tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72142070929452199122024-03-05T14:53:17.354+08:00Éclectiquecomposed of elements drawn from various sourcesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-55443950803096122142019-12-01T15:21:00.001+08:002019-12-01T15:21:18.725+08:00Hello Again, I GuessSo, apparently my last post was in 2017. Pretty much everyone has moved on from blogging (or at least they have moved to other platforms). It is for this reason that I have decided to write here again.<br />
<br />
So many things (some amazing, some terrible) have happened since my last post and this is personally meant to be a cathartic post. Heh. Look at me trying to explain to you my private thoughts. Anyway, yeah, this is just to clear my head a little.<br />
<br />
It's a bit wild to think my last article was so long ago, but also somehow so recent. I was halfway through my Computer Science degree in 2017. I have since graduated, alhamdulillah.<br />
<br />
But that is not the catharsis of this article. The catharsis is that I feel overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty. It's is almost 3am and I am trying to work on a personal project because I have left it too long, and I have disappointed someone very close and dear to me in not completing it. I understand it is my own <strike>shortcoming</strike> laziness that has prevented me from finishing it. I am also deeply stressed about some clashes in my work schedules. I am presently working 2 retail jobs to afford bills and reduce my dependency on my parents. Unfortunately the two organizations have drastically different cultures. Further complicating things is/was my own fault for not properly setting availabilities to avoid clashes. I was being greedy and wanted to keep my schedule open to try and maximize my hours but it looks like it has come back to bite me in the ass.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, my manager at place A is very nice and generally flexible. The people at place B are not bad but the company has a more rigid structure that does not really jive well with me considering I'm only a seasonal part-time. I remember once I got an interview for a full-time position. I called my manager at B about it and she seemed very upset. Which threw me and gave me quite a bit of anxiety considering she hired me knowing I was looking for a full-time position. I am starting to wonder if I have anxiety.<br />
<br />
Also further compounding my stress is the fact that I have yet to get a full-time job in my field, 6 months after graduating. N has done her best to reassure me that this is simply a temporary situation and sadly, my pessimism is starting to negatively affect them. I don't want them to be affected by it. I sometimes wonder if I was too rash and selfish in asking them to stay with me. I am genuinely trying to be positive... but sometimes no matter how hard I try I can't drown out all these oppressive thoughts. They keep creeping and eventually the anxiety and stress eventually overwhelms me. N tells me to share with them whenever I am getting overwhelmed but lately it feels like I'm becoming a burden. I feel they grow weary of my anxiety.<br />
<br />
I am at a low point. Maybe the lowest I have been aside from the time I contemplated suicide. I do not think I am depressed. Such thoughts have yet to cross my mind. But I am feeling extremely anxious. My heart jumps every time my phone buzzes. Every notification, every text, every phone call is a source of anxiety. I wish I could tell N but... I no longer feel like I can.<br />
<br />
I am trying to be positive. Alhamdulillah my hard work at the 2 jobs is somewhat being rewarded. I am getting paid enough to support myself and place B has offered to take me on a permanent basis. I don't have any official word but I suspect place A might soon extend the same offer as my manager at both locations have mentioned how I am performing well. I do not actually know the numbers so that would be nice to eventually know.<br />
<br />
Despite this, I still feel anxious, lonely, and like I'm running on empty. Physically and emotionally I am drained. The only thing keeping me going is... Actually I don't know what is keeping me going. Amanah to do my job(s)? Being a responsible adult? I don't know.<br />
<br />
Anyway, if you read this far, thank you for your time and I apologize for my incoherent, disorganized rambling. Have a wonderful day.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-64835729485930943162017-06-08T22:34:00.002+08:002017-06-08T22:34:24.905+08:00Where Does Hate Come From?<em>DISCLAIMER: This article is in no way researched and is wholly anectodal, relying exclusively on my personal experiences and what I have gathered over the years I spent growing up in Malaysia.</em><br />
<br />
In light of the recent London attacks, I felt compelled to pen this short article. I have said multiple times that the problem isn't with the religion, but with the people. And that is true. Up to a point.<br />
<br />
Violence and hate isn't born out of thin air. It is taught, it is indoctrinated. And where does this indoctrination come from? Sadly, the scholars, khatibs<sup>[1]</sup> and imams, the leaders of our religious institutions, the men who we trust to know the religion inside out. Sadly, some of these men are the ones who will condemn terrorism and extremism, yet fail to realize their impassioned sermons convey the opposite message.<br />
<br />
Back home in Malaysia, I never miss a Friday prayer. There are so many mosques and the employers allow their Muslim staff to take some extra time off on Fridays. For that, I am grateful. They could easily have hired a non-Muslim and saved themselves the trouble. But they did not. Yet, there are times I have been reluctant to go to my neighborhood mosque. At times, my blood boiled listening to the sermon. Not because I felt the khatib's occasionally racist rants were true, no. But because I was pissed off that the khatib had the gall to spew racist nonsense. Right after reciting a verse from our holy book condemning such acts no less. The hypocrisy, the indignation. I hate saying I am offended, but I was genuinely offended.<br />
<br />
The saddest part is, as a youth, and not an 'active' member of the congregation, if I try to say anything, the mosque's committee will close ranks and condemn me. What saddened me was that I knew there were those in the congregation who are non-Malay Muslims. New converts, people of mixed heritage, foreigners, or even simply those who are Muslim but not Malay. The khatib uttered phrases such as "the Chinese are out to undermine the Malay Muslims and we must band together" "we must assert our dominance as Muslims to remind them who is in charge". My blood boiled. Ever since, I would simply sleep through the sermons. That way at least I could go back home or to work with less stress.<br />
<br />
I cannot speak for the other >1 billion Muslims, but in Malaysia, we also have this odd fascination with Arabs. It is frequently implied that Arabs are the pinnacle of religious piety. I vehemently hate this sentiment. Arabs are people, just like everyone else. Some will be a shining example of piety, whilst others will be an example of the absolute scum of the Earth, and everything in between. Just like any other society in the world.<br />
<br />
I have seen an imam berate a youth for wearing jeans to the mosque claiming it was 'unIslamic'. Islam never mentions anything about dress code. Even with the ever-contentious hijab. The most that is mentioned in the Quran about the hijab is a verse about drawing a veil to protect one's modesty. For me, there is no such dress code (there is also the concept of awra but that is a whole different can of worms). That is simultaneously the beauty and the danger of Islam; it is very much open to interpretation. A thobe is no more religious than a pair of jeans. It's important to be respectful, yes, but I will never say an article of clothing is more religious or less religious than another.<br />
<br />
<sup>[1] a person who delivers the sermon during Friday prayers and Eid prayers.</sup>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-88764675754083356902017-06-02T22:14:00.000+08:002017-06-02T22:14:24.972+08:00The Lack of OptionsI was inspired to write this after reading an <a href="https://nibbleharr.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/160/" target="_blank">article</a> by my friend, Qyira, who is currently working with Teach for Malaysia. TFM is an organization dedicated to engaging the youth in teaching future generations, to bridge gaps due to circumstance and to give back to society through education.<br />
<br />
At the end of the article, she talks about how one of the students she interacted with had concerns about her future. She was concerned that the stream she was in had no future options. Another was worried that her passion for sports had no viable future. This to me, highlighted an issue I've noticed since I was in high school. Even with my privileged upbringing, mastery of English, and overseas-educated parents, I was also lost and confused, but over why there seemed to be so few options.<br />
<br />
Almost every university that came to give a talk, every school program to help students determine a future path was focused heavily on either law, medicine, engineering, business, or mass communication. We had one school come to talk about computer science but the alumni they sent regretted taking the course and it was more demotivating than anything. We did, however, have time for dozens upon dozens of 'motivational talks', and religious sermons from random Sheikhs and ustaz.<br />
<br />
There was absolutely zero talk about pursuing programs like computer science, psychology, economics, international development, biochem, or any of the other thousands of courses on offer in Malaysia and overseas.<br />
<br />
It's something definitely that can be improved at the schooling-level and a move that I can see being a big boost to the nation's economy as it'll both cut down on the chance of an oversaturated market while creating a diverse pool of talent.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-48273328738802956452016-10-17T22:14:00.002+08:002016-10-17T22:14:41.530+08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Y6p4h_cnLBCPVR8Us7BJ2MImwfxrUFG8rLrDWtiUguS5qqnqwPQG8z0EnVH32d8YPr4l44HQKghA54-U_dZQlBlQHvUuKF_J2UoO-SJ9EkpFEoMf1VXr3XIOGnZlto1aeT9cz1oviuhE/s1600/DSC00090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Y6p4h_cnLBCPVR8Us7BJ2MImwfxrUFG8rLrDWtiUguS5qqnqwPQG8z0EnVH32d8YPr4l44HQKghA54-U_dZQlBlQHvUuKF_J2UoO-SJ9EkpFEoMf1VXr3XIOGnZlto1aeT9cz1oviuhE/s640/DSC00090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you for being an amazing companion. Thank you for always being such a loving cat, and for being amazingly adorable and caring. You always greeted us every time we returned home. You always wanted to be brought to the food bowl and you loved spending time with us.<br />
