Sunday, May 31, 2009
Apology
To my readers, I am so sorry if I haven't been posting any interesting entries lately. I think I hit a writer's block and is unable to write awesome stuffs currently. So sorry and I hope you guys would be patient with me! Thanks!
French Open Third Round
Maria Sharapova, fresh off her upset of Nadia Petrova in Round 2, continued her push through the French Open on Friday as she overcame a slow start to knock off Yaroslava Shvedova 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advance to Round 4 at Roland Garros, keeping her in line for a career Grand Slam.
By all accounts it appeared as if Sharapova was outplayed as the Russian committed 51 unforced errors compared to 33 for Shvedova, had 11 double-faults compared to 4 for Shvedova and had her serve broken four times out of seven opportunities. Despite all of that Sharapova scored the big points when she needed them to get one step closer to her first French Open singles title. She will next face Li Na of China tonight and her path to the semi-finals looks bright after Venus Williams exited the tournament.
Sharapova has won three Grand Slam singles titles in her career with her first coming at Wimbledon in 2004. Her next title came at the U.S. Open in 2006 and in 2008 she won the Australian Open, leaving only the French Open as the only Grand Slam event she hasn’t won. Her best finish at Roland Garros was a semifinals appearance in 2007.
In the men's all top seeds are stil in except Novak Djokovic. -Sigh- Sad.
By all accounts it appeared as if Sharapova was outplayed as the Russian committed 51 unforced errors compared to 33 for Shvedova, had 11 double-faults compared to 4 for Shvedova and had her serve broken four times out of seven opportunities. Despite all of that Sharapova scored the big points when she needed them to get one step closer to her first French Open singles title. She will next face Li Na of China tonight and her path to the semi-finals looks bright after Venus Williams exited the tournament.
Sharapova has won three Grand Slam singles titles in her career with her first coming at Wimbledon in 2004. Her next title came at the U.S. Open in 2006 and in 2008 she won the Australian Open, leaving only the French Open as the only Grand Slam event she hasn’t won. Her best finish at Roland Garros was a semifinals appearance in 2007.
In the men's all top seeds are stil in except Novak Djokovic. -Sigh- Sad.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Too Much Cola Can Cause Muscle Problems
To everyone out there who loves Coca-cola especially MISS TING MA LEE (if you ever read this anyway),
WEDNESDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.
In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis, say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between two to nine liters of cola a day.
Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels. One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting. An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.
The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted.
Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium. The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia", Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release.
Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.
"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said.
"However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role. This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."
However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.
So to those of you who is just simple addicted to Cola, try to cut down ok? Especially Miss Ting Ma Lee. Lol
WEDNESDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.
In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis, say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between two to nine liters of cola a day.
Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels. One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting. An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.
The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted.
Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium. The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia", Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release.
Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.
"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said.
"However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role. This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."
However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.
So to those of you who is just simple addicted to Cola, try to cut down ok? Especially Miss Ting Ma Lee. Lol
Thursday, May 28, 2009
SPM And STINKY Durians
I was reading the news feed on my blog and these 2 articles caught my eye.
Firstly, this would come as a relief to my brother and it would be easier for him to get a scholarship IF he does well next year. My cousin got 9A's last year and she doesn't get anything and so I think the new ruling would be good. Anyway, the article says:
" NILAI: Beginning next year, students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination would only be allowed to sit for a maximum of 10 subjects.
The grading system for the examination would also be adjusted to better reflect the academic achievements of the students, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin.
He said the Education Ministry decided to do away with the open certificate system which allowed students to sit for as many subjects, as the majority took only 10 or fewer subjects.
“Records show that some 90% of students sitting for the SPM take 10 or fewer subjects. We want to streamline this as this would also be an easier way to determine the awarding of scholarships,” he said.
Some 450,000 students sat for the SPM last year.
Muhyiddin, also the Education Minister, said teachers would also be able to give more focus if students were only allowed to take up to 10 subjects.
“Teachers will be able to focus on core subjects ... also, parents would not have to rush their children for tuition classes if they took too many subjects.
“There are a lot of positives if we cap the subjects at 10. I am sure parents will welcome this ... it will also help teachers to better equip themselves (as they would not be burdened teaching other subjects),” he said.
On the grading system, Muhyiddin said instead of giving students a straight 1A, B or C, they would from next year be graded A+, A or A- and so on.
