just in case. :)

Mourning for the Sultan of Johor who has just passed away last week has been an issue. In fact, its the hottest issue in the university this week. On Monday morning, the university came out with a memo urging all staff and students to mourn for the ruler of the state. On Tuesday morning, they enforced the rule and the guards were checking thoroughly - car after car that passed through the gate. They gave warnings to those who did not abide by the rule.

Some people argued with the guards because according to the newspapers, it is NOT compulsory to mourn and there will not be any fines or summons. Obviously, its no use complaining to the guards because they just carry out their duties upon receiving orders.

I don't get the flow. Seriously, I don't. I don't get why is it a fuss among the Chinese community. Its just a black band, it has got nothing to do with religion, you're not really mourning, its just a form of respect to the dead and I guess there's no pantang larangs. Or am I missing something here?

Although we're not Johorians, we should probably just follow the rule because we've been living here for 3 years, though not wholly but since we're here, might as well abide by the rules[which I usually don't] to avoid getting into trouble yourself. Anyway, there's only 3 more days to go.. Why do you want to make a fuss with the dead person?

Another alternative, don't leave/enter the university grounds from 7am to 7pm. You'll be safer that way. hahaha..Or to save your butts, just wear it when you pass through the gate and take it off after that.

The best part is, all these complains are coming from Johorians themselves and people who comes from states which have Sultan. ;)

I'm not an item.

I realized I'm just a thing to some people.

I'm not an icon, which you can use for the econs project;

I'm not here for you to create some stories and laugh about;

I'm not here for you to spread rumours;

and

I'm not a thing you can come to and go whenever you favour.

I don't voice out, doesn't mean I don't mind, doesn't mean I'm not hurt.

Respect me, guys.

Just another random post.

Firstly, .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY S.H.Y!!!!

Taken @ 2007 birthday celebration

I know we can't celebrate together this year so I'll just wish all October babies a Happy Birthday.. There's just so many people - Peay, ZiLing, Shu Yi, Ernest, Sher How, Aunty Miler, Mr. Ngooi, Shur Hueih, Joo Ling and some others..

From left: Ernest, Aun

There's just so many things in a week that I want to tell, which I can't finish telling and..So, here goes...

It's just going to be another Hectic October : Like usual, more tests and tests on Sundays, datelines to meet and so forth.. Oh its going to be so crazy. Well, it is also a funny thing, this is the time where you will see E&E people walking around like Zombies, running here and there from lab to lab, completing their circuits and cursing the lab equipments for not working properly. Oh I heard there's a Uni open house on the 19th. People, just drop by at HEP to get your coupons, if you're interested. (The important dates: 4, 6, 11, 16, 19 and another one pending)

Well, I think everyone must know about the Earthquake that happened in Sumatera yesterday. Its scary and quite serious since we could feel the effect here too, but all, I missed the one experience. I hear them say, everything in the room were shaking, people wrapped in towels heading downstairs and so forth...I'm just wondering, if you were to run, what is the most important thing you'll bring along?

Another heart-wrenching story - Just got to know, a friend's diagnosed with heart attack recently. The heart's dying, a-b-normal heartbeat and so forth.. I guess all I can say is its destined since he is just my age, no smoking, no drinking and an athletic person. But stay strong, we'll pray hard for you too. Hope to see you during the finals. =)

Its Mid-Autumn festival this Saturday. Initially thought of going home and celebrate, but I'm having test on Sunday morning. Anyhow, we'll be having a simple celebration tonight - just a get together. Remember those times when Grandpa was around he would buy lanterns and he ring us up and ask us to choose the tanglungs ourselves, on first come first served basis. Its a yearly affair, and when he's gone, so does that. We just miss you so much.

Diwali is on the 17th October..Like usual, its a family thing and we'll all be in PD..Not sure if I can join this time, I have test on the 19th and projects to finish up. Hopefully, everything can be done in this coming 2 weeks.I don't want to miss the fun. *fingers crossed*

Oh guess what, I did something good..hehe. I was peacemaker for 2 lovebirds last week,I was told. Its totally accidental. Anyway, glad you people are talking again. =)

Finally, myself. I realized something this week(well, its last week actually), that I'll never learn to adapt well here. Not that I did not try, it just don't work. I find myself hopeless in fact, with so many support from loved ones, I still can't do it. Sorry to let you all down. Don't say its like that, or its normal, I know it myself, its not meant to be like that. Every time after a school break, I'll have a hard time - it'll last at least a week. Few days before the break ends, I'll start worrying, I don't sleep well, and the latest being - waking up early in the morning feeling scared/heavy/ or whatever it is. It just strikes my mind naturally. I guess I'm developing a fear. Its a psychology game and probably a test of perseverance. However tough it is, I'll finish this up, I'll pull through and hopefully I'll come out as a tougher person.

