Watch This Space

Today

Saisaki: A Guilty Pleasure?

The JCC seniors went to Saisaki Restaurant a couple of weeks ago for dinner. Initially, we planned to bring the juniors along. However, due to several reasons and unavoidable circumstances, we proceeded without them. Sacrifices had to be made, Attiyaa assured us. Even Aainaa was willing to sacrifice her 10 minutes of fame, performing on stage during the Ladies Night, which also took place the same evening. But Aley, undoubtedly, was the one who had to make the biggest sacrifice. I'm not going to mention it here, out of respect. But you could probably guess:P

The treasurer.

While waiting for Miss Aida and the others to arrrive.

Miss Aida, the advisor.

A thrilled Aizat.

Aainaa, before the blonde jokes.

Teriyaki chicken yo.

Making our way out.

Shahir looked silly here.

It was pretty much a guilty pleasure for some of us, knowing that we had a good time dining out at the expense of some unfortunate juniors. But honestly, it was worth it:P

The Less I Speak

I was not in the mood last Friday morning during Math class, partly due to what we did the night before. Zaim, Meri, Tiger and I got bored, so we decided to compose our own acoustic songs. The acoustic session was all spontaneous, with the awesome playlist of songs ranging from "A Song For Aimi" (which is Tiger's favourite), "Roggy and Jalani" and not forgetting "The Ex-Girlfriend" by Zaim, dedicated especially to his, ahem, ex-girlfriend. Then when we concluded, it was already 2.30am. And I had not done anything productive at all that night.

Back to math class. Both Tiger and Zaim didn't come to class that morning, but I somehow managed to make it in time. But I was so deprived of my sleep that it spoilt my mood. While Mr Mahadzir was explaining the solutions to the class, I stayed quiet, eyes on the white board, my mind wandering off to God knows where. Even Abu's jokes and occasional funny gestures seemed lame that moment. There was very little interaction between me and the rest of the class. However, it felt good, this splendid isolation. For once I listened more than I talked.

Then it got people worried. Or so I presumed.

"Is he okay?"

Later that afternoon, me and my bestie had a conversation about relationships. Sure, what a topic to talk about over a 5 minute break from Econs revision at the RC. It actually dragged on a little, but in the end she did make me realise something which I failed to notice all this while.

I always thought that silence is easy. No things that may be said accidentally that should be apologized for, no stupid explanations. Just silence. And time that will eventually heal all wounds. Because the more I speak, the more vulnerable I get. But little did I know that while it may have prevented me from saying all the wrong things, it actually puts me in a situation where I'm often misunderstood. Well, based on my life experiences, she's probably right. Silence is not always that easy.

Maybe I shouldn't be standing on a silent platfrom that often.

This Beautiful Imbroglio I'm Caught In

Time flies, seasons change. From the point in time where I last checked this blog until now, many things, significant and insignificant, had happened. Kiko Macheda, the unknown reserve team regular, suddenly became the talk of the town after scoring two crucial goals for Man United (unfortunately during the FA Cup, "third time's the charm" didn't really happen). Obama is still busy doing his thing, fixing the limping US economy and reaching out to the Muslim world, among other stuffs. Meanwhile, somewhere closer to home, Najib became the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, amidst the unsettled dispute in Perak and the heavy cloud of controversies engulfing him.

While all these took place, I was busy being myself.

Garnet House went to Pangkor last week. It was an awesome trip, I should say, despite the heavy price I had to pay for a fun weekend at the beach - I got sunburnt. With this overtanned complexion I am currently donning, Juek feels that I've lost my charms. Unperturbed by her comment, I suggested her to just embrace the Hawaiian spirit in me.

Damn. Now I miss my fairer side. Nevertheless, there's something about the beach that makes it so welcoming though, don't you agree? Faridq, Safu and I had a discussion about our post A Level trip to Redang already. And the exam has not even started yet.

