The past couple of days. (ver. 2.0)

Dang!

For some unknown techincal reason, i can't seem to log on other sites except for my own blog and blogger.com. Anyway, i should be updating it since i can't access another website.

Exams over, but i'm not putting the cliche titles like, "It's over!""Yahoo!""Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!" etc. Being relaxed and enjoying the holiday since during the study week, i suppose the above is the proper title lah.

Tonight, it's Homegroup night at Oliver's place as usual. And it's his brother's birthday as well. Perhaps i'll get something for him later today or tomorrow, it time permits.






Yesterday, i was suppose to go eat fondue in Sri Hartamas with my classmates after signing the agreement papers for our industrial attachment in the campus. However, due to fickled-mindness and last-minute changes, the whole idea was scrapped. But at least we got to go out for pizza and movie the day before.






So, i met with Justin in Ampang for lunch, a good chat and some laughs lah. Though i was sleepy (due to the lack of sleep during the exam week, what more not sleeping on Tuesday night), but time there was well spent lah.

On Wednesday, after the exam was over, a lot of people were either discussing on what the answers were and were not, went straight home, or were deciding where to hang out after all these mess. Majority of my classmates have decided to watch She's The Man, a chick flick. Though some of us weren't too thrill on spending money on chick flick, we followed along, but not to watch the same movie.

In the end, Alex, Pek Mei and myself watched The Sentinel, while the others (Chiew Mei, Nic, Yen Yen, Joo, Chee Been, I-Ling, Lily, Eu Wah and Hoi Yen) watched She's The Man; both on 2:50 pm. Before that ,we had lunch at Domino Pizza. And man, pizza is among those things i can just live on for life!

Well, The Sentinel is an awesome movie. It's basically a thriller-action movie about the plot to assasinate the President, and the main suspect is someone from the Secret Service. And the protagonist, Pete Garrison (Micheal Douglas) becomes the main suspect. Thus, he is being chased down by the people he used to work with, headed by his friend-turned-enemy, David Breckinridge (Kiefer Sutherland). The movie reminds me of the plot of 24, Season 1. But nonetheless, it's interesting to se how Garrison tries to clear himself and escape at the same time.



Speaking of 24, it seems like Kiefer Sutherland's character in the series, Jack Bauer, as been brought into the show. Only this time, it's been split into two; Sutherland maintains the tough, no-nonsense approach agent, while Douglas takes the breaking the laws and protocols part of Jack Bauer.

Though, like Alex said, the reason on why plot was formed in the first place makes the movie week. I agree with him. But this movie could be the glimpse of how 24: The Movie would be like.

If you enjoy 24 (any of the season), watch this movie.
If you enjoy seeing Kiefer Sutherland in action, watch this movie.
If you enjoy action and suspence, watch this movie.

If you enjoy watching Eva Longoria, don't watch this movie. The only action you're getting here is her shooting at the bad guys. Period.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Prepared for a War!

Sometimes, things don't appear as they seem. Take for example, the Multimedia Tools for Advertising paper i took on Monday. Despite the limited tips, dreadful assumptions, missing notes and arriving at the exam hall ten-minutes late, i was laughing as i picked up the question paper. I knew i could sail through it. Perhaps a B+ or a B, since the other 50% (the assignment) for the paper is sealed behind the lecturer's mouth. But i'm sure Ms May was considerate enough to pass us all.

Here is one of the question that came out in Section B of that paper:

List FOUR (4) basic requirements to make a successful multimedia project

[TOTAL: 12 MARKS ]

To be frank, i did this question based partly based on experience, the rest from the remains i could remember from the notes. Then, i struck me. These are basic requirements before you get started with any assignment, individual or group assignments. Just replace "multimedia" with other variables like Journalism II, Communication Theories, Advertising Copy Writing, Comm Research Methods, or any subjects you took during the semester and it does make sense. There are requirements needed in every assignment/projects you do.

IMHO, here are the list of elements that could make your assignment a successful one:

1. PLANNING

It takes no genius to figure that out. From a simple outing and what to do after that to military efforcement project and national education programmes, they all need a PLAN or two. A contigency plan as well to fall back on. Even evil masterminds and high-tech robbery take months to figure out a perfect plan before pulling it off. Going into a bank guns ablazing is no different from getting a free "Go-to-Jail" card.