Its just part and parcel of our Life.

*CheeRs*

UTM Low-Speed Wind Tunnel

I've always admire the aeronautics sector and even more when I watched the making of Airbus A380 on NAt Geo. Pretty amazing, I must say. When people say about aeronautics, the first thing that come into our minds are planes and planes and more planes. Alright, today, open up your mind people, as aeronautics involves more than just aeroplanes flying above us all. It covers a vast application including our cars, bridges, buildings and even the lamp post by the roadside.

So, this post is actually a little about aeronautics and one of its equipment which is the wind tunnel.

I went to UTM yesterday to visit its wind tunnel and I must say, I wasn't let down and it was way better than what I had expected. To be honest, I was both excited and interested to find out about this low-speed wind tunnel with a maximum wind speed of 80m/s.

Its the first in Malaysia, designed in Canada, assembled here and located in UTM's aerolab. One of its pioneer, Prof. Ir. Dr. Shuhaimi told us that they took one year to design and another year to build the wind tunnel. This huge thing costs RM20million and they need about RM200K for maintenance every year. Interesting, and a huge lum sum needed.

Being one of the first, UTM renders services to companies such as Proton, lamp posts companies, and the latest being F1 I think, to do their research and come out with the best product/solution. A few Proton models such as Waja, Persona, Savvy and Exora were being sent there for some research but normally, the test done on these vehicles is just a quarter of it due to its small test section. Now the cost - standard price, RM6000 per day(working hours).

Well, that's a little introduction about the wind tunnel and now the pictures...

Thats Prof. Ir. Dr. Shuhaimi clad in Grey Shirt

This is an open wind tunnel courtesy of NUS, S'pore.

A blower tunnel

The front left quarter of a persona

The model of the wind tunnel

Part of the wind tunnel

Another

part of the wind tunnel

6 component balance

Well, this 6 component balance is placed right below the test section to collect data which is the 3 Forces and the 3 moments ie. Fx, Fy and Fz; Picthing moment, yawing moment and rolling moment ( Erm...I think I'm not wrong there).

Now, the test section:-

See this carefully and...you've got to come closer to the screen...

Test section with a Proton Waja prototype

Alright, see the movement of the wind??

(blown to the right side of the car)

See carefully, the white thing above the car...

One more clearer picture of it.

Right, if you noticed, the pictures above shows the movement of the wind and the white thing I was referring just then is the smoke produced by a smoke generator. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to see the wind blowing and its flow on the car.

And finally, BET always conquer everything..hehe. Just kidding. Well, instead of an SIEM trip, or a mechanical students' trip, it all turns into civil and electrical students' trip. To clear some things up, though this wind tunnel has got more benefits to the mechanical students, it is related with electrical and civil engineering. For electrical, you usually do the data collection part because they need your expertise. Its all yours. For civil, you need this to do building tests and bridges and come up with a certain flexibility, though it still look rigid to us. =)

BET at the test section

BET posing at the entrance

By the way, to the mechanical students, we'll try to organize another trip for you guys. Its in our planning. So, fret not. You'll definitely get an opportunity to see it. I don't mind going twice and I came back feeling inspired - I have an opportunity to venture into something else.

*CheeRs*

Getting back on track

I'm back in the university and its week 7 now...Believe it or not, I've just settled down for this semester. The past 6 weeks were a mess, honestly. The first 3 weeks was the worst and the following 3 weeks were days filled with work and insufficient sleep.

Recently, I attempted to transfer to one of the known university near home and failed. Its not my first time though, and it wasn't because they didn't want me. It was because of an unjustified decision. No explanation given and I just had to obey. Very disappointing indeed. Oh what can I say, its beyond my control .Somehow, here I am, still stuck in my own twisted mind at times, hoping to get back on track and lots to catch up. Imagine catching up on 6 weeks of school work.

Another thing to share, I'm lucky enough to be able to leave the "cell"/off-campus hostel and shift back to Tun Fatimah Residential college. So no more complains on the hostel.. and now the lecturers..

I don't know why they like taking away people's public holidays. As students, do we have to commit our time just on books and give them all our holidays??...Or is it just my university which does things like that?..Or because time has changed and that we live in fast-paced society so we can don't need to respect independence day.. and have a test?!

Pity??..Please don't. Its making matters worse.

