Biopolymath | Chai Boon Kheng

B.A.P.'s Warrior is #badass!

2012-01-28T13:40:00.000+08:00

B.A.P. for Best, Absolute, Perfect is one of the highest anticipated debut in K-pop. All these while, three of the members were known - Bang Yong Guk, ZELO and Him Chan. Bang and ZELO showed us their capability in singing and rapping while Him Chan is host of MTV The Show together with Hyeri of Girl's Day.

B.A.P. is TS Entertainment's first boy band and one of the most ambitious project by the company to date. The band consists of Bang Yong Guk (leader & main rapper), HimChan (sub-vocalist, rapper), (Daehyun) (main vocalist), Youngjae (lead vocalist), Jongup (main dancer) and ZELO (lead rapper, lead dancer & maknae).

Teaser for Warrior showed us that the music video will be a #badass. I am not disappointed! Just as teased. All of them don't look like rookies.

Not only I like B.A.P. very much but TS Entertainment marketing strategy for their new boy band is commendable for building the most awaited debut in history.

Annoying Mandarin Orange wishes everyone Chinese New Year!

2012-01-20T13:06:00.000+08:00

Wow Naga DDB introduced us to the long lost cousin of Annoying Orange. Speaks a different language but still as annoying as its Western counterpart.

Guess what? It's year of the Water Dragon! *This New Year, a lot of waterrrrrrrrr!*

Valentine's Day Contest by Creative Visual Studio

2012-01-18T10:30:00.001+08:00

Good day readers. I had a chance to visit my friend FeeqSays' Creative Visual Studio in Puchong. What he has in store?

Tadah! A contest is going on! Here's your chance to win BIG!

In conjunction with Valentine's Day, Creative Visual Studio will be giving away prizes worth RM 4000 in total.

First Prize (worth RM 1570)

Photoshoot up to 3 hours - worth RM 500
Custom album/photobook - worth RM 400
Valentine hamper - worth RM 200
Computer card design + printing
Exclusive photo frame
Unlimited edited photos
Printed photos

Second Prize (worth RM 1320)

Photoshoot up to 3 hours
Unlimited edited photos
Valentine hamper
Custom album
Printed photos

Third Prize (worth RM 1110)

Photoshoot up to 2 hours
Unlimited edited photos
Custom album
Printed photos

How to participate in Valentine's Day Contest?

STEP 1. Tag yourself and your partner in the poster posted in this album Do inform Creative Visual Studio if you face any technical problem.
STEP 2. Take a photo of yourself and your partner and send it to contest@creativevstudio.com. Please include your name, your partner's name and contact no. Your contact no. will not be published.
STEP 3. Your photo will be uploaded into this album. Ask your friends to "Like" your photo.
STEP 4. Wait for the winners announcement on 1st of Feb 2012. The photo with the highest "Likes" wins!

How to vote for your friend?

STEP 1. "Like" Creative Visual Studio Facebook page.
STEP 2. Get into this photo album and click on your friend's photo.
STEP 3. "Like" the photo. You've cast your vote for your friend!
STEP 4. Don't forget to spread the news.

Terms and Conditions:

Photoshoot will be based in Klang Valley depending on the organizer.

Custom album can be collected 1 - 2 months after the photoshoot session.

Bang Yong Guk & Zelo First Asia Tour in Malaysia

2012-01-16T23:42:00.046+08:00

I was excited to attend Bang Yong Guk 方勇国 and Zelo's fanmeet in Sg. Wang Plaza.

Yong Guk's rapping talent was featured in his labelmate Song Ji Eun's solo track, Going Crazy. It propelled him to fame - hence it's no question that Yong Guk is a rookie to watch this year!

We heard Yong Guk introduced himself in Malay "Nama saya Bang Yong Guk *spazzzzz*

They played mini games with lucky fans!

Yong Guk revealed names of other members in his band. They are Daehyun, Jong Up, Him Chan and Yong Jae.

More photos (taken from B.A.P Singapore Facebook):

Fancams:

Before they left for the day, Yong Guk thanked fans in Malay and Chinese!

I had a memorable K-pop fanmeet in my home country! Thanks to Inspire.ME and Latina Marketing for making this possible.

Related links:
Bang Yong Guk & ZELO Asia Tour in Malaysia
Bang Yong Guk and ZELO to visit Malaysian fans in January - JonYKT.com

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2011 for quasicrystals

2012-01-15T12:59:00.001+08:00

Nobel Prize isn't all about following the hard and fast rules of Nature. When you come across an observation that's not explained by existing rules, you gotta find a new explanation, no matter how long the journey is. You just gotta believe your eyes provided that everything has been done right. Not only that, you have to fight hard to prove your point, because people don't have good forgeteries, as Peter Mitchell (pioneer of chemiosmosis theory in mitochondria) said it.

Dan Shechtman Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011 was such an example.

When he observed a sample of alloy consisting of aluminium and manganese, he saw this in the diffraction pattern:

A concentric ring of dots. It has a regular pattern but they do not repeat themselves. Hence, atoms in the solid are arranged in a regular but never repeating pattern. For this reason, it's called a quasicrystal.

Colleagues put him down. He was even asked to leave his research group for defending his findings. He was called to be "wrong according to the textbook. One of Dan's fiercest critic was Linus Pauling (Nobel Prize in Chemistry & Nobel Peace Prize laureate). Despite this he never gave up and worked to have his discovery published in a journal.

Eventually, Dan's findings was reconfirmed by other scientists. The discovery of quasicrystal even compelled the International Union of Crystallography to change the definition of a crystal from "a substance in which the constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern" to the broader "any solid with a discrete diffraction pattern" to accommodate future discoveries.

How to explain a structure with a regular but no repeating pattern? Islamic art has done it a few centuries ago. With a minimum of two types of tiles, you can create a pattern that never repeats itself.

I'm sure more substance with the attribute of quasicrystal will be discovered along the way. Who knows advanced materials with properties we've never thought before come from this?

You may call it strange or impossible. Quantum mechanics was called impossible at first, but without it we'll never enjoy computers today.

Subjects in my final semester

2012-01-14T12:54:00.001+08:00

Good day, folks. I have finished my third year at University of Melbourne but I have not blogged about the subjects I've taken. I'm so excited about beginning my final semester, it was the last chance to put my scholarship into good use.

Cell Signalling and Neurochemistry: Just like humans need to communicate to form a society, cells in our body need to communicate with each other to keep the organism functioning. Growth factors and hormones are key to coordinate activity of cells. What are the inner mechanisms to interpret messages received from exterior of the cell? This subject covers it in great detail. Cell-cell communication plays a big role in disease processes such as cancer, neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. The central theme of this subject is all about cellular machinery for communication :)

Protein Structure and Function: Proteins are the workhorses in our body. After proteins are made, they need to be formed into appropriate shapes in order to function. This subject covers patterns found in molecular structure of proteins and their biological functions. Interested to create a protein that has a function not existing in nature? This subject will teach you the gist of that too.

Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Introduces you to how plants function at the molecular level and application of biotechnological techniques to manipulate plants for novel purposes. Topics covered include photosynthesis, cell wall synthesis, RNA interference, genetic engineering, salt tolerance and disease resistance.

Out of all subjects, my favourite was Cell Signalling and Neurochemistry. I didn't have the freedom of fee-paying students getting to sample additional subjects until I find them useful; as my tenure of scholarship has a limited time I have to make no mistake on my subject choice. I have chosen what I've always wanted to do - molecular science, taking all subjects offered by the biochemistry department has served this purpose. All subjects offered by the department are demanding - they want to teach the best things to you and they want the best out of you.

Communication is key whether you're a whole organism, a single cell or a protein inside a cell.

What taught me about passion?

2012-01-13T22:48:00.001+08:00

I have been hearing so much of compliments for my academic achievement but very few actually know the experience that made me one. There is no secret about doing well in school.

Before Standard 4 in primary school I was taught to get things right. I knew nothing about passion. All I knew was teacher being "fierce". During Standard 3, my ranking dropped significantly because I was distracted.

What pulled me back?

My exposure in science (and other subjects) began in Standard 4. I was interested in science (even my parents knew and expected that I would do well in it). My good performance in science boosted my class ranking to second place, something that I least expect.

The significant improvement in my academic ranking gave me a moral boost to improve my other subjects. Next, I claimed the first place of my cohort.

Keeping the standard is still my concern but ranking is unimportant to me now. Nevertheless, the experience taught me about the power of passion. With a burning passion, you'll naturally do well.

Instagrams - Gorgeous Girl's Day apparel sponsor

2012-01-10T01:13:00.001+08:00

I spontaneously created these in my iPod touch with Labelbox and Instagram apps months ago.

Having reach to fame, Girl's Day members regularly model for fashion brands. Photos can be found in girlsdaydaily.com

Sojin:

Jihae:

Are you new to Girl's Day? Search for their hit tracks Nothing Lasts Forever, Twinkle Twinkle and Hug Me Once to get started. You'll be in love with their talents in no time.

Going Crazy - Teen Top

2012-01-08T23:55:00.001+08:00

Teen Top is back with an addicting track Going Crazy. What a great way to start year 2012.

Fierce and manly concept as opposed to flower boy since debut. It's a great leap.

Video:

LIKE!!!

Girl's Day Yura 유라 acting cute

2012-01-07T22:55:00.000+08:00

Act cute!

Yaritagariya-san - SDN48

2012-01-07T22:36:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Eric Yong posted this as "Music video or.... SOFT PORN?". The MV was titled only with a hyphen making everything a mystery.

It's SDN48! They're a large girl group based on the adult idol concept. Produced by the same boss as AKB48.

Want some behind the scenes?

Want to watch video that make you nosebleed max? There's always something for you :)

DJ Masa - Good Bye Party K-pop mashup

2012-01-04T21:14:00.000+08:00

DJ Masa is back with his K-pop mashup for the second half of year 2011!

Are you looking for mashup for first half of the year? Come here!

From the video description:

The song tells the story of a girl who's heartbroken because she broke up with her boyfriend. So she goes to a club and try to forget him saying her goodbyes but still reminisces about the relationship, struggling to have fun and overcome the sadness.

Vocal samples (40) in the mashup:

UV - Itaweon Freedom feat. JYP
U-Kiss - Neverland
Brown Eyed Girls - Sixth Sense
Rania - Pop Pop Pop
Sunny Hill - Midnight Circus
Super Junior - A-cha
KARA - Step
MBLAQ - Mona Lisa
Tablo - Bad
2NE1 - Hate You
Girls' Generation - The Boys
Miss A - Good-bye Baby
Ft Island - Hello Hello
Infinite - Be Mine
T-ara - Roly Poly
2NE1 - Ugly
Kim Wan Sun - Be Quiet feat. JunHyung
After School Red - Into THe Night Sky
Yoon Mirae - Get It In
f(x) - Hot Summer
Super Junior - Mr. Simple
Block B - Tell Them
SISTAR - So Cool
Orange Caramel - Shanghai Romance
JYJ - Get Out
2pm - Hands Up
Jang Wook Hyuk - Time Is [L]over
2NE1 - I Am The Best
Hyunah - Bubble Pop
Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
Secret - Love is MOVE
G.na - TOP GIRL
Troublemaker - Troublemaker
Heo Gak - Hello
Kim Hyun Joong - Break Down
A Pink - MY MY
Crispi Crunch - Thumbs Up
Boyfriend - I'll Be There
CHI CHI - Longer

Instrumental samples (3):

Hyunah - Bubble Pop
Troublemaker - Troublemaker
David Guett@ - Little B@d Girl

Do you like this? Follow these links:

DJ Masa's homepage: http://www.masamixes.com
Twitter: @masamixes
Facebook page: Masa

Year 2011?

2012-01-04T00:28:00.000+08:00

The year wasn't good for me in terms of health. I've been down with health problems with relapsing episodes causing me unable to work; I could do nothing but lying on bed till the symptoms disappears (read: palpitations).

What did I gain in year 2011?

I began my third year of university life under a scholarship, majoring in biotechnology and biochemistry & molecular biology
My stint as Chief Information Officer for Malaysian Aspiration Program and Marketing Secretary for ASEAN Student Games 2011
God intervened for my health a day before my first day of final exam, Semester 2 - My palpitation dragged my health down, it was so bad that I could have collapsed in the exam hall without intervention. Thank you Jesus!
Crowned best timekeeper at NCG Debate 2011
Winning an iPod Touch 8GB by a lucky draw. Loaded it with apps and music!
Winning the title of Planetshakers Mamak Idol and brought home a Nintendo Wii as my prize
BERSIH rally at Federation Square, Melbourne - I never regret standing up for a better Malaysia
Nuffnang Blogopolis 2011 in Melbourne! I have waited so long for a chance to take part in a blogger's conference
Discovered so much about K-pop.
Ballarat one day trip!

There was much to gain!

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-01T23:46:00.026+08:00

It was business as usual at Low Yat Plaza on New Year Eve. The mall was filled with shoppers and shopkeepers calling out wares for end of the year discounts.

I brisk walked through floors and floors of shops I missed dearly and tried to recall memories of shop appearance they once were. Apart from a few landmark shops, some spots have changed so much that I barely recognise where I stood.

Knowing full well that a significant impending event was coming to all of us, the streets of the KL Golden Triangle appeared more interesting than retail outlets indoors.

