The Form 5A reunion party held yesterday was unexpectedly excellent. Well, at least it is to me. Last year's was more fun to most of us, since we have a karaoke session after the BBQ dinner. We have steamboat this time. At 1st I thought it wasn't a really good idea, since BBQ party has always been the popular choice. But I think I ended being the one who ate the most! Hahaha... Many have came, but still, I can't help but noticed some of my ex-classmates who dun turned out that night, and I must say I'm kinda disappointed at that... But still I'm glad for those that came.
Wat's different from last year this time around was that we dun have any karaoke session this time. And to be frank, I'm thankful for that. I'm always left out during all karaoke sessions, bcuz I juz lack the courage to actually sing on a mike. Furthermore, they always sing Cantonese or Mandarin songs, which I rarely listen to. We have much more talking this time, and it's really nice to know how are my friends faring in their studies now. Oh, even our class teacher came, along with her children! But I nv talked much to her though... Kinda worried if she'll mentioned whether I was as lazy as I was b4 now (I used to skip all her homework)... Now that'll be very embarassing! Hahaha...
One change that I've noticed about myself during the party was that my socializing skills have improved much since last year. I was seriously left out last year, and ended up feeling a bit lonely and depressed when I shud have been enjoying myself. I used to be the outcast of the class in my form 4 and 5 years, probably due to my unconventional (and probably annoying) nature... But I successfully mingled with different ppl this time, except among the guys of cuz... I still can't force myself to "sink to their level". I dun mean to be offensive, but most of them are seriously a bunch of immature buffoon who can't stop crapping and talking all sorts of brainless nonsense. Worse still, few of them actually even acknowledge my presence there. I mean, as unlovely as they are, I'm still mildly happy and excited to see my fellow ex-classmates, but that clearly wasn't wat they felt about me. Sigh...
Nevertheless, I wanna thank my dear friend Lance again for improving my socializing skills. Can't imagine where I am today without his help during my college days! Man I miss college life...
Oh ya, I'm also glad I didn't choose the path of taking STPM earlier, as economic as it is. Most of the teachers at Klang High School (Where all of the Form 6 ppl there are studying now) are practically useless, and they leave a life of supression and limited freedom. Imagine this: 14 students from 1 of my friends' class kena gantung sekolah for leaving the school after they finished their exams. Problem is, it's the school rule to be at school until the bell rang, whether there's test or not. Worse, few of them were called "prostitutes" by the headmasters juz bcuz of their hair (which wasn't really that bad after all). They suspected (understatement here) that the headmaster did this out of pure racism. I seriously pity those poor fellas... And incredibly glad that I've chosen a better path!
I left the place around 11, when it started to rain. Came home to watch Record of Lodoss War which I bought from AnimeTech at Pyramid after Shrek 2 with Jody and the SOS (Social Outcast Society for the uninitiated). The 1st 2 episodes are promising, and I'm looking forward to watch the rest of the show. As for Shrek 2, it was my 2nd watching of the show, and I still think (a very unpopular opinion) that the sequel pales in comparison to the original Shrek. I know, there's more gags in the 2nd movie, but it seemed forceful to me. Furthermore, it felt like less of an adventure and more of a gags-ridden show whereby the story is merely a bridge between all the silly jokes. Also, there's juz too many references/parody of other movies/real life events that the movie felt saturated with them. Sad sad... It has so much potential to be a memorable show...
Seems that the only sequels that are actually equal or better than the original to me are juz Toy Story 2 and Terminator 2: Judgement Day... Then again, I haven't watch the Godfather Trilogy! Hope I can get my hands on that soon!
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Friday, May 28, 2004
SUMMATIVE ONE FEEDBACK
Guess wat the feedback was all about today? 1 month after our 1st summative, they've finally decided to give us the answers! Idiots... I can't even remember the questions and the answers that I've written during the test! It all seems so long ago... But thank God all those that I've studied started to float back after 15 minutes or so... I'm amazed that they're still actually in my head, juz deeply buried and covered with dust... Hehe...