I'm totally not in the mood and its just the first day. Catching up with my friends was great but when I'm back at the hostel, hmm...nothing's good. This is so discouraging. When people commented about the hostel, nothing good comes out. All you get is sympathy. DAng. It doesn't help at all and its even more discouraging. What a sad place.

How am I to spend 4 months here?

I need one more chance

I must have done something right recently =)

Part of my prayers have been answered.

Finally, my family heard my voice, my message and my wish. The best part is, I have the green light. Now, all I have to do is to carry out the other part and hope that everything goes well.

I'm in the new hostel now and what a shock when I arrived. Although it is new, it is not conducive and absolutely incomplete. There's no place for laundry, the study table fits just right for a kid and ...oohh there's 0% privacy... However, I have to thank the officials for this, else, I wouldn't be able to get my green light. Meanwhile, I just have to bear with the situation.

May the force be with me. Wish me luck and pray hard.

Under a new Roof

So i managed to get a place in the school's hostel but not in the varsity grounds.. It is located somewhere near the school and its known as "Bandar Universiti" which is not-so-bandar-after-all, that's all I can say.

Attended the briefing about the new place yesterday and as what I've heard, I'll be facing a whole new environment next term..Something good??haha..maybe. Read on, and you judge.

Bandar Universiti is a new garden with terrace houses as well as shoplots. From what I've heard, the University has taken up some of the shoplots over there, will renovate it and make it into a new residential college.. Well, I guess they decided on the place because of the location - close enough to the school ( within 15-20 mins walking distance,maybe??). Maybe the shoplots part sounds a bit ewww...to me, yes it is (What??!!shophouses??!!)..but no choice. If they are really gonna make it look like a residential college, I'm cool with it.  

Right, anyway, most of the first years will be kicked out to that new place - and there were objections...yes, it seems like a debate session yesterday with the headmistress. Really, but my dear girls, be contented...Many don't stand a chance to get it. If you think staying in a rent house is better, go ahead apply to get out. I think the authorities will be happier, less headache for them to allocate students. 

The only thing I've got to worry about is the safety there. Since I came here, the one thing I'm afraid of are the foreign workers...Though it will be a guarded community, individual safety is essential...Somehow that place is quiet and kinda deserted...ZZzzz..I hope the place is guarded 24 hours as promised by the student council..At least, there's a bit of backup (though not 100% trusted).

Ouh well, its too early to talk about it now...I'll share my experience with you all this coming July. =) I hope its at least half as comfortable as the place I'm staying now... 

Masquerade Party...Something different

I was so excited that part of my dreams came true when I was selected to be the Events Director for the annual grand dinner of the society... Its another step to trying something new which I have always wanted. It was a mixture of excitement and surprises...and I remembered sharing this piece of great news with some others.. Thanx for all the support!!

So the dinner was on the 28th February 2009, in Classic Hotel, Muar (apparently its the best in Muar) and the theme - I wanted something different and to make it a night for all to remember, i decided on colorful masquerade. In fact, the buffet dinner was quite cheap and I was really surprised I can even find that kind of price here.. Believe it or not, its just RM35 NETT with a free mask.

the lovely couple...ReeMEsh

Our Emcee for the nite

Sin Mei & I..thanx for coming gal

some of the committee members

Colorful Masquerade Guestbook 2009

I say, it was an experience and I had learned a lot. From communicating to leading and making decision, it definitely wasn't easy but at the end of the day, I felt absolutely great about it. There were games, performances and an open dance floor at the end..All the programs went on quite smoothly and I must say its a success (not bragging..hehe).

Most importantly, the outgoing committee members were pleased and I'm happy that they enjoyed the night, so do I. A big thanx and hugs to all my committee..you guys had worked hard and it was a great job!! I hope everyone enjoyed at the dinner. =)

Ps: so sorry, theres a problem uploading pics in blogspot..I managed to upload a few only..

They enjoy spoiling our weekends

So the coming weekend may be another partial ruined weekend...thanx to our lecturers again. We heard there may be a talk regarding Malaysian Studies and we are asked to write a report on it. Pathetic. I don't understand why they have to choose a long weekend over a normal weekend and I don't even know why in the world i have to take Malaysian Studies despite taking Ethnic Relations, studying history over and over again..and its the same thing.

The same thing is repeating yet again since Valentines day. While i was dreaming of a cute teddy with a nice necklace on it, it was all down the drain when the lecturer announced that we are having a test on the 15/2.. haha, so all we did was date our books instead of our loved ones. Well, though that was a fact, but i did enjoy V-day as well.. hehe =) I guess its a special one too. The fact that the transformation I see and felt recently, today, I'm glad, grateful, more than satisfied and ..so much more.. I'm just happy. I hope this could all go on like there's no end to it. haha.. *says this dreamily...hmm*

Grant me my wish, please..