Wonder Girls: Be My Baby

2011-12-31T16:34:00.000+08:00

I have waited so long for Wonder Girls' comeback this year! They asked you to be their baby.

KOREAN version with English subs

ENGLISH version

CHINESE version

The Wonder Girls have been staying in the US for one year and faced numerous hardships. I'm glad that they came back stronger than ever!

I have supported them by purchasing their music on iTunes. Will you do your part to show your love?

NCG 2011 debate day 2

2011-12-31T10:15:00.000+08:00

After watching debates on day 1 it's time for more fiery dose on day 2.

Malaysian students all around Australia flocked to Melbourne for both the debating competition and sporting events.

Gillian Gan as judge! She's National Chair of MASCA from Sydney.

To perform my job as a timekeeper effectvely, I brought my IPod touch.

First speaker of the proponent tabling a motion to be moved forward. They were given an interesting topic - should Malaysia go nuclear?

I was no ordinary timekeeper. I increased the competitiveness of the competition. It's fun watching fiery debates!

This is Yen Wei, a law student in Canberra. She packs a lot of punch!

It's nice to meet and network with interstate Malaysian students.

Are you interested to take part in future debates? Please contact your Malaysian students' association in your university for more details!

It's Graduation!

2011-12-30T22:56:00.029+08:00

For three days in a row, I have been rushing to campus in the afternoon for graduation ceremonies.

Was expecting to graduate with my peers; that did not materialise because I wasn't able to graduate in time. I am cool with that, I am going to obtain my award eventually. I performed academically, as eyes are on me. I know who I am, with a scholarship award bestowed on me I cannot disappoint any of you.

Choosing to take Marine Phytoplankton of Australia has delayed my graduation but it was worth it. Learning a subject involving classification of living things took me to a different world from the usual medical based subjects in my third year; saving the subject for last really made the subject a memorable one.

I can graduate in time had I taken Marine Phytoplankton before I attempted my third year, but I would have felt clueless instead of brimming with confidence after going through thick and thin with tough biochemistry subjects.

There is no right or wrong time to take university subjects. Just make sure you know enough beforehand to handle it.

NCG 2011 debate day 1

2011-12-29T20:40:00.001+08:00

It was the winter holidays between semesters! There were a fews events up so I took the opportunity to attend them. The first one was National Conference and Games 2011 Debating Competition organised by Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA).

It was held at Malaysian Melbourne Hall.

They needed timekeeper so I volunteered to be one.

The debates were run as Parliamentary debates. When a speaker is speaking, opponents can raise points of information. Proposer for the motion was named "Government".

Opponent to the motion was named "Opposition".

What was interesting was that whenever I became timekeeper for a match involving the Tasmania team, Tasmania would win. The opposite is true. LOL.

Say hi to Malaysian students from other Australia states! This is Clarice Chan from University of Tasmania.

More happenings of NCG 2011 debate tomorrow!

Sharon Kwan 关诗敏 K-pop cuts

2011-12-27T00:08:00.001+08:00

This cutie pie Sharon Kwan is doing well in Taiwanese singing show Chinese Million Star 华人星光大道. She's now in the final stage of the show - what a great achievement.

I'm a fan of her since discovering her cute antics in covering K-pop songs. Here are cuts for you to enjoy!

#1: Gee + Oh! + Mr. Taxi

#2: Gee during Chinese Million Star

She was 15 when she auditioned for Chinese Million Star.

Dinner with Teresa Kok at Dragon Boat Melbourne

2011-12-23T22:17:00.000+08:00

5 months ago, I attended a dinner with Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh and State Assemblywoman for Kinrara. The dinner cost me 45 AUD (student price).

Teresa Kok was on a business trip to promote economic opportunities in Selangor. At the same time, she was also promoting job opportunities available as a result of development.

I met many Malaysians abroad in Melbourne, both students and migrants, eager to hear the promises and result of Selangor under administration of Democratic Action Party.

Selangor has prospered much since 2008. Opportunities exist in aerospace, automobile and biotechnology.

The dinner took place in Melbourne Chinatown.

At a restaurant I normally reserve for entertaining special guests.

Fried beef was my personal favourite. The beef was blended with black pepper, cooked with beans, with adequate taste.

And a pudding to finish off.

It was nice of Teresa to come Down Under to see how we're doing :)

Thanks to David Teoh, chairman of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian special interest group) for organising the dinner.

With Julian Yong and Imran, my active M'sian pals!

Interested to dine at this Chinese restaurant? Here you are:

Dragon Boat Restaurant
Little Bourke Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Tel: +613 9662 2733
Open from 8 am to 11 pm daily
Supper from 11 pm till late on Fridays and Saturdays

Fateful Love + IU's "You and I"

2011-12-19T23:14:00.001+08:00

I knew I am facing attraction. The girl is attached. I can only keep those feelings to myself. It's not wise to enter into a competition for the same girl.

When I woke up today, I recalled of a true story told by my mom. A woman wanted to be with the man of her dreams but the man was married. After some time the man's wife died. The woman got to marry the man of her dreams.

If I'm given an opportunity to be with the girl I want, so be it. I will be happy for the fact that I can be with her, I don't care whether she's first hand or second hand.

IU has recently comeback with a title track You and I. The music video is what I call inspiring.

I have no regrets.

How much does it cost to train an SNSD member?

2011-11-25T08:14:00.002+08:00

CEO of SM Entertainment Kim Young Min shared that each Girls' Generation member costs approximately 3 million USD to discover and train. You can read further on the report by allkpop and soompi.

The other day, Taiwanese new girl group Super 7 became the talk of the town for attempting to imitate the style of SNSD. Super 7 is not the first group to do it, that's a fact.

If you think further about it, you can convince yourself that imitation is the best flattery. There is no question about the ability of SNSD as entertainers. Besides, artists from SM Entertainment like Super Junior, f(x), TVXQ, TRAX, BoA to name a few, are top notch artists.

Anyone can imitate successful examples, but what's lacking in the imitates?

The sheer amount of money invested onto an SNSD member showed us the willingness of SM Entertainment to see success on their artists. But, talent is not the only aspect of an artist's training. Personality and other aspects of personal development are also part of the training.

The result? SM Entertainment produces high quality artists. The quality is so tangible and real. There is no element of faking on the artists. It becomes kinda a second nature.

If Super 7 wants to imitate, let them be. But SM Entertainment can say, "Hey, don't you forget that we've spent so much money to create real quality."

IU introduces a new product for Steve Jobs?

2011-11-14T11:38:00.001+08:00

Warning: playing this version of Good Day will make you go crazy!

Uncyclopedia entry of singer IU (Korean)

Taiwanese girl group Super 7 draws flak for callous remarks on SNSD

2011-11-12T18:04:00.004+08:00

Some time ago, new Taiwanese girl group Super 7 drew heavy criticism for imitating Korean #1 girl group Girls' Generation.

When I checked allkpop this morning, they're making news again for accusing SNSD as "plastic idols".

In an interview with Taiwanese weekly Times Weekly 时报周刊, the group criticised Korean Girls' Generation for being "lacklusture" and "artificial beauties".

One Super 7 member remarked that a member of SNSD can sing well, another can dance well and another have good sense of humour but the rest have no special appeals. Another Super 7 member remarked: "SNSD members are artificial beauties who has undergone plastic surgery, but we are natural beauties. Each of us has C cup chest size, long legs and nice body proportions."

My response:
Not all SNSD members have gone under the knife. People like Taeyeon and Seohyun are natural beauties. I know YoonA can't sing well compared to the rest of the members but she has a successful acting career. There are four powerful vocalists in SNSD: Taeyeon, Seohyun, Sunny and Jessica. Hyoyeon, YoonA, Sooyoung and Yuri can dance well. Tiffany is the rapper.

The remark of "artificial beauties" angered me. The word is only used by arrogant people. You flaunting of assets in your MV makes you look cheap. Girls' Generation doesn't sell out their bodies to achieve fame but receive love for their talent.

Their changed their attitude later during the interview by stating that they looked up to Girls' Generation as their *unique* role model.

My response:
It's against all logic that you hold negative opinions on your role model. The girls have said it to save their face albeit pathetically. I see jealousy here.

3 weeks earlier, Super 7 drew controversy for performing Girls' Generation's "Hoot" during an important Taiwanese music award show, Golden Bell Awards 金钟奖.

As reported on Soompi, netizens questioned the motive behind covering someone's track at an important stage. The move drew criticisms from many, including Taiwanese.

Members of Super 7 were selected from an audition of 100 people. There are a total of ten members in Super 7, three of them serving as "reserved" members during unforseen circumstances. All members trained for one year prior to debut. The group has an average age of 22; the youngest member is currently 16.

My response:
By criticising Girls' Generation members as having no special appeals, they're downright insulting my favourite SNSD for training long years (3 - 7 years) and their agency spending huge sum (average 3 million USD per person) to become competent entertainers. The cover of Hoot during an important music award, IMO, is a cheap stunt to obtain popularity. Not forgetting that it disgraced a prestigious music award show and insulted Taiwan where many original music are produced.

It has been reported that Korean variety show Star King attempted to invite Super 7 as guests. The plan however, did not materialise.

Super 7's remark on SNSD has drew massive flak not only from SONEs but from the rest of K-pop fandom, even disapproval from citizens in their homeland. Their singing career will be heavily jeopardised, I don't know if SM Entertainment will choose to take action for concept plagiarism or copyright infringement for their "Hoot" cover.

Related links:
Taiwanese girl group Super 7 accuse SNSD of being plastic
Taiwanese SNSD Wannabes “Super 7” Spark Controversy with Cover Performance at Golden Bell Awards
(Chinese) Taiwanese group Super 7 criticises SNSD as plastic
(Chinese) Super 7 harshly criticises SNSD as artificial beauties
(Chinese) Super 7's 叶瑷菱 supports her new group
(Chinese) Netizens criticises Super 7 as "dancing sluts"
(Chinese) Super 7 disappointed over missed opportunity to star on Korean variety show

Sharon Kwan 关诗敏 "Lonely" - 2NE1 cover

2011-11-12T11:00:00.005+08:00

She's Sharon Kwan 关诗敏, a participant in Taiwanese singing reality/variety show Chinese Million Star 华人星光大道 season 1.

She's so cute! Her popularity in the singing show earned her the title of Goddess of the Otakus from Million Star 星光宅男女神.

I've just discovered her Youtube channel and her covers. I'll be posting K-pop cuts of Sharon in variety shows in due time. Wanna watch them? Stay tuned.

Related links:
Sharon Kwan's Youtube channel
Sharon Kwan's Facebook page
Sharon Kwan's Wikipedia entry (Chinese)

Nothing Last Forever - Girl's Day English cover

2011-11-11T22:56:00.000+08:00

"Nothing Last Forever" is the track that propelled Girl's Day to popularity. It showcased each member's singing talents especially Minah's. Don't understand the lyric? Perfect English covers are there to help you!

Check out other English covers of K-pop by visitingashilia4life Youtube channel.

Youtube link: http://youtu.be/sOIF9Dpehfc

Cammi Tse's response to her scandal with Edison Chen on her Sina Weibo

2011-11-04T17:26:00.002+08:00

Recently, a scandal of 16 year old model Cammi Tse 謝芷蕙 with Hong Kong actor Edison Chen 陈冠希 surfaced. To know what happened, Feeqsays provided a good coverage as a blogger. Otherwise you can read the coverage by Channel News Asia.

In response to that matter I feel it's necessary to let all of you know her thoughts, hence the translation of Cammi's Sina Weibo updates that follows.

[UPDATE]: The scandal now made it to the the cover story of weekly gossip magazine, Sudden Weekly issue #849. You can read a translated version of the article here. The article stated that Cammi gave her virginity.

Did Cammi gave her virginity? I would rather stay in the dark. Regardless of whether sex was involved in the scandal, damage has already been done.

-------
Cammi Tse's Sina Weibo translation (in chronological order)

[111101 09:42] ？？不要亂寫好不好！到底什麼事？都不是事實

Translation: ?? Don't simply write can! What happened? It's not the truth

[111101 17:51] 事件曝光後,我真的很害怕.. 事情來得很突然, 現在我還未可以接受這是事實, 我只可以說我是跟他拍過拖, 現在我與陳冠希已分手了, 已沒有其他回應, 謝謝大家的關心

Translation: After the scandal has surfaced, I was so afraid.. it happened to me suddenly, until now I've yet to recover from the shock, what I can say is that I've dated him (referring to Edison Chen), I've now broken up with him, I have nothing more to say on that matter, thanks for everyone's concern

[111103 15:33] 連日來的報導及追訪, 己令我身心疲累,真的已不想多說了很感謝家人對我的支持. 各界傳媒朋友都辛苦了, 謝謝大家關心

Translation: Those media reports and interviews a few days in a row has made me tired, I fervently refuse to comment further on the matter. I am grateful to my family for their support, I am sorry to trouble all my friends who are working in the media. Thanks for everybody's concern

[111103 18:25] 今天看到了一本雜誌的封面標題令我崩潰了 ............ 我想澄清沒有回應這些事情, 也不是事實!! 請放過我吧! 謝謝!

Translation: The cover of a magazine today has taken a toll on me emotionally...... I wanted to clarify that I did not respond to those matters, and they are not true!! Please leave me alone! Thanks!

--------.

