My Brilliant Brother

So my only little brother got a camera for his birthday. His birthday was last month, 27th but he got it a couple of weeks ago. He has been wanting and wishing for that camera for a few months, I think. So anyway, I'll get to the brilliant part now.

In conjunction with the annual Pesta Sungai Melaka (Melaka River Festival), the fourth of its kind since it was first organised, many competitions were held. One of which was photography competition.

There were two categories for this one. Adults and the one my brother took part in, students below 18 years of age. Only getting his camera recently, he would be an amateur participant, this would be the first competition he took part in and he would not have possessed the camera taking skills other would. However, with this photo....

...my awesome brother proved that he is brilliant by bagging the FIRST PRIZE. That's it, readers, FIRST PRIZE!!! How awesome is he? Lol.

He even beat his friend who refused to teach him ways to take good pictures. Lol.

Anyway, my brother got his prizes yesterday in a closing ceremony which was supposed to be attended by the Chief Minister but Idk what happened to that guy. So his assistant came and presented my brother with a plague, lots of voucher, a certificate, a hamper, a pair of headphone, a portable Semsonic speakers (which he gave me!) and RM300 cash. AMAZING!!!!! And still no kidnapping my brother! Awesome Maddy Waddy is all mine! =p

And to my mamapo a.k.a. teddy bear, "Keep up the good job and congratulations! Really proud of you here."

Youth Fest '10

I've been postponing this post for way too long now. Anyway, from 28th to 30th last month, there was a youth festival at PWTC, KL and with TAJMA having a booth there, Yen Pin and I were sent there on duty. Having to be an exhibitioner for the first time, I really didn't know what to expect except the crowd and high levels of noises and I was spot on with those two. Lol.

Anyway, throughout those three days, Yen Pin and I were pretty much bored at most times. When we were at the booth and we just sat there, assisting visitors. We had about over 300 visitors over the weekend. But personally, I've learnt to deal better with people. Keeping one particular father patient was not an easy feat. He was so determined to have all 3 of his kids taking TAJMA profiles but he wasn't so happy with the queue during which talking to him about why it is better to take it at the fest was better (it cost RM38 to take it actually but at the fest, it was FOC) and so on helped.

We did however enjoyed walking around, visiting other booths. There were so many actually. Canon, Wigley's, Ciba Vision, Fly FM, NST, YouthSays, Firefly, Celcom, Rakan Muda and so many more. There was also a Battle of the Bands at a stage outside. Didn't bother listening though. When it comes to Malaysian bands, they can play instruments but not sing. Something they overlook, I suppose. Ask Ma Lee and she would tell you the same. Lol. No offense alright? =) Oh yeah. At NST's booth, they were looking for Mobile Journalist and I signed up for it. I've posted 2 articles so far. Under E4U (that's Entertainment for You) and Sports. I don't know if they are up already or not but do check them out at U-Phoria. I know my byline is. It's under We are MoJos. Read them and comment them or something ok? Best articles of each topic gets RM50 reward each month. So show some love and support! Lol. And at the Firefly's booth, we signed up for a trip to Pangkor Island. But something came up now and I am unable to attend it. =(

Next there was also this whole other hall which was dedicated to sports, dancing and shopping. For sports, there was futsal of course. We saw a few matches. Some were good and some were just ok. There was also basketball, 3 on 3 but I am not a fan. Going back to futsal, there is something interesting. There was this tournament which only needed two players going against each other in a cage. Yen Pin said it reminded her of cockerels fighting. Lol!

Lastly, another section had conferences and concert by Red FM, Hot FM and Fly FM.

Over the three days, UTM fixed us up at Rumah Tamu UTM by the way. It was apartment style and being just the two of us, it gets creepy at night. For me at least. Lol. It had three rooms but we decided to stay together. I don't know if Yen Pin was really scared or she just wanted to calm my fears though. Lol. Everybody knows I am the bigger chicken anyway. =(

Oh yeah! Also at the fest, they had this whole alley with graffiti. It was so cool. They even had someone from Singapore and Australia drawing them.

