Speedcuber

GOODBYE

2006-06-06T23:56:00.000+08:00

I have moved to http://speedcuber.wordpress.com/

Skeptical

2006-06-06T22:28:00.000+08:00

You Are 64% Cynical

You're a full blown cynic... and probably even skeptical of these results.
You have your optimistic moments, but most likely you keep them to yourself.

How Cynical Are You?

...and another day passes

2006-06-05T23:15:00.000+08:00

...quite uneventfully, I may add. Apart from tuition, where I found out that my Chinese paper II was quite...heh, heh, nevermind. I also managed to find a book in Woodlands library I've been awaiting for some time, only to find that I couldn't borrow it. (I assume the reason was because it was reserved, same thing happened once before, also at Woodlands. They should really be more careful with their reserved books, or accidents might happen.../evillaugh). In any case, I was unable to check it out until I realised that the sensor system at the entrance was giving them problems (i.e. randomly beeping on and off with that esoteric tone every few minutes)...and well, you can guess the rest ;)

Dealing with Depression

2006-06-04T22:31:00.000+08:00

Lethargy and laziness can be very dangrous, if not handled correctly.

I desperately need something to awaken me from this drunken stupor I am in, something to snap me out of this lifeless trance which has engulfed the past 5 days of my holiday. In any case, something is definitely not right.

Perhaps it is true. Perhaps, I have indeed left a part of myself in the US, a part of myself which I may be destined never to reclaim. Understandably, I feel myself wanting to relive those glorious two months during the year-end break of 2004, where everything seemed so surreal, so perfect. What I cannot come to grips with is, why do I at the same time want to relive those months when my family and I were separated, when my life was a shambolic mess in terms of schoolwork, a time where I just existed without anything to push me forward, to spur me onward. This is something which I cannot explain, something which my finite mind cannot fathom. Perhaps it is Stockholm syndrome, a somewhat warped version of it.

Something must be done, to keep the usage of my time wise. I don't ask for much, just that every waking moment be spent fruitfully, that I may be able to give a good account of myself on the day of reckoning. I must be off to work now then, for the night cometh. Amen and amen.

a cube and a box of pencils

2006-06-02T14:25:00.000+08:00

This is my tribute to Ding. I am not going to try to express everything in words, because any attempt to do so would result in failure...anyways, let us proceed...

I don't know how you did it. How you managed to cope with everything so well. How did you ever manage to finish all your work with commitments in choir, BB, and to top it all off, those really early bedtimes? Above all that, how did you still find time to play soccer every recess, and finish everything despite staying as far away from school as you did, and having to spend the extra time commuting each day (like me, unfortunatley, but I have never come anywhere close)? And how on earth did you manage to get work done on your table, which was forever cluttered with mountains of rough paper? How did you manage to consistently evade the system by eating in class almost every day?

I hope you get the point. Ding was an amazing person, someone who managed to thrive in class despite the odds that were so heavily stacked against him (I am willing to bet large sums of money that most of you probably never considered this seriously...), someone who was always reliable, patient and kind. His presence will be sorely missed during his temporary absence.

Take care Ding.

P.S. I hope you like the cube. And the box of pencils.

New best.

2006-05-28T21:46:00.000+08:00

Average: 24.40 seconds
Individual Times: 20.76, (31.33), 26.55, 20.74, 24.75, 20.34, 25.08, 20.97, 28.02, 26.94, 29.81, (20.22)

June, 2006

2006-05-23T17:51:00.000+08:00

I have a bunch of goals for this year's June holidays. Some ambitious, some not so ambitious.

First, the boring stuff:

1. Finish homework
Right now this includes the lang arts thing (and hopefully I can get it done before the holidays. Hopefully.) and a chess writeup I have to do for the school magazine. There's also the small matter of some chinese essays, but I have no idea what that was about so that's not very high on my priority list atm.

2. Study
This goes on the list every year, but anything rarely gets done. Hopefully I can get some in this year (I said SOME, I don't intend to mug by brains out). I need to brush up on some stuff, but abit blur on how to go about doing it :-S. Nevermind...we'll see how this one plays out ;)

Then we have the not-so-boring stuff:

1. Learn OLL
I will probably have to compile a master list of various algs, but I think I already have the majority of what I need. Hopefully I can hit sub-25 by the end of the hols. Hopefully.

2. Read comics
No. I'm not joking.

3. I will probably have to get my hands out some other game that can keep me occupied for the rest of the little free time I have during the hols. Note that SK does NOT count.

Anyways, this 1 month will make or break things...somehow I doubt I'll have enough time next year to enjoy whatever I want to do during the hols...so I gotta maximise the time spent this year...

Cubers

2006-04-25T19:37:00.000+08:00

First, a smashing of my personal best...

The Scramble: U L2 F2 U' D F R F' D R D' R2 L B2 F2 U L2 B' R2 F2 R' B' D' L F2

The Solve:
XCross: y2 D F' D' R' D' R' D'
BR slot: y R' U R U2 R' U R
FR slot: R U R' U R U' R'
BL slot: U L U L'
OLL skip
PLL: U'y' + T-permutation

The Timing: At 19.03, this is my first ever sub-20 solve...average still ~35 though

Retrys: 16.xx, 17.xx, 14.xx, 14.xx, etc etc

Was just thinking about the number of cubers in our class, which has incresed of late...in order of when they could solve it fully without help (to the best of my memory)

First off, myself...

Phil (~mid-nov 05)

Then...

Kenny,
Bong,
Fab,
and Sloke

...who learned it in roughly that order around the same time. I know I taught bong bF2L on the bus to kluang, which he taught Kenny there. I'm not too sure about the other 2 but I think they could more or less do it by the end of Feb...and then we have

Tim

...who already knew bF2L previously, didn't take him too long to learn LL (thereby proving my theory that it's pointless to try learning LL without mastery of bF2L, but that's another issue altogether). After that we have

Sean

...who only picked it up quite recently, after 1 week of bF2L practice...followed by

Justin and Joash

...not too confident but getting there...

Others who know beginner F2L:
Ding
Elliot
Eliel

Who's going to be next?

helo

2006-04-09T15:03:00.000+08:00

Haven't updated this in awhile...so I thought I'd post my new best timing and average (after lubing...it really helps alot ~ reduced my average by 8-10 seconds or so =))