<br />
You were so charming and amazing my friends would always ask how you were doing. Your intelligence, sweetness, and love captured the hearts of so many, even those who'd never met you personally.<br />
<br />
I know that whenever I left for Canada, you would go to my room looking for me. You would do the same whenever one of us wasn't around for longer than usual. You could count and you remembered people. Whenever someone was home alone, they could be sure that you would be nearby, napping away, and occasionally pestering for food. You were never needy in the way other cats were. You enjoyed quiet moments when everyone was lounging about. You loved being the centre of attention but you never wanted too many pets.<br />
<br />
You had so many protocols and routines that, while occasionally tiresome, none of us ever truly grew tired of. To you, eating was a social interaction and you loved it whenever we would push your kibbles around as you ate. Your favorite thing to hunt was birds. Rats were easy and posed little challenge. You loved hunting birds so much that birds stopped landing in our yard.<br />
<br />
You were a fierce fighter; fighting sickness and numerous challengers. Your mere presence struck fear into the hearts of the neighborhood cats. And yet, you were surprisingly caring. Whenever a litter of kittens was born in our yard, you always seemed to look after them. You always put on a front of machismo but you always had a tender side. I remember once you climbed into bed to snuggle with me, and as soon as you figured I was actually awake you hopped off pretending that you weren't being adorable.<br />
<br />
Thank you Peach Cooper, for an amazing decade with us. I will continue to cherish every wonderful moment we've shared. I hope you have found peace wherever you went, and that you are playing in fields with lots of birds to chase.<br />
<br />
Until we meet again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-14456903142499927282016-07-03T18:55:00.001+08:002016-07-03T18:55:05.159+08:00Eating in public during Ramadan should not attract harassmentYet it does. As Ramadan comes to a close, I feel like I should pen this article. It will most likely be a fairly short article.<br />
<br />
This past Ramadan, I have heard unsettling stories of people being harassed for eating in public. Not just Muslims, but non-Muslims too. I feel this is wrong. One's fast is purely between themselves, and God. You do not know what ailments the person may be facing that is preventing them from fasting. For example, chronic hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and if emergency medical aid is not given, can lead to death. For the ladies, they may be on their period, something which prevents them from fasting. C'mon guys, we've learned this in school. My 4 year old cousins know this. Your actions are inadvertently telling me that you know/care less about your faith than a 4 year old. That's embarrassing, bro.<br />
<br />
A common retort is that they are 'disrespecting' Muslims by eating in public. Bullshit. It is you who are weak-willed. You see another person eating and mentally you've succumbed to the seduction of food. You should see it as a test of your resolve and your faith from the Almighty. I was often told that the Almighty does not give challenges one cannot handle. If you believe in this, then you have failed in a test you should have weathered.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, those of us fasting in Malaysia should be grateful we're only fasting an average of 13-14 hours a day AND that we are fasting in a country where many companies give a bit of leeway so Muslims may leave the office early. Personally, if my co-worker wants to eat a 7-course steak dinner in front of me, I cannot say anything, but I am extremely grateful in their consideration. In return for their consideration, I do my best to not make them feel uncomfortable whenever they need to have a drink or a quick snack, even if it is in front of me.<br />
<br />
In many other countries, such leeways are not given. You are expected to work the regular hours, and you may be the fasting for 16, 18, and even over 20 hours!<br />
<br />
We were taught in school that Ramadan is not simply a time of starving and dehydrating oneself; but rather a time of introspection as we are to restrain from sexual relations, false speech (insulting, back biting, etc), and fighting. It is also a time where we should be working to mend any strained relations with one another, REGARDLESS of faith. And yet today we see some who have sadly not done so.<br />
<br />
Remember; don't be a dick. If you see a non-Muslim eating in public, leave them the fuck alone. You don't see Hindus barging into Victoria Station saying you're disrespecting their religion by consuming beef, do you? No. So reciprocate that understanding and tolerance that has already been extended to us.<br />
<br />
If you have read up to here, thank you for your time in reading and please feel free to share your opinions in the comments. I will do my best to reply.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-16496082524623650842016-06-16T00:31:00.003+08:002016-06-16T00:32:15.422+08:00Toying with the idea of a new article format and a new blogI've been thinking; since most of the articles I have been posting of late (despite the infrequency of my posts) are definitely of the... opinionated type, I will apply what I have learned in university. By that I mean whenever I post an article, I will do my best to include sources.<br />
<br />
Will it be a pain to format the references section in this medium? You can bet your bottom dollar it will. But I feel that if I do not do this, my arguments lack credibility. How many people read my blog? Probably only a few. But again, this blog was never really created as a platform to reach the masses. It has always been a place for me to articulate some of my opinions. In the past, I encouraged discussions in the past but due to Blogspot's somewhat annoying comment/reply system, the fact that I do not have many readers, and compounded by my general distaste of people who get riled up and leave nasty comments without presenting any valid arguments, such discussions have been very far and few in between. I still do welcome well thought comments (regardless of opinion) but I have not been stating that for a long time.<br />
<br />
Well, now I am; IF YOU HAVE A VALID COUNTER-ARGUMENT TO MINE, PLEASE SHARE, I WOULD LOVE TO BE GRANTED INSIGHT INTO DIFFERING OPINIONS. I think it is a great way we can learn and better understand one another.<br />
<br />
Now, the burning question is whether I want to go all out with the citations i.e. APA style, etc., or Wikipedia style and put hyperlinked sub/superscripts Or perhaps a combination? I might use APA since I am most familiar with that, but my in-text citations shall be hyperlinked? Hmm. I'll think about that.<br />
<br />
If you have been keeping up with my blog for the past god knows how many years through all my inconsistent posts, my sincere thanks and I hope to be able to post more articles on a more regular basis in the future.<br />
<br />
In addition to posting more articles on this blog, I am toying with the idea of starting a new blog. Perhaps one where I will post weekly articles? Also in the same vein as the updated format for this blog (sources, etc) but with a much more refined focus. Perhaps tech? Perhaps applications of tech? Sports? I am an avid cyclist and triathlete and I love watching rugby... Or maybe even photography? I'm told I'm quite good at it. All of the above? That would certainly open up the range available articles I can write. Well, if I do get it started, I will be sure to update the few readers I have on this blog to check it out.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-47555561902226362032016-04-08T09:50:00.000+08:002016-05-04T16:11:27.811+08:00Are we really moving towards the banishment of racism or away from it?In this era of hyperconnectivity and superfluous information feeds, there is literally more information pouring in to us than we could ever possibly process. Thus, we pick what we feel is either a) important, or b) entertaining enough to give attention.<br />
<br />
This has led to increased awareness of racial and gender inequalities, systemic injustices around the world, so on and so forth, which is a good thing. It is very important that even those unaffected by some of these injustices are aware of them.<br />
<br />
Naturally, one of the prevalent causes this generation has decided to rally around is racial discrimination. It happens around the world. Which is good as it teaches us that there exists races aside from which we grew up in. Literally a whole world of different culture, languages, food, etc!<br />
<br />
<i><b>On an unrelated side note;</b> It has always bugged me how some movies portraying interplanetary relationships (such as Star Trek) have generally shown worlds with a homogeneous culture and yet on our very own planet, there is no such thing as a single, homogeneous culture. Sure, there are common levels of courtesy, our languages can be traced back more or less to one another, but it is still not the same level of homogeneity portrayed in some of these movies. Perhaps that is what it will take for us to successfully achieve interplanetary and interstellar travel? A world united as one? Eh, OK, digression over.</i><br />
<br />
Back to the point I wanted to make; the current generation is all for "not seeing color" and "treating everyone equally". Then comes along articles like <a href="http://noisey.vice.com/blog/white-people-maybe-chill-out-on-covering-beyonce-s-formation" target="_blank">this</a>, as well as what I perceive to be increased use of terms like "white people", "cultural appropriation", etc. used in social media. It appears that, despite our apparent desire to not see differences in race, we are more keen than ever to categorize one another into boxes. Then there's the boom in multiple sexual identities (pansexual, etc).<br />
<br />
Yes, it is fine to identify as something (black, white, pansexual, heterosexual, whatever!), but I feel that this movement of openness and liberation from societal norms at one point actually becomes regressive. And that point is the point at which we begin defining ourselves by these labels.<br />
<br />
In the course of my short 23 years, I've had the privilege of having friends from literally all across the globe and not one single time did we ever look at one another and go "oh, you're black!" or, "oh you're asian!".<br />
<br />