“The new grading system would be more effective when deciding which student is most qualified to get a scholarship,” he said. "
That would be a good move, don't you think?
Next. This one is not a big news actually but lets just say it keeps my air clean. Lol! I actually meant that I wouldn't have to be polluted with the smell of durian so much. Lets just allow the article to break the good news anyway.
" GEORGE TOWN: The durian season has begun but it looks like a lean affair, again.
Bao Sheng Durian Farm co-owner T.S. Chang said heavy rain on the island at the beginning of the year had affected the durian flowering season.
“We expected about 180 trees in our Sungai Pinang estate to fruit. That is about half the total number of trees, slightly less than the number that fruited last year,” Chang told The Star.
“There was too much rain in January so many of the flowers dropped. Fewer flowers mean fewer fruits,” he explained, adding that the harvest season was from mid-May to the end of July.
Durian estates in other parts of the island also expect a similarly lean harvest.
“From what I’ve heard, estates in Gertak Sanggul and Teluk Kumbar are experiencing average yield,” said estate co-owner Tham Soon Seong.
“In Pondok Upeh, we’re not very much better off than last year, when about 40% of the trees fruited.”
However, lovers of the King of Fruits need not despair as prices in the market seem stable, even though it is only the beginning of the durian season.
“In about two to three weeks, we’ll reach mid-season and more durians will start dropping. Then prices will also come down,” Tham predicted.
Chang said the steady durian price was surprising considering the limited supply.
“By right, with limited supply, durians should be more expensive, but the price is similar to last year’s,” he said.
“Perhaps people are not eating so much this year.” "
That is awesome huh? Ok..not to everyone but to Soo Chen maybe? Haha. But the article only mentions Penang and I am in Melaka. Maybe I not that lucky after all. -Sigh-
Firstly, this would come as a relief to my brother and it would be easier for him to get a scholarship IF he does well next year. My cousin got 9A's last year and she doesn't get anything and so I think the new ruling would be good. Anyway, the article says:
" NILAI: Beginning next year, students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination would only be allowed to sit for a maximum of 10 subjects.
The grading system for the examination would also be adjusted to better reflect the academic achievements of the students, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin.
He said the Education Ministry decided to do away with the open certificate system which allowed students to sit for as many subjects, as the majority took only 10 or fewer subjects.
“Records show that some 90% of students sitting for the SPM take 10 or fewer subjects. We want to streamline this as this would also be an easier way to determine the awarding of scholarships,” he said.
Some 450,000 students sat for the SPM last year.
Muhyiddin, also the Education Minister, said teachers would also be able to give more focus if students were only allowed to take up to 10 subjects.
“Teachers will be able to focus on core subjects ... also, parents would not have to rush their children for tuition classes if they took too many subjects.
“There are a lot of positives if we cap the subjects at 10. I am sure parents will welcome this ... it will also help teachers to better equip themselves (as they would not be burdened teaching other subjects),” he said.
On the grading system, Muhyiddin said instead of giving students a straight 1A, B or C, they would from next year be graded A+, A or A- and so on.
“The new grading system would be more effective when deciding which student is most qualified to get a scholarship,” he said. "
That would be a good move, don't you think?
Next. This one is not a big news actually but lets just say it keeps my air clean. Lol! I actually meant that I wouldn't have to be polluted with the smell of durian so much. Lets just allow the article to break the good news anyway.
" GEORGE TOWN: The durian season has begun but it looks like a lean affair, again.
Bao Sheng Durian Farm co-owner T.S. Chang said heavy rain on the island at the beginning of the year had affected the durian flowering season.
“We expected about 180 trees in our Sungai Pinang estate to fruit. That is about half the total number of trees, slightly less than the number that fruited last year,” Chang told The Star.
“There was too much rain in January so many of the flowers dropped. Fewer flowers mean fewer fruits,” he explained, adding that the harvest season was from mid-May to the end of July.
Durian estates in other parts of the island also expect a similarly lean harvest.
“From what I’ve heard, estates in Gertak Sanggul and Teluk Kumbar are experiencing average yield,” said estate co-owner Tham Soon Seong.
“In Pondok Upeh, we’re not very much better off than last year, when about 40% of the trees fruited.”
However, lovers of the King of Fruits need not despair as prices in the market seem stable, even though it is only the beginning of the durian season.
“In about two to three weeks, we’ll reach mid-season and more durians will start dropping. Then prices will also come down,” Tham predicted.
Chang said the steady durian price was surprising considering the limited supply.