So the hottest topic among the Year twos is living outside next semester onwards which doesn't interest me at all. That was at first.

Now it does and puts me into dilemma and well, a bit worried I guess.

Initially, I just wanted to stay in the campus throughout my four years here. Despite all the curfews, restrictions and NO privacy thingy, somehow its very convenient living inside and I'm comfortable. Plus, safety is my parents' main concern and living out isn't so fun like what the others think. The main point: it'll be better if I don't add another burden to my parents unless there's no other choice.

Well, the thing is, for next year, we'll have to re-apply to live in the campus and its a every-term thing. Which means, even if I'm eligible to stay in the campus next term, doesn't mean I can do so the following semester, which is a total burden to students because of the limited houses available around the area. So, its a repetition of procedure which is silly. Plus, the criteria of eligibility to live in the hostel just seems to be some gimmick.

The millionaire question is what if I don't get a place??...then it'll be a disaster. I don't fancy living outside simply because with all the inconvenience I could think of, its more of a burden than of help. And I don't want to exchange the inconvenience that will cause me with living outside just for my privacy, freedom...and you name it.

Its really not up to me to decide now...i'll just have to pray hard at the moment and do whatever I can to secure a place in the hostel.

I'm back in the 'kampung'!!

Just so you know, I'm back in the uni after an extension of a week's holidays and I really enjoyed the last few days of 2008 and the first few days of 09. It was a great one.

Alright, i just came back here to BP today and I'm kinda excited with tomorrow's class. Maybe you don't believe it, I don't too actually but its happening. I'm really looking forward to it. Okay, probably its just for tomorrow. hehe. =P

Well, since its just 4 days of the new year, we're all still talking about new year resolutions. Mine, there's quite a number and I'm still working on my resolutions but I'll just mention a few here.

*Try not to go home too frequent during semesters.
*A change for myself. For the better of course.

Seriously, I'm trying to work on the first resolution and I know I'll face tough moments but I think I can endure it. Help me, would you? Leave out all the sadness and keep all the great moments I have previously, I want to improve on some things in life and I hope I can make it happen. Wish me luck. =)

Happy New Year. God Bless all.

Pre-Maths Paper

A day before the paper, I behaved pretty good and was practically revising my maths whole day. Asked if I was bored, yes at times, but the more I did the questions - it was quite interesting. hehe. I wasn't bothered with all sorts of temptations - watch dramas and chattering around me. Ouh well, of course we do need some rest.. Come lets see what have my friends and I done hours before we sat for the maths paper.

15 hours before the exam

We gave Ye-Ne (roomie) a surprise. It was her birthday and I'm sure its a good surprise - we didn't have any weird or obvious acts. In fact, it was a suprise for all october babies on that day, yea that includes myself.hehe. Sin Mei gave her a tiny little cake and I gave out all the presents I bought during the study week shared by 5 of us.. And to my surprise, I got one from them too.

all the presents...

and of course...mine..awww

Yea, that's the first of the Harry Potter series and that makes one more to go before I have the complete set of Harry Potter series. Thank you so much girls..hehe. Then we had our dinner and...back to my desk.

11 hours before exam

I was feeling kinda tired by then and wanted to walk around. So, I went to my friend's room and guess what were the 2 geniuses doing...

watching drama...there's another one - shes just hiding

another roomie - study sampai kat katil. lolx

and my table.. full with past year papers

9 hours before exam

I was already in bed at about 11 something...but guess what, like usual - I didn't sleep well. This time, i was semi-conscious almost throughout the night..I was tossing and turning in bed and woke up a few times..Hush, just couldn't have proper sleep..

And today... the exam hall was freaking cold - freezing in it... Anyway, the paper turned out , satisfactory I guess..No comments on it. I'll just hope for the best. *fingers crossed*

Missed out too many

I missed out too many posts already...ahh..and I'm too lazy to get back to it..

Was really busy the past few weeks. It was a battlefield on my table - assignments, projects and more datelines to meet, I've really got no time to blog any about anything. I delayed and now...don't have the mood to blog about it anymore. What's important is, it definitely remains a memory. Whoever I've gone out with, celebrated with and so forth...thanx so much. Bet we had a great time huh..

Anyway, now that everything is done and finish, I'm extremely glad exam is next week. It marks the end of this tough term..This semester is dramatic. Too many had happened and I hope my results will be alrite. *Fingers crossed*