In my humble opinion, true acceptance of one another occurs when things like Black History Month or the Gay Pride Parade are abolished. Why? Because at that point we will have actual acceptance; one where such factors are so irrelevant that we don't even bother mentioning. Exactly the same way you never meet someone and go "oh, you have two eyes,". It is accepted. <br />
<br />
Also, there is this 'small' ethical concept called Rawlsian Justice. It is a ethical principle that is meant to apply to the basic structure of a well-ordered society, in which everyone decides on their principles of justice and ethics from behind a 'veil of ignorance'. <br />
<br />
To quote John Rawls,<br />
<i>"...no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence, his strength, and the like. I shall even assume that the parties do not know their conceptions of the good or their special psychological propensities. The principles of justice are chosen from behind a veil of ignorance."</i><br />
<br />
In other words, if you did not know where in society you would be placed, nor what kind of society you would be placed in, what sort of society would you <i>like </i>to be placed in? The idea behind this is that one does not know where one might end up, one is far more likely to choose a society that is fair to all of it's members. You then act upon in this manner. I am greatly paraphrasing here and it is likely that I am missing a few key points, but this is what I understand of it.<br />
<br />
My motivation for the 'banishment' of events like the Gay Pride Parade & Black History Month are more or less driven by this ethical principle; because to me, these choices are so private/irrelevant/out of your control that it doesn't need mentioning. You're a dude who's into dudes? Big deal. Are you a productive member of society? Now that I want to know. To reiterate, things that often the source of discrimination (race, sexual orientation, religion, etc) are either none of my business or not something the person can control.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, I've always felt like the more an issue was highlighted, the more it actually became an issue. Forgive me as I may begin getting slightly controversial here. Now, for example, Black History Month in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The idea behind it's inception was marvel and honorable; to ensure better representation of the history of the African diaspora in schools and communities. Unfortunately, it did not evolve past that. In my opinion, the next logical step would have been to fully integrate the lessons such that they became part of the everyday curricula, thereby eliminating the need to celebrate Black History Month.<br />
<br />
<i>IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of these events are still being held because members of these communities are still being oppressed and for that, I am not calling for the immediate halt of such events. What I am saying is that the same communities who are facing injustices should always strive to push the evolution of these events. Otherwise, like Black History Month, it will not flourish into as effective an education tool as it could have.</i><br />
<br />
In a sense, the more a group keeps saying they are different, the more others will treat that group differently, defeating the purpose of movements to dismantle discrimination.<br />
<br />
Another example that I feel supports my argument is the Black Lives Matter movement. Again, the idea behind the movement is good and many of its members are working hard to ensure their voices are heard through the right channels. It is important to call out racial injustices wherever they occur. However, in this age, we have actually become so ingrained in our races that some members of the Black Lives Matter movement interrupted one of Bernie Sanders' speeches. They looked at him as this elderly white man running for present, and they flat out judged him for that. They judged him as another racist white politician. <i>Exactly</i> the same kind of judgment they claim police officers are doing to African Americans. They didn't bother listening to him, they didn't bother investigating his stands and motives further. A quick Google search (we are almost literally carrying the entire world's collective knowledge in our pockets for crying out loud) would've told them that Mr. Sanders has been a stout supporter of equal rights for a long time; something the members of the Black Lives Matter movement advocate.<br />
<br />
This article is a bit more ranty than I would have liked so it is more than likely that I did not address all issues equally, but I certainly hope that I was able to demonstrate that the ideas I presented can be used analogously into many of the issues regarding discrimination.<br />
<br />
TL;DR<br />
I question whether our movements towards the breaking down of racial barriers is actually reinforcing some of the walls that separate us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-29849560930781027902016-03-02T05:37:00.002+08:002016-03-02T08:20:00.011+08:00Do Not Be So Quick To JudgeMany moons ago, I penned an article about how I felt many muslim Malays (one of the three main races in Malaysia) are very quick to judge and condemn all Jews as <i>laknatullah</i> (damned by god). Just to reiterate what I said in my aforementioned article, I vehemently abhor this behaviour. Also, this is most definitely <b>not</b> the view held by the <b>majority</b> of muslim Malays, but rather those of a troublingly large minority. If you wish to read my entire article, you may find it <a href="http://aq-capoeirarocks.blogspot.ca/2014/08/boycotting-mcdonalds-please-read.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Back to what I wanted to say; this article will be a sort of extension of my aforementioned article. It is just something I came across, and wanted to share.<br />
<br />
As some of you may know, the geopolitical situation between Israel and Palestine has been littered with controversies, humane atrocities, harsh accusations, and at times, violence. I just wish that more of my fellow muslim Malays weren't so quick to judge all Israelis and/or Israeli companies as 'evil'. An excellent example is this company; SodaStream. They had moved their plant OUT of Israeli-occupied land because they disagreed with Israel occupying Palestinian lands (a move they said was actually counterproductive as they were forced to release many Palestinian workers in the process). Recently, they were forced to let go of their remaining Palestinian workers because the Israeli government is not renewing their work permits. You can read the article on this <a href="https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/sodastream-slams-israel-not-renewing-155633381.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
That's right, an Israeli, Jewish-owned company is fighting to help Palestinians. As a muslim, I was always taught that we should live our life by the Quran. Well, here are some verses that encourage peace among races and oppose racism;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: right;">
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ خَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافُ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَلْوَانِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّلْعَالِمِينَ</div>
"Among his signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Verily, in that are signs for people of knowledge." - Surat Ar-Rum 30:22<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="right" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ</div>
"O people, We have created you male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you to Allah is the most righteous of you. Verily, Allah is knowing and aware." - Surat Al-Hujurat 49:13<br />
<br />
<br />
The second verse in particular I find interesting. Humans are curious creatures. In our pursuit of knowledge, we have learned to touch the stars. As such, God made us into various races such that we will be curious and learn about one another, thereby encouraging both friendship as well as the pursuit of knowledge. At least, that's how I interpret it.<br />
<br />
Do not mistake me as a pious or knowledgeable muslim, I merely despise seeing blind hatred of a race, and have a good internet connection through which I am able to do some googling, and look up these verses. A lot of my opinions voiced here are mine and mine alone; they may not reflect those of whom are much more learned than I am.<br />
<br />
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I hope you have found this article at least slightly insightful.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-74819784709635574632015-11-17T06:14:00.000+08:002015-11-17T06:14:03.029+08:00Feel Free to Ignore this Post. :)DISCLAIMER: There is no structure with this. There is no goal. I am just typing away to get my fingers moving. It has been a while since I was able to type for long periods of time without cross-checking my facts or googling a potential argument every few seconds.<br />
<br />
What should I rant about?<br />
<br />
School? That's overrated and stressful. Paris? Many have done it and quite frankly, I feel no empathy. I rarely have. I am upset that <strike>ISIS</strike> Daesh has the nerve to claim to represent Islam, but other than that, I feel indifferent. Indifferent is a strong word. It's not that I do not feel terrible to what has happened to the citizens of Paris, but rather I have lots of things I must worry about myself. So, I'll nod and say "oh, that's terrible" and get back to work without missing a beat.<br />
<br />
I feel alone. Dumb. Outclassed. And yet, today, of all days, I have a tinge of "I can do this". No pep in my step, but rather this steely resolve to see my semester through. This is good. This is a step in the correct direction. I am happy about this.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'll swing by the Killam to print a few pages of motivational stuff to put up in my room.<br />
<br />
I do feel sad for one thing, though; I lost my Bose earphones. :( I was rushing between classes and they must have slipped somewhere. I have retraced my steps all over campus to no avail. On the bright side, Black Friday is coming up so I might be able to score a new set for a more palatable price. I need to submit my hours, though. Every time I have attempted to do just that these past few weeks, no one has been at the office. I've e-mailed Yashar asking for the best times someone will be there. Hopefully he'll give a straight answer. I need the cash.<br />
<br />
I need to get started on my second ethics essay. I'll probably do peer-to-peer. It is something I have at least a vague idea on what to write on. I don't know jack about Canada's Copyright Laws and quite frankly, the document looks like a pain to read, and I would really much rather be able to read that before I write on the topic. Don't worry if my sentences don't make sense. This is more me talking to myself more than anything else.<br />