----- JNetCube Best Average for Wed Apr 05 22:09:14 SGT 2006 -----

Average: 32.06

Fastest Time: 22.59
Slowest Time: 45.88
Standard Deviation: 03.80

Individual Times:
1) 31.88 R2 B' L2 U2 F2 R2 U D2 L' F2 L' R F R' F B' L' R2 F' B' U2 R L D2 B
2) 26.48 D' B2 L B2 U2 L F U2 L2 B L' U2 F2 B U' L' R' B L R D2 R F R' L
3) 29.44 D2 U2 R D' L U F2 R L2 B R U' D2 R U2 L' U2 B R B' F D' L F2 U'
4) (22.59) F' B' U' F' R2 F' U R B' D2 L B D2 B2 D2 U B2 U' L2 D' R2 B2 U2 B2 U
5) (45.88) R D B U2 R L B F2 U2 F U2 R U B' R2 F2 L2 F' U R' D U2 B L2 F2
6) 31.77 U B U L U2 F' B R' U R2 D R' D2 U B2 D2 B2 U2 L B U' L D2 R2 F2
7) 30.34 F' L R2 F' U L2 U2 D F' R2 U2 L' B' F2 R' U L' R D2 U' R2 D' U2 R' F
8) 27.92 D' F' D U B U D2 L B L R2 U' R D' R' B U' F L U R' L' U2 R D'
9) 37.84 L U2 D R' L2 D' L2 F' L' F' L' B R2 U' B2 L2 D R' D2 F2 R' F B' D B'
10) 37.70 R2 D2 F L2 F U' D' B2 D2 L D2 B U L2 F L' B' L2 D' U L2 D' B2 D F
11) 34.58 U' L2 F L' F' D' F' D F2 D2 L2 D2 F2 R2 B' U' R B L2 R' B' D' R U R2
12) 32.62 R' F R D R' L F2 L D2 R L2 D' R D B F L U2 B2 F' R D' F' D2 L'

47.22

2006-03-16T13:50:00.000+08:00

----- JNetCube Best Average for Wed Mar 15 22:11:54 SGT 2006 -----

Average: 47.22

Fastest Time: 37.92
Slowest Time: 51.72
Standard Deviation: 03.90

Individual Times:
1) 50.61 R' D2 B L' D2 U' B R D2 L' R B L2 U' R2 F2 D2 F' D F2 D' R' L2 F U2
2) 40.84 D' U' B' L' D' R2 L2 B U B F D2 L R2 F2 U2 L' F L2 R' B' F' U' B2 F
3) 50.17 B U' R U2 B' L2 D U2 B U2 D2 L2 B U' F D2 U' F B' R D' F L' B' R
4) (37.92) B' R B U' D2 L U D2 R2 L2 F2 D2 L' F L2 F2 U R2 D R L' B F' R B
5) 51.33 U L D' L' D2 U B' R B' U2 D2 L' F2 L' U2 B2 U R2 D2 R F' R2 B2 F R
6) 46.17 B' R U2 B2 F L' D' R L2 F B' L' R2 F' R L F B2 R' U R' U2 B2 L B'
7) 40.61 F B L' D U R2 L F' R2 D2 F D' L' D L U2 D2 R' F D' R L2 D2 R2 F'
8) 48.69 R' F L2 F2 D' L2 U' F2 R' L' F' B2 U2 F2 U' F U' L' F' U D' F' B R L'
9) 49.33 D B U B2 D F2 U R L B' D U' B2 U' F' D F' L F L D2 F2 D U2 L2
10) (51.72) B2 R' B2 D B U R' L' B U2 L' B2 D2 F2 U2 L B2 U' L' R F2 L' F2 B' U'
11) 49.19 F U' F' R2 F R' U' L' F U2 R2 B L' R F2 R' L' D R' L U R D2 L B
12) 45.27 R' L U' R L' B U2 F' D2 U2 L2 F2 L2 D' B' F' U2 L' D' R' B' L2 U' B D2

Dumb or Smart?

2006-03-15T21:02:00.000+08:00

"The thing is...a dumb guy can't say he's dumb because that's smart, so he wouldn't be dumb after all. And a smart guy can't say he's dumb because he'd be wrong so he wouldn't be smart. But if a dumb guy says he's smart, that makes sense because he'd be wrong which is dumb which is what he is, and a smart guy who says he's smart is fine too, because he'd be right. So no matter if you're smart or dumb you've got to say you're smart."

'William Shakespeare wasn't too well-known for his mathematical prowess, so when he had to include this formula in his long forgotten play Henry XII part 5, it went like this:

Act VIII scene 27

Trigonomo (a servant):

If a triangle has no right angle
And the area needs to be seen,
Multiply half by two of the sides
And the sin of the angle between.

Lady Radiana:

Fie, fool, and get thee gone
with thy clumsy rhymes ere
I perforate thine buttcheeks
with my dividers.

[Exeunt]

New Best

2006-03-12T22:39:00.000+08:00

B' D R' F D' L' F2 U D' B F R F' D' F R2 D2 L2 R2 B R2 D2 L' B R

Time: 36.48

F2L and OLL weren't particularly easy...but I got a PLL skip ;)

SUB-50!!!

2006-03-08T22:36:00.000+08:00

54.61 47.81 51.14 51.25 55.89 43.66 48.49 (39.35) 42.72 (58.13) 52.24 48.35

Your current average: 49.62

Fastest time: 39.35 (discarded)
Slowest time: 58.13 (discarded)

54.59

2006-03-07T19:55:00.000+08:00

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th. 6th.
52.69 47.55 1:03.5 (44.67) 53.55 59.86

7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 11th. 12th.
49.05 (1:06.8) 45.88 1:04.24 1:01.92 47.63

Your current average: 54.59

Fastest time: 44.67 (discarded)
Slowest time: 1:06.8 (discarded)

Sub-55

2006-03-02T19:10:00.000+08:00

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th. 6th.
57.14 48.53 1:00.22 47.19 53.1 59.83

7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 11th. 12th.
56.38 51.24 50.91 1:15.88 45.2 1:02.89

Your current average: 54.74

Fastest time: 45.2 (discarded)
Slowest time: 1:15.88 (discarded)

Cheating

2006-03-01T23:57:00.000+08:00

R L D2 F' U2 F U' D2 F D2 B' R U2 F2 D2 F' L2 F U2 L U2 F R B' F

After many tries using this uber-scramble, I finally got sub-30 with it.

Timings on this scramble include:

54.24 34.5 46.77 47.06 31.66 59.47 34.17 29.27

56.54

2006-02-28T21:44:00.000+08:00

Looks like I have outdone myself yet again...

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th. 6th.
56.66 50.17 1:05.66 (41.83) 59.34 46.92

7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 11th. 12th.
1:05.46 57.63 (1:11.6) 54.67 58.27 50.64

Your current average: 56.54

Fastest time: 41.83 (discarded)
Slowest time: 1:11.6 (discarded)

Sub-60!

2006-02-19T19:31:00.000+08:00

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th. 6th
1:04.24 1:02.67 1:20.75 1:03.95 59.05 59.11

7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 11th. 12th.
53.49 46.39 51.53 39.64 1:12.91 55.49

Your current average: 58.88

Fastest time: 39.64 (discarded)

Slowest time: 1:20.75 (discarded)

Best average of session: 58.88
Fastest time of session: 39.64

A Sense of Urgency

2006-02-19T16:27:00.000+08:00

"I will try to have a greater sense of urgency throughout the experiment, bearing in mind that there are time constraints (and also that my next period is recess, during which my stomach needs to be filled, and also that my thirst for soccer must be quenched at all costs)"

SMASH!!

