For those who went to COMEX this year, would find it just as crowded. But I have been to every IT show in Singapore for the past 6 or 7 years since 2000.
I'd say this year's comex is undoubtedly the most crowded, the most packed, and the most insane. The previous ITshow only saw 770,000 shoppers thronging the mall. During this 4 days, 1 MILLION people are expected to turn up. That's one-quarter of Singapore's population!
This time the fair didn't fail to disappoint in terms of sure mass and size. And of course, there wasn't anything really worthy of buying either. The fair this 4 days encompasses the entire 4 floors of the suntec convention centre, with the big boys taking up the first 3 floors. (Normal IT fairs only take up 2 stories), but in recent years the size has ballooned up to take up the 3rd storey and now the second as well.
This fair is crazier, the escalators couldn't take the weight, so they forced people to take the stairs, and because the floors were too crowded, (there is a pressure max that each floor is designed to take). So there were auxiliary police preventing people from going up the escalators till sufficient crowds have left the premises.
I didn't stay long, at most an hour or so and it is get-the-hell-out-of-the-place.
Take it from me. The MK's veteran guide to surviving an IT fair in Singapore.
First, do your research. Get the floor plans, zoom straight to your target. Shopping at any of the IT fairs requires precision military execution if you don't want to find yourself mobbed. You need planning, you need information, you need to strike early, strike fast, and evac quickly.
Pros and experienced veterans will mentally plan a route in their mind so that they do not have to double-back against their paths or pass the booths more than once.
Plan a route, get the lightest items in your list first before getting the heaviest and the bulkiest last. E.g a printer or a laptop. Don't get a laptop first because you are tempted by the sweeteners thrown in and regret lugging it around later to buy an ink cartridge or a mouse.
Don't forget, it is a precision military strike. Means, quick insertion into the target area, strike the required target, and evac. Don't drive unless you are going to be there an hour or two in advance or you'd never find parking. Get someone to pick you up later.
Go early. Go on Thursdays and Fridays. Ideally before 5.30pm when the office crowd comes in. Avoid weekends, especially Sunday. Eat before 12.30pm or after 1.30pm, that's when the lunch crowd hits and you'll be competing with the office crowd.
Don't take lifts. Go by the sides of stairs. Wear shoes. Don't wear skirts, why? People with bulky purchases or paper bags with sharp ends tend to catch onto the flimsy sides of skirts, and with throngs of people jostling their way through, you're bound to get your toes trodden on.
Drink water, wear a comfortable T-shirt. It's not a fashion show, the air-conditioning at such fairs cannot keep up with the amount of heat generated by the human crowd, so it's bound to get hot.
Well, I got myself a new stick of Kingston DDR2 2Gb Sodimm ram for my laptop, plus a nice skin. It's more of a want purchase than a need. Still, now my laptop is a blazing speed with the new upgrade, bringing the total ram to 4gb. Good enough.
For those who missed the Comex, fret not. Next one is end of this year in late November.
Posted by MK at 9:50 PM
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Funny videos if you are stressed
Just some videos for you to relax for the weekend and laugh it out.
Spoof of 100m and 200m world-record holder of the Olympics 2009. Usain Bolt.
Usain Bolt celebrates very early.
This video is damn hilarious as well.
Hitler And ERP Woes (Singapore)
Posted by MK at 9:56 PM
Friday, August 29, 2008
What the hell is this?
I felt seriously hurt by the rushed decision today during the meeting with the peeps from my scbe og to discuss the positions of the next FOC camp 2009. Most of us have the intention to join back the camp as seniors and organizers. It would be nice if I were to become a GL for next year.
Well, Cs really seemed to take charge here in an authoritarian manner. Here I am happily prepared with a sheet of paper to write down those who wanted to volunteer for positions, my idea was to help facilitate those who wanted to be in what position. But then here he came about with this attitude and assumption that he is already the acgl.
He went like "I am the ACGL. Because I was chosen."
Wth? What kind of assumption attitude is that? If the list is already pre-determined without any system; then there is something seriously wrong with it. There was no voting, no nomination, nothing.
Just you be this, you be that. Wth?
