Of Obama

I know its a little late and all blogging bout this issue but here's my two sens' worth.

Barack Obama certainly made history as the first black to be elected to be the President of the United States.

Riding on a message of change, he managed to convince Americans, young and old, black and white, to propel him to the White House.

Reading newspaper articles & blogs, eavesdropping on people's chitchats (yes,me bad), PARTICIPATING in conversations, I conclude that there is a wave of positivity around Obama's win.

People are waiting to see him fulfill THE promise he made, CHANGE.
Certainly,him winning the Presidential elections is already change by itself. But the world awaits his decisions when he takes office next year. What change is he gonna usher in? What decisions are he going to make?
Will he get the troops in Iraq to retreat? Will he introduce revolutionary laws?

Generally, the world embraces Obama as their own. His roots stretch far, from Kenya to Indonesia to Hawaii. The general view is that because of all his 'connections', diplomatic relations will be better. Wars won't be started. FTAs will be kinder. No more 'campur tangan'.

I,however refuse to be dragged into this euphoria.

Yes, I clap my hands at Obama's victory, seeing racial oppression finally being overcome.
Yes I applaud how his campaign worked magnificently, reaching thru to the grassroots.
Yes I admire his oratory skills, being a public speaker myself I admire his ability to stir emotions and inspire thru mere words.

Not a single article I've read put Obama's win in a negative light.
Not a single person moaned over his victory.

But there are more facts that people have overlooked, blinded by the excitement of the moment.

People forget ONE important fact.


Barack Husein Obama is a Democrat.

This is the issue that has been pricking me.

He has openly said that he does not oppose abortion, gay marriages.
Now there are rumors that he plans to review stemcell research which has been blocked by the current boss, Bush.

He CLAIMS to be a Christian but if all this rumors are true, I don't see anything shows him standing out defending the core beliefs of his faith.

I laughed when the Republicans launched their gimmick; the poor Sarah Palin. She was a poorly thought decision which affected John McCain's chances.
However, I salute the Comical Duo for their stand on these controversial issues like abortion & gay marriages.
Even the HILARIOUS Sarah Palin for being renowned as a staunch advocate against these issues.

Yes, you can call me a traditionalist. Do I care?

Yes George Bush was an idiot who couldn't even speak English correctly with his irritating Texan drawl. But I respect him for not bowing to pressure from millions of Americans to make decisions that contradict his faith. I respect him for standing for what he believed in.
Under his admin, conservativeness ruled the day. Wait, I don't like the word conservative.
Under his admin, ethics and humane values ruled the day.

Besides that, Obama talked so much on change.
So far recent decisions show that he does not practice what he preaches. The appointment of Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff is one clear example. Rahm Emanuel was formerly a Clinton man. There are also many prospective future appointments which indicate the return of Clinton-era of admin. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State??


Now,what change are we talking about?


I however admit that the day is still young. The man Obama has not even officially begun his duties as President of USA.

I would rather embarrass myself and eat my words when Obame really intridecus positive change rather than see my words come true.
Hate it or not, I can safely say that the future of the world lies in America, lies on the shoulders of a 'scrawny boy with a weird name'.

God Bless Barack Obama.

Of A Long Way Down and custard

Books I'm currently reading

A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby:
This is an awesome read, because it handles serious, thought-provoking subjects with humor, in a unique way. It's really amusing , and it covers a wide range of emotions. It's easy to relate to the characters, who are very humane, flawed and believable, while also being fascinating. Hornby uses humour extremely well to package a story that I felt really touched the core of issues like suicide, marital problems and the true meaning of life.

The story is written in the first-person narrative from the points of view of the four main characters, Martin, Maureen, Jess and JJ. These four strangers happen to meet on the roof of a high building called Topper's House in London on New Year's Eve, each with the intent of committing suicide. Their plans for death, however, are ruined when they meet. The novel recounts their misadventures as they decide to come down from the roof alive and what happens after their decison.

I might be biased though=)
Am a fan of Nick Hornby's books. Check his other books, esp About A Boy which was also made into a movie. I really admire his trademark style of blending humour with serious issues. You''d think that you're reading some funny fluff but ACTUALLY, lotsa hidden mesages.


Next up is

Earth, Air, Fire & Custard by Tom Holt:
Another one of my favourite authors. If you haven't guessed, I like humour in my books. Tom Holt is THE King of random stories. Magic firm, junior clerks with magical powers, a new element in Earth, Audumla the Great Heavenly Cow.

See how random he is?

He however has successfully used randomness to craft excellent stories which lean towards fantasy and mythology.