2006-02-15T12:52:00.000+08:00

00:37.27

The scramble:
F' B U2 D2 F' D L2 D2 U B2 R2 L2 F' R' F2 R F L2 B2 U2 B' F' U L2 F

2 x 2 x 1 block already present. Relatively easy F2L and 6-move OLL. PLL was a 3-corner A-permutation

Uproar

2006-02-14T20:35:00.000+08:00

unnamed classmate: do you have a lesson prepared for us today, sir?
unnamed teacher: yes
*muted laughter and giggles*

It's Official

2006-02-14T17:54:00.000+08:00

I found this really good computer timer for the cube and I've been testing it. It's the first time I've had to set-up the cube using randomly-generated algs so I'm still getting used to it...also the first time I've actually taken an official average...it was 1:03.somthing

System used: timing of 12 cubes taken with 15 seconds inspection each. Fastest (48.68) and slowest (not sure, but i think it was still sub-80) times discarded. Average of the other 10 solves taken.

Speaking of which...I need to finish learning PLL, been procrastinating for some time already. I think there are 7-9 more I need to learn.

RAWR!!!

2006-02-13T18:44:00.000+08:00

I just clocked 44.06 ... heh

The solve was lucky though...totally skipped PLL...

How NOT to spend your weekend

2006-02-12T21:08:00.000+08:00

I go through the ritual every week...it's called wasting my weekend away. Amazingly, I come up with new ways to do this every week. These methods range from getting sick to sleeping too much to other ridiculous stuff like staying back for TF meetings I shouldn't be at :-S

168 hours a week...how do I spend it?

Lucky 70

2006-02-04T17:57:00.000+08:00

hmm...been getting a bunch of sub-70 timings over the past 2 days...but it seems I get all the easy PLL positions (i.e. the ones I actually know how to solve in 1 look)

also learned new alg, one of the 2 edge-2 corner ones (F2L'U'rU2l'UR'U2)

Or it could also be that interesting phenomenon when every cube you do is just that much faster when there is no pressure...anyways, I'm still closer to sub-60 as it is.

Exciting, isn't it?

PS. note to self-reminder not to cube so much on weekends when there is actually alot of hwk to do, unlike this weekend.

Rust

2006-02-02T22:35:00.000+08:00

First time cubing after almost a week (well-not really, but meh)

Inspection with the E layer turned 45 degrees is well...annoying :-#

Cube is in somewhat better condition (turns more smoothly but it will never approach that of an authentic cube...pity)

I was doing some math about # of total algs needed and I came up with the following approximates.

standard F2L - total: 42; known: ~10 (wild guess)
orienting last layer (OLL) - total: 57; known: 8
permuting last layer (PLL) - total: 21; known: 10

total algorithms: 120; known: 28

I think I'll finish up PLL (no idea how long this will take), then move on to other F2L algs and then OLL.

In other news, I have to do some important prize presentation for chess tomorrow. How terrifying.

...

2006-01-30T10:39:00.000+08:00

"Some people are amazed when I show them I can solve Rubik’s Cube, but I think anyone with a brain can learn how to do it."

...

I suppose that's true...but it just sounds...wrong...

"It’s really much easier than it looks to someone who doesn’t know anything about the cube. All it takes is about 5 move sequences. A lot of these sequences will be easy to understand."

More accurate

..

2006-01-28T10:13:00.000+08:00

"Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mahomet, and Napoleon; without science and learning, He shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and schools combined; without the eloquence of schools, He spoke words of life such as never were spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of any orator or poet; without writing a single line, He has set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art and sweet songs of praise, than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times. Born in a manger, and crucified as a malefactor, He now controls the destinies of the civilized world, and rules a spiritual empire which embraces one-third of the inhabitants of the globe. There never was in this world a life so unpretending, modest, and lowly in its outward form and condition, and yet producing such extraordinary effects upon all ages, nations, and classes of men. The annals of history produce no other example of such complete and astonishing success in spite of the absence of those material, social, literary, and artistic powers and influences which are indispensable to success for a mere man."

Record!

2006-01-25T23:10:00.000+08:00

Sub-60!

Today I clocked a time of 56 seconds using Zephy's authentic cube.

I also clocked a time of ~40 seconds from a cube not messed up properly

2006-01-19T17:29:00.000+08:00

Cubing

2006-01-10T19:51:00.000+08:00

As this article goes to press, I just broke my personal record...which now stands at 1:22

Misc. personal stuff for me to remember

Stuff I know/need to learn

OLL algs: 4/7 (for 3-look LL)
PLL algs: 7/21 (all the easy ones!)

Stuff to note/improve on:

F2L speed (currently averaging ~50 sec)
Need to start doing cross on bottom
Get a real cube
Learn some finger tricks

Pray to God for...

2005-12-21T23:56:00.000+08:00

Things we should hope for in the upcoming school year

1. Shorter school hours (not going to happen, but we can always pray real hard)

2. Less SJAB

3. Less CASL

4. A better physics teacher

5. A better chinese teacher

6. Later recesses (anything at 11 am and later is good for eating lunch during the time -> save time = save money)

7. To pass chinese

8. Good seating location (this includes immediate neighbour, surrounding neighbours, as well as ease of being able to eat, both during lessons and at recess)

9. Less fundraising

10. More extra special holidays

11. Better grades

12. Better time management

13. Less addictions

...and I'm sure there's more, but this is just for starters...

The Maple Story

2005-12-16T08:22:00.000+08:00

The long-awaited 3rd MSEA server was released on 5th December, albeit after some major delays. Named Cassiopeia, expectations were high and upon release, many flocked to try their hand in the new world. For once, aquila was only at 50% in the middle of the afternoon, while the new maple island was full of beginners.

Day 1 -- December 5
The 'hell' levels for a mage, I blitzed to level 11 before the day was over

Day 2 -- December 6
Training was still moderately difficult, but I hit level 18

Day 3 -- December 7
The mark of beta was released, and I gained another 3 levels. Training started to slow down here

Day 4 -- December 8
I hit level 23

Day 5 -- December 9
Training here sped up a little, being able to 1hit-KO horned mushrooms

Day 6 -- December 10
Caw Caw's birthday. I hit level 25, 2 minutes before midnight

Day 7 -- December 11
I hit level 27

Day 8-11 -- December 12-15
I was away in Malaysia for awhile...so no maple for me :S

Day 12 -- December 16
That's today...nothing much done so far

The Prayer of SK

2005-11-20T22:34:00.000+08:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray thee Lord my cash to keep,
If I get robbed before I wake,
I pray thee Lord his land to take.

Now I leave my house for school,
I pray thee Lord I keep my cool,
If I get robbed, it's FDC
I pray thee Lord, reveal the guilty.

Noow I depart for church on Sunday,
I pray thee Lord to delay my D-Day
Should I get hit ere I return,
I pray thee Lord his game to overturn.

Now I take his SOM,
I pray thee Lord to beat the system,
If my probe success results I see,
I pray thee Lord his land be free.

Now I've decided it's time to quit,
I pray thee Lord to break this habit,
If and when I start again,
I pray thee Lord, help me abstain.