While everyone else in the chalet was busy studying (or in Afif's case, tucking in bed earlier than normal), I picked up a new hobby which I'm getting attached to - Isa's semi acoustic guitar. To prove my seriousness in this business, I hired Zaim as my guitar tutor. Well, not really. But since he's a regular visitor to my chalet, I might as well ask him to shed some light on Backstreet Boys' As Long As You Love Me and Aizat's Hanya Kau Yang Mampu, among other great songs for rookies like me. I even bought a capo. Now the only thing missing is my own guitar.

By the way, have you heard Afif's rendition of Better Man? It's better than original, man:P
"Send someone to love me, I need an astronaut..." Haha.

I may be ignorant at times, but as I walked around the college the other day, I kinda noticed something. Is this the season for love? Because almost everyone now seems to walk and study in pairs. Now that the exam is drawing near, I remembered one of the usrah sessions I attended a couple of weeks ago (believe it or not, I do attend usrahs every once in a while), in which the ustaz raised the question, "Cinta atau Cita-cita?"

Well, if you ask me, I want both.

Some time last week, the seniors were presented with a list of new pet brothers and sisters (the 11.5 studens) to be welcomed into the existing pet families. Fatimah and I now officially welcome Amalina into the family. Clap clap. Haha, macam la happening sangat.

Amalina.

P/S: Sorry Abang Z, it's your loss:P

And the seniors' external dinner (which now has an official name - the KYUEM Prom), will be held some time after the A Level exam finishes. My heart says let's party, but based on the survey I conducted on 50 samples, I may have to reconsider my decision. The simple reason being - when the people you wish to spend the fun time with that night had decided not to go, I don't think it'll be that fun anymore. But we'll see.

I bought a new external hard drive at the PC Fair recently. The 320GB mother lode of entertainment has now become my source of joy during my free blocks.

Or productivity killer, depending on how you look at it.

I find it interesting when people, boys especially, take the extra time and effort to make their rooms feel more...inviting. I mean, you can actually know the person from the way he/she keeps his/her room. This one day, I got really bored. So I decided to raid random chalets and conduct a spot check, you know, like the old boarding school days. Well in the end I did make some interesting discoveries from some people who decorated their rooms with pictures and stuffs. Inspired, I decided to do the same.

A sneak preview of how it looks like.

There's a little quote I posted by the bed. It says, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end." I don't know who said it, but it makes me smile every time I read it. And there are a few more I posted randomly all over the room.

By the way, I've uploaded the pictures I took in Pangkor at Facebook. You can view them here.

A packet of one hundred $100 bills is less than 1/2" thick and contains $10,000. Fits in your pocket easily and is more than enough for week or two of shamefully decadent fun.

Believe it or not, this next little pile is $1 million dollars (100 packets of $10,000). You could stuff that into a grocery bag and walk around with it.

While a measly $1 million looked a little unimpressive, $100 million is a little more respectable. It fits neatly on a standard pallet...

And $1 BILLION dollars... now we're really getting somewhere...

Next we'll look at ONE TRILLION dollars. This is that number we've been hearing about so much. What is a trillion dollars? Well, it's a million million. It's a thousand billion. It's a one followed by 12 zeros.

You ready for this?

It's pretty surprising.

Go ahead...

Scroll down...

Ladies and gentlemen... I give you $1 trillion dollars...

(And notice those pallets are double stacked.)

So the next time you hear someone toss around the phrase "trillion dollars"... that's what they're talking about.

The Accountant

There once was a business owner who was interviewing people for a division manager position. He decided to select the individual that could answer the question “how much is 2+2?”

The engineer pulled out his slide rule and shuffled it back and forth, and finally announced, “It lies between 3.98 and 4.02.”

The mathematician said, “In two hours I can demonstrate it equals 4 with the following short proof.”

The physicist declared, “It’s in the magnitude of 1x101.“

The logician paused for a long while and then said, “This problem is solvable.”

The social worker said, “I don’t know the answer, but I am glad that we discussed this important question.”

The attorney stated, “In the case of Svenson vs. the State, 2+2 was declared to be 4.”

The trader asked, “Are you buying or selling?”

The accountant looked at the business owner, then got out of his chair, went to see if anyone was listening at the door and pulled the drapes. Then he returned to the business owner, leaned across the desk and said in a low voice,

“What would you like it to be?”