<br />
I also need to try and put up a good set of slides for my presentation with Aqeb this Thursday. We will present on wearable technology. I still have trouble locking down the flow of our presentation.<br />
<br />
So far I plan to talk about:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>a brief history of wearables. I found a neat little infographic to use.</li>
<li>Definition of modern wearables</li>
<li>Types of wearables</li>
<li>Where do wearables come short</li>
<li>Where can wearables go from here.</li>
</ol>
<div>
OOOH that gives me an idea.... Type out the potential script and then divvy it up. Woots. I've forgotten how cathartic writing is.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you've made it this far, congratulations and thank you for reading. :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-36359265663147880862015-09-17T10:04:00.003+08:002015-09-17T10:04:45.607+08:00To Live in FearIf by some extraordinary circumstance, you have not heard of Ahmed Mohammed and his arrest over his homemade clock, here is the article from CNN; http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/us/texas-student-ahmed-muslim-clock-bomb/index.html<br />
<br />
Now that you're up to speed, I am writing about this because it precisely this Islamophobia that makes me fearful of posting anything remotely related to Islam on my more public social media sites. No matter how peaceful the message, I fear for my safety every time I post something that even mentions Islam.<br />
<br />
Why? Because even an American-born Muslim is arrested for showing his <b><i><u>ENGINEERING</u></i></b> teacher a homemade clock over fears that it is a bomb. I fear that some government organization may be watching and deem my post 'sympathetic to extremism' or something equally nonsensical.<br />
<br />
I legitimately live in fear. This past week, I added a classmate on Facebook and he immediately noted, "oh, you're Muslim." <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: he did not mean it in any harmful/offensive way. He himself is Muslim and just had not picked up that I too was a Muslim.</span></i><br />
<br />
It is not a crippling fear; I still wake up in the morning without worrying about it. But I do frequently catch myself being fearful of sharing certain types of posts, etc.<br />
<br />
It is not the fear of having my faith challenged, rather it is the fear that some of my acquaintances and classmates will see that and be biased towards me. I do not want to be reaching into my bag to pull out my computer only to be jumped by an Islamophobic student screaming that I'm trying to kill my classmates. Sometimes I laugh at my own seemingly irrational fear, then I read a story of how an intelligent young boy tried to show his teacher a homemade clock only to be arrested and charged with making a hoax bomb.<br />
<br />
In Hong Kong International Airport, I recall being stopped right before I boarded the aircraft for a random passport check. I did not think anything of it but it certainly did feel like I was singled out because the name 'Muhammad' popped up on the screen. In that particular instance, am I right to feel singled out? Perhaps not. After all, if the security crew can prevent any sort of tragedy, aren't they obliged to do so?<br />
<br />
Your digital life does affect your physical life. For example, if your Facebook has nothing but photos of you at wild parties, you can be sure that employers will be reluctant to hire you.<br />
<br />
Same goes with my fear of facing discrimination. Alhamdulillah, so far, it has not happened. But that fear is always there. What if something I post on Islam is misinterpreted despite my best interests. What if there is actually an Islamophobe amongst my acquaintances?<br />
<br />
I've prattled a lot without bringing up any good, objective arguments. My ethics professor would probably flip but oh well.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, one day, I will no longer live with that fear at the back of my mind.<br />
<br />
I guess that's all for now. Au revoirUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-38650745989631012072014-08-12T12:47:00.001+08:002014-08-12T12:48:09.994+08:00Boycotting McDonald's? Please ReadThis is an open letter to all Malaysians who aggressively 'boycott' McDonald's. Why do I put the inverted commas? Because many of my fellow Malaysians are not boycotting McDonald's. Many are protesting McDonald's. There is a very big difference.<br />
<br />
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of boycott is as follows;<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">boy·cott </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #717274;">\</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #717274; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˈ</span><span style="color: #717274;">b</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #717274; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ȯ</span><span style="color: #717274;">i-</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #717274; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˌ</span><span style="color: #717274;">kät\</span></span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">to refuse to buy, use, or participate in (something) as a way of protesting : to stop using the goods or services of (a company, country, etc.) until changes are made</span><br />
<br />
Whereas protesting is defined as follows;<br />
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; display: inline; font-family: georgia, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 7px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
pro·test</span></h2>
<span style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">\</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #717274; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˈ</span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prō-</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #717274; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˌ</span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">test\</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">something said or done that shows disagreement or disapproval of something.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't believe me? Here are the links for the definitions of <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protest?show=0&t=1407816113" target="_blank">protest</a> and <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boycott" target="_blank">boycott</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I give the definitions to highlight the differences. Boycotting is a passive act. Like refusing to eat when your parents didn't buy you that LEGO set you wanted. Protesting is throwing a tantrum at home because your parents didn't buy you the LEGO set.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many, many Malaysians are not boycotting. They are protesting. Aggressively. Smashing in windows of cars that have the McDonald's drive through sticker, flaunting the polite request of no outside food by purposely bringing in their own food and eating it within McDonald's premises, and some are even going as far as to ridicule and harass the staff.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you were to truly boycott, McDonald's should be dead empty with not a single person sitting inside or carrying out any sort of preaching outside. To boycott McDonald's means to completely and utterly ignore the existence of it. As if it weren't there. Why would you preach against something that isn't there?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, in speaking of boycotting McDonald's, I cannot ignore the reason many Malaysians are protesting McDonald's with such passion; Israel. Many a Malaysian will say it is because Israel is committing crimes against humanity in Gaza, etc. Which is true. Though I have no doubt this is the sincere reason many are, but it is not the reason many other Malaysians are doing what they are doing. To those who sincerely protest/boycott out of humanitarian reasons, I raise my hat to you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These other Malaysians I mentioned are doing this because they are racists. Racist against any and all Jews. The attacks on Gaza is merely an opportune moment to openly flaunt their racism. They hide behind the veil of humanitarian reasons. They hate the Jews because it has been drilled into their heads that the Jewish are bad, that the Jewish are this hive mind hell bent on destroying Islam. It makes me sick. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To the Malaysians who truly believe so, please invent a time machine, go back to Japanese-occupied Malaya and stay there. The Japanese retreated because the US dropped two atomic bombs, and guess who was instrumental in the creation of the nuclear bomb? That's right. A Jew. A brilliant one I might add. It was none other than Albert Einstein. I don't know about you but I'd really rather not be beheaded for not being able to fetch a coconut.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Some info to hopefully get your gears turning;</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are reports of staff being singled out and harassed in mosques during Friday prayers. Some are even afraid to go back to their hometowns this Eid out of fear of being ridiculed by their own family members.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A vast majority of McDonald's employees are in fact Muslim. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to choose their careers, so don't ridicule them for trying to feed themselves and/or their families.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Based on some very very rough calculations, Israel losses MYR63,000 due to the boycotting in Malaysia. Malaysia losses more than MYR3,000,000. More than 3 million out of our own circulation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If every Muslim working for McDonald's Malaysia quit, we would have a massive unemployment problem, which will cause further economic problems.</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If this is the true identity of my fellow Malaysians, I want no part of this brutish, ignorant, brash culture.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I'm not saying do not boycott, that is your own choice. It is also other people's choice to not boycott McDonald's. Respect that and respect the employees.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for your time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TL:DR</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are preaching in front of McDonald's, eating nasi kerabu in McDonald's, smashing car windows, and/or harassing staff, you are NOT boycotting. You are AGGRESSIVELY PROTESTING McDonald's.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you totally ignore and avoid McDonald's, THEN you are boycotting. Please. Learn the difference.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And bear in mind that even boycotting McDonald's has adverse effects on our own economy. Protesting has adverse effects on our economy AND people. Please, boycott considerably.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-8073505617680130662014-02-07T02:12:00.001+08:002014-02-27T22:02:59.823+08:00"Is Creation a Viable Model of Origins?" DebateThis are my opinions on the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham on whether the creation model is a viable model of origins.<br />