Mister Rubik

2005-11-11T13:16:00.000+08:00

Yes. After many long hours of trial and error, desperation, mental anguish and countless failures, I have finally solved the rubik's cube. Now I just need to finish memorising all those pesky algorithms...DLD'L'D'F'DF D'F'DFDLD'L' FURU'R'F' LU'R'UL'U'RU2, etc etc

Anyway, this is the basic method I use, for anyone who might be remotely interested in it. This method also happens to be the msot n00b method I have come across so far, with relatively detailed instructions. Note that I did not come up with any part of it myself and thus I will not be held responsible for any errors.

Step 1: Form the cross. I prefer to use the white layer, although it may often be faster to use other colours which are better positioned already.

Step 2: Finish the top layer

Step 3: Insert the 2nd layer sides, using 2 different algorithms where appropriate

Step 4: Form a cross on the remaining (bottom) side

Step 5: Shift the corners in to the correct position (not neccessarily correct orinetation though)

Step 6: Orient the corners correctly

Step 7: Permutate the edges

...and you're done!

New Year Resolutions

2005-10-31T16:15:00.000+08:00

I know it's not the new year yet, but still, here's some stuff I need to improve or work on fro the coming year. Most of these aims are primarily academic-related.

#1 To start studying for the FY Exams earlier (similar to what I did in sec 1). This year was a disaster in terms of preparation.

#2 To finish all my homework on time. Ditto point #1.

#3 To hopefully understand physics and chemistry. Adv math and chinese as well. Oh wait..there's also lang arts, IHS and geog. Hmm...isn't that almost every subject? Oh snap =(

#4 To not leave so many pieces of scrap paper (mostly containing improtant notes) lying around

#5 To go for chess more often and thus look like I am fulfilling my duties as president

Possibly more to come in the near or distant future...watch this space ;)

The Death of Blogging

2005-10-29T10:33:00.000+08:00

Recently, there has been a huge uproar in school over comments made by students on their blogs. I'm sure most of you will remember the great amount of fuss they created over this issue. It is my belief that the problem has been greatly exaggerated, to the extent where blogging has been blackballed on numerous occasions, and it sometimes seems that the school is trying to outlaw it.

The problem at hand as I see it is not that students like to insult their teachers online, [not that I believe that it is a major problem -- foulmouthing of teachers will always take place, and nothing can ever be done to fully solve that problem] but rather that they resort to insults to fill their posts.

It is my belief that the percentage of good bloggers to be found is astoundingly low -- there are hardly any of these in class. Sure, they may be amusing and some have occassional insights, in the true spirit of blogging. However, the overall objective quality of blogging here is sadly found wanting in most cases, and ranges from mediocre to average.

So...what makes a good blogger? Just something to think about...

2005-09-18T22:55:00.000+08:00

Blogging has been suspended until after exams.

CAS(L)

2005-09-08T20:45:00.000+08:00

I was just leafing through the (overly thick) CASL booklet today and thought I might as well air my views on the whole thing.

Something had always struck me as slightly dodgy with the whole idea of having a CAS(L) program. Something I was never able to pinpoint exactly. Maybe it was just that I didn't like the whole idea, or the fact that I'm not a people person, or just the fact that I'm lazy.

CASL is a compulsory part of the IB diploma program. The 4 elements of creativity, action, service and leadership are what make up this component of the dimploma course. Anyway, I always thought it was highly ridiculous to force students to participate in insanely high amounts of hours for the C, S and L bits. Also the fact that there are extremely unreasonable and narrow requirements for their completion. I am sure many of us can remmeber how many of our proposals and suggestions were rejected for not fulfilling whatever criteria.

Students should never be forced to be creative, serve others, or lead. (The action element is not so bad because most of us already have our various CCAs to cover for whatever hours we need in that area - fortunately enough.)

Creativity is defined as "the experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative and idiosyncratic way which is characterized by a high degree of innovation and originality, divergent thinking, and risk taking" (www.usm.maine.edu/~trudy/frame/fgloss.htm) Now, if everyone expresses creativity as defined above, then is creativity no longer 'imaginative, innovative and original'. Is it not then too much to ask creativiy from everyone? Such things can not be forced upon students.

Likewise, it is not the fact that leadership is being promoted. It is the fact that it is being forced upon us that is disturbing. Well, not exactly forced, but the book says we need to complete CAS "to be eligible" for the diploma, (i.e. we are forced to complete it or else). Did not James command us to "be not many masters, for we shall receive the greater condemnation"? Why then does the school want everyone to be a leader? Leadership should be promoted, but never forced.

For service, the natural connotation of 'service' suggests voluntary work. And it is not hard to see that when service is forced upon us, it no longer becomes voluntary in any sense.

In conclusion, while I feel that CAS(L) has several noble aims and objectives, the methods of implementation are seriously flawed and need to be reworked if they are to produce its desired outcomes.

For reference, here is the abovementioned verse:
"1 ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all." - Jas. 3:1-2a

Vicious Cycle

2005-09-03T22:14:00.000+08:00

Fear leads to anger,
Anger leads to hate,
Hate leads to suffering,
Suffering leads to isolation,
Isolation leads to imagination,
Imagination leads to genius,
Genius leads to insanity,
Insanity leads to bughouse,
Bughouse leads to FICS,
FICS leads to anger

Depression

2005-08-29T21:40:00.000+08:00

Been feeling very tired and lethargic lately, no mood to do anything, not even play. I can hardly concentrate on anything, in class and at home. Not too sure why this is happening

Fall from Glory

2005-08-25T22:33:00.000+08:00

"Because of her greatness, China fell into her deep slumber. Because of her greatness, Egypt could not see the future and forgot her past thus falling to one power after another. Because of her greatness, Rome did not die a proper death and until today, still echoes with anguish across Europe. Because of her greatness, the great empire that was Greece flourished and died within the span of a single man's breath. Because of her greatness, Persia fell. Because of her greatness. Because.

ACS is a marvelous entity. I may no longer be in ACS but I share the heritage and I know what it means to be ACSian. And I pray very hard that to be in the ACS chess club will never have to mean understanding the sorrow of having once been the greatest chess-playing school." -- Leung Weiwen, ACS(I) Chess Club President 2004

I take over a crumbling chess club. The signs may nto be so obvious, but they're there indeed. From resettling from the nucleus to the CG room, to the loss of the U14 inter-sch team championships this year, to the impending possible loss of future talent due to the changes in the PSLE system for secondary school entrance, all the signs point to a club which is degenerating at an alarming rate. Following the departure of Mr Kenneth Ong from ACS(I), the chess club has gone slowly gone downhill. Not to say that the other teachers haven't done their job, but I have seen at least 4-5 teachers come and go through their tenure as teacher I/C, causing unsettlement.

We can only pray.

Impending Doom

2005-08-23T21:52:00.000+08:00

"10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." -- Matt 5:10-12

Been feeling abit weird and uneasy lately. I don't know why, but it has been affecting my mood and concentration a lot.

Phonies

2005-08-16T21:23:00.000+08:00

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:" -- Isa 29:13

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." -- II Tim 3:5

RAWR

2005-08-03T20:22:00.000+08:00

Whee no homework today!

On the other hand, there's just the small matter of the 5-6 assignments and projects...

Offences

2005-07-31T22:41:00.000+08:00

Eating in class
Having handphone on during school hours
Using handphone during school hours
Late for classes
Bypassing school firewall

Big Mouth

2005-07-21T21:35:00.000+08:00

Well, I guess after all that one step is rather subjective after all. How many steps is 340k NW?