They Say Life Is A Test, Graded On A Curve

At age 4, success is...not peeing in your pants.
At age 12, success is...having friends.
At age 16, success is...having a driver's license.
At age 20, success is...having sex.
At age 35, success is...having money.
At age 50, success is...having money.
At age 60, success is...having sex.
At age 70, success is...having a driver's license.
At age 75, success is...having friends.
At age 90, success is...not peeing in your pants.

Note to Self

1. You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

2. Jealousy is the great exaggerator.

3. You may delay, but time will not.

4. Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

5. There are big ships and small ships. But the best ship of all is friendship.

6. Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy.

7. For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.

Happy Birthday Najah and Juek!

Sometimes, girls can party harder than guys, as proven by Najah and Juek at the cafe just now. Actually, Nabila and the rest had planned a surprise party for both the birthday girls. And of course, birthday celebrations will not be complete without the presence of cupcakes.

However, in the end, we were the ones who were surprised at the outcome of the party. Like I said, sometimes girls can party harder than guys. Here are some pictures at the scene.

Cupcakes galore!

Najah had an intimate moment with Farahani.

Before things turned ugly.

The mini crowd.

The birthday girls. Now available as mobile wallpapers.

The computing students. Anak-anak Mr Ravi.

Atiqah and Diyana.

Chaletmates.

Nabila, the master planner.

Fatin!

Simaa. Kelaparan.

The photographer.

Najah managed to escape the horror with a minor bruise.

Bottom: Juek, ketika ditangkap basah.

Happy birthday, Najah and Juek:)

Summing It Up

I realised that this blog had been in abandonment for quite some time now. Well, it was not updated for almost a month, until this afternoon when I finally managed to muster my strength and start writing again. There are a few things that I failed to mention earlier, so I guess now let's make some space for this entry. It's a bit too late, I know, but whatever.

First of all, my Cambridge appplication. Alas, the wait was finally over. And it ended with me drowning to death in the freezing cold pool. My application is unsuccessful. Why did you make me wait for sooo looong that I began to have a little bit of faith and confidence in myself when you finally broke the news, Cambridge? Why? Quoting Kanye West, "How could you be so heartless?" Now I understand why sometimes no news is actually good news. So I got rejected, fine. I can live with that. But why did the news have to come on the same day the AS results were announced? Memang sudah jatuh ditimpa tangga la. And if you're wondering, yes, my results are not pretty.

I have yet to decide on my university choices, but most probably Exeter will be one of the options.

And the last 30th of January was my sister's birthday. And to keep up with the current trend, we celebrated the special day with cupcakes, just like everybody else does these days. Kan Nabila? Cute, colourful cupcakes. Happy birthday Afia! You're already 14 yo.

That day in History class, we were given a chance to become Mao Zedong's representatives to discuss about several issues with Khrushchev's associates. It was undoubtedly one of the most interesting classes with Ms Daleen so far. Do you know that Mr Mao never brushed his teeth? And rumour has it that he was a womanizer. Ah, I wonder if the habit did wonders to his charm. Perhaps it creates some sort of seductive aroma which attracts the opposite sex, I assume.

Last but not least, PGL the Musical was awesome. Nabila and I agreed that although it was a great performance altogether, it lacked a vital part - Asmaradana! Haih we were anticipating it thoroughout the show until it unexpectedly came to an end. Actually we were ten minutes late due to the sudden traffic jam and the cabbie, who was an aging Malaccan man, kept cursing every once in a while. This was so so unlike what Gusti Putri Ajeng Retno Dumilah said in one of her lines, "Orang Melaka sangat sopan santun sekali ya." Haha.

I'm all set for another record breaking run by van der Sar and the rest of Manchester United players tonight when they head to East London for a match against West Ham. Glory glory Man United!

