Thursday, January 29

Astral plane

I've posted pictures of the sun, so here are some pictures of the moon.


The cloud in the first picture is really huge, it somewhat formed a plane separating the earth and sky.

The sky isn't that great in the city. The skies in the hillside or at the beach is definitely better (But of course, it is still the same sky).

Paid my last respects to my friend.

"He finished a good race." - Pn. Lee Kim Lai
The principal was right, he battled his illness with great valour and vigour.

Although we may bear the pain of his departure, it is sure that he is now in a better place, emancipated from his sufferings.

Monday, January 26

A cloud on cloud nine

When I was a little kid, one of my favourite sections in the encyclopaedia was astronomy.

To keep things short and simple, here are some shots of the solar eclipse today.


Initially, it wasn't obvious

Then, a big fat cloud blocked it

The cloud left but the moon left as well

The scenery looks good, but WHERE is the MOON?

I still see no moon!

Here comes fat cloud again

Back to normal

The pictures taken during the eclipse was done using a shutter speed of 1/2500 with the highest F number coupled with the lowest ISO speed possible.

As you can see how bright the sun is even under these extreme camera settings, it is definitely a good reason why you should NEVER look at it with your naked eye. If you are not convinced, just take a look at how big the camera lens flare is.

This solar eclipse is special and grotesquely unique in a way. It involves a cloud (A very FAT and SELFISH one) in place of a moon.


If the next solar eclipse is blocked by a cloud again, I'll make sure that "cloud nine" will be known as "cloud eight" instead!

Mark my words CLOUD!



Sunday, January 25

...lead all souls to heaven

If you've read my previous entry on blood donation, I am now writing this to let all of you know that our friend, Yee Sook has passed away this morning.

He may have departed but he shall be remembered for the good things he has done for us. Who could forget his enthusiasm and determination?

His burning passion for dancing is inextinguishable and shall be with us forever.

His friendship bonds are inalienable and will be greatly appreciated.


Let us all pray silently in our hearts.

Saturday, January 24

Question!

The person who've done this must been a science student, an individual with an enquiring mind.

It is almost a month in HELP and I realised that I've been learning more effectively there, most notably the science subjects. I recall asking teachers in CHS why is this so and so, but was left disappointed with replies such as "It is not in the SPM syllabus." and "Because it is just so."

"The teacher should answer the student's question and not question the student's question" - Jonathan Wong

Ever wondered where all the formulas you learn in Physics and Mathematics came from? It is all just common sense and derived from some simple equations. The problem is that we were not thought "common sense" in school.

"Commons sense is not so common" - Voltaire, Dictionnaire Philosophique (1764)

The next thing I would like to share here is pseudo-science (False science).
If you've read my previous entry on quacks and nostrums, you should know that I don't really believe in these so-called "health" products with dubious claims and scientific "fact-tion" (Facts that only exist in Fiction)

My case against these "Ducks" is that they are robbing the desperate and health-concious. Maybe it is justifiable that giving these "Ducky brand" products a go is better than not trying at all.

"If it works, it works, if it doesn't then it doesn't"

Unfortunately, in reality this doesn't really happen all the time. Certain "Detox" or "Cleansing" methods adapted from ancient methodological practises are deemed dangerous and can even cause death in certain individuals.

Sometimes, it is just too easy to fool the multitude.

Let's try,

Peter's Crystalline full body detox™ is a natural full-body detox method introduced by "Prof." "Dr." Peter Heng (Bought his qualifications) from Japan (Or any other advanced country). This method involves the usage of Peter's Pure Crystalline water™ made from natural spring water passed through a series of pure crystals imported from Japan.

This method was thoroughly researched by various renowned scientists from France and Germany over a period of 50 years. They have successfully invented a method to purify the crystals to a much higher grade at a lower cost. The crystals are capable of enhancing the water by a complex biochemical reaction that binds crystal molecules to the H+ and OH- ions in the water.

The hydrated crystal ions energise the water and it is then absorbed by our body in the large intestine. The energised water is easier to be absorbed into our body as it has a higher osmotic effect on our intestinal linings. As the energised water enters our bloodstream, it cleanses the liver and kidney by combining with Urea and other waste products. On top of that, the crystalline molecules are capable of destroying cancer cells and other bacteria and viruses through a process known as lysis.