2005-07-20T19:56:00.000+08:00

There's a man in yonder glory
I have loved for many years,
He has cleared my guilty conscience
And has banished all my fears.
He is coming in a moment,
In the twinkling of an eye,
And no time will be allotted
For you to utter one good-bye.
No time to kiss the husband
Or embrace the loving wife,
If they are but united
In the bonds of holy life.
Are you ready, Christian,
Ready, for shout and trump and voice?
Will His coming make you tremble,
Or cause you to rejoice?
Are you walking, talking with Him daily,
Taking Him your care,
Do you live so close to heaven,
That a breath would waft you there?

Twenty-Five Percent

2005-07-18T20:32:00.000+08:00

Bonus.

It's amazing what people will believe nowadays, eh?

Anyway I was "killed" by fenris rather recently. Of course I wouldn't have gotten "killed" if it wasn't for a supposed "death wish". Ever heard of the term "faking your own death", eh?

Back to the topic. I cleverly got myself KTed by arsoning a fellow Fenriz kd who was forest and around 100k pop with no FDC but SL. Now he seems to have FDC at approximately 18% (at last check) but I think after getting arsoned he decided that being SL was too life-threatening a job.

Hmm...in school...I spend every recess researching..yeah that's right. Every IHS lesson as well. Now I will never go powerless.

Back to the point again, I have respawned in a secret location and I will prove my true skills by starting 15/20 days late. Playing a volcanic 16 res/-30 fusion/96 SM/16 TC/32 PF and 214 scientists and 40 hours left of newbie mode, I have already amassed 550 tanks with another 120 coming. And my hourly income is set to double on a somewhat irregular basis (say 5-6 hours a day), but more on that later.

Oh, another thing. The stories of "me" as a probe farm are completely and totally untrue, as well as the reports of me being a farm. Did you see someone else getting first hits once "I" got KTed? No. In fact, I was offline when it happened.

The bottom line: there are people out there who will do anything to damage my reputation, out of jealousy and their own lack of playing skills despite being online almost every 10 minutes (check Online (Last 10 Minutes) always reads Yes) but they are still unable to do anything decent. Believe what you will, but the truth will be revealed soon enough.

2005-07-13T18:58:00.000+08:00

Web Page Blocked

You have tried to access a web page which is in violation of your internet usage policy.

URL: www.starkingdoms.com/

Category: Games

To have the rating of this web page re-evaluated please contact your administrator.

Are you a n00b?

2005-07-12T20:26:00.000+08:00

Take the quiz: "Are you a n00b?"

You are a Veteran Congratuations...
Congratulations you are the cream of the crop, the highest form of an Internet Surfer. Wise and intelligent you understand web society like few ever do.

Update

2005-07-06T20:24:00.000+08:00

TagBoard added but don't have time to tinker around with anything else.

...because I have to get working on my chinese project (which happens to be 100-115 days overdue)

1 day closer to glory

Creed

2005-07-04T12:20:00.000+08:00

I believe in the inspiration of the Bible (both the Old and the New Testaments); the creation of man by the direct act of God; the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identification as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the tomb; His power to save men from sin; the new birth through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and the gift of eternal life by the grace of God.

2005-06-25T16:48:00.000+08:00

The Holiday
===========

In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation for Easter and Passover holidays and decided to contact the local ACLU about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while the atheists had no holiday to celebrate.

The ACLU jumped on the opportunity to once again pick up the cause of the godless and assigned their sharpest attorneys to the case. The case was brought before a wise judge who after listening to the long, passionate presentation of the ACLU lawyers, promptly banged his gavel and declared, "Case dismissed!"

The lead ACLU lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? Surely the Christians have Christmas, Easter, and many other observances. And the Jews--why in addition to Passover they have Yom Kippur and Hanukkah... and yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously your client is too confused to know about, or for that matter, even celebrate the atheists' holiday!"

The ACLU lawyer pompously said, "We are aware of no such holiday for atheists, just when might that be, your honor?"

The judge said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date - April 1st!"
The fool hath said in his heart, "There is no God" - Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1

2005-06-20T13:57:00.000+08:00

Atheists affirm there is no God. Yet they cannot hold this position dogmatically. For us to be able to make this type of statement with authority, we would have to know the universe in its entirety and to possess all knowledge. If anyone had these credentials, then by definition he would be God.

Thus we see that, unless the atheist is all-knowing, he cannot make a dogmatic statement on God's existence. Therefore, he can only state that he is uncertain whether or not there is a God and this view is agnosticism.

2005-06-20T11:25:00.000+08:00

Hello Peeps

2005-06-19T20:17:00.000+08:00

Elite Gamer says:
I tend not to be all that receptive to humour when getting mauled repeatedly

2005-06-09T23:15:00.000+08:00

I was away at church camp on the past Sunday to Wednesday. Well, a lot of interesting stuff happened but I dunno where to begin. If I ever get any inspiration to recount what happened there then I guess I'll blog about it here. Someday.

A Godsend

2005-06-09T20:11:00.000+08:00

Mission Success
(June 9, 6:02 AM)

Spoils
Land: 614
Money: 31,511
Population: 5,841
Power: 76,673
Honor: 21

Losses
Soldiers: 0
Troopers: 0
Dragoons: 7
Fighters: 165
Tanks: 216
Tactical Fighters: 1,445

Our scans report that we killed about 1,560 enemy units.

That works out to roughly 21% the cost of exploring. Whee!!!

y = mx + c (for real)

2005-06-04T23:46:00.000+08:00

http://www.teacherschoice.com.au/Maths_Library/Functions/y_=_mx_+_c.htm

2005-06-04T23:17:00.000+08:00

Made it into top 100 in universe.

98th, to 90th and then down to 92nd.

I would like to thank the alliances of Gravity, Fenriz, Fenrir, LumX, Source and HIVE for killing each other off, making way for my entrance into the elite.

2005-06-03T00:02:00.000+08:00

I will get you.

8 mil and scores await.

You have been warned.

2005-05-30T20:01:00.000+08:00

Storlock

Joined: 09 Jan 2002
Posts: 663
Location: somewhere in finland where vodka lives!
Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 11:55 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hate NAPs. sure, I won't hit the few friends I talk to every day (thats only about 5-6 people) but anyone else, evenfriends are fine for me to grab. I think I have taken a sector nap once or twice before when my sector mates demanded it, but never any personal naps.

Lets face it, this is a game, play it. If you are woprried that hititng someone might stop them being your friend, then they are not after you as a friend, they are just whoring and only after youfor the extra power you can bring them. Seriously, do you stop being friends with someone cus you landed on their property in a monopoly game? no, it's part of the game, same as getting hit in SK is.

SK Update

2005-05-27T15:19:00.000+08:00

- Income is approaching 500k, has hit 500k for several hour changes already
- Barrack cap finally under control at 98-99%
- Population finally maxes out at 41k
- Offence is growing
- TC % is rising
- Biggest grab 338 land for 62.83% exploration costs
- Hit 7.5k land
- Keeping pace in galaxy 1 at around 20th-22nd
- By all calculations, I should be able to hit at least 6 million this round

LATE

2005-05-26T22:31:00.000+08:00

tsk tsk.