Addictive,hilarious, suspence=)


J.W. Wells seemed to be a respectable establishment, but the company now paying Paul Carpenter's salary is in fact a deeply sinister organisation with a mighty peculiar management team. Paul thought he was getting the hang of it (particularly when he fell head over heels for his strangely alluring colleague Sophie), but death is never far away when you work at J.W. Wells. Unlike the stapler - that's always going awol. Our lovestruck hero is about to discover that custard is definitely in the eye of the beholder. And that it really stings. Tom Holt's exceedingly comic fantasies are populated with evil goblins, annoying sprites and people like us. However, it's not always possible to tell the difference.
Read Tom Holt if you wanna unwind.


I recommend 'Snow White & The 7 Samurai' by Tom Holt.
Really, really,really awesome book=) One of his best,IMHO.

Every character from fairytales and nursery rhymes like HumptyDumpty, Goldilocks ALL of them in ONE novel. The kick out of the book is reading how Holt cleverly links all these characters in one story.

In the novel, three children hack into a computer system to find out what really goes on in fairy tales. As a result they find themselves actually inside the virtual fairy tale land. Their interference, though, has had serious consequences. They are the equivalent of a virus and the Operating System (Mirrors 3.1) is crashing around them and fairytale characters are exhibiting strange behaviour where famous fairytales have suddenly been altered and clashing into each other.
Example, Snow White being protected by seven samurais.

Awesome eh=)

Of Chinese girls and jazz

With a face like this what kinda music you'd expect to hear from her?

Ballads? Or those songs where her voice is like a pre-puberty girl who just inhaled helium? Or all those wee-waa songs like those by the crazily irritating Rainie Yang?



Now listen to Joanna Wang Ruo-Lin.

Face like that, name like that.

But wait....

She opens her mouth to sing and amazement fills the air.




Check her out here on YouTube.
I just totally dig her man. Her voice is OMGOSH CRAZY SIAO!!!!!!



Listen to Start From Here.
One of her best, IMHO.

I just dunno how to describe, but its like you're being brought on a journey with her voice as the driver, passing by mountains, streams, and billowing tress.

That good =)

But like I always say, its MY taste and my opinion la.

Enjoy.



www.crienglish.com


Taiwan singer Joanna Wang just released her first album, titled Start From Here. Gifted with unique jazz vocals, Wang earned her applause in her early teens; and when she was 18, she entered the music scene with her first full-length English album. Featuring 12 tracks, Start From Here includes three self-penned songs by Joanna and renditions of classics like Spandau Ballet's TRUE, Billy Joel's New York State of Mind and I Love You, Joanna's take on David Tao's popular ballad "Love is Simple". Adored by her followers as the Queen of Midnight, Joanna's amazing voice has indeed helped to relax tired spirits. With today's China Beat, we will talk with Joanna Wang and take on a jazzy journey through her crooning ballads.



The song we are hearing now is the title song, Start From Here. A story about love, yet, the caption may pun on how the young artist feels about her introduction into the music industry.

"Hopefully it will just give me more room for future album. Like you know, you've got established some working relationship with your label before you are given more freedom to make more ideal music."


Born in Taipei, Joanna Wang moved to California when she was about 7 years old. And her bond with music started early as she taught herself guitar.


"There was a lot of fun (playing guitar)which made me happy, like a hobby. I didn't really think that much into it until 16 that I got this opportunity."

The opportunity Joanna Wang talked about was that her father, Bing Wang, who helped her step into the music business and prepared to release her first album, Start From Here. As a reputed musician in Taiwan, Bing Wang has worked as producer for many celebrated singers, such as David Tao and the girls band S.H.E. So it is no wonder that Joanna grew up with music around her.

(For No Reason)

The song we are listening to is the 8th track called For No Reason, which is a co-effort by Joanna and her father, Bing Wang.

"That song is about how I don't like how the media and the society in general take everything so seriously and they like to over-analyze every little thing which is actuality has no meaning."

There are three songs penned by Joanna Wang in the album. Lost Taipei is one of them.

"That's just how I feel about cities in general, not just Taipei, maybe Los Angles. I feel a city of its romance and loneliness and just cities with special mood to it."

(Lost Taipei)
(I Love You)

Aside from showcasing her own creation talents, Joanna Wang also has some renditions of classics like Spandau Ballet's TRUE, Billy Joel's New York State of Mind and I Love You, Joanna's take on David Tao's popular ballad "Love is Simple". The song we are hearing now is Joanna's interpretation of Love Is Simple—I Love You.

(I Love You)

When asked if she was worried that her recognition would be obscured by the original performer, Joanna Wang seems to be more concerned about music than her own ego.

"Actually I didn't think much about it. I didn't really think how people are going to react to it. I just went to the studio and did it. Cause they are good tracks."