Well, there were some disagreements with the answers, but I guess not many of us really cared much anymnore, since our results are all out... But I'm mostly satisfied with the answers, and finally I have a better idea of how I score now. The grade system juz dun work for me... I mean, come on, 80% to 100% is a rather broad range!!! They should have another A+ grade for those who score above 90%! At least that give us a better picture of wat we get from the test!
Well, there were some disagreements with the answers, but I guess not many of us really cared much anymnore, since our results are all out... But I'm mostly satisfied with the answers, and finally I have a better idea of how I score now. The grade system juz dun work for me... I mean, come on, 80% to 100% is a rather broad range!!! They should have another A+ grade for those who score above 90%! At least that give us a better picture of wat we get from the test!
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
DANG THAT WISDOM TOOTH!!!
Argh... My teeth hurts!!! Another wisdom tooth is coming out now, on the lower right side of my jaw! Man... I thought all of my wisdom teeth have already all grown out!!! Can't believe that I gotta go thru all the pain again!!! >=(
I've finally joined a sports club in IMU today! Hey wait, is Tai Chi considered a sport? Hmmmm... Anyway, we'll have our 1st swimming session this Thursday at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. And guess wat? IMU will pay for the entrance fees! Woohoo!!! It's juz kinda sad that the current president, Yvinne, and rest of the committees, were expecting expert swimmers to join while most of us sem 1s nv took part in any swimming competition b4... I myself am more interested in LEARNING that actually taking part in any competition la... I juz know the very basics of swimming only! And only breaststroke!
Haha, Yvinne was clearly quite disappointed of the lack of expertise. But I guess she could be a little less sarcastic when she commented on our "resume"... I used to think that she's the prettiest girl in IMU... Well, of cuz she's still pretty la, heehee... But my impression on her kinda tarnish a bit now la... Hahaha...
I've finally joined a sports club in IMU today! Hey wait, is Tai Chi considered a sport? Hmmmm... Anyway, we'll have our 1st swimming session this Thursday at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. And guess wat? IMU will pay for the entrance fees! Woohoo!!! It's juz kinda sad that the current president, Yvinne, and rest of the committees, were expecting expert swimmers to join while most of us sem 1s nv took part in any swimming competition b4... I myself am more interested in LEARNING that actually taking part in any competition la... I juz know the very basics of swimming only! And only breaststroke!
Haha, Yvinne was clearly quite disappointed of the lack of expertise. But I guess she could be a little less sarcastic when she commented on our "resume"... I used to think that she's the prettiest girl in IMU... Well, of cuz she's still pretty la, heehee... But my impression on her kinda tarnish a bit now la... Hahaha...
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
PARENTS HIRE PIs TO SPY ON KIDS
I juz saw a very interesting news article in the library, and also found an identical one in the Net. In many ways, I see the benefits of these monitoring and surveillance, and yet, I can't help but feel that it's kinda unfair to the kids/teenagers. I mean, all of us want our privacy and expect others to respect it. Furthermore, the monitoring responsibility should be solely on the parents, and not on hiring others! Won't all these hiring estrangled the parents-teenagers relationship? Not to mention the lack of trust on the parents' part!
And yet... Parents can also have a better idea if their children are undergoing any troubles or stress. They can also prevent tragic events from happening if their children refused to share their problems with them, or tell them the truth. This new phenomenon certainly is a very interesting 1. Who knows, it might become a trend and slowly becoming a very profitable (even beneficial to society) business.
Btw, more and more ppl in IMU have started their own blogs. I also recently discovered that many of my friends actually have their own blogs. Here are some of the blogs that I will soon link up from my blog: Matthew, Jody, Shi Ching, Elena, and Melissa. Guys, now that I have mentioned u all, do link me up from ur blogs too ya! >=)
And yet... Parents can also have a better idea if their children are undergoing any troubles or stress. They can also prevent tragic events from happening if their children refused to share their problems with them, or tell them the truth. This new phenomenon certainly is a very interesting 1. Who knows, it might become a trend and slowly becoming a very profitable (even beneficial to society) business.