Today SIR had $10 (possibly more) wasted, as he had to wait outside the class for a lengthy period of time before his lesson. Finally the key arrived and his Excellency was able to conduct an informal lesson, but not after he gave the class a scolding. At least I wasn't that late...

Now, on to the topic of Time and Money.
Awhile ago, I came originated the concept of 1 minute = $1

Of course, this does not neccessarily hold true in all circumstances. Take, for example, the incident cited above where SIR was cheated of 10 minutes. In this case, 10 minutes may seem like a short time, but if you choose to look at it in terms of dollars, then losing $10 for pointless reasons seems, well...ridiculous. On the other hand, if you (somehow) get cheated of $30, you can always brush it off by saying, "Ah, it's only half an hour."

In other cases, time is worth more and less than the norm.

For example, during an exam, the value of time increases drastically. On the other hand, in situations where you are not doing anything very useful (e.g. homework), then the value of time decreases. Hence we can see that time is a dynamic and variable thing, and the value of 1 minute is not always $1.

Public Violence

2005-05-25T17:57:00.000+08:00

Hmm today was pretty average/mediocre by all standards. Basically I didn't do much the whole day with all the free periods + special programs.

The only thing interesting that happened was the public caning in which some guys managed to get away with all manner of theivery and crime without being expelled. Unlike louis who was removed for mere violence. Speaking of violence, it appeared the caning was less 'vicious', if such a word can be used here, than the ones in sec 1.

SK news...fenrir officer messaged me asking for list of affinity officers/active players/HoF officers, etc etc. And n00b source (not to be confused with THE Source) went to war with aurora. Soon I will hit 6666 land

50%

2005-05-23T21:02:00.000+08:00

Broke the 50% (in terms of chapters), as well as the 600 chapter mark today.

Bank

2005-05-19T21:26:00.000+08:00

Good bank:

Frozen Fantasies 2:26
xxxxx xxx Your probes have successfully robbed their banks. They came back with 377,737 money.
Unshielded.

The Plot Thickens

2005-05-18T21:43:00.000+08:00

I am trying to figure something out. I need to do more calculations first.

Hmm ok.

According to my father, sending me to school and coming back costs $6.
Taking public transport will cost around 80-90 cents.
Which amounts to around $5.10-$5.20 saved each day, since I come home by myself.

Now, this is where it all starts to get complicated.

Travelling by car takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the time I leave the house.

Travelling by public transport takes 1 hour-1hour 15 minutes, depending on what time I leave the house, whether I miss any trains, how long I have to wait for the bus, how long the bus gets jammed at Dover road, etc etc.

Remember the $5+ saved by taking public transport?

Now, believe it or not, my father is offering me (money saved - $3) a day for each school day I go to school by public transport. With 21-23 school days a month, that amounts to at least $40 a month. The $3 a day for 20 days adds up to $60, exactly enough to pay for the monthly internet subscription.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm;)

2005-05-18T10:07:00.000+08:00

how could a saviour die
for a sinner such as i
how could a perfect man
die for me upon a tree
how can i watch him there
bearing shame that i should bear
how can i live one day
seeking my own will and way

where is my humility
where is my desire to die for thee
if i gain the world with all its passing dreams
what is that to me
can i count all gain as loss
do i glory in my saviour's rugged cross
may my life a channel be
make me more like thee

have you seen calvary
do you know this victory
he conquered sin and death
only he can set you free
come bring your heavy load
walk with him along lifes road
he'll give you a new song
he will lead you from above

2005-05-17T18:27:00.000+08:00

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm;)

Something has gone terribly wrong.

On monday morning during chapel time, SK was still working in the school comps. (around 7.30-8.00 am). 2 hours later, it was not. The website had been filtered out on all the school computers. (class comp, lab 2, library, etc)

Now, this of course raised several key questions?

1) WHY was SK suddenly blocked?

2) How much will this affect our play/growth/login habits?

3) What can we do about this?

Now, I really wouldn't bother blogging about this were it not for a twist in the tail. It involves Bong, of all people. And properties of ionic compounds, Jrs Farm, and THESOURCE.

Let it be known that I have a trick up my sleeve.

June Holidays

2005-05-15T21:09:00.000+08:00

I wonder what will become of my June holidays.

Total = 30 days

Apparently I have a church camp on 5 of those days.
Plus I think 3-4 days of extra church programmes where I will be expected to help out.

Other days where I regularly where I have things on: Fridays (4), Saturdays (5) and Sundays (4). Taking 1/2 a day off for each one, that's 6 and 1/2 days more.

Which leaves me with 14-15 days, or half, of my holidays left.

A New Beginning

2005-05-15T15:00:00.000+08:00

I don't know where to start.

Well, life for me has gone back to normal. But in itself, it is also somewhat of a new beginning.

I wonder how things will work out.

2005-05-10T19:44:00.000+08:00

I don't know why I am always filled with this vain hope after exams.

Take, for instance the chinese paper yesterday. I mean, I left 15 marks blank yet I can't seem to get the thought out of my head that I'm going to score 70-80 for the main paper. And why I am so hopeful about paper 1 even though I know I screwed it up pretty badly?

Then today math paper I'm 90% sure that we got cheated of 5-10 minutes. I have no idea what phuan was trying to pull. Likewise, I still have this unrealistic hope of getting 36-37 for math despite the fact that 31-32 would be more accurate.

I think I wrote quite a lot for IHS, but my arguments were off and I didn't have time to finish the last question.

Well, all this false hope just makes it more painful when I get those papers back.

So let's settle this once and for all:

Chinese Paper 1
Hoping for: 14-15 + 33-34 = 47 to 49 /70
Realistic: 11-12 + 29-30 = 40 to 42 / 70
Difference: 7 marks upon 70, or 10%

Chinese Paper 2
Hoping for: 30 + 10 + 10 + 12 + 12 = 74/110
Realistic: 29 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 8 = 55/100
Difference: 19/110, or 17.3%

IHS
Hoping for: 4 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 19/20
Realistic: 16/20
Difference 3/20, or 15%

Core Math
Hoping for: All except 6(b) correct = 38/40
Realistic: around 31/40
Difference: 17.5%

And of course, I am filled with mad dreams of scoring in excess of 75% for the last 4 killer tests.

28 hours
1696 minutes
101760 seconds

2005-05-09T18:42:00.000+08:00

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

-- Mark 11:25-26

2005-05-08T23:25:00.000+08:00

[Discussion on the 1337 formula, which gives 2 answers for x]

Justme says:
one is close to -3

Justme says:
the other is near 1

Justme says:
( -7+ sqrt( 7^2 -4 x 4 x (-13) ) ) / 8

Justme says:
i didnt even calculate

[2chr24] he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death [hp no. reverted to 98174255][5moredays] says:
WHOA!!!!

Justme says:
i use the gsp

2005-05-08T15:19:00.000+08:00

y = mx + c

The answer is two.

x = minusbeeplusminussquarerootbeesquared minusfouraeiseeovertwoaei

harrison's method is useless.