Before getting the assignment started, all group members should sit down and create a blue print of what to do. How much time you have, what should the outcome be, what task must be done and who does them, and the deadlines for the tasks, etc. All these questions should be brainstormed and discussed properly and thoroughly as to ensure everyone gets a glimpse of what's going on. Or group members will be pestering you on what to do, or they'll produce unexpected results.

As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail!

2. TIME MANAGEMENT

Sometimes, you lie to yourself about how good-looking you are, how thin you look and how significantly great you are among your peers. Do add another thing to your list: the deadline.

Just remind yourself (and the group) that the time you have is limited, and mark your deadline a week or two before the actual deadline. In that way, you can save yourself a lot of hassle if you are running out of time.

It's important to know how much time you have. Prepare a time frame and set deadlines for different tasks. Some tasks just can't go on without the completion of another. It also determine the quality of your assignment.

Lying to yourself isn't health. But if it gets you somewhere, just remind yourself of what it's true before you really fall down on that lovely face of yours.

3. COMMUNICATION

Talk the talk, walk the walk. Everyone in the group should be alert, informed and aware about the situation of the assignment and details entailed to it. A communication breakdown is hazardous to the group, what more to friendships as well.

When assumptions are wrong and things are not done, sometimes it's hard to point to who actually caused the problem.

Plus, talking and informing everyone makes them feel comfortable being in a group, at times making them feel welcomed and useful in the team. This could reduce social loafing.

4. THE GROUP

It's important to know who's in your group. And it's equally the same when choosing your group members. Be sure you know the strengths and weaknesses of each team members.This way, work can be properly allocated and no one would receive parts they can't really accomplish.

But at the same, one should know his/her own strengths and weaknesses. Taking up responsiblities, assuming you can do it and later being clueless and helpless may not only slows down the workload, but disappointments will arise and dissatisfactions hovers around the group.

Remember, there's no "I" in a GROUP, but "O-U-R" does exist. (Ironically, there's U and R, so U can do the job, UR job! Ha ha!)

5. RESOURCES

Besides time, money, computers and a place to get the assignment done are commodities in running the project. When one of these are missing, part of the work will be at halt.

Out-sourcing do come in handing in dire circumstances. (Most of the assignments this semester required external help from my classmates and friends, which i'm really grateful of!) But overdo it, and you'll become a sticky, blood-sucking parasitic leech.

6. SACRIFICES

This is one of the most important elements that many tend to forget. Besides time, money and sweat, the occasonal tears and blood come into play as well (Yes, blood and tears). There are times where you can attend to your personal needs and forfeit doing your part. But when the urgency is there, one must really learn to say no to their friends, family members and to themself for the greater good for the team.

More than half of the time, i'll be at the receiving end. It's not that i'm barging about how great and how much i've done for the group. But when you learn to focus on the important things and keep your priorities right, you can then see what i mean by sacrificing for the group.

And there are times when you feel like burning your irresponsible, lazy members as a sacrifice to the gods of good grades!

These are what i think are the requirement that makes a good assignment. After all, a good solid foundation prepares a great stronghold.

But in the end, all these are most of the time, failed to implement in our daily practicality. They become nothing more but theories and facts we memorise to pass a paper. fail to implement in daily practicality.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Feeling Not Feelingless; It's God in Me.

After more than two hours of sqeezing out every ounce of creativity, craftiness and style for my Advertising Copy Writing paper, my brain was shut down for the moment after it. To complete four questions that require proper, sensible an persuasive body copy, two hours and half is neccessary!

Now, i've two more papers to go before i can really say i'm on a holiday. Weird thing is i'm not feeling stressed at all. Really. I assume that students will be trying their best to read through over and over again to make sure that all the notes and tips gets into their brains, and keeping their fingers crossed that the questions in the exam paper will be on the topic they studied for (and as the tips given said.)

I, however, feel like on holiday since the study week started. I had time to play KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES, watch V FOR VENDETTA and even ice-skate! I guess you can say i'm fearless, but i'm not. I do fear failure; i don't want to resit a paper, whatmore a supplementary paper. Am i just being emotionless, or is that the peace of God in me?


For me, it's important to stay calm. You wouldn't know what dumb things you would do when you panic. Plus, by staying calm, you can think straight and more rationally. To lose rationally and go haywire is eqiuvalent to giving up and losing hope. (Though, there are times, dire situation produces the best results!)