I hated this system, and before I show a negative reaction, I had to just leave. So I left abruptly. It was really abrupt.
Like "okay, fine, here's your list you don't need me anymore." "I gotta go, good-bye."
And I left. As I walked away fuming, my veins were going to pop out already. Wth was that all about? Pre-determined positions?! If that's the way the system is going to be, then I want no part of it at all. After all I am the only BIE in the group of CBE peeps isn't it? Is this the discriminatory factor that I am seeing? You have your slots all filled, so you don't need more anymore. Whatever, if they want it, they can take the post. I wasn't in the mood to answer any of their calls afterward.
Wth is this system?
Pre-determined posts without nomination, without voting??
We might as well adopt a dictatorship again.
Posted by MK at 7:53 PM
Thursday, August 28, 2008
To answer all queries
Well, sometime ago when I posted up a picture of my hall room, I've gotten text messages inquiring about the water fountain and the lantern.
My Zen water fountain and Ikea scented candle lantern.
The lantern can be bought from Ikea "ROTERA" for $9.90.
Well you can get all sorts of water-fountain designs from markets, from shopping centres, they can be found at novelty stores, flourists, toy-stores, departmental stores and even neighbourhood markets. I can say that at least more than two shops in every shopping centre sell them. And the designs are just limitless, you will definitely find one to suit your own taste.
Jurong Point, IMM, Tiong Bahru, Westmall, Park Mall, Takashimaya all stock such water-fountains.
I got mine from MUSTAFA for $16.90 (Because it's just so much cheaper there), however the ROTERA lantern costs $14.90 at Mustafa so it's cheaper to get that from IKEA.
It was in an ugly black colour, so I spray-painted it silver. Which is much nicer and more pleasant looking now. The colour-LEDS are stock, and fade-in-and-out periodically. The gentle flowing water helps to sooth your nerves after a hectic day.
Here's another design that I liked from Takashimaya.
Depending on the size, desktop fountains cost anywhere between $12.90 to $45.90
Full floor-mounted fountains cost anywhere from $49.90 to several hundreds of dollars (Taka and Parkmall).
Someone asked me sometime ago, "What is the best MOUSE to get."
The person is a girl, and even after reccomending Logitech and Razer, (two trusted brands that I highly reccomend), she didn't like them, citing ugliness, plainess... and she had a fat wallet to spare.
So what is a "COOL, NICE-looking, Feature-Rich, CHIO Mouse available?"
Well, it was a new IT query for me... I've always looked at performance, not looks, but nevertheless an interesting query.
Well depending on your budget.
1. ($10 - $29.90) - Microsoft Laptop Mouse (comes in 4 colours, with Orange and silver) 2. Logitech V220 Cordless Optical USB Mouse
It comes in plain vanilla pink, but it's cordless.
3. Logitech Pink Flower Mouse
4. Sony VAIO Pink USB Compact Laptop Mouse
VGP-UMS20/P - Sony VAIO Pink USB Compact Laptop MouseMake waves with the stylish and compact VGP-UMS20/P optical mouse. Perfect for the mobile user, this device is designed to match your blush pink VAIO C Series notebook.
I personally thought that this mouse is sure to melt the hearts of any girl out there looking for a similar deal.
Well there's one more pink mouse with studded swarovski crystals that I saw around one day but didn't think of snapping a picture. If I happen to see it again, I'll post it up.
Girls will definitely love that mouse, it's small, laptop-portability friendly, retractable USB-plug, pink-and-white design with crystals studded sporadically around it, plus it's affordable, < $50 region. Meanwhile, you can get this:
At http://www.couturecrystal.co.uk/ if you have a fat wallet to spare.
If you are just BURSTING WITH CASH, and RaZer Copperhead mice are just too common for you.
You might be interested in Kensington mice.
They come fully-featured with all the redundant features no one really uses except for bragging rights.
$85, $159, $99.
They have features like: 360-trackball scrolling, full play/pause/ffd/rwd media buttons, wireless laser sensors, ultra-slin design, volume-control, auto-sleep, battery indicators...
Yeah, you pay for all the features.
Kensington Ci70LE Wireless Mouse Well microsoft is not to be outdone with it's $179 mouse.