No, I'm Not Trying to Save My Face

Sometimes I tend to overlook the fact that I'm the house captain of Garnet. Although it is indeed a good thing not to get too obsessed with power, we must also look in the mirror and ask ourselves whether have we been using the power bestowed upon us for the greater good or not doing anything at all. This post has nothing specific to point out really. It's just that I noticed that I haven't been speaking (or acting, for that matter) as the house captain for quite a while now, especially when Bangsawan preparation was taking place for the past month. I don't have an explanation to this, but perhaps I was more motivated to work as the Props Manager rather than the house captain. In bringing out the interest of the other house members to work together, it was all down to Pilus and Zaba who made the efforts. They always know the right words to say.

Anyway, as the house captain of Garnet, I would like to say a few things to my fellow Garnetors. First of all, don't forget that we won the Best Props Award! Although some of us thought it was not a big deal, look on the bright side. We were the FIRST house to receive the award that night. Gempak ape. Haha. My pathetic attempt to cheer you guys up. So congratulations! Even though our props crew were pretty small-scaled, we still managed to get the job done. To those who stayed up so late at night making kerawang and stuffs, please know that I really really appreciate the effort. We all have our shares in this. And to those who questioned our right to win the award, know that we're cool with whatever you have to say. No hard feelings. Although we were upset with the results, quoting from Azri, "there's no use of crying over spilt milk." We Garnetors, we get over things quickly right? Just like bad break-ups. Haha merepek.

And now, the thank you list:

Zaba: For vounteering to shoulder the heaviest burden of all. Not getting an award for your work doesn't mean that you're not a good director, right?

Atiqah: For writing a beautiful script for us. I really thought that we stood an equal chance like other houses, but unfortunately luck was not on our side.

Farahani: For trying her best in providing costumes for the actors and actresses that night. We all know that you've gone through a lot of pressure due to this. Although you might be a little dejected with the results, trust me, your efforts did not go to waste. And our android trees were undoubtedly the most awesome costume that night.

Jojo: For the backdrop and countless number of other things she did. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings the other day. It was definitely unintentional.

Afif: For getting the job done:P

Fara Ain, Najah, Farah Hazwani and the usual crew: For the dedication! They were always there when we needed them most. Cayalah.

Sorry if I've missed a few names. On a more serious note, to the rest of Garnetors who didn't bother showing up during the preparation at all, please read Aimi's blog. Or if you don't even bother clicking the link here, let me make things easy for you.

Garnet only won the Best Props. Oh well, something is better than nothing. Congratulations to fellow Topazians. You guys well-deserved it, like what Bangbil said to me, they really wanted to win, so you can imagine how much effort every Topazian put in. Garnetors were not really enthusiastic, i must say. As always. I don't know why but it's like a tradition or something. Somehow, it's really hard for us to change it and i think it's because of the mentality that we have. You know in every event, we'll be like, ' Ah, we can never win. The other houses are way better'. And truth be told, there you go, a LOSER once again. I am just telling the truth. I am a Garnetor myself.

It can be really frustrating thinking about the effort that you have put in for more than a month just for that 30-minute show and in the end, you lost. I guess, it has pros and cons. We have to sacrifice our time, energy and our studies to attend practices and, to prepare thebackdrop, props, costumes and the list goes on and on.

And yesterday, it ended. And that's it. Next year, at this time, the same routine will begin again.

Should it continue like this?

There, she said it. Personally, I was quite affected by the results. This Bangsawan will the last event for the seniors and soon we will step down and lock ourselves in our rooms and become kiasus (right Jo?), but it's sad to learn that our last event as committee members was not quite a successful one. I do understand the fact that academic matters should always come first, but why can't we excel in both? It's our lack of enthusiasm that really bothers me. And yet we call ourselves the house of "Flaming Enthusiasm?" Ah, the irony. I really really hope that the upcoming committee members will do something about this.

I think that's enough. Anyway, this is a statement from your house captain, and no I'm not trying to save my face. I am merely telling you the truth. Thank you for your time.

In Difficult Times

Difficult situations can sometimes bring out the best (and worst) in us. In desperate times, we will show our true colours. Our judgement on a particular issue will be clouded. Morality and integrity will be carelessly overlooked. Squealers will squeak at gun point. Well, except for Tony Montana of course. "Why don't you try sticking your head p your ass — see if it fits." Even at gunpoint and with a chain saw about to slice open his friend Angel's head, Tony doesn't know when to shut up. Epic. Some will abandon the rest of the crew and jump on another ship, blinded by the promises of the captain of the other ship. Self interest will become the main motivation. And leaders will become robbers, depriving the people of their rights. But fret not, for truth will prevail in Perak.

