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 !'

Year-end sojourn

It's about me

I have been looking at my blog archives, and I noticed one thing: the number of posts each year has been declining steadily since I entered the virtual world of writing. Okay, fine, I lied, I noticed another thing: The quality of my writing has improved (I hope!). When I first started this blog, I have this idea of 'my blog about myself' planted in me. After all, the blogs of most of my peers revolves around themselves, or posting several cryptic sentences about happiness and life. 

Taken from an unspecified source. Cryptic, isn't it?

Hence, my early writtings focused too much on myself. Blogger was like Facebook at that era (Oh I feel so old). After all, that's before Facebook became THE social media to use, where the focus is basically yourself. Oh mankind, why are we so narcissistic?  

Face it, it's all about yourself

So lately, I have been placing more emphasis on posting writings that doesn't really involves me, but are things of interest to me (such as football!). I take this chance to implore my fellow peers to do the same, or at least make your writing a tad more humorous and a little less cryptic. I am not saying I don't like your posts...er hello? Are we still friends? Hello....never mind. 

End of the year, end for dictators?

Thus, 2011 is drawing to a close, and 2012 approaches. Personally, I thought 2011 has been a bad year for dictators, whether fictional or in reality. 2011 is the year I completed reading the Hunger Games trilogy and the Inheritance series. In these series, evil dictators were dethroned against all odds (what a shocker). On a more serious note, Mubarak, Gaddafi, Kim Jong-il, Steve Jobs* are now gone. 

'Nyahhhhhhhh!!!! Don't forget me!'

*Obviously, it's a joke, but some people take things too seriously. 

Year-end sojourn

Once again, I will be MIA-ing for the next 10 days or so. I am going overseas, so I can't guarantee I have access to internet. No, I am not going to be Tarzan and stay in the wild. My six-packs is not quite ready yet. 

My new year resolutions? Instead, let me tell you about my hopes for 2012 (since I have no one to talk to). I hope that by some miracle, all of us will sort out our differences, and seek peace. Forgive, but don't forget. Let go of that hate, and start anew, with fresh determination and impetus. 

Happy new year.

NFC, new notes and Luis Suarez

As usual, I have been absent for quite a long time from my blog. Now I am back with a vengeance, to discuss the puzzling, the mind-blogging and the downright outrageous.

Disclaimer: To understand my writing, you must have a sense of humour, with a pinch of sarcasm and all your wits thrown into the mix.

National Feedlot Corporation (NFC)
The NFC is a Malaysian government initiative to increase the production of local meat and hence, reduce dependency on imported meat. Aligning with the Prime Minister's slogan of 'People First, Performance Now', there has been allegations that the NFC is doing just that. The NFC is benefiting the rakyat alright, but only a select few. And yeah, the NFC's performance is top-notch,with the Auditor-General's Report 2010 released in October stating that the NFC have failed to meet its objectives. What a shocker, isn't it? And throwing in claims that the cows under the NFC is getting excessive VIP treatment (BMWs and high class condos were involved), you get your typical dose of a ridiculously expensive, ultimately fruitless Malaysian government project. Whether the NFC scandal will head towards the direction of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) or the SMART tunnel is still up in the air*. Oh, did I mention that RM250 million sent by the government to the NFC is allegedly misappropriated?

'I only earned that much, really!'

*I could write a pretty long post regarding the PKFZ scandal or about the SMART tunnel's failure to halt KL's floods problems, but do yourself a favour and Google it alright?

New Notes

Bank Negara recently announced that new notes and coins will be issued by the central bank July 1 next year. The new notes and coins will contain elements that reflect Malaysian culture and heritage. I admit, I am rather impressed by the new currency, but the question is: how much was spend, and will be spent for the new currency to enter circulation come next July? And more importantly, is it necessary? Shouldn't the central bank be focusing on, oh I don't know, how to ensure Malaysia doesn't go bankrupt by 2020, as claimed by Idris Jala? After all, it is Bank Negara's role as a banker and adviser to the Malaysian government to ensure Malaysia remains financially sound. Yes, I am looking at you, Europe.