Well, if you DON'T have that much cash to burn, yet want a mouse NO ONE ELSE HAS. Then you could go for this Elecom Japanese brand. Looks cool and sleek in matte black body and dark-gold buttons for about $50 plus.
Well, what's the point of having a bling bling mouse with you have a cheap Nokia bluetooth headset?
Go for PRADA! Available at botiques for over $200...
Don't be seen with a Nokia 3310 either.. Make sure your Prada is paired with a Vertu Signature, or at least a Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold Edition....
Posted by MK at 3:55 PM
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
NTU TKD Heritage Walk Demo 2008
Posted by MK at 4:52 PM
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The 4th Cycle
Well, mama is in a better place now and I guess life has to go on. Monday and school starts all over again, but this time, I upped the ante of my already hectic workload by applying for a minor.
I know it's crazy, I think so too myself. I am just overloading myself with another 16AUs for nothing. But is it really for nothing? Ever since getting the damn scholarship, I've been feeling the pressure to perform better than just my basic degree.
I can remember what some of the others mentioned, "Only 1 degree? Oh, so you must be doing a double-Major..."
I need to do more to prove I am just as good as the others. But everyday just sucks. I don't even know what I am doing anymore, just pointless rushing from class to class...
But at least after my last lecture, I rushed down to NTC, STF's very own National Training Centre. It's my first time going down to the training centre, and I was taking this opportunity to get some exposure and take my mind of other matters that has been clouding my mind.
I need some fresh air.
If it wasn't for another black-belt, I wouldn't have gone at all. Well I managed to make my way there alone. Well, the place surprised me, it didn't turn out to be what I had expected at all. I had expected an entire building like the Singapore Badminton Association or the Singapore Table-Tennis Federation.
However, it was a old half-building with 4 stories in the midst of renovation works, and STF NTC only occupied the top floor. Talk about small! Still the place is well-equipped, something that I would have expected from a National-Level training ground. Such as a fully-matted floor, weight machines, permanent sandbag fixtures and practice dummies.
I've been to several clubs now post-Ngee Ann, and I've had pleasant experiences at all these places so far. I will never go back to Ngee Ann ever again.
There were kids training here! And by the time I arrived, training had already started, so I just joined in. The NTC is a place only for brown-belts and above. Well, I thought that the training wasn't very tough at all, it was comfortable, and I had anticipated something that would kill me, but all-in-all, a very pleasant experience.
The kids surprise me too! They are playful, with lots of energy, but when it comes down to training, they are very focused and dedicated, in one session, I have grown respect for them, plus they're nice kids, training to be the next generation of National Fighters.
The training was at a very comfortable yet invigorating tempo, a fresh change to get that long dormant inertial engine of mine kick-started. I want to get back my Pre IVP04/05 all-time-high again.
Half-way through training, a Korean Grand Master stopped by to visit, and he spoke to us for a while (a good chance to catch my breath.) I thought that despite his rambling, there was a lot of wisdom in his words.
This questions was posed: Why do you learn TKD? Well, he mentioned that it's the path that you are looking for and you can apply this philosophy in your everyday life. It's the want to improve yourself. And I agree, I have asked that question myself as well. My answer is that I want to protect my loved ones when the time arises.
But what if I turn against my loved ones as well? Even a weapon can turn against it's master, even a blade can cut it's own wielder. What if for all my training and skill and dedication, I hurt the ones I have sworn to protect?
But when I think of this question, I answer it very simply. What if I don't train and one day, when my loved ones need protecting, and I can't because I am too weak? The second scenario is more preventable and something within my control.
Well. I haven't hurt anyone yet, and don't think I've hurt my loved ones as well. Well if you are my friend, you are one I'll go all out to help, but once you become my enemy... Well you don't wanna get into my bad books...
We trained under Mdm Wong, and it was a wonderful experience, I'll definitely be coming down here again soon..
Why am I training so hard?
It's for a higher cause...
Posted by MK at 3:33 PM
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
mama is no longer here.
Dear Diary,
Today is mama's wake.