“By right, with limited supply, durians should be more expensive, but the price is similar to last year’s,” he said.
“Perhaps people are not eating so much this year.” "
That is awesome huh? Ok..not to everyone but to Soo Chen maybe? Haha. But the article only mentions Penang and I am in Melaka. Maybe I not that lucky after all. -Sigh-
An Unwelcome Slight Delay
I have prepared myself (sort of) to face possible outcomes when my results for the second semester's finals are released. And the anxiety of it already started to sink in since yesterday. And as usual, I even dreamt about obtaining my results already (it happens everytime the release of major results are nearing). However, I just got a text from a friend and I had to double check with my own eyes and I see this on UTM's Aimsweb:
"Maaf!! Keputusan Peperiksaan untuk Sesi/Semester 20082009/2 dibuka pada 1 June 2009 hingga 29 July 2009. "
Damn! Now I have to wait till Monday and I have to be all nervous again! -Sigh- At least I can sleep tonight though. BUT I STILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL MONDAY! Argh! FOUR MORE FREAKING TENSE DAYS!
"Maaf!! Keputusan Peperiksaan untuk Sesi/Semester 20082009/2 dibuka pada 1 June 2009 hingga 29 July 2009. "
Damn! Now I have to wait till Monday and I have to be all nervous again! -Sigh- At least I can sleep tonight though. BUT I STILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL MONDAY! Argh! FOUR MORE FREAKING TENSE DAYS!
Barca Rules, Man United Ousted!!
Yippee!!! I am so super happy that Barcelona thrashed Manchester United last night. So happy to that Barca wiped off that stupid smirk of Christiano Ronaldo's face. Haha!! And also, so happy to see Thierry Henry finally winning something he never did at Arsenal.
And this is an article from SkySports:
" Thierry Henry said there were "no words to describe" his feelings after Barcelona's UEFA Champions League win.
The French striker put in a solid performance for the Spanish giants who claimed their third European Cup crowne with a superb performance in Rome.
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were enough to secure top honours for Barca who were much the better side on Wednesday evening.
An emotional Henry told Sky Sports after the game: "It's unbelievable."
"I have no words to describe what we have done this year, what we have achieved."
"No team have ever done the treble in Spain - we are the first ones to do it so it's amazing."
Henry admitted his relief in overcoming a late injury problem to feature in Rome, saying: "I wasn't going to play."
"I wanted to play," he said. "We were playing against a Manchester United side who are always difficult to beat."
"You always remember winners. Sometimes you can play good football but if you don't bring back silverware it doesn't count."
In reaction to Messi's goal, he said: "I think it was well deserved but I think throughout the whole season we won games because we were playing well. We were running and working hard."
"When people talk about Barcelona - they talk about the way we play. They forget that we put pressure on sides, in particular at the front. We fight, and we never give up."
No stranger to disappointment in Europe's elite competition, Henry reflected on his Champions League heartache with Arsenal.
"It will always remain a disappointment in my career because the club are in my heart and in my blood," he said. "Everybody knows that.
"I am happy though. For my family and the troubles I have suffered playing football. I am still alive." "
And this is an article from SkySports:
" Thierry Henry said there were "no words to describe" his feelings after Barcelona's UEFA Champions League win.
The French striker put in a solid performance for the Spanish giants who claimed their third European Cup crowne with a superb performance in Rome.
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were enough to secure top honours for Barca who were much the better side on Wednesday evening.
An emotional Henry told Sky Sports after the game: "It's unbelievable."
"I have no words to describe what we have done this year, what we have achieved."
"No team have ever done the treble in Spain - we are the first ones to do it so it's amazing."
Henry admitted his relief in overcoming a late injury problem to feature in Rome, saying: "I wasn't going to play."
"I wanted to play," he said. "We were playing against a Manchester United side who are always difficult to beat."
"You always remember winners. Sometimes you can play good football but if you don't bring back silverware it doesn't count."
In reaction to Messi's goal, he said: "I think it was well deserved but I think throughout the whole season we won games because we were playing well. We were running and working hard."
"When people talk about Barcelona - they talk about the way we play. They forget that we put pressure on sides, in particular at the front. We fight, and we never give up."
No stranger to disappointment in Europe's elite competition, Henry reflected on his Champions League heartache with Arsenal.
"It will always remain a disappointment in my career because the club are in my heart and in my blood," he said. "Everybody knows that.