'I did warned you, you know.'

Luis Suarez: racist?

Inevitably, I return to football. If you are following English football (or soccer, if you insist), you should know by now that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been slapped with a hefty fine and an eight match ban from the English Football Association (FA) for racially abusing Man Utd's Patrice Evra during an English Premier League match. If you didn't know before, now you know. As expected, there has been varying reactions from different parties. If you are pro-Liverpool, you will be very likely to slam the FA, and defend Suarez by saying that he isn't racist, or that Suarez abused Evra in the heat of the moment, or that Evra is a lying,cheating scumbag. Liverpool shouldn't be too worried, after all Liverpool is clearly not a one man team, and don't rely on Suarez to score/create goals. Remember, they still have Adam, Henderson, Downing, Carroll. That's sure to make opposition defenders quiver in their boots.

'Hey, at least I am better than Flop-nando Torres!'

My humble, unbiased opinion on this issue? I say that any form of racist,whether said in the heat of the moment or not, should not be tolerated at any moment during a football match where millions of people are watching, including young kids (not to say kids aren't young, it' all relative). In fact, racism should not be tolerated at all. So yes, I support the ban. It may be true that Suarez used words that are acceptable in his native Uruguay, but he is in England, and he needs to abide by the local norms. If anything, it shows the lack of cultural understanding between the English game and anything else non-English (interesting article on this issue: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/22/2814253/liverpools-luis-suarez-should-have-known-better-but-his). Anyway, I am pretty sure the FA wouldn't risk their credibility on the word of one man, especially if that one man is Patrice Evra.

Next? John Terry.

'Who?'

Merry Christmas all. 

Less of me, More of something else

What? Two posts in two days? It's the end of the world! Oh wait, it's not. I am just overly bored. By the way, being bored does not mean that I have nothing to do (Random Fact #1).

After reading through the last few posts, I concluded that my recent posts concentrated on one subject only: me (although my inner narcissistic self will point out that I talked about exams too). Speaking of narcissism, it's actually quite an interesting topic. Serious cases of narcissism is actually considered a psychological disorder (Random Fact #2).  Anyway, the point is I am not going to talk about myself, at least not that much.

'But I am so awesome!'

Alright, first off, why do certain people call football 'soccer'? I mean American and Australian football uses less of the foot than the actual football, and yet they insists on calling those sports 'football'.  At least that's one thing that the Brits got spot on. Please note that this is just humourous banter and I am not insulting anyone. You'll be surprised at the number of people who takes things way too seriously.  

'This is football, really!'

If you didn't know, I am an avid follower of football, particularly English football. Over the last 3 weeks or so, there has been racism rows raging in the world of football. It basically started with 2 incidents, with Luis Suarez allegedly racially abusing Patrice Evra and England captain John Terry being all chummy with Anton Ferdinand. Both incidents allegedly occurred during Premier League matches. And to make matters worse, the exalted FIFA president, Sepp Blatter claimed that racist incidents in football should be forgotten by a handshake between the parties and that there is no racism in football. Right, Mr. Blatter, and I am the Prime Minister of Australia. This is the guy who has been the head of the world's governing football organisation for more than 10 years, since June 1998 in fact (Random Fact #3). You would think that Blatter would choose his comments more wisely. Well, not to say it would make much difference, since he is as credible & trustworthy as Voldemort promising not to hurt Harry Potter. I mean, the footballing world (including yours truly) considers FIFA to be nothing more than a corrupted, money-loving organisation for Blatter and his cronies.

'By golly, where's my hair?'

Malaysia's football team recently won the SEA games football gold after beating Indonesia 4-3 on penalties. Firstly, kudos to them. I think they did well to defend their tittle as SEA's best football team. However, something that irritates me is that the sheer number of people expecting a public holiday in Malaysia just because of that. I mean, come on, it's just the SEA games, it's not like Malaysia won the World Cup or even qualify for it. Malaysia has never qualify for the World Cup before (Random Fact #4), so qualifying for it would be a pretty big deal.There are some who complained that the  government is playing politics with sports when they announced a holiday after Malaysia won the Suzuki Cup last year, but these are the same group of people who moaned when no holiday was given this time round. Hypocrites, if I may say so, but understandably so. Even my Australian friends (yes, I have friends) guffawed when I told them Malaysia had an extra public holiday when Malaysia won the Suzuki Cup. 