Everyone broke down, and even my eyes moistened in this dark dense atmosphere of sorrow and loss... Before then, I was stoic. I tried to be indifferent, aren't I supposed to be the emotionally strongest amongst the lot?
Men should be strong and provide the shoulder to be cried on, but standing in front of her coffin now, it's a different story.
My only regret is that mama can no longer see me graduate from university when I have always been her brightest hope of doing so. I don't know whether she passed on knowing about my scholarship.
Every time I go back to visit, I always make sure I have some sort of achievement to show to her and it never fails to make her happier or prouder. It makes me feel better. She was there during my com presentation in poly, she was there during my commissioning in OCS, but now she's not here anymore..
She is healthier than most, at 81, she smokes, sleeps late, wakes early, goes shopping, cooks mouth-watering dishes, plays tetris on the venerable gameboy, drinks cold drinks, watches Korean dramas and Taiwanese talk shows on TV late into the night, plays Mahjong expertly like a military strategist, speaks English fluently to the younger generation, Chinese to the young adults, Teo Chew to the neighbours, Cantonese to her generation, Malay to the locals, Hokkien to our parents and Hakka to the morning road-side stall auntie.
How can you find such an astounding grandmother with no formal education? She lived through WW2, lost her husband 10 years ago, yet remained all lively and joyful today.
I tower at least 2 feet over her, yet I've always felt inadequate standing next to her, as if all my achievements account for nothing compared to my amazing grandma.
Mama has been an amazing grandmother, she's been the pillar for everyone. The emotional pillar for her children, the inspirational pillar for her grandchildren. She is the source of strength, unity, togetherness, understanding, family, compassion, inspiration, and the pure untarnished love for everyone.
She has always been the centerpiece of our families, for reunions, for gatherings, for meals. Her house is the command centre where the cousins go to for meals after school every day, where cousins run to when they feud with their parents, when our own parents quarrel; her own children go to her place for comfort, solace and board.
And even in her passing, mama still manages to bring all the relatives together, one last time. I met a long-lost cousin that I've never met before. He came from another branch in the family tree. A distant cousin from another marriage, he flew back just for this.
I had cousins I've not seen in years, who are studying overseas who came back in a day when it takes a year to see them.
Today during the wake, tears flowed freely on the short, completely miserable and downcast push of the hearse to the crematorium. My dad is the eldest of the children, and I am the eldest in my family.
I am not the oldest cousin in my generation, but the first is a girl, and the second oldest is a guy who is not the eldest in his family.
I am the next. That makes me the eldest of the eldest.
There were many rituals we had to do, and I have to be one of the first. BEFORE mama's own children.
After my dad leading the third generation, I am next leading the fourth generation, my cousins. I have to do the rituals alone. I can only begin to imagine how painful it was for my dad, he must have been experiencing the pain a thousand fold.
It was miserable. It was downright depressing. It was downright fucking depressing.
It seems I am destined to lead even in miserable conditions. I've taken many leadership posts before. As the head of a class, as the head of a club, as the head of a platoon, as the fucking head of a committee. But this isn't a fucking leadership post I want to take. Why is it all my cousins' shoulder pins are in a simple blue-red colored cloth, yet mine has to be some fancy red strip on hemp cloth?
This is not some rank shit. I am not proud to wear it. Yet as the eldest of the eldest, I have to lead my cousins, younger or older through the rituals.
She was so healthy, even complaining about the hospital stench. But apparently whilst visiting the toilet, she just passed away peacefully of a heart-attack.
I've been to many funerals before. Parents of friends. Friends. Grandparents. relatives. Cancer. Accident. Organ failure. Stroke.
But somehow, you know it's coming. But this time, none of us did.
But it was so sudden. I feel so useless. I am in biomedical, yet why didn't I see this coming? But her checkups were all clear, colonscopy, full EKG tests, mammograms, and all the works. It all turned out to be clean.
I feel so fucking responsible.
Could I have prevented this?
I have lost a great person in my life.
The damn text took 5 hours to chant.
I keep burning "money" to be sent over to mama...
I will graduate. Then mama, I'll burn the photo with me in the graduation gown holding the degree with my parents, and you'll see I've not failed you.
You just needed to wait a little longer...
It still hurts.
Posted by MK at 10:10 AM
Monday, August 18, 2008
mama is gone.
Dear Diary,
Today I saw mama for the last time. She looked so peaceful. She had the same fatigue and strain lines on her face, but she still looked as if she was just taking a much-needed nap.
I couldn't cry. It's just another family gathering right?
Yet everyone around me were inconsolable.
She was so healthy. Yet she went so suddenly.
Posted by MK at 11:52 PM
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Why
Dear Blog,
It is one shitty thing after another. After all that effort put into the event, I lost and won nothing after all. Nothing. I am just very disappointed I didn't win anything after all the effort put in even though I can't tell anyone about it or even show it at all.
To make matters in my heart worse. My favorite grandmother passed away today as I was selfishly thinking about my loss last night. She died of a heart-attack and I was supposed to go back and visit her sometime soon to tell her about my scholarship.
She passed away without hearing what I wanted to say to her. I am so fucked up.
Posted by MK at 6:27 PM
Friday, August 15, 2008
NTU TKD Freshman welcome party Demo
Today I performed in the TKD demo for the freshman welcome tea-session. Well it was another big success with dozens of freshies coming down to take a look and expressed interest in joining.
The demo was another success too, there were a few minor hiccups, but generally the audience loved the performance. I am glad we struck the right cord with the freshies and I have friends coming down to join too.
Enjoy the video of the entire demo here:
Posted by MK at 8:35 PM
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wth?
My room mate has moved out without any notice! Sonova*****....
...
Everyday I come back to my hall room unhappy. Now I come back to my hall room only to find it empty and that my roommate has absconded with all his belongings. Not even a single note, or notice, or even a message.
It's like my hall room has been treated like a temporary hotel room for him in "transit", he comes in out of the blue one day, plonks his stuff, and disappears without a trace another day, I even see mud tracks on the floor. Obvious proof he strolled into the room with his shoes on.
wth...
At least I am all alone again. Finally some peace and quiet and some sense of tidiness..
Single-Deluxe...
Posted by MK at 7:18 PM
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
NTUTKD CCA openhouse Demo
I was feeling really sleepy in lectures today, Maths and physics. Thankfully I have been exempted from effective communication. But it's only one measly AU. Not even worth a dent yet the others were all raving and ranting that I am so lucky...
Hello, like I am 3 years older than you girls and guys? When you graduate you're at a nice prime age of 23. I will be 26! I just want to get my degree fast before my bones start turning to dust...
Well, the highlight of today was the TKD demo performed for the CCA openhouse. It was performed in front of the OCBC bank and was an astounding success! We kicked our way to exuberant audience applause and broke every plank kicked.
I did my flying side kick and high jumping turning smoothly and broke the boards on the first try. I am actually satisfied that everything went smoothly and every scene was acted out smoothly. It was a success, a very well-done to everyone who contributed to the demo today.
Posted by MK at 7:14 PM
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Low spirits. Low Morale.
It's only the second week.
Toady I had my first Maths tutorial after 3 years. I have completely forgotten everything, and the tutor was zooming pass all the questions at Mach 10! I spent hours working on my tutorial and he finished going through all the questions in minutes.
Now that was demoralizing considering I thought I had prepared well for the lesson. Apparently doing the entire tutorial is insufficient. I haven't touched maths in 3 years and I am completely rusty. The funny thing is that I made a remark to one of my poly friends that I couldn't do the maths, and he had this very exaggerated response: "Wahhh What??? You can't do maths?!?? Your maths is like the best amongst us, if you can't do maths, then the rest of us are doomed!"
Interesting support I get from my friends, how am I supposed to voice out the problems I have? and you wonder why I keep quiet about myself all the time.
I am lagging behind in everything, tutorials, lectures, understanding of the topics. It's as if all my preparation was for nothing.
When I went out of the class, I was wondering why the hell am I in NTU studying BIE? When I am 3 years older? I could have been in NUS! After all since I need to study so hard all over again, all the syllabus has changed, no doubt the exam format will change all over again and all the prior preparation that I had done are all useless.
Why the hell am I in NTU? I am years older than my peers, I should have leveraged my poly advantage by going directly into 2nd-year, but would that have made me happier?
I should have been in NUS, after all it's more prestigious, more recognized, and I will be with the majority of the other scholars. I will no doubt be studying electronics engineering, which is not as prestigious as Bioengineering. After all, NUS did offer me a place. Which I turned down.
But since I am not getting any advantage here why not? The main reason why I chose to forgo NUS and come to NTU was the support I thought I could have, and of course, NTU TKD.
Had I gone to NUS, I would have gone directly to year-2, or I should have accepted NTU's offer for direct year-two entry into EEE as well. At least I will still be in NTU, but directly in the 2nd year, would that have been a better decision?
Do I regret my decision for coming to NTU? Why am I feeling so sad? Why do I feel so stupid? I really need to work ten times harder to catch up with the others now.
Well I can't look back now. All I can do is bite the bullet and forge ahead the old-fashioned way.
Just working damn hard.
I have made many mistakes in my life.
Is this one of them?
Posted by MK at 5:31 PM
Monday, August 11, 2008
My Room-mate
My room-mate just moved in. He's an Indonesian national studying EEE and he's sloppy slob. =(
With his stuff all over the place, my attempts and efforts to beautify the room has gone down the drain.
I don't even know his name yet.
Posted by MK at 2:21 AM
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Scientists discover that chili peppers produce actual heat
Scientists discover that chili peppers produce actual heat
We all know that eating hot peppers can burn your tongue and make you sweat, but up till now researchers thought the process was a result of chemicals stimulating neurons rather than the actually production of heat. But Yasser Ahmed Mahmmoud at Denmark’s University of Aarhus has discovered something surprising—chili peppers can actually turn up the temperature, a finding that may have significant uses in the future
It turns out, the spicy component in peppers, capsaicin (CPS), affects a muscle protein called SERCA. Normally, SERCA burns ATP, a type of molecular fuel, to “pump” calcium ions across a membrane to help our muscles relax after they have contracted. But the addition of capsaicin shuts down the calcium pump, causing the ATP burned by SERCA to be released as heat, a process known as thermogenesis. Multiply this by a factor of several thousand, and you’re producing a noticeable amount of warmth.
The finding helps explain why capsaicin and chili peppers have been associated with increased metabolism and body temperature regulation in the past—by increasing a person’s core temperature, the capsaicin in peppers sends the body’s cooling mechanisms into overdrive. This is the first time that researchers have found a compound outside the body that aids in thermogenesis, and some believe the findings may eventually lead to better treatments for hypothermia. Until then, though, the next time you feel a chill, you might want to reach for a spoonful of Bayou Butt Burner hot sauce instead of that blanket.
Posted by MK at 9:36 PM
Friday, August 8, 2008
Spoilt moods
The days have been zooming past like a rocket without even much as a second for me to pause and catch my breath. Lessons started as usual in the morning, and then I left a boring effective communication lecture half-way. ME? I don't need an effective communication lecture! I can communicate with others effectively already! What a lame module to be taking, and I heard I will be exempted from this module.
After that I had to rush to another place for another activity. After rushing here and there, apparently everyone else was late. The in-charges were pissed, and they visibly showed a vehement attitude towards all of us. Like wth? Whatever, they may have sacrificed a lot, so have the rest of us. Especially me, I have made an extra effort to come down for as many sessions as I can, all with legitimate reasons unlike some of the others. I've got my other commitments too.
Because of their spoilt mood, we didn't do much and all they did was to effectively spoil our moods as well. What a waste of time and spoiling of mood.
It just gets worse, one of the others had not even been present throughout, and later griped to me that her event wasn't too smooth either. (like enjoying yourself at a hall bash is considered a legitimate reason eh?)
Well you obviously weren't here to hear the chiding we had to endure in the first place! But that wasn't what made me very perturbed. Today totally sucked.
I sacrificed going out with friends for this stupid event that wasn't worth my time and effort. I was concerned for someone who obviously wasn't concerned about me at all. And I brushed off 2 groups of friends who genuinely wanted to meet me but I declined because I had already given my word to someone who obviously didn't treasure it. That person was late and didn't even turn up at all.