<br />
Before I start, let me just make it clear that I'm personally 50-50 in terms of my opinions on the model of origins. Not undecided, but rather my opinions (or belief, perhaps?) on it draws from both elements of creationism and mainstream science.<br />
<br />
In both the Quran and the Bible, it is stated that God created the universe in six days. Do I doubt this? No I don't. I personally believe that during the period of the formation of the Earth, everything was so volatile, so unstable, one day could've easily been much much longer than 24 hours. Other planets in our solar system have different lengths of days. For example, this excerpt from Universe Today, "A day on Venus is 243 Earth days. Venus' day is actually longer than its year. It only takes 224.7 Earth days for the planet to orbit around the sun. (Read more: <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/37481/days-of-the-planets/#ixzz2sYzMOiiy" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.universetoday.com/37481/days-of-the-planets/#ixzz2sYzMOiiy</a>)".<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
As proven, time is, for lack of a better term, flexible. A day CAN be longer than a year as a day is defined as time taken to complete a rotation on its axis, and a year is defined as the time taken to complete a single orbit around the Sun.<br />
<br />
So did the Earth take 6 days to be created? Perhaps but what about the length of those days? The entire solar system was in such a limbo that we'll probably never know. The literal interpretation from Biblical texts would insist that the Earth was made in 6, 24-hour days but from a scientific standpoint, that's impossible.<br />
<br />
For me, religion and science always complement each other.<br />
<br />
When it comes to evolution on the other hand, I partially agree with the creationist belief in a sense that we did not evolve from a single-cell organism. Did animals change and diversify and adapt? Yes, they did. But did the chicken evolve from the Velociraptor? I find that a bit of a stretch. I will not dismiss genetic links, but I find it difficult to believe one random day, one of the eggs of a mother Velociraptor hatched and the hatchling had a beak. I was initially going to use feathers but I realized that it is not beyond reason as their cousin, Deinonychus has feathers thereby making it plausible that Velociraptors had the genetic potential to grow feathers but I digress.<br />
<br />
Another aspect debated was the age of the Earth. On this topic, I full-heartedly agree with Bill Nye.<br />
<br />
Enough jabber. Overall, I felt that both sides brought up interesting points. I felt that Mr. Nye was trying to keep his arguments simple and understandable, almost to the point he was holding back so as not to overwhelm the audience. Whereas Mr. Ham almost literally kept on harping on the same few topics. There wasn't much evidence from Mr. Ham, either. If there was, it was drowned out by his constant reminding of his 'definitions'.<br />
<br />
Mr. Nye was constantly bringing up evidence after evidence to disprove Mr. Ham and I felt Mr. Ham was blindly ignoring them. My favorite was regarding the carbon dating.<br />
<br />
Mr. Ham argued that the methodology for dating is still very inaccurate and that different methods would provide dates that could be different by a few million years. First of all, carbon dating is a fairly reliable method in the fact that it is meant to narrow the age of really old objects to within a few million years, not days. Given that scale so to speak, it's dead on. Also, even if one takes into account the 'discrepancies', My. Ham's argument is shot as ALL the dates on the particular object they were discussing would've been much older than 60,000 years.<br />
<br />
Regardless, the debate was pretty on the fence until the second rebuttals. At which point, Mr. Ham's arguments just fell apart and as a former competitive debater, I feel that was the point when he lost the debate. His counter rebuttals were basically him shooting himself in the foot. I could see he was basically scrambling to find rebuttals and facts that would prop his arguments up.<br />
<br />
I do wonder whether Mr. Ham falling apart was due to him simply unable to disprove the evidence provided by Mr. Nye or his lack of experience in competitive debating causing him to be unable to prepare and organize his counter rebuttals in time.<br />
<br />
I couldn't watch it any further past that point. Also, I have work to do and I had already blown off too much time watching that, hehe.<br />
<br />
I know this a terrible post so I apologize profusely for the lack of quality arguments. I have included a video of the debate I snagged off YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Be warned though, it is a lengthy debate.<br />
<br />
Au revoir<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/z6kgvhG3AkI" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-64855855158339774912013-12-02T22:43:00.000+08:002013-12-03T10:43:57.583+08:00They Want to Break Me. I'll Prove Myself Unbreakable.FINALS IN 3 DAYS! My first semester has almost literally flown by. I'm not ready for finals. I feel too spread out. This is ridiculous. I have 5 courses. One of those is broken into 3 separate classes. How am I supposed to achieve a good grade like this? Chemistry is going to REALLY drag down my grades again. I hate Chemistry. I know what I want to do; design and analysis. Mechanical Engineering. It's all math and physics. That's what I want to do. I don't want to have anything to do with molecular mass or all that.<br />
<br />
Sigh. 2 of my new friends are already dropping out of Engineering. It IS a tough course here... They literally aim to get half the students out by year 3. I'm not exaggerating. HALF the students enrolled in the engineering course are NOT going to get past year 2.<br />
<br />
I need to aim as high as I can and work as hard as I can. Insyaallah I will get there. Never <b><u>EVER</u></b> give up Aqil, no matter the pressure. They want to break you. Prove yourself unbreakable. I WILL get to build my own bikes someday. This is the way to go.<br />
<br />
Ok Aqil, back to work. Let's wrap up that Physics CAPA. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-23028617443128673292013-09-22T09:05:00.000+08:002013-09-22T09:05:16.016+08:00Oh Canada!Life has been quite a whirlwind. It only seems like last yesterday I was shopping for my family but in fact, I'm already into my 3rd week of classes. Damn. Time flies.<br />
<br />
So far, things have been smooth sailing. A few learning curves (ie door to the laundry room needs a good shove to open) but nothing I couldn't figure out. My dorm room is tiny (quite likely it's 11 or 12 feet by about 7-7.5 or 8 feet) BUT I do get a very nice view. Plus, it's a single room and everyone on this floor is generally quiet so I can't complain. :) Things here settle down early compared to Malaysia. In Malaysia, 'normal' shops like convenience shops, restaurants, etc are open until 10-11 or so. Here, most shops close down by 9, a number even close by 5! The people are super nice too.<br />
<br />
I would've published a post earlier but I've been so busy chasing assignments. :\ Even now, I should really be getting back to my assignments. :(<br />
<br />
Been super busy. Urgh. Sigh. Such is the life of a college student. It's been so much fun so far, though. My past assignment felt super hard but despite missing out a couple of questions, I do feel good because I know that I had given it my best. It really does make a difference, giving it your best. Some of my friends & I were surprised how not bummed we were about those two questions.<br />
<br />
Despite chasing assignments, I DID have the opportunity to do some walking about, especially the week before class started. I'm really liking Halifax. It's a really beautiful city. Can't wait for fall to get into full-swing. :D Lue said the east coast gets the prettiest falls so I'm definitely excited about that. Some time in late September/early October there will be an apple-picking field trip for the international students. Definitely going for that one. Need to buy tickets AND get that tax filing thingy done. Students (not sure if just international or all students) are categorized as being below a certain level of income so are eligible get tax cuts. The taxes here can get a bit incredulous at times.<br />
<br />
<br />
My birthday was quite eventful. :D It was a one-class day so that helped free up my day. Hehe! As I dropped my bag off at my room, my smoke detector went off. -,- Had to call the Gerard Hall front desk (I live in O'Brien Hall but we're under Gerard Hall) to get someone to come take a look. They had to replace the unit so it looks a tad whiter than the base. After that, went out for a ride in Point Pleasant Park. Very pretty place. Didn't get to fully explore the park but it was nice to get out into nature again. After that, dinner at Mezza's in downtown. Their lamb kafta burgers and donair burgers are... are... *drools*<br />
<br />
What was I saying? Oh right, Mezza's... *drools*<br />
<br />
Ok, Ok, back on track. Mezza's is really nice but it's infinitely better during the day. Not just in terms of the quality of the food, but the little things like providing disposable cutlery instead of the metal ones they do during the day, slightly nicer staff, etc. But generally, nothing that would prevent me from going back. Hmm. Given their price compared to fish and chips, I might as well go there next time I miss dinner at the food hall...<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to my assignments before getting some shut eye. Need to do some exercise tomorrow or I'm going to be cranky the rest of the week.<br />
<br />
Au revoir.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-13390727150268477242013-06-28T02:51:00.001+08:002013-06-28T02:51:45.856+08:00<p>One day, I will build up my dream bike. It's going to cost me more than 30,000 ringgit but I will. It may not be next month, next year, or even the next 5 years but mark my words I will build up my dream bike.</p>