'PM, why you no give holiday?'

Now, moving away from football. Unless you have been living under shell, you would probably know about the Euro crisis and US's rising debt. European countries such as Greece and Italy have new premiers, and the Euro continues to be in turmoil.

'At least I still have AC Milan.'

The US debt is now above $15 trillion (Random Fact #5: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15830176), and with the Democrats and Republicans indecisive on how best to tackle the debt, this could mean not only huge implications for the US, but for the world too. I don't pretend to be an economics/finance expert, but simply look at the global financial crisis during 2008. It (more or less) started in the US, and if the US were to 'blow over' now, who knows what could happen.

'Debt, why you no go away?'

Insert Tittle Here

Alright, first off, I would like to announce that I am scratching the short story I put up for preview on my last post. Frankly, I don’t have much of a plot for that story without sounding tiresome and predictable. Thus, I apologize and I will start a new one once I have some inspiration. 

Next, I would like to explain my long absence from this blog. Well, the reason is simple really: exams. How was the exams, you ask? Let’s just say the exams were absolute torture for those who are intellectually challenged (like yours truly).

On a brighter note, I am now on holiday. I have about 2-3 months before having to return to uni of R & R. No, I did not imply that I dislike studying (as I write this, I can hardly keep a straight face). Anyway, I want to make sure that I spend this break more productively than the last. Some things on my ‘to-do’ list: write more and lose weight. Ok fine, I lied; I am not sure what I am going to do yet. I will think of something...tomorrow.  No, I am not procrastinating. How dare you suggest that?

Personally, one thing I should do this break is to rediscover myself. The year of 2011 has not been kind to me. Well, at least I thought 2011 was the year I went backwards (not literally of course) as a person. Some things have gone stale on me, and my drive & motivation are probably at an all time low. This time around, I failed to deal with adversities and let people & emotions get the better of me. I admit, I have been moody and anti-social, more than usual anyway. 

Affliction

It's that time of the year again. There are 12 weeks of classes in university for a semester, and this week will be Week 12. And you know what that means: exams are edging ever closer.

Unfortunately, the exam timetable has not been kind to me. 3 papers on 3 consecutive days, and the hardest paper is the last of the trio. Great eh?

Over the last few weeks, I was raging a internal, mental battle within the entirely empty cranium of mine (oops). I won't go into the details, but this 'mental' thing is like an affliction, some sort of mental weakness, or mental block. Needless to say, I have not been functioning at 100%. From tomorrow onwards, I am hoping, no, I  want to be committed and functioning again. I announced this to the online world hoping that this public declaration will spur me forward. Fingers crossed, or not if you hate me.

Anyway, I am currently writing a short story. Below is the unconfirmed draft of the story, just to make this post longer. Enjoy:

Ben sighed heavily and placed his pen on the table. The words and numbers of his notes swarm in and out of focus. One side of his head was throbbing, and the stuffy room he was renting wasn't helping.

He glanced at the clock. Sarah wasn't due for another hour. He skimmed through his notes one last time. It was crucial that he was sufficiently prepared for the job.

He closed the curtains, stripped and went to the bathroom to shower. He then carefully put on his tuxedo, making sure not to crease it. He perfumed himself, and gelled his dark hair. Ben turned and looked at his own reflection in the mirror. A tall, fit-looking Caucasian male in a handsome tuxedo with short, dark hair and brown eyes looked back at him. Ben cursed under his breath, and reached for his backpack for his contact lenses. He put it on, and now his eyes were green. Trivial mistakes like this can get him killed. He reached for his backpack again, and drew out his pistol. He tucked it into his blazer, and checked the time. Yes, Sarah should be here by now.