The Sky Is The Limit

We often get bombarded by marketing gimmick in today's world. Be it electronic appliances, books, cosmetics, clothes, there's quite literally a mountain of marketing crap in the media stream. However, there is one thing that trump all of them to oblivion. If you were to use simple mathematical reasoning, or in layman's term, common sense, marketing will unveil itself to be a load of bullshit and crap. Yes, there's something out there that triumph even the most pestering telemarketer or salesman. Hide your kids, lock your doors, because religion is in town.

Now, I am not by any means hating on religion here, quite the contrary, I am laughing my ass off as I am writing this. The idea of an invisible super daddy that sent his only son [in the context of Christians] to write a book to spread to billions of people, the thought of being able to relive past lives [Buddhism], or the thought of a messenger locking himself in a cave to relay God's transmission [You know..] is a very questionable 'claim'. Okay, so you say I have no right to say that, you are probably right, I don't. But that doesn't stop people from coming and pestering me about religion. I am being very patient about the matter, mostly because I am a late blooming atheist, ergo, I don't know a whole lot. But what I do know is that religion is a matter of blind faith.

You devote your entire life to a invisible being that you claim to be omnipotent, fulfilling his so called wishes and will, just to see the world around you suffer from poverty, war, rape, looting, riot and a whole lot more. Doesn't that just blow your mind? If it is God's will, why bother buying insurance? If it is his will, why bother going to school? Why bother doing anything really? By now you are probably pissed at this blog and judging me for who I am, but I am just asking questions really. Just ask yourself this question, if it is stated in the Ten Commandments that 'Thou shall not kill', what about the Crusade? God just decided to pardon that? Then what about his Divine Plan? Was the Crusade part of the Divine Plan? If it was, what's with the Thou shall not kill? It's all very confusing.

Now, I am not some faker trying to lie to himself that he knows everything, nor am I going to pretend to know everything. I know little, little in comparison to what greater minds know. This is all just a piece of my mind that I really need to let loose, or else I might go crazy with laughter. To end this blog, here's a little quote I found on the net ;

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?”

-Epicurus(Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

I find it very true. Religion is just afraid to grow up and see the world for what it really is, they want you to believe that life is all about God, that progress is a sin and ignorance a virtue. You know better, logic and reasoning will always triumph against bedtime stories.

P/S: Stop preaching to me about religion damn it! I am sick to hear that crap day after day!!

Frame of Mind Part 2

On the 15th of July, I went to Kuala Nerang to cover a cluster school expo of some sort for Free School. Seeing that I was the only one to volunteer to go on that day, I'd expect the journey to be pretty tiring and boring. I waited for the bus at 8am while I chatted with my juniors, John and Bennic who were also going to the event as first-aiders. At 8.30, we had to lug some stuff into the bus while the rest of the expedition were getting ready, wasn't really my job, but I just went with the flow. On the bus, it was a rather tiring and bumpy 2 and a half hours ride to Kuala Nerang, Kedah. I sat next to Khartik and watched Gulliver's Travels on the display monitor on the bus. I was cleaning my camera kit and double checking that everything was in order, as I always do. we reached our destination by 12.15pm and we started unloading. I vividly remembered what my teacher said to me: 'It's a God forsaken place'. Well, personally it wasn't all that bad, kinda reminded me of my old boarding school back when I was in Form 1. Nostalgic to say the least. 

We went to our assigned tent and started putting up our signs and billboards. Ironically, I had to help with the deco and shifting of items when I should really be snapping pics for the school, but I just kept it to myself and helped as much as I could. By 1pm, the muslims in my expedition had to go for Friday prayers, which meant the working force has reduced in size. Only me, Khartik and Kavin were actually doing something, along with some of my juniors. I was appalled to see the scouts seniors that WAS supposed to be doing all these setting up wandering off to some other place when they still hadn't finish setting up our school banner. I believe in teamwork and fairness, and these group of people crushed my naivety. Those still in tent consists of our co-curriculum teacher, Pn. Norbaini and some other teachers, and a few of us students. To make matters even tiring for us, me, kavin, khartik and the juniors had to help a bunch of primary schoolers to carry their malay wooden musical instruments, which I have to add was a hell of a load. At 3pm, After sweating like a water buffalo under the hot sun, we finally sat down to take a breather. I walked around and snapped some pictures and noticed that most of the other school have awesome exhibition and deco, while ours were quite stale. I snapped some of their deco and walked around with a sense of deja vu. The architecture really brought me back to my boarding school days. Sad and happy moments there. Even the hall had the same air and design to it.

