Community Announcement Episode 1

My first ever announcement post!

Notice that despite having 'episode 1' as part of my tittle, I will not be posting any video of any sort here. In other words (I am trying my best to appear sophisticated), I am not vlogging (video blogging). There are a couple of reasons why, and I am going to list them. My psychologist did say that listing whatever is on my mind will help 'un-clutter' my mind.

• I am not exactly Martin Luther King Jr. (I did say I want to appear am sophisticated). Talking and Jeric usually does not go well, although I heard soya bean drink does. Based on my extensive knowledge of probability, I think no one would tune in and watch me blabber & stutter my way through a video.

Soya bean-*drools*-great, now I have to wipe my keyboard

• My face is too awesome to behold

I am awesome!

• I much prefer writing, and remain the faceless blogger who pokes fun at hapless people and organizations.

So, back to the announcements, seeing that I was sidetracked. Wait, now you want know why I used the words 'communnity announcement' in my tittle? Because I would like to make  a couple of blog-related announcements, although admittedly I don't have much of a blog community.

You see? I was sidetracked again. Anyway, I am going to list out my announcements (remember what my psychologist said?) :

• I am considering changing the URL of my blog to something more sophisticated (ahem), or I might just start a new blog. I am considering using www.pinkbunny.blogspot.com or www.jericisawesome.blogspot.com
• I am thinking of introducing a free writing review app into my blog. Tentatively, anyone can submit an English piece of writing (essay, report etc) that is less than 500 words for a free review. 
• Just a head's up: if I have time, I will be experimenting with different blog features over the next few months.
• I am considering introducing third party functions into my blog as well, where I am not the only one with access to the blog. More details at a later date. 
• My next post will include the Rudd-Gillard leadership chaos, football, the Malaysian LRT system, Lynas and Malaysian politics (of course).

Delusional

Delusional: A false belief or opinion held with absolute conviction despite contradictory evidence. That's right, it is today's theme. Sounds delicious? Because today's menu will involve frying childish footballers, toasting delusional organizations (Liverpool, English FA, Barisan Nasional), choking on Rosmah's honorary doctorate, and tasting Australian tertiary education added with a pinch of worklife. 


I, as the responsible faceless netizen, can be total hypocrite and blast those who has irked my wrath. And by the way, I am the epitome of awesomeness. 


1. Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Patrice Evra and the English Football Association (FA)


Alright, let's talk about the issue in English football that was most blown out of proportion since the England national team, well, plays a match. First of all, as a Man Utd fan (oh dear) I would like to equally condemn both Suarez and Evra for acting like immature teenagers (heck, even my brother can behave better). I won't go into details, but keywords like 'racism row' and 'non-handshake' should help your search in Google if you are curious. 

No, Patrice, don't go overboard...too late.

Likewise, I found it amusing that after refusing to condemn Suarez since that incident in October, Liverpool came out with a triple apology (I definitely need to buy a lottery ticket) from their MD, manager and player soon after the latest farce. And that's after their sponsor, Standard Chartered, contacted Liverpool voicing their concerns. Well, if I had invested millions into a delusional child that started to behave even worse than usual, I would be worried too. And don't get me started on a section of delusional Liverpool and Man Utd fans trolling in the forums.

King Kenny, aka PR disaster man

Somehow, I get the impression that the English FA is doing all the wrong stuff in ensuring that England remains transforms into a genuine contender for the championship to come, the Euro 2012. If the FA thinks that by having no captain, no manager and no half-decent players just months before a major tournament will spur (geddit?) the national team to greater heights, that's delusional for you. And the FA will never listen - England will forever remain mediocre unless they enforce drastic changes in their grassroots system. But hey, I am not English, who says that I have the right to have a say in this. Of course, it applies to Malaysian sport as well. 

The only hope in Malaysian badminton

2. Rosmah awarded honorary doctorate - wait, what?


Rosmah, Najib's wife, was awarded a honorary doctorate from Curtin University, Australia, for her work in 'early education'. To say I am surprised is an understatement. Apparently, Curtin was impressed with her dedication to community work (Permata project). That's ridiculous. Didn't Curtin do their research on Rosmah's background before awarding the doctorate? Well, based on what is said in online forums, Curtin isn't exactly known for their high quality education and graduates either. 

FAIL!

As expected, there are plenty that objected the award, saying that Permata abuse taxpayers' money (what else?). All in all, I am pretty sure there are many more people out there that deserves this honorary doctorate. No, I am not suggesting myself - I am not that delusional (I can imagine my sister chuckling). 


I guess anything Barisan Nasional-related is deemed to be dodgy. Barisan Nasional, it's your fault that everything you do is dogged by corruption claims. Our forefathers will turn in their graves if they knew the state of Malaysia right now.

DOUBLE FAIL!

   


Oh by the way. did I mention that I am awesome?


3. Australian tertiary education


Yep, the Curtin-Rosmah issue reinforce this notion: Australian tertiary education isn't that fantastic. And yes, I am going into my third year this year in Australia. Note that I didn't say 'terrible'. I reiterate: Aussie unis are good places to further your studies. I just feel like it didn't meet my expectations. Maybe it didn't help that during my SAM-Taylor's days, I was constantly being bombarded with the awesomeness of Australia as a study destination. Or maybe I am someone who didn't make the best out of overseas education. But since I am awesome and not delusional, the latter point must be inaccurate. 


So why do I find myself a little disappointed?

• Too used to Malaysian education system: The difference in education system is telling. In Australia, it's pretty much 'go to class - learn the surface of the content - lecturer dumps a heap of work at you - figure it out yourself''. Minimal spoon-feeding, with heaps of flexibility - which is actually great, but for the money paid and hype believed, I felt short-changed. There are channels to get academic help, but there's always room for improvement.
• People in Melbourne: Generally, the Aussies in Melbourne are great (notwithstanding a few bad apples). But I can't shake off the nagging feeling that Aussies (whites and Australian-born Asians) look down on me. Maybe it's just me, but their demeanor towards me changed when I communicate with them. Just because I speak English differently from a typical Australian doesn't mean my English is horrible. Heck, I like to think my English is way better than most of them. 
• Cost of living: It's ridiculous. Melbourne is the eight most expensive city to live in. Read on:  http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/think-melbourne-is-expensive-youre-right-20120214-1t3em.html

Aussie unis, why u no awesome?

4. Study life >Worklife

I can now say that study life is kinder to the soul. During my time as a lowly intern at Great Eastern Life Malaysia, I witness my colleagues toll away late into the night, while I happily leave the office between 5.30pm and 6pm. (You might ask how I know that when I left earlier, but for the sake of my awesomeness, just ignore it). Even though I am not exactly doing heavy work, I still return home exhausted (in my defense, the 1 hour journey to work and another hour back doesn't help) Thus, working is no stroll in the park, unless you are Paris 'typical-blonde' Hilton or Kim 'marriage-is-nothing' Kardashian. 

'Hey at least I know how to count! 2+2 = 22 !'