(Stages of Flying)

Some critics consider Joanna Wang as a Chinese answer to Japan's Ono Lisa and America's Norah Jones. Her soothing voice can bring peace to the listener as it just reaches inside, penetrating the heart instantly. Joanna's music is like herself-simple and pure.

"I would hope that next album is more personal, an album of original compositions. At the moment, there are music festivals that have a lot of fun to go. Because people go there for music. That's what music festival is about. I think that's where you can perform the most pure music cause you don't do it for commercial reasons. You just go there to sing your heart out and play your heart out. "
Stages of Flying, which we are hearing now is Joanna's favorite on the deck as she says it is more personal. And with this song, we came to the end of today's China Beat.. Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. You can email us at chinabeat@crifm.com. You can also log on to our website at www.crienglish.com and listen to our program any time, anywhere. This is Zhong Qiu from Beijing. Bye for now.

Of computers and Isaac Asimov

- my English essay for the Final Exams, could be better, but here it is...





The computer has changed society today.

Do you agree? Support your opinion.


When the inventor of the computer first introduced the tool that would completely revolutionize the world in the years to come, the public scoffed at the idea. People believed that the computer was a mere figment of a man’s overactive imagination, a concept that only existed in science fiction.

Fast forward to 2008 and you can see how the computer has become a necessity in the 21st century. The invention that came into existence from a singe idea in man truly proves the age-old adage right; before man can fly, man must dream. Who would have thought that an object with an endless supply of statistical data and unrivalled artificial intelligence would be a reality rather than a mere concoction by renowned science-fiction authors like Isaac Asimov and Phillip K. Dick?

The statement ‘computer has changed society today’ could not be truer. If in the past, dogs were said to be man’s best friend. Now, the personal computer has taken up its right to the title. Why is it so, you may ask?

The computer has introduced new ways and solutions to work. Any confidential or important information can be encrypted into the memory of the computer with just a click of your fingertips, safe from prying eyes. In the past, one would have to crack his brain trying to think of a suitable place to keep his important documents. Activities that were so hassling and time wasting are now simplified by this masterpiece of mankind. With the introduction of word-processing software like Microsoft Word and Open Office, one need not complain anymore of blisters caused by hours of writing with a pen.

Besides that, the computer is a window of knowledge. Through the International Network or better known by its layman’s term of the Internet, everyone of every age or creed has access to information of endless and mind-numbing quantities. The latest updates on the earthquake in Sichuan, China are just a click away. The computer has become a tool for learning and enhancing one’s abilities. Through the Internet, you can learn how to whip up an enticing dish of fish curry or even learn hundreds of techniques to tie your shoelace! There is now no need to spend back-breaking hours at the library just to research for information.

The computer has also become a new entertainment hub. One can play games, listen to the latest Rihanna song or to just surf the Web. The word ‘boredom’ has evaporated from the current generation’s mind with the advent of the computer. It has changed how people spend their leisure time. One negative aspect of this however is that people are more reluctant to get out into the sun and exercise.

Other than that, the computer has changed the way people communicate. “I’ll give you a call later” has now been replaced by, “I’ll e-mail you later”. One does not need to burn a hole in his or her pocket to call their loved ones who are overseas. In this era of computer technology, one can send e-mails or even have a face-to-face conversation with someone using the computer. The practice of writing letters to penpals has become extinct as online chatrooms and forums have become the modern way to meeting ‘cyber-friends’ from all over the world.

In conclusion of the above statements, I strongly agree that the computer has changed society today. In fact, the computer has revitalized, reenergized and revamped the way we live our daily lives.

Truly, the computer is mankind’s best friend.

Worlds Apart-Jars of Clay

"Worlds Apart"

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all ends up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love
to give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
more deeply than the oceans,
more abundant than the tears
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart


I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remain"
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remains"
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart

C.S LEWIS SONG - Brooke Fraser

Words of C.S Lewis in this song by Brooke Fraser. Love the lyrics

C.S LEWIS SONG - Brooke Fraser

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that i fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am i lost or just found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
Cos my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
An avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming

Of exams and minyak angin

Guess who finished his exams yesterday?

=)


I'll post my results and overview of the exams when I get all of them la.

In the meantime, guess who scored the top 1% in Malaysia in the 2008 ICAS-English paper from UNSW? ( International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, Universuty of New South Wales)

Extremely happy about it, thank God la.

Btw, have I told anyone bout my addiction?

I'm addicted to.....










Minyak Angin Cap Kapak..


It's like my loyal companion to exams. One whiff of it can calm the heart and mind=)
Kinda of an addiction la.

My dad says its the secret to my success,bahaha.

The it was Vicks Vapor Rub.

I just have a need to sniff sosmething *gasp*

Dontworrry, minyak angin won't start drugs=)