Related links:
Cammi Tse's Sina Weibo: http://www.weibo.com/cammitse
Cammi Tse's Sina blog: http://blog.sina.com.cn/cammitse
Cammi Tse's Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Cammi.Tse318

Girl's Day 걸스데이 Minah's glamour shot

2011-11-03T23:00:00.001+08:00

The best shot I can ever find for Bang Minah 방민아 方敏雅 of Girl's Day

Datuk Ambiga live at Asia Law Centre, University of Melbourne

2011-11-02T22:20:00.000+08:00

25th October 2011

I was at this public lecture of Datuk Ambiga Sreevanesan at held at Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne. The lecture was attended by 200 strong audience, there was full house at the theatre.

The main topic was on electoral reform, free and fair elections and of course, the household name Bersih 2.0

Sit back and enjoy the talk. I love the hilarious remarks by Datuk Ambiga.

The best from Namewee's hater

2011-11-01T20:21:00.000+08:00

Nasi Lemak 2.0 has garnered RM 7 million in the box office with a budget of RM 1 million. Tell me how awesome is that! That was such a big achievement for a non-Malay movie.

Fans gonna love Namewee, haters gonna hate more. Maybe I gonna use another word. One of Wee Meng Chee's anti-fan was on fire and got all his creative juice flowing.

His gift for Namewee was Nasi Lemak 2.0 BASI untuk Namewee!!, which translates as "Stale Coconut Milk Rice for Namewee".

It's not going to change me for being a supporter of Namewee but I must admire his creativity.

Check out the video!

*this video is an unlisted video, only those with the link can view it
Youtube video link

Namewee's fans are standing up for him in this video. At the moment, the video has 1400+ views, 27 likes and 875 dislikes.

He's such a controversial figure. But only if you take your time to listen to him, you'll understand what he's trying to say.

Melbourne Freeze Frame Project 2011

2011-10-31T17:36:00.000+08:00

18th of June, 2011 at Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne CBD

That was a flash mob in cold winter. Was not well to pose, so I decided to take photos of the flashmob instead on my newly won iPod touch 4th generation.

Melbourne Freeze Frame Project is organised annually by Stephanie Lilithia Chin.

Ang moh girl is wearing oriental outfit! You like or not?

Some dudes took off his shirt. But they just kept moving here and there, hard to take photos of them haha.

:)

Ouch! I got punched in the face!

Enjoying my game on a PSP while I freeze!

You looked like a cool Johnny Bravo!

Oh my gosh I got pinned down!

Watch a video of the event:

credit: Jodie Lee Becker

Be sure to join the group STEFASAURUS PRODUCTIONS ★ on Facebook to get notified on upcoming flashmobs around Melbourne. See you next year!

Drew Barry's "Breast Stem Cells" wins Imagine Science Visual Science Award

2011-10-27T13:52:00.000+08:00

Fellow biomedical animator of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Dr. Drew Barry and his student Etsuko Uno has won the Visual Science Award at the Imagine Science Film Festival for "Best short that depicts science in a visually engaging manner".

The award carries a cash prize of 1000 USD and is sponsored by Imaginal Disc.

Check out their winning title, Breast Stem Cell:

Description: An overview of the human mammary gland with a focus on the role of breast stem cells during pregnancy. The primary function of the mammary gland is to produce milk to nourish young offspring. The mammary gland is comprised of three main cell types; alveolar, ductal and myoepithelial cells. During pregnancy, the mammary gland increases in size due to the action of breast stem cells, which can mature into any of the three mammary gland cell types.

Check out other winners of Imagine Science Film Festival.

Source: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

MoA's K-pop and J-pop English covers are now back!

2011-10-23T17:01:00.001+08:00

A couple of months ago, I was upset to find out about the deletion of gimmesomemoa's Youtube channel. Along with the deletion some best English covers of popular K-pop songs were gone.

Thanks to her loyal fans who kept her vocals in their possession, part of her covers are now reuploaded!

Listen to her covers!

Jumping (KARA cover):

Going Crazy (Song Ji Eun cover):

What's the reason behind her account deletion? The main reason was her 2NE1 Lonely Cover Contest controversy. Sources can be found here and here.

Check out more covers of her through these Youtube channels:

MissingMoA
MoAmelodyFan
ForTheMelodyOfAngel

I agree with the opinion that MoA won't be uploading K-pop and J-pop covers again to entertain us. Meanwhile, check out some other worthy song cover channels like ashilia4life!

Orange Caramel 橙子焦糖 attracts attention for culturally mismatched stage outfit

2011-10-22T12:52:00.002+08:00

A week ago, After School subunit Orange Caramel 橙子焦糖 attracted attention for being the three cutest female Bruce Lee. With the same title "Shanghai Romance 上海之恋", their stage outfit caught netizens' eye, this time with a culturally mixed up outfit.

During their performance at KBS Music Bank on October 21, 2011, they were seen wearing headgear reminiscent of Chinese drama My Fair Princess 还珠格格 and qipao aka cheongsam.

Knowledgable netizens immediately pointed out that the headgear is characteristic of Ching Dynasty 清朝 and qipao (cheongsam) belongs to the era of Republic of China 中华民国. Other comments from netizens include cute and ridiculous at the same time and the stylist really went out of the box for the outfit.

Historically, Manchus ruled China in Ching Dynasty from the 1640s to the early 1900s. Dr Sun Yat Sen launched a revolution and replaced Ching Dynasty with Republic of China in 1911.

.

On the same day, Girls' Generation 少女时代 made their comeback with "The Boys" and SECRET with "Love is Move".

Epic fail - "Taiwanese Girls' Generation" Super 7

2011-10-21T17:01:00.002+08:00

[UPDATE] Super 7 drew flak for accusing SNSD as "plastic"

After the epic failure of K-pop group wanna be HEART2HEART for heavy plagiarism, we have another Taiwanese girl group doomed to the same destiny.

On October 15, Super 7 revealed the music video for their dance pop track in native Taiwanese language "Mai Luo Suo 麥囉唆. The music video featured identical concept as worn by Girls' Generation aka SNSD in Hoot.

The music video attracted angry responses from fans of Girls' Generation with tons of dislikes and comments like "this is just plain terrible. beyond funny, what a disgrace.", "Taiwan SNSD ? What the shiat ?!", "what the heck is it FUCK YOU SUPER 7" and "Epic fail to imitate SNSD. Please la. Don't bring down SNSD image. SNSD are definitely not bitchy. Still say what SNSD of Taiwan. Make me want to puke only."

Apart from the costume controversy, the ten-member group has also been criticised for boring song, sub par vocal ability and mediocre dance move.

What I dislike is that they are promoting themselves as "Taiwanese SNSD". SNSD is more than a name for the nine-member South Korean girl group, it's a brand now. They are known for their strong vocals and versatility in the entertainment industry. Each member has their role to play in the group, be it lead vocalist, main vocalist, main dancer, lead dancer or rapper.

I didn't hear the vocal talent of Super 7. There is no distinction of roles to showcase each member's strength. I do not understand what they're trying to communicate in their song other than flaunting their assets.

Apart from the epic failure of their title track, I strongly dislike the poor camera composition and boring choreography. The cameraman has failed to provide us an engaging experience with the singers when I watched the MV; if you watch the dance moves carefully individual members are stuck to their position in most parts of their MV.

Do watch the music video for yourself. SNSD Hoot MV attached for comparison.

What copycats!

p.s. It's said that some Super 7 members were Taiwanese group "Hey Girl" members. Oh shame on you!

Queen of covers NAVI 나비

2011-10-18T18:08:00.000+08:00

You need to stumble upon a gem by yourself. Don't look at # of views but sample it by yourself - you be the judge and decide if anything appeals to you, who knows!

Check out her other covers by visiting MardiLuminosity2's Youtube channel.

miss A's Jia 孟佳 amazing cheerleading performance

2011-10-17T21:19:00.000+08:00

Wow since when miss A's Jia become a cheerleader? She claimed to learn everything about cheerleading in 2 hours! Really she rocked the stage with professional cheerleading team BigTide.

This clip is from a Korean variety show named Star King.

Luckyboommini 豆花妹蔡黄汝 challenges IU's three high notes

2011-10-14T09:44:00.003+08:00

Luckyboommini, to challenge IU Lee Ji Eun's three high notes in the latter's hit song Good Day, takes on extensive stamina training so as to improve her performance.

IU's three high notes in Good Day has sparked "high note war" which fans frantically searching for high note singers and compared them. What are your other favourite high note singers?

Jess Lee Kar Wei is absolutely the best! Listen to her debut single Suffering for her 15 high notes :)

Orange Caramel "Shanghai Romance 上海之恋"

2011-10-13T21:24:00.000+08:00

Was expecting this piece featuring a new Asian city from Orange Caramel since their hit, Bangkok City.

“Shanghai Romance” is the second project from Orange Caramel’s “One Asia Project”, which began earlier this year with “Bangkok City“.

When asked to describe the “One Asia Project”, Lizzy replied half-jokingly, “It’s a master plan to take over the Asian market.” “When I’m on Twitter and YouTube, it seems like we get a lot of attention from overseas. Every time I read their tweets about wanting to see us, I’m amazed and make myself work even harder,” she said.
Source: allkpop

I really like Orange Caramel said "I love you" in Chinese in the end. I can hear Korean accent, but it's cute!

Where's the next city?

15Malaysia Healthy Paranoia

2011-10-10T19:57:00.000+08:00

Starring: Dato' Seri Liow Tiong Lai (Minister of Health, Malaysia)
Director: Khairil M. Bahar

Overzealous public relation officers advises the Minister of Health on discouraging unhealthy lifestyles in Malaysia.

Absurd public relation campaign lol!

Jess Lee Kar Wei special guest at One Million Star 超级星光大道

2011-10-05T22:52:00.003+08:00

Jess Lee from Malaysia guested at this year's Chinese singing reality show One Million Star with her latest single "Suffering 煎熬. She is the defending champion of the last season of the reality show.

The show host, Matilda Tao, remarked that nobody can sing her song at karaoke unless they scream aimlessly when drunk, to which Jess Lee retorted, "It's ok."

Matilda asked Jess, "In order to reach those high notes, do you need to warm up?" Jess answered that she practised and warmed up backstage prior to her performance. Matilda asked how did Jess warm up.

"I stretched my tongue, and [my face] will look ugly (showing an ugly face) as if my tongue will get pulled out. It felt like my throat is opening."

Matilda commended Jess for her wide vocal range and opened the floor for the performance of Jess' first single "Suffering".

---
Her voice is so powerful live. I don't need to perform an MR removal to prove to you she is the best!

Wang Lee Hom 王力宏 reveals MV for "Still in Love with You" 依然爱你

2011-10-05T21:58:00.000+08:00

What I like is the cute music video. The song is soothing.

What's more, Lee Hom is praised for making use of young talent in the like of Wong Fu Production.

Subscribe to officialwangleehom on Youtube for the latest update.

I have "Korean twitter" me2day!

2011-10-05T13:53:00.000+08:00

At the beginning of this month, me2day has introduced English* interface. Thanks to the likes of allkpop, huge number of English-speaking users are signing up for me2day account for the past one week!

*also Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified and Japanese

me2day is known as the Korean equivalent of Twitter. It was first available in Korean and catered Korean users for their microblogging needs. Now, huge wave of foreign language speakers (English, Chinese & Japanese) are colonising me2day thanks to marketing campaign.

Instead of following users unilaterally, you send a friend request to the user you want to follow. After the friend request is approved, you can view each other's updates and send each other private messages. If you choose not to "friend", the unilateral "follow" is still available, but you don't get to interact on a more intimate level.

In the world of me2day, you are actually friends with your celebrity of interest instead of only "following" him/her. How cool is that!

As usual, I followed my favourite celebrity. Take UEE of After School as my celebrity of interest..

I recognise UEE by face but I don't understand a single word of her update! What should I do?

Fret not, follow me2stars to get updates translated into English! I'll still follow my celebrity to show my love, even though I can't understand what they say.

Which celebrities are on me2day? IU, T-ara, miss A, Big Bang and many more. Oh yeah, don't forget to follow allkpop too.

Despite encouragement to sign up for me2day, there remain language barriers to be crossed. Most English me2day accounts belong to Kpop fans; they may not understand what their stars are saying; we are forming our own group and randomly adding each other. It has never been this fun before!

What are you waiting for?

Already have a me2day account? Follow me at biopolymath

Technorati tags: social media, Internet

English translation of Oh Khang Jee's Hobi Saya

2011-10-03T23:33:00.000+08:00

This Malay essay has gone viral. I'm translating this piece into English with annotation so as not to reserve this to Malay speakers. Truth be told, I would like to share its information content with you.

By far the most perverted piece from a primary school student.

Oh Khang Jee
Question: My Hobby

I am thankful to God for putting two eyes on my face. There starts my hobby. My hobby is to use my eyes to stare at people.

One day, I was staring at a girl. But, the girl was overpowering me and stared at me. From that day onwards, whenever I see her, 010 (he meant, his penis) erects by 120 degrees. I was so embarassed, so I pressed on (my penis) more and more. I enjoyed it!

So, my hobby is to press and press (on my erected penis). But, my grandmother disliked my hobby. My grandmother always beat my hand when I pressed.. This caused pain in my (ahem!). Feels like it was going to be broken!

so, I changed back to my old hobby. That's all!