We also did some adventure of our own during our free time in KL. On our first night there, we managed to walk all the way to KLCC. It took us about 20 minutes. How did we do it? JUST WALK TOWARDS THE BUILDING. Lol. It really worked. The part where we have to cross roads is scary though. People in KL drive so fast!!! I had to always hold Yen Pin's hand too. And she calls me mummy. Hmph! The next night, we ended at KLCC again. This time, we met 3 dinosaurs! Foon Yee, Soo Chen (who is getting thinner that she looks sick!) and May Peng. They actually went to PWTC but we had already left by then. So we decided to meet up at KLCC. We had fun. I've missed them so much since we started our internships. It was just so good to see them. Miss them already! Lol

Well, that's my report for not (I know I still owe one post about my internship! Lol). Anyway, I'll leave you with photos from my trip to KL. Photos are credited to Yen Pin (she is my personal photographer, really). =)

UTM's booth filled with bored looking people

TAJMA's booth. That is one happy visitor

Canon's wall of funny photos

Featuring our very own nurse!

CLEO, which had nonstop visitors coming to get their goodie bags

Art exhibition. These are painted by visitors

Whole big piece of art cut into pieces?

An art stall that had many cat paintings

The graffiti alley. Lights were switched off then

YouthSays. They tried making a Malaysian record of 111 hours of nonstop debate

Shopping bazaar

Firefly and their SummerBreak program

Celcom, who gave away sick looking blue bears

Rakan Muda's booth. The exhibited many animals. Snakes especially

Red FM, Hot FM and Fly FM

KFC

The futsal area

Battle of the Bands

Follow the building and you'll get there. Lol. The Twin Towers looks so majestic at night. And in photos, they look so unreal. Lol

The dinosaurs at KLCC. =)

Easter Is Not of Eggs And Bunnies

A friend of mine recently asked me what Easter is all about. She wondered about the connection of it to Easter eggs and such. So here are a few stories that explain Easter. And there is nothing about eggs or bunnies. Lol.

It starts on a Friday, which we now come to know as Good Friday.

John 18:1-19:42

Judas led soldiers of the Roman battalion and guards from the chief priests and Pharisees, who went there with lanterns, torches and weapons. Jesus knew all that was going to happen to him; he stepped forward and asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus said, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, stood there with them.

When Jesus said, "I am he", they moved back and fell to the ground. He then asked a second time, "Who are you looking for?" and they answered, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus replied, "I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, let these others go." So what Jesus said had come true: "I have not lost one of these of those you gave me."

Jesus was then brought before Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Equestrian procurator of the Roman province of Judaea from AD 26-36.

Luke 23:1-49

Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You said so." Turning to the chief priests and the crowd, Pilate said, "I find no basis for a case against this man." But they insisted, "All the country of the Jews is being stirred up by his teaching. He began in Galilee and now he has come all the way here."

When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. Finding the accused to come under Herod's jurisdiction, Pilate sent Jesus over to Herod who happened to be in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was delighted to have Jesus before him now; for a long time he had wanted to see him because of the reports about him, and he was hoping to see Jesus work some miracle. ... Finally, Herod ridiculed him and with his guards mocked him. And when he had put a rich cloak on him, he sent him back to Pilate.

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the elders before all the people, and said to them, "You have brought this man before me and accused him of subversion. In your presence I have examined him and found no basis for your charges. And neither has Herod, for he sent him back to me. It is quite clear that this man has done nothing that deserves a death sentence. I will therefore have him scourged and then release him." ... Since Pilate wanted to release Jesus, he appealed to the crowd once more, but they shouted back, "To the cross with him! To the cross! ...

So Pilate decided to pass the sentence they demanded. A large crowd of people followed him; among them were women beating their breast and wailing for him, but Jesus turned to them and said, "Women of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, weep rather for yourselves and for your children." Along with Jesus, two criminals also were led out to be executed. ...

One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, "So you are the Messiah? Save yourself and us as well!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly, you will be with me today in paradise." ... The Jesus gave a loud cry, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." And saying that, he gave up his spirit.

3 days later, which is now known as Easter.

Luke 24:1-12

On the sabbath the women rested according to the commandment, but the first day of the week, at dawn, they went to the tomb with the perfumes and ointments they had prepared. Seeing the stone rolled away from the opening of the tomb, they entered and were puzzled to find that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there.

Two men in dazzling garments appeared beside them. In fright the women bowed to the ground. But the men said, "Why look for the living among the dead? (You won't find him here. He is risen.) Remember what he told you in Galilee, that the Son of Man had to be given into the hands of sinners, be crucified, and rise on the third day." And they recalled Jesus' words.

Returning from the tomb, they informed the Eleven and their companions. Among them women who brought the news were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. But however much they insisted, those who heard did not believe the seemingly nonsensical story. Then Peter got up and ran to the tomb. All he saw there on the bending down were the linen cloths. He went home wondering.