But it is Bangsawan that I want to talk about. It was over last Friday, marking the end of a month's worth of tears, tension and unnecessary labour for A Level students like us. For the past four weeks, everyone involved was very much made estranged to their academic progress. Well, in some cases perhaps. Unfinished homeworks and skipped classes became a norm, although most certainly they were just plain excuses. One thing for sure, Bangsawan preparation definitely had robbed my rugby session in the evening and my occasional visit to the RC at night. And now that it's over, I can finally rest my head and concentrate on other important stuffs.

However, let's admit that not all is bad about Bangsawan. Although the pressure it brought along had caused physical and emotional damages to certain people, I must say it was also a blessing in disguise. It had brought us closer, not just as a mere organisation, but also as a family. And it also gave us a lesson on how to deal with difficult situations. Perhaps the men in Perak could pick up a few lesssons from us too? Haha.

Now that it's over, will things change for the better or back to where it began?

Do We Have Our Own Mr Hyde?

Sometimes I feel I just don't quite like myself when I'm at home. Here, I become everything that I don't want to be. Disconnected, alone, plain lazy. And everything else in between. This room I'm in right now...it just attracts too much negativity. This is where the bad habits reign supreme. It's amazing how our surroundings can actually shape us. And just like chameleons, we adapt to different environments, differently - all according to our own ways. It's just that sometimes our adaptations may not be as expected by the flock. And the fear of rejection and bad perceptions may sometimes lead us to camouflaging some parts we do not wish to share with others. Like our dirty little secrets, I should say.

Makes me wonder, is there another side to everyone that they wish to conceal from others? Do we have our own Mr Hyde, hidden deep within our skin?

Of Bangsawan And Hyperinflation

Block One. History class. So Mr Brookes' position has now been replaced by Miss Daleen, an expat from South Africa who is also a qualified IELTS examiner. It's been two weeks already since we bid farewell to Mr Brookes, and I have to say things are much better now compared to Day One, when she first introduced herself to the class. In the beginning I thought we were going to have an imperious, somewhat scary 30 something year old Caucasian woman from South Africa as our teacher. And the thought of having to endure the pain for the rest of the semester definitely does not make things any better. But I've survived the horror. Now I realise that Ms Daleen is actually a nice person. And to be frank, I am most impressed with her ability to make the whole class participate in discussions and stuffs. Now, even Tiki can't be as silent as she wanted to be in class.

Some random things I've learnt for the past two weeks:

1. Laos is one of the most bombed countries in the world. Not quite a tourist attraction now is it?

2. Seriously, without the US participation in the Vietnam War, Hollywood would have been dead by now. Hundreds of Vietnam War films have been produced since the 70s, and trust me, they will keep making them in many years to come. "Hey we haven't made a film about the Vietnam War for quite some time now. Let's make another!"

3. Citizens of the world should be more concerned with the US and the European countries economic downturn that is taking place right now, rather than diverting their attention to small and insignificant matters like the hyperinfation in Zimbabwe, or the war in Gaza for that matter. People should be concerned with the rising unemployment rate due to job cuts and the failing economy. "Starvation in Zimbabwe due to economic sanction and hyperinflation? Ah, they'll manage." "The survival of our automotive industry or the lives of the people in Gaza? Hm, that's a tough one. I think I'll pick the former." What an interesting time we're living in right now. Sad, innit?

