Innerflame's Palette of Colours

The journey back

2009-02-24T19:53:00.001+08:00

It has been so long since I blogged that I do not know where to start. To be honest, I could not even remember my User ID or my password initially. It has been far too long since I have had found the urge to say anything of worth that needed to be cleared out of the deepest reaches of my gut and soul.

Now, as I look back and read my old posts, memories come flooding back like water bursting through the embankments of the most volatile river. But strangely, I live these memories as a third person. I can remember seeing myself there, doing the things I have done (good and bad), feeling the glory and pain but not really experiencing it in the first person. It feels like I am watching a movie where I play a role as myself. It is strange, I admit, even for my standards.

These same fingers now, feel different, as they dance across my new keyboard. I feel different. I guess that is what time and age does to people.

Anyway, it is of utmost peculiarity to me that I dreamt I was back in the UK again last night. It has been years since I have had that dream. I was back in Oxford, in my dorm, but it was empty bar 2 strangers whose name I obviously do not know. I can remember feeling terribly cold and alone. I remember wearing a thick coat and shorts. SHORTS???!!! That’s right, I have finally lost all sanity that even my dreams are absurd. It actually felt EXACTLY like the first time I woke up in my room to a snowy day.

The only difference now is I woke up to a rainy day and a really high-powered air-conditioned room. Still alone in my dark room wishing that life was just a dream that I could sleep away.

Any psychologists out there willing to give a prognosis?

Oh well…I’m back, for now.

History

2007-10-19T13:53:00.000+08:00

I always enjoyed my history lessons though not necessarily my history teacher. Well, my history teacher was a whole story by itself and in a million ways is a nightmare (perhaps in the scale of WW2 in the terms of my personal history). The way she pronounced famous names like Napoleon Bonaparte still leaves me shuddering in my blanket. However, that is a tale for some other day.

A lot of people find history boring and dare I say it – USELESS! Ok. I’m not one of these people. History for me is full of color (ok...grey is still a color nonetheless). I still remember the INVINCIBLE ARSENAL lose for the first time after going on a 49 match unbeaten run or the first time I first flicked through the pages of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. Ok..ok…granted that is not important history to most of us but it is important to me personally. So, in that perspective history isn’t too boring.

And is history useless? It apparently is if you never learn or get inspiration from them. Perhaps our Angkasawan derived his inspiration from Neil Armstrong? Or perhaps our A1 driver, Alex Yoong got his inspiration from Prost or Schumi. Or perhaps I got my inspiration from Lord Denning (probably not!)? And haven’t we learnt from the follies of old? We learn from Hitler that from extremism there can be only a great potential for tragedy and disaster. We have also learned from people like Lincoln that in the face of great adversity there is still a way to great achievements.

But, perhaps what the Malaysian public wants to know is how is it that we never learned from the story of the Titanic? She was unspoiled by the seas, a virgin in that regard and yet the seas claimed her and ravaged her and left her sunk in the deep abyss of his wet belly. We all know of this sad story and yet even now we have not learned from it. If we had, probably something more could have been done to ensure the safety of the passengers of the ferry that was set ablaze only recently. Why was the crew not prepared for a disaster? Why was the ferry still in commission when it did not have a permit? History may be useless but if we had only learnt about the story of the Titanic maybe the loved ones of the deceased of this tragedy will not have so many “why” to ask. Why wasn’t there enough life jackets? Why did these innocent tourists have to die?

My answer?

->Because we find history BORING

5 ways to identify a chambering student in msia

2007-10-13T19:18:00.000+08:00

A person is a chambering student if:

1. He complains about getting low pay

2. He complains that he is feeling insignificant especially if he is made to xerox a 1000 copies of case notes

3. He complains of feeling eternally tired and stressed out especially if he is doing litigation.

4. He complains that he never has the time to "chill out" anymore.

5. He complains that his gf or family complains that they never see him anymore and that they expect a mountain from him financially.

6. He thinks that studying wasn't such a bad thing to do afterall.

7. He has to eat mix rice and ice chinese tea (which tastes like drain water) because he can't really afford anything else.

Note:
1. The list is not mutually exclusive and is most likely not exhaustive
2. And like Rudy and JJ from HITZ FM Says "NOW YOU KNOW"!

Here....Learn YOUR RIGHTS

2007-09-17T02:28:00.000+08:00

I’ve been asked by some of my friends recently to blog about the law like other law students do. Although I find it perfectly understable for law students to blog about the laws governing them, I often abstain from doing so for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most compelling reason is that in this country some people of major influence only want to hear what they like to hear and if you don’t speak (or blog) in the same manner, serious repercussions may await you! So, without going further, I will end the matter there. But, there are quite a lot of enthusiastic law students out there who have and will blog about the law inter alia Weng Tchung and Lay Hun and you can access their blog through my blog list located to the right of the shoulders of my page.

However, without dissapointing you, my readers, from time to time, I will make an exception to the general rule about not blogging about the law provided that I feel the post will bring some substantial benefit to the lay person sitting in the (not so) Rapid KL bus. Therefore, here, I will attempt to furnish you with the rights that you have upon an arrest by the police.

Remember these acronyms for they may (or may not) serve you well in times of need : GLS 24 (G- grounds of arrest, L- Legal Representation, S- Right to remain silent, 24- the arrested person shall be brought before a Magistrate within 24 hours)

1. Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution: Where a person is arrested he shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of his arrest and shall be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.

(Therefore, if you ever have the misfortune of being arrested, you have the right to be told of the grounds of your arrest as provided by Article 5. You also may consult a lawyer of your choice and it is clear from the decision in OCCI Kedah- Perlis v Ooi Ah Phua, that if the police had refrained you from consulting your lawyer the ‘onus is upon the police to prove that they are reasonable in doing so’.)

2. Article 5(4) of the Federal Constitution: Where a person is arrested and not released he shall without unreasonable delay, and in any case within twenty-four hours (excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate and shall not be further detained in custody without the magistrate's authority:

Provided that this Clause shall not apply to the arrest or detention of any person under the existing law relating to restricted residence, and all the provisions of this Clause shall be deemed to have been an integral part of this Article as from Merdeka Day.

(Article 5(4) is self explanatory. If you have had your rights infringed it is important that you know that you may seek to apply for a writ of habeas corpus to set yourself free from this illegal detention)

3. S.113 of the CPC: You have a right to remain silent after a caution has been administered (also self explanatory)

Hope this helps! This post was written at 2.15 am on 17/9/2007 mostly out of memory and therefore out of sheer weariness there may be some minor errors here and there though I believe in substance is it correct.

(Btw, as far as I know, to all my friends who watch legal based series like Ally McBeal, Boston Legal etc, there is no such right as a right to a phone call!Well, at least none provided by the law in Malaysia!)

Man’s best friend & the dog’s worst nightmare

2007-09-13T21:11:00.000+08:00

Recently, one of the local municipal councils staged a competition to round up and catch stray dogs. Wow... bravo! Whenever I think that we can’t possibly sink to a new level, some one just tries their best to prove me wrong and make me eat humble pie!

I’m now dining over the said pie with more than a tear on my face. I shouldn’t be too surprised after all. We have a poor record of caring for other species besides our own and even then we continue to alienate even our own species through stringent criterias like skin color and race! I’m not a religious man. But, if I’m a person who believes in karma, I would strongly suggest to all those out there reading this blog, to abstain from participating on such competitions or any other of the same kind. I know it may be hard when there are numerous rewards for shooting a crow, or trapping a dog, or catching some monkeys and often these rewards are monetary in nature. However, I appeal to the human in YOU, to see and to realise that this is just WRONG.

The local municipal is taking the easy way out by letting others do their job. BUT, how many of us can show compassion to God’s other creatures? From my personal observation, not many people in Malaysia delight in caring for dog’s. As a matter of fact, they get more joy by stoning them to death. I have seen many sadist like these and I surely hope that YOU there behind the monitor is not one of them. Some people think that their religion forbids them to have any love for the our four legged friends. I think that any religion that actively indulges in other being's suffering is wrong or most likely just misinterpreted by man for their own fancy!

To some of us, the dog is man’s best friend.

To the dog, some of us is the dog’s worst nightmare.

What has happened to us?

2007-08-06T02:16:00.000+08:00

When I was in High School, I studied in one of the top 10 schools in Malaysia for the STPM. My teachers constantly reminded us of our very illustrious alumni and were relentless in making it clear that it was our responsibility to carry the torch (so to speak) and bring good name to the school. I was very proud then to be studying in that school (and I still am) although it was very difficult and at times bordering on the impossible to keep these demanding teachers happy. They demanded for the best and they were not going to accept anything less. In that sense, I would like to think that the education I received there helped me become a more determined person and driven to achieve my goals. I would also like to think that at this relatively early stage some of us have already shown that we are more than capable to join the illustrious list of ‘old boys’ sooner rather than later. As my Economics teacher once said “you’re the leaders of the future and in you Malaysia will put its trust” (although granted, he said it in a mixture of BM and English).

However, lately after my suffering with the CLP has abated for the moment, I have been able to keep in touch with some long lost friends. Besides the usual stories of A is getting married or C is now pregnant with her 2nd child, there were more pressing and in my opinion sad news! Maybe a lot of friends of my batch are now reasonable success in their own right and in that sense has succeded in bringing good repute to the already dignified reputation of the school, but, a number of them have already indicated that they are not willing to continue their struggles in this country anymore.

As an example, one of my friends P, who was one of the brighter ones in my class, is already planning a permanent rendezvous to the UK. He is currently working in one of the BIG 4 Accounting Firms and I would like to think is earling good wages. However, it has never escaped my attention that he is growingly dissastisfied with the conditions here. I once asked him, why did he want to migrate to the UK when he has never even been there. His reply was bitter.

“Anywhere will do but here!”

Another example is L, who has just graduated with a good degree from the top university in Malaysia. He was once the most cheerful among us and was also a very good student in his own right. Now he is an engineer back in our hometown. However, he too has been feeling more and more resentment towards his country of birth. This once cheerful person is now always burdened by a frown and the occasional scowl.

What has happened to my friends? These are only just a few of the many where I have encountered growing disdain for the country. I, myself, for reasons better not disclosed, have considered with more than a passing interest the feasibility of leaving this country. I have once decided to spurn the temptations of staying in the UK only to come back here and feel very unwanted and deprived and helpless. Will I finally decide to follow my parents footsteps and decide that the country of my birth shall also be the country where I will finally be buried? Truthfully, I DO NOT KNOW.

There must be a reason why all these young bright men and women feel that they have to leave their own country to find happiness. The PM has issued a threat that those who renounce their citizenship will not get it back. But, perhaps they do not want it back?

Then it seems imperative that we find out why all these people want to leave. Have they lost a sense of belonging? And if yes, how do we tell them this is indeed home? That is a question that I can’t answer but it seems many these days do not seem to even bother anymore!

CHEAPBUY

2007-04-16T11:04:00.000+08:00

Remember that lecturer I told you about that can’t pronounce words properly? Just yesterday fate decided to test him again. He had to pronounce the word “CHEAPBUY Sdn Bhd”. Why don’t you guess how the word CHEAPBUY came out? Safe to say the whole class erupted in laughter before he finally saw the point. Sigh …

Mighty pen

2007-03-12T14:31:00.000+08:00

I'm fairly cynical when people keep saying that the pen is mightier then the sword. Please...please I'm sure you understand my reasons where in the modern world money speaks volumes (corruption), violence gets things done (terrorism) and dictatorship is the order of the day (Censorship Board). However, lately I've come to the conclusion that one man has proven me wrong: He is Prof. Azmi Sharom from the Law Faculty of University Malaya. His articles in the Star Newspapers speak highly of his courage to touch on sensitive and often controversial issues without fear and while maintaining his poise and rational arguments. Many lesser men have often resorted to more questionable methods to relay their message across the spectrum of the community. Some find the need to spread lies, some see the necessity of waving a kris while others jail bloggers and try to establish Mat Skoding squads. It is interesting how people try to change and spark a paradigm shift in society. Although the reach of his pen may be limited especially since it is not known how many people see the quite blatant message that he conveys from his well informed views (some choose to ignore while others simply are too daft/stubborn to WANT to see the message) but he has made me a fan! Truly I hope the day will come that the ones to be respected in society are not the ones with the fatter wallets or the handsome countenance but the one with the mighty pen.

Now Prof. Azmi, will you please write your views on the current CLP fiasco next?

Mind your English

2007-03-12T14:27:00.000+08:00

It's amazing how I've become almost a first hand witness of the deficiency of the English language within the Malaysian society. Sure, no one can claim to have the skills necessary to speak or write perfect English and I would not like to delve into the murky debates about the merits of Manglish BUT I simply can’t understand how certain people especially the ones who are SUPPOSED to possess GOOD proficient English just contrive to humour me with their inadequacies. I used to feel awfully vexed when older citizens of our country who had once upon a time ago endured colonialism (but came out of it enamoured with better English proficiency) keep on lamenting the dwindling standards of our English proficiency. Now, as certain as this next declaration will be marked as a sign of age, I can only say this: I TRULY SHARE THEIR CONCERNS.

First, before others criticize me for this common rant among the English speaking community of Malaysia, let me explain that I've a fairly tolerable attitude towards those in the community who speak fair English. I understand that not many in our country are based in English medium backgrounds so it's perfectly comprehensible that their language proficiency in the Queen's tongue is prejudiced as a result. I, myself have to admit my incompetent ability to speak Mandarin or other Chinese dialects of any known recognition and am deeply sorry about it. However, there are certain people in the community that you just HAVE TO expect that they will not let you down with their poor standards of English inter alia I would include law lecturers in this category. Again, let me reiterate that the bar that I have set for language standards are moderate and probably bordering to the lower base then the higher ceiling.

Therefore, let me highlight some alarming mistakes from my lecturers that I have had to endure since my first day in law school in Malaysia.

1.When I was in a college in PJ for my LLB, we had a tutor who was a practicing lawyer. For heavens sake, her pronunciation itself of English words would have you think that you were in the wrong class because they were hardly comprehensible. The highlight of her lectures was when she had this to say: “…the ship was traveling during World War 2 so it got bombed and DROWNED..” to which I could not help myself in remarking that “ the ship must have SUNK first before it DROWNED eh?”. Sigh...sometimes I just should learn to shut up. I pity the ship the least although it was a casualty of war. I had to reserve my deepest sympathy to myself for having to endure the rest of the year keeping my laughter in check and the MOST sympathy to the majority of my class who did not even realise the lecturer's fallacies.

2. When I went to England it was like a return ticket trip to heaven. Majority of the people actually spoke rather then gibber although they cackled rather than laughed! Now when I’m back in Malaysia for my CLP again I’m facing HELL not only on the account that the CLP is probably the most difficult/arduous/laborious examination that I’m going to face in my life thus far BUT also on the account that I have to be extra awake during what is an already tiring 6 hour classes because my lecturer does not know how to pronounce his words PROPERLY. For example, ‘seizure’ is pronounced as CAESAR, ‘be sued’ as BISU, ‘as old’ as ASSHOLE,'Rylands' as RAYLAND, ‘statute’ as STATUE, ‘Pirelli’ as PILELLI, ‘appropriate’ as AHPOPRIATELY and ‘Brunei’ as BERUNAI among others. As a matter of fact I truly enjoy it when he begins to boast because he starts his sentence like this: “You DOES NOT know how bad some people speak English”.

The irony is....sadly I DO!

Short snippets of concern

2007-01-23T00:39:00.000+08:00

Arsenal's (unexpected) victory over Man United:

I just can't understand how some of the supposedly well educated CLP students in class reacted to Man Utd’s loss yesterday. Some people jeered me as I entered the class because I donned an Arsenal jersey. It seems that in Malaysia it is perfectly normal for a Man Utd fan to gloat all he wants about club glory but not other club fans to merely wear their club colors. A ‘friend’ (quite a loosely used word these days) from my days at KDU actually told me to F&^% OFF after I tried to be nice and said “HI”

I've heard about sore losers but this has surely brought it to a new level! Btw, I'm not sorry I'm a Gunner and I'm sure not sorry we thrashed ur RED DEVIL RED ASS!

"One Arsene Wenger there's only one Arsene Wenger....one Arsene Wenger...."

LRT scenario:

As usual on my way to college, they were a few interesting things to observe from other people in the LRT. In this case, it involved a group of Australian tourists and a guide from Malaysia. When we reached the Kerinchi stop, the guide (whom I'm quite sure has quite poor knowledge of KL) said that 'herein lies the biggest shopping mall in KL'. I thought I was 'direction blind' in KL! Unless there really is a HUGE mall at Kerinchi I don't see where that remark came about. And when we finally came to view of the Mid-Valley Mega-Mall she pointed out enthusiastically to the Aussies the 'best mall in Malaysia'. Safe to say that her Aussie friends were hardly interested to even take a peek!

Lesson of the day for our Tourism Board-
1.Huge malls don't attract that much tourists as you think they do!
2.Beautiful scenery and cultural edifices on the other hand does. The national flood just goes to show how poor our town planning is and what must be done to improve our drainage system and the quality of our environment as a whole. Actually it came as no surprise to me that statistics actually show that there is a DECREASE in tourist arrivals compared to the same time last year!

“Bitchin”:

Another interesting thing that came up while I was talking with one of my former KDU friends now doing the CLP is that she came to the observation that a number of people 'like to bitch behind other people's back'. Apparently the generalization that only girls do the gossiping is no more of much use in today's world where we have equality of the sexes and metro sexual guys.

In the good old days, when men had to resolve issues they had a duel either through the wild wild west style of gunning each other to death or the more dignified sword fight. Today, it seems, the way to get to your hated ones' nerve is to BITCH about his dress style, his poor English accent or simply his looks. I even heard the comment that there was this one guy who was bitching about another GUY'S ASS where it seemed that it was not toned well enough!! Gosh…in my view that is just SO WRONG for SO MANY REASONS!

Of course to settle any disputes I would prefer a negotiation table. But, if I had a choice to settle an argument either by gossiping about someone with the hope that he is irritated to death OR a duel…by God please hand me a sword!

Malaysian Open Glory

2007-01-23T00:36:00.000+08:00

Bravo to Tan-Koo for their win! I have to say that for once in a long time we seem to have badminton players of real world beating quality and due credit must be given to this young pair. I'm not too enamored though with the quality of commentary provided by RTM's Hasbullah Awang. I have to say that he did not seem to know much about the basics of the badminton with him often giving wrong views of line calls or shots. Furthermore, I thought he seemed to be overly critical of Malaysian players for no apparent reason. At one point in the 2nd game, he even remarked 'mungkin mereka hilang focus kerana nak balik cepat kot'. Such poor level of commentary surely marred what was a very good win!

Distasteful

2006-12-15T13:20:00.000+08:00

Here I am in a Cybercafe at 1.21pm to check mails and NOT intending to blog until my concentration is so rudely intruded by the pricks sitting around me.

The reason I'm so angry, justified or not, is because they are making fun and joking and laughing at the ill fated tragedy which caused the death of the S.Korean athelete at the Doha Asian Games. How can anyone have so much joy at the thought of another person's death? It is such a shame that we have people like these around!!

The funny thing is everytime I come to the cybercafe, they are here, all dressed smartly as if going to work but probably making a detour here to enjoy their daily dose of online games. I'm just gobsmacked...I need to relax....