So there you go. On a Friday, Jesus was sentenced to death and was crucified on the cross. He was then buried in a tomb. 3 days later, He risen from the dead. And this is the real deal behind Easter. Nothing to do with the eggs and bunnies. :)

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed posting it! Lol. And last but not least...

"Happy Easter!!!!" :)

CNY Performance At DSI

Last night was quite the highlight of this year's CNY for me. The main highlight was getting fat 'ang pow's of course. Lol. And meeting family and winning money in poker. Poor papa. Can't even defeat me! Lol.

Anyway, Ma Lee, different block, some more different block and course people and I went over to DSI last night to catch some performance there. We went there 2 hours late actually but still managed to watch some really good acts.

We were first treated by UTM's Wushu Team. Their co-ordination wasn't good but overall it was still awesome.

Then Soka Gakkai Malaysia did a dance with those huge Chinese fans. Kinda pretty.

After that, we watched some really awesome acts. Some really cool dancers from Hot Dance Studio did break dancing. I must say that I am not a huge fan of break dancing but what they did was awesome. The feat for Teriyaki Boyz's Fast And Furious and PCD's Don't Cha was really good. Then 3 guys did some sort of a mime's act and it was cool. Then came 5 people doing Lou Bega's Mambo No. 5 and it was kinda cute. To close the act, Hot Dance Studio had 4 talented people doing Michael Jackson. They even did the moonwalk.

The night was then concluded by 'Fo Guang' Club. They sang. In Chinese. So I got bored then.

But overall it was kinda cool.

And for my stupid Hans Eysenck assignment, I am done with my part! Now I just have to keep pestering my members to do it asap for me to edit and if the goat approves it, I am down to only 3 assignments (excluding potentially 2 more to come though -sigh-).

Now sports. Liverpool won last night. Aston Villa did too. But Chelsea drew. Arsenal will be playing tonight. North London derby! Stupid Tottenham. They better not score last minute goals again! Argh! And Arsenal fans could see Arshavin in action today. Yay! And lastly, Man United will be up against their jinx opponent, West Ham United. Lets hope for an Arsenal win and Man United dropping points! That will be the perfect end to the weekend eh?

And that is a wrap. To all Hindu believers, Happy Thaipusam! And to the rest, have a great Sunday!

To All My Chinese Readers

That's 'Gong Xi Fa Chai' if you can't read Chinese. May the year of the ox brings more happiness, great success, good health and everything good in whatever you do.

Family Reunion Dinner

As usual, every year, my whole family will gather at my grandma's house for a reunion dinner. The food is delicious but nothing more could be said on them as they are practically the same food I had last year and the years before. Lol. But it was good in the sense that I did not have to eat any pork! Anyway, below are just some pictures of the food I had.

Yee Sang. Japanese yee sang. From Sushi King. Courtesy of my aunt.

All of us tossing the yee sang. Made a lot of mess with it.

The food. An overview of it.

My grandmother's specialty. Meat roll. YUMMY!!

Blur picture. But it is obscene animal - chicken.

Me no like. Fatty pork! My dad's favourite although he ain't suppose to take them.

All the greedy people around the table. From 12 o'clock clockwise Aunt Jenny, Uncle Verra (he is the editor of The Star. He writes a column every Thursday), Vinod, Uncle Bob, Matt, Aunt Kemmy (thanks for the yee sang), amah, beloved daddy and Uncle Denny.

That's a wrap.

Is This Year A Good One For You?

As usual, when it comes to CNY, everyone will be buzzing in excitement to whether the new year will be a good one for them. So below is a post on the good and the bad of all 12 zodiac animals in the lunar calender. But I certainly do not know if they are true ok? So don't come cursing me if things do not turn out good for you! Lol.