Btw, more and more ppl in IMU have started their own blogs. I also recently discovered that many of my friends actually have their own blogs. Here are some of the blogs that I will soon link up from my blog: Matthew, Jody, Shi Ching, Elena, and Melissa. Guys, now that I have mentioned u all, do link me up from ur blogs too ya! >=)
Monday, May 24, 2004
PERSONALITY TEST
Dr. Hera Lukman gave us a personality test (called the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Test) today during her lecture on Personality. I have always enjoyed doing tests about myself not so much for the results, but in trying to figure out HOW the designers of the test get their data. Well, this test is one of the better ones that I've taken, and it's kinda accurate too in many ways.
Here's the results!
Neuroticism - Average
Generally calm and able to deal with stress, but you sometimes experience feelings of guilt, anger, or sadness.
True, I'm usually in a jovial mood, but I do have my ups and downs, I guess.
Extraversion - Very High
Extraverted, outgoing, active, and high-spirited. You prefer to be around people most of the time.
Hahaha... for this particular category, I already know the results even b4 I finished the test! Everybody knows that I'm hyperactive, loud and annoying! Akakakaka...
For the next following 3 categories, I neither score very high/very low or average, but more of the in-betweens, i.e. high/low. So I'll post the 2 statements that I'm stuck in between la! >=)
Openness - High
1. Open to new experiences. You have broad interests and very imaginative.
2. Practical but willing to consider new ways of doing things. You seek a balance between the old and the new.
I am open to new experiences, but I'm particularly very imaginative. My interests are broad, but I do like some of the new modern ideas while at the same time honour certain traditions.
Agreeableness - High
1. Compassionate, good-natured, and eager to cooperate and avoid conflict.
2. Generally warm, trusting, and agreeable, but you can sometimes be stubborn and competitive.
Yup, well, I am good-natured (and compassionate to a certain extent la... haha), and I do try to cooperate usually, but I'll make my stand if I disagree with the crowd. Oh and I LOVE competition! I need it to motivate me!!! Guess that's y I'm labelled as a kiasu bugger... haha
Conscientiousness - Low
1. Dependable and moderately well-organized. You generally have clear goals but you are able to set your work aside.
2. Easygoing, not very well-organized, and sometimes careless. You prefer not to make plans.
Well, I am not organized, that's for sure, but I do set some goals in my life. Careless, yes; No plans? Not exactly la... I do plan stuff... in a vague kinda way!
So there u have it, a simple personality dissection of Thomas! Haha... Man I can't believe I actually mistaken the international time 1500 as 4:00 pm... It wasn't until I woke up at 3.30pm that I realized that my Interview Video Review Session was supposed to start at 3, not 4!!! Man wat an embarassment... Imagine, a future doctor, late for his appointment! Sigh... Must be more alert in the future!
Here's the results!
Neuroticism - Average
Generally calm and able to deal with stress, but you sometimes experience feelings of guilt, anger, or sadness.
True, I'm usually in a jovial mood, but I do have my ups and downs, I guess.
Extraversion - Very High
Extraverted, outgoing, active, and high-spirited. You prefer to be around people most of the time.
Hahaha... for this particular category, I already know the results even b4 I finished the test! Everybody knows that I'm hyperactive, loud and annoying! Akakakaka...
For the next following 3 categories, I neither score very high/very low or average, but more of the in-betweens, i.e. high/low. So I'll post the 2 statements that I'm stuck in between la! >=)
Openness - High
1. Open to new experiences. You have broad interests and very imaginative.
2. Practical but willing to consider new ways of doing things. You seek a balance between the old and the new.
I am open to new experiences, but I'm particularly very imaginative. My interests are broad, but I do like some of the new modern ideas while at the same time honour certain traditions.
Agreeableness - High
1. Compassionate, good-natured, and eager to cooperate and avoid conflict.
2. Generally warm, trusting, and agreeable, but you can sometimes be stubborn and competitive.
Yup, well, I am good-natured (and compassionate to a certain extent la... haha), and I do try to cooperate usually, but I'll make my stand if I disagree with the crowd. Oh and I LOVE competition! I need it to motivate me!!! Guess that's y I'm labelled as a kiasu bugger... haha
Conscientiousness - Low
1. Dependable and moderately well-organized. You generally have clear goals but you are able to set your work aside.
2. Easygoing, not very well-organized, and sometimes careless. You prefer not to make plans.
Well, I am not organized, that's for sure, but I do set some goals in my life. Careless, yes; No plans? Not exactly la... I do plan stuff... in a vague kinda way!
So there u have it, a simple personality dissection of Thomas! Haha... Man I can't believe I actually mistaken the international time 1500 as 4:00 pm... It wasn't until I woke up at 3.30pm that I realized that my Interview Video Review Session was supposed to start at 3, not 4!!! Man wat an embarassment... Imagine, a future doctor, late for his appointment! Sigh... Must be more alert in the future!
Friday, May 21, 2004
ANALYSIS ON SUMMATIVE ONE RESULTS
1st, the data:
114 'A' = 54.81%
38 'A-' = 18.36%
18 'B+' = 8.65%
15 'B' = 7.21%
-------------------------------------
15 'B-' = 7.21%
3 'C+' = 1.44%
3 'C' = 1.44%
0 'C-' = 0%
1 'D+' = 0.48%
0 'D' = 0%
1 'F' = 0.48%
Total = 208
Alrite... Now, the analysis. In my opinion, the summative one test is too easy. I know I sound proud, but that is an honest fact. The standard is too low. In fact, my finals at CPU is even harder than this, even after tips were given to us then. I was very disappointed at the difficulty level, bcuz I know that I've spend a lot of time on revising the whole thing, yet the questions that camme out are so basic, it felt almost as if I was in a too-good-to-be-true dream, nothiing more.
And yet... the passing rate is 88.94%. Many ppl, espeacially seniors, commented that the result was abnormally good. But to be honest, I dun really think so. Earlier, I kinda expected that none of us will fail... well, alrite, there are always a few 'surprises', but 23 ppl (11.06%) failing is juz too... disappointing. Anyone who actually make an effort to complete his/her revision on all the lecture notes at least once will easily get a 'B', at the very minimum. So my conclusion is that too many of us still has the "last minute study" syndrome, and I guess many of us realized (too late) that there's not enough time to cover all the topics.
The over-easiness of the test could only mean 2 things: future tests will be juz as easy (highly doubtful), or the difficulty level will be gradually increased (most probable). And therefore, I predict taht there will be a shift on the graph to the right, i.e. less ppl will pass and more will fail. The number of 'A's and 'A-'s will certainly drop, as compared to the overly high 73.08% now (54.81% A, 18.36% A-). Why I say so? Bcuz many of us will be disillusion by how easy the tests will be, due to the influence of the 1st summative. Therefore the 1st summative is not a good benchmark at all, and ones need to work harder than the 1st summative in order to maintain that 'A'...
Well... Can I still get an 'A' for my next summative. Man I seriously hope I could... But I seriously need to work harder and repeat my revisions more often. I repeat twice in the 1st half of the semester, and I found that it was still not enough for me to remember. I'll attempt to repeat thrice for my revision for the 2nd summative and see if this is more effective. Then there's still the End of Semester test to think about... But I guess that's a worry for another time! >=)
38 'A-' = 18.36%
18 'B+' = 8.65%
15 'B' = 7.21%
-------------------------------------
15 'B-' = 7.21%
3 'C+' = 1.44%
3 'C' = 1.44%
0 'C-' = 0%
1 'D+' = 0.48%
0 'D' = 0%
1 'F' = 0.48%
Total = 208
Alrite... Now, the analysis. In my opinion, the summative one test is too easy. I know I sound proud, but that is an honest fact. The standard is too low. In fact, my finals at CPU is even harder than this, even after tips were given to us then. I was very disappointed at the difficulty level, bcuz I know that I've spend a lot of time on revising the whole thing, yet the questions that camme out are so basic, it felt almost as if I was in a too-good-to-be-true dream, nothiing more.
And yet... the passing rate is 88.94%. Many ppl, espeacially seniors, commented that the result was abnormally good. But to be honest, I dun really think so. Earlier, I kinda expected that none of us will fail... well, alrite, there are always a few 'surprises', but 23 ppl (11.06%) failing is juz too... disappointing. Anyone who actually make an effort to complete his/her revision on all the lecture notes at least once will easily get a 'B', at the very minimum. So my conclusion is that too many of us still has the "last minute study" syndrome, and I guess many of us realized (too late) that there's not enough time to cover all the topics.
The over-easiness of the test could only mean 2 things: future tests will be juz as easy (highly doubtful), or the difficulty level will be gradually increased (most probable). And therefore, I predict taht there will be a shift on the graph to the right, i.e. less ppl will pass and more will fail. The number of 'A's and 'A-'s will certainly drop, as compared to the overly high 73.08% now (54.81% A, 18.36% A-). Why I say so? Bcuz many of us will be disillusion by how easy the tests will be, due to the influence of the 1st summative. Therefore the 1st summative is not a good benchmark at all, and ones need to work harder than the 1st summative in order to maintain that 'A'...
Well... Can I still get an 'A' for my next summative. Man I seriously hope I could... But I seriously need to work harder and repeat my revisions more often. I repeat twice in the 1st half of the semester, and I found that it was still not enough for me to remember. I'll attempt to repeat thrice for my revision for the 2nd summative and see if this is more effective. Then there's still the End of Semester test to think about... But I guess that's a worry for another time! >=)
DUNE MESSIAH
My 1st impresion of the book was how different it is from the 1st book, the classic sci-fi masterpiece Dune. Dune Messiah is far shorter in length in comparison to the epic Dune, and its bulk is almost purely philosophical. The plot itself is actually very short, and the action minimum. Wat u have is lots and lots and LOTS of monologue, intellectual musings and philosophical debate which, I must frankly admit, I dun understand much at all.
Nevertheless, it is still readble enough to me, and I read on in quite a fast pace bcuz I wanna find out wat happen next. There's also this slow-building sense of inevitable doom, which makes the reader very anxious to know wat is the ultimate price Paul has to pay to avoid the Jihad he had started from bringing chaos all over the universe. And the ending is quite unexpected. Eventhough someone have spoiled the ending to me, i.e. I know wat happened in the end, I'm still very surprised at HOW it happened. And believe me, it's seriously depressing. The path that Paul has chosen for the universe, and in doing so sacrificing all the power and happiness that he has...
Well, I won't spoil more of the story now. Sufficient to say that it is a good read, albeit may be pretty hard for those expecting another Dune phenomenon. Still, I think Frank Herbert takes too much time to explain so little. But the creation of the ghola Hayt, or (SPOILERS!!! SKIP THE ITALICS IF U DUN WANNA BE SPOILED!!!) should I say the "resurrection" of Duncan Idaho, is the highlight of the novel to me. He is by far the most interesting character in the book, now that all the "main" characters seem... distant. It's worth a read, and I guess I'll continue with The Children of Dune next! >=)
Thursday, May 20, 2004
RESULTS ARE OUT!!!
Well, the summative results are out today!!! Whoa, am I nervouse throughout the lectures. I would have gotten my results b4 the lectures started if only Dr. Hirotaka Onishi, my tutor, was in his room... Turns out that he is in a PBL session and was unable to meet with us until our lectures end!!! Aiiiieeee... So there I was, in the lecture hall, boiling with anxiety. Somehow almost all my friends mistaken my nervous expression as smiling-like-crazy-for-the-great-results. Man, do I look so jovial when I got my results?!
After the lectures ended, I rushed all the way downstairs... And thru the glass wall, I finally saw Dr. Onishi in his room! Now another sort of anxiety attacked me... I dun dare to go in and take the results from him! Man, 1st I can't wait to get my results, and now that I have the chance, I'm too cowardly to take it! Sheesh... Then a guy from my batch (sad that I dun know him) went into the room, and pulling all my willpower together, I went in after him.
The doc mentioned something about getting good results for summative 1 is normal, but we have to work harder for the coming exams to maintain the results. I guess any logical guy can get the hint from his words, but since i'm still in my irrational-fear-thrashing, I juz take my results (which is sealed in a letter), and say a "Thank U", and out I went... Guess wat? This time, I dun have the courage to open that stupid letter!
I dun open the letter till I finally reached Food Avenue, ordered my food, sit down, and cool myself down... I got an 'A'!!!! Praise God! Hahahaha... Man that's a relief... For a second there I feared I might get worse results! Guess revising early on do help after all! Nevertheless, I must admit: without relying on God's strength thru all the preparation, I'm probably camatose now! Hahaha... Thank u God! *kiss kiss* >=)
Now for the statistics: 141 'A', 38 'A-', 18 'B+', 15 'B', 15 'B-', 3 'C+', 3 'C', 1 'D', and 1 'F'. Considering that about 55% of us got an 'A' for the summative, I guess there's nothing much to celebrate for. It is kinda saddening that some of my friends dun do so well in their test... I really wanna comfort them and encourage them to do better, but I can't help but notice the slight hint of bitterness in their tone... "U did great, not so for me."... Sigh... Guess all I can do now is juz to pray for them, and hope that they'll do better next time!
As for me, judging from my current laziness, I doubt I can get an 'A' again for the next summative... Unless I start revising NOW!!! I must revive that feverish study mania in me again from the time b4 my 1st summative... Haha... Alrite, gear up, let's go!!!
Oh ya, I do apologize if my 'Steaming' post offended anyone... Haha, I was really fuming then... Feeling better and more controlled now! ;)
After the lectures ended, I rushed all the way downstairs... And thru the glass wall, I finally saw Dr. Onishi in his room! Now another sort of anxiety attacked me... I dun dare to go in and take the results from him! Man, 1st I can't wait to get my results, and now that I have the chance, I'm too cowardly to take it! Sheesh... Then a guy from my batch (sad that I dun know him) went into the room, and pulling all my willpower together, I went in after him.
The doc mentioned something about getting good results for summative 1 is normal, but we have to work harder for the coming exams to maintain the results. I guess any logical guy can get the hint from his words, but since i'm still in my irrational-fear-thrashing, I juz take my results (which is sealed in a letter), and say a "Thank U", and out I went... Guess wat? This time, I dun have the courage to open that stupid letter!
I dun open the letter till I finally reached Food Avenue, ordered my food, sit down, and cool myself down... I got an 'A'!!!! Praise God! Hahahaha... Man that's a relief... For a second there I feared I might get worse results! Guess revising early on do help after all! Nevertheless, I must admit: without relying on God's strength thru all the preparation, I'm probably camatose now! Hahaha... Thank u God! *kiss kiss* >=)
Now for the statistics: 141 'A', 38 'A-', 18 'B+', 15 'B', 15 'B-', 3 'C+', 3 'C', 1 'D', and 1 'F'. Considering that about 55% of us got an 'A' for the summative, I guess there's nothing much to celebrate for. It is kinda saddening that some of my friends dun do so well in their test... I really wanna comfort them and encourage them to do better, but I can't help but notice the slight hint of bitterness in their tone... "U did great, not so for me."... Sigh... Guess all I can do now is juz to pray for them, and hope that they'll do better next time!
As for me, judging from my current laziness, I doubt I can get an 'A' again for the next summative... Unless I start revising NOW!!! I must revive that feverish study mania in me again from the time b4 my 1st summative... Haha... Alrite, gear up, let's go!!!
Oh ya, I do apologize if my 'Steaming' post offended anyone... Haha, I was really fuming then... Feeling better and more controlled now! ;)