4. I figured that the preparation for Bangsawan which started last Monday is now beginning to take its toll on me. I don't quite like the fact that I can only see the same faces coming to lend their hands with the props preparation every day. God knows what happens to the rest who don't bother showing up at all, even when they have every reason not to hide in their rooms. And I haven't been able to really sit down and study at all too. Haih. That kind of explains why I find myself clueless in Math class this week. I had planned to start over when the path is clear for me, meaning when I am no longer associated to Bangsawan or the high committee of Garnet House. But that will be too late. Luckily Fatin, being a very self-motivated person that she is, had requested Mr Mahadzir for extra classes. And I, being a supportive friend, agreed to join her. And so we had our first class this morning. A week's worth of Mechanics lessons in half an hour. Now that's something. Thanks Fatin:)

5. "The hardest part is waiting." I still haven't received a reply from Cambridge concerning my application yet. I get nervous every time I check my emails. And people keep coming to me every now and then, asking questions like, "How's your application?" "Any news yet?" and "Still in the pool, yeah?"

"Yeah, still swimming." That's what I would normally answer. By the way, out of the five people who were in the pool in the first place, only me and Sabrina are still surviving. Best of luck to both of us.

6. Sapphire's ICAN video is brilliant! Attiyaa, we should do a collaboration some time:)

7. Thanks to Ms Rena, I now understand why female genitalia mutilation (FGM) is heavily criticised and condemned by human rights activists. It's scary as hell! However, it is imperative to recognise the differences between the mild practice of female circumcision at one end of the spectrum and the extreme genitalia mutilation at another.

By the way, according to state-run media on Friday, Zimbabwe's Central Bank will introduce a $100 trillion Zimbabwean banknote (which is worth US $33 on the black market) to try to ease desperate cash shortages. Our saviour, President Robert Mugabe. What a brilliant person he is.

The Black Man Should Get Tough With Israel

I realise that most of the things I write here are pretty much about myself. My daily routine, the occasional joy and disappointments I let out - most of them are attributed to my own little bubble I'm living in. I find them easier to share with. But mind you, I am not ignorant. I do care about what happens around the world as we speak. Besides the the panic and constant apprehension experienced by the European nations and the US over the recent economic downturn which has become the main topic of discussions almost everywhere on the internet these past few months, another important issue which demands the world's attention and action is of course the Palestinian crisis. A 60 year old crisis which is yet to meet with a satisfying conclusion for both conflicting parties.

And now, as the Jews in the region are flexing their muscles through an extravagant showcase of missiles and tanks, at least 800 Palestinian lives had already been sacrificed. People say Jews worry for a living - their tragic history comples them to do so. The potential for a nuclear Iran, combined with the growing accuracy and lethality of Hamas and Hizbullah rockets, will create tremendous concern. But they still cannot justify why the innocent children of Gaza had to pay the price. Collateral damage, they claim. You call putting bullets into a helpless three year old kid collateral damage? Oh come on. Don't insult my intelligence. Are you going to use the same excuse for the other 300 kids who shared the same fate too? Please.

Illustrating just how insecure the Jews have been feeling for the past 60 years.

One thing we know for sure - Palestine is being victimised by parties who seek to benefit the most from this bloody political powerplay. Be it Livni, the Jews back home, the Saud King, or even Hamas - to me, nothing is as it seems. There are always hidden agendas.

What can we do to help them? Pray to God for the Palestinians' well being, run donation drives to raise funds, send medical supplies to the collapsing hospitals, increase public awareness by running campaigns. But for now, forget boycotting American products. Admit it, we're just too dependent on them. And I bet not many will answer the call for boycotting anyway. Hence it will not work as effective as we think it will be. Since the rest of the Muslim community can only protest in street demonstrations in front of embassies while most of the leaders just shy away, in my opinion, the most realistic solution to the crisis so far lies in the hand of the the most powerful man in the world - The President of the United States. No, not Bush. Barrack Obama, when he steps into the Oval Office this Jan 20. This view is expressed by Aaron David Miller in his article in the latest Newsweek issue.

If Obama is serious about peacemaking he'll have to adjust that balance in two ways. First, whatever the transgressions of the Palestinians (and there are many, including terror, violence and incitement), he'll also have to deal with Israel's behavior on the ground. The Gaza crisis is a case in point. Israel has every reason to defend itself against Hamas. But does it make sense for America to support its policy of punishing Hamas by making life unbearable for 1.5 million Gazans by denying aid and economic development? The answer is no.