Seek counselling after this!!!

Epic right? :P

Suffering 煎熬 - 李佳薇 Jess Lee

2011-10-03T16:26:00.001+08:00

Quoting Joshuaongys, this is the most disgusting music video with quite a number of explicit sexual scenes, featuring a girl living in her messed up life but back on track in the end.

When this song was aired on radio, listeners complained about high pitch of Jess' voice. She was too good! It's said that Jess Lee used 15 high notes in Suffering. For comparison, I've heard IU's three high in Good Day.

I've not only watched the video, but read the comments as well. These are good:

Quite an provocative MV. Definitely not your typical MV-friendly material. This video is RAW. Lots of raw images, raw emotions and raw connections. All I can say is whether this video is appreciated or not by music gurus, Jess has made an impact in her new music career. Good for her.

---

MV的意境別只看表面, 在噁心的蟲中穿插激情，是為了襯托出當時熱戀的激情是多麼得噁心，他"分手"後，受到了多少的煎熬，如此痛苦難熬，連自己是不是活著都不知道，吃著腐爛的食物，也許是表達空虛的愛，久了只會腐爛吧，過著行屍走肉的日子，也覺得麻木了，什麼都不想管，後來突然清醒，脫胎換骨，讓觀眾體會到活著真好，沒必要對這種無聊的東西讓自己受到傷害，也不是用自殺的爛方法來解決，那沉重的"煎熬"貪婪的映像深深刻在我的心裡。看到這麼多人沒深入了解這MV的意境，顯然這種MV根本不適合在台灣放映，一看就只注意男女激情和蟲子，不斷批評，臺灣素質又低了嗎? 文學造詣跑哪去了，只看表面，真夠膚淺。【噁心什麼人看什麼東西永遠都只有噁心兩個字，因為他的大腦只有充滿噁心的東西，而不知道該怎麼轉向思考】。

---

那些所谓恶心的画面大概是想体现女主角的心已经死了。活在这种恶劣的环境肯定是很煎熬的，女主角却若无其事，表示她的内心已经煎熬到一种境界，外在的一切都算不得什么了。热恋时的激情让她将自己无条件交给对方，失恋后过着地狱般的生活脑中还不断重播那些画面，那该有多煎熬。！高音的部分就如悲伤至极的怒吼。这是个人的解读啦~很棒的歌，很棒的mv!

---

很多人覺得這支影片拍的令人作噁，因為太逼近於現實，所以人們無法接受，眾人都喜歡看美好的，浪漫的，濫情的.....這支影片太寫實，打破了沒有轟轟烈烈愛過痛過傷過的人對於失戀的看法，沒有真的痛過，所以無法想像才會覺得噁心。這影片的表現手法對於那些曾經撕心裂肺的人，日日夜夜以淚洗面，哭完就睡，醒了在哭，借酒澆愁麻痺自己，食之無味婉如僵屍的人來說，是很強烈的映象，彷彿一幕幕都在投影自己的過去。尤其對一個女人來說，更是深刻，不能停止想念，想念對方的一切，想念激情時的模樣，想念那個人的笑，與自己現在的可悲作強烈對比。數不盡次數的嚎啕大哭，數不盡次數的告訴自己已經不在乎，數不盡次數的想離開這個世界，數不盡次數的想念與徘徊在愛恨交錯之間，而就在某一次，某一次大哭過後，突然的醒來，承認自己的存在，並面對現實，再次重生，重整再出發，再次體會生命的美好。

The disgusting scenes are meant to show the wrecked state of the girl living in her self imposed suffering. To take it further, the director meant an allusion of the peak of romance - the girl gave everything she had to her man, to the point of being disgusting. After her man has left her, she was living in hell. Expired food signifies expiry and emptiness of her love. The scene of a pest insect got stepped on meant the worthless and purposeless life she was leading.

Many of the scenes in the MV are raw and unedited. Many were not able to take it for the disgusting and explicit scenes. All has been carried to extremes in this MV to carry the message across, but that makes me appreciate this piece more!

We have been served with sugar coated materials, why not take a look at the reality of life? I must praise the director for portraying this facet of life!

To view the 10 minute full length MV, click here.

I'm so happy - miss A to debut in Chinese market

2011-10-03T12:21:00.000+08:00

I am so happy to hear this. miss A is going to release a Taiwan special edition of their A class album!

After garnering success in their country, debuting in Japan seem like the way to go. Japan debut is overplayed by too many Korean groups, I'm growing sick of it.

Chinese ethnicity of two members, Jia and Fei has garnered attention. I'm sure Chinese fans are proud to hear miss A penetrating the Chinese market! Much praise to Suzy and Min for making the effort to learn Chinese.

I am so delighted for their Chinese debut since I grow up listening to Taiwanese songs. Taiwanes pop has defined my taste for music throughout the years. I have been looking forward for Korean stars to debut in Taiwan since Wonder Girls and Super Junior M.

Group member Suzy and Min are making accurate Chinese pronunciations, I don't really mind hearing their Korean accent in it. Some Chinese remakes of their songs sounded so much better, as if they're written for Chinese lyrics and reminded me of Taiwanese pop!

Here are some tracks in their A class Taiwan special edition:

My all time favourite, Good Bye Baby:

Bad Girl Good Girl

Breathe

Love Again

p.s. f(x) under SM Entertainment have Chinese members as well. Should I ask for a Chinese version of "Hot Summer"? :P

Additional links:
Allkpop: miss A makes their Chinese debut!
Soompi: miss A to Target the Chinese Market in November

The Limelight @ Miss Libertine

2011-10-02T22:23:00.000+08:00

16th of August 2011

A short note: By the time I wrote this, Ellie is no longer in a relationship with Leon. But let's see things as they happened, shall we?

Thanks to Ellie Chee, I watched her performed live with Leon Marcus Zachary at Miss Libertine.

The duo called themselves "Leonells".

Ellie has strong vocal talent. Other than praise, I'm just full of praise!

I was quite blown off by Leon as well.

My favourite song was Lucky. Lucky I'm in love with my best friend/ Lucky to have been where I have been/ Lucky to be coming home again/ Then I remembered Leon serenaded Ellie with a Marry Me. Romantic!

We have a friend visiting from afar...

She's Chammaine Tan!

Follow her on Twitter.

Wanna know more about Leon's music? Like him on Facebook and watch his covers on Youtube channel.

A revelation from Negarakuku

2011-10-02T19:47:00.000+08:00

In the early part of his rap he talked about durian being fragrant or foul smelling, depending on the "nose trills" you have. He was speaking in metaphor - an issue, depending on your point of view, may delight you or offend you. He was preparing your hearts to receive what's in his rap as you play it further.

Years later, I watched the controversial rap music video again. After these years, conditions in Malaysia have not improved. A monster will always be at its ugliest before its fall - you get what I mean?

In the late part of his rap, he talked about Visit Malaysia 2007 and promotion of cultures belonging to Chinese (and other races). Immediately, he continued asking [Chinese] not to blame the government for all discrimination on them, in the literal sense.

So this is a revelation that come to me:

You are proud to promote the exotic cultures of various racial groups, showcasing to foreigners about how diverse your country is; but you pay little attention to the plight of those racial groups! You are more interested in doing outside jobs to look good but you have neglected about the more important inside jobs.

A loyal word can be against our ear, but it is for one's own good. Who understands that?

Namewee FxxK Utusan Malaysia!

2011-09-29T10:13:00.000+08:00

The maker of the video has taken it down but there are more reuploads.

"Namewee Fxxk Utusan" 影片只有不到24小時的壽命, 就被移除了. 希望大家不要追問我原因, 相信大家心裡明白就好了... 在"Nasi Lemak2.0" 這部電影裡面, 我所要提倡的全民團結, 國家認同的概念, 顯然被很多人忽略了...讓我感到很遺憾. 懇請大家到戲院去看了電影在對我下評斷. 也希望大家不要被馬來西亞某些無良的媒體影響... 馬來西亞在我心中依然是全世界最好最美麗的國家!!! 加油啦! 明天不知道又會發生什麼事情了.... 爸爸媽媽對不起...
Source: Namewee 黄明志

Call us a banana democracy. The one who authored the media report in Utusan Malaysia is not a journalist at all, for she has violated the ethics of journalism. She is really a propagandist who works with a newspaper for the ruling party that owns it.

Utusan Malaysia (formerly Utusan Melayu) used to be a respected Malay daily in the age of pre-independence Malaya. Today, Utusan is a newspaper, shunned by well-educated Malaysians but still consumes paper to print, not monthly or weekly, but daily. What is the point of publishing a daily not respected and wastes unnecessary resources (material, manpower, time) to produce? At least have a consideration on the environment.

There is even more to say about this paper.

Criticism

Utusan Malaysia's credibility as a newspaper has come under fire from many circles for its blatant practice of double standards in its reporting, especially with regard to politically-related news.[1][2] Statements by Chief Ministers in Opposition-held states have been taken out of context, manipulated, or otherwise downright fabricated.[3]

Of late, Utusan has also stoked racist sentiments with provocative headlines championing the New Economic Policy and Ketuanan Melayu.[4][5][6]

In view of Utusan's extreme racist rhetoric, the former Opposition-led Perak state government staged a boycott against the newspaper, with other Opposition states following suit. A motion was also set by the Selangor state government to boycott Utusan while all Selangor state agencies and departments were told to refrain from buying the newspaper and to stop advertising in the newspaper, in a move to protest a short story titled "Politik Baru YB J" by columnist Datuk Chamil Wariya that appeared in the paper and depicted an assassination of a fictional character that portrayed Teresa Kok.[7] In addition, Teresa Kok has demanded RM100 million in compensation from Utusan Malaysia Chamil and the publication for defamation, demanding an immediate public retraction by Utusan and an apology to be published in newspapers of her choice, plus an undertaking that Chamil and Utusan will not repeat the allegations and comments contained in the article.[8] DAP has also filed a report against Utusan Malaysia, claiming Chamil was attempting to stir up public sentiments to carry out political assassination against Kok. [9]

Utusan has also been criticised for publishing very little international news; the Foreign News section typically consists of only two to three pages out of 50 pages in total.

In January 2011, the newspaper suspended a journalist, Hata Wahari, president of the National Union of Journalists, after alleging that Hata had brought the newspaper into disrepute and "insulted" its management.[10]
Source: Wikipedia article on Utusan Malaysia

Namewee was right about all who works in Utusan - all employees, from top to bottom, should go back to school. For all of them are liable to the sin of spreading lies and mislead the public.

Raja Petra Kamarudin of Malaysia Today has a good piece about Utusan as well.

"Korean Justin Bieber" Park Seong Min debuts!

2011-09-28T02:33:00.000+08:00

Just fresh from the oven! I watched his debut MV and instant caught on the fire of the song.

Labeled as Korea’s Justin Bieber, rookie singer Park Seong Min has released the MV along with his debut single album, “Beautiful Girl”.

With a pure boy image and originally hailing from Canada, he is known for his charms and ability to win over the hearts of many teenage girls.

“Beautiful Girl” is a bright and cheerful track with a trendy melody and medium tempo, composed by Shin Young Jae. The music video is directed by Han Chul Soo and features actor Ham Jae Hee (as a rapper), as well as actress Oh Ga Eun as his love interest.

Beautiful Girl music video:

"Echo" is another song in his debut album:

Do you think he deserves to be called the Korean counterpart of Justin Bieber? Or even better?

I think he should cover Justin Bieber's "Baby" to be called one!

Planetshakers "Heal Our Land" LJworship cover

2011-09-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

"Heal Our Land" is written this year by my home church Planetshakers. I am expecting this song to be included in an album next year; have a taste of it before you buy.

Meanwhile, support my church by purchasing their latest album, Nothing Is Impossible on iTunes.

Related links:
Planetshakers official Youtube channel
LJworship Youtube channel

So, what does the state religious departments do?

2011-09-26T21:50:00.003+08:00

From The Four Letter Word called SEX by Raja Petra Kamarudin:

The state religious authorities conduct raids to catch people indulging in illicit sex. Do the state religious authorities conduct raids to catch people involved in racism, persecution, discrimination, corruption, abuse of power, abuse of public funds, spending tens of millions of the taxpayers’ money for your wife’s shopping sprees, cruelty to animals, etc? Of course not! They do not care about all that. They only care about those people indulging in illicit sex.

So the state religious authority can actually be called ‘The Department of Anti-Illicit Sex’. It is not actually a religious department. It is an anti-illicit sex department. Millions of Ringgit of your taxpayers’ money is spent to employ thousands of officers whose job is to make sure that you only bonk your wife, and from the front, and no one else other than that and not from any other position other than the front.

Well said. Can I add another?

Our religious departments have the notoriety of snatching bodies during funerals. Apparently, this is also their job.

In what way does body snatching happen?

Suppose one of your family member has passed away and you're conducting the funeral according to your religious faith other than Islam. Halfway during the ritual, a few religious officers approach your home and say your deceased has converted to Islam a few days ago and yadda yadda yadda. The next thing that happens is an argument between you and the religious officers. In no time your case will make it to major newspapers in the country.

Haven't they have better job to do other than body snatching and sex policing? While not engaging in illicit sex (fornication/adultery) is important, aren't there more important matters to take care of? After a person has breathed his/her last, who else has better say on the funeral other than his/her immediate family?