<p>And finish an Ironman. Definitely.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bukit Jelutong, Bukit Jelutong3.1066093 101.52765tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-4101687527095096462013-06-11T00:52:00.001+08:002013-06-28T02:47:40.863+08:00College-bound<p>Wow, I'm amazed at how far back my last post was. O-O Damn. Anyway, XTerra has come & gone, & it was one heck of a blast.  Little brother got 2nd in the Sprint. So proud of him.</p>
<p>As promised by my mom, he got a new bike. He got a 2012 Specialized Tarmac SL3 with full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, with an FSA crankset instead, Fulcrum wheelset, & in-house components. He swapped out the seatpost with an S-Works because the stock seatpost was too short. Yes, too short. He's a tall kid.</p>
<p>Anyway, I got accepted into Dalhousie! Woohoo! Alhamdulillah. Lue won't be too happy about that, though. She was hoping I'd get into Guelph or Queen's, which is much much closer to her place.  All that's left now is to finish up the Visa application, as well as send out the course outlines and final transcript for credit transfer evaluation.  Need to make an inquiry to find out where exactly the document should go.</p>
<p>After that, to register for classes & buy my flight ticket.  Wow.  So close to flying off. Well, 2 months but if the past 6 months were an indication it'll zip by. :\</p>
<p>One thing I am looking forward to in Canada is a new bicycle. Muahaha.  Realistically, I'm looking at a secondhand cyclocross bicyle.  If I have the money however, I would most certainly like to get myself a Santa Cruz Tallboy or maybe a Superlight 29.  The Blur XC is also a very nice bike.  Heh heh. We'll see.</p>
<p>I've applied for a place in O'Brien Hall. Hopefully I'll get it. They have a bike room which sounds cool. I'll most likely be getting that bike after orientation so I'll be able to find out what exactly is the bike room.  If it is a bicycle parking room that would be so so sweet. :D</p>
<p>Excited, nervous, stressed out, scared, hyper, happy, & sad that I'm going to Canada all at once. Geez. Now I know how all (if not, most) of my friends must've felt before they flew off. You know what I wonder? I wonder how many people are going to show up at the airport... I kinda want a small group of people I truly truly hold dear so I can really say my goodbyes but at the same time, the number of said people is not that small. Heh heh. Ah well.</p>
<p>Wow, didn't know I could type that much on my phone's Qwerty keyboard. & from the looks of it, with fewer errors than if I typed on my laptop... o_O</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-18133475776871231922013-04-21T22:00:00.002+08:002013-04-21T22:05:34.421+08:00Be Careful What You Wish ForIn light of the impending elections, many are tired of BN and are calling for a change of government. To my friends who can vote, take a moment to think whether the options truly are better than BN.<br />
<br />
I am not saying BN is good and squeaky clean, nor am I trying to shove my ideology down your throat. But take a moment to read up, think, listen to ALL sides (pro-Bn, pro-Opp, & neutrals). Listen to their arguments. Research whether the claims are true or smear campaigns (they are so rampant these days), whether their arguments hold water, and then re-evaluate whether a change in government really is in the interest of the people. If it is, then by all means, vote for it. :)<br />
<br />
Remember; there is no such thing as a clean politician.<br />
<br />
I personally have heard very few complaints against the Opposition and that scares me. It scares me because I do not know their lies. It scares me because the people may have been blinded by their frustration with BN, and as a result, blindly follow the Opposition. What if, just what if, history repeats itself. Is the Opposition a reincarnation of the MPAJA wherein it is still a better option than suffering at the hands of the Japanese? Or are the Opposition actually the Japanese who invaded Malaya? Whispering sweet nothings to win our hearts only to later rule with a cruelty that still sends shivers down our spines?<br />
<br />
I have heard many many complaints (let's just call them complaints for the sake of simplicity) about BN, & I'm OK with that. Because I know they're corrupt. Because they know that they're being watched and that they must tread carefully. It is good because exposing all those lies means we have them by the balls. What of the Opposition? Are they truly good? Or are they good at hiding their lies?<br />
<br />
One thing that bothers me is that few people question at what cost will we get our wants? Some of the things the people want is free education. the Opposition promises this to the people. I say nay! If we get free education, we cannot complain if we get shitty education. The government is very likely to play the we-gave-you-free-education-how-dare-you-complain card. The people want cheaper fuels. The Opposition promises cheaper fuels. Will that not only make the problem of illegally smuggling & selling fuel more rampant? Will it not also potentially increase the national debt? When fuel prices in Malaysia 'drop', it's because the government is footing the bill. I've seen complaints that our country's debt is sky high. How will dropping fuel prices, thereby increasing the government's spending, reduce our debt?<br />
<br />
Other matters such as the LGBT float around in my mind. The Opposition is made up of PR, DAP, and PAS. PR and DAP may make motions to protect the rights of the LGBT community in Malaysia. PAS on the other hand is a conservative party and will not allow it as LGBTs go against the teachings of Islam. Which will prevail? Will it not cause internal strife? How does that then bode for the people?<br />
<br />
I do not say that BN is better, not at all. I am merely asking; is the Opposition truly what it is cut out to be? If they are, then by all means, power to the Opposition! But if things are not a bed of roses (which is the more likely of the two) is the Opposition truly a better choice?<br />
<br />
These are my own opinions. Do comment and share your own views and opinions. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-52313336042197298772013-03-17T21:25:00.002+08:002013-03-17T21:34:58.905+08:00Terrorists Represent Muslims as Much as the KKK Represent the Whites<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my answer to a question my friend posted on Facebook. His question was, "What say you guys? Please, I want to hear a mature point of view from you guys," and pertains to an article published by The Independent. Do read the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/ucl-bans-islamic-group-after-segregation-row-8536088.html?fb_action_ids=10200713799865536&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200713799865536%22%3A350483811728590%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200713799865536%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D" target="_blank">article</a> first. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fi</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">rst of all, I strongly oppose gender segregation. In developed countries like Malaysia and the UK, I think it achieves little. What is the couple going to do? Have sex right on the floor? Not likely. & if the girl is being harassed by a member of the audience, she need only ask for help and that particular member of the audience would be promptly escorted out.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="messageBody" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The university's move to ban the group, quite frankly, is acceptable. The group was formed with the university's permission. It is understood that the university does not tolerate segregation in any form and it was made clear to the group organizing the debate. Yet, they chose to ignore the university's policy. There is a saying in Bahasa; di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung. It's English equivalent is when in Rome, act like the Romans. Basically, when you are in another person's place, you must respect their wishes and customs. Note that respect does not mean follow blindly. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furthermore, the topic is "Islam and Atheism: Which Makes More Sense". Honestly, if I was lost man, looking for something to put my faith in, given that display of chauvinism and discrimination, I would opt for Atheism. I would ask "Why should I believe in something that claims to preach equal rights, yet do the exact opposite by only allowing male members to be seated closer to the stage?"</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is exactly the problem with certain MUSLIMS. Islam is fine. Leave it out of the equation. Islamophobia? Muslimophobia is more accurate. This snafu of trying to segregate male & female is not helping the improve the impression of Islam to those who needlessly are needlessly fearful & skeptical about Islam. People know that the KKK are not an accurate representation of Christians. Partly because Christianity is so well known that people know that they're only a small group who are not straight in the head. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Islam. It is not nearly as well known in the mainstream media & as such, when a group of them come shouting "JIHAD!! FOR ALLAH!! I AM A MUSLIM" and then blow themselves up on a bus full of innocent bystanders, people are going to automatically assume that all Muslims are like that.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">As a Muslim, we need to be proving all these misconceptions wrong! Not correct. When the film came out depicting Muslims as violent, what did many Muslims do? Prove the film correct.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">So how do you prove all these misconceptions wrong? If you must, have segregated seating side by side. This way, men and women get equal opportunity to listen, learn, and ask. For those who hold strongly to segregated seating, they still get to sit away from the opposite gender. Regarding the film, have a silent vigil, praying that the man sees the light. Send letters expressing regret that he perceives Islam as it is, not hate mail condemning him and saying he is wrong. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">I grew up learning that Islam is beautiful, understanding, all encompassing, but most importantly, INDISCRIMINATE. African, Russian, British, Irish, Iroquois, Navajo, Mongolian, Maori, Thai, Japanese, Korean, all are welcome.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">It truly breaks my heart to see these fools reinforce the perception that Islam is cold, bitter, cruel, chauvinistic, and violent.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">Stop you fools! Stop! This is not Jihad! This is madness! Jihad is the ability to fight your anger and treat your enemies with wisdom and patience. Jihad means to fight for Islam, yes but how that fight takes place is what is important. Not all Jihad is about taking up arms. Fighting laziness to perform the solat 5 times a day is Jihad. Resisting the urge to engage in pre marital coitus and instead waiting to be legally married is Jihad. Jihad is fighting against all your imperfections to be a better Muslim, practicing all that the Almighty had taught us through our prophet, Muhammad PBUH.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">I am not a pious Muslim. I do not even consider myself a good Muslim. I do however, hope that I am not a bad Muslim.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc; line-height: 17px;">My friend who asked the question posted earlier, I certainly my message is not lost in translation as you read this. :)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-25058705762333015972013-02-04T02:37:00.000+08:002013-02-04T02:37:01.604+08:00Bike BuildSo I'm basically bored out of my mind right now. One thing I've managed to do is more or less breakdown my habit of getting 'sets' when it comes to components, and lockdown a build which gets me drooling.<br />