Then there's the settlements issue. In 25 years of working on this issue for six secretaries of state, I can't recall one meeting where we had a serious discussion with an Israeli prime minister about the damage that settlement activity—including land confiscation, bypass roads and housing demolitions—does to the peacemaking process. There is a need to impose some accountability. And this can only come from the president. But Obama should make it clear that America will not lend its auspices to a peacemaking process in which the actions of either side willfully undermine the chances of an agreement America is trying to broker. No process at all would be better than a dishonest one that hurts America's credibility.

Second, Obama will have to maintain his independence and tactical flexibility to play the mediator's role. This means not road testing everything with Israel first before previewing it to the other side, a practice we followed scrupulously during the Clinton and Bush 43 years. America must also not agree to every idea proposed by an Israeli prime minister. Our willingness to go along with Ehud Barak's make-or-break strategy at the Camp David summit proved very costly where more disciplined critical thinking on our part might have helped preempt the catastrophe that followed. Coordinating with Israel on matters relating to its security is one thing. Giving Israel a veto over American negotiating tactics and positions, particularly when it comes to bridging gaps between the two sides, is quite another.

If the new president adjusts his thinking when it comes to Israel, and is prepared to be tough with the Arabs as well, the next several years could be fascinating and productive ones. I hope so, because the national interest demands it. The process of American mediation will be excruciatingly painful for Arabs, Israelis and Americans. But if done right, with toughness and fairness, it could produce the first real opportunity for a peace deal in many years.
Miller, an adviser for Democratic and Republican administrations and author of “The Much Too Promised Land,” is at the Woodrow Wilson Center.

Saturday Morning

Dude, my Cambridge application got in the winter pool yo. I'm neither sad nor overjoyed by this, but as an optimistic Nea would put it, at least I can still be hopeful. Yes, I am well aware of the competition and no, I am not putting high hopes on this one. But it'll be awesome if they do consider my application and offer me a place at one of their colleges (besides Girton). I mean, to make it this far is quite an achievement for me. Watching others meeting with disappointment over their Oxbridge applications is a painful experience already. So yeah, I will keep my fingers crossed and pray to God for His guidance. Wait, I don't mean the first part literally. You can't really cross your fingers while you're praying right? It's peculiar and inappropriate. I've done my part, and now it is entirely up to Him. In the meantime, I'll just carry on with my daily routine. Anxiously and ever patiently.

The first week returning back to college was pretty smooth I think. Although I must point out that not everything that I had planned worked out. I should at least equip myself to face the tight schedule ahead (organiser, anyone?). Haha I don't know how effective it'll be, but I think I'll give it a try. Events this semester include ICAN, Bangsawan and Garnet housetrip, among others which I pretend not to care. Sometimes I wonder why I have to worry about all these things when the real event this semester, in case you've forgotten, is our A2 exams in May and June. Speaking of which, our AS level result will come out this 21st of January. Another painful wait. Please please please spare me from having to resit for the papers thanks to horrible results. So yes Fatin, I would love to join you for a revision class with Mr Mahadzir.

Owh I think I miss my hair. Tsk tsk.

The Week That Was. In Retrospect.

So I've turned 20 three days ago. Not quite an awesome feeling, but I guess I embraced it like a man. My birthday celebration this year was something I will never ever forget. Not once in my life have I felt being so appreciated as a friend. At least not in such an extraordinary way like I had with my close friends a few days ago. First it was Nabila. Initially she had planned a surprise mini party for this aging soul, but there was some miscommunication somewhere along the way, jeopardizing the surprise itself. And the presence of another friend too. But to me, everything was perfect from the point when Juek, Blur and Nabila arrived at the LRT station with a birthday cake, followed by the mini celebration we had at the golf course in Bukit Jelutong. Thanks a lot Nabila and the rest for the surprise. I really appreciate the fact that you took the trouble of carrying the cupcakes around that morning.

Fatin almost made it here in the pictures.