When I returned to the tent, the 'Big Shots' scouts were finally back, and still talking whereas the 'diva' Stephanie that followed us and Teik Min was fraternizing with a female from the tent beside us. I could care less due since I've developed such irrational hatred towards these bunch of 'Frees' that left us rotting in the sun when they sat down in the cafeteria and chatted. I kept it to myself and resumed helping out with whatever I can. I even heard Pn. Norbaini complaining about the scouts, guess there's justice in this world after all. I sat down with Kharthik, Ben and John while they were talking to Steph, Teik Min and that mysterious girl from the tent next door. I soon learned that her name was Clarrisa and she is a national debater. Next thing I know, she was spewing out Shakespearean lines to Steph and both me and khartik's jaw were hanging from where they should be. Never had I met a girl like that, odd, but in a good way.

I spent some time learning about this odd girl, and cocking about with John and Bennic along the way, and realized that she ain't bad at all. Guess first impressions are not everything. It was fun talking to her, and obviously more fun to make fun of John, who went emo after she asked him to 'Por', how I laughed. 

About 8pm, we had the green light to get our presentation ready for the LPM, and I set about preparing my equipment. In the presentation room, there was a few top guns from the ministry waiting to hear us talk. Steph was the first batter up, and she striked like a blind bat, so did Elaine with her half-assed speech. I was in such agonizing shame that these two girls are actually giving a presentation about the history and affiliations of Free School. Deep inside, I was screaming 'What the fuck are you doing??!!'. Thank god Khartik came to the rescue, as expected of my form's top boy, he swept the blood on the floor. Naqib, the hockey captain ended it with a cocky statement, but that sure did put a smile on the faces of the guys from LPM. I was relieved.

8.45pm, we packed our stuff up and got ready to head home. Before that, Clarissa came over our tent and bid adieu to us and snapped a few picture for memories. At that point we were so exhausted that our expression was practically a mix of happiness, agony, and high-off-jamaican-grass look.

In the bus I recount what I did for the day, it wasn't bad, it was actually fun. New relationships fostered, and old friendship strengthen, that's all that matters right? I chatted with Khartik for awhile until the pleasant feeling of sleep took over and took us back all the way to Penang.

Frame of Mind Part 1

This is a two parter blog about my recent photographic outings which consists of two major events which is my school's sports day and a cluster school expo in Kuala Nerang. The former was filled with passion and emotions, befitting the name 'Free School'. The latter was boring initially, but it did give me a chance to meet new friends and foster new friendships. Well, enjoy!

30 minutes before the start of the annual Sports Day of PFS, I went from tent to tent to get some pictures and some sneak peek of the theme of the houses. I was very impressed with Pinhorn's Avatar theme and their mascots were superb. Pn. Mani was obviously proud of her boys and I can see they are really excited about their work. I mingled around with the members from Pinhorn along with Sir Leonard and scoot along to my own house; Hamilton.

The event started off with a bang [quite literally] at 2pm sharp with the school's prided jewel kicking it off with an up-beat tempo for the parade march. Each houses have their own mascots and they are all well made from head to toe. There's certainly a sense of pride in every one of the marchers. 

The official ceremony was conducted by our school's athlete, escorted by the captains of the 8 houses in Free School. After the 'vow of sportsmanship', they returned to their respective houses and marched off the field, indicating the start of the day.