The next question to ask, who will inherit the property of the deceased? Real Islamic law says that heirs have the right to inherit. The State only takes over one's property should there be no relative left behind (read: NO RELATIVE LEFT BEHIND, not "no Muslim relative left behind"!).

Before Wikipedia, we were treated as fools. Now, no more.

miss A's "Good Bye Baby" English cover

2011-09-25T21:14:00.001+08:00

I've always loved English cover produced by ashilia4life and her husband JDRelic! Do check out the rest of the covers in their channel.

Taeyang Wedding Dress official English version

2011-09-25T20:07:00.000+08:00

I know there is a Korean version of this song but I've never know Taeyang has released his official English version until today! There is an English cover by J.Reyez.

The lyric below is the original English version. This is in contrast to J.Reyez's cover version found on most lyric sites.

Some say it's not over till it’s over
But I guess it’s really over now
There’s something I gotta say before I let you go
Listen…

Can’t believe what’s goin’ on
Gotta keep my cool, be calm
When I heard you and he was screamin’ out of control
All I can think about is “No, no, no… he won’t
hurt the one I’ve cared for so long, long… Hell, no.”
I know we’re done, and now it’s none of my concern but how
can two be windin’ out from only weeks in goin’ out
Just makes me feel that what we had was real
Could it be or is it too late? (Oh, oh baby)

Baby
Listen to your heart, won’t let you down
Cause you should be my Lady
Now that we’re apart love will show how
Life carries on…

I’ve never felt so strong
Life can lead us to a happiness never ending
If we just know that we belong to each other
Never worry, grow as we go
See you in your wedding dress
I can see you in your wedding dress
I see you walking down in your … (wedding dress)
I can see you in your wedding dress (Oh, yeah)

I was never perfect no
But I’d never let it go to a point I’m ragin’, throwin’ making you uncomfortable
What he didn’t, did to you was unacceptable
You claimed everything was okay. That’s impossible
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Just know I’m here for you
All clear for you from night to sun
Gotta be near you, the feel of you gives me a rush
It makes me feel that what we have is real
It could never be too late

Baby
Listen to your heart, won’t let you down
Cause you should be my lady
Now that we’re apart love will show how
Life carries on…

I’ve never felt so strong
Life can lead us to a happiness never ending
If we just know that we belong to each other
Never worry, grow as we go
See you in your wedding dress
I can see you in your wedding dress
I see you walking down in your … (wedding dress)
I can see you in your wedding dress (Oh, yeah)

Baby girl you won’t regret
Come along just take my hand
Let’s start this journey livin’ life so beautiful
This happy hope that we spread, love and see
It goes deeper so deep from my heart (Whoa oh)

I’ve never felt so strong
Life can lead us to a happiness never ending
If we just know that we belong to each other
Never worry, grow as we go
See you in your wedding dress
I can see you in your wedding dress
Never let go… never let go

Cacao Green with Nuffnang Australia bloggers

2011-09-23T22:42:00.000+08:00

Months ago, had a chance to visit Cacao Green for a food review with Nuffnang Australia peeps.

That was my second time visiting Cacao. Previously, I had it with my church friends.

Violet LeBeaux

Cacao Green is owned by a Korean. The shop specialises in organic fat-free frozen yoghurt. These yoghurts are made in situ with materials imported from Italy.

These green yoghurt contains green tea, a premium grade tea with its characteristic taste known to tea enthusiasts.

Toppings can be added on top of yoghurt for variety.

Another dish to try at Cacao Green is their waffle. You mustn't miss these rich tasting chocolate waffles. It's overpowering.

Blueberry waffle with almond and walnut to top it off.

Green tea latte - Concentrated, strong, creamy and rich taste of green tea.

Hot chocolate, 60% Cacao. Bittersweet with hints of walnut and fruity flavours. Made from cacao imported from Brazil.

I took my experience to the next level by trying out 75% Cacao. The concentrated taste will simply take over the whole of you.

Violet, take 2.

Group shot before we left.

Alvina, marketing manager of Cacao Green.

Now, you tell me (part 2)

2011-09-19T10:08:00.001+08:00

This article, authored by me, has originally appeared on Malaysian Aspiration Program

In a Malaysian high school we had to study history as part of Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) [Malay: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysian (SPM)] as part of the graduation requirements. The syllabus is prescribed by the Malaysian government as they wanted us to know them, not necessarily the genuine facts we should know. What’s the point of getting a good grade in Sejarah SPM knowing that some parts of the syllabus were not the truth?

I am sure many are familiar with founding of Malacca by Parameswara circa 1400 A.D., as taught in history textbooks. If you care to look around, there exists many versions of the founding of Malacca: Wikipedia says that Sang Nila Utama fled Palembang and Parameswara was born in Singapura; Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals) makes no mention of the name “Parameswara”. Which story should we believe?

As raised by Professor Dr. Zainal Kling, Malaya was never colonised by British and remained merely as British protectorate. If the Malay states had existed as independent entities, they should enjoy the full sovereignty over their land just like Thailand did. By pointing that Malayan states were merely protectorates, Prof Zainal is right in the hair prickling terminology and semantics; however he has diverted our attention away from the essence of history – facts and reality.

The British were interested in natural resources of the Malay kingdoms and waited for a good opportunity to gain a foothold. Political conflicts involving ascension to the throne in the Malay kingdoms were really good ones. So they installed certain princes as Sultans of their respective states. In return, the Sultans were asked to sign treaties that contain certain obligations. The core of the treaties was that the Sultans agreed to receive a British officer whose advice must be heeded except in the matters of Malay customs and Islamic religion. In essence, this gave the British the colonial mandate. The British made use of their officers to exert political control over the Malay kingdoms. Wasn’t this no difference from being a colony? Do you merely call the Malay kingdoms as protectorates?

The Englishmen were more interested in the natural resources to fuel their industrialised economy but the Sultans had no say in most matters in their land. A consequence of British colonialism is parallel jurisdiction of religious and civil courts, which is overlooked in our history textbooks. This parallel jurisdiction is still causing problems today.

If Prof Zainal was right about Malaya not being colonised, armed rebellion by Tok Janggut, Dato’ Maharajalela, Dato’ Bahaman and the likes should not have happened. We would not see the reason for Tunku Abdul Rahman to lead a delegation to London to negotiate with the Englishmen. The British Parliament would not have passed a law for Malaya to become an independent nation. All struggles for independence would be in vain.

On the other hand, UMNO wants to claim all credit for nation building, especially on the independence of Malaya. Little do we know about Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya which predates UMNO, exerted a strong influence during her time. This organisation was given a mere mention in our textbooks but their role has been completely downplayed. PKMM was in fact the first organised movement to fight for independence of Malaya. An important fact that I want you to be aware of – that UMNO-MCA-MIC alliance was able to claim most of the credit for independence of Malaya was because the British had banned left wing political movement (PKMM included). This is akin to winning a race not because you can run fast enough, but the supposed winner didn’t win because he was removed for some reason. Also, not without support from the people who voted them in.

How long do we need to take to get our history right?

Now, you tell me (part 1)

2011-09-16T07:15:00.000+08:00

this is a post written by me originally appeared on the Malaysian Aspiration Program website

The recent remark made by Mat Sabu (PAS Deputy President) about Mat Indera (the Malay who led the siege against police barrack at Bukit Kepong) has sparked a huge uproar among UMNO Malays. If you rely on newspapers to know what he has said, let us forget about what we've read in the newspaper and listen from his mouth.

I have read the novel of Bukit Kepong as part of my Secondary Four KOMSAS syllabus. The novel is written by Ismail Johari who was a police. Knowing the author's affiliation immediately I'm wary of potential bias in portrayal of characters involved, both the protagonists and antagonists alike. Then we had a movie which has the same name directed by Jin Shamsudin. Knowing that Jins Shamsudin has connection with a party with political interest I am immediately put on guard of any potential conflict of interest. At the end of every scientific paper you must always declare any conflict of interest, the most being which party funded your studies, don't you?

So who's this Mat Indera, anyway? Before you say anything about him, you must know what he had done from his mother's womb to his tomb. There is no denial that he was the one who led the siege against Bukit Kepong police barracks, but why did he ended up in the Communist Party of Malaya, anyway? If you had read his Wikipedia entry, he was formerly in Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM) and its youth wing Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API) to join the quest to demand independece from Great Britain. Too bad, the British banned PKMM and other parties to crackdown against left-wing politics. Left with no choice, he joined Communist Party of Malaya to continue fighting against British assets. That is why I ask you to read the full story before you make any judgement.

Now I ask you to look at the bigger picture. What was the backdrop of Bukit Kepong incident, then? Cold War, that's correct. If you read history carefully that's also the period of Korean War - a proxy war between Communists and Capitalists - we still feel the effect today in the form of North-South Korean conflict. I reiterate again, it was the war between the Eastern bloc and Western bloc, though I refuse to make any judgement on who's the good and who's the bad guy at this point. Fitting the Bukit Kepong incident into the big picture should at least make some sense to you now - the fight between Communists and (capitalist) Britain.

Ultimately it's the victor who decides how to call history. The communists won in China, they were deemed heroes for liberating China. The same goes for Vietnam - Saigon renamed in honour of Ho Chi Minh City that stands until today. The communists didn't win in Malaya so they were labelled insurgents - not because they were real traitors but the victor decides to call them so. That is what is called the bias in historical interpretation. Had the Communist Party won their fight and established government in Malaya, what would you call Mat Indera today? Think about it.

Most of us study history in high school to pass exams. Or to remember the legacy and heritage of nationhood. But the most important lesson of all - all human beings and all parties have their own interests and will act accordingly to meet their interests.

Who's this Mat Indera?

2011-09-07T16:09:00.002+08:00

Mohammad Sabu of Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party has recently talked about Mat Indera who fought against the police during the Bukit Kepong incident. His claimed that Mat Indera was unfairly treated in history and we ought to relook at the incident.

The incident is one of the most intense fighting during the communist insurgency in Malaya. In history we are always taught who's the good guy and who are the bad guys. That the communists are always the bad guys and the police are the good guys. So in our hearts, we have been taught to exalt those who fought the communists and condemn the communists. In reality, sides involved in a conflict aren't as simple as we thought.

But many may have forgotten that Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) consisted of communists. They were one of the parties who fought against cruel Japanese occupation. But after the Japanese were driven off, it's the same communists who gave our forefathers a hard time.

After the British returned, the communist wanted to obtain independence by military action. You may be tempted to judge them with the standard you use today. But suppose you were living in that age, you did not have the benefit of foresight, all you could only do was to fight for whatever you believe in. Ultimately, the side which prevail will have the privilege to write their version of history.

Didn't the communist wanted to "liberate" the country out of bondage of colonialism? So they took up arms. But for the other side, they knew that the communists were disrupting peace on the people, so they joined the police force and entered Her Majesty's payroll. In short, the communist took up arms believing they should liberate Malaya but the British feared the spread of communism and took actions to stop it. If you were one of those people living at that time, there is no right or wrong answer for joining either side! But do you know what's in these people's mind? The communists were really fighting against colonialism and the other side was fighting for peace. To really understand history you must put on the glasses that sees things as they happen. You can't see them with your naked eye that judges by the standard today.

At the end of the day, we were taught to commend those who fought against the communists. I reiterate again that things aren't as simple. What I'll tell you - the police who fought, love peace and the people, but they had to serve with the British; the communists believed in independence and liberation and fought against British assets. In some sort of way, the communists were fighters for independence. What Mat Sabu has said appear to offend many, but it took intelligence to understand what he really meant!

Mat Indera gained prominence for his role in the Bukit Kepong assault. He remained in Communist Party of Malaya to fight for independence militarily. He's a fighter for independence in his heart though he didn't get to write his version of history.

Likewise, I can tell you about Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles. Read Acts of the Apostles from the Bible to know about Paul - all you need is just to be able to read in English. This person preached the Gospel to non-Jews (Gentiles) and converted many, but do you realise that Paul was also the same person who approved the stoning of Stephen (the first martyr) and persecuted the early Christians? How can a person who converted many Christians also persecuted many Christians?

Initially, Paul was the "bad guy" (antagonist). Later, after an encounter with Jesus Christ. he became a "good guy" (protagonist). However, if we simply call Paul of Tarsus, Apostle to the Gentiles as a "bad guy turned good guy", that's an embarrassing oversimplification. So, the question is, why does God choose a "bad guy" to preach the Gospel?

Now, pretend that you can see through people's heart and know what Paul thinks. Paul is a Jew and belonged to the sect of Pharisees. He wanted to serve God wholeheartedly. But the Pharisees hated Jesus and his followers so much simply because their influence on the community will be diminished (read: Jesus performed many miracles). Therefore, the Pharisees persecuted Jesus' followers at every opportunity. Paul was such a zealous person, loyal to his faith that he carried out the persecution. If you want to know why things happen you'll need to read the Gospels followed by Acts to know the full story.

Back to the story - we knew that Paul devastated the early Christians but why God choose him to preach to the Gentiles? He's actually a man after God's heart! So, Paul encountered Jesus while on his way to Damascus, the rest is history.

So, do we see Paul as the totally great person who spread Christianity to non-Jews? Likewise do you regard Mat Indera as the villain just because he was with Communist Party of Malaya? Treat historical figures fairly according to the circumstances they were set in!