I've read somewhere that courage isn't the absence of fear; it's acknowledging fear and overcoming it. And only a fool knows no fear (Read: Johnny English). Am i a fool? Perhaps yes; i'm a fool who depends on God.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

That's the verse that was spoken to Iggy from God while he shared with us in Homegroup last night. He shared on how he relied on God everytime he goes out for his company trips around Malaysia. And he just surrenders everything to Him, from small stuff like the PA system and the audience to the weather and flow of the event.

I guess i do need to rely on God for everything i do.

Without His strength, I can't be as calm as i am now.
Without His strength, I can't be jamming on the bass guitar or be able to have the skills to be a back-up singer.
Without His strength, I can't be a helpful, cheerful and happy person.
Without His strength, I can't be a responsible Assistant Group Leader in my Homegroup.
Without His strength, I can't be a brother to my brothers.
Without His strength, I can't be a filial piety son.
Without His strength, I'm no different from the dust under my feet now.

I guess in everything i do, i need to place my trust and hopes on God, for with Him, all things are possible! And besides that, i feel like i need to get my notes organised and study them before Monday. The coming two papers aren't like the others where creative story telling can get me out of trouble!

PS Still thinking on whether or not to go for the talk about the DA VINCI CODE the info are as stated below:























Love & Peace!~


BC?

Get Well; All The Best.

Recently, i've discovered the dude whom i mentioned in my previous entry. Paul Tan is his name, and i heard he's doing better. Check out his blog, and you'll see a list of messages of hope and well wishes for him to recover.

I wish he'll be back on his feet, praising God while jamming on the bass guitar.

On a lighter note, i've read this on Justin's and Daniel Ding's blogs (and from forwarded e-mails as well), and now i'm putting it here as well. I guess we should have more time in a year to study, as this piece explains why:

It's not the fault of the student if he/she fails, because the year ONLY has 365 days.
Typical academic year for a student:

1. Sundays - 52 Sundays in a year, you know Sundays are for rest. Days left: 313.

2. Summer holidays - 50 when the weather is very hot and difficult to study. Days left: 263.

3. 8 hours daily sleep - 130 days GONE. Days left: 141.

4. 1 hour for daily playing- (good for health) equals 15 days. Days left: 126.

5. 2 hours daily for food & other delicacies (chewing properly & swallowing) - equals 30days. Days left: 96.

6. 1 hour for talking (humans are social animals) - equals 15 days. Days left: 81.

7. Exam days - per year at least 35 days. Days left 46.

8. Quarterly, half yearly and festival holidays - 40 days. Days left: 6.

9. For sickness - at least 3 days. Days left: 3.

10. Movies and functions- at least 2 days. 1 day left.

11. That 1 day is your birthday. How can you study on that day!?

Balance = 0

"How can a student pass!?"

Again, please do take this joke open-heartedly, like the joke about why not having a girlfriend is cool entry, ok?


One down, four more to go.
How now? I'm anywhere but low....



Love & Peace!~


BC?

The Fall.

I was visited by Justin and SherMayne just now. After checking up on my condition and a session of chatting (and affection), they left my house towards the legit DVD store in Sri Petaling. What happened to me?

I fell and bumped my head.

Before anyone of you readers go haywire and all worrying about me, let me just ensure you; i'm fine. This is what actually happened yesterday:

I was at UKRC, leading the Captain Ball game. About ten or so youths turned up, as not only did some of us had exams coming up, thesis to complete or were to tired to play, but the rainy weather didn't permit many to come. The short game however, ended abruptly and unmotivatedly those my group was leading. Perhaps the lack of players and the muddy, slippery fields affected those playing.

Then, most of us turned to playing basketball. And that's when it happened. When playing on the wet court barefooted, i must have somehow lost my footing and slipped. Thus, i hit the ground on my back like a meteor hitting earth. At that point, i couldn't recall what happened since we played Captain Ball, or how Easter was then. But as i slowly recall and talked to the others, memories came back one by one. I could recall my full name, my password for my e-mail accounts and blog accounts, and where i stayed and how to get back home. That's good news!

I asked if i blacked out and they said i didn't. Strange enough, as i thought at the point my whole body hit the floor and getting up, everything was dark and blurry to me.