Before the actual sports event, there was a few performance by some uniform body, namely 'Gempur Wira'[i forgotten their real name, sue me]. They smashed tiles with their head and fists, proving their manhood [though the human body is tougher than tiles, so yeah]. After the display of prowess from the commandos of Free School, I went to the centre of the field for the first running events.

The athletes were all pumped up and ready to pounce on the prize of glory like a lion hunting a gazelle. Friends that I know in the classroom turned into what their primal instincts are; hunters, or quoted from Sergeant Foley of Operation Flashpoint "Hardcore, cold-blooded, laser guided, death dealing nin-motherfucking-jas". They came, they ran, and they conquered, quite literally. The strong moves on and the weak dies. Second is the first of the last, etc etc. Our boys were so in the zone, that even the guests runners from different schools were wiped out almost instantly in the 400x4 relay. The runners from Saint Xaviers lost up to a staggering 80 meters! Needless to say, the athletes of Frees are one mean sons of bitches.

Where muscle counts, even the Frees didn't let up. House representatives grunting and gritting their teeth while their veins and artery were at their limit as they surpass the physical limit of humanity. The flames of victory the only thing pushing them and the men beside them towards victory.

The most memorable event of the day was the tug-of-war. The final showdown between Cheeseman and Pinhorn. Each house has conserved their top guns for this event. The only event that'd prove they are the Ironmen of Free School. I was beside barely even 50cm away from them as they frantically pull the rope to earn their victory. The house captain of Cheeseman, and also my friend, Vash, screamed at the top of his lungs rallying his members to pull as if their lives depends on it. Eugene, another of my acquaintance, kept on rallying the boys to pull with momentum and brute force. After three grueling match, Cheeseman seized the title of 'Orang kuat Free School'. Vash was so happy he jumped for joy, and no different can be said for the rest of the Cheeseman. Despite the loss, the captain of Pinhorn, Prakash, went to congratulate Vash and the members of Cheeseman for their victory. The bond between brothers and sportsman were vibrant that day, despite a technical foul that happened due to Pinhorn not being ready for the 2nd match, and thus leading to a third decisive match. They compromised, they worked things out and they respected one another, That's what being a Free is all about.

At 6.30 pm, the day was finally over. A day filled with sweat and tears for some has came to a halt. Sure, this event happens annually, but it's the charm of the Frees of that particular year that makes it special. There isn't and there wouldn't be another Sports Day 2011, and we kept that in mind as we dispersed from the field.

Back From The Slumber

Ahh, been months since I've been on here! Busy busy busy, what can I say? =p

Life's a bit of a mess for me now lolx, in a state of limbo. One part of me is worrying like hell for my SPM, the other just don't give a flying ****. Here's a little update of what happened to me in the past few months;

Obtained my driving license, FINALLY! So fun to drive here and there~ but under the supervision of uncle and aunty =.=... Finished playing the epic game Dragon Age 2[WooT!!!], however, only once. Don't have enough time and patience to play another time. And I've finally discovered the sleeping atheist hidden within me, though I suppose you can say I am more towards agnostic, thanks to the stellar book 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins. Bravo sir, if I had a hat I'd tip it to your direction. Oh! And been snapping a few pictures here and there, will upload them when I have the chance. Recently I went for my school's music classical 'Beauty & The Beast'. Very nice show, though in my honest opinion, the main actress is a bit... stale... I mean, it's like she had a processor for a heart, but I digress. I've also finally got so hyped up about airsoft, that I am trying to get one in Malaysia[damn things are illegal here, shit].

And now here I am, in front of the comp, when i should really be studying for my SPM... Damn, well folks, till next time! Adieu!

Update!

Ahh, been 2 weeks since I touched my blog, nostalgic... NOT =3. The sloth disease seems to have hit me, I am lazy to do anything these days =p.

Well, before I rant, a quick update of my life. Spent the entire holidays watching anime[Overdrive, Maria Holic, Romeo X Juliet(God, such a touching anime) and some other], fragging[MW2!], and taking my driving practical, oh joy. Man, a week does whizz past quickly.