So, UMNO wants to claim all credit for independence of Malaya. The rest has been forgotten out of the picture or have their role downplayed. But it was the communists who set the date earlier because British was compelled to hand over in bad economic circumstances after a major war. The UMNO-MCA-MIC alliance indeed have a big credit for independence - but no party can claim total credit.

UMNO resorted to this antic of smearing Mat Sabu and PAS for this little thing. What do I have to say? UMNO is a patient lying on his deathbed!

Guys can dance girls Endo Jidai

2011-09-01T22:42:00.000+08:00

Some hopping on Youtube lead me to parody artists Endo Jidai.

This is their cover-parody of SNSD Mr. Taxi.

They're dancing to Girl Generations' song with a more eloquent twist into it. What's more, some of them are guys and they're good at executing girl's moves! After looking at the video, the definition of dance cover and parody is challenged - what they did make it hard to classify into either, maybe half-half.

Check out their channel to view more of their SNSD parody.

G.NA Top Girl

2011-08-29T00:14:00.000+08:00

News of G.NA's comeback generated much anticipation from fans in July.

I was so captivated by her hit "Black and White". Her strong and dynamic vocal talent as a solo artist is really commendable. She was set to debut in a five-member girl group as the group leader but the plan was withdrawn due to financial problems of the agency.

Due to 3D filming of her MV, her comeback was delayed. I felt it was worth it for the additional viewing pleasure!

So here you are, her comeback song "Top Girl":

G.NA comes as a confident and mature girl enjoying the upper stratosphere of society.

If you enjoy watching it, wait for Banana MV which is from the same album! What's interesting about Banana is the banning of the MV from MBC broadcasting network. Never mind, that only drives more anticipation from fans!

Playing my role well

2011-08-11T22:22:00.000+08:00

At this critical period of my university studies, I am feeling the pressure to perform to live up to my name of a scholarship holder. Recapping my last semester, I'm glad to know that I've done well in one subject; on the other hand I'm not satisfied with the practical subject. The biochemistry practical subject (named Advanced Techniques in Molecular Science) is one of the toughest experience I have ever gone through.

Despite the huge amount of effort put into this demanding subject, the end did not justify everything. In fact, many were not. Frustration burns in my mind, but this is not an experience I'd like to repeat.

Time and time again during my study life, I have been hurt in due process, in some way or another, leaving a scar. Still, I do not call everything quit.

In my third year of university, I'm taking opportunities to handle social media and supporting meaningful causes.

Blogging has given me some opportunities. Now, I'm Chief Information Officer for Malaysian Aspiration Program. My background isn't in IT, but I draw my expertise from handling my own blog, from learning about nuts and bolts that makes up Blogger. There, I used this opportunity to learn about handling Wordpress.

Besides, I'm managing the Facebook page for ASEAN Student Games and also serve as the secretary in the marketing department. I'm performing secretarial duties for the first time, it proved to be challenging but I just simply love the experience of it.

In both cases, I have to play my role well and mustn't allow anything to hinder it.

Cheer 2011: the boys + CHARM's show

2011-08-02T12:50:00.000+08:00

After watching videos of the winners let's take a look at how the boys' team are doing.

The new Co-ed category is added this year to accommodate differing expectations for male teams. Cheerleading is no longer a girls' stuff - boys can join in the fun and have a niche to call their own!

Cheer competition in 2011 is a one day event as compared to two day in the past years.

Take a look at participants in the Co-Ed division, the one meant for guys:

Champion: Mickeymitez of SMK Damansara Jaya

First runner-up: Vulcanz All-Boys of SMK Seafield

2nd runner-up: Zodiac All-Boys of SMK Kepong
To date, I have found no video for this team. Please tweet me @biopolymath if anyone uploads it!

I'm also looking for footage of Voltage, which is a boys' team, from Johor. Tweet me if you find it!

Last but not least, CHARM performance!

Looking for more footages of Cheer 2011? Check out blackeyeliner207's Youtube channel!

Are you looking for full result of Cheer 2011? Follow this link on The Star R.AGE here!

Cheer 2011 champions and worthies

2011-07-31T17:49:00.004+08:00

Finally, I've viewed performance videos of Cheer 2011!

I wasn't aware that the Cheer competition for this year was a one-day event. Psychology of the competition was changed - teams only had once chance to make it and they gave their best shot at their only chance.

A new introduction to the competition is the Co-ed category for boys' team. Historically, cheerleading was started by boys. Today, cheerleading for boys has another set of expectations compared with girls; this new category is added to accommodate this difference.

Here are the videos I've picked:

Champion: Cyrens of SM Sri KL

Having made a surprise by winning the competition in 2010, they were successful in defending their title. Awesome!

First runner-up: Rayvens of SM Sri KL

Being a newcomer, shooting their way to the 2nd place is more than what I ask for Best Newcomer Award, if it was awarded this year.

Second runner-up: Titans of SMJK Ave Maria Convent

Fourth place: Calyx All-Girls of Catholic High School

Fifth place: Muriel of Pudu Girls' School

I was expecting the use of Kpop songs last year and here it is! Check out Muriel's use of Mr. Taxi and Run Devil Run by Girls' Generation aka SNSD.

6th place: Stompers SMK Bandar Utama 3

I've also watched Blitzerz of SMK Bandar Utama 4

In my opinion, the absolute standard of cheerleading in Malaysia has raised and witnessed the emergence of "new generation powerhouses". It's noteworthy to observe that the best people are present in Rayvens, the junior team of Sri KL. The dynamics of Cheer is now altered again.

Let's check out the boys' performance tomorrow!

After School Red: In the Night Sky

2011-07-27T21:18:00.000+08:00

Which concept do you like, the summery AS Blue or the sexy AS Red?

After watching comeback stage of AS Red on this song, I felt disappointed 'cause the concept of AS Red wasn't well potrayed. The song simply ruined the sexy concept intended for the subunit. Instead I like simple dance steps and the intimate tone of Wonder Boy by AS Blue.

A primer of dinner with Teresa Kok MP

2011-07-26T22:04:00.000+08:00

Was at Dragon Boat Restaurant, Little Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD for a business dinner with Teresa Kok and her presentation of Selangor as investment destination.

The dinner cost me quite a bit but I feel it was worth it. Teresa presented about economic opportunities in Selangor, especially the growing sectors namely aerospace, automobile and biotechnology industries.

It was an eight-course dinner. Made me satiated.

So this is Teresa Kok MP. I'm glad that she came to see Malaysians abroad and tell us what's happening at home.

I bought a paperback copy of Tony Pua's The Tiger that Lost its Roar to learn more about the Malaysian economy.

Cheer 2011 quick videos

2011-07-24T21:51:00.000+08:00

This year, I did not return to Malaysia to enjoy the annual high school cheerleading competition but I'm still interested to know about the competition for this year.

Here are two quick videos posted from The Star's channel:

Titans won third place in Cheer 2011

Cyrens retained their title

I miss the days when I carried a notepad around in the competition to record the results as they were announced.

Shall write more about Cheer 2011, no doubt I'm relying on write-ups from sources this time.

2NE1: Hate You

2011-07-24T19:45:00.000+08:00

The MV is fully animated. The song depicts a girl's anger at a man not worthy of her love and calls for an end to their relationship.

*the MV is subbed for your convenience

Mr. Taxi Korean version!

2011-07-23T21:31:00.000+08:00

Have a first listen to Girls' Generation Mr. Taxi in Korean, performed during 2011 Girls' Generation Tour in Seoul Olympic Statium.

Deportation of French lawyer William Bourdon

2011-07-23T20:55:00.001+08:00

William Bourdon (pictured) explained about progress of French investigation into the Scorpene submarine purchase scandal in Penang. Then, he was detained for more than four hours at Kuala Lumpur International Airport when his flight touched down.

He was asked to sign deportation papers in Malay. Most probably he don't understand Malay. Taking action against a person but denying information to him/her due to language barrier is a violation of human right. It's funny to hear that they're doing this on a human rights lawyer, furthermore Malaysia is sitting on the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.

The authorities refused to acknowledge that William is acting as a lawyer for Suaram; his detention hinder him from performing his job as a lawyer. This is an outright disrespect of the legal profession.

Something juicy must be inside the Scorpene submarine purchase deal. So, just sit back and follow the news :)

Related links:
French lawyer to be deported tonight - Malaysia Today
Scorpene scandal: Truth to surface soon - Free Malaysia Today
French Scorpene lawyer detained at KLIA - The Malaysian Insider via Malaysia Today
Scorpene lawyer deported, RM 16b in defence deal quizzed - The Malaysian Insider via Malaysia Today
Scorpene lawyer deported for visa violation - Free Malaysia Today
Bourdon's detention 'puts Malaysia back in limelight' - Malaysia Today
‘Bourdon deported because he knew too much’ - Free Malaysia Today

Cacao Green: premium frozen yoghurt in Melbourne

2011-07-23T15:43:00.000+08:00

On 25th of June 2011, I attended Nuffnang Food Bloggers meet up at Cacao Green to try out frozen yoghurt.

Toppings to choose include nuts and fruits.

Blueberry waffle. Very filling and delicious.

Frozen yoghurt: French strawberry with nutty toppings.

This is a Japanese green tea flavoured froyo.

Organic Brazillian chocolate 60%.

Where to find it?

Cacao Green
285 Swanston Street
(cnr Swanston & Lonsdale Streets)
Melbourne
3000 Victoria
Australia

Phone: +613 96549674

Opening hours:
10 am - 10 pm Sunday-Wednesday
10 am - 11 pm Thursday-Saturday

No GMO allowed? Think again

2011-07-23T12:11:00.000+08:00

Many European countries ban genetically modified organisms (GMO), regardless of whether the gene inserted are good or bad. Let's see what happen if ancient civilizations had the same policy...

Background: Most of the wheat species today are hybrids, in other words their genomes are mixed up, making them the earliest example of genetically modified organisms. Not all GMO are evil provided that you know what you're doing!

Source: Stripped Science at Nature.com Blogs

Technorati tags: genetics, genomics, agriculture, egypt, biotechnology

The true spirit of friendship

2011-07-22T22:47:00.001+08:00

Graduation news of Raja Sara, the daughter of Raja Petra Kamaruddin immediately drew congratulations from readers of Malaysia Today. I feel proud too for her achievement of finishing studies in university.

However news of her graduation immediately drew a personal attack from a fellow member of the ruling party, United Malays National Organisation. The hate letter, written in broken Malay, was posted prominently as an entry on the news site. For an attack, uncalled for to be featured prominently under the limelight, I am sure that Raja Petra has his purpose of doing so and he has indeed achieved it.

The purpose of showing us the hate mail was to show us how lowly people can be.

I was appalled by the fact - how can a person, well educated from a prominent institution mentioned in national history, the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, writes such a derogatory piece. The Malay College was a secondary school meant for the royalty and elites, but now admits commoners.

Personal attacks are unwelcomed in the first place; using blood relatives for the purpose of personal attack is worse & should be out of bound.

Raja Petra responded to this personal attack like a well-educated person would. He pointed out how another schoolmate, behaved in the true spirit of friendship, visited Raja Petra in Manchester, putting friendship first and difference of political affiliation second, or even last. He quoted graduate attributes of the school and concluded that "MCKK (Malay College Kuala Kangsar) has failed you terribly and what the founding fathers hoped MCKK would achieve has been lost on you. How MCKK failed you so miserably is beyond me and if this is what MCKK has produced, demonstrated by your comments (link). I can only conclude that an MCKK education has been wasted on you at a great loss to the taxpayers."

At this time, I have noticed my former schoolmates are starting to take their political stance, especially during this rough period of Malaysian politics. It's always tempting to react. When I read a status update from a fellow friend (a BERSIH supporter): "I saw you putting PATRIOT (the group affiliated with UMNO Youth) badge on your picture, I didn't unfriend you because you are still my friend."

That is the true spirit of friendship all of us should uphold to be the bigger person.

Girl's Day "Hug Me Once" interactive music video

2011-07-22T21:43:00.002+08:00

Girl's Day "Hug Me Once" features simple lyric with catchy tunes. I'm so addicted to it!

Taking advantage of Youtube, an interactive music video was released. You get to try your hands on while viewing the video, choosing between song, dance and game modes.

The game mode takes you to dating scenes with each member of Girl's Day, all but they ended a little too soon. How will your experience end with each member? You need to click yourself to find out!

Each member sports their unique charms. Between Yura, Hyeri, Minah, Jihae and Sojin, which member do you like the most?

p.s. This interactive music video sort of reminded me of something... Aha! It's the Ronnie Got Lucky directed by Liew Seng Tat, which made you install Internet Explorer 8 to watch one of the scene. The video also uses interactive control to mediate outcome of storyline. Too bad it no longer exists :(

Peter Mac Discovery Partners program

2011-07-21T20:55:00.001+08:00

Just came back from the launch of Discovery Partners at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in East Melbourne.

During the launch, Professor Joe Trepani, Executive Director of Cancer Research division at Peter Mac, mentioned that cancer survival rate has improved, thanks to active and ongoing research. This demonstrates how knowledge is changing and improving quality of life.

I have been contributing financially to research at the cancer research institute regularly for the past year. In return, Peter Mac recognise me as a Discovery Partner. As a Discovery Partner, I get to learn more about how my contribution translate into better outcomes in cancer treatment and making a difference in people.