As the day was darkenning, i sent Johnathan Chia back, and later drove back home. As i parked my car, my head, back and butt hurts. Plus, i was feeling fatigue. I then decided to sleep awhile in the car.

By 10 pm, i woke up and entered the house. Smallville began. I was still giddy and tired from the ordeal. Took a shower after that and hit the sag.

Thank God for His protection over me, that i didn't feel nausea, vomited or fainted after falling down. Or did i get myself into an accident while driving back home. I'm really thankful for that. Today as i woke up, the headache's gone, but the pain in the tail bone still lingers there and my back aches a little.

Rowen advised me to visit the doctor and get a scan. So did SherMayne. In addition to that, she told me about this handsome guy she knew who fell while playing basketball and was admitted to the hospital. To cut the story short, he came out of come couple of days back and is semi-paralysed! It's freaky, as he was a bassist in his church as well.

I guess God's hands were really protecting me. I'm just to afraid to imagine what would happened if i really fall into a coma, lose my memories, or worse, become a vegetable! Thougts of unable to play the bass guitar, move around freely and being disabled has the ability to bring me down in tears.

I pray that this fall didn't do anymore harm than just a backache. I'm thankful and blessed to have a God who not only became flesh, died and rose up from the grave so that we may have eternal life, but has the ability to perfrom miracles, change lives and protects us with His blood.

I pray that that other bassist will recover from his fall soon. And i believe that God has a divine plan for him, somehow.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

From Friday Till Today.

It's raining now. It was as if the heavens were crying in commemoration of the day Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The day the Messiah was nailed on the tree so that we can have eternal life.

Anyway later today, there'll be a Youth Combined meeting in church to celebrate Good Friday. Today's event would be like the usual casual ones we have once every month, but we'll be watching a film; as Justin stated last week.

Speaking of last week, let me just give you a glimpse of what has happened from the last Friday till today;

FRIDAY (07/04/2006)
No classes on that day. At night, not only did i played the bass guitar for Youth Combined meeting, but played an impromptu role for the guest speaker, Lemuel. Apparently, his youth who were supposed to be in the skit couldn't make it, so the guys like Edwin, Daniel Loo, Sean and i had to fill in the space lah.

Lemuel (I wished i've asked for his surname, and if he's a pastor or not.) This is the same dude who worship led at HUGE Camp 2005 with the Christmas cap! Two thumbs up for this dude!

The sermon, entitled "Perfectly Imperfect" talks about how we always want to be someone else as we are not satisfied we the way we look. We yearn to be like some celebrity or popstar, till we're addicted to makeovers; always feeling discontented.

However, God has created us perfectly, uniquely. It's just that we're blinded by the problems around us and we fail to acknowledge that fact. And no matter how much we change our appearance, if you have a problem within, it'll just leak out.

What's God's plan for us?
(A)cknowledge God's wonderful plan for your life.
(B)elieve God is the source of a true makeover.
(C)hoose God's way always.

By the way, Oliver's and Julius' birthday was on this day.




"... err, and I like Pokemon cards as well!" said Edwin, in a scene from the skit. Hey, we just follow whatever that's been penned down on that script.








SATURDAY (08/04/2006)
Attended the last class for the Semester and handed in the final assignment. Though i was late for Journalism 2, i managed to come into the class with the commentary piece and got tips for the finals.

Bought Oliver's and Julius' presents after class.


SUNDAY (09/04/2006)
Attended second service as i woke up late. At least, got Ernest to tag along as well. Practiced the music presentation for Easter next Sunday and rushed of for lunch. We didn't want to be late for the Leader's forum at 2:15 pm.

Was off to UKRC for a game of CAPTAIN BALL. Loss to the other team, 10 - 8, as the first four points of the opposing team was contributed by my carelessness. I guess the bigger your pride, the louder and harder you fall.

But i don't focus on winning each time i play; it's the elements of teamwork and fun that everyone should be looking into. But winning enhances those elements.


MONDAY (10/04/2006)
Watched V FOR VENDETTA with Sui Li and John Reuben in Mid-Valley. After watching it again, it still impresses me! It had witty quotes, superb action sequences the Wachowski brothers can deliver and i can't get Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture out of my head!

The movie was awesome!

"Behind this mask... is more flesh. Behind this mask... is an idea... and ideas are bulletproof."