Okay, now I want to talk about a recent event. I am sure everybody knows about the recent tsunami that struck Japan, as a matter a fact, I did talk about it in my previous post. Well, let me shed some more light on thy mind. Did you realize the attention it is getting from the media and practically everybody in the world? I mean, people that won't even flinch when the word tsunami came in pair with Acheh showed their 'concern' when it was paired with Japan. Indeed, the tsunami that has struck Japan is a very sad and tragic thing indeed, but why oh why does people show their concern when Japan was struck, but not when less developed country such as Indonesia received the same fate? I will tell you why. Their concern is not genuine. Sincerely ask yourself, what was the first thing that went through your mind when you heard about the incident? To some of my friends, it was 'Man... I wonder if it will affect my anime' or 'ahh, my heaven on earth is gone' or 'There goes our sushi'...... WTF?! seriously? If you look at it, Indonesia had nothing to offer us, thus when they were struck by the tsunami, we are all like 'Ah, that's sad', and then we carried along with our daily life. I will be honest, even I wasn't really THAT concerned when Indonesia was struck, mainly cause I was still young =p. My point is, people... if you want to care, truly care for the ill fated people and don't care just because it affects your daily life. The world doesn't revolve around you, you know. Just show that wee bit of genuine concern, okay?

Well, if my friends, classmates in particular, are reading this, you know which category you belong to. I NOE WHAT YOU SAID IN CLASS, I AM WATCHING YOU.

Anyways, Ganbatte nippon!

FREEDOM!

The melodious echo of the school bell ringing, the shouts of joy of students while throwing their hands up in the air. Ah, it's here. It's finally here. HOLIDAYS! 

The holidays are here and I wish all of my friends and family a happy and fun-filled holiday. Let me share a line that I've saved for this occasion; 'No more school, no more books. No more teacher's dirty looks'. Seriously, I f'kin love holidays. But the thought that it is only one week is a realll bummer =/. Oh wells, beggars can't be choosers.

Well, quick update of my life. Went to listen the driving theory thingy, f'kin waste of time. Spent 3 hours listening to something that can be wrapped up in 15 minutes. God, Malaysia's system suck. anyways, the driving theory is practically just a briefing of what I am going to experience during the test. Still a waste of time. 

My birthday just ended like 2 days ago. 17 year old now WooT! getting older day by day =/, wish I was like Peter Pan, never have to grow old xD. Got 3 of my most wanted books from my parents; love you mum and dad! The titles are  'The photographer's mind' 'The photographer's eye' and 'Perfect exposure'. Complicated yet awesome books, check it out photogs.

And following latest events, the Tsunami incident that has struck Japan and Taiwan. It seems, God, wherever He is, is unleashing his fury upon us day by day. First New Zealand now Asia, things just get worst every single day. I don't believe in this apocalyptic crap and stuff, but I seriously think things are getting way out of hand. The thought of the world ending just makes my neck cringe. brrr. I pray for the safety of the people of Japan and Taiwan, and Hawaii too. 

Well, that summarizes my post of the day. Signing off peeps!

The Road Ahead

I am going to start off my post today on a more melancholic note. I've just passed my Undang [theoretical driving] recently, and it got me thinking how much I've grown.

It felt as if it was just yesterday I walked through the gates of Penang Free School and started my life as a high schooler. I can still remember the times I had back in primary school. The laughter, the joy, the sadness and the questions I had. It all feels... nostalgic. I can't shake the feeling that I am still living in the past. Back then, I wanted nothing more than to grow up and put my big boy pants on. Now, I want nothing more than to go back to that time. The time when I didn't have a care for the world, back to the time when all I ever worried was the present. Back to that time where everything is so much more simpler. Fast forward it to 26th of february 2011, I was sitting in the waiting room, my result paper in my hands; I'd passed. Soon, I'd be driving. Soon, I'd be applying for my college. Soon, I'd be busy planning the path of life I wish to take. Soon, I'd have to leave a big part of my life behind, the care-free part of my life. But isn't this what I've been looking for all this time? The day that I am finally an adult? So why am I reminiscing about the past?