Knowledge is power - scientists at Peter Mac are actively learning about cancer to find better ways of treating the disease. By contributing to research, you empower yourself and the future generations :)

Shall blog more about research at Peter Mac. Meanwhile, you can make a donation by following this link.

Raja Petra's daughter graduation from Middlesex University

2011-07-21T11:57:00.002+08:00

This is written in the style of allkpop entries of Kpop celebs sharing their selcas.

Sara, the daughter of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications from Middlesex University.

Raja Petra Kamaduruddin, well known for his insightful opinion on Malaysian politics, currently runs a popular Malaysian alternative news portal Malaysia Today. He was seen attending her daughter's graduation with his wife, Marina.

Netizens commented, "Sara looks like a Minster of Trade or Minister of Moreign Affairs material", "Congratulations and you you have all the right to be proud and happy with you achievement" and "May the FORCE be with you"

Source + photo: Malaysia Today

After School Blue: Wonder Boy

2011-07-21T10:05:00.000+08:00

After School, the eight-strong girl group split into two subunits to bring us more punch.

After School's Lizzy teases about her subunit.

The blue subunit debuts with an innocent and summery concept with their track "Wonder Boy"

Spot the white iPhone 4 in the MV :)

The song sings of a girl's developing feelings for a boy whom she formerly regarded as a friend, asking for a promise to love her forever.

Ibrahim Ali award?

2011-07-20T20:02:00.001+08:00

I bumped into my university mate on the street. We began chatting on a few issues that concerned our common homeland.

She started mentioning about this Ibrahim Ali Leadership Award for students of Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia. The main criterion for the award is doing something that benefits your own race.

Wait a minute... doing something for one's own race? The award criterion is narrow-minded in this age. I shared that coming up with award criteria that outline benefit to one's own country is dropping in their degree of relevance, furthermore the influence of states is slowly diminishing. Globalisation is pushing for a borderless world, as people of the 21st century we have to adapt to working in varying geographical locations. Nation states will need to respond to changing needs and come up with policies relevant to the world today.

It's no longer about states. Corporations are slowly taking over the influence. Look at the multinationl companies - they are the modern empire now.

What award I think are the most relevant? Those that list benefit to humanity as a whole, without regard to race, nation and economic background.

And what do I think this Ibrahim Ali of Perkasa? He's just another guy who you can choose to ignore :)

Additional link:
UiTM offers Ibrahim Ali award to students

2NE1: I Am The Best Japanese version

2011-07-20T13:27:00.000+08:00

The Japanese version retained the melody and arrangement but I don't feel this is as good as the earlier Korean version. I agree with fellow fans that substitution of some English verse has spoilt the song. Specifically, "Billion dollar baby" should have been retained.

I want to be an idol singer!

2011-07-20T09:12:00.000+08:00

Meet Yen Ho, a participant of CMG Idol 2011.

3 months ago, I attended CMG Idol 2011 in spite of busy schedule for assignments. Then something unexpected fell on me - winning an iPod touch 8GB by lucky draw on that auspicious day.

Coming up from Chinese Music Group (CMG) of University of Melbourne will be an annual musical production titled MULAN 木兰少女. I am following this with high expectations so stay tuned on Biopolymath.net for more details.

Bersih 2.0 article on "The Economist" censored

2011-07-19T21:08:00.047+08:00

I discussed about the recent Bersih 2.0 rally for free and fair elections with my university lecturer. When I returned and read Malaysia Today, I was surprised to read about censorship of "Taken to the cleaners" article on July 16th-21st issue of The Economist.

In the print edition of the magazine, heavy black permanent marker ink was applied by the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs to censor part of the article reporting on the Bersih 2.0 rally on 9th of July in Kuala Lumpur.

Readers were not permitted to read that:

One man died of heart attack
The march was declared illegal, a stadium was offered as venue but later withdrawn
Heavy handed approach by the police provoked anger
An inquiry into police brutality was concealed by the government
Video showing tear gas and water cannon at Tung Shin maternity hospital

An online version of the article is available intact on The Economist website.

I reproduced the full article with censored portion coloured red:

Political affray in Malaysia
Taken to the cleaners
An overzealous government response to an opposition rally
Jul 14th 2011 | SINGAPORE | from the print edition

MALAYSIA is one of South-East Asia’s stabler nations; but a rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 9th in demand of electoral reform turned surprisingly nasty, leading to the arrest of more than 1,600 people. The police fired tear gas and water cannon into the crowd, and one man died of a heart attack. All those arrested were released fairly quickly, but Amnesty International, a London-based human-rights group, called it “the worst campaign of repression in the country for years”. The government’s reaction showed a lot of nervousness about how much opposition it can tolerate.

In fact the crackdown started a few weeks ago after “Bersih 2.0” announced that it was going to stage the rally. Bersih, also known as The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, is a loose alliance of NGOs and activists (bersih means “clean”). It argues that all candidates should be given access to the mainstream media and that indelible ink should be used to stop people voting more than once. It all sounds uncontroversial, but not to the government. Bersih was declared illegal on July 1st and about 200 activists were rounded up. The march itself was then banned, although the authorities offered Bersih a stadium to meet in—and then withdrew the offer.

Perhaps the government was looking back nervously to the first Bersih march, in 2007. On that occasion, too, thousands protested against the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government and demanded reform. Subsequently, in the 2008 general election, the BN lost its largest share of votes since 1957 when it started ruling the country after the British left. The current prime minister, Najib Razak, deputy prime minister in 2007 before taking over the top job in an internal party coup, must have feared that the second Bersih rally might be a similar portent. He has to hold an election before 2013, but wants to do so earlier to win his own mandate. Opposition politicians were quick to join Bersih. The pre-eminent leader of the opposition, Anwar Ibrahim, was shoved to the ground and injured in the affray.

None of this bodes well for Malaysia. The heavy-handed police tactics have provoked a lot of anger; the government has conceded an official investigation into claims of police brutality. In one instance (caught on film), police seemed to fire tear gas and water cannon into a hospital where protesters were sheltering from a baton charge. Few old laws were left untouched in the attempt to round up suspects before the march. It was reported that 30 people arrested in Penang were investigated under Section 122 of the Penal Code for the charge of waging war against the king. Dragging in the constitutional monarch, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, seemed particularly desperate, reminiscent of the abuse of the monarchy’s position in neighbouring Thailand. On the eve of the rally, the king came out with a statement reminding everyone that “street demonstrations bring more bad than good, although the original intention is good.”

Mr Najib defended the police and accused the marchers of sowing chaos. Dismissing the motives of Bersih, he cast it as a desperate attempt by Mr Anwar to grab power. The immediate upshot is that Mr Najib may choose to delay calling for an election for some time, to let things settle down. He presumably hopes that if he waits long enough, people will have forgotten about this ugly incident. But the longer-term effects are hard to judge. It might also help to unite a fractious opposition against what they portray as an assault on democracy.

I don't understand why Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia would take such measures providing that the original material is available on the Internet in full? This is really a 1980-ish mentality in the Information Age of 21st century. What's more, information censored from the article are well known by well connected Malaysians. Maybe they want to prevent kampung people from reading the article? I wonder which people from small town will ever pick a copy of such magazine...

This is not the first time censorship of the magazine is happening in Malaysia. According to The Economist, Malaysia often censor articles deemed to offend Muslims. This time the censorship drew attention due to high impact of the Bersih 2.0 rally. The weekly has ranked Malaysia as the third country that practices censorship most, below India and China.

Additional links:
Censored: KDN blacks out the Economist - uppercaise
‘Economist’ report on Bersih rally ‘censored’ - Lim Kit Siang
Home Ministry censors Bersih article in The Economist - The Malaysian Insider
Censored: Magazine’s story on July 9 rally - Free Malaysia Today
Blacked out - Where The Economist is censored - The Economist

Good Bye Baby by miss A

2011-07-19T19:17:00.000+08:00

Just found out from allkpop about this new hit song on the Korean music chart, Good Bye Baby.

What garnered attention and propelled it to the top of music charts is its catchy and fun lyric.

Lyric of the song tells a story of a confident girl who dumps her indifferent boyfriend, known for his infidelity.

Enjoy how the girls say goodbye to their playboy by clicking the play button :)

Discovery Needs Dollars rally at State Library lawn

2011-07-18T20:15:00.003+08:00

12th of April, 2011

In light of federal budget cuts for medical research, scientists took to the streets to protest against it. The rally took place in front of the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne CBD.

The rally was held during one of the weekdays. After finishing my class for the day, I trammed to the city to participate in the rally.

What does budget cuts for medical research mean for student like me?

A reduction in research budget translates into fewer researchers, scarcity of grants, and ultimately, reduction in the number of research students. In other words, less scientists will be able to offer places for Honours and PhD projects.

Budget allocation in R&D is an investment into our future. New cures for disease come from the labs, not from your doctor's desk.

The sight of scientists protesting in their lab coats sends a strong signal to any that saw it.

Scientists are working behind the scenes to learn more about diseases and find treatments that could control progress of diseases, or even cure our suffering and pain.

Discoveries happen in the labs but they do not come cheap. To make them happen, highly qualified individuals are needed. Not forgetting that equipment and consumables in a medical research lab are expensive.

That's Professor Doug Hilton, Director of the famous Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

My lecturers were there too.

I met some geeky hot chics from the labs.

Looks like this mouse is unhappy over the budget cuts too.

Scientific research is an investment for a better life in the future. Discoveries need to be funded to make them useful. Whenever a budget is announced, I urge you to take note of the allocation for research & development (R&D). If you find anything detrimental in the budget, take action against it. You have the democratic right to do so.

Machine components + Sunset + iPhotography

2011-07-18T12:17:00.002+08:00

Biorefresher 1: Machine components made using CNC

Computer numerical control (CNC) can be used to produce intricate parts inside a machine. You don't usually see them but they are important to make your life work! This technology is driving our lives everyday behind the scenes. Read more about my visit to the technology centre.

Biorefresher 2: Sunset shot prior to Energizer Night Strike

These props were prepared for the finale of the first night paintball tournament in Malaysia and South East Asia. They were painted specially to glow in the presence of ultraviolet light. Find out more about my experience watching the battle.

Biorefresher 3: iPad photography at Cacao Green food review

An iPad is a device with 101 uses! While enjoying the delicious frozen yoghurt, we don't forget to take shots of the food using any mean we have, including the celebrated iPad 2.

Catching up with the Kpop wave

2011-07-16T21:03:00.000+08:00

4minute HyunA - Bubble Pop

Catchy and sexy

After School UEE - Sok Sok Sok

Like the MV since it taught me how to handle adversity with grace, not to be bound by limitations.

T-ara - Roly Poly

Takes me to the old times! Retro themes in Korean MVs is taking off eh?

Queen Elizabeth II in yellow - not a coincidence!

2011-07-16T13:07:00.000+08:00

Remember Najib's visit to Europe after #Bersih2 rally?

The following photo drew a huge response on the Internet:

Many focused on the Queen's yellow dress when greeting Najib. An observant netizen took notice of the flowers in yellow. It's claimed that the Queen dress and decorate in pink as to greet foreign officials. But in yellow this time.

News sources have reported that the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and the Queen were briefed prior to receiving Najib. They were aware of the situation in Malaysia. Perhaps, this is their way of expressing disapproval to an embarrassing guest.

Someone with awesome photoshop skills come up with this:

Editing of photo has special terms now. Photoshop is used as an everyday verb now, while usage of "doctor" emphasizes political objective behind the photo editing.

Pantun Kenegaraan Baru

2011-07-16T11:58:00.000+08:00

Memburu untung seekor walabi
Akan disembah kepada raja
Walau (parti) pemerintah saling bertukar ganti
Daulat negara tetap terpelihara

Hijauan hutan serempak tapir
Pergi maklum Indera Segara
Pemimpin wibawa bijak mentadbir
Perkasa rakyat makmur negara

Logam lembut kurang stabil
Masuk minyak berhenti mengurai
Menumbuk-rusuk jangan diambil
Itu punca hancur berkecai

Kofilin memintal aktin mematah
Hasilan ribosom di jasad Golgi
Ambil iktibar pecah perintah
Sentimen meradang semua merugi

Syair tuntutan BERSIH 2.0

2011-07-15T13:58:00.000+08:00

i.

Gabungan BERSIH ingin ke mari
Datang ke kota berpanji-panji
Masuk Agong mencapai kompromi
Stadium Merdeka itu lokasi

Perdana Menteri mungkir janji
Tidak pernah sebegitu keji
Meski penganjur sudah berjanji
Rapat umum dengan hati suci

Datang menjelang tanggal istimewa
Mata-mata kubukan ibu negara
Lebuh-lebuh raya sesak merata-rata
Makian pemandu tidak terhingga

Ketat kawalan sekitar kota
Laungan "BERSIH" masih melanda
Tidak kira puak bangsa
Menuntut pilihan raya adil saksama

Polis sekat suruh bersurai
Jelas tidak perlu dihurai
Harap dipinjam angin berbelai-belai
Zarah pemedih dibiarkan berurai

Grenad pemedih dilancar bertubi-tubi
Air kimia kepekatan tinggi
Mara mata-mata dengan gari
Lintang-pukang bertempiaran lari

ii.