V, from V for Vendetta

TUESDAY(11/04/2006)
Chilling and skating with the youths in Sunway Pyramid! From 12 to 5 pm, we skated, had lots of fun and skated some more. The guys just breezed through the ice, while the girls needed us guys to assist them. So, half the time, we were helping those who did not have skating feet, so to speak, and thought them how to ice-skate properly. Some learnt, while others struggled.

I enjoy ice-skating after not being in the rink for ages. But i couldn't be as good as Daniel or Abigail. I can't skate backwards!

Legs ached, what more as they were still recovering from CAPTAIN BALL.


WEDNESDAY (12/04/2006)
Downloaded a GBA emulator and a few game ROMs. Got hooked to KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES. Enjoyed playing KINGDOM HEARTS on PS2 two years ago, and wanted to know more about what happened to Sora, Goofy and Donald before the English version of KINGDOM HEARTS 2 comes out on PS2.

Got addicted to it as i played it all day long.


THURSDAY (13/04/2006)
Went to campus to enquire about my Industrial Attachment. It's comfirmed, i'm not going to THE STAR. I'm going to the bigger star, THE SUN. And i still need to find out if they accept dudes with long hair.

Got the results for ADVERTISING COPYWRITING and JOURNALISM 2. Did quite well compared to others. But i should perform well in my finals.

Downloaded FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE and LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE MINISH CAP roms. Got addicted to LEGEND OF ZELDA as well. Didn't really start on FF, as i know it's a really long game!


FRIDAY (14/04/2006)
Stuck here in front of the PC, updating this blog. I need to study soon!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Boogie Woogie Bing Bang.

Handed in my last assignment today.
Attended my last tutorial class today.
The study break officially starts today.
Celebrated Oliver's and Julius' birthday yesterday (They are brothers born on the same day, different year! Brings a whole new meaning to birth control.)
Still having a cold from completing yesterday's assignment.
Handed in four different assignment for three different subjects this week.
Played the bass guitar for Youth Combined yesterday.
Played an impromptu role for the guest speaker during the meeting yesterday.
Had BBQ/Steamboat dinner with the CF members near Wisma FGA two nights ago.
Was in the same printing shop for three days this week.
Going for church tomorrow.
Will be playing CAPTAIN BALL in the evening tomorrow.
Will be sitting for my exam in less than two weeks.
Might be going for ice-skating with the youths on Tuesday.
Must watch V for Vendetta again.
Might enter a more meaningful entry tomorrow night.
Need to sleep NOW.
Need to depend on God everyday!

Night.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

It hurts, i know.

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Romans 5:3-5

This scripture reading was taken from my devotional reading last week, and it has a significant meaning to me the past week. (FYI: Reading in the car before going out for classes/work helps you through the day!)

Like a good shepherd breaking the leg of a wandering lamb, somethings God puts us in hardship. Broken relationships, losses, frustration are laid in our path, and we ask ourselves,

"What does God has against me?"
"Does He loves seeing His people suffer?"
"Why do good people die early?"

Thus, we grow bitter and turn our backs at God.

But it's not the suffering that God wants us to know; it's the lessons from it. What can you learn from a relationship that's lost? What can you see beyond the death of a love one? These are the stuff that God wants us to focus upon. What doesn't kills you, just makes you stronger. And we should be like that. Picking up the pieces and moving on with your purposed-driven life. A fufilled wonderful life that He has promised each and everyone of us.


"Speak to me,
When all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along"

Extracts from Move Along, The All-American Rejects

These past few weeks, i've witness many people breaking down, physically, mentally and spritually right before my eyes. Matters that seem trivial to others caused them to break down in tears, feeling frustrated and losing focus. At times, i couldn't do anything much but being there with them. Being a friend for them.

I personally thank God for Him being in my life, as He comforts me whenever i'm in sticky situations, He calms me to think rationally and He puts the smile on my face when things around me is gloomy.

I believe i need God in my life everyday. My walk with Him should be constant, and may i learn more, for my legs were broken by the Shepherd in many occasions. I believe we all need God in our lives everyday.


"God can You hear me
I need You here tonight
I'm tired of pretending that everything's alright
And I know, I know that You hold tomorrow
But I need You here tonight"

Taken from God Can You Hear Me, Tait

Love & Peace!~


BC?