And last Saturday it was time for an intimate celebration among the Shah Alam crew members. A representative from Damansara joined the party too. This time, it was Aainaa who planned the whole thing. First, she picked me up from my place (along with Faris, Shahir and Akmal) and took us to an undisclosed location which later came to my realisation as Marche, located at the Curve. An awesome place it was. They also presented me with a chocolate fudge cake with "You're Freaking 20 Oggy!" written on it, courtesy of Shahir's sister. Gee, thanks for the reminder, peeps. We had a good time at the bowling alley afterwards. By the way Aainaa, I demand a rematch:P *Owh a little footnote* If you're planning to ask Nea out for a bowling match, don't forget to bring Akmal along. You know, so as not to embarass yourself with the score (if you're not pretty good at it, that is). Haha, no offence bro:D

Awesomeness.

I had a great time celebrating my adulthood weyy. So thanks a lot, you people are the coolest bunch of friends ever. I'm sorry if I've spoilt your surprises. I really didn't mean to:/

By the way, adulthood? HAHAHAHAHA.
I'll save it for later.

Yay...?

Happy New Year Yo!

Fatin Afiqah

1. Apakah benda yang paling penting dalam hidup kamu?

Family.

2. Apakah benda terakhir yang kamu beli dengan wang sendiri?

Top Gear issue 22.

3. Di manakah tempat impian perkahwinan kamu?

Macam Mawi. Hahahahaha.

4. Berapa lama anda rasa hubungan kamu berkekalan?

Lama. Jap, hubungan apa?

5. Adakah anda dilamun cinta?

6. Di manakah restoran terakhir kamu makan malam?

Rasta.

7. Namakan buku terakhir yang kamu beli?

Top Gear issue 22.

8. Apakah nama penuh kamu?

Alif Nurhaziq Abd Rahman

9. Kamu lebih senang dengan mak atau ayah?

Mak dan ayah.

10. Namakan seseorang yang kamu ingin jumpa untuk pertama kalinya dalam hidup anda?

Adolf Hitler.

11.Sebutkan 8 nama sahabat yang paling rapat dengan kamu?

Faris
Shahir
Aainaa
Nabila
Fatin
Abu
Faizzamri
Azwa

12. Adakah kamu mencuci pakaian anda sendiri?

Takmo jawab.

13. Tempat yang paling seronok kamu mahu pegi?

Buat masa sekarang, safari di Afrika Selatan.

14. Pelukan atau ciuman?

Soalan apakah ini?

15. Butirkan 5 perkara tentang orang yang tag kamu.

Penghuni RC sepenuh masa.
Menangis bukan hobinya.
Penggemar F1.
Suri rumah contoh. Malang sekali masih belum up to standard, mengikut segelintir pihak.
Anak Mr Mahadzir!

16. 8 perkara yang amat saya gilai buat masa sekarang

Blogging.
IM
Photography.
Resident Evil 4.
Internet yang sederhana laju.
Tidur.
Makan.
Memalaskan diri.

17. 8 perkataan yang sering di ucapkan.

"Weyy..."

18. 8 buah buku yang paling terbaru dibaca.

Lapan? Biar betul.

19. 10 lagu yang saya boleh dengar berulang kali.

Mates of State - My Only Offer
Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
The Decemberists - Yankee Bayonet
The Last Shadow Puppets - My Mistakes Were Made For You
Fall Out Boy - America's Suiteheart
Barry Manilow - Can't Smile Without You
Snow Patrol - Run
Lady Gaga - Paparazzi
Los Campesinos! - Death to Los Campesinos!
Muse - Hysteria

20. 8 perkara yang saya pelajari tahun lalu.

Kepentingan menguruskan masa dengan bijak.
Rakan-rakan: Tanpa mereka, hidup kurang indah.
Menjadi rajin bukan satu pilihan, tetapi suatu kemestian.
Jika kurang pasti tentang sesuatu perkara, pastikan.
Menjadi ketua adalah suatu amanah yang sangat berat.
Punya masalah? Selesaikan segera. Makin lama dibiarkan, makin sarat jadinya.
Mind over matter.
Overexcitedness dalam melakukan sesuatu perkara kadang-kala boleh mengundang bencana.

21. Mari men'tag' 9 orang lain.