Perdana Menteri memperli-perli
Pemedih mata tiada komplikasi
Rakyat Palestin tersedut pernah mati
Terkilan melihat tersinggung di hati

Kerajaan sudah hilang kreditabiliti
Tidak percaya tanya saksi
Rakyat sayangkan ibu pertiwi
Akhiri rejim dengan mengundi

Najib joked and downplayed effect of tear gas

2011-07-11T14:30:00.000+08:00

*translations provided in video in case you don't understand Malay

Just sit back and watch how the Prime Minister of Malaysia is the best stand up comedian of the year =)

Bersih 2.0 for Free and Fair Elections

2011-07-10T22:14:00.001+08:00

Bersih2.0 rally in Melbourne.

Chanted "We want free and fair elections and we want it NOW!. Not later. Don't need to wait for the coming general election. Clean up the election machinery now.

The organiser also updated us with events in Kuala Lumpur. By the time, 600+ arrests were made. We responded "SHAME!"

Photo credits: Ryan Lye

Photo credits: Hon Ru Jiunn

The rally in Melbourne went smoothly. Attendance estimated to be 2000+. But I was constantly reading tweets to update myself back home, in Kuala Lumpur.

Our friends in Kuala Lumpur did not have the privilege of a peaceful rally. All violence were from the police. Downtown KL was turned into a war zone.

Water cannon fired into hospital compounds. Wait, it's a maternity hospital. The last thing you want is newborns suffered effects chemicals. Inhumane and unacceptable.

It's UMNO-BN who's behind all these police brutality during Bersih2.0 rally. Police is just one of the government machinery which the ruling party can use. They've forgotten that they're the very people who put them into power.

The heart of the capital was locked down. Massive traffic jams outside the city. Selected rail stations were closed to prevent protesters entering Merdeka Stadium. Tourists were wondering why shops were not open. Economic losses on that day estimated to be RM 1 billion.

Cacao Green, Light Hearts, The Malay Chronicles and timekeeping

2011-07-05T21:19:00.000+08:00

Biorefresher 1: Cacao Green food review

Was invited to review Cacao Green at Swanston Street. The best frozen yoghurt in town!

Biorefresher 2: Australian premiere of Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa

Checked out this giant sculpture before the screening.

I am a Malaysian and proud of our home grown movie! Had a chance to watch Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa in Melbourne. The English title is called "The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines". The screening took place at Australian Centre for Moving Images at Federation Square.

We had supper after the screening at Chili Padi, Melbourne Central.

Biorefresher 3: Being a timekeeper

On what occasion I became a timekeeper? Find out more!

Anti-Israeli protest outside Max Brenner photo chronology + videos

2011-07-04T18:46:00.000+08:00

This is the chronology of the anti-Israeli protest at QV Square.

At first it was like this.

I went back to Old Town Kopitiam Mamak and returned later. Didn't know the time interval, sorry.

Much larger crowd watching from upstairs.

I don't know since when, the police charged towards the protesters...

The crowd upstairs started to chant: "This is not a police state."

I saw people dragged out from the protest.

Went back to my eating place again. When I left, I saw the police corner protesters to the places where QV escalators are.

Videos:

Victorian Police attack peaceful Palestine solidarity protest in Melbourne

Video description:

The Victoria police have viciously attacked a peaceful pro- Palestine demonstration in Melbourne's CBD on July 1st. In the largest political arrest in a decade, twenty protesters were arrested during the action against Israeli-owned Max Brenner store. The chocolateria in the Queen Victoria Shopping Centre is owned by the Israeli conglomerate 'Strauss group'; a company that provides "care rations" for one of the most brutal sections of the Israeli military, the Golani brigades. The protest occurred as part of the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the apartheid Israeli state. The peaceful picket was 'kettled' before leading activists were individually targeted, in what seems to be a new tactic from Ballieu's riot squad.

Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid BDS Melbourne Victoria video 1

Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid BDS Melbourne Victoria video 2

Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid BDS Melbourne Victoria video 3

Video description for Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid BDS Melbourne Victoria videos 1,2,3:

BALLIEU'S VICTORIAN POLICE VICIOUSLY ATTACK PEACEFUL PRO-PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION

The Victoria police have viciously attacked a peaceful pro- Palestine demonstration in Melbourne's CBD this evening. In the largest political arrest in a decade, twenty protesters were arrested during the action against Israeli-owned Max Brenner store. The chocolateria in the Queen Victoria mall is owned by the Israeli conglomerate 'Strauss group'; a company that provides "care rations" for one of the most brutal sections of the Israeli military, the Golani brigades. The protest occurred as part of the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the apartheid Israeli state. The peaceful picket was 'kettled' before leading activists were individually targeted, in what seems to be a new tactic from Ballieu's riot squad.

Civil liberties lawyer Rob Stary said "Tonight's arrests show the new Victorian government is prepared to criminalise legitimate dissent."

Demonstrators maintain that the offensive by the police was entirely unprovoked. Melbourne University student Abdul Aziz described the scene: "I was horrified by the police's unprovoked behaviour. All we were doing was speaking out against a corporation which boasts about their support for one of the most brutal militaries in the world. Then they just started grabbing people around the neck and dragging them away."

Coalition against Israeli Apartheid member Omar Hassan, one of the arrestees, remains defiant. "The aim of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement is to draw attention to the racist and militaristic policies of the apartheid state of Israel. It came as no surprise to me that the Police would use violence against critics of Israel. Pro-Palestine activists face serious repression around the world, just last year the Israeli navy
murdered nine activists on the Mavi Mamara peace ship."

Protesters vow to return on the 29th July

Anti-Israeli protest at QV Square

2011-07-03T00:50:00.001+08:00

Friday, July 1, 2011

Was having dinner with fellow friends from interstate universities at Old Town Kopitiam Mamak. Suddenly a large crowd appeared.

Turned out that the cause was supply of ration packs for Israeli soldiers by Max Brenner. Protesters refused to move from QV Square and turned violent.

Full chronology of the protest in photos coming later.

News link: Anti-Israeli protesters arrested in Melbourne

[UPDATE]

I learnt that it was the police who cracked down on the peaceful protest. The post with more photos and videos here

Megatex 2011 at Sunway Pyramid

2011-06-30T20:32:00.000+08:00

14 January 2011

I arrived at Sunway Pyramid early on the day that led up to the final of FHM Girl Next Door. That gave me extra time to spent visiting Megatex 2011 held at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

Megatex is a consumer fair of furniture and consumer electronics.

I didn't know about an exhibition happening until I received a flyer at the Sunway Pyramid entrance.

Hisense is a brand from China. Anyone knows Hisense Arena, an indoor stadium in Melbourne?

Eye candy, I got. Want sexy, go PC fair.

There I had an opportunity to try my hands on BlackBerry Torch 9800.

I like the fact that BlackBerry showgirls weren't just for show/eye candy. They are actually knowledgable in the products.

There was a huge bear on display on a bed.

God of Wealth for prosperity. Encountering one brings good luck.

Showgirls were not common sight. I'd say good enough considering it's a furniture fair.

Besides that I got to try my hands on Samsung Galaxy Tab and a robotic vacuum cleaner too.

P1 Wimax Potong Saga

2011-06-29T14:56:00.000+08:00

Starring: Namewee
Director: Ho Yuhang

A laugh-out-loud film about a Chinese boys misguided attempts at opening an Islamic bank account.

*English subtitles included

Super hilarious! I laughed so hard while watching it.

Yellow Fever

2011-06-28T19:29:00.001+08:00

#Bersih2.0

Source: Lim Kit Siang

I Am The Best MV by 2NE1

2011-06-28T16:52:00.002+08:00

I am not used to listening hip-hops, but this party dance track is converting my opinion of them. Feels like hip-hop at its best.

I like the last part when four of them go trigger happy. Shoot shoot shoot the CDs 没有任何东西更过瘾.

Bom rattattatta ttattattattatta - I am simply the bestest!

Source+photos: Allkpop

If You are a Malaysian, this concerns your future

2011-06-28T11:40:00.001+08:00

This video takes 10 minutes of your time. If you are a Malaysian, I strongly recommend you to watch it to know what's happening.

Having a university degree but we ended up worse off than Amahs 30 years ago, in terms of purchasing power. As mentioned in the clip, we will be labelled as poor not because of our lifestyle, our qualification, our social or how much we have done but our diminishing purchasing power.

Why social problems is so rampant in Malaysia? Take piracy as an example. Piracy is costing IT and entertainment industries so dearly for their hard work not getting returns. If you take a look at how genuine products are priced in Malaysia:

An album (full length or mini) cost at least RM 20-50
A movie DVD will cost around RM 20-40
A copy of Microsoft Windows 7 sells at RM 525 at launch

Considering that an average Malaysian household earns RM 2k-3k per month in the city, wouldn't the pirated option be more viable for them?

Pirated albums and movies sells at ~RM 5 per copy at the night market
Softwares can be bought at RM 5 per copy
If you don't mind paying for Internet and wait, music/movies can be downloaded for free

If I earn $2k per month, I don't really mind paying for at most $2 per song or $16 per album.

Why piracy is so rampant in Malaysia is not because we purposely want to pirate your copy of software or music. We earn so much less compared to our Western friends so the incentive of pirating stuff is much higher compared to buying genuine products. By the time those syndicates were taken actoin against, fining them is nothing because they've made enough profits to pay for the fine.

Most of the pirated stuff are in homes. Nobody openly admits it but looking at how much Malaysian earns, you know the answer in your heart. If you do a mind experiment now, by probability you can find pirated CDs in almost any Malaysian home.

In Aussieland, the moment your ISP found out you're torrenting large amount of media content, you get a warning letter already. They took action quicker. So don't play play.

You block websites like Piratebay to curb illegal content download and the next thing you get is hacking of government websites. Out of all targets, only Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission was prepared for attack. The rest were not spared - not even the Police's. I don't support the use of hacking but it served the government of Malaysia right because they didn't get our economy in shape.

So I appreciate if you have taken your time and watched the clip above. With nine years more to Wawasan 2020, how are we going to achieve high-income, advanced nation status by then, at the current state of affairs.

This is what Bersih2.0 is all about. We are not able to put up with such a regime anymore. Even if I don't enjoy the fruit of development right now, I can't afford to watch my children suffer.

If you don't care about Malaysian politics, I urge you to care about your future earnings and your children in Malaysia for the very least. If things doesn't work, change it. There is nothing wrong with opting for the alternative.

T-ara Yayaya mini English cover

2011-06-28T09:05:00.000+08:00

Original Korean lyrics actually make no sense but I love the cute girls!

Subscribe to this channel to see more of Kpop English cover: ashilia4life

Song Ji Eun - you can do it!

2011-06-27T15:43:00.000+08:00

First things first: I only have partial understanding of Hangul. At the present time, I can distinguish each syllable in spoken Korean but I don't know what they mean. Thanks to Kpop blogs written in English, I can enjoy Kpop at a higher level without language barriers. Music transcends language, you just need to have an eye for it.

Lately, I have been watching Immortal Song 2 to listen to Korean hits since I was born and to learn more about vocal abilities of Korean singers of my generation apart from their originals. I find myself watching Korean TV shows more than Australian shows now, although I can never understand Korean fully without subtitles.

How do I watch Immortal Songs 2 separated into cuts on Youtube? I watch Ji Eun's performance first.

After that, I watched the result announcement to check my favourite singer's placing. Lastly, I watch the rest of the singers for comparison and to find out why my favourite singer was placed first or last.

Turned out that Ji Eun wasn't great when compared to 5 other idol singers. What a tinge of disappointment but let's accept the result.

Although SECRET’s Song Ji Eun showed a completely different side this week, she placed last again – causing her to burst out into tears.

On the June 25th episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘Immortal Song 2‘, the mission was for the idol singers to sing a ‘1992 Top 10 KPOP hit song’. On this day, Ji Eun reinterpreted Lee Hyun Woo’s “Dream“, overcoming the limits of her feminine voice to show a tougher side, displaying a complete transformation.

However, although Ji Eun was confident on stage, she received a poor grade. Crying, she shared her feelings towards her group stating, “I feel like I’m damaging SECRET” – showing her disappointment in the results. She added that, however, she learned a lot while participating on the program and that she felt that many people were cheering for her.

In addition, Ji Eun chose Min Hye Kyung’s “My Life is Mine” as the song to perform for the following week, turning her focus on performing well for the next competition.

Ji Eun, disappointed with her result, added that she may have damaged her group SECRET. Being the main vocalist of her group, it's not hard to see why.

Speaking about Ji Eun's performance, I can say that she has not chosen the wrong song. Oh, Ji Eun, this isn't your limit. Seemed that you have hold back much of your ability inside. You can do more, and I want to see more of you. I know fans of SECRET are still cheering for you.

Let's hope for the best this coming week, and see whether Ji Eun is able to break this "spell".

Source+photos: AllKpop

LiveProfile + Jieun at KBS Immortal Song 2

2011-06-26T21:45:00.001+08:00

Biorefresher 1: LiveProfile on iPod touch

Thanks to Melanie Hwa, I've started using this chat app for iOS. It's chatting time, anyone?

Biorefresher 2: DNA on Molecules app

It's the famous double helix in Molecules app. Download the app in iTunes to see beautiful molecules and protein structures.

Biorefresher 3: Jieun on KBS Immortal Song 2 episode 4

Compared to the other 5 contestants, she felt bad for damaging her group SECRET after consistently ranking last in each episode of the show. My say is...