Letter to Santa

2006-12-07T16:02:00.000+08:00

Dear Santa,

I think I have been relatively good this year in light of the tough circumstances. Petrol prices have gone up and toll charges are GOING up soon. I know there is no way you can bring them down. Although we keep criticizing our neighbours from the south, it looks like we are slowly adopting their ‘kiasu’ culture which we so vehemently condemn.
All I want for X-Mas isn’t too much. I would like:

a) Our government to practice good governance. I’m talking about a cleaner and transparent government. Frankly, I’m sick to the bones with just being paid lip service. All these racial politics is not helping either. They, the politicians, seem to be shortsighted to the potential dangers of their antics. When others talk about peaceful forums, our leaders immediately bring up how sensitive the issue is. Usually when the word ‘sensitive’ is invoked publicly, another step from the people would result in them enjoying their new uniforms of black and white stripes. Our local authority is a source of constant shame. Those in Klang build illegal structures without approval whereas those in Melaka try their best to destroy priceless national heritage to build revolving towers and shopping malls. Now we even have the local council in Kota Bharu introducing dress codes for the public. It is no wonder that we keep voting for the present government all these while. It is the lesser of 2 evil isn’t it? Or would you rather cover yourself from head to toe in our beautiful hot scorching tropical weather?

b) Cultivate better driving practices among our road users. First, the Mat Rempit menace has become cancerous. They are now so bold that they even attack the police. Looks like any talk of rehabilitating them would be pointless. Secondly, the crazy drivers we have on the streets. It would seem that it is the norm for drivers here to have some sort of driving anomaly either he/she would persistently ignore red lights, tailgate, or speed along narrow and winding roads. The accidents along the LDP are always a daily affair. The only thing I can’t understand is why the police are not doing anything to curb the illegal parking along major roads like around Sunway Pyramid. These irresponsible people are making driving extremely hazardous just because they don’t give a crap about where they park their vehicles.

c) Malaysians to be more polite. We keep bragging to others about how warm and polite people we are. Firstly, bragging in itself is poor manners. As a matter of fact, despite our chest thumping ‘Malaysia Boleh’, not many others think we are as polite as who we think we are (Anyone remember the result of a survey not too long ago?). When I was traveling in Europe, I remembered feeling very happy in some places as you can start a pleasant conversation with a lot of people on the streets itself. I remembered going up a bus in Edinburgh and asking directions to my bed ‘n’ breakfast on Willowbrae Road and the driver answered me in the most polite way he could or talking to the janitor in a tube station in London where even then we could strike some quite enjoyable common banter. Here, just the other day I accidentally called a wrong number and this is what was spewed by the other person on the line:

“Siapa ni? Saya orang Melayu! Saya tak tahu cakap English. Salah nombor la!”

With the risk that some people here would become SENSITIVE, I have to say, I felt angry after having that exchange of conversations however brief, but I finally comforted myself by telling myself that the other on the line was having a horrible day (probably because he is did not listen to his teacher during English classes and is now a drug addict) or he just got back from (another failed) job interview.

I think that is it for now. On a personal note I would also hope that you would somehow help me in giving me a pass in my CLP. It is already one of the toughest examinations in Malaysia and there’s no way to ascertain where I went wrong if I did (knock on wood zealously) fail to pass my exams. Again a lack of transparency which seemingly to me is also a Malaysian way of life.

Thanks for listening to my bitter worries. I’m sure you will make it better.

-Innerflame, your friendly nextdoor ‘kid’-

VISIT US....WE R TRULY UNIQUE

2006-11-15T12:44:00.000+08:00

Just the other day, a friend of mine told me she wanted to go to Thailand for a holiday. I asked her why not visit Malaysia instead as in my mind Malaysia has more to offer. After thinking it through, besides the beautiful historical buildings in Melaka (which may not be so historical for too long when a modern tower spurts out beside them), the modern shopping malls of KL and the amazing beaches of Redang Island we have so much more to offer then our neighbours to the north, don’t we?

Do they have Mat Rempits terrorizing their road users?

Do they have one of the highest fatalities in road accidents? Now just look at that! We memang BOLEH. For just yesterday, I was almost run down by a car at Brickfields while crossing the road from KL Sentral. I was walking on the zebra crossing and the green pedestrian lights were flicking madly, I could still make it (I thought) until a crazy driver decided to speed through against the red light almost killing me in the process. Fishtail was right. No one cares about zebra crossings here. We already know that most drivers in Malaysia are colour blind too.

Furthermore, I will have to warn her to wear jeans so that our CCTVs will not focus on her pretty legs. You just never know how ‘she could be asking’ for it! I may also try to bring her to Istana Datuk Z, heard that was pretty beautiful too!

I wonder whether I could put her up at one of those councilor bungalows in Shah Alam. I heard not many of those are occupied and one of the councilors actually made his house into a guest house!

Are there anymore ways of enticing my beautiful English friend to Malaysia? Do let me know!

Irrelevant questions

2006-11-09T14:32:00.000+08:00

I get very confused when I’m asked irrelevant questions. Sometimes they sound outright silly and make me wonder why they are even asked at all. For example, a neighbour sees you and asks you what you are doing while you have a sponge full of soap and you’re wiping your car with it. Obviously there is only 1 answer: ‘I’m washing my car”. As if that could not be any clearer!

However, today as I’m filling my CLP application form. I’m facing another irrelevant question. The many people involved came out saying that no quota whatsoever is imposed on the CLP candidates which means there is no racial quota (which I may add is the right thing to do). But, there is question in my form which begs a serious question. It asks me of my ‘bangsa’ (race). Surely the correct answer to that question is Malaysia. Somehow I do not think that whoever reading my form will be too happy with that answer though. Doesn’t it sound strange that after saying there’s no quota and the Government’s many efforts to make and create a MALAYSIAN race, we are still forced to answer an irrelevant question?

A Sensitive Bunch

2006-11-06T15:23:00.000+08:00

I realise that we, Malaysians, as a group of people are quite a sensitive bunch especially so when something is being put to question. It seems that no matter how legitimate the intention of the question is, we will still somehow manage to see it in a negative light. Quite how this is becoming a trend in our society I do not assume to comprehend.

So far the controversial issue of the Klang Municipal Councilors abusing their powers is slowly ebbing away. However, when the reports were initially rife in the mass media, the people involved (namely the councilors themselves) became utterly sensitive to the issue at hand. Many fingers were pointed to many different alleged wrong parties and at the strong protests of innocence that they pleaded, one would have been forgiven to accept the illusion that they were indeed free from such allegation and even sympathise with their predicament. They became too sensitive until they lost track of the objective at hand. They were indeed wrong when they breached the law by not submitting their building plans to the local authorities. Since this issue is now almost settled after the timely intervention of the Sultan of Selangor, I would hope that it will finally now be laid to rest. But, just imagine if the Sultan was himself taking a very personal look at this issue, this issue would probably never have found a solution. This in itself shows the significance of a calm head and it speaks a thousand words about the wisdom of our Ruler to come out and defuse.

Another issue close to my heart is the fiasco surrounding the CLP examinations. When I was in my cold lecture rooms in Oxford, I was repeatedly told that 'justice must not only be done but be seen to be done'. At that time, I thought it was common sense and never could understand why it was repeatedly fed to us time and time again. Now I know why!

Many people have gone on to request more transparency in the marking of the CLP paper. Candidates of the CLP have been vocal with what they feel is injustice by denying them any form of transparency in the marking of the CLP papers. I on my part can feel their frustration. The Attorney General of Malaysia has gone on record commenting that the papers were marked by distinct people of the legal fraternity and there is no merit in doubting their integrity. I wholeheartedly agree with our Attorney General. But, I feel he is not answering the question at hand. No one thus far has doubted the integrity of the markers. All they want is some semblance of transparency so they can know if the markers did go wrong and if they did not, then it will definitely serve the purpose of showing the candidates themselves what they had erred and hopefully help them correct these weaknesses. The markers themselves although undisputedly respected icons of the legal fraternity are only human and are thus susceptible to mistakes. There is a Malay saying: ‘bumi mana yang tidak di timpa hujan’ which simply translates that no one is perfect. I believe there is no malice in this request for transparency. Indeed, justice must be seen to be done as only then will people have confidence in the legal system.

I would offer some minor suggestions in the sincere hope that it will benefit the nation and satisfy both our aspiring lawyers and our current Bar Council.

1. There must be some scrutiny on the providers of the CLP. It can’t possibly be true that every time the poor passing rate of the CLP is published, outsiders will ultimately blame the quality of the students. It is not true anymore that CLP students are law students who failed to enter the Bar Exams in the UK. Many of the CLP students of today come of well respected universities and are outstanding students at degree level. The providers of the CLP must be scrutinized to ensure that the quality and scope of teaching is sufficient for a tough professional examination like the CLP.

2. There should be more transparency in the marking. The markers should release a rough marking guide so that the candidates know what is being demanded from them. Perhaps, the markers could give talks and/or seminars to the candidates so that they are aware of the passing requirements. Without giving reasons for their marking, there can’t be a proper appeal system for a candidate. Ideally there must be an appeal system as it is only fair through the course of natural justice. I may be wrong but we were always taught in law school that there should always ideally be an appeal system in any decision making to ensure that justice and fairness prevails. Once again, with the hope that this suggestion does not hurt the feelings of the powers that be, I would like to reiterate that no accusation is being made that the markers of the CLP is indeed dishonourable. I’m only suggesting that any marker can make an honest mistake.

3. My final suggestion is that the CLP examination is made compulsory to all law students including those from the public universities. I think that it is unfair to judge the quality of law students when they are not being made to sit the same examinations. The students in public universities are ideally sitting an internal examination whereas those in the CLP course undertake a much more difficult external professional examination. In no way am I suggesting that the students in the public university are inferior to those who were lucky enough to read law overseas and vice-versa. All I’m saying is that with a common examination, the public has a chance to make a choice for themselves who they are going to place their confidence on. Legal practice is a costly business these days and it is only fair that the people who fork out a large amount of money on legal consultation should get the opportunity to evaluate for themselves the quality of legal advice they are getting. This can’t be done today as our law students undertake different examinations of different scope and environment. A uniformed examination will serve to bring this dream a lot closer!

Only when we can cast our sensitivities aside and think with a calm head on our shoulders that correct decisions are usually made. Will we make the correct decision anytime soon? I can only pray that for the sake of the nation, we will make the right decision sooner rather than later.

Houses

2006-10-31T01:02:00.000+08:00

When I was young, I had dreams of living in a beautiful house with a white picket fence (would anyone dare having just a picket fence in our country? God forbid, you could have those bloody Mat Rempits stoning your house or some vandals coming over to deface your property with their ‘art’) with a plush lawn. These days I know that those dreams will remain just that…

For now I know that it is only Municipal Councilors who can dream of mansions and palaces. Ask a certain Datuk Z if you don’t believe me. Although now with all the hullabaloo arising out of the media scrutiny over his misdeeds, he seems to have received quite a slap on the wrist. But, the question remains is how many more are like him out there? There could be quite a few and judging by the initial stance of adopting the ‘sweep under the carpet’ rule, these characters will probably go unpunished unless being forcefully brought out in the open (and hung to dry) by the media. It is good that something has been done to show some semblance of fairness by rapping Datuk Z’s knuckles, but, I fear the confidence of the people as a whole has taken quite a knock. What is the damage done by an individual will only be seen in the future. The Malays themselves have a saying of this nature: “kerana nilar setitik rosak susu sedayung”.

Politicians these days seem a lil’ too brazen and cocky for their own good. Ministers go around pulling their weight and seem to expect the common citizen to accept their misdemeanor. Strangely so since they seem to forget that it is the electorate that votes them into power in the first place. Again, it is accepted that it is a select few that are being such show offs that they constantly dominate the pages of the newspapers for the utter wrong reasons. This is a frightening turn of events. With so many causes to destabilize the people’s confidence against the government of the day, it cannot be good for the nation’s progress as a whole.

However, I shudder to say more on this sensitive issue. Telephones and blogs like these are being given more scrutiny, even a post as harmless as this can be misconstrued and the author facing fearful repercussions. I want what is good for my nation and my people, but, I’m not sure anymore whether my voice matters. Maybe it is because of this reason that I have to learn more and more foreign phone numbers as my friends leave the nation feeling disappointed and looking for pastures anew overseas.

Open Letter

2006-10-30T14:28:00.000+08:00

Dear friends,

My cellular phone had the nerve to die on me during the most wanting of circumstances. As a result, I'm now left handicapped without any of your phone numbers. It will be most appreciated if you could furnish me your phone numbers either by email or text message. Thank you.

How ironic...

2006-10-10T13:38:00.000+08:00

1. that the Government claims that there isn’t sufficient funds in the coffers to give extra pay to the Police Force when it is deemed that they have enough money to upgrade the sports facilities in London.

2. that the US attacks Iraq to prevent a nuclear war when DPRK just sent a clear warning of its nuclear potency.

3. that the Environmental Minister (while sitting comfortably in his ivory tower in Putrajaya) complains about being frustrated with the haze dilemma when it is HIS job to solve it.

4. that we allow ourselves to delve into racism after so many years of national independence.

5. that France lost to Scotland (0-1) when they had just beaten the World Cup Winners Italy.

6. that a person messaged his grievances to the Star Newspaper threatening to take law into his own hands if nothing is done to the ‘killer’ of the Lau murder fiasco. It is surprising that this said person seems to know who is the killer or at least alleged killer when nothing concrete is yet available in the police investigations. If he doesn’t know who is the perpetrator and yet threatens physical harm shouldn’t that person himself/herself be warranted some extra cautious attention? (If the authorities do read this, don’t you think this person should be put in for certain surveillance. Any John Wayne/Jet Li wannabe should know that his actions have to be in the ambit of the law or we will have complete anarchy) .

7. that every time before a major sports competition we adopt the “Malaysia Boleh” attitude and so confidently declare our overwhelming confidence but after a major competition we get back with our tails between our wobbling feet, deflated, angry and immediately exercising the need to find a scapegoat.

HOW IRONIC INDEED…

My sympathies

2006-10-04T19:55:00.000+08:00

I was just looking through my CLP study skills guide and here is what was written:

Reasoning skills:
Reasoning by analogy means reasoning from part to part

Example: Facts (Part): 1.A tortoise is slow and steady
2. Samy is like a tortoise.
Conclusion: Samy is SLOW and steady.

Suddenly I thought about the recent statement by a senior minister in a neighboring country where he allegedly accused Malaysia of marginalizing a certain racial community within the country. I can remember not so long ago a certain guy (K), who graduated from Oxford for what that’s worth, also contending that another racial community, is marginalized in Penang. However, when K uttered those inflammatory statements, he was well understood by the powers that be (who was very tolerable since K was 'misquoted') and K even justified that he was merely trying to protect the welfare of his own race. What a shame that people still look at racial politics huh? But, according to the aforesaid reasoning, then, wouldn't the senior minister also expect to receive a similar treatment?

Example: Fact: 1. K says racial community marginalized. K misquoted.
2. Senior minister says racial community marginalized.
Conclusion: Senior minister misquoted?

Unfortunately, the powers that be do not agree with this reasoning. Instead the minister is in hot soup for uttering such divisive remarks while the other guy, K just got off with less than a slap on the wrist. Hmm…looks like I'm just slow these days. I just can't see the reasoning. Someone please help me?

Dead at last

2006-10-02T21:22:00.000+08:00

I'm finally dead at last. My life as an undergraduate that is! My convocation was my last day as an undergraduate and the birth of my new life into the "REAL WORLD".

For now, I'm like a caterpillar awaiting for my transformation...

Ready or not, here I come!

Life

2006-10-02T21:16:00.000+08:00

life

Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[lahyf] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural lives /laɪvz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[lahyvz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, adjective

–noun 1. the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.
2. the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, esp. metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment.
3. the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual: to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one.
4. a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul: eternal life.
5. the general or universal condition of human existence: Too bad, but life is like that.
6. any specified period of animate existence: a man in middle life.
7. the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play: The life of the car may be ten years.
8. a living being: Several lives were lost.
9. living things collectively: the hope of discovering life on other planets; insect life.
10. a particular aspect of existence: He enjoys an active physical life.
11. the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence: His business has been his entire life.
12. a biography: a newly published life of Willa Cather.
13. animation; liveliness; spirit: a speech full of life.
14. resilience; elasticity.
15. the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle: The life of the treaty has been an increase of mutual understanding and respect.
16. a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society: So far her business life has not overlapped her social life.
17. the period or extent of authority, popularity, approval, etc.: the life of the committee; the life of a bestseller.
18. a prison sentence covering the remaining portion of the offender's animate existence: The judge gave him life.
19. anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life: She was his life.
20. a person or thing that enlivens: the life of the party.
21. effervescence or sparkle, as of wines.
22. pungency or strong, sharp flavor, as of substances when fresh or in good condition.
23. nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art: drawn from life.
24. Baseball. another opportunity given to a batter to bat because of a misplay by a fielder.
25. (in English pool) one of a limited number of shots allowed a player: Each pool player has three lives at the beginning of the game.
–adjective 26. for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong: a life membership in a club; life imprisonment.
27. of or pertaining to animate existence: the life force; life functions.
28. working from nature or using a living model: a life drawing; a life class.
—Idioms29. as large as life, actually; indeed: There he stood, as large as life. Also, as big as life.
30. come to life, a. to recover consciousness.
b. to become animated and vigorous: The evening passed, but somehow the party never came to life.
c. to appear lifelike: The characters of the novel came to life on the screen.

31. for dear life, with desperate effort, energy, or speed: We ran for dear life, with the dogs at our heels. Also, for one's life.
32. for the life of one, as hard as one tries; even with the utmost effort: He can't understand it for the life of him.
33. get a life, to improve the quality of one's social and professional life: often used in the imperative to express impatience with someone's behavior.
34. not on your life, Informal. absolutely not; under no circumstances; by no means: Will I stand for such a thing? Not on your life!
35. take one's life in one's hands, to risk death knowingly: We were warned that we were taking our lives in our hands by going through that swampy area.
36. to the life, in perfect imitation; exactly: The portrait characterized him to the life.

—Synonyms 13. vivacity, sprightliness, vigor, verve, activity, energy.

Source : http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/life

Amazing how one simple word is so elaborately defined. For me, life means waking up to a file load of CLP notes, taking the LRT to Brickfields under our scorching Malaysian weather and then sitting for hours at a time listening to my dedicated lectures trespassing my brain (although with consent) endlessly until I'm finally allowed to go home back to my disorderly appartment (through no fault of my own) and sleep.

The forgotten crossing

2006-09-20T13:28:00.001+08:00

Phew...what a tiring trip back from Europe after my graduation.

I just realised something awfully ironic though. I was in the UK and in Italy for a few days and I realised that almost everyone even the manic road users of Italy observe the ZEBRA CROSSING. I wonder if that is the answer to our Malaysian road accidents problems. IF the crazy traffic of Rome observes the rules of the ZEBRA CROSSING to allow save passage to pedestrians, will the Mat Rempits of Malaysia follow suit? Perhaps with the so called reformation, then they will? Most probably not though huh?

1/2 full

2006-08-28T18:40:00.000+08:00

The older generation keeps on commenting about how ‘fortunate’ the younger generation are. Frankly, it is only out of respect that I do not argue otherwise. Sure, we don’t face from the threat of Japanese invasion. Of course, most of us have RO/mineral/filtered/treated water (rather than water from the well [air perigi]) and air conditioned rooms to keep us healthy and comfy. But, although we are free from any Japanese bombs we are not free from other modern pre-existing threats. The modern threats to safety are too many to fathom. From the common robber/snatch thief to the IRA/Al-Qaeda/ Jemaah Islamiah/ Hezbollah we are far from safe in this century either. Maybe our standard of living has improved but at what cost? Even my grandparents agree that they have never seen so many cases of crime being reported daily in our newspapers. It has become too much of a norm that people do not even care anymore. The papers are a bringer of ill fate. I used to like reading the papers. Now, the only sections I look forward are the comics and the sports section.

As I keep getting disillusioned with the turn of events, I find that I’m not alone. Articles in the papers such as a rather good one by an Associate Professor of Law of UM showed the irony of living in such a joke like condition, so much so that he says he has to be forgiven for shedding a tear. I can’t deny I’m idealistic although much has been toned down as I grow older and realise the shackles put forth by society itself which just refuses any paradigm shift. In tough times like this, I made a point to visit my grandparents ‘just to talk’.

Somehow, I realise that talking to them always makes the world seem that lil’ bit brighter. It is people like them, with constant support, that nourishes you for the rubbish that the world has to offer. Many of us today do not know to appreciate those around us simply because of the rat race that we call modern ‘LIFE’. Perhaps linguistically it is correct for it is LIFE in a sense as the body keeps on ‘living’. It is only the soul that is ravaged by arduous demands of time. ‘Success’ has bred more success and people now always need something, that special something before another person is deserved some love or respect. It is not love/respect someone first and then hope for something in return but it seems that the mantra is to treat someone as badly as possible and if that person loves/respects you then he/she ‘deserves’ that respect.

My granddad told me about stories of old where people had no TV, where his father smoked opium, and his brothers’ only past time was to play around the well. Life seemed so simple back then. Without a care in the world they lived happily. Although people were oppressed through war and the initial unrest after the war, people knew what was most important in life and cherished it much better then we do today. I realise much of the generation of yesterday learn to look at the glass ½ full. People like Fishtail always bring a subtle aura of joy to the room he visits.

After leaving my grandparents home, I too see the glass ½ full rather then ½ empty. What a shame that the liquid inside the glass is green with filth!

P/S: The area around the Sunway Extreme Park is always a hazard to drivers as cars are parked randomly along the streets especially at night. It is quite weird to see police officers patronising the mamak stalls around the area that contribute to the problems in the first place. If the mamak stalls are taking so much space until the cause reckless endangerment to road users should they not be penalised? Apparently not! It is only a matter of time before someone sitting happily in these stalls become road kill. Does anyone know who will be responsible for averting such an inevitable disaster?

All over again!

2006-07-24T20:06:00.000+08:00

It is amazing how 2 issues has been the bane of Malaysian societies since the time of my father. The amazement stems from the fact that Malaysians in general have not learned from their past mistakes and continue to adhere to their erroneous ways without guilt or remorse

1. Ragging

The issues of university students subjected to bullying is again coming to fore. During my brief time at a public university, I was also subjected to these inhumane treatments from my seniors. We were insulted, discriminated, tortured mentally and physically all because they thought ‘it would create a better sense of camaraderie’ between the juniors and the seniors. How they intended to achieve this through bullying was beyond my comprehension.

However, the saddest thing is about how people keep justifying the merits of ragging. I keep following the issue as comments keep pouring into the columns of the national dailies. It is quite appalling that some people continue to be adamant in suggesting that it is the whistleblowers that are at fault for failing to accept these methods. They regard the victims of these bullies as failing to keep with tradition and too arrogant to accept such ‘norms’.
My argument is simple. Those who advocate ragging should be subject to some mental evaluation. It is quite obvious that bullies are people who need to put down others to feel at ease with them. I can’t understand how the victim can be at fault. University is the time of learning and discovering one’s self. But the imminent existence of ragging in our culture means this experience is tainted. It must be stopped.

If this is tradition, then I say it is a tradition we must do without!

2. Road bullies

Another issue dominating our newspapers is the constant reports about people subjected to offensive behaviour by other road users. I for one have seen many cases myself. Since I came back from the UK, I realized that there’s a stark difference in attitude among the road users in the UK and in Malaysia. I’m not blindly glorifying a foreign nation. If I had a choice, I would prefer complimenting my own country. But, faults must be acknowledged so that it can be remedied.

We have to admit our road users are just so uncivilized at times. I was fetching my sister from school today. The state government just installed traffic lights close to the gates of the school. The road is narrow and there is no room for any speeding vehicles. However, it was almost a common sight to see cars speeding along and even running red lights. The traffic lights seem to fail all purpose. I can only fear for the students who try to cause these roads as it must be a REAL hazard!

My girlfriend recently expressed her fear for flying…looks like I have to call her and express my fear for crossing a road in Malaysia.

The Papers

2006-07-13T13:04:00.000+08:00

So many interesting stuff is reported in the daily newspapers these days that you can be forgiven in mistaking them for tabloids. Some of the more sensational/controversial issues are as follows:

1. If you read the preceding post, you will know that we recently had an issue where a man was hoarding dogs. 'Every action brings a reaction' or so does the saying goes. To this action, the local authorities' reaction was to force their way into the man's property and to shoot his dogs. Well, everyone agrees that the owner of these dogs was going a bit too far with his liking for dogs, however, does the local authority really need to go about shooting people's pets in their own compound without exploring other avenues of redress? Hmm... Fishtail brought up quite a dramatic but ironic analogy. If a person's own neighbour is a nuisance can he be shot? The answer is RIGHTLY NO. BUT, that nuisance can be and should be abated either through some form of injunction (restrain) or fine to the perpetrator. It seems the only reason the authorities were so trigger happy was because it involved animals rather then human beings. In that case, we can see the relevance of this dismissive attitude towards animal welfare when we read about cases where people shoot other human beings when the victim of this shooting is mistaken for an animal. If you think something is moving in the bush, it must be a PIG...SHOOT IT. If you see something moving among the trees....SHOOT IT..It must be a MONKEY. Well, perhaps the shooters were not that wrong. They did shoot an animal afterall!

2. Another interesting issue brewing is the longstanding fiasco between an MP and the Customs and Excise Department (CE). CE claims that the MP asked them to 'close one eye' to a logging transaction. In return, the MP retaliates by saying that the CE has problems with confiscated vehicles by alleging that he was not given a MERCEDES for purchase. To this answer, the CE mitigates that although the MP was NOT given a car with a model of his description, he was still offered another Benz nonetheless. EVERYTHING SOLVED??

-->HANG ON...WAIT A MINUTE....ARE WE FOOLS HERE? WHY IN THE WORLD DOES THE MP DESERVE TO BE OFFERED A BENZ IN THE FIRST PLACE? IS HE GIVEN THIS OFFER FOR HIS SERVICE TO COMMUNITY?

-->INTERESTINLY, THE CE SEEMS SO HAPPY TO OFFER HIM ANOTHER BENZ AS THOUGH IT WAS HIS BIRTHRIGHT AS AN MP.

Damn, I don't want to be a lawyer anymore. Let's all be an MP.

3. The World Cup brought much joy to some fans (mainly Italian) and much agony (the rest of the world) to others. However, while we were treated to the sublime skills of Zinedine Zidane (Zizou) for the last time, the final will probably be remembered for Zizou's ferocious headbutt and Materazzi groaning on the floor then Zizou's exquisite penalty chip.Zizou allege that Materazzi is the villain by insulting his mother and his sister. At this moment, it is being speculated that Zizou was called a 'terrorist' while his mother and/or sister was referred to as a 'whore'. So who is the bigger villain? Zizou who headbutted and physically injured the rather bad guy looking Materazzi or Materazzi himself who was the agent provocateur of the fracas? While I agree that Zizou was correctly sent off (although he really should have done better with controlling his volatile temper), I feel Materazzi should not escape unpunished. If you walk on the street and someone spits at you, how will you react? If someone insults your family, how will you react? I remember not so long ago a law student getting killed because he got involved in a fight with people who teased his girlfriend! Of course, the person who responds is not entirely innocent but then the percent who is the cause of the problem must be punished as well or he will forever be out to instigate some new problem!

A need for a proportionate response

2006-07-02T23:51:00.000+08:00

I was shocked and saddened to read about the local authorities in Negeri Sembilan taking the drastic action of killing a person’s dogs in his own house. The newspapers reported that the person’s neighbours had complained that the dogs were a nuisance because they were noisy. The man owned 25 dogs and kept them all at his house. It was of course a staggering number of dogs and one could imagine the noise that they had caused. The local authorities surely could not have allowed this to continue unabated.

Sure, I agree that the man could have applied some common sense and realise that keeping such a large number of dogs at his house was a nuisance. He could have restrained himself and be contended with 2 or 3 dogs to keep him company. After the killing of his pets, he said he was depressed because these dogs were his best friends. I can relate with what he feels right now as I just lost a dog myself. However, keeping a large number of dogs at one place is not only unreasonable as it is a nuisance to his neighbours but he should also consider the detriment to the dogs itself who probably do not have much space to roam about and the possible health issues to himself as he will face a tough time keeping his house clean. He was wrong and he should have been punished BUT not like this.

The man was overzealous by keeping such a large amount of dogs but is it really proportionate that the local authorities just end up forcing themselves into a person’s house and then shooting a man’s pet dogs at broad daylight? Even if the dogs were to be culled surely there was a more humane way then killing them by shooting them to death? I was a bit sad that the local authorities were so trigger happy. I thought the whole matter was blown out of proportion. The man could have been fined and the dogs confiscated away from him and sent to the SPCA or some other animal shelter home. I do not think killing the dogs at a person’s own home is proportionate to the man’s supposed ‘crime’.

IF the local authorities had shown more self restrain perhaps the whole issue could have been solved in a more amicable way. I maybe wrong but violence should never be the answer to a solution. The one who is punished is not the owner of the pets but the dogs who had died. They were described by the authorities as being fierce and thus the authorities had no choice but to shoot them. The dogs probably thought that the shooters were trespassing their owner’s land and they will do anything to protect their owner from harm. They probably died feeling contented that they had protected their beloved owner, little did they know that their death could have so easily been avoided!

"Dog-napped"

2006-06-23T00:16:00.000+08:00

I just can't believe it! I never thought I could get rid of my unusual "Brittish" accent this quick. I never thought I could again learn to tolerate the unforgiving Malaysian weather and most of all I never EVER thought that I would have to deal with the fact that my friend for 10 years has been "dog-napped".

My friend has been with me since I was in Std 6. He was my shoulder to cry on. My friend who listened to all my ramblings and non-sensical flares of temper. He has a beautiful coat of black with patches of gray on his chest and paws. Where once he had endless amount of energy, he is now a shadow of his former self at the age of 10. It is fair to say, that my friend Saga is of a ripe old age.

The day he went missing, I was awake the whole night before watching football on the TV. Therefore, I managed to play with him for a few hours in the morning. It has been quite some time since we had that much fun together. It was the first time indeed that he was so adamant that he wanted to play. Usually when I asked him to return to the garden he would leave the garage and lie in the garden without hesitation. This time though he seemed so reluctant and stubborn. He remained so determined to force me to spend so much time with him playing. I spent about a good 10 minutes with him before retreating to bed making a silent promise to play with him in the evening.

When I woke up, he was gone. All I know was that he went missing. He was "dog-napped" once before until I found and rescued him. I just can't bear to believe that he should be subject to such torture again. I called the neighbourhood vet to tell him to look out for my dog at the SPCA or if he should be brought to the clinic by a different owner. It has been 3 days since he has gone missing. Each passing day means a slimmer chance of ever seeing him again. My other 2 dogs are distrought. I'm broken. IF he is indeed taken away from me forever, I hope his new owners will treat him with the love that he deserves OR not please return him to his family and his rightful home.

Mini-pupillage: AWESOME EXPERIENCE

2006-06-13T01:29:00.000+08:00

Royal Courts of Justice
Temple Church
7 King's Bench Walk
Members of Chambers
Banner leading to the North Entrance of the Royal Courts of Justice

My experience as a (mini) pupil at 7 King's Bench Walk is an experience to die for. Any law student in the UK would dream to be a part of a leading set of chambers. I always envisioned myself as a Commercial Barrister, albeit that will now not come true because of my decision to reject my Bar offer, I have to admit I was really elated to be given an opportunity to experience the life at 7 King's Bench Walk. Some of the members of chambers include Lord Goff, Lord Hobhouse, Lord Mance and Lord Denning (before the mergers, Lord Denning was a member of another chamber).

Legal 500 recomends 7 King's Bench Walk as a leading set of commercial chambers and rank the chambers no.1 for its insurance and reinsurance work. Therefore, each barrister was fortunate enough to be always getting really intellectually stimulating (and probably lucrative) work on their desks every morning. I will now attempt to summarise my 'work' during my mini-pupillage although I'm certain no amount of words can justify the feeling of elation and utter satisfaction that I feel right now.

Day 1

It was a bit slow in Day 1 but still very challenging nonetheless. I have done 2 attachments in Malaysia and usually the lawyers do not expect so much from you. They expose you to life at a law firm usually via countless photostating (which I have to brag a lil' that I'm now quite good at) or through some limited case study. There wasn't that much practical experience and my opinion was regarded as it was....only a law student's view.

However here, I was immediately plunged into stormy waters as I received my 'first case'. At first sight, I expected something similar from what I got used to in Malaysia, but, I soon realised that that would not be the case. The barrister sat down quietly doing his work while his gaze peered from his computer back to me occasionally to remind me that he expected the work to be done quickly and efficiently. He wanted a view and he wanted me to produce a coherent answer to the problem that he had given me.

The first case was a 'typical' manufacturer's liability problem. I quickly recalled the provisions of SOGA (CPA was not important here) but I was then told there is a newer Act that I had to take into consideration. Therefore, I was hurriedly rushed through text books to get myself accustomed with the 'new' piece of legislation. I'm quite happy that I managed to complete the reading fairly quickly and then concentrate on solving the matter at hand. I was happier still upon finishing my work and being able to produce a 'mock' draft paper to the barrister. I have to admit I was overwhelmed with child like excitement as the barrister concurred with my views and said he would have advised along the same lines.

Just when I thought my work had warranted rest for the remainder of the day, I was proven wrong AGAIN. I was handed another file. An insurance case file. Horror quickly chilled me to the bones. I had no basics on insurance law and I immediately admitted it. However, the barrister, though being kind, made it quite clear to me that it was no excuse and he still expected a satisfactory answer on my part. Such a demand was a bit intimidating at first, but then it sort of triggered the part of me which relishes challenges. This was a challenge alright but I never shirk from adversity and I was adamant that I would not start now. I requested for some books and being handed them I started delving into them.

Like a duck to water, I filled my brain with the basics of Insurance Law as fast as I could. There was no way I could be a pro in one day let alone in a few hours. But, I knew better that to solve the case I just needed to be akin to a surgeon ie using a skalpel to pick out the jist of the matter to find the solution. After hours toiling with it, just before 4pm I emerged with the answer. Feeling victorious and confident, I presented my draft to the barrister. Again, he seemed impressed with my work and I was very happy indeed.

Embarassingly, I have to admit I again lulled into complacency and thought I would get a breather. This barrister though was stubborn enough to know that I should maximise my stay at 7kbw. Another file quickly arrived and this one was a reinsurance file.

At that time I was utterly spent. I had to wake up 5am to take the bus as there were major roadworks which prolonged the travelling time to London. I toiled without much result as I tried to absorb more insurance principles with a tiring mind. Unfortunately I did not manage to finish this brief. I was a bit down until the barrister told me that I had done quite remarkably well even though I could not complete the last task. He had told me that he only expected me to complete the first 2 and thus the last case was sort of a bonous. Feeling more satisfied with this consolong factor, he gave me a few minutes to ask him questions at the end of the day. Although he was a juniour barrister, he had plenty of legal experience as a solicitor advocate before he joined the bar. I was thankfull of the first day and hoped the next would be better.

The barrister also told me I would be joining a more senior barrister tomorrow and I would be given tougher tasks. Well, at that tired stage, I did not relish such a challenge. But, I was certaiin with some sleep, a refreshed mind would put me in good stead for tomorrow's work.

Some funny clips to release the mind from the shackles of stress.

--> http://www.freewebs.com/4862/popmovies.htm (CS)

--> http://www.str8up.com/watch.php?v=265 (Bush Bloopers)

--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_vxHXJWkGk (LOTR Hokkien Version)

Day 2

On the 2nd day, I felt more fresh after gettin a lil more sleep then the day before. My mini-pupil master for the day was a barrister of mid seniority (JB) who was going to attend a case on that day itself! I' m really fortunate indeed. When I was in Malaysia, my first day as an attachment student I was brought to the Malaysian Court of Appeal. Now, here on my second day, I'm brought to the UK Court of Appeal.

I was given 1 hour to delve into the pleadings as much as I could. I thought I understood the case fairly well. It was a case involving international trade and insurance law. With the bits and pieces of basic insurance law that I had picked up yesterday, I tried to comprehend the mazy arguments which were before me. I did not have too much time to ponder though as I was hurriedly rushed to court.

There, I was able to shadow a QC. It was really an interesting legal spectacle. The Court of Appeal is the 2nd highest court in the UK and was that day helmed by Rix and Buxton LJJ and another LJ which I did not recognise. The QC argued his points with embarrasing ease and without a hinge of doubt. He was articulate and confident and at no point in his argument did he ever relent from producing the goods. He knew what he needed to do and he did it with precision!

After the proceedings, I was invited by the QC to lunch at Inner Temple Hall. When I entered the hall, I was simply struck with awe. I felt totally out of place as silks walked by and exchanged intellectual banters. As I sat down, I tried to blend in but realised that it was totally impossible. I did not understand a single thing anyone else on the table were saying. They made jokes of legal jargons which I could only sheepishly nod in agreement while others laughed out loud. For a major part of lunch, the word 'demurrable', apparently a favourite with Lord Hobhouse was discussed both for its legal meaning and oso its possible sexual connotations. Having lunch with all these silks is probably an experience I will never forget.

People have written in articles about how they have had some sort of embarrasing occasions within these halls. I guess when I appliead for the mini-pupillage I did not envision that this was part of the package as well. Anyway, there wasn't much in my expecations which were necessarily true anyway. Life at the BAR is so different!

To cut things short, I return to the embarrasing episode. I did not know that I was having lunch with the HEAD OF CHAMBERS for 7kbw (GK) and others as well. When GK asked me where I was from, I tried to camouflage my anxiety and answered "Malaysia" only to have this response met with laughter by the rest of the silks on the table. Only my JB spared me the blushes by telling me that he had actually wanted to know which chambers I am with. LOL.

After the sumptuous lunch, which was fully paid by the QC (and rightly so I may add, as he coaxed me to have the roasted turkey with additional vegetables [potatoe gratin and soy sauce okra] and tea), I was quickly whisked back to the office by my mini- pupil master , JB, to his office. JB told me he was expecting me to come with him to a conference with a solicitor and asked if I wanted to go. I felt it was a straightforward decision. Without a hint of hesitation, I answered " YES PLEASE!".

Again, I was given a brief with an hour to go before the scheduled conference.I was expected to gorge down as much information as I possibly could before the conference so I could follow the proceedings. I did not gather much from my time reading the brief. 1 hour was too short for me and I was still in utter shock at meeting the QCs and attending a real court case at the Court of Appeal.

When we arrived for the conference, I was told that the solicitors were Americans. As I could not understand much of the case before me, I tried to absorb the environment as best as I could. I realised the Americans were much more laid back then JB and they even offered me cookies and drinks as the conference started. While JB was playing his serious barrister role to perfection, the Americans were the total contrast as they sat nonchalantly eating their biscuits and cookies without seeming to really pay attention to what JB had to say. I have to admit it was a real cultural difference between these legal practioners. I found it quite amusing to be honest.

Anyway, at about 5 pm, JB adjourned the meeting for a short breather and told me I could go home unless I wanted to finish the whole proceeding. I gladly accepted the offer to return back to Oxford as the massive jams were surely awaiting me. As expected, I only reached home around 9 pm. What a massive drag!Some inspiring videos for the day:

--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntkobCNy07M (Shawshank Redemption)

--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mNeeLqFJXY (If we hold on together-Diana Ross)

Day 3

The last day at 7kbw was probably the best. At first, I was met up by the beautiful Ms. AG who was supposed to be my initial mini-pupil mistress. I was dealing with her all the while before I got this stint. My supposed mini-pupil master was running a bit late so she took me in her wings for a short period.

It wasn't very much so she just talked to me and asked me if I had any enquiries and about my experience thus far. Then she discussed a case with me and I was very pleased that she gave me the same amount of respect as she would have presumedly given to a fellow barrister. She asked me my opinion of the case and what I should do if I was in her shoes. She actually confessed she did not have any idea what was the correct form of action that she should take. I humbly opined that the case looked almost beyond any chance of success. The initial pleadings were totally appalling and the case was weak. I told her what I felt and amazingly she said she would actually think that's the best course of action. A barrister was actually taking advice from me!

Anyway, I was then introduced to my mini-pupil master, D. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because Ms. AG was going to attend a solicitors conference and I remembered how fun that was! So, when D came to look for me I have to admit I did feel a tinge of dissapointment.

But, that tinge of dissapointment was highly unwarranted as D was extremely friendly. As a matter of fact, he was the one incharged to measure a pupil's competency. I felt as though I was being put through a test but he was kind enough to make me feel at ease. He told me he was working on an international shipping case which involved insurance law and gave me highly technical expert evidence to evaluate. I noticed that the case involved an insane amount of money and realised that D is probably the highest earner among the barristers that I've met thus far bar the silks.

I went through about 5 files of statements from expert evidence each giving their views with others contradicting it. It was mind boggling indeed. But, each statement seemed to unravel more and more to the eyes of the beholder. Of course, it all depends on how the barrister takes each view to his advantage and to argue it accordingly.

Lunch was also a sumptuous affair as I was treated to a steak burger. Just thinking about it makes me drool with hunger. We also had a healthy dose of discussion about a wide range of topics from sports (cricket...which I have to admit I have 0% interest) to politics (both Brittish and Malaysian).

After lunch I went back to more files. Although it seemed uneventful, that is far from the truth. By the end of the day, D gave me a chance to talk about my experience at 7kbw and to ask any questions before I ended my stint. It was a very very informative session.

He did not know it but I knew that was my LAST day at the 'Bar'. I told him how I was initially rejected from getting a place at 7kbw and how appreciative I was of getting the chance to do a mini-pupillage there. It was not lip-service on my part as I genuinely felt happy to have been given that chance. D went on to ask me why I had my application rejected. I answered that Ms. AG thought that my time at KDU wasn't a sufficient qualification for me as a 3rd year student. What he said next totally made my day.

D: "Well, in that case, you were NOT rejected the first time anyway! It is just a case of misunderstanding and you have not done yourself any shame with the work you have done during your time at 7kbw".

I will bring this statement to my grave!

P/S:

1. I won't be blogging too much as I do not have regular use of the Net now that I'm back in Malaysia unless someone offers to buy me a PC.

2. It is such a mental torture these few days awaiting results as our lecturers are taking an industrial action against their employers.

"Good" Bye

2006-06-02T05:07:00.000+08:00

Curtis leaving AGAIN.
Dave, Curt and Jeanne. I probably won't see these guys EVER again

People always say "good bye". But, is that really the correct thing to say? Are there really any good separations? Well, perhaps if you hate someone then that separation will do both parties good. I definitely know how that feels. But even then, the correct thing to say would probably be " good riddance".

I'm leaving Oxford on the 6th of June. Although, there were times when I wished I could leave Oxford in a blink of an eye, I have to admit I've rather grown fond of the place. I love the fact that I can speak English all the time and the fact that most people speak good English sans the dramatic " lahs" and "oohhs". I like the fact that I can go out safely with the knowledge I won't be drenched in sweat by the time I get home, albeit, I may be wet with rain water instead.

I do not like "good byes". It was difficult when Nana was the first to leave. She seemed very heavy hearted to leave Oxford. I guess I know how that feels. When I left for Edinburgh, I also left with the knowledge that I would not be able to see Kenneth and Jeanne leave as well (although Jeanne has postponed her flights AGAIN). Kenneth left with a sms to me "thanking me for taking care of him". What he did not know was whatever I did to take care of him must have benefited me a lot too as I thoroughly enjoyed his company.

Well, I'm fully aware that the grass is always greener on the other side. I suppose when I go back there are things I look forward to as well like eating good Malaysian food and in time having a car to drive again. There are of course pros and cons to both places. But, Oxford has certainly left a mark in my heart which I will probably never forget. I hope when I leave, I will get a hug (like how I hugged Nana before she left) to soothe the pain of leaving this wonderful place. The city which was graced with the likes of Tolkien and CS Lewis and continues to be the beacon of academic excellence is indeed my 2nd home (if there was such a thing).

Now, as I graduate I leave the shell of a student and fully embark into an adventure which there's no return : my career. I hope to make a difference in this world and maybe, JUST MAYBE, with the right attitude and luck I someday will.

Thank you:

1) For all those who made my life in the UK a bliss; and

2) For all those who sought to make it a living hell (for without you I would not have appreciated those who were there for me through thick and thin).

P/s:

1) The post about my experience as a mini-pupil will come next as it is still in draft.

2) You can now download video clips of my trips in Scotland:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/g72q6d

Post EXAMS

2006-05-23T04:16:00.000+08:00

Wow... I thought I was busy for the exams... I was sure wrong...POST exams have been more busy then ever. As you know I have been preparing to go home, back to MALAYSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, I managed to get a trip in to Bath (20/5/2006). The town was awesome and you can see it from the pictures above. If those 2 measly pictures are not enough to satisfy your hunger, go visit my picture archives on the sidebar which has been updated.

It is also the first time that I've patronised a cinema in the UK to watch the Da Vinci Code. Firstly, I have to say that the prices here are extortionate. 2ndly, I find that the ticketing system where it is generally free seating is kinda foolish. Anyway, the movie was nice, although the crowd was not! I know I whine too much, but, I can never tolerate inconsiderate people who chatter away while I'm trying to make the best of a movie which burned a small hole in my pocket!

I'm also busy preparing myself to go to London tomorrow. The initial plan is to find my office for my mini-pupillage. But , since my mini-pupillage will take place at the Temple, I may take a cue from the Da Vinci Code and visit the Temple Church. As a matter of fact, there's a Da Vinci Code Talk tomorrow! I'm sure tempted to book my place for that!

All these fun and I have not even been to Edinburgh yet...YAHOO...hopefully I don't get too tired and I DON't FORGET TO START PACKING!!!

See yea guys soon!! Adventure beckons!

What a GAME!

2006-05-18T05:08:00.000+08:00

IF a European Cup Final needs any benchmark, then today was certainly it. Arsenal v Barcelona was the dreams of all football fans.

The score : ARSENAL V BARCELONA (1-2)

For all Arsenal Fans: I thought the referee was simply atrocious. He did seem terribly bias and I'm not sure if he was the one who was pictured in a Barca T-Shirt! His handling of the game was just shambolic and he ruined a perfect spectacle by reducing the Gunners to 10 men. He should have just allowed the goal!

(Thierry Henry himself has just been quoted of saying the same thing about the referee! Well, you heard it first here at my blog ;) ) See clip below.

http://home.skysports.com/broadband.asp?showclip=yes

I think there are no reason why you should feel ashamed as Arsenal FC played their hearts out and if they were more clinical in front of goal who and could have won the game. Unfortunately, football is cruel. Well, let's hope Thierry stays!

For all Barca fans: I thought Eboue, although a wonderful player, did a theatrical dive to earn the free kick which led to the goal. Unfortunately, I have to seriously feel that Marquez and Van Bommel were totally ludicrious with their on field theatrics.

Your team though were absolutely phenomenal in stamina. I have never seen a team attack so relentlessly before. Arsenal's defence was magnificent, although Almunia was totally at fault at both goals. The first goal was a near post shot while the 2nd went through his legs for heaven's sakes! But, I think Ronaldinho was a spectacle and if Henry does join Barca, then a period of dominance is seriously within the horizon.

Twilight Zone

2006-05-16T04:18:00.000+08:00

Innerflame as an invading space alien going to pillage all the Earth's beautiful women and to kill the rest of the good looking men....Nerdy men shall be allowed to live.
Innerflame's head being put into the black hole by the curse of the ET hands...Wicked STUFF....
Spooky piece ala Samara, Ring or any other Korean/Jap Horror flick....

Innerflame: "I come in peace....Don't run...."

Have you imagined yourself in alternate realities? I read some blogs and some of them said they have. If you have, what happened in that world?

Clear conscience

2006-05-14T07:11:00.000+08:00

I was really tired. I mean really really tired. I slept like about 4am yesterday after a few of the guys broke down the fire door and actually abducted me in my PJs to the flat next door, which had been turned upside down into a harem. If I knew how to pray, I really should have prayed. I think the smoke from them smoking pot got into my head.

...................................................

Today, or yesterday rather as it is 12am here now, I went to bed around 9pm promising myself to get up at 10pm to do my revision. I ended up deciding to kill the alarm when it went off and to continue with my sleep.

'Well this car could be systematic,hydromatic, ultramatic...Why it could be Greased Lightning'

Yeah, dont laugh!! I actually dreamnt I was Travolta gyrating my ass in tight pants to the 50s style tune. See what a bad conscience does to you? (or probably weariness or the fact that I was a 2nd hand smoker of pot yesterday!)....Well I'm awake now....Back to revision I guess.....

Darn..I think I need some paracetamol for my throbbing headache.

Current song in my head : Greased Lightning

1.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnN_0EH_drE (Grease Megamix- Original)

2.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4atj-1coRo (Grease Lightning)

3.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCyfkyxvexQ (Westlife Rendition)

Spot the difference

2006-05-12T23:04:00.000+08:00

Vampire
1.Fears the sun.
2. Stay indoors during the day.
3. Come out at night to feed.
4. Dies if a stake is driven through the heart.
5.Dies if shot with a silver bullet through the heart.

Innerflame
1. Fears the sun. (because I'm especially sensitive to light after my eye operation and I don't have my shades here).
2. Stay indoors during the day. (Study, Study and more Study)
3. Come out at night to feed.
4. Dies if a stake is driven through the heart.
5. Dies if shot with any bullet through the heart.

See the similarities between the 2?

This is a real classic for footie fans ahead of the Champions League final on the 17th.
--> http://home.skysports.com/broadband.asp?showclip=yes

Being busy

2006-05-07T02:57:00.000+08:00

Looks like it is going to be an awfully busy month!

For starters, my exams will be held over a fortnight! What a nightmare!

And after that, I will start my holy journey of self discovery. OK...I'm exaggerating...But, I will be going to London for my mini-pupillage (Yup, the same one that got postponed), to Bath for a trip (Nope. NOT the shower but a real city called Bath) and to Edinburgh as my last stop. I may or may not include further trips to Cambridge IF I still have enough money in the coffers and if I'm not well spent by then.

I'm also eagerly waiting Jun Wei, who is due to visit me in Oxford in June. Whoever is planning to visit Oxford, would be well placed to make early arrangements with me as I will be leaving on the 6th of June.

On a different point, it is really sad that Malaysia had to bow out from the Thomas Cup after our 3rd singles curse continued. It seems that the 3rd singles has always been the bane of the national team and continues to be so. Is it true that Malaysian atheletes just do not have enough mental strength? I believe that is so! Not just the atheletes but a lot of Malaysians in general. (Like me, I really should be studying now!)

Anyway, which ever gal that left the lipstick mark (I hope you are a gal by BIRTH) and the 'I LOVE YOU' sign imprinted on my window, I would really appreciate it IF you could just send me a card or something similar the next time. It took me quite a while to get the mark off. I appreciate anonimity, though I don't see how that is beneficial, but, please consider easier(cleaner) ways to express your feelings. I'm flattered nonetheless.

The Test

2006-05-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

How do you know if you are under a lot of stress?

Well for starters, you would be awake at 4 am (after taking 2 sleeping pills!Yeah 2!), feeling hungry and posting your 2nd post of the day (and both w/o much passion or value).

You eyes deceive you when your just looking at online scores of the Thomas Cup and you think you just saw Lin Dan struggling to win against an English player (which he did).

You lie on the bed trying to sleep, but the only thing that comes across your mind are nightmares of old that you would prefer to banish to the deepest pits. You would also probably think about RIPA 2000, PACE 1984, HRA 1998 and ECHR (for the uninformed these are all statutes). Amazing isn't?

If you are suffering from these symptoms and you are struggling to type properly like I am now, you are probably under a LOT of stress!

Make or break

2006-05-03T08:09:00.000+08:00

Well make or break will be a serious understatement. It should be more like do or die!!

Anyway, the ducks have just released me from their hold after a certain 'rabbit' (refer to the chat box) came to the rescue. Now, Clyde is missing though and Bonnie is still seen wondering around aimlessly. Sigh...

The pressure is on and I'm in a sentimental mood thinking of that special someone.

The 80's was a gr8 time for the music industry I think and this is probably one of the all time love song gr8s for me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-b2Bkw5-UI

(God knows why I can't embed the player from YouTUBE. Aren't I just suppose to paste the codes from the page? Sigh.....SOME1 HELP ME>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>)

Rantings of the insane

2006-04-27T06:05:00.000+08:00

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

When you get the fire alarm going of every 5 minutes, you feel like you will strangle the first person that walks in your flat with the badge stating that he is an Accommodations Officer. It surely must be an infringement of some right! For god’s sake, it could drive a man into insanity. A man could have resulted to a Colombine shooting just to get the bloody bell to stop ringing.

Bah!!! CURSES

On a separate issue, it would seem that some people have commented that my posts do not reflect my ‘position’ as a law student.

Firstly, I do not think it is a position and if it is it must surely be at the bottom of society’s pile because we have not even started contributing yet! ( I think using a lot of money on our education while spurring the economy can not really be considered as a contribution especially if you are not paying your own tuition fees)

Secondly, I reckon the issue is that my posts, which sometimes does occasionally include legal ingredients, appears to lack the technicality or the ‘legalese’ language that separates a law student/practioner from the lay person. In short, I lack the legal jist!

Hmm…Well let me justify myself. My aim is NOT to be a good lawyer. That sounds strange does it not?

Let me tell you my aim….It is to be the best possible human being I can be…

I believe with that aim everything else will fall into place. If I can achieve my goal, I can be anyone I want to be NOT just a good lawyer. Besides, those who believe that lawyers are superior in anyway compared to the lay person is in for quite a shock indeed. For what is a lawyer besides being a servant for the law person in a legal arena? Exactly, it is that lay person that puts food onto a lawyer’s table not vice-versa.

One of my ‘friends’, a good law student as he is, will not pay me money for something that he asked me to buy for him just because he contends that we do not have a contract. Well, surely he is wrong, for we DO have a contract (a contract need not be in writing) although he probably knows I have problems proving it. It is THEFT. But, more than that, it is a shameful act that defiles his morality. He will keep arguing and I shall keep refraining. He can earn that money and be a good lawyer. But, that is not how I want to do things.

On the global legal perspective though, I have 2 current issues which have really vexed me into seismic proportions.

First is Sepp Blater running his mouth that the English FA should get an English coach. First of all, this is already a discriminatory remark. Mr Blatter should know better than to utter such discriminatory hints when he is actively fighting racism in sports. Well, this is also the same guy that said that women footballers should show more skin so that the women’s game get more coverage. For god’s sake imagine what that will do to the Malaysian women soccer team? Let’s not talk about showing more skin. You better not start getting to cuddly with your partner around KL or you may just end up with a fine!

I reserve my opinion and will not go any further. I’m sure you are smart enough to come to your own conclusions.

Secondly, is the fact that the ‘boys’ who killed the Aussie( I can’t use the word ‘murder’ because the court decided it was only manslaughter) were only sentenced 10 years imprisonment. Honestly, I do not feel any pity. For mitigation, the lawyer for one of the defendant actually said the boy took his SPM in jail (although he FAILED). What the hell does that got to do with killing a man? Is that really a mitigating factor? It doesn’t show remorse, it shows he is just selfishly trying to forget the horrors of his crime! Sigh…worse still the daughters of the deceased were claimed to be in court supporting their friends.

Ok…I do not know the EXACT facts of the case. No one will except GOD. But, if the boys did kill the man, it IS murder. He was slashed repeatedly more than 10 times. You could not have reasonably argued you did not mean to kill him? That argument is beyond logic! And, if the reports are true, and the deceased daughters were really there supporting their friends, I can only come to 2 conclusions:

1.Their now dead father must have been a real pain!

He is probably awakening in his grave as I’m writing this!

By the way, has anyone read Tun Mahathir’s open letter? That surely is an interesting read!

Quack Quack...Time for me to feed the human pet....Here i-flame i-flame

Now Playing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfA5JabHng0

Anson Hu Yan Bin: Waiting for you

(A lil video for those who longs for someone... For my love, sorry could not embed these, I don't know what's the problem too...But I know you like this song)

End is Near

2006-04-25T09:25:00.000+08:00

It is not going to be long now. They are watching me.

It is not going to be long. ..I can run but I got no where to hide. Even if I call the police they won't do anything bout it... They are the mob.

I have noticed how they have secretly followed me. They await me everytime I get home.

Have you watched the Men in Black? These must be some lusty, sex-deprived Zorkon aliens waiting to abduct me for some unimaginable torture.

Sigh...no1 imagined such a painful demise....How I wish I can have a wholesome pot of Klang Bak Kut Teh b4 the day arrives...or....a bowl of nice Melaka Mee Rebus....

My scourge...I took the liberty to name them Bonnie n Clyde.

Back n Runnin'

2006-04-23T08:23:00.000+08:00

Finally I remedied the error with my page and I did it all by myself!!! Miracles do happen indeed!

To commemorate this unlikely situation here are some jokes some friends shared with me through Friendster. Unfortunately, I think it is better for me not to give credit to the guys involved. Read the jokes and you will understand! (Let me say that these are just jokes and are not meant to be the opinion or views of anyone concerned including myself!)

1.A Woman's Prayer:

Dear Lord,

So far today, I am doing alright. I have notgossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy,nasty, selfish or indulgent.I have not whined, bitched, cursed or eaten anychocolate.I have not charged on my credit card and I thank you.

However, I am going to get out of bed in a fewminutes and I will need a lot more help after that.

Amen.

2.A Woman's Mall

Store that sells husbands has just opened in NewYork City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . . .. you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband . .
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.
The second floor sign reads:Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, andlove kids.
The third floor sign reads:Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, lovekids, and are extremely good looking."Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, lovekids, are drop- deadgood looking and help with the housework."Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, lovekids, are drop- deadgorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor.There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!

2006-04-21T20:22:00.000+08:00

What's going on with my page? The whole skin is going bonkers! Anyone knows how to fix this? I'm totally html illiterate!!

'Cock UP'?

2006-04-20T03:45:00.000+08:00

Yesterday...

Around 10 AM

As I woke up, sleepy and groggy after another persistent nightmare, I was suddenly jolted by a telephone call... !@#@#$

Ms. X: Hello, Innerflame?
ME: Yes...It is I.
Ms. X: I'm sorry but can we reschedule your mini-pupillage. I'm really sorry as I know I 'cocked up' (Is there really such an expression?) but there isn't really anyone in office tomoro to 'take care of you' (WAT!!!???).
ME: Ohh.....Errr....Sure...How about after the 19th of MAY? (Feeling guilty as I think bout poor Zhi Xin)
Ms.x: Fine. WE shall set it on the 24th then. I'm really sorry. Bye...

Sigh...with that I slumped back to my bed still trying to digest what had happened. I slowly rummaged through my bag to remove the Malaysian goodies which I had intented to bring to Zhi Xin as a token gesture for his kindness...

Sigh...I telephone Zhi Xin and had to apologise profusely for this. Well, looking on the bright side, I have more time to study.

Looking at the glass have empty though, I have no more food at home in anticipation that I would be in London now, Zhi Xin is probably feeling terrible after vacuuming his room and stuff and I now don't have a place to stay when I do go for the stint on 24th May. Should they not recompensate me or something. :) Perhaps too far fetched eh?

Today:

(Walking back from Tesco under a slight drizzle)

Before I left my flat, I was told I had a new housemate. Quite late to come in eh? Especially since we are all almost leaving d!

Anyway when I came back from Tesco, Guess WHAT I SAW?
Yeah...if you guess anything close bout the ducks....you were right...the 'couple were waiting for me near my flat. What do they want from me? It is bloody harassment!

Post-Barca

2006-04-15T06:35:00.000+08:00

Gifts from dad: An MP3 player and a Davidoff Cool Water Eau de Toilette
The ducks
Angpow from mum which culminated in this beautiful Barcelona jersey.
Gift from Aunt Doreen, a Nike T-Shirt

Hi I'm back from Barcelona!! Usually I hate birthdays especially mine since I'm normally jinxed on this supposedly joyful day. This year it wasn't that bad. True, I got a swollen head after bumping it on the book shelf, my watch died making me almost miss my flight but in the end resulting in me waiting 1 hour at the bus stop under the cold rain but at least I got a trip to Spain and all these wonderful gifts...:)

I know I'm not usually superstitious...but recently I've been seeing a pair of ducks outside my apartment almost daily. Any feng shui experts? Or how about some forecasts just for the fun of it? Anyway this is probably gonna be my last post in a long time. I'm into my last leg of my degree. A bit more and I'm through. Getting ready for my mini-pupillage in London next week.

Zhi xin, hope you get the room ready....Cya guys soon

Train of Life

2006-04-07T05:53:00.000+08:00

My birthday gifts from my gf : A FCUK T-Shirt and a DKNY perfume + A Braun Buffel Wallet for Valentines.

***********************************************************************

When my gf was here, she read to me an email of hers which was quite meaningful...

My train of life started exactly 23 years ago in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Many have I met many along the way who have brought me much joy or sorrow. The first that comes to my mind is obviously my family.

The nucleas of this small family consists of my mum n dad, my maternal grandmother,my paternal grandparents and my great grandmothers. At this point of time, as a child, I was the king of the world. As the only son and grandson (at that point), I would like to think that I was the apple of their eyes.

My early childhood was spent mostly in Melaka while my parents had to work their socks off to earn a living at KL. My paternal grandparents and my greatgrandmothers were integral foundations of this early budding phase of my life. I have to say, at that time, when being youthful did not yet bring me the worries of the world, I was very contented to just play in the small field near my grandparents house or to amuse myself with my first few childhood friends. I have to admit I did not learn to cycle until much later. Therefore, while my friends took off on the bicycle, I counted heavily on BUS NO. 11 ie my legs.

Some one once told me that every meeting has a parting. The first person who stepped of the carriage of my train was my greatgrandmother (my paternal grandfather's mum). She had died of a ripe old age. I was told that she loved me a lot during her life. How sad that I can remember so lil' of her as she died when I was so young. But, I still do remember the warmth of her embrace. I still remember how I disliked the journey to meet her because her house was so far away into the rural suburbs. I also remember how much I disliked going into her room because it reeked of medicinal odours which I could not stand. And yet, I still willingly went to her whenever I was called, for....I guess....the simple answer was...... I loved her.....

But, the pain of her death did not really affect me. I do not want to think I was cold hearted but I think there are ample mitigation factors on my side. The first is I was so young then that I could hardly have known the significance of her parting. The 2nd is since she stayed so far, I did not see her that often.

If there was someone getting down the train, obviously there must be more getting on it. People like my kindergarten teachers, primary school friends, neighbours have all boarded the train and went down at some time or the other.

However, 8 years after I boarded the train, I got another passenger onboard, MY SISTER.

What a naughty lil' critter she was too! She shrieked and cried and screamed as though her life depended on it. But, somehow no one could get angry with her for a very long time. People said she was blessed. I do not know about blessings. But, I guess she just had a charm about her which made people feel comfortable around her. The last time I checked with home, it appears that she STILL does.

However, the train moved quite quickly after that with not many significant stops where anyone got off or got on.Somehow along the way, there were a few passengers who have still stayed on the train where others have left. These are my close friends, Fui, Yu Jin n Chii Shyang (Bobby, Michael or whatever he calls himself these days). They have stayed on the same train with me for more than 10 years and it looks like they may stick up with me for a longer journey ahead, TOGETHER. Well, the more the merrier!!

Sadly, around 7 or 8 years ago, another passenger of the train had to step off it. She was my other great grandmother (my paternal grandmother's mum). As I was already a teen when she left the train, she had made quite a mark on my life. Even during her last days, she was an epitome of strength and independence. She was always inspirational in the sense that she was always selfless and did not want to burden others with her troubles. I knew I should not be sad when she left the train because she had came off at a very good stop and I'm sure she would have been very happy to get off then. She was becoming ill and I knew it would have pleased her so much that she did not have to be a burden to others around her. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and she is still an inspiration to me. Whenever I think I will give up, I remember her struggles and I fight on....I bleed...I suffer in pain...but....I will survive....She was the teacher of life and I was glad that I was the student.

The others who later came and went were of the romantic kind. They were passengers of a brief type who came and enjoyed the cocktail and left when the carriage was feeling a lil' too humid in the Malaysian weather. Some have left without a trail, others have managed to keep in touch via long distance while a particular one is like a virus, long gone but is still causing much damage to the train system. Well sometimes you just let the wrong people board the train...Sigh....

Thankfully all is not always good or bad. It depends on how you look for it.If you look for sorrow, you will always find it even in the summer. If you look for joy, even the bitterness of winter brings promise.

MY newest addition to the train is hopefully a long addition. She is my newest gf of course. Hopefully, like others who come and board the train,she will enjoy the ride. Of course, it would be better if she will be accompanying me for the journey ahead.

Adventure beckons and let the train move on........

(Looks like a lil' lonesome birthday for me...but what the heck...I'm getting some ang pow from my parents soon and I'm treating myself to a birthday present, a trip to Barcelona.Well...I gotta stop crapping and back to working on my assignment...till the next post!)

~~@

2006-03-21T06:07:00.000+08:00

As always, I have been unable to blog as frequently as I would have liked because of a current bottleneck of hectic schedule. However, being a generous lil' me, I have found some time to compile pictures of my recent trip to Warwick Castle and Stratford-Upon-Avon for you --> http://www.imagefap.com/gallery.php?gid=26710.

On a different point however, I have been alerted to a very pitiful plight by seals for their very survival. Apparently, the Canadians have a commercial massacre of this cute creatures every year. It is only barely 7 days (at the time of this post) before these furry creatures will be put to the sword (quite literally).

"NO ONE IS USELESS IN THIS WORLD WHO LIGHTENS THE BURDEN OF IT TO ANYONE ELSE" - Charles Dickens

I hope you can do something of any sort for these seals. We can make a difference with a voice. Please check out : http://www.hsus.org/protect_seals.html

A letter

2006-03-15T05:16:00.000+08:00

Dear Manager,

Re: Staff Complaint.

At around lunch time on the 14th March 2006, I visited the XXX branch at George Street, Oxford to confirm my flight and accommodation bookings to Barcelona, Spain. On the day before (13/3/2006), I had also been to the same branch and had coincidentally been consulted by the same personnel, Miss Jane Doe.

2. I have been using the travel services at XXX before and have been very pleased at the good service that I have been receiving. However, the conduct of Miss Doe for these 2 days has left a very bitter experience. She was rude and had clearly shown displeasure towards myself since the first day for no apparent reason. Every time I attempted to get confirmation of some information which I was not sure of, I got snide and crude remarks in return. Her counsel was poorly veiled by obvious feelings of apathy for her job and contempt for me. As a customer, I left the XXX branch at George Street with a strong feeling of dissatisfaction and indignity for being treated with such hostility.

I’m hopeful that the company has a mechanism to deal with this complaint. I, for my part, doubt I will ever enter the XXX branch at George Street again because I believe no one should ever be on the receiving end of such utterly appalling customer service.

Yours sincerely,
Innerflame

Role play

2006-03-14T06:11:00.000+08:00

At a recent tutorial, we had quite a nice session of role playing.

The Issue: Imagine that the XXX Party has planned a march to take place at a pre-dominantly Jewish neighbourhood and has indicated its intention to wear Nazi uniforms and to carry banners with swastikas. How should the law decide between the wishes of the one group to be allowed to march as against the wishes of the other group to live peacefully, free from demonstrations which in their eyes are threathening, provocative and a vivid reminder of past horrors?

The Scene: A local council meeting.

(There were 3 groups of 3 students in 3 different roles. Group A had to pretend that they were the local residents trying to persuade the local council to give a complete ban to the march. Group B had to imagine themselves as the members of the XXX Party and to persuade the local council their RIGHT to march. Group C were playing the role of the local council and had to decide the merits of the case before them. I was in Group C.)
1- 1st Speaker
2- 2nd Speaker
3- 3rd Speaker

Group A1: The XXX Party members are inconsiderate. What they are doing is wrong. They cannot be allowed to come in our neighbourhood without considering our feelings. Have they considered what they are doing in a Jewish community? If they do, we can’t guarantee that they will be safe.

(Other Group A members interrupt with angry outbursts of their own, forgetting the purpose of this roleplay was to learn and not to end up killing each other)

Me: In my opinion, what is wrong or right is different according to perspective. I suggest that no moral consideration be considered upon YET at this juncture. Furthermore, I do not believe violence is the way forward in our objective today.

Group A2 & 3: They can do without coming into the community. We cannot understand why they have to purposely march through a largely Jewish quarter.

Me: But, have they not rights of their own?

Group A2 & 3: YES. But, can’t they do it at a different area? What they are doing is STUPID. It is sure to cause trouble and mayhem.

Me: So, what you are asking is a partial ban and NOT a complete ban? But, you just said you wanted a TOTAL ban.

A1: YES. But, if we can’t get a total ban then we want them not marching through our neighbourhood. We can’t guarantee them no trouble.

C1&2: (interjects) So, would it make a difference if they did not put on the uniform but still allowed to march?

A2: YES. But, a mere presence will still spark trouble.

B1: We have rights under Article 10 ( freedom of expression) and Article 11 (freedom of peaceful assembly and association) of the ECHR to march through the neighbourhood. Effectively, they are denying us that right.

Me: But, are you willing to invoke that right in the face of hostility.

B1: YES.

B2: Our party is a party of repute. We are sure our members are not hooligans nor are they trouble makers. All we want to do is to march and to send out our message. It is a peaceful message and has no intention of offending anyone.

C1: Yes. But, they are already telling you that it is offensive to the local residents.

B2: Yes. But, again I reiterate our party has no intention of committing any act of violence in the community.

B3: Our party is NOT the Nazi party. I’m sure many of you have remembered the oppression suffered by the Jews during that period of time. What we are merely trying to point out is that we are attempting to highlight the rights of minority groups in the country. There is no point if we do not march at this area for the march would then lose its significance. No point marching at Chinatown is there? We also do not see a threat in wearing the uniform. Should we be dressed up in bear costumes instead to march? The message is still the same.

A2: (angrily) But, at a stream, the salmon will still be afraid even though it was a man dressed up in a bear.

LECTURER HALTS PROCEEDINGS TO GIVE TIME FOR JUDGMENT.

Unanimous judgment was given in favour of a partial ban.

C1: The council decides that the march has to take place at a different venue. If it is to take place at the said neighbourhood, the party is not granted the permission to march with the uniform or the Swastikas.

It is perhaps important to underline that though I too agreed with the idea that the march should be granted permission to proceed, although at a different area, I did not agree that it should be allowed to proceed at the said neighbourhood. I was thinking along the lines of the European idea of proportionality. Yes, the party had Article 10 & 11 rights, and it was probably proportionate to allow them to march, at least somewhere different. But, I had felt that to allow them to march along the neighbourhood, even without the uniform or Swastika would have been inappropriate and disproportionate as the local residents would have felt the anger by their mere presence. The consequences of the Danish cartoons were heavily in my consideration and I felt there was no point taking a very unjustified risk in allowing the march to take place at that neighbourhood. In short, I was willing to risk more of human rights in the purpose of defending what I thought was local security. But, I lost on the majority 2:1 and thus the judgment was delivered.

(It felt weird and uneasy for me to sit in a [mock] quasi-judicial capacity. I’m sure Weng/ Jamie would have happily traded seats with me and I would have been equally happy to do the same [both of them were in Group B]. It feels much more easier being on the lawyer side then being on the side delivering the judgment.)

IF YOU WERE PART OF THIS ROLE PLAY EXERCISE, HOW WOULD YOU HAVE COME TO YOUR OPINIONS AND CONCLUSIONS?
HUMAN RIGHTS OR MERE CIVIL LIBERTIES, HOW WILL YOU BALANCE THIS DELICATE ISSUE?

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A TOTAL REPRODUCTION OF THE ENTIRE PROCEEDINGS. ANY ERRORS ARE NOT DONE IN PURPOSE AND THERE ARE BOUND TO BE OMMISSIONS, INTENTIONALY OR OTHERWISE.

Phew~

2006-03-11T06:09:00.000+08:00

What a feeling!!!

It is has been a totally busy period in time for me. Thus, I have not been able to update my blog as frequently as I would have liked. Besides spending my time arduously through hours of tutorial preparation in addition to spending eye-wrenching hours on the computer to complete my coursework, I have also been busy reading other bloggers' work.

Well, on my part, life has been eventful to say the least. I have gotten a place at ICSL to do my BVC. Obviously this is an opportunity of a lifetime since ICSL is a premier provider of the BVC course who have produced a respectable roll of former pupils such Lord Bingham, Lord Goff and Lord Hoffman as well as Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher. Luckily for us at Brookes, 3 of us were fortunate enough to be offered places for a BVC. My congratulations to my learned friends Weng and also Jamie for also making the grade! I remembered not too long ago, some would have considered us 'foolhardy' to have undertaken this course at OBU when we could have done it at other universities which provided the BVC. Well, fortunately, we have proven some of them wrong. Anything is possible with hard work and perseverance, is it not?

Now the debate on whether I should take the CLP/BVC will surely heat up. But, rather than indulge in such mundain matters. Let's divert our attention to something more pleasant.

Tomorrow, AGAIN, I'm taking a lil' time off from my hectic schedule for a trip to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Avebury. Perhaps, if I'm lucky enough I may find some time to post some pics here. However, I have made a 'few' picture galleries for your enjoyment! I shall include a link on the sidebar so keep checking it for new updates!

See you guys soon!

My Gallery

2006-03-11T05:21:00.000+08:00

Lucky Guy

2006-02-28T23:04:00.000+08:00

In the UK, there are anti-discriminatory laws through legislation (perhaps those who have/do studied/study Discrimination Law would like to elaborate further on this point). Whether the people truly believe in such an anti-discrimanatory stance or not, the issue is that there is substantive law that LEGALLY prohibits discrimination.

It is ILLEGAL to subject someone to different standards by virtue of sex, race or sexual discrimination in the UK. In Malaysia, perhaps sexual orientation is getting more attention these days. The Government have introduced new measures to combat such discrimination though somehow falling short of the women rights group demands. The law in this area seem to be moving in the right direction.

Anti racial discrimination law though, I shall not discuss or elaborate to any detail, for it is as sensitive a matter for any one smart enough to know the consequences of doing so.

However, one form of discrimination came into my attention recently since I knew of some one who is a homosexual. She was very crossed when a guy brought up some offensive remarks about homosexuals. She clearly felt she had a right not to be discriminated against. And guess what? The other people who were nearby clearly agreed with her view. They had no problem at all, or so it seems, with her sexual orientation.

I'm very aware that sexual orientation is a taboo subject in an Asian Culture like ours in Malaysia. We probably may pay lip service and say we do not mind accepting homosexuals as they are. However, a very peculiar yet disturbing revelation seems to be common.

I have spoken to a few friends and they all seem to give me a similar response.

Q: Do you find problem accepting people who are homosexuals?

A: Nope. Why should I?

Q: So you won't mind your own son/daughter being a homosexual?

A: Of course I would. That's my son/daughter! (usually in a shocked and sometimes angry manner)

So, can we really claim to be impartial not not discriminate on this ground? Hmm....can we even legislate and make it law when it seems so contrary to our social norms?I have to admit even I may find it difficult to accept if someone as close to me like my child is a homosexual. I know it is clearly dogmatic but it is just a result of influence from our community. I may learn to accept it throught time but it could still be difficult!

So do you think that it is feasible for Malaysia to adopt strict laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation? (At this point, I'm NOT aware if Malaysia already has any such law. If there are such laws in Malaysia, I stand corrected!)

WHAT SAY YOU?

NOTE:Sometimes there are really cool advantages of being GAY! Don't believe me? Take a look at this video and let ur envy overwhelm you! LOL

-->http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=video&file=johansson_goldenglobe_squeeze__wmr_.wmv

BazookaS

2006-02-26T23:08:00.000+08:00

I always wondered why they were so big. Now I guess I know the answer. Basketball is truly the best game in the world!

A world of surprises!!

2006-02-25T04:12:00.000+08:00

Henry scored the winning goal at Madrid. No English team has beaten Real Madrid in the Champions Leaque at home prior to this game. That fact will probably put into perspective the seismic victory that the Gunners achieved in Spain.

These days you can never bet on something safely anymore.

In the days of our grandfathers, you could probably bet that Malaysia is safe from Tsunamis.Well, you better don't bet on that now.

We could probably bet that Greece will never win a soccer tournament. Well, scratch that off the list as well.

How 'bout betting that Malaysia will never have a hail storm? You better ask the residents around Subang what they think 'bout that!

Hmm....On a week where the ailing Gunners beat the 'mighty' Real Madrid, the Special One's Chelski was not so special indeed when they were humbled at home by Barcelona.

(For more reports: http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=365839&CPID=5&CLID=&lid=15&title=Champions+League+round-up&channel=champions_league ). Not so long had passed since Robben's theatrics that we got a splendid opportunity to see 2 football players showcase their acting talents. Bravo to Mr. Messi and Del Horno.

Wait wait...there are more shockers....how bout this....a Sudanese man was forced to 'marry' a goat he had sexual intercourse with. Now that is a REAL world of surprise. You would have probably bet that no man would have found any sexual interest at all with a poor goat neither would any sane man be compelled to marry such a poor creature. Well, better don't bet on that now. (Reported by BBC : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4748292.stm )

The next time you wanna wager on something, you better don't bet on it. You could lose a lot of money!!!

Well, perhaps betting that the Malaysian soccer team will win the World Cup one day will be a safe bet. What say you?

Chelsea v Colchester Utd (The Report)

2006-02-21T05:50:00.000+08:00

Stamford Bridge,where all the Russian petrol money went.
The home of the 'Special One'. He surely had his feather ruffled that day by the courageous Colchester team.
I was trying to apply for a job as a ballboy. Sadly, they did not want me there.
Look at that. Visit Malaysia huh? I was truly proud. I told them all about our customs of making criminals do nude squats and shaving peoples head bald. The Brits there were very amazed. LOL.

As you all know, well at least those who have been following my blog, which probably isn’t many, I made my way to Stamford Bridge, enduring the cold bitter London rain to watch the epic David (Colchester Utd.) v Goliath (Chelsea).

Before the match I met up with an old friend from Melaka who was a great company throughout the day. We had a sumptuous lunch at Chinatown. I have to admit bashfully now, that I had to use all my strength to restrain myself from gorging down my roast duck as the waiter fearfully (Who blames him? I must have looked like I had not eaten in days) put down my plate on the table. Jun Wei even offered to bring me around London in that torrid weather. What a guy!! At first, I wanted to try out Fishtail’s recommendation. I remember him mentioning something ‘bout the infamous Wong Kei Restaurant. Sadly, Jun Wei has had enough of the ill treatment made so (in)famous by the restaurant’s waiters!

As for the match, Colchester in my books played their hearts out. Their fans were truly amazing. Colchester played with dignity and even took a lead through an own goal by Carvalho. They could have scored more had they been more clinical in their finishing. Alas, in the end Chelsea did win.

Many Chelsea fans were boisterous in their support but also very loud in their bragging. I just could not understand how they could brag when they were facing a team who were clearly such huge underdogs from the start. When Chelsea made a poor start to the first half, they actually attributed that poor performance to the fact that it was the ‘reserve team’ who was playing. The first eleven boasted of the likes of Drogba (African Cup 2006- Runner-up), Carvalho, Maniche and Ferreira (Champions League Winners) and yet the Chesea fans felt they had a ‘reserve team’. Who were they kidding?

Chelsea for a common fact is well known not to play the swashbuckling football that the ‘Invincibles’ Arsenal team played on their route to the Championship. The Blues pride on good tactics and score almost at will at set-pieces and again when the opponent is simply bored to death trying to probe their water tight defence.

However, it is just another win for Chelsea and another day at the stadium for me. Anyone care to propose a way to stop the Blue machine? Well, short of stopping petrol money from getting into Stamford Bridge of course.

Visiting the champions

2006-02-17T01:27:00.000+08:00

Am I a football fan?
YES, perhaps a lil' more than that; but, a lil' short of a fanatic.

I've decided to scour the coffers again to fund a trip to a stadium to watch a football match in the UK. (My pay from my time at Debenhams is running empty soon)

I'm going to the home of the 'special one'.
I'm going to the home of the champions.
I'm going to the home where the Russian petrol money is spent.
I'm going to be blue for a day.

Yes...you guessed right...I'm going to Stamford Bridge for the FA CUP 5th Round Tie.
It is me and Chelsea against the rest of the world (Well for one day at least).

Happy St. Valentines Day

2006-02-14T08:08:00.000+08:00

Always for the first time

Always for the first time
Hardly do I know you by sight
You return at some hour of the night to a house at an angle to my window
A wholly imaginary house
It is there that from one second to the next
In the inviolate darkness
I anticipate once more the fascinating rift occuring
The one and only rift
In the facade and in my heart
The closer I come to you
In reality
The more the key sings at the door of the unknown room
Where you appear alone before me
At first you coalesce entierly with the brightness
The elusive angle of a curtain
It's a field of jasmine I gazed upon at dawn on a road in the vicinity of Grasse
With the diagonal slant of its girls picking
Behind them the dark falling wing of the plants stripped bare
Before them a T-square of dazzling light
The curtain invisibly raised
In a frenzy all the flowers swarm back in
It is you at grips with that too long hour never dim enough until sleep
You as though you could be
The same except that I shall perhaps never meet you
You pretend not to know I am watching you
Marvelously I am no longer sure you know
You idleness brings tears to my eyes
A swarm of interpretations surrounds each of your gestures
It's a honeydew hunt
There are rocking chairs on a deck there are branches that may well scratch you in the forest
There are in a shop window in the rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Two lovely crossed legs caught in long stockings
Flaring out in the center of a great white clover
There is a silken ladder rolled out over the ivy
There is
By my leaning over the precipice
Of your presence and your absense in hopeless fusion
My finding the secret
Of loving you
Always for the first time

(Andre Breton)

Happy Valentines Day to all those who are lucky enough to enjoy it with their loved ones. Appreciate the company of your loved ones when he/she is in your warm embrace for not all are as fortunate.

Happy Valentines Day to my GF whose absence has brought much heartache and has brought time to a standstill. Without knowing her, Valentines Day would have just passed like no other. It just shows how much life means to me after someone who has brought back dignity into a relationship and has taught me so much about what I have once forgotten. The joys of old, long extinguished is now rekindled. The hope long lost has been rediscovered. Finally, I'm home once more.

Thank you and more than most, Happy Valentines Day to you, Li Hong. Life has and will never be the same again the moment I fell for you. I just want you to know you had me from the moment you said 'Hello'. Gracias and may this day bring the utmost of joy! (sniff sniff)

Love Spoon

2006-02-13T09:41:00.000+08:00

According to Welsh tradition, when a man is interested in a woman for marriage he has to go to the woman's house to meet her father. The woman's father will then give him a piece of wood and knife. Each time he visits her at her house he must bring both items and hold them so that the woman's father can be assured that his hands are where they are suppose to be (grins). By the time they get married, the man would have carved a spoon out of the piece of wood and present it to his new wife.

Wales (Cymru) Trip

2006-02-12T07:56:00.000+08:00

National Museum of Cardiff (Caerdydd) Cardiff (Caerdydd) Town HallCardiff Law Courts 'Knight' protecting Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd)Millenium Stadium, venue for the 2005 English FA Cup Final. Could be this year's venue too if Wembley is not completed in time.
University of Cardiff

Wow..this has been an eventful and tiring weekend for me. The trip to Wales right after the musical has left me mentally drained. The trip to Wales is really worth every penny spent. Since I'm so tired and can't well express my wonderful experience at this state, I'm going to post some pictures as a consolation. Pictures speak a thousand words anyway, don't they?

Note: Words in brackets are in the Welsh tongue.

Some lose their hair, some lose their clothes, bravo!

2006-02-04T21:21:00.000+08:00

I live in a country (fictional) called Malaichia. Today, when I read the Bintang newspaper, one of the nation’s top news providers, I was a proud Malaichian.

The Royal Malaichian Police (RMP) again stood its ground to stamp out crime! The fiasco regarding the Chinese women who had been subjected to alleged nude squats by the RMP had hardly died down, and yet, here they are courageously thrusting their bold faces into the media limelight once again!

The RMP are a bold lot who are not afraid of the attention they are getting. As a matter of fact, they crave such an attention and will demand that they get their due time in the spotlight! Who cares about Civil Liberties and Human Rights? I just went to my first class of such and thought it was bullshit!

Why do we need to learn civil liberties OR human rights when in truth all we have to do is flex our muscles (if our muscles are backed by the power that be) to get what we want? The RMP is a clear example of illustrating my point.

Why can’t the RMP subject these law breaking Chinese women to such ‘degrading treatment’? Even if it is degrading, they certainly deserve it for breaking the law, don’t they? Why care about human rights when they are foreign citizens. Heck, the RMP can even forego human right even if they are Malaichians if they break the law. No one is above the law; well, perhaps except the RMP. But, that is different, because they are the RMP.

China is not really a superpower YET. It is merely a country which is rapidly growing to be one. So before it can bully us into submission when it achieves its full strength, the RMP is trying to head note that we are not a nation to be meddled with. Who cares whether the diplomatic relations between our countries are strained? It is even better if these Chinese people stop visiting our shores anyway. It is not as though tourism is our major source of income. We can survive without it.

On the issue where the senior citizens were shaven bald, the RMP Assistant Commisioner for Keyjang said that it was within their power to shave these fellas bald because they had broken the law when they played mahjong during the Chinese New Year. I agree with him wholeheartedly. There is NO need to apply any wise discretion. If they break the law, just do what you want with them. Since they are old and weak, they are probably defenceless anyway. So the RMP did the right thing. Shave their heads off and punish them for playing mahjong. Why can’t they just play chess or scrabble for Chinese New Year. Surely, next year, these fellas will be getting a monopoly set instead!

Anyway, I have ranted way too much.

Once again, bravo to the RMP and may they keep up their good work.
To all law breaking people in Malaichia, you better run and hide because the RMP is on your trail!

You could lose your clothes or your hair, or BETTER still, both.

Faces of Paris

2006-01-28T05:11:00.000+08:00

Notre Dame Cathedral. Anyone remember Quasimodo?

Concorde Plaza. Where King Louis 16th lost his head.

Eiffel Tower. Symbol of Paris.

Academy of Music.

Grand Louvre Museum. The subject of the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

There and back again (A StudenT'S taLe)

2006-01-28T04:52:00.000+08:00

Wow…it seems like a very hectic holiday period for me.

First, I was working during Xmas Eve all the way through to New Year’s Eve. The only down point of all that was the long hours and the fact that I got single time pay! Darn.

On 2nd January 2006, I went back to Malaysia for a short rendezvous before my trip to Paris. I manage to catch up some lost time with my girlfriend as we traveled between KL, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan. We really got the opportunity to maximize our time together. It was fun and definitely a few weeks to cherish and sustain me for the coming lonely months back at Brookes.

After that, I finally got the chance to go to Paris. IT was LOVELY. I got the chance to visit the Eiffel Tower, Arch De Triomphe, the Army Museum and Napolean’s Tomb, the Louvre Museum and the Marine Museum just to name a few. Paris was really an experience to behold.

I’m too tired and dazed now to blog anymore than I have. I will start catching up with my favourite blogs soon.

Au revoir!

P.S: This is the first time I’m spending Chinese New Year away from family and friends. All I have to say is Gong Xi Fa Cai to all readers and may the New Year bring good tidings and may fate shine brightly upon your fortunes!

The Brookes Adventure (Sem 1)

2006-01-01T06:12:00.000+08:00

Well the Brookes adventure is now at its halfway mark and I have to admit that things have been pretty fast paced here.

Looking back on the things that happened since I arrived in English shores, I realized that I have done a considerable amount of what I had set out to do before I came here. When I just arrived I had a wonderful first week partying with my new friends at Brookes. I alternated between sharing a few pints with my new mates at the bars and spending some time with my family who also accompanied me here to Oxford on a holiday.

The induction period was hectic and confusing but nonetheless fun! I managed to go to Blenheim Palace with my family. The Palace is the former residence of Winston Churchill and his ancestors. It was a beautiful and utterly remarkable site of great value. I also managed to move around Oxford in perhaps greater detail than the rest of my Malaysian KDU course mates at that time.

My time with my new mates was also fun filled to the extreme. Days of partying and hanging around at bars were now a distant yet sweet memory of the past.

However, things got much more hectic and much more confusing when the lectures actually started. I took Employment Law, Commercial Law (I), EU Law, Criminal Evidence and Advanced Legal Method for my first semester at Brookes. I have to say my initial perception of my Employment & Commercial Law lecturer was one of utter misconception. It is safe to admit that at that time I thought he was a very poor lecturer of limited resources. But, he then went on to show the reason he was so highly regarded by former KDU students and prove me wrong in the process.

EU Law was based on totally alien concepts which probably made it very difficult for other Malaysian law students to comprehend. I for my part thought it wasn’t too difficult to grasp. The lecturers were good and although the lecture halls needed refurbishment, the lectures were of excellent quality.

On the other hand, Advanced Legal Method for me was a totally baffling subject. It was just like Legal Skills back at KDU but the assessment was a real killer. I’m only keeping my fingers crossed that my hard work put to completing it is justified with a good result. I also thought Criminal Evidence lectures were moving too rapidly for my liking. Thank goodness I managed to catch up just before the examinations.

As for my life at the Halls of Residence, my initial cool and fun friends made life a torture after the first week. They ARE still cool and fun. The PROBLEM is they are cool but they ONLY want to have fun! They hardly go to lectures and party all night long almost daily. The noisy that they generate will make any student go manic including me. I had to resort to sleeping pills, ear plugs and a steady source of prayers (though not from myself) to ensure that I get any decent amount of sleep everyday. Hopefully this problem can be resolved before the next semester or I may be duly forced to find another accommodation!

In the meantime, I found a job at Debenhams (my contract ended on New Year’s Eve) to earn some money for some Euro Trips while I’m here. The first stop will be FRANCE. I can’t wait to visit the MUSEE DE LOUVRE or the CATHEDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS ET SON TRESOR.

I was also busily trying to secure myself a mini-pupillage while I’m here. I wrote countless letters to countless chambers requesting for a stint. Finally, my lucky stars shone bright and I was offered a place at 7 King’s Bench Walk for the Easter Holidays. I’m very hopeful that this will be an invaluable experience! (At this point of time, I’m also busy filling in my BVC applications, however, it is perhaps noteworthy that my decision on taking either the CLP/BVC is still far from certain. It is safe to say that my current preference is on taking the CLP but if I manage to secure a scholarship or some sort of funding for the BVC then perhaps it will be too big of a temptation to refuse).

I also posted a blog about my trip to a football match at White Hart Lane. I’m considering going for another game soon, perhaps a Champions League match. Anyone interested to join me?

Finally, after the pressure of facing and completing the exams, I finally managed to get some rest as 2 of my housemates have completed their course and have gone home. I’m hoping for quieter housemates this time. I also managed to have a fun evening for Xmas at Ken’s house. I have to thank him for inviting me to his small party. It was fun and a moment to remember.

It is almost New Years now. Therefore, I’m thinking of a New Years resolution. But, on the other hand, why have a resolution and restrict how far you can achieve? Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEARS to all of my readers! A wonderful year lies ahead. I can feel it!

The adventure beckons!

BVC v CLP

2005-12-29T21:16:00.000+08:00

Round 1 (Economics):

CLP v BVC is a fight akin to 2 similar boxers of almost equal power but each with its own distinct strength and weakness. The CLP is a much cheaper examination than the BVC. The BVC is conducted in a posh environment where status is of a primary importance. Therefore, in terms of simple economics, the CLP will probably take the lead into the 2nd round with a considerable margin.

Round 2 (Status):

Obviously paying so much for the BVC has to count for something? Of course it does! A BVC holder is almost guaranteed worldwide recognition. The CLP although held in high regards in Malaysia has to be a pale comparison in terms of global recognition compared to the BVC. Thus, the BVC will take this round!

Round 3 (Employability):

It seems that in Malaysia, both a BVC/CLP holder has an equal footing on the employability scale, that is pending you’re interested in pursuing your career at a law firm. As a matter of fact, there are some who are of the opinion that CLP holders will have a direct advantage here because they are already introduced to Malaysian law at some stage. However, while the BVC holders lose a bit of ground on this respect, it seems that it makes up ground on other areas. Apparently BVC holders are held in higher regard when they are applying for job vacancies at multi-national companies. I have seen examples of BVC providers conducting their syllabus and I have to admit that it is very impressive indeed. On the other hand, I also have to admit that I have not seen how the CLP is conducted, thus, it would not be fair for me to judge its competency. Therefore, this round will probably be a draw.

Round 4 (Passing the exams):

Apparently, many people feel that the BVC is a much ‘easier option’ than the CLP. BEEP! Sorry, wrong answer! I have many friends in both courses who are complaining endlessly that both of these courses are indeed tough. Neither is simple nor easy. The CLP and BVC are constructed in a way as to provide the perfect grounding for an aspiring legal practitioner. Although the CLP has a poor passing rate, the BVC has a poor entry rate. Not many people get to take the BVC and not many people get to pass the CLP. It is also noteworthy that not many BVC students go on to secure a pupilage and lesser still secure a tenancy. Obviously, if you are planning to take the BVC, then you must have some aspiration to work in the UK. Be warned though not many get this chance. So is the BVC worth that much of a bother if your chances of securing a pupilage are so low even though you qualified with a distinction in your BVC?

Round 5 (Quota?):

This is where the final argument lies.

Some people contend that there is a quota put to restrict the passing rate of the CLP exams. If this is true, that means you are not only challenging yourself to attain good grades but you are also competing with other CLP students to see who is the better law student, albeit not necessarily a better lawyer! In this respect, it seems to be better to take the BVC isn’t it? Since by taking the BVC, your future is safely in your own hands, you work hard and excel and you are through while if you slacken and party the year long, you condemn yourself to your own grave. So the main question here is there really a quota?

Verdict: UNDECIDED

Obviously as you can see, I’m still hopelessly UNDECIDED. This article is a plea to all out there who may have views regarding the virtues of either the CLP/BVC. All comments are welcomed without reservation. If my ideas on each of the 5 points stated above are wrong, please do correct my assumptions. I hope this article will stimulate a good response in my comments box.

(eagerly waiting)

Batista v HHH

2005-12-28T21:03:00.000+08:00

These days I'm finding fewer n fewer things to blog about. Perhaps the initial excitement of blogging is slowly going through a painful death. I may stop blogging soon, but, before I do here is a treat for all WWE fans...I found this video on the net.

I present to you Batista v HHH in a Hell in the Cell Match. Check the video out:

http://www.vidiLife.com/reloc.cfm?cryp=010-7CD4ECAB-FC7D-4201-9C78-F

WARNING: This video may contain gore and bloody violence way beyond the normal fortitude of the reasonable man. Only watch at your own peril. I reserve no liability for any heart attacks, anxiety etc as a result of wathing this video.

Let it snow

2005-12-27T20:16:00.000+08:00

( Original picture when it just started to snow. )

( I'm foolishly freezing myself to death)

(Picture taken a few minutes after the first one)

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of Pauseping,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
But as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Merry Xmas 2005!!

2005-12-25T19:43:00.000+08:00

Merry xmas to all those who may have a blue xmas especially the homeless and the poor!!

Merry xmas to all students studying in Brookes who may have a blue xmas because they can't go back to their family, loved ones and friends.

Merry xmas to all who learn to rejoice the coming of the New Year.

And Merry xmas to all those who mean so much to me, but, are away from me. The distance only lies in matter and not in soul.

Merry Xmas.

Fascinating

2005-12-24T02:31:00.000+08:00

This is a fascinating article posted on my friendster bulletin. I wonder if it is true? If it is, it is surely fascinating !

If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis,would you recommend that she have an abortion?Read the next question before looking at the response for this one.

Question 2:It is time to elect a new world leader, and only yourvote counts.Here are the facts about the three candidates.

Candidate A.Associates with crooked politicians, and consultswith astrologist. He's had two mistresses. He alsochain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B.He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps untilnoon, used opium in college and drinks a quart ofwhiskey every evening.

Candidate C:He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian,doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

Which of these candidates would be your choice?Decide first... no peeking, then scroll down for the response.

Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.Candidate B is Winston Churchill.Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.

And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question:

If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven.Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone.

Wait till you see the end of this note! Keep reading...Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember: Amateurs...built the ark.Professionals...built the Titanic.

And Finally, can you imagine working for acompany that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics:

* 29 have been accused of spousal abuse* 7 have been arrested for fraud* 19 have been accused of writing bad checks* 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least2 businesses* 3 have done time for assault* 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit* 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges* 8 have been arrested for shoplifting* 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits* 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year...

Can you guess which organization this is?Give up yet?It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group that crank outhundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us (this article must have been written by an American) in line.

Crazy stuff and emoticons

2005-12-21T06:18:00.000+08:00

The Withered Lover

What sign of the Black Zodiac are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

1. Well I went to wittle wabbit's page and found that she posted quite scary stuff on "Black Zodiac". Totally inquisitive as usual and ignoring the usual saying of "curiousity killed the cat", I took the leap of no return and took the TEST. The author of the page itself said that it was utter rubbish and a creation of her imagination based on the horror flick 13 Ghosts ( which I have to admit although poor by public standars, SCARED THE SHITS out of me!).Well, at least credit to her for admitting this!! Apparently, I'm this scarred creature on the top of this post.

2. To the others bugging me for MSN emoticons. Here is the page you have been craving for
-> http://www.allemoticons.com/

UCL Round 16

2005-12-20T04:41:00.000+08:00

The draw for the Uefa Champions League round of 16 is as follows:

Chelsea v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Arsenal
Werder Bremen v Juventus
Bayern Munich v AC Milan
PSV v Lyon
Ajax v Inter Milan
Benfica v Liverpool
Rangers v Villarreal.

The draw has been rather kind to the so called smaller teams of the competition like Rangers and Lyon. This year may see a resurgence of the smaller teams doing well and going far down the road as they are again pit together against each other.

On the other hand, football enthusiasts must also be drooling at the prospects of the titanic battles that lie ahead for the big clubs. Chelsea v Barcelona has to be the pick of the round. The last time these 2 teams met, they served a feast for football fans worldwide. I have to say I’m eagerly hoping that someone can somehow get me the tickets to this match (indirect appeal to anyone willing to help me get the tickets). This match will be all about the Blue’s efficiency and the Catalan team’s attacking thrust.

Besides that, Real Madrid v Arsenal should also be an interesting match. Usually, the Gunners tend to falter at the European stage. But, this year they do not have their focus on the EPL that much, since Chelsea is already stealing a good march ahead. Arsenal are still quite a potent force and against an ailing Real side, I would personally fancy their chances. I think a small punt on the Gunners topping this tie is not really a risky move.

Werder Bremen must have rued their luck when they were paired with the titans from Turin. Juventus have steamrolled everyone in Italy with an enviable result of wins after wins. No team seems to have found a remedy to shackle this Old Lady. My verdict: Juve to go through!!

Bayern v. AC Milan is another clash of the titans. Gosh…No one with a brave heart can dare call this either way. But, I fancy that Bayern may be the slight favourites especially since they are the only team who have seemed to be able to match Juventus thus far.

PSV Eindhoven v. Lyon. Oooo….too close to call.

Ajax Amsterdam v. Internaziole Milan. This is not the Ajax side of old who used to boast the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Johann Cryuff or Marco Van Basten. This new side managed my Danny Blind is toothless in attack since the sale of Ibrahimovic and Mido. It seems that Inter will win this tie without much sweat. Any different outcome has to be counted as an upset.

Benfica v Liverpool is another predictable match in my opinion. A win for the Reds of course.

Rangers v Villareal. Who cares really? LOL. But, Villareal should go through. Rangers are just crap this year, even in the SPL.

Note: 1. This article is not meant as a guide for any punts placed.
2. Can anyone please get me the tickets to the Chelsea/ Arsenal match? I have been a good boy this year…Santa please send me the tickets!!

Nintendo!

2005-12-17T08:11:00.000+08:00

Remember those days when all we had was Nintendo...the days pre- Playstations and pre- X-Box (not like I have any of these anyway)?

You really have to check out this link and relive the days of 'old'!! Check out this performance...it's less than 5 minutes anyway!!

--> http://gprime.net/video.php/nintendothemesacappella

(Nintendo Themes Acapella)

The Merseyside Song

2005-12-12T03:48:00.000+08:00

Don't be too happy Ryan! The game ain't over yet!

An unlikely draw at Old Trafford.

Top goalscorer but only substitute.

Well, the other day, I was at my kitchen when one of my friend's mate started singing. Merseyside supporters will probably do well to stop reading here. The song went like this:

You are a scouser,

A DIRTY scouser,

You're only happy on Giro Day!

Your mum's out dealing! Your Dad's out thieving!

Please don't take my hubcaps away ...Please don't take my hubcaps away

(sung to the tune of "You are my sunshine")

And you'll never get a job!

You'll never get a job!!

(sung to the tune of "You will never walk alone)

Appendix:

1. Humrazz, sad to say, but my prior article's predictions are reinforced by this week's results. (Chelsea won..AGAIN, Man Utd drew, Arsenal lost)

2. Sorry to all Liverpool and Everton fans out there. But the song is quite funny isn't it? Well..perhaps not. :P

3. Good luck to all the guys at Brookes. We can make it!

The changing of the old guard

2005-12-08T09:46:00.000+08:00

It would seem that the empire of the Red Devils is all but consigned to the history books. Just a few years ago, Pre- Abramovich era, it was inconceivable that the Red Devils will not make it into the 2nd round of the Champions League. But, now much to the horror of Manchester Utd. fans worldwide, the Red Devils somehow managed to contrive to lose to Benifica and in the process securing their elimination from Europe (they did not even make it into the Uefa Cup). Their performances in this years edition of the Champions League have been shaky. The need for a player to rise up to the occasion stood out like a sore thumb.

However, it would seem that since the epic final victory over Bayern Munchen, they never again quite scaled the heights of that success. I think the demise of the Red Devils is easily pointed onto the shoulders of their once astute manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Fergie, is probably already a legend at Old Trafford for the countless trophies he has brought to the club. During his tenure, great players such as Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson, Jaap Stam, Roy Keane and perhaps to a lesser extent, a certain David Beckham, had don the red jerseys of the club. However, perhaps the magnitude of his success in attaining the Golden Treble somehow clouded his subsequent judgments. The sale of key players like Beckham and Stam only to be replaced with ‘lesser’ players like Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson and Forlan is probably a huge determining factor to the Red Devils falling off their pedestal. Furthermore, the failure to replace the now departed Keane with an adequate midfield enforcer made the Red Devils overly dependant on their former captain.

Now, the worse nightmare for any Red Devil fan has come true. What next is in store? The exit from Europe will correlate with a massive loss in income. The club’s new owners, the Glazers family, are renowned for being thrifty with the purse. Will Fergie be allowed money to pursue new signings to boost the squad? It would seem that the answer will probably be in the negative. In that case, in my humble opinion, Manchester United fans would probably have to endure a frustrating few years until the squad can recover (maybe with a new man taking the reigns of the Red Devils, perhaps, Le Guen?). Any possible trophy now lies with the domestic cups with the Carling Cup a more reasonable target.

Alas, if the Red Devils is ailing, the Gunners are not exactly doing too well themselves. After another defeat by Bolton, the elegant Gunners seem to be always found wanting against the scrappy opponents, albeit they did top their group in the Champions League. The loss of Viera can be equated with Manchester United’s loss of Keane. However, a redeeming factor for their manager Wenger though, is the fact that they have a superb talent in Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger, since his arrival to the English shores, has been the one to rival Fergie blow for blow. With astute and economical signings, he brought superb players like Patrick Viera, Nicolas Anelka (anyone remember him?), Marc Overmars and of course, Thierry Henry to don the colors of the Gunners.

Mr. Wenger introduced an attacking blend of good attractive football and entertained football fans worldwide. However, his strength seems to also be his weakness. It seems that at times, the Gunners find it too easy to penetrate opposing defences that they over elaborate and lose the chance to finish the game off. Furthermore, the player’s penchant for beautiful football often seems to indicate that they can’t get used to the scrappy approach employed by certain teams. It will seem that Arsenal needs a few players more before they can really challenge once again for titles.

A good centreback like Nesta or Cannavaro, a tall no-nonsense approach striker like Trezeguet and a left winger to replace the aging Pires has to be on the cards. It will seem that this year would be tough on the Gunners to challenge for the major trophies. However, it may not be impossible for them to challenge for the domestic cups, especially if Chelsea and Manchester United fall out on the wayside.

As a result, it can probably be deduced by now, that I have expected that the boys from Stamford Bridge will build a new empire under their boss, Mr. Special Mourinho. They poached Kenyon from Manchester United, Arnesan from Spurs and a clutch of players from teams around the globe to run the Blues bandwagon. Can anyone stop them?
Perhaps the emerging teams like Spurs and the rejuvenated Rafalution at Liverpool may challenge the Blue dominance in a few years. It seems that the changing of the old guards is now set in motion.

LOTR

2005-12-08T03:20:00.000+08:00

Here's a video for all LOTR fans: http://www.vidiLife.com/reloc.cfm?cryp=010-441156C3-606A-4730-BDB3-6

(Btw, good luck to all those taking exams now!)

The animals needs US

2005-12-04T23:21:00.000+08:00

I think sometime last year, I was invited to sign a petition from the SPCA (Malaysia). The petition was to be handed to the Prime Minister for harsher penalties on acts of animal cruelty. For me personally, inhumane treatment of animals is just horrendous. Here is an excerpt from the SPCA website:

SPCA Calls for Harsher Penalties for Animal AbuseFollowing the recent two cases brought to Court by Jabatan Haiwan Enforcement Officers (DVS), SPCA is appealing to the Courts and the Law makers and decision makers to take into account the seriousness of these cases and the inadequate penalties at present are being issued.The first case, a Breeder in Cheras was fined RM200 for cruelty to 13 dogs, the charge was expected to be for each individual dog (i.e. 13 X RM200) and the lack of a ban of keeping animals after prosecution for cruelty means that each dog was returned to the owner to continue a life of suffering and production.The second case, a Daschund named Tim, was chained so tightly round his neck that the chain had become embedded into the skin and a six inch wound exposed a bloody mess around his neck. The owner in this case was fined RM200 and had to spend one day in jail. The dog is to be returned to the owner. Tim is still recovering from his injury and several operations to remove the chain from his neck.According to the Law in Malaysia the maximum fine for cruelty to animals is RM200 and/or 6 months imprisonment. SPCA is appealing both cases at present and will aim to have the 13 dogs and Tim surrendered to SPCA’s animal home in Ampang Jaya.SPCA is appealing that the Animal Ordinance 1953 is amended to first of all increase the fine to a realistic fee (after all a pedigree puppy costs about RM1000 – 2000 today) and imposes a BAN on KEEPING ANIMALS following prosecution for CRUELTY.Add your name and voice to a petition appealing for amendments to the law protecting animals in Malaysia which will be handed over to the authorities at World Animal Day in October.Animal lovers all over Malaysia petition for a pro-active government stance on the prevention of cruelty to animals by passing effective and deterrant legislation:

1.Increasing the cruelty fine from RM200 (since 1953) significantly higher to around RM 10,000.00 and increase jail time.

2.A life time ban on animal ownership for those charged with cruelty to animals --- animals therefore cannot be returned to the owners.

3.To urge the public to be responsible pet owners - spay/neuter their pets, adequate food, space, exercise, love and mediacal attention and to be considerate neighbours.

However, just today, I found out through a Bulletin posted at Friendster that they did not have enough signatures to petition the PM. I have 3 dogs, a large enclosure of fish, birds who nest at trees around my house and I was the former President of the Environmentalist Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam) at high school. Therefore, it is safe to say that I'm an animal lover. But, I think anyone, even those not so fond of animals should sign this petition.

It is just absurd that the penalty for such degrading treatment of animals is so low. I use the word 'degrading' not because it degrades the animal, but, it degrades mankind itself, for how can we claim to be superior beings when we cannot even show compassion?

Please do something for the animals in Malaysia. Sign the petition at www.catzmedia.com/spca/petitions/index.asp. For those who have blogs, PLEASE reprint this post at your blog. We need more awareness about this issue!

Martyr's Memorial

2005-12-04T02:55:00.000+08:00

Dedicated to Fishtail,

Martyr's Memorial is the place where the priests were burned by the Queen in the name of God. They were imprisoned first before being burned to death. The 1st picture shows the very spot where they were burned to death. The X mark on the road signifies the place where they were burned.

The 2nd and 3rd pictures shows the inscription on the walls opposite of the site where the priests were burned. The names of the priests are inscribed there.

The other pictures shows Martyr's Memorial the monument erected to honour the death of the priests.

IF any has any more details, they include it in the comments column.

CRAZY!!!

2005-12-02T02:56:00.000+08:00

I'm so tired. I finished my Commercial Law assessment today which contributes 25% to my total score. The fact that I do not think I did it well made me come here to relieve some stress.

Thank god I found this website (http://thesurrealist.co.uk/slang) which is hilarious. It purports to turn words or name into teen slangs. So this is what I tried out:

justin
adj. carrying a radio.
"What do you think of that girl, bud?" "She's justin!"

alice
adj. owning a person.
"Bud, do you think I'm alice?"

meredith
v. to dance with things, with no purpose or reason.
"Meredith and you'll regret it, Shana."

KDU Group:

pek hong
n. hair, but also a secret code-word for LSD.
"You have the most miserable pek hong, Shana."

weng tchung
adj. overly fond of cigarettes.
"Don't be so weng tchung, kid."

jamie
n. a type of piercing.
"Brian, can I shout at your jamie?" "Sure you can, dawg."

fishtail
adj. likely to see LSD.
"I need a fishtail disco, and I need it now, bud."

Haha...well to all the people named here...I hope this is not offensive as it was only done in jest. The post on Martyr's Memorial coming up NEXT!

The story of death

2005-11-27T06:31:00.000+08:00

What is death?The ‘full stop’? The end? To kick the bucket? To take the plunge of no return? To cease living?

This is a very intriguing topic isn’t it? Since the dawn of time, people have sought to look for the elixir of life, the vial of youth or the fountain of longevity. It seems that so many of us fear death. We want everlasting life. We want to be an immortal.

This article was sparked by a very short portion of Mr. Fishtail’s article (http://julyfishtail.blogspot.com/2005/11/lecture-theatre.html) about the LTA. In the article, Mr. Fishtail went on a nostalgic path of retracing his time lecturing at a private college. He rekindled the days where people like myself sat in his classrooms eager to learn and absorb every detail of knowledge he was about to bestow on us.

However, he also brought up a very sad topic about the demise of a student. Not so long ago, I remember being told by Weng Tchung that a gal had passed away at my college after we left for Brookes. Apparently she died of dengue fever. Some said she died because of a blood infection of some sort. Whatever the cause of her death was, the point is Eunice Lee (the gal who succumbed to the illness) will not grace the lecture rooms of Mr. Fishtail anymore, or for that matter, will not walk the walls of life either.

I went on a soul searching journey through her blog and through her photo albums (http://mildpiquant.blogspot.com/2005/10/rest-in-peace-unice-lee.html).At first, I thought it would be a brief trip (since I was only taking a break out of my Commercial Law revision). However, through her blog, I went through the pages of LIFE as Eunice did before her untimely demise.

No parent should have to bury their child. I’m greatly sympathetic with Eunice’s family for having to suffer this sad episode. ( Eunice's story appeared in the Star Newspapers : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/6/nation/12435289&sec=nation).

But, before going entirely distracted by sadness, I have to say her blog brought me closer to who Eunice Lee was as a person in flesh and blood. The earlier posts were full of young enthusiasm. It highlighted her zest for life.Alas, her last post was about someone ‘backstabbing’ her. It is sad that her last days were blighted with such problems. Furthermore, I noticed that on her sidebar was a link to another lady who was also dying because of some tumor (this lady has subsequently died as well). Perhaps, even at a young tender age of 18, Eunice knew the perspective of death, perhaps from this dying lady.

I do not know how many of us believe death within the confines of the definition stated above. I certainly don’t. In my opinion, death is just a continuing of LIFE. The irony is…LIFE never ceased for Eunice nor will it cease for any of us.

She continues to live through the small portion of Mr. Fishtail’s blog and probably a big part of his memory, the blogs of her friends and the memories they carry of her, her blog and photo albums; and perhaps most importantly through her family.

I hoped she believed in the notion of life and death as I do before she was taken. Her infectious smile showed she was a gal of much energy and confidence. Her story showed that she was an epitome of good and love and innocence. (http://www.soundclick.com/bands/Lyrics.cfm?BandID=141287&songid=2994933)

There is no doubt that she is in a better place now. There is no doubt her family is in pain and I can only hope time will heal the sorrow. And there is no doubt she continues to live in each small fragments of all that she continues to touch. I did not know Eunice, but, I hope this short post will do justice to her legacy she achieved in her short life. RIP.

Appendix:

1. Mr. Fishtail, a post on Martyr’s Memorial will be coming up next!!!

2. Sorry baby, coz I know your superstitious. Don’t worry won’t be writing about this topic anymore.

White Hart Lane: The story

2005-11-25T01:24:00.000+08:00

Well perhaps this is a very backdated blog which should have been posted much earlier. But, have been and if I may add still very busy with my studies at the moment. Here is a brief account though:

I and Azlan, who acted as my tour guide, left Oxford around 11.30am on 11/11/2005 to watch the England U-21 v France U-21 match at White Hart Lane.

Upon reaching London, we had a Malaysian lunch at Mawar Restaurant. Azlan really miss Malaysian food!

Then he brought me to take a look at Marble Arch.

He also brought me to see the BPP Law School and also the Lincoln's Inn. As a matter of fact, we even got the chance to visit LSE!

We also took a trip to Covent Market and China Town at Gerrard St before finally making our way to the stadium.

Refusing to take a train or a bus, we walk from 7 Sister's station to the stadium. An excruciating 1/2 hour walk!!!

The match finished around 9.40pm and we spent some time browsing through the Spurs Store until 10pm.

Azlan again decided not to take the bus/train resulting in another 'lovely' stroll to the 7 Sister's Station under the constant barrage of torrent wind.

WE finally got into the Oxford Tube back to OBU at 11pm. I was spent!! I only fell asleep around 2 a.m.

Appendix:

1. The atmosphere at the Lane was amazing. 35k people shouting at the top of their lungs. Majority of them hoping for French 'blood'. Although the utter disrespect for the French national anthem was appalling manners by any standard, the trip to the Lane was a very good experience!

2.Here is another ironic cum hilarious video clip for your enjoyment. Cya soon.
(http://www.foxsearchlight.com/lab/shorts/farmsluts/quicktime.html)

Foul mood

2005-11-24T07:29:00.000+08:00

I really have no idea why but I'm and have been in such a foul mood this week. Everything juz seems to fall out of place. I get pissed regularly at almost seemingly the most trivial of things.
Nothing seems to be right and no one seems to be able to please me no matter what they do.

What the hell is wrong with me? Is the pressure finally going to my mind? Sigh...a medical malady perhaps?

I'm FREE

2005-11-11T08:26:00.000+08:00

Finally I'm free from the shackles which have bound me. I have finally completed my evidence coursework.

It has been a totally crazy week for me and an extremely manic 2 days.I was always rushing for time to complete this assignment but at the same time trying to ensure that its quality is not compromised. Then just 2 days ago, I found out that I have included too many points which are totally irrelevant to the requirements.

As my lecturer said " Well boy...very good practically...but...perhaps not so appropriate in our small context...would have been a good work if you had a 5000 word limit though!"

Well, what else could I do but to put myself in the pressure cooker and redo the entire coursework again!!!

But finally, now, literally hours from the due date, the coursework is finished. I have never kept it this late before passing up an assingment. I have to say the pressure is not welcomed. What does that teach me?

Well...Do your work earlier next time!! Luckily I can mitigate by saying that I spent a lot of time during the period I was supposed to complete my coursework by accompanying my family who dropped over from France.

I'm so tired...Gotta hit the sack now!!

What could I possibly be thinking right now at this moment:

1. The match I'm attending tomorrow at White Hart Lane and the prospect of meeting some friends in London.

2. My first day at work in Debenhams on Saturday.

3. A nice hot spicy bowl of mee rebus...Yummy!

Well....the flame boy signing out!!!

ZZZZzzzzzzz

A simple exercise

2005-11-08T04:50:00.000+08:00

Well.. I'm just going to include a simple yet proactive exercise for all those:

Who are spreading rumours, false or otherwise,
Who are believing in this rumours, conciously or subconciously;
Who are victim of these rumours, direct or indirect.

All you have to do is say this phrase out loud:

"Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can NEVER hurt me"

Come on, if you missed the first one try it now and see how good it makes you feel (especially if you are from the 3rd category).

"Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can NEVER hurt me"

I certainly feel better now, hope you do too!! Thank you for all those insanely bored rumour millers out there!! Thank you for showing me who my real friends are and revealing the veil of those who pretend. Thank you also for showing me that I really don't have to care for you and how much I care for those who are beside me.

Thank you!

Try this link -> http://users.adelphia.net/~shadowcr/LAUGH.html

for all those people who fall within those 3 categories or for readers in general to make your life a lil' bit more happy!

Halloween @ V4 @ Brookes

2005-11-05T01:53:00.000+08:00

Halloween has been a totally new experience. My flatmates being the total looney fun bunch that they r were definitely gam for the occasion as lil Jack here can attest.

What's more to look forward for? Well, there is alwiz XMAS!

I need a Baygon

2005-11-01T06:44:00.000+08:00

I'm extremely vexed that rumour mongers do not stop hounding me. By nature, I reckon that I'm quite patient. But, the manner in which certain people conduct themselves is just beyond acceptance!

Spreading rumours without checking the authencity of each claim is a lie! If it is damaging enough, then it is defamation. Unfortunately, too many people among the ranks from my current small pool of 'friends' from the same college have a high tendency of illiciting personal private information from whatever sources they can find (which will probably rival those of a paparazzi) and then taking liberties with distributing them at their own will. THIS HAS TO STOP.

Let me put this bluntly. My friend, Weng, has been politely bringing about the issue. I can hardly be half as subtle. All of us from the god forsaken place we called college for 2 yrs DO NOT ENJOY each others company. That is a poorly hidden secret. But, what's the point going about trying to blemish another person's reputation? If someone else fails, does another gain? What happened to the mantra of the "win-win" situation.

Weng is right. We should be there for each other. But, perhaps some fellas among us take things too literally. I think what he meant was being there positively ie through mental or motivational support. I cannot possibly see that what he meant was being there to shovel whatever private information you can find and then distorting it before mass circulating it to the public.

It seems from Pek Hong's blog that she is facing a similar dilemma. That can only reassure me that the problem does not lie with me solely, but, perhaps with these irrisponsible people who just do not have the maturity to go straight to someone's face and to spell out their grievances. I have met many people that have come up straight to me and told me .. " Dude, I just can't stand your guts".

Many of this people gain my respect, maybe not for their candour, but at least not for being a hypocrite, and some of them have turned out to be my best friends.

On the other hand, rumour mongers can hardly deserve any1's respect especially NOT mine.

The primary source of a rumour is a pest, the agent who spreads the rumours is a tumour. I'm not surprised that the shallow minded souls shall willingly absorb such sensationalised stories and reproduce them at their whims and fancy. It is all they have got to do after all. It's their moment of glory in life. It's their destiny, or so they believe!

For me, this is especially an important article after my preceding one about friends. It only comes to show how rare real friends are!!

There r too much pests around these days...Damn I need a Baygon!!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This article is not meant to be a general statement of feeling towards the whole bunch of people the author knows. I also recognise that this piece was written at a period of extreme vexation and any pointless ramblings are regretted for the general reader. This piece may also provoke some interesting comments which are duly welcomed. Say what you want and you shall be heard. But, do not hide under the veil of anonimity.

Friends

2005-10-30T07:16:00.000+08:00

As I grow older, I begin to realise something, friends, and I mean true friends are a really RARE commodity indeed.

I mean true friends as the one who:

will stand beside you and accompany you through the sad tears after a break-up
will cheer your every success and wish you good luck with the utmost of sincerity
will motivate you for further challenges
will challenge you to be a better person
will advice you when you're lost; or
will reprimand you when you're doing something wrong.

Friends like these are one in a million and almost impossible to find. That's why I'm so gratefull that I have friends like you guys.

Although this article is LONG OVERDUE, I still see the need to express my greatest appreciation to all my friends who made the trip to KLIA on my departure to Oxford, to all my friends who attempted to come but could not make it for some reason or other, and; finally to all my friends who are not in this picture but still mean just as much to me.

You guys are the best....

and if I could put it bluntly.... YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

White Hart Lane

2005-10-28T05:34:00.000+08:00

Do you see that ticket?
Who's name is printed on it?

What is the club logo? Any hints to where I'm going?

Yes.
You got it right!!

I'm going to White Hart Lane!!!

"Come on you , SPURS!!Come on you, SPURS!!"

Really long long nights

2005-10-24T08:46:00.000+08:00

I'm hopelessly insomniac!!

It is exactly 1.45a.m now here in the beautiful city of Oxford and yet, here I am, in V4C Clive Booth Hall of Residence with a throbbing headache, a stiff shoulder, an alarmingly large pair of beautiful eye bags (which have to say make me resemble much like a Giant Panda though probably half as cute) and a left knee which is juz begging to be amputated!!

I'm stressed...that much I know...

Too much things to consider for an already very disturbed mind!!

Sigh..my BVC scholarship form still sits idly on my desk, together with my work application forms and other bits and pieces of paper, some so crumpled that it would be hopeless to determine why I had the need to keep it there in the first place. The date line is 4th Nov. And I'm still in the dark trying to figure out how to answer the complicated questions on the form.

I have also a set of questions for my employment law tutorials still on my desk with very lil' preparation done on it. Am I just being lazy? Perhaps!! But, somehow, although I have been delving through it for hours, I just could not find the damn answers to the questions.

It is days like these that I begin to question the choices that I have made. Alas, choice have been taken and life must go on.

It is the future and these very pair of weary hands (currently typing on a Fujitsu laptop) which is going to mould that very future that is of the premium concern. The question probably keeping me awake is: Shall I do the BVC/CLP?

Thanks to my legal training, I'm now so 'good at advocacy' that I'm adeptly proficient in arguing both ways. As a result, I'm now hopeless ly confused and further adrift from the comfort zone.

Well, it is a new day tomorrow...well actually it is a new day now... any good things to look for the future to keep my mind of the BVC & CLP for a moment?

Hmm...(thinking)...well... I still have my Criminal Evidence Assignment due soon...(shit that will help with the insomnia)....hey why not in the process remind me that I have an Advanced Legal Method assignment too...one regretfully that I cannot even attempt to start yet because the whole question boggles my mind to insanity! (great, now...I juz guaranteed a whole nite of strong coffee and Aerosmith blaring out on the speakers!!)

(Shut up J, think of the bright side)....

Hmm.... well... I'm still alive....my parents are coming over next week for a visit from France...and I have great friends in Malaysia...well...maybe if I could keep reminding myself how much I have...then I will realise that there is nothing to fear after all.

Sigh....I'm juz human anyway...

AWOL

2005-10-22T04:21:00.000+08:00

Sorry I have been AWOL for so long. Well, I have to say that I have been awfully busy with all kinds of unrelated matters like applying for mini-pupillages(in the process securing referees n etc), studying and preparing for my seminars/tutorials, which never seem to be adequately prepared no matter how much time I spend on it, while doing my daily survival necessities...ie the one of premium importance, buying grocery n cooking.

The lectures here move at a really fast pace...it is simply incredible how fast a lecturer speeds of chapters after chapters. There is simply no time at all to let ur mind wander in class or u will juz realise tht the intellectual train has juz left the station. To my dismay, I'm finding it difficult to cope with such rigours. I'm built for consistency not mobility and speed. Sigh...I will juz have to find ways to adapt then.

The application for mini-pupillages have taken a lot of time too. But, finally I have managed to send in 2 applications to chambers in London. Hopefully, I will strike the lottery here! An anual wage for a pupil is about 35,000 quid at a London Chamber. Handsome is it not?

Well, in passing notice though, there are 2 things worth mentioning:

1. I FINALLY got football tickets. They are to watch the England U-21's v France U-21's at White Hart Lane!! WoooHooo!!!

2. My heartfelt condolences to the PM and his family for their bereavement!

WTF!!!

2005-10-05T18:53:00.000+08:00

Ring!!!Ring!!!.....

It is approximately 2 a.m and the fire alarm again goes off in the most ungodly of hours!!!

Why do people even attempt to have a drill and expect students to attend early morning lectures a few hours away is beyond comprehension!!!

Sights from Oxford

2005-09-25T00:24:00.002+08:00

Serene parks.

Sights from Oxford

2005-09-25T00:24:00.001+08:00

Amazing cathedrals.

Sights from Oxford

2005-09-25T00:24:00.000+08:00

Beautiful arcane architecture.

Finally…I’m here.

2005-09-25T00:21:00.000+08:00

This has been an utterly frantic 1 week for me. But, finally, I’m a student at Oxford Brookes University. I have to tell you guys this place is an absolute charm. But, you don’t have to take my word for it just look at the photos.

Since this is enrollment week for me, I have been busy alternating my presence between the Gypsy Lane Site and the Headington Hill Site (although both are part of the same campus). I have chosen EU Law, Criminal Evidence, Advanced Legal Method, Commercial Law (I) and Employment Law for my first semester while Environmental Law, Civil Liberties and Human Rights, Administration Law and Commercial Law (II) will keep me company for my 2nd semester.

Thus far, I have also managed to visit Blenheim Palace which is the residence of the Churchills (does the name Winston Churchill ring a bell?). The palace is just massive. It’s no wonder that it is a world heritage site.

Currently, I’m trying to find a job for my weekends. Maybe a part-time job at the city centre would be nice. As a result, I think my schedule would refrain me from blogging as frequent as I would like. However, you can always email me and I will try my best to reply as soon as I can.

Cheers mate!

Adventure Beckons!!

2005-09-13T00:31:00.000+08:00

For if love is the ocean, on which sail the brave,
We should welcome the storm winds,
And the wind driven waves.

This Thursday, 15th September 2005, I will be leaving the hot tropical Malaysian shores for the English city of culture and education, Oxford. This will be my 2nd stint at a university after my short spell at UKM. I have to admit my stint at UKM had thought me a thing or 2 on what to expect upon arrival at OBU or Oxford Brookes University. Even now, I’m being muddled with many questions from different quarters. Am I ready with my packing? Am I finally ready to leave home? Am I ready for the adventure of a life time?

The answer I have to say is a resounding ‘Yes’! I do not know yet what Oxford holds for me, but, I dare say I go with renewed enthusiasm and a much needed boost of courage and determination, albeit all these feelings were not foreseeable a just a mere few weeks ago. I go to Oxford to complete my degree. And yet, despite many people believing that a law degree is probably a path to ultimate boredom and monotony, I challenge myself to be different from the ‘norm’ (although the ‘norm’ is hardly accusable of being boring). Adventure beckons for the brave!

Will I miss my nasi lemak? Will I cry for my mee rebus? Maybe I will. But, in the mean time, I’m all set to go.

Yes! Yes!

Arriverdici! Bon Voyage! Au revoir! Selamat tinggal and finally, farewell to all who cares to know me and to others who put so much effort to do the contrary.

To those who wish to be there in KLIA, I will be checking in around 9p.m. You may come around 8.30 p.m. But, I have to warn you that I may not have any time to chat as time is at a premium. Thus, I shall not fret if you do not make it. However, your presence will be duly appreciated. Please attend with only smiles and laughter. If you must bring tears, then let it be tears of joy and hope for a better future.

Homesickness

2005-09-09T23:15:00.000+08:00

2.30 a.m. the phone rings waking me up from my brief unsatisfying stupor.

I pick up the cellular to the sound of a voice of a familiar person so long not heard of. She was sobbing. For obvious reasons, the name of the caller shall be withheld. However, the reason she was crying is the topic of this post.

Today was her last day in Malaysia, well at least until she completes her degree. All of a sudden she was overcome by a feeling of confusion and she felt lost, just hours before her flight to London. I have to admit, I do not share her fear or doubts, and thus, I found it excruciatingly arduous to comfort her with words. My friend is stricken with fear. A fear that she will be alone for the first time in her life (albeit, technically, she wouldn’t be since she would have her boyfriend and her friends by her side in UWE) completely broke her literally down to tears. She wanted a good and sound education without being away from the safe comfort zone provided by her family. I knew she is very attached to her family and perhaps this had a lot to do with this sudden bout of panic within herself.

I tried my best to soothe her worries with the most assuring expletives I could find, and yet, I did not presume to have done a very good job at it. I tried to shift the responsibility by suggesting that she called her boyfriend or at least talk to her family about her fears. Alas, she did not heed this advice. She continued to scrape me bare for words of comfort which she presumably hoped that I could churn out from deep within.

Consequently, I had to endure a very nervous 1 ½ hour trying my best to console my weeping friend. At the end of the conversation, she seemed assured somehow. Miraculously, I did not think I had anything to do with it. I was wondering, if any people out there have ever suffered or are suffering from such symptoms?

4.a.m. I lie in my bed, tossing and turning, forcing myself to sleep with the knowledge that I’m troubled and beset by the fact that I may be facing this dilemma myself very soon.

The 'oomph' factor

2005-09-02T23:07:00.000+08:00

I just had a chat with Justine on MSN. It has been a long time since we have had any decent chat together. Thus, the experience was reinvigorating. I have to say that I always had a canny bond with her whenever we spoke online. This bond was almost telepathic in nature that it was utterly freaky! Therefore, what I’m going to say next can be quite disheartening.

As we were chatting, suddenly our subject matter focused on the issues that I have posted here on my blog. According to Justine, I have lacked ‘feeling’ when I’m expressing myself in my last few articles (I sure hope this criticism doesn’t extend to the entire blog itself). If anyone reading this is confused, I reckon, what she means to say is that my article lack the necessary character or the ‘oomph’ factor. She highlighted a few points, which she felt may have handicapped the emotional side of my page. Perhaps, she opined that my legal training had contributed to the lack of individual colour and has subsequently impaired my page with a deficiency in emotional strokes, unnecessarily substituted by linguistic flair and arcane wordings. She contended that:

1.I have a tendency to use old or arcane words to romanticize my page. As a result, she equates such a tendency with being a ‘sucker’. While she appreciates my effort at trying my utmost best to be articulate, she wonders why I put myself in such trouble in the first place.

2.I do not invest enough of my emotional side into my articles.

3.The language tends to be too formal like the wordings of a contract.

Well, in my defence, I have to argue that I don’t even realise that I use old or arcane words at all, thus, there cannot possibly be any intent on my part to use such words to confuse my readers or to romanticize the page. In mitigation, I do not deny I could have used such words frequently in my blogs but only because I have become so used to them. I try to be articulate not because I have any such duty set upon me. Such effort is only pursued with the hope that my feelings are expressed in the most correct manner. As a matter of fact, my attempt to be as articulate as possible in my blog is my way of ensuring that enough of my emotional side is being conveyed sufficiently and efficiently to the readers of this blog. The 3rd allegation is presumably the most difficult to refute. I have to admit that my legal training may influence the way I write, speak and think. Therefore, I’m most probably guilty as charged! But, isn’t this a ‘crime’ committed by all? I’ve heard of friends in different courses such as accounting also using their jargons without discrimination. Thus, my only hope is my readers bear with such inadequacies and remind me from time to time if I exceed the boundaries where my article becomes to0 legalized and utterly mundane.

Anyway, I would duly appreciate if anyone else will comment on what Justine has already highlighted. Justine, if you’re wondering whether I’m posing this article in agitation, if I have to say that the only reason I’m writing on this is to discover if others share your sentiments. Your views are still taken with high regards on my part.

NTSO

2005-08-29T22:17:00.000+08:00

It’s so peculiar that almost everyone I meet these days, whether it’s the man in the LRT home from KLCC, a group of teenagers waiting in line to purchase a movie ticket or a beautiful young woman sipping her coffee at Starbucks seems to be affected by the NTSO disorder. I’m not sure whether it’s just a Malaysian dilemma, (though I believe that our neighbors down south may be suffering from the same predicament as well) but whatever it is, a solution must be found quickly, for NTSO is a serious disorder that substantially cripples a person! Firstly, let me explain what NTSO really is. NTSO actually means the “need to show off” disorder. When a person has this handicap, he/she displays a very common symptom of either trying to put someone else down (to degrade someone) or simply to lavish himself/herself with praises so unnecessarily done that it seems distasteful. Let me give you one example of a very unfortunate case that I had to witness when I had lunch recently in Klang:

The Story:

Just the other day, I was having lunch at a famous bak kut teh stall in Klang with my family. My 14 year old sister was with me on that fateful day when we were unwillingly forced to witness a case of a person suffering from NTSO. To put things in perspective, he was a very rude dotard who had not only managed to spoil the day of his victim, but also the others who had to witness this unsightly event. Therefore, he shall be marked as D (for ‘dotard’) and the victim shall be marked as “V”.

V: Would you like to buy some cookies? (in Hokkien, if anyone wonders how I understood this, this line was translated by my father)

D: NO (with a loud tone, clearly showing his displeasure)

V: The cookies are very fresh. They were baked by my grandchildren (spoken in broken English, any linguistic mistakes made by the victim have been amended by the author).

D: Nola. You don’t understand English arr? No. (tries in vain to create a foreign accent, in which he fails miserably. He then turns around to his friend to lament the fact that Malaysians have a very poor command of English and thanking his lucky stars that he was educated in the UK not like the old lady selling the cookies)

(Author’s Note: 1. Malaysians may have a weaker command of the English than their British counterparts, but I dare assume that he falls within that category as well. Besides, he shames himself by proving that some Malaysians have a very poor command of their own manners as well.
2. I’m also going to the UK to further my tertiary studies. But, in bragging about these privileges, while insulting the ill fortune of others, perhaps he had better stay on home soil in the first place for he has not learned anything at all if he cannot even resemble a decent gentleman.)

V: (clearly not understanding the poor accent or perhaps weak in hearing, the old lady responds). These cookies are very nice. It only costs RM4 a packet. Do you want a packet?

D: (the dotard stands erect in an abusive manner while raising his voice to catch the attention of the other patrons of the restaurant) YOU STUPID OR WHAT? My English too good is it? (wildly gesturing and pointing to his head [Author’s Note: Perhaps to indicate that he had nothing inside his skull]) You don’t be rude with me arrr you stupid old woman! (Author’s Note: err…excuse me? But, who is being rude here?). I don’t want to buy, UNDERSTAND (sits his huge ass down with a thud on the fragile plastic chair)

V: (old woman walks away feeling bewildered at the sudden exaggerated aggression).

If I had not made my case clear enough, I hope this small real life example reminds us of how NTSO can affect us in many ways. It could be just a “need to show off” a new hand phone, a pretty girlfriend or a luxurious house in Damansara Heights, it is still NTSO. A major paradigm shift is needed. Can I offer anyone a slice of humble pie? Hold on…let me take the first bite.

Did you know?

2005-08-23T01:07:00.000+08:00

Did you know that you should NOT...

SLEEP WITH A WATCH
Watches can emit a certain level of radioactivity. Though small, but if you wear your watch to bed for a long time, it might have adverse effects onyour health.

SLEEP WITH A PHONE
Putting the phone beside your bed or anywhere near you is not encouraged.Though some of us will use phones as alarm clocks, but please put the phone as far as possible. Scientists have proved that electrical items including mobile phone and television sets emit magnetic waves when used.These waves can cause disruptions to our nervous system.Therefore if you need to put your mobile phone near you, switch it off first.

SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKE UP
People who sleep with make up might have skin problems in the long run.Sleeping with make up will cause the skin to have difficulty in breathing and problem in perspiring. You will also need a much longer time to go into deep sleep.

SLEEP WITH A BRA
Scientists in America have discovered those that wear bras for more than 12hours have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. So go to bed without it.

SLEEP WITH OTHERS' WIFE
You may never wake up again. LOL

Failed to impose changes

2005-08-21T01:44:00.000+08:00

I was tired of looking at the same template all the time. So , I tried to change the skin of my blog. If any1 noticed, I 1st got the Evenstar skin and when some people commented tht it was problematic, I switched to the Simpsons skin. Alas, again there were comments tht it was causing people problems. Thus, here I am all over again..if any can help with the HTML do lend a hand will ye?

Quote of the Day

2005-08-04T14:37:00.000+08:00

Beautiful isn't?

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly”

-sent by my Dad through the miracle of technology called the short messaging system (SMS)-

Very well said Dad!

My attachment stint

2005-08-04T14:28:00.000+08:00

Working...

Lucky Days (meaning no trial):

7 a.m.: Wake up, take a quick wash up and get prepared to leave for work.

7.30 a.m.: Leave the house to depart for work.

7.30 a.m. - 8.45 a.m.: Get stuck in a traffic jam either along the LDP or SPRINT highway.

9 a.m.: Arrive at the office. Put my bag at my table and rush down for a breakfast.

9 a.m. - 9.25 a.m.: Breakfast at the very costly mamak shops around Phileo Damansara 1

9.25a.m. – 1 p.m.: Work consists of reading files, proof reading, case research etc. Alternatively allowed to read the law journals when there are no work to do.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Lunch.

2 p.m. – 6p.m.: Continue with work.

6 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.: Do some over time to avoid the jams.

7.30 p.m. – 8.15 p.m.: Leave for home.

8.15 p.m. – 9.15 p.m.: Dinner.

9.15 p.m. – 9.45 p.m.: Take my bath.

9.45 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.: Review the day' s work to check for any thing that I had forgotten to complete.

10.30. p.m. – 1 a.m.: Rolling around the bed feeling troubled. Getting crazy with my bouts of insomnia.

1 a.m. onwards: ‘Sleeping’.

Normal Days (meaning days with trials).

6.15 a.m. – 6.45 a.m.: Wake up, take a quick wash up and get prepared to leave for work.

6.45 a.m. – 7.20 a.m.: Depart for one of the lawyer’s houses.

7.20 a.m. – 7.45 a.m.: Wait for the lawyer to get ready.

8.00 a.m.: Leave for court.

8.30 a.m.: Arrive at court.

8.30 a.m.- 9 a.m.: Breakfast.

9a.m. onwards: Depends on the case involved. But usually will be in court till late evening. Everything else should be the same with the said schedule.

Author’s note: I’m providing this schedule as a rough indication only and is by no means is this scheduling the same everyday. I hope those who aspire to be a lawyer understands that it’s not exactly a stroll in the park to be one.