<br />
Previously, I had the habit of getting sets. For example, if a brand had a line or collection that included handlebars, seatpost, stem, & wheels, I would list that collection as part of my 'dream build' even though I only liked the wheelsets<br />
<br />
I did similar things with my music & I'm trying to break the habit by taking ONLY components I LIKE. So here's the list;<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.triuk.com/media/product-images/eddy-merckx/emx525-frame-web.jpg" target="_blank">Eddy Merckx EMX-525</a> frameset</li>
<li><a href="http://southplainscycles.com/images/library/Zoom/easton_ec90_aero_clincher_wheelset_11_z.jpg" target="_blank">Easton EC90 Aero 56mm</a> wheelset</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bike24.com/i/p/5/3/20535_00_d.jpg" target="_blank">Easton EC90 Aero</a> handlebars</li>
<li><a href="http://cdn4.coresites.mpora.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/1-IMG_6837.jpg" target="_blank">Time Xpresso 12 Titan-Carbon</a> pedals</li>
<li><a href="http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/weight-weenies/509264d1262453576-lightning-carbon-cranks-light-s-works-bb30.jpg" target="_blank">S-Works Carbon Road</a> crankarms</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bike24.com/i/p/9/9/38399_00_d.jpg" target="_blank">S-Works SL Carbon</a> spider</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bike24.com/i/p/2/0/38402_00_d.jpg" target="_blank">S-Works SL</a> chainrings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.probikeshop.com/images/products2/79/76999/76999-pro-potence-vibe.jpg" target="_blank">PRO Vibe</a> stem</li>
<li><a href="http://www.triuk.com/media/product-images/pro/prssp0047.jpg" target="_blank">PRO Vibe</a> seatpost</li>
<li><a href="http://kozy.com/images/library/Zoom/shim_2da_di2_group_09_z.jpg" target="_blank">Shimano Dura-Ace 9070 Di2</a> (except crankarms, spider & chainrings)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eastoncycling.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/785x727/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/4/r4_shim_11.jpg" target="_blank">Easton R4</a> casette (Shimano 11-speed compatible)</li>
<li><a href="http://mikesbikes.com/images/library/large/spec_2711_34_temp_11_m.jpg" target="_blank">S-Works Toupe</a> saddle</li>
</ol>
<div>
Tada! It's purely out of boredom but generally, here's my dream build. Est. cost; RM40,000++ T^T</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Read through & click on the link for pictures if you want. If not, move on. :b If you do click through, you'll see I absolutely love making lists. I can make endless lists. Lists of movies I like, favorite cars, dream vacations, so on & so forth.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-86776233240957570842013-01-16T01:22:00.002+08:002013-01-16T01:27:33.799+08:00The Listening Fiasco1 minute into the lady's speech & I can't stand it anymore. Miss Bawani's tone may have sounded 'heated' but as a debator, I call that passionate. I call that conviction. Based on her content, I call that prepared. Most of all, I call that, having a stand. Yes, Ms. Sharifah also has a stand but I do not feel that her responses are appropriate nor within the nature of a debate.<br />
<br />
I personally find the response "then go to those countries" a coward's response. Why? Because the reason many have not done just that is because we/they are unable to. Others on the other hand, have decided "NO! I will stay, and I will improve this beloved country of mine!" Tunku Abdul Rahman was one such man. Tun Dr. Mahathir was one such man. Miss Bawani is one such lady. I find that a sign of patriotism. Wanting to see the country prosper. Yet, they are shot down. Broken & trained to live within the four sides of a box. To be born, follow orders, and die. This is not how progress is made!<br />
<br />
If we are "happy where we are" we will stagnate. Our economy will not grow, our society will not grow. If our founding father's had opted to move countries instead (which they could have), we would not have tasted freedom. If all our previous leaders were "happy where we are", we would not have the third tallest tower in the world, we would not have the world's tallest twin towers, we would not have world class events, we would not be where our country is today.<br />
<br />
Regarding respect mentioned by Miss Sharifah, yes, she is older. That may not necessarily mean however, that she is wiser. I am not shy to admit I have been bested on more than one occasion by those younger than myself. Miss Bawani did give her the respect by shaking Miss Sharifah's hand and staying put as Miss Sharifah proceeded to make a fool of herself. Ms. Sharifah herself showed the lack of respect by saying I do not have to answer your questions. If you truly are wiser, you will not get heated. You will have words of wisdom. You will be calm, collected, maybe even chuckling in reminiscence of the naivety of the young lady before you, as you were once similarly naive and passionate.<br />
<br />
By choosing to even mention "I do not have to answer your questions" and by bringing up irrelevant matters such as blindly obeying our elders because they are older, Miss Sharifah has by my definition, displayed a lack of respect and wisdom.<br />
<br />
True, it is perhaps easier to say it here where few will judge & I am free to voice myself with no interruptions and that may be my naivety. However, I hope if asked similar questions as Miss Sharifah, I will be able to answer them more calmly, more wisely, and most of all, with more relevance to the topic(s) at hand.<br />
<br />
She said we must know democracy. Is democracy not choosing a leader who inspires you? Who is trustworthy? Who understands the plight of the people & will take action to alleviate such plights? Now, how can this politician know of our plights? Simple. We tell them. If, however, such attempts are stemmed and gunned down, how can our politicians know how to act and what to act upon? More fundamentally however, how can democracy work efficiently? I am not a political science student and my understanding of such workings may be off. These are merely my views and partly based upon my assumptions regarding these topics. :)<br />
<br />
I must admit, for a somewhat politically charged post, this is the calmest one I've written; in a sense that I do not feel the blood boiling in my veins, I do not feel as though some drastic and harsh action must be taken swiftly.<br />
<br />
Instead I feel pity. Pity that a 'lady of education' such as Miss Sharifah had -- in my opinion -- proven herself otherwise. Yet, she believes it was Miss Bawani who had proved herself uneducated. There is nothing but pity, and disgust in my heart.<br />
<br />
There is more I want to say regarding the students who cheered, Miss Sharifah's rant about animals. However I dare not for I do not know what transpired prior to Miss Bawani taking the mic, as well as because I feel that the childish statements are irrelevant to the issue brought up by Miss Bawani.<br />
<br />
For those of you curious to see the video for yourselves, <a href="http://youtu.be/CflYB49Z6fo" target="_blank">clickity click here</a>.<br />
<br />
Do comment below about your views on the subject. In fact, if any of you agree with Miss Sharifah's statements, please comment. I would like to know your opinions on what transpired. :) It is usually enlightening to hear both sides of the tale. Do try & keep your comment objective, though.<br />
<br />
Au revoir for now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-7507218555714145772012-12-31T23:49:00.001+08:002012-12-31T23:49:09.369+08:002013<p>So, 2012 is coming to a close. It sure doesn't feel like a year has gone by... This uear has definitely been an exciting, full of triathlons, committee events & adventures. :D</p>
<p>Naturally, it is sad that the year is coming to a close. But, next year has more adventures in store!</p>
<p>New year's resolutions... Hmm... Well, last year's resolutions were only partly met... :\</p>
<p>So this year, nothing special; keep up grades, get accepted to a school in Canada, etc.</p>
<p>Perhaps, try a century ride before I leave Malaysia. I would also love to do the World Championship Distance for XTERRA Malaysia in April.</p>
<p>Just a short post this time around. Can't come up with more substantial posts at the moment. Heh heh.</p>
<p>On a different note, Happy New Year!</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-56870710160705012782012-12-18T23:31:00.002+08:002012-12-18T23:31:28.533+08:00Which Side of the Argument is True?In light of the recent horrific shootings in Connecticut, I've been observing some debate amongst social media users regarding gun laws in the United States.<br />
<br />
Some are saying for people to always have their firearm loaded & on their persons, the younger the better, etc. On the other end of the spectrum, some are calling for either stricter laws or outlawing guns altogether.<br />
<br />
In my opinion based on what I've seen in the media (which may be biased/lopsided/etc), as well as during the recent Presidential Elections, the community demanding gun laws stay is rather powerful. It was one of the topics of debate during the elections & if I recall correctly, neither candidate did much about it.<br />
<br />