Just remember the above 4 theorems and you will pass math.

2005-05-07T23:49:00.000+08:00

I went home today.

I mean, as in my real home. I'm not too sure why, but I think it benefited somewhat. I was reminded of my parents and all the sacrifices they have made for me over the past 14 and 1/2 years, and I guess it helped motivate me to study harder for the common tests.

OK...so this is where the story begins.

8.30 am -- Wake up to find internet connection still screwed. Managed to login to SK for 2 minutes, enough to collect reward, but get disconnected just before training military.

9.30 am -- Leave for tuition. Just manage to catch the bus

11.30 am -- Extra 1/2 hour of tuition in preparation for CTs

12.30 am -- Go back to my aunt's place for awhile. Internet still broken on all 4 computers.

1.30 pm -- Leave for home. Attempt to check SK at CCK library but website filtered. Instead, I managed to send an email to my parents.

3.00 pm -- Reach home.

4.15 pm -- Study chinese vocab somewhat. It still sux.

5.00 pm -- Start revising core math simul equations.

6.00 pm -- Start revising core math quadratic stuff and graphs

7.30 pm -- My aunt and uncle come to fetch me. Go out for dinner

10.00 pm -- Reach home to find internet fixed

2005-05-06T18:08:00.000+08:00

Well. Today was quite screwy.

First we had a lousy NPCC day parade. Typical same old boring stuff. zzZZzzZzZzzzZZzZzzZzZZZzzZ

After that, we have a POD session where I have no idea whether the reflections I handed up were correct or not. Free period but I don't do anything.

After that, we have a 1 hr 20 min recess. Half the class comes down to the library. And I rob 400k. I am also facing land problems, namely

1) I have too much land and too few scientists
2) I have too few barracks
3) I have not enough money now to explore
4) Exploring costs 6400 money each

After that the first paper, which was Lang Arts

I managed to understand the passage pretty well, and I actually managed to understand and have a good idea of how to answer the questions. Except that I spent the first 15 minutes of the 1 hr writing notes. Then I spent 35 minutes writing the first question for 3 pages. Which of course left me with a grand total of 10 minutes for part b. I actually managed to write 4/5 of a page during that time. The most irritating part is that I knew what to write but didn't have the time to do so. I don't think I spent too much time on part a. In fact, I actually had to cut short that part and leave out some points. So I'm not too sure what went wrong there. In any case, I thank God for providing me with the clarity of thought and understanding to be able to interpret the passage properly. Right now, I'm just praying that I will score 20 marks based on my part a alone. And maybe 1 or 2 marks for part b.

1 down, 8 to go.

6 more days.

2005-05-05T22:26:00.000+08:00

I will be back. Soon.

You may recall that I have stated numerous times in previous blog posts that I have not done any homework for this term. Which is still quite true, actually.

With the exams round the corner, this means that I probably have to spend every spare second mugging. Which means, yet again that homework will have to be put off for more important things.

But in term 3 I will be back. Hopefully I wouldn't have lost too much ground by then.

But I will still be back and stronger than I have ever been.

On to other things.

During the June holiday, I will probably, as usual be busy with other important things. I wonder how I will keep up with SK during that time, especially during the church camp.

I have also asked around for what position I should aim for at the end-of-year overall standings.

The first 2 people I asked responded as follows:

me: what is a reasonable position in class for me to aim for
sean: 13th.
me: eh
sean: but i'm aiming for 13th
sean: so you can aim 14th

me: what is a reasonable position in class to aim for
daniel: ?
daniel: for you? or me
me: me
daniel: uh.. lets see
me: yes pls do
daniel: theres tim, ding, ian, tien, ted kin, arjun, derek, slokey
me: yes...
daniel: surprise packages like patrick, justin, daryl, kenneth
daniel: 8+4 = 12
daniel: so go for 13th!

For now, I guess 13th doesn't sound *that bad*, but I guess I really should be aiming higher than that. All opinions are welcome...feel free to tag.

2005-05-05T22:17:00.000+08:00

"We will see you in school - usual place - carpark of SAC. And we will take you out for lunch."

Time passes really fast.

It's been more than 8 months since my father left for the US

It's been more than 4 months since I last saw him

It's been almost 3 months since my mother left for the US

I cannot adequately express how hard this period of time has been for me and I do not think anyone really understands what I have been going through during this time. A lot of things have happened during their absence and by the grace of God, I have made it through this time relatively unscathed.

I am really excited about their return and cannot help but wonder...

If the return of my parents is this great, how much more greater will the return of Christ be to me?

"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."

2005-05-05T22:14:00.000+08:00

Exams:

Lang Arts - nothing to study
CMath - a bit of practice should suffice
Geog - need to study/make notes
Chem - need to memorise formulae
Physics - need to finish copying Ding's answers
IHS - need to learn from Elliot how to talk nonsense and make it sound good
Chinese - need to memorise vocab and sentences
AMath - need to figure out everything

2005-05-05T22:08:00.000+08:00

Broken Internet Connection

Undone Homework

Good Game

I need to sleep.

Blog after exams when my parents are back.

7 more days

Nice Name

2005-05-03T22:23:00.000+08:00

I like my friend's MSN nick...

~-=[ArcH AnGëL]=-~_if life is a waste of time,n time is a waste of life,den lets get wasted together n haf de time of our lives!

I CAN HEAR!!!

2005-05-03T20:06:00.000+08:00

I have successfully managed to borrow a pair of headphones from Clarence, the Twisted Boy. I better handle them properly otherwise he will come to my house and murder me.

And now that I have earphones, I can actually listen to music again. Which means I can resume doing homework (which I stopped doing 8 weeks ago)

Anyway.

Playlist #1

Canon in D
Beethoven Sonata #14
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Mvts 1 and 4
Hungarian Dance #1
Rondo Alla Turca
Clair de lune
Beethoven Sonata #8
Flight of the Bumblebee
Fur Elise
Ballade Pour Adeline

Countdown

2005-05-02T10:49:00.000+08:00

The Countdown has begun

10 days till my parents return.

2005-05-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

[Communo-Anarchist] Si nous serions vivant encore dans dix mille ans, souviendras-tu moi? says:
just wondering, since your display pic is so adorable, does it have any relations to your hotmail username?

@ 1 May 2005, 10.33 AM

Later on...

[Communo-Anarchist] Si nous serions vivant encore dans dix mille ans, souviendras-tu moi? says:
that's supposed to be a tree stump right?

2005-05-01T23:39:00.000+08:00

http://sixquestions.net/signup.php?rid=191788

2005-04-30T23:59:00.000+08:00

Quote of the Day

[Communo-Anarchist] Si nous serions vivant encore dans dix mille ans, souviendras-tu moi? says:
I don't have any pen and paper at the moment, so working it out on paint is a bit slow

TMDWTF

2005-04-29T23:01:00.000+08:00

helo.

Now i will proceed to analyse the situation which occurred at this morning's assembly, which has led to differing opinions by the genius and ever more genius members of our class. (No, this does not include me. I am lous-, uh, I mean, I am, uh, very LOUD. Ah yes, LOUD.)