I rushed back to and fro and and this is what I get. It's not about my word, but the fact that I rushed from place to place, left my friends who GENUINELY want me there.
That person went somewhere else without telling me mainly because it's near. I was treated like a friend out of CONVENIENCE. Okay, whatever I don't need to bother so much anymore.
I am really unhappy at the days' hectic events at first. And the crummy attitude I was subjected to. But I guess. Why should I be?
Why do I give my word and time to people who don't treasure it?
Posted by MK at 12:09 AM
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A physical achievement
Okay, I am in NTU TKD.
After all these years fighting against their unbeatable team and record. I am finally fighting alongside the team that I have so much respect for. Now I am one of them.
okay, it's nice to be flattered in NTU TKD, but I am still no where near the skill and stamina level of the other national fighters and black belts.
But currently, in NTU TKD, as a bb, I can still hold out on my own with my current skill level I am quite happy with my progress. I may not be able to match up to the black belt fighters in the club now, but I still of acceptable caliber I guess and with enough training, I will fight for the IVP team and get my 2nd dan. That will be the pinnacle of my physical fitness and TKD skill.
Currently I have been selected to perform on the demo team. It's an honor and something I would gladly to do! Randal picked me initially for the unarmed combat, but later decided I was more suitable for destruction kicks.
I will be performing my signature flying side kick and the high jumping turning where I'll be stepping on two persons and doing a high-flying turning kick.
It was first performed by in nptkd many years back. I remember back then, that was a very impressive move to me. And now I am at this level, performing this move very comfortably and confidently. I have come a long way since being a white-belt! :)
Plus I managed to do my first successful backflip! I don't know what got into me, seeing the mats around there, I just went up, and just jumped that backflip. I have finally gotten over the fear!
The very first jump saw me landing on my knees, but subsequently, I added more power and just threw myself backwards and hey, presto! I landed on my feet.
Currently the landing needs improving. After so many years of deliberating, I have finally managed to execute my first backflip. It may not be as impressive as all those multi-move flips, 540s or samplers on Youtube, but it's still a start for me. Someone with no formal training at all. Just having the balls one day to Just Do It.
What's next?
Videos after the break:
First backflip
Shoulder level tuck jump
First-time backflip
Posted by MK at 10:36 PM
Monday, August 4, 2008
First day of school
Today is the first day of school, and I am already swamped with a multitude of many activities. I was running about the whole day getting objectives done, (isn't it like Ngee Ann all over again?). I only had 2 lectures today, but was mainly busy with other start-of-school administrative matters.
I am glad I am back in school though, it's time to exercise those neglected brain cells and get back into gear after a long brain-hiatus of 3 years. Sure beats being in camp though. I'll be studying Bioengineering in NTU, and there will be a lot of pressure on me to perform.
Well, the day was long, I was involved in more after-school activities than lessons itself. But the day ended on a low note with certain plans that didn't go according to plan.
Sian.
Posted by MK at 10:34 AM
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Working on my hall room
Today I went back to school to do clean up my room and I spent the whole day painting the room myself. I got a can of white paint, and repainted the whole room white, covering all the yellow patches and hair-line cracks. The job took several hours, but I am satisfied with the work I've done.
It's not really done yet, I spray-painted the fan white (to cover all the rust), and cleaned out the whole room. What it really needs now is that personal touch and custom furnishings. School starts tomorrow and I still have no roomie. Well, at least I still have time to work on the room.
Over at Ikea, I bought scented candles and the matching bed sheets, a Seahorse comforter (those darn Friven and Jean Perry sheets are just too expensive.) But I was really tempted by those Royalty-looking goden threads!
I got Seahorse sheets, an electric UV-bug-zapper, scented candle lantern and my water-fountain. Well, it's 80% done, I haven't added a nice warm incadescent lamp nor have I added curtains. Do I want to add on to the extra cost?
I got a cheap water-fountain, but it was ugly, so I spray-painted it silver, and now it's just so Zen....
Before, a bare cold room.
Dirty and rusted fan.
After: Cleaned, spray-painted.
Water-fountain: Before.
My Zen water-fountain and scented-candle lantern...
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