"I am happy though. For my family and the troubles I have suffered playing football. I am still alive." "
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Maria Marches Into The Third Round
Maria Sharapova came back from a break down in the decider to book her place in the third round of the French Open with a 6-2 1-6 8-6 victory over fellow Russian and 11th seed Nadia Petrova.
Twelve months after competing in Paris as the world number one, Sharapova turned up ranked 102nd as she is on a comeback trail following a nine-month layoff with a career-threatening shoulder injury.
Sharapova, who will next take on Kazakh Yaroslava Shvedova, left Court Suzanne Lenglen blowing kisses to the crowd after winning on her first match point at the end of a two-hour 12-minute catfight.
The three-times grand slam champion was 4-2 down in the third set but managed to break back, finding outrageous angles to see off Petrova, twice a semi-finalist at Roland Garros.
Yippee! Now I will be hoping for Barca to trash Man United. Lol
Twelve months after competing in Paris as the world number one, Sharapova turned up ranked 102nd as she is on a comeback trail following a nine-month layoff with a career-threatening shoulder injury.
Sharapova, who will next take on Kazakh Yaroslava Shvedova, left Court Suzanne Lenglen blowing kisses to the crowd after winning on her first match point at the end of a two-hour 12-minute catfight.
The three-times grand slam champion was 4-2 down in the third set but managed to break back, finding outrageous angles to see off Petrova, twice a semi-finalist at Roland Garros.
Yippee! Now I will be hoping for Barca to trash Man United. Lol
My One And Only Brother
27th May 1993 - I wasn't alone anymore as I welcome my brother into the world. He was named Matthew Pang Chung Meng and today he is 16 years old already. That is just how fast time flew. As he celebrates his 16th birthday today, I would like to wish him more birthdays to come as I can possibly imagine my life without him. He is by far the greatest and best-est brother one can ever ask or wish for (even my friends who barely know him thinks so too). When he was a little boy, he would do anything I asked and believe everything I said. I could remember how I made him cry when I randomly told him he was an adopted child. I know it was really evil to do that but that is something we both laugh at when recalling the incident now. I believe writing all the tricks I put him through on here will be too long. That is just how evil of a sister I am. But it was all good fun. I also remember me being yelled at whenever something happens to him. When he falls, I am scolded for not catching him. When he cries, I am scolded for not coaxing him and the list goes on. However, today, he outgrew me and stands at a height I will never reach and when we go out nowadays, he is the one who takes care of me. That is just how fast he grew. -Sigh- Why did you grow that fast, Matt? But he still maintains his cheekiness and cuteness. He is very adorable. Haha! That sometimes, I call him my 'teddy bear'. And he would call me 'teddy bear owner'. Lol. Geez. I believe I am able to go on and on about him, my one and only brother, the best I could ever wish for. But I don't wanna run this too long. So I should say this. Happy birthday, Matt. I hope you achieve whatever you dream of. And I love you very much, teddy bear.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Onions!!
To make dumplings, one of the essential igredient is onions. So my uncle asked me to peel about 1 KILO of onion and then chop them. My brother facinated by just how fast I could chop with losing my fingers, made 2 videos of me chopping. He too helped by the way.
Is that work of an expert or what? Lol!
Is that work of an expert or what? Lol!
Maria Sharapova In French Open
Russian Maria Sharapova shrilled her way into the second round of the French Open with a 3-6 6-1 6-2 victory over Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus.
The former world number one, who dropped to 102nd in the world rankings being out of action for nine months because of a shoulder injury, needed a set to find her range on Court One before cracking winners past the world number 64.
Yakimova called on the tournament's trainer at change of sides at 4-1 in the second set to have her lower back massaged and she never seemed to recover.
Sharapova, who returned to singles play last week at the Warsaw Open where she reached the last eight, will next face 11th-seeded compatriot Nadia Petrova.
Yay!!!
The former world number one, who dropped to 102nd in the world rankings being out of action for nine months because of a shoulder injury, needed a set to find her range on Court One before cracking winners past the world number 64.
Yakimova called on the tournament's trainer at change of sides at 4-1 in the second set to have her lower back massaged and she never seemed to recover.
Sharapova, who returned to singles play last week at the Warsaw Open where she reached the last eight, will next face 11th-seeded compatriot Nadia Petrova.
Yay!!!
Phew!
Finally my internet is working again. I hope it is fixed for real and not just by luck! Break is just too boring if I don't even have access to the internet!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
New Phone And At Last!