Given the number of shootings that are happening recently, I think, no wait. I don't think, something NEEDS to be done about the gun laws. Do I feel guns should be outlawed outright? Honestly, yes. Is it feasible? Probably not. There will be resistance, issues about black market and/or illegally obtained firearms, etc. In my opinion, each citizen should be allowed only ONE sidearm. I say this because I'm taking into consideration that there will be those who want to own firearms for personal safety.<br />
<br />
At the same time, the protocols and process to obtain said firearm should be strict. Continuous psychological assessments every 2-3 months, compulsory weapons training sessions every 6 months. On top of that, each person owning a firearm should be only allowed one full clip of ammunition. There should be a stamp card system whereby they are only allowed to buy more after 4 months. No stamp card, no sales. Any purchases with the stamp card in between those 4 months should come with a hefty premium.<br />
<br />
All these steps sounds complicated but let's face it, how many times will a person who truly buys a gun for personal protection fire their gun? When they do, how many rounds do they actually shoot? Not too many, I imagine.<br />
<br />
For those that want to go hunting, yes, they can buy those but no ammunition allowed outside the shooting range and or hunting grounds. I'm not sure how the hunting season goes but if there isn't, there should be a booth outside designated hunting grounds where hunters are allowed say 2 clips of ammunition & are required to turn in every unused round. Extra ammunition may be bought but at a higher price & again, unused rounds returned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-60661568076885080152012-12-12T13:33:00.002+08:002012-12-12T13:33:59.016+08:00Putrajaya International Triathlon 2012So I did the Putrajaya International Triathlon last weekend. It was a rather last minute event so not many people signed up. Personally, I was skeptical about how well I would do as I hadn't been able to properly train for the past month or so, juggling school work, committee work and finals.<br />
<br />
Crossing the line in an unofficial time of 2:07:11, I was pretty happy. Seeing as I'd never done such distances back to back compounded by the lack of training, I actually performed better than I did at Desaru. Unfortunately, the rest of the field was rather experienced and I came in around the bottom quarter. :(<br />
<br />
My only issue with the course was the cycle route. Why go on the highway? Putrajaya has a very complete motorcycle lane system. Why didn't the organizers use that? They really should have. On top of that, there were no signs and not enough marshals so at times, we were winging it, hoping they would place marshals at crucial exit points. But at the most crucial point, the exit to get off the highway & back to the venue, there was no marshal. Some riders only overshot by several meters, others went up to an additional 7km. I got lucky because I somewhat know Putrajaya so I didn't miss the exit. It did kill my momentum though as some of the riders confused me. I attacked and then I braked on an uphill, completely killing all the momentum. Gah.<br />
<br />
The organizers, however, need a lot of work. First of all, on the morning of the event, things like buoys were still being set up. To me, that's a big no no. Once people have arrived, important things like path markers, transition zone(s), etc should have been done and ready. And the organizers obviously failed to implement any sort of monitoring steps or methods. It was only at Uncle Chan's suggestion the evening before did they get things like ribbons to be given to the athletes. Even that, they gave out ONE ribbon, and a HAIRBAND. Yes, a hairband. -,-<br />
<br />
On top of that, the volunteers/marshals were somewhat mediocre. The girl responsible for waving athletes to do 2 rounds was so meek & barely audible. A number of tired athletes forgot & overshot & the girl barely did anything. It was the supporters who shouted & reminded the athlete. & I noticed some of the people who were running around managing the event were wearing slippers. You're organizing a sports event & you need to run around & you wear slippers? And it wasn't even the flipflop kind. It was the leather, strap over the instep kind of slipper. -______-<br />
<br />
At the finish line, there was not enough isotonic drinks, no sort of wet towel. They did give us fried rice but I honestly would've preferred a banana and a can of 100 Plus.<br />
<br />
The organizers need to step up. They were successful in securing an awesome venue, they were able to get many police marshals to help out, they had the support of Triathlon Malaysia! So much potential. Do that, & more people will come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-73121422900608210752012-11-08T01:30:00.000+08:002012-11-08T01:33:23.692+08:00From Triathlon to DuathlonSo, I did my first duathlon last weekend. It was the Powerman Duathlon Asian Championships & some big names came down hoping to secure points to qualify for the Duathlon World Championships in Switzerland. The duathlon I participated in was held in Putrajaya. Such a beautiful place to race. I hope they do it again next year.<br />
<br />
A duathlon is run-bike-run & sounds easier than triathlon -- which is swim-bike-run. It's simpler, yes but it is in no way easier. Most likely due to the slightly different distances. That being said, I like the duathlon distances better. Maybe I should start doing the long distance triathlons after this.<br />
<br />
Anywho... Compared to the Desaru triathlon, I was able to put a 5 minute gap between my brother & myself. Best part of it; I started creating that gap in the first run & he never closed it. In Desaru, Akid had a 1 minute advantage out of the water but I was able to close it & we arrived at T2 (bike-to-run transition) at the same time. During the run, we ended up staying together until the last 700-500m where I pulled away & crossed the line a minute or so ahead. Desaru was a bigger fight but I guess that makes it sweeter?<br />
<br />
Overall a very well organized race. The run course was very scenic & shady. The final leg of the run course had a gentle but looong uphill. Reminded me of my training track around my housing area. The 2km loop I normally run is a VERY good training ground because there's a long & relatively steep uphill so that pushes you & makes you work harder to hold the 6min/km pace. I'm hitting something around 6.7min/km or so. During Powerman, I was able to hit sub-6min/km for the first run. Woohoo!<br />
<br />
I was actually nervous on the morning of the event because on Saturday I ran 6km after almost 2 weeks of no serious training & on race morning, my legs were hurt. After breakfast, before suiting up, I bathed my legs in warm water. That helped & overall, happy with my performance during the race. Some stats from my race:<br />
<br />
For the 1st run<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Average pace: 5.83min/km</li>
<li>Top speed: 10.1km/h</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
For the bike leg<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Average speed: 27.9km/h</li>
<li>Top speed: 62.1km/h</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
For the 2nd run<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Average pace: 7.5min/km</li>
<li>Top speed: 20.3km/h</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Next event; Sepang Jamboree!! :D</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7214207092945219912.post-8133001821083882112012-10-28T00:24:00.002+08:002012-10-28T00:24:31.818+08:00Playing Catch-up...The last time I blogged was before my birthday. Wow. So much has happened in that time span. My cousin, Hamid, got married, I raced the Desaru International Triathlon, did the Salomon X-Trail Run, went to Legoland, I coordinated a two-day Halloween bazaar, & last but not least, Hari Raya.<br />
<br />
Was kind of surprised when Hamid popped the news about getting married. Was so happy for him. My family is very close to him & his siblings so we were more than happy to help out in anyway we could. We all bunked out at a homestay in Pasir Gudang, his new wife's hometown. After the wedding, we went to JPO! Muahahaha. JPO stands for Johor Premier Outlets and is basically a shopping mall selling high-end stuff for cheap. Well, mostly. Long story short, I got a Adidas AdiZero jacket! :D Akid got a running kit, Abah got a track jacket & pants combo for cheap, & Mama... well, Mama bought a lot. O-O She got the previous generation F50 AdiZero running shoes + two matching kits (one for her new AdiZero, the other for her ClimaCools). Whew. Hehehe! We got all that for less than RM700, I think.<br />
<br />
We swung by JPO again on the way to Desaru & I got myself a running kit. Wanted to get a pair of F50 AdiZero shoes for about 100 bucks but they didn't have my size. :( Back to the triathlon bit; Desaru supposedly is one of the tough-er triathlon races in Malaysia due to the waves. Sure enough, the sea was rough. But I was able to perform & am happy that my mom insisted I give it a shot. :D Got 33rd! Doesn't sound like much, I know but I'm happy because I'm only in my first year of triathlon & I've been going against seasoned athletes, national athletes as well as sponsored pros. As icing on the cake, I was able to hold my pace despite a minor foot injury.<br />
<br />
Hmm... Consistently in the top 40 at every triathlon so far. I'm happy. :D<br />
<br />
Salomon was fun! Was expecting more like actual trails. Instead, it was basically fire roads. Ah well. Despite that, I had underestimated the difficulty of the run. An amateur mistake I should not have done. Then again, I had spent the whole week nursing that minor foot injury I had picked up literally hours before flag off for Desaru.<br />
<br />
Legoland! :D What can I say? So much fun! There was a counter for lost parents. Hehe! It's still new, though so a couple of things for them to improve on. All in all, a good start. I heard when Universal Studios first opened, many rides weren't available. O-O At least in Legoland that day only ONE ride was closed for maintenance. Got a mini figurine! :D Was thinking about getting a keychain but it's 20 bucks... :\ I would wait another 3-5 years perhaps before going back. I know it sounds like a long time but I want to give it time to 'grow' in a way. :)<br />
<br />
The Halloween bazaar was hectic! Being the head-coordinator AND Communications Director was a lot of work. :\ The night before the bazaar, I slept at 4 trying to finish my assignments. The morning of day 2, I woke up sick. Ugh. Still recovering but waaay better than I was on Thursday.<br />
<br />
I think that's all for now.<br />
<br />
Au revoir.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0