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Career: A good year to start your own business. Beware of petty people and therefore you should avoid gossiping about other people as well as not to be too trusting. Those born in 1948 and 1960 can have great achievement this year.
Relationship: Love is in the air for you this year. Especially for those born in 1972, relationships can go into new heights but can also turn for the worst. Married couple should build more tolerance and understanding.
Wealth: You will have good luck. Wealth gains are from investments as well as lottery. However, spend you money wisely and beware of petty people.
Health: Remember to control your alcohol intake. You might get hurt easily this year.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)
Career: There is possibility that you might change your job. Don't be too aggressive to make the decision. Weigh all the pros and cons before you decide on it.
Relationship: No major breakthrough. Control your emotions and exercise tolerance. There are still opportunities to meet other parties if you work hard to seek for it. Those born in 1949 and 1961 have to be careful in making acquaintances.
Wealth: Proper income is stable. Scrutinise all documents before you sign them. Those born in 1937 can be in deep trouble if investments are done wrongly.
Health: You need to be extra careful this year. Accidents will happen easily.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
Career: It is a good time to start your new business or expand the current one. You need to workout who is your nobleman and who is there to harm you. Leverage on your nobleman to excel. Control your temper when dealing with matters. Career progression will be good this year. Do not be a guarantor.
Relationship: Love is in the air and for teenagers, you will fall in love easily and this will affect your studies. You should focus on your studies and do not be easily distracted. Couples in courtship will have the urge to get married. Those already married should steer clear from sexual temptation to avoid getting into trouble.
Wealth: Proper income luck is good as career progresses. Save your money and do not lend it to others. Do not make investments which are based on short team gain systems.
Health: No major issue with health but you have to control yourself against sexual traps and alcohol intake.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1953, 1975, 1987, 1999)
Career: You shouldn't be aggresssive this year. Stay cool and guard against petty people. Don't try to stick out as people might sabotage you.
Relationship: You will have mood swing. You will feel left out and lonely. You need to exercise tolerance and patience when dealing with your love ones. This is because your behaviour and temper will go up and down.
Wealth: Your normal income will be stable. However, due to your up and down luck, you need to save up for the rainy season adn also exercise caution when spending your money. Do not be greedy for windfall luck as there is no such thing as easy money. People will take the opportunity to cheat you. Therefore, do not be too trusting when making investments.
Health: You will have unstable emotion. Hence, you will have to take care as this will cause fatigue and stress. For those who love water sports, you will have to be careful this year as there is potential for injury or accident. Elderly folks have to take care of their health as chronic ailments might surface again.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
Career: This year is your prime year. Promotion and better job opportunity is around the corner. If you have planned to start a new business or change job, this year will be the year for it. If there is overseas assignment, go for it. On the other hand, due to your luck, beware of petty people that might be jealous of you. Be humble and modest.
Relationship: For those who plan to get married, this year will be a good year to do so. There is offspring luck this year. For men, do show more care to your wives, especially when she is pregnant.
Wealth: Wealth luck is excellent and beneficial for both normal and windfall luck. You may attempt different type of investments after careful analysis. Business transactions and dealings will be smooth. Since you are in luck, be on your guard against sexual temptation and alcohol to avoid getting into trouble.
Health: Your health should be fine this year. Since your career will be picking up, you need to take care of your health. Don't be too stress over your new opportunity and busy schedule. Take extra precaution of your digestive systems.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
Career: Communication and respect is key to your career. There will be many obstacles and troubles in your career. Always show respect to others and keep a low profile. Maintain good relationship with others. Take extra precaution when signing or dealing with contracts and documents. It is not a good year to start a new business. Avoid risky business to avoid getting into legal issues.
Relationship: Your romance encounters setback this year. Married couples should exercise upmost tolerance, open communication and trust with each other. For those who are single can look forward to some romance luck.
Wealth: Your wealth luck will go up and down this year. It is not a good time to invest heavily. Be contented with what you have and you will be fine. Never be too greedy. Take care and precaution when spending your money.
Health: Due to bad star influence, this year you will see blood. Take extra precaution when handling matters. If you have sickness, seek treatment immediately. Go for gum cleaning or donate blood. Avoid dangerous games and activities.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Career: Career luck is not that smooth. There will be ups and downs this year. There will be petty people trying to make trouble with you. Be careful of evil plots by petty people. Avoid getting into conflict with others.
Relationship: Love will be up and down this year. Be careful of third party intrusion for attached couple. Control your sexual lust to avoid getting into trouble. Communication is the key.
Wealth: Your normal income will be stable with improvement from last yeat. Financially you will be ok if you exercise extra precaution. Be careful of sexual trap as you might lose money from it. Save for raining days and be thriftier in your spending.
Health: You need to control your lust this year. Limit you illicit activities and cut down on drinking. As your luck is picking up, you will have busy schedule. Take a lot of rest and control your stress levels.