Yesterday, I got myself another phone. Lol. It is the Xpress Music 5310. And I got the limited edition, which is all black. Cool eh?
Also, at last, I got my Ipanema sandals. Yay!
But it cost me RM74.50!!!
Also, at last, I got my Ipanema sandals. Yay!
But it cost me RM74.50!!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Happy Birthday!!
May is definately the month you'll see many birthday posts. Why do people like May babies? Lol! I, for one, prefer August babies. Haha. Anyway, this one goes to my really super handsome and cute and adorable cousin, Shannon Greg Tay. He turns 18 today and I would like the to wish him more years to come and all the best in his life. I don't have much to say about him but I just hope he has a great birthday. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Oh yeah. He is like one of the very few relatives of mine who supports Arsenal as passionate as me. So there is another good point. Haha!
Cuteness Prevails
Haha! If you know what I mean, then you would know that America has made Kris Allen the 8th American Idol winner. Now I do not have to worry about hearing Adam Lambert's irritating and annoying screaming voice (sorry Adam fans out there..I just got sick of it at some point..no offense) over the airwaves anytime soon! Lol!
Russian Beauty, Maria Sharapova, Is Back!
Yup. She is. Below is a news from Eurosport UK.
Maria Sharapova continued her successful return to the WTA circuit with a confident 6-2 6-0 victory over Darya Kustova which took her into the quarter-finals of the Warsaw Open.
The former world number one (now slipped to rank 126th) is playing her first singles tournament in nine and a half months after taking time off to recover from a persistent shoulder injury and was pleased with her showing.
"I thought I did the right things at the right time. I played a solid game and I did everything I had to do to win today," she said
Despite the doubts over her fitness, the 22-year-old showed glimpses of her glory days when she won three Grand Slams, including Wimbledon as a 17-year-old.
The Russian cruised through the first set in a much improved showing from her inconsistent three-set first round win over Italy's Tathiana Garbin 6-1 6-7 (6/8) 6-3.
With her right shoulder still strapped up, Sharapova used crisp baseline shots and strong serving to keep Belarusian Kustova pinned to the baseline.
She raced through the second set and won 13 straight points to take her to 5-0 and 40-0 up before Kustova delayed the inevitable with a forehand winner.
Sharapova then closed out the match when Kustova hit long to confirm her unbeaten return for at least another match.
She now plays Ukrainian eighth seed Alona Bondarenko for a place in the semi-finals. Bonderenko, who defeated Poland's Marta Domachowska 6-3 6-1, promises to provide a stiffer test for Sharapova.
"I've played her a few times before, Sharapova added.
I played her on clay last year in the States, and in it was a pretty tough match.
"I think she's in good form. She plays a really good defensive game but she can step in and hit the ball. So I'm looking forward to it.
Sharapova's return to the spotlight will please organisers at Roland Garros as she is still one of the biggest draws in the women's game.
Maria Sharapova continued her successful return to the WTA circuit with a confident 6-2 6-0 victory over Darya Kustova which took her into the quarter-finals of the Warsaw Open.
The former world number one (now slipped to rank 126th) is playing her first singles tournament in nine and a half months after taking time off to recover from a persistent shoulder injury and was pleased with her showing.
"I thought I did the right things at the right time. I played a solid game and I did everything I had to do to win today," she said
Despite the doubts over her fitness, the 22-year-old showed glimpses of her glory days when she won three Grand Slams, including Wimbledon as a 17-year-old.
The Russian cruised through the first set in a much improved showing from her inconsistent three-set first round win over Italy's Tathiana Garbin 6-1 6-7 (6/8) 6-3.
With her right shoulder still strapped up, Sharapova used crisp baseline shots and strong serving to keep Belarusian Kustova pinned to the baseline.
She raced through the second set and won 13 straight points to take her to 5-0 and 40-0 up before Kustova delayed the inevitable with a forehand winner.
Sharapova then closed out the match when Kustova hit long to confirm her unbeaten return for at least another match.
She now plays Ukrainian eighth seed Alona Bondarenko for a place in the semi-finals. Bonderenko, who defeated Poland's Marta Domachowska 6-3 6-1, promises to provide a stiffer test for Sharapova.
"I've played her a few times before, Sharapova added.
I played her on clay last year in the States, and in it was a pretty tough match.
"I think she's in good form. She plays a really good defensive game but she can step in and hit the ball. So I'm looking forward to it.
Sharapova's return to the spotlight will please organisers at Roland Garros as she is still one of the biggest draws in the women's game.
And now I have another reason to watch the upcoming French Open. Yay!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Oops! I Did It Again!
Lol! It is nothing big actually. Just that I cooked awesome-ness again today! Lol. It's spaghetti and it is yummy and delicious and terrific and whatever nice things there is to say about it. Haha. I should seriously consider making business out of it. Lol. Anyway, it ain't hard to cook this up. So it makes me wonder. How do some people screw up spaghetti? -Sigh-
And for some reason, I always manage to prepare THWEE plates of it. Lol!
And 'darling', as promised, if we end up going back on the same day, I will prepare it for you.
And for some reason, I always manage to prepare THWEE plates of it. Lol!
And 'darling', as promised, if we end up going back on the same day, I will prepare it for you.
The Mayonnaise Jar
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle.
When 24 hours in a day is not enough.
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class.
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar.
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand.
And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table.
And poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided.
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.'
The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else.
The small stuffs.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stufs, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand.
And inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked.'
'It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee, tea, coke and beer with friends.'
Boy, this makes me miss my friends even more especially my dinosaurs.
When 24 hours in a day is not enough.
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class.
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar.
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand.
And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table.
And poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided.
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.'
The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else.
The small stuffs.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stufs, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand.
And inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked.'
'It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee, tea, coke and beer with friends.'
Boy, this makes me miss my friends even more especially my dinosaurs.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pictures!
I was on my way to church when I spotted this..
For clearer view of how many 'holder thingies' are attached to the advertisements..
So I wondered what could be so precious and it is just..
-Sigh-
During my study week, I often look out the windows after studying a lot to rest my eyes and one fine day, I spotted this..
The red circle there are 2 flies making out. What do I do? I took a picture of it and then I had to kill them. I don't want them laying eggs anywhere near my room. I am so terribly sorry, flies. And if you wonder how they really look like while mating, here's a picture.
My luck. -Sigh-
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Of Buffets And Broadband
So I had the priviledge to go back to my second hometown this weekend and stayed at Puteri Pacific Hotel for 3 (thwee) days and 2 nights. While the hotel is a good place to stay and it is in the heart of Johor Bahru (it is just 5 minutes walk from City Square), the hotel also offers AMAZING buffets and the broadband speed there is awesome (that has nothing to do with the hotel though).
My first buffet dinner there on Friday night offered a variety of food. among the best ones are salted fettucini puttanesca (which I will definately learn how to cook after this) and the octopus (the ones served in Japanese restaurants).
My first buffet dinner there on Friday night offered a variety of food. among the best ones are salted fettucini puttanesca (which I will definately learn how to cook after this) and the octopus (the ones served in Japanese restaurants).
On the second night, I had another buffet and this one is to die for. International Seafood Buffet. The food was just DELICIOUSLY AMAZING. I am not even kidding or exaggerating here. Anyway, I might as well just let pictures of the food do the talking. Lol.
I started my dinner with salmon. It was awesome and it did tastes like the salmon I once cooked.
Then this. It is fish cooked in olive oil. Didn't like this one though.
After that, I decided to get myself a lobster and it was really good. its fleash was really sweat.
Then I thought of slowing down a little. So I took prawns and vegetables. Guees what? Love the vegetables and hated the prawns. Lol
Now look away if you are a fan of spaghetti and pasta.
Plate number 1: Fettucini
Plate number 2: Pasta
Plate number 3: Also pasta but didn't eat this on as the big squid head spat out black icky ink. Yuck!
It is once again safe to look at my blog now. Lol!
I was already getting sull. So I took some salad.
And I ended with my new found favourite ice-cream -GREEN TEA ice-cream. Yummy! I had 2 bowls of this by the way.
Delicious looking, aren't they? I was even thinking that Puteri Pacific Hotel could be a good place for my upcoming faculty night. But obviously there is so much to consider before we can even decide a place. One thing for sure is that I can tell that the place is pretty costly. Lol!
Oh yeah, while I was here, I even checked out the swimming pool.
Excellent broadband speed.
Friday, May 15, 2009
To My Dearest Daddy
HAPPY HALF A CENTURY OLD!!!
That is just how fast my daddy aged. Lol! But anyway, dearest daddy, thank you for everything you have given to me throughout my life and I am just so grateful for everything you have done for me. I believe I will never be where I am today if not for your unconditional love, never ending support, constant care and great advises. But I know I can never thank you enough. However, I hope I will be able to do something about it someday. Maybe give you that deep fishing trip you have always dream about. I know the reason you haven't been out there is to save the money that will be spent on the trip for Matthew and I and I am also grateful for that. Anyway, happy birthday, daddy. I wish you all the best in life. And daddy, you are still my handsome daddy. I love you, 'puppy'.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dinosaurs
In perspective of May Peng posting an entry on dinosaurs, I shall add more details to the dinosaurs' facts.
Littlefoot
Littlefoot is a brown Apatosaurus, called a "Longneck" in the films. He is the central character of the film The Land Before Time and most of its sequels; although not always the largest role. He is contemplative and quiet, though he enjoys playing, and often becomes leader in any quest. Littlefoot is very caring of his friends, and acts as both their leader and the voice of guidance among them. He has a particularly strong relationship with Chomper, supporting him in everything he does. Littlefoot is a modest, intelligent, playful longneck who, despite his traumatic upbringing, believes that friendship goes beyond species boundaries. He is good at making friends, although his clique is with the other main characters.
Cera
Cera is a yellow Triceratops (in the film called a "Threehorn") and a friend of Littlefoot. Cera tries her best to show no fear, often bragging about her accomplishments and courage. She has difficulty showing weakness, a trait that her father has largely ingrained in her. The original film portrayed her as very arrogant and bigoted towards other species (again, learned from her father), but in later films her bigotry has greatly lessened. Her lessons frequently revolve around not jumping to conclusions, especially in judgement of other dinosaurs.
Ducky (Note: I have been spelling Ducky's name wrongly before this. This is should be the spelling.)
Ducky is a green Parasaurolophus which is called a "big mouth", "duck bill", or "swimmer" by the characters in the films. When speaking, the character does not generally use contractions or generalizations, though she does on a few occasions when singing. The character is sweet, caring and innocent, and tries to make peace during group conflicts, but is also very naive. She is well known for frequently saying "Yep, Yep, Yep" and "Nope, Nope, Nope" whenever agreeing or disagreeing with something.
Petrie
Petrie is a brown Pteranodon, also called a "Flyer" in the series. He is talkative, but speaks in a broken English, usually omiting linking verbs (is, are, am) using "me" in place of "I", and referring to himself in third person. Petrie panics easily, but still often tries to exercise his bravery. If his friends need help, the character usually pulls through for them. Although he enjoys flying, he was afraid to do so in the original film; despite the embarassment it brought on for him. When Ducky was attacked by the sharptooth at the end of the movie, he finally mustered up the courage to fly and save her.
Spike
Spike, the green spiketail (Stegosaurus), is the second youngest member of the group; Chomper being the only one younger than he is. He rarely speaks, although he has articulated on a few occasions, mumbles on many others, and often scat sings during song sequences. In the episode "Through the Eyes of a Spike Tail", it is revealed that he is silent for two reasons, one, in order to hear the plants around him "sing", before deciding whether or not to eat them, and two, in order to avoid arguing with others. It is also revealed that he does not care for adventuring, but will go wherever the others go all the same. Spike was orphaned as an egg in the original film, and when Ducky found him in his nest, she brought him along on the journey to the Great Valley. When there, she took him to her family, who readily accepted him as their own.
Chomper
Chomper is a purple Tyrannosaurus, which is one of many species of carnivorous dinosaurs called "sharpteeth" in the series. He is bilingual, speaking both the language of the herbivorous dinosaurs and the language of the carnivorous dinosaurs. Chomper is very out-going and friendly. Due to the dietary habits of his species, he often has clashes with other characters, but always tries to come to peaceful terms with them. Like Littlefoot, he believes strongly in diverse species friendships. The character often forgets that his friends do not eat meat; a running gag in the TV series involves Chomper trying to offer insects to his friends, and/or the others watching in horror as he devours the insects.
Littlefoot
Littlefoot is a brown Apatosaurus, called a "Longneck" in the films. He is the central character of the film The Land Before Time and most of its sequels; although not always the largest role. He is contemplative and quiet, though he enjoys playing, and often becomes leader in any quest. Littlefoot is very caring of his friends, and acts as both their leader and the voice of guidance among them. He has a particularly strong relationship with Chomper, supporting him in everything he does. Littlefoot is a modest, intelligent, playful longneck who, despite his traumatic upbringing, believes that friendship goes beyond species boundaries. He is good at making friends, although his clique is with the other main characters.Cera
Cera is a yellow Triceratops (in the film called a "Threehorn") and a friend of Littlefoot. Cera tries her best to show no fear, often bragging about her accomplishments and courage. She has difficulty showing weakness, a trait that her father has largely ingrained in her. The original film portrayed her as very arrogant and bigoted towards other species (again, learned from her father), but in later films her bigotry has greatly lessened. Her lessons frequently revolve around not jumping to conclusions, especially in judgement of other dinosaurs.
Ducky (Note: I have been spelling Ducky's name wrongly before this. This is should be the spelling.)
Ducky is a green Parasaurolophus which is called a "big mouth", "duck bill", or "swimmer" by the characters in the films. When speaking, the character does not generally use contractions or generalizations, though she does on a few occasions when singing. The character is sweet, caring and innocent, and tries to make peace during group conflicts, but is also very naive. She is well known for frequently saying "Yep, Yep, Yep" and "Nope, Nope, Nope" whenever agreeing or disagreeing with something.
Petrie
Petrie is a brown Pteranodon, also called a "Flyer" in the series. He is talkative, but speaks in a broken English, usually omiting linking verbs (is, are, am) using "me" in place of "I", and referring to himself in third person. Petrie panics easily, but still often tries to exercise his bravery. If his friends need help, the character usually pulls through for them. Although he enjoys flying, he was afraid to do so in the original film; despite the embarassment it brought on for him. When Ducky was attacked by the sharptooth at the end of the movie, he finally mustered up the courage to fly and save her.
Spike
Spike, the green spiketail (Stegosaurus), is the second youngest member of the group; Chomper being the only one younger than he is. He rarely speaks, although he has articulated on a few occasions, mumbles on many others, and often scat sings during song sequences. In the episode "Through the Eyes of a Spike Tail", it is revealed that he is silent for two reasons, one, in order to hear the plants around him "sing", before deciding whether or not to eat them, and two, in order to avoid arguing with others. It is also revealed that he does not care for adventuring, but will go wherever the others go all the same. Spike was orphaned as an egg in the original film, and when Ducky found him in his nest, she brought him along on the journey to the Great Valley. When there, she took him to her family, who readily accepted him as their own.
Chomper
Chomper is a purple Tyrannosaurus, which is one of many species of carnivorous dinosaurs called "sharpteeth" in the series. He is bilingual, speaking both the language of the herbivorous dinosaurs and the language of the carnivorous dinosaurs. Chomper is very out-going and friendly. Due to the dietary habits of his species, he often has clashes with other characters, but always tries to come to peaceful terms with them. Like Littlefoot, he believes strongly in diverse species friendships. The character often forgets that his friends do not eat meat; a running gag in the TV series involves Chomper trying to offer insects to his friends, and/or the others watching in horror as he devours the insects.
The Last Two Standing
Disclaimer: For those of you in Malaysia and other Asian regions who watches American Idol through Starworld, you might not want to read this as it reveals the finalists.
With 88 million votes in, America had decided to award the last 2 places to Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, thus eliminating Danny Gokey. Well, I am not gonna say much here as I have practically missed the whole season's show. Lol. But between the 2 given finalists, I think I would rather see Kris taking the crown. Not that I know who is the better singer but I have heard Adam sing and I did like him in the beginning but he has this habit of singing in quite an annoying way. And Kris..he is the cuter guy. Lol. So my vote is with Kris. :) But I have this unlucky streak when I have my favourites. They never ever win. Chris Daughtry, Blake Lewis and Brooke White are some of my past seasons' favourites and they never ever win. Hopefully I don't jinx Kris. Lol
Adorable, isn't he?
With 88 million votes in, America had decided to award the last 2 places to Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, thus eliminating Danny Gokey. Well, I am not gonna say much here as I have practically missed the whole season's show. Lol. But between the 2 given finalists, I think I would rather see Kris taking the crown. Not that I know who is the better singer but I have heard Adam sing and I did like him in the beginning but he has this habit of singing in quite an annoying way. And Kris..he is the cuter guy. Lol. So my vote is with Kris. :) But I have this unlucky streak when I have my favourites. They never ever win. Chris Daughtry, Blake Lewis and Brooke White are some of my past seasons' favourites and they never ever win. Hopefully I don't jinx Kris. Lol
Adorable, isn't he?
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