Now almost about every one in 3.9 knows about what happened during and after assembly this morning, and I can't be bothered to write everything in detail here.

Whoa. So anyway, the key question here is "Was PSK justified in ranting at the class?"

Now, we need to examine the question and support it with textual evidence, but in this case, there is no presence of a text. Therefore, we need to get as much primary evidence as possible. Which, in this case, means interviewing a lot of people. Of course, I can't be bothered to do that, hence I will skip this step and proceed to secondary evidence from the text (which, again, is strangely absent).

With the alarming lack of all forms and sources of evidence to support any argument, I will have to resort to...THINKING!!! THINKING, as always, should only be used as a last resort. You can see how I apply this daily by refusing to do any homework. But this is compensated by having the Great Class Chairman on my right, who has all the answers (although I still believe he does too much homework). There is also a math/chinese genius sitting directly behind me (of course, this can be explained by the fact that he's also left-handed). And of course, I cannot forget to mention the Grand Royal Genius sitting across the aisle in the last row. (Mind you, I was NOT referring to either Short Boy or Rip van Winkle.)

Ah, so back to THINKING. Let's see. First, the class stood in a single row instead of two. I don't care what or how she chose to look at it, but to me, it was pretty obvious that if we stood in 2 rows it wouldn't be any different from before because the first row would still get scorched by the sun. Therefore, I believe standing in 1 row was justified, becuase otherwise it would just have defeated the purpose.

After we got back into class, PSK continued to scold us about our alleged inablility to stand at ease. Well, obviously there are people around who were not taught this. Picking on us just becuase they might not know is just unfair.

And then there was also the issue of 'gentlemanliness'. I have no clue/can't remember what on earth she was talking about. Hence, it must be not worth remembering/irrelvant/not true/not important/rubbish.

After that, I believe she scolded Eric for half an hour in the classroom corridor. I have no idea what it was about, nor do I really care. It might have been nitpicking, it might not have been. The reason is irrelvant, since that was the only good thing that came out of today's assembly. And since you don't need reasons for doing good things, I don't care why she scolded him.

One final thing to note: When PSK made the comment about how much hotter it would be in the army as opposed to now, halfway through, I was thinking "Huh, how the **** can you compare the heat of the sun to hellfire?" Of course when she said 'army', it was kind of anti-climatic. (But the sad truth is that some will still face this punishment)

Bible update: passed the 500-chapter mark today.

2005-04-29T22:39:00.000+08:00

Some people just cannot be trusted.

2005-04-27T19:45:00.000+08:00

POPTARTS.

Today the winner of the poptart auction, which was held last week, received his prize. The 100 clicks have been validated for a sum of [undisclosed]

The transaction was completed during recess, in between Bong attempting to overpower me in an attempt to get into my locker, and the return of the Food Warrior.

The winner of the bid managed to discreetly eat his prize in class despite the presence of a physics teacher and some greedy people. Apparently no one noticed the poptart he was eating even though many people looked in his direction.

The next auction will commence on 30 Apr 2005, at 12.00 pm, GMT + 8 hours. The flavour of the poptart is FROSTED GRAPE. The auction will be conducted in the form of a closed bidding system.

2005-04-27T18:49:00.000+08:00

School from a Christian Worldview

Math -- There's a lot of cool numbers and statistics which fan be found in the Bible

Chemistry -- Such complexity never occurs by accident

Lang Arts/English/Literature -- Such skills can be useful in the intepretation of the Bible

IHS -- War WILL happen. The Word of God will not be silenced. Also interesting to note how different societies arose after the great flood.

"6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." -- Matt 24:6-7, emphasis added

Physics -- The universe is governed by a set of uniform rules. If it was not, there would be no such thing as miracles. (No 'normal' standard = no way how these non-existent standards can be broken.)

Geography -- Most of the landforms (e.g. Grand Canyon) which allegedly took over millions of years to form were probably formed my the Great Flood.

Chinese -- I wish the Towel of Babel hadn't been built

POD -- The meaning of life?

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." -- Rev. 4:11

Of course I would never forget...
Recess

"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." -- Gen 1:2-3

There is a lot more which I have not talked about here. Perhaps I will discuss those topics in later posts.

I CAN'T STAND THE HEAT

2005-04-26T22:46:00.000+08:00

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

i can't stand this latest wave of oppressive heat.

1) at assembly. the sun is too bright and too hot. i pray for rainy mornings (not when there is PE though)

2) in class. the aircon broke down yet again. temperature shot up to number thirty-eight.

3) at home. even with a fan, i don't understand why the **** it's still so **** hot.

all the heat has led to

1) bad mood
2) hunger
3) sleepiness
4) incapability to think
5) inability to understand what the teacher is saying
6) inability to pay attention
7) lethargy
8) fatigue
9) anger (which leads to)
10) HATE

anger leads to hate. hate leads to bad play. bad play leads to more hate.

WHOA!!!

2005-04-26T18:50:00.000+08:00

You are Van Gogh Google

You are deep and thoughtful and creative and
sometimes can be lonely. You may not be arty
like Van Gogh himself but singing, painting,
drawing, writing, dancing and playing an
instrument are all forms of art too. Sometimes
you may feel lonely but you always have an
escape from it all through your art form,
whatever it may be.

People love you for your intelligence and
creativity and your ability to see life in a
whole other way.

Which Google Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Your wise quote is: "Fashion is a form of
ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter
it every six months" by Oscar Wilde.
You are a very sarcastic person with a sharp
tongue. You may not be the one always talking,
but your mind is nevertheless critizing. You
tend to have a cynical view on life itself and
be somewhat withdrawn with who you really are.
Society now is in your eyes corrupted and you
wonder how the world will survive. And people
are in your mind very ignorant and blind to the
reality.

What wise quote fits you?(pics) UPDATED
brought to you by Quizilla

google update: pretty high payout today, not bad. it probably has something to do with the new policies.

2005-04-26T18:22:00.000+08:00

google toolbar's PageRank only gives 10/10 for the following site:

www.google.com

2005-04-25T19:33:00.000+08:00

BIBLE THROUGH A YEAR UPDATE

slowed down somewhat in recent days

finished II kings
semi-stopped at romans 6

verses-wise, i have finished approximately 48%

2005-04-25T18:24:00.000+08:00

SK UPDATE:

- my *** alliance has zero multi tolerance
- i have no time
- therefore, no multi

- i have a population penalty
- population gives money/networth
- therefore my income/networth is lower

- i have a bad attitude
- i have no time
- therefore i will go inac and check 3 times a day

- rastaland is joash
- jasietsma is rastaland
- the 2 rastalands need to be introduced

- the dispute over SL has evolved into a power struggle
- the power struggle has caused tension
- the tension has erupted into a war of words
- the war of words has turned into a big flame war

- my alliance is ***
- my AL is ***
- i will not fight for my *** alliance

- my mouse is out of batteries
- i need to do my homework
- i will end this post

2005-04-25T18:16:00.000+08:00

poptart.

the auction has closed with the highest bid of 100 clicks.

the prize will be presented to the winