S4

It has been 4 months since I started studying in UKM, time passes in a blink of an eye. It also symbolizes the ens of our first semester, which also means end of all our class. But, there is one class which I'm going to miss a lot--the S4 Computer Application.
Some of you may wonder why this class? Why S4?
Well, I have my own reasons. Computer Application class is all a about mastering the all the Microsoft Office, which we will need this skill in the corporate world in the future. That's what I learnt through out this whole semester. Thanks to the lecturer, Mr. Azzwan's patience and guidance, I would say I am starting to master Microsoft office. Mr. Azzwan is very patience in teaching us, he shows us step by step using the projecter, unlike some other lecturers who only show slides. Whenever we have problem, he will teach us right from the start, and teaches us repeatedly till we fully understand. That's how he overcomes the problem with us.
Isn't Computer Application a boring subject?
That's what I thought so when I first heard about this subject. But, it all depends on how the lecturer delivers it to the students.In this case, Mr. Azzwan is very good, he knows how to entertain the whole class. He always has those funny jokes with him that make the whole class laughs. I don't know how he does it, but he is really funny. And that is how he overcomes the boredom in class. I remember when I first enter the class,I was really nervous, but the Mr. Azzwan started some really funny jokes and my nervousness just faded away. He has this favourite quote "WHAT THE..." haha the way he says that is really funny. Now even when I talk to my friends, somehow I will use this. And also, Mr. Azzwan has really intersting blog posts which really attracts people to read them

These are the reasons why I like S4 computer Application so much compare to other class. Next year, I will surely recommend Mr. Azzwan's class to my juniors.

Dong Zhi

This coming 22nd, it will be a very important date for all the Chinese as weare celebrating Dong Zhi @ Winter Solstice Festival @ Tang Yuan Festival. So for this study week, I think there'll be a lot of Chinese students going back to their hometown, including me.

The Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of tangyuan (湯圓) or balls of glutinuous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan are made of glutinuous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Each family member receives at least one large tangyuan in addition to several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl.

This food is halal, so if u guys want to try it, go ahead!

Lab Test 2

Finallyy all the lab tests are done for this semester. Unlike the first one, which is Microsoft Excel and Word, this time it was the one everyone least familiar with--Microsoft Access.

When I first started learning Microsoft Access, it was like a torture as I totally know nothing about it. Not even once I've open it on my laptop.Our lecturer, Mr. Azzwan had to to teach us starting from zero. Thanks to Mr. Azzwan's guidance, bit by bit we learned Tables, Queries, Form, Report and Switchboard Manager. At last, we started to master it slowly. Mr. Azzwan even gave us an beneficial extra class for us before the day of lab test.

On the day of the lab test, I opened the question given by our lecturer. I was scared at first seeing such a long question but after doing slowly, it felt like it was actually easy, maybe it's because the extra class given to us. Even handling the Switchboard Manager wasn't that bad after all Although there were some errors in the question, we still  managed to finish it successfully on time.

Thanks to our lecturer's patience and guidance, we finally did it and that's the end of Lab Test 2!

A Song I Like The Most

I really like listening to songs, whenever I'm in my room, I would switch on my laptop and start playing some songs. It feels like I can't do anything without listening to songs,even when I'm sleeping I  must listen to songs. I like variety genre of songs English, Korea and especially House music, that's why I went to so many raves before haha. But there's one song which I really like, "Hoobastank - The Reason", especially the lyrics.

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You

and the reason is You [x3]

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

A Person (Nelson Mandela)

                                                     
                                                       Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

When the title "A Person" was given, without a doubt I thought of that particular person. He is a famous person who passed away recenlty, he is none other than the famous Nelson Mandela.Why I chose to write about Nelson Mandela?? That's because I think he is someone who really changed the world, someone who is really commited in fighting against racism. I even watched a movie called "Invictus" which is about him who played by Morgon Freeman, I almost tear up watching the show. He has sacrificed so much in order to dismantle Apartheid.

Nelson Mandela was a South African political activist who spent over 20 years in prison for his opposition to the apartheid regime. He was released in 1990 and, in 1994, was later elected the first leader of a democratic South Africa. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work in helping to end racial segregation in South Africa. He is considered the father of a democratic South Africa and widely admired for his ability to bring together a nation, previously divided by apartheid. Nelson Mandela is one of the most admired political leaders of the Twentieth and Twenty First Century for his vision to forgive and forge a new 'rainbow' nation.

I really respect Nelson Mandela for his unconditional fight for democracy and against  racism.

R.I.P NELSON MANDELA

President Abraham Linclon and John. F. Kennedy Assassination Coincidences

This is another interesting fact that I read on the internet that day.It's about the two infamous assassination of the US Presidents--Lincoln and Kennedy. Don't know whether it's true or not still it gave me goosebumps when I read it. So here it is...

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.

John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.

John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both were shot in the head.

Lincoln's secretary, Kennedy, warned him not to go to the theatre.

Kennedy's secretary, Lincoln, warned him not to go to Dallas.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.

Both were succeeded by Southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.

Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839.

Lee Harvey Oswald was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.

Both names are comprised of fifteen letters

Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse.

Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

Grateful

"Be grateful of what you have" this is a sentence we often hear from people who are advising us. I totally agree with this statement. There are a few things which I'm grateful about but the things I'm most grateful about is of course My Family.

I feel very grateful to be born in my family, the Choo's. My family is a loving family where all the family members are very close to each other and thankfully we seldom quarrel. Not only the relationship between my siblings and my parents are good, my auntie and uncle are extremely close to us too. My parents are very lovely people who took good care of us. I'm extremly grateful towards their patience and guidance in educating and for bringing us up. Although my dad is currently working overseas, but what he is doing now is for the sake of the family. I am also grateful that my grandparents love us so much, taking care of me and my siblings since we were born. they are those who really willing to do anything for us.

These are the factors why I am so grateful towards my family. A very grateful thanks to them for being part of my life.

Presentation

11/12/13, it's such a memorable date, and it was a public holiday for the whole Selangor. But not for us, because that day was the day we had to present our assignment. Not only one but two presentations on the same particular day--PowerPoint and Microsoft Access.

So the rule to get the presentation order is first come first serve. Whoever's team arrived first can get to present their group's Powerpoint first. Unfortunately, one of our group member who lives far away from the faculty came last, which means we had to present last. The problem is that there were 10 groups and we are last!! There's nothing much we can do, so we had to wait for our turn. The whole period to wait for our turn was like a torture as we were really nervous.

After 2 1/2 hours of waiting, finally it;s our turn. We divided the slides among ourselves and we presented 1 by 1. During my turn. I somehow got really nervous and it felt like i can't even talk. We ended our presentation after around 10mins, then I felt really relieved. After finishing the PowerPoint presentation, we took a for lunch.

We continued our Microsoft Access presentation after the break, this time we got lucky a bit. We were the second group to present our work. Then, our lecturer gave us some useful comments and corrections on our work. It was totally a hard work paid off because me and my friend, John worked on it till late night.

Well, I would say that the presentation did go quite well as it's our first time presenting formally in university. Thanks to the group members and our lecturer, Encik Azzwan for the guidance.

Snowing in Unexpected Places

Significant signs have shown that the weather in the globe is changing day by day. One the most recent one was “SNOWING”. It has been such a big news that unexpected places are starting to snow. I’m not good with geography, but one thing I do know is that these countries DO NOT SNOW.  

 I was surprised when I read the news about snow fall in Vietnam, I thought it was only a myth, but it’s true and proven with a video. The snow was experience in the province of LAO CAI, Vietnam. I thought it’s impossible to a tropical country to snow. Snowfall in Sa Pa town in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, which began Sunday, has caused serious damage to farms. According to the town’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 100 hectares of chayote and another 100 hectares of flowers were destroyed’. It’s nice to have a snow at first (most especially when you doesn't experience yet to see a snow, but in a tropical country to have a snow it’s crucial, why? Residents in a tropical country will not get use to its coldness, wheels of cars design doesn't fit on slippery snowy roads. This is really bad and may cause serious accidents.

Not only in Vietnam but also in Egypt, Palestine and Israel experience a snow fall. Aren’t this places are supposed to be hot?? Imagine what has happened to our climate. Our climate is getting worst. We need to be serious about this issue.

Although the cause and effect of snowing is bad, but I still do wish that somehow Malaysia will experience snowfall one day. I’ve been to overseas with winter but not even once I got to experience a snowfall. So yea, I really hope to see snow.

The 34th Pesta Tanglung UKM

When I first came to UKM, a lot of people approached me to join them to get involve in Pesta Tanglung UKM. I was like 'Why??", and then they told me that PT UKM is one of the most prestigious event in UKM and it is very historical as it has been in UKM for the past 34 years.

At first I rejected them without thinking, who wants to make themselves busy when they can choose not to. I totally ignored them. But, as time passes, I found that most of my friends are AJKs in PT, and the looked like they are having a lot of fun. So to avoid being isolated from others, I decided to join back my group--Technical group.

After months of preparations, finally PT UKM is around the corner. So 3 days before the event, all the AJKs were asked to be at DECTAR to help out with the final touches. I guess those 3 days were the days where most of the Chinese were absent for their class. Those 3 days was just pure busy, there were so many things to do, stage, decorations and of course technical stuffs. We had to stay in DECTAR from early in the morning till 11pm. Due to it's a sketch performance so during these 3 days, we saw the whole stage performances' rehearsal. The thing is that I've already watched the sketch numerous times, but without fail, it just made me teary every time I watch. Honestly, the sketch was amazingly perfect!!

On the day of PT UKM, my group members were given their jobs respectively. I was assigned to be one of the photographer for the night, so I actually have all access to everywhere.
At around 7.30pm, there were at least 3000 audiences in DECTAR! I was surprised and it was out of my expectation. At that time, I finally realised why PT is such a grand event in UKM.
The event officially started at 8pm, first were some speeches from the Datuks. Then, the main performance that everyone has been waiting for--the sketch began. I was running around the whole Dectar snapping photos, hoping to get the best shot.
The sketch lasted for around 1 1/2 hours. And at the end of the show, while I was busy shooting, I saw there were quite a few people breaking into tears(yea that's how good it was). I even saw a mother hugging her child crying, reflecting to the sketch's theme--FAMILY. That moment was the moment I felt so proud being a part of the team to deliver such an amazing performance.
After everything finished, everyone looked so happy and relieved, all of them were celebrating and congratulating each other. 

So the irony is that I think I made a good decision joinig PT as I can now tell others how amazing this event was. And once again, HATS OFF TO EVERYONE WHO INVOLVED!!

SUKEM 2013

When I first started studying in UKM, everyone found out that I was a squash player during my schooling days,  then I was asked to take part in SUKEM to represent my college. I was freaking out cause this will be my first tournament after MORE THAN 4 YEARS!! It's been that long since I stopped squash due to my ankle injury and studies. Worse still, my last competitive game was like ages ago!

 When I was asked to play in SUKEM, I doubted that I can win anything but still I agreed because I thought if I start training back, maybe I might get back the touch. But it turns out, I've only been to the courts once during that period due to I was busying with my MidSem. I doubted that I can even play.

On the competition day, there were around 24 boys and around 12 girls playing.When I saw the draw,I was really shocked and felt that I was lucky to be given the third seed! (Higher seed will meet Lower seeded player in the first round).

Squash in UKM is an open tournament so for my first game, I met an uncle, probably 20 years older than me, he was quite good and he gave me some fight but thankfully I still won the game 3-0. Then for my second round, I met with a third year senior. He is a really good player, as he is taller, skinnier and faster than me. It was a freaking tough match, each and every game we reached to the deuce point. Although I won the match with 3-0, but the set score was 13-11, 17-15, 14-12 (normal score is until 11). Phew that was a close call! The moment has arrived, I'm through into the semis, pressure arose and I was drained out like a dead fish, but still I have to face UKM no.2 Airee Afiq. I walked into into the court without any confidence. We started warming up by hitting the ball, and suddenly to make matter worse "PLUCK!", my string's broken. At that time I couldn't find any racquet similar to mine which I'm already use to it, without any options I borrwed my friend's racquet. The first 2 sets were just bad, I can't even control the ball but fortunately, during the 3rd set I started getting use to the racquet and I fought back to win it. In the fourth set, my lungs gave out and I lost the match. Later on I won my second semis to secure my bronze medal.

I would say this tournament is just the beginning, as I have to continue playing for university for the coming days. So it's time to train up!

Responsibility

When it comes to responsibility, this is something I feel that I'm really lacked of. Everytime when I was given a task, I would drag and procrastinate for a period of time until I forget they even exist. Then, I always do them in the last minute. Responsibility is a value that hardly everyone can fulfill everyday, it's possible though, it all depends whether if you wanna do it. WHAT IS RESPONSIBILITY??

According to a dictionary, responsibility is "the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone." When there's a given duty or task, responsibility  is what we need to accomplish them. Responsibility requires us to recognize that what we do and what we don’t do matters and that we are responsible for the consequences of our choices.

Responsibility reaches far and wide – maybe into areas of our life that we haven't considered. Being responsible is more than just doing what you are supposed to do.

Responsibility also includes:

Be accountable – for what you do and do not do

Exercise self-control – take charge of your own life

Plan and set goals – identify what success means to you and plan to achieve them

Choose positive attitudes – choose to be enthusiastic and optimistic

Do your duty – always accomplish the given duty

Blog Critic Session

Few days ago, our lecturer had a blog critic session where he and a few seniors came to our class to judge about our blog. We were asked to show our respective blogs in front of our class using projector. Then, sir and a few seniors sat at the back of the class to give some advice and reviews on our blogs. I was freaking nervous that time cause I've not been actively publishing posts, I've even left out a few given title.

After all my friends' blogs have been reviewed, finally it's my turn. Just like expected, it was quite bad as my blog's design like the layout, templates, fonts, colour....were all being criticized. It's learnt that my blog's colour combination is really bad. And of course the worst--the number of posts I've written, it's way too far from the optimum number of posts.

After this session, it's time to do some changes to my blog. I have to find a much more suitable theme for my blog and catch up with the number of posts.