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Career: A time to hold. Be extra prudent when making business and investment decision. Since your luck is not good this year, you have to rely heavily on your colleagues and friends. So treat them well. Not a good time to partner with others in business. Review all documents carefully before you sign them.
Relationship: With this time of bad luck, you need the help of your friends and colleagues. You have to maintain good relationship with them. Maintain harmony with all of them. Couples should maintain open communication with each other to avoid conflict due to stress from bad luck this year. Show respect and affection to each other.
Wealth: You hit rock bottom this year with your luck. If it is possible, stop all risky investments this year. Be conservative in managing your wealth. Do not be a guarantor and you will also have to curb your gambling issues.
Health: Due to stress, you have to take extra care of your health. You will be mentally stressed also. Seek treatment immediately if you fall sick. Bring the older folks that are born in the year of the goat for medical check-ups. Be very careful against falls and cuts.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Career: There will be business opportunity coming up if you are running your own business. If you are working, there will be good news all the way. News on promotion or new assignment might be coming your way. Be careful of petty people as people might be jealous with your achievement.
Relationship: You will be in cloud nine this year due to much good news. Courting couples will move on to the next stage. It is also a good time to plan for marriage or to start a serious relationship. Couples trying for kids will have offspring luck. Couples should also guard against third party.
Wealth: Wealth luck is extremely good but do not show off. Normal income and windfall luck is good. Petty people will be jealous against you. So be more prudent.
Health: Take good care of your health this year. There will be minor sickness here and there. Avoid attending wakes.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Career: Good progress in your career and work luck with increase reputation and status. Smooth business deal and good business relationship. There are chances of promotion and overseas assignments.
Relationship: No major breakthrough in relationship this year. Be more truthful and affectionate to your companion. Married couples should go for a re-charge vacation.
Wealth: Wealth luck is good this year. You will receive gain from your investments. However, you must control your spending also. You can consider investing in property. Be vary against petty people who might be jealous of your good luck.
Health: Health is normal this year but you have to take note of home safely. Do not climb high. Do not speed or drink excessive alcohol. Take adequate rest and exercise.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Career: Smooth and good year for your career progression. There wil be increase in business volume. Be mindful of the way you communicate as you might offend the other party without knowing it. Maintain good relationship with your superiors. If you are in business, maintain good relationship with your associates. It is better to maintain a harmony relationship to keep petty people at bay.
Relationship: Relationship luck is good. However, be faithful and be careful with sexual trap. Couples will enjoy the company of each other but be careful of third party trying to break the relationship. Those that are unattached will find love this year. Maintain harmonious relationship with peers, friends and business associates.
Wealth: Wealth luck is superb. If there is chance to purchase property or start a new business, go for it. Since wealth luck is favourable, be vigilant and be extra careful of petty people. Do not be greedy and show off as it will invite unnecessary problems later.
Health: Health is normal this year. Cut down on drinking and sexual activity. There is danger caused by lust.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Career: Career or business luck is normal with a minor obstacles popping along the way. As long as you are modest, humble and handle all matters logically, you should be fine. Evaluate every situation and do not attempt any huge investments. This year is not good year to change your job.
Relationship: You will feel vexed and stressed out this year with regards to relationship. There is a constant conflict and arguement this year. Be more tolerant, forgiving and understanding. Learn to give and take. It is not worth fighting over trivial matters.
Wealth: You might lose wealth this year. Be conservative in your expenses. Remember to save up for rainy days. Do not gamble or speculate in the share market as you do not have luck there. Your normal income though is stable.
Health: Relationship luck is not good and as such, you will constantly burn out. This will affect your health. Take some time off to unwind and don't sweat over small matters. Open up your mind. When outdoor, take extra precaution as you are prone to accidents.

So that is it. All 12 zodiac animals. Geez.. It was tiring typing all of that. -Sigh- Anyway, it certainly sounds like a good year for my fellow dragon classmates and me. But I am not sure if the same could be said for the 'younger' classmate of mine. You know who you are right? After all you are always reminding me how old I am compared to you. Lol. And for piggy.. hmm.. the year do not seem good for you too. But anyhow, these are all talking. Not necessarily true at the end of the day.

CNY Pictures!!

Here are some pictures on CNY that I have got so far.

CNY is the time to condone into child labour. Lol. Seen here is my beloved brother, Matt and cousin, Brinda. They were 'de-shelling' gingko.

MORE and MORE oranges are making their way to my house.

CNY = fatty time. Here are meat floss and 'bak kua'.

And now I'll show you the procedure in making 'kuih bahulu' or 'chicken eggs cake or 'kuoy neng kueh'

Firstly, this is the mixture of chicken eggs and sugar. Beat them for hours and this is the result.

And this is corn flour and flour.

Mix the two and you get this.

Then bake them here. This is the traditional way. Burn them with charcoal.

The charcoal stove.

And you get this! There are shapes of fish, rooster. prawn, CRAB, etc.

My family did this much. It was like they were preparing for a war.

And now some pictures of the decorations in my grandma's house.

And that's a wrap!