(A diagram on how the crystalline molecules bind to the Cancer cell/Bacteria/Virus is shown)

Prof. Dr. Peter Heng recommends that the water is to taken frist thing in the morning for optimum effect.


Sounds familiar? So what happens if someone is to fall for that?
Use your brains. Just keep the questions coming.

Yay! Feed "Prof." "Dr." Peter Heng a.k.a Ducky


Tuesday, January 13

Out of the freezer, Into the oven


This is how my timetable looks like.
Which you rather? Wednesday or Thursday?

I'll pick Friday.

Friday, January 9

On the go

The first week of college was okay. The only inconvenience is that I have to take the LRT and Bus to college almost every morning until I get my license.

The bus I take is pretty unique, it goes to a place known as "Menara J Hancock" as seen above. It reminds me about John Hancock from the film "Hancock".


But who is Hancock compared to our ISA Leader?

You guys from HELP who've met him recently must be wondering why he is so good in Further Math.

Here is the reason why:

Now you know that he is one really smart fellow.

Speaking of books, I think I have to learn how to read books slowly. So that I can fully comprehend, digest and appreciate them.




(Top row left to right: Jonathan Wong (Leader-founder), Lee Young, Peter Heng, James Yap)
(Bottom row left to right: Yin Bin, James Ng, Tjia Hwei, Ian)

The first followers of the ISA movement.


Coming soon: Formation of the ISA club in HELP

Monday, January 5

A fleeting glimpse

The first set of college classes starts tomorrow.

Waking up in the morning wearing casual clothing instead of school uniforms doesn't feel right. Besides, nothing feels right anyway. The journey to college, the environment, the food... It's just not the same.

At least I was fortunate to be in the same college as James, Jonathan, Juliana and Shin Yee, who were my former classmates back in CHS. All 5 of us ended up in different groups although my subjects combinations were identical to Juliana's and Shin Yee's. Most probably God's plan to encourage me to mix around and to get to know new people.

Being in group A for Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is a good thing for a kiasuman (As cheryl says) because the sound of 'A' is great! Haha. Besides, being the only ex CHS-ian in group A isn't too bad, at least I am in the same group as a guy by the name of Jie Cong who I've met recently.

The only problem I have to address is transportation because, taking both the LRT and the bus to reach a single destination is a little time consuming and inefficient.

I was on the way home in the LRT with James, Juliana and Shin Yee. We couldn't repress a nostalgic feeling as the train glided past the familiar Jalan Gasing where we caught a fleeting glimpse of the place we've once lived.

Friday, January 2

SOS: Calling all blood type O+ Individuals!


Our friend, Yee Sook is in need of Type 0+ blood.
In case you do not know, he is currently fighting a type of cancer known as leukaemia.

Details:

Time: 8.30am-5pm
Place: Subang Jaya Medical Centre, North Block (Next to the carpark), 5th Floor Blood Bank
Note: Mention "Teoh Yee Sook, Wad 560"

And do not forget to mention to the nurse that you are a blood donor.


If you have any enquiries, please contact 012-3347027 (Yee Sook's Mother)



Thank you for your time.

Thursday, January 1

Level 2009

A new year comes with new challenges.

I wish all of you a pleasant and yet interesting 2009!


And... Don't overdo your new year resolutions. xD


Resolutions "Bad for your health"



Deciding to turn over a new leaf in the new year could do more harm than good, a mental health charity has warned.

Mind has urged people not to feel they must start 2009 armed with resolutions for self-improvement.

The charity said resolutions which focus on issues such as the need to lose weight or job worries create a negative self-image.

And if the plans fail to materialise, that could trigger feelings of failure and inadequacy, the charity said.

Mind chief executive Paul Farmer said focussing on problems or insecurities can lead to feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and even mild depression.

"We chastise ourselves for our perceived shortcomings and set unrealistic goals to change our behaviour, so it's not surprising that when we fail to keep resolutions, we end up feeling worse than when we started," he said.

"In 2009, instead of making a New Year's resolution, think positively about the year to come and what you can achieve."

Instead of easily broken resolutions, the charity has suggested a few steps to improve all-round mental health in 2009:

  • Being active - exercise releases endorphins and even a gentle stroll is beneficial for mental well-being
  • Going green - evidence has shown that connecting with nature can boost moods
  • Learn something new - it will keep minds stimulated and give confidence
  • Give back to the community - it can be just as rewarding for you as those you choose to help

- news.bbc.co.uk