You might think that these are the word of an individual who is afraid of the future and can't take the burden of growing up, you are right. I am afraid of what the future holds, and I don't know what is at the end. Do we meet up with our God? Will we find the meaning of life? Where will we go? Questions that has been haunting everybody. Questions that can only be answered with more questions. That is life.

However, what makes us human is these sense of insecurity. Our conscience is what drives us forward, knowing very well we might not find an answer, but knowing we tried our best at living. I think that is a good enough reason to justify our purpose here on Earth isn't it? And here I am, justifying my reason for being alive, the reason for me to move forward. The answer is rather simple; it is because I can appreciate the past, live the present, and fear the future. That is all I need to justify my existence.

Pixels

Okay, since I've decided that this shall be one of my photography medium, I've uploaded a few pics from my Melaka trip a few months back. It's a rather... mellow place and there's no night life, but hey! It's historical and I'd say even more well-managed than Penang. Their food are also delicious and cheap[well.. when I say cheap...]. The people are also friendly and cooperative[but I have a feeling they are paid to smile]. 

Anyways, Enjoy!

Talent, Less?

Been on the Net [due to boredom obviously] recently and I wandered into Youtube to find something to amuse my life, and I did.

You know those 'talented' artists out there that people are sooo crazy about? You know, the usual, Justin will-never-hit-puberty Bieber and the likes. It got me thinking, why the Hell are they so popular??? I mean seriously, there are loads of people on Youtube that are actually way more talented than them. For example, I recently stumbled upon a kid called Greyson Chance and boy, he do have a chance. Oh sure, he might look like a Bieber, but don't be fooled, his voice is pure gold. Unlike that auto-tuned piece of *censored*. And his name is Grey too, which is the same as my blog title!!

But i digress. Another good example is Merton. This dude goes on Chatroulette[ might as well call it Dickroulette] and does improv piano playing depending on the situation. His skills are good and so are his vocals, and whats more, he is hilarious! Another Youtube legend you might know is SungHa Jung. He puts me to shame with his guitar skills. He is pure gold. A prodigy with fingers that is blessed by the Gods[ if God does exist] and a sharp mind.

Seeing all of this talent on a website where people mostly go in hopes to find a girl strip teasing[well, guys mostly], It really made me think, WHY THE FUCK is everybody hyped up about crappy artists like Justin Bieber and those bloody idols??? It just doesn't make sense.

Well, seeing that I've touched an issue that would surely provoke you Bieber Fever Lovers out there, do give thoughts.

P/S: I hate 'Baby' the most

It's a whole new world~

Damn right it is a whole new world. A whole new world of blogging and God knows what.

Anyway, I shall start my sermon today and wrap it up as quick as possible, gotta hit the sack soon. Well, for starters... I have NO IDEA what to say. Oh wait, I do actually.

*Ahem* well, as we all know, the weather these days is getting pretty F'ed up. I mean seriously, It's like being in a boiling oven in this stinkin' island! Okay, perhaps i am exaggerating, but still, come on, a little cloud wouldn't hurt. I seriously think that Earth is at it's limit, and those corporations are still going on with their 'go green' campaign. Pah! Even my little cousin can define 'going green' better than those *censored*.

Speaking of pollution, I just know that the Toyota Prius actually causes MORE pollution than a Land Rover. Reason being, the battery that the Prius has is mined from Canada, transfered to the UK for manufacturing, to India for oh, i don't know, purification? and finally to Japan where it's finally assembled. In the long term, the cost and pollution of the transfer is actually worst than a Land Rover. Not to mention, the MPG[miles per gallon] of the Prius is lower than a Jaguar! A Jaguar! And let's not forget where the power from the battery comes from. It's from... China? Nah, there's just saliva on the pavements there.. Oh right! The power plants!

Well, enough of sarcasm for the night. Question; is a Prius really that damaging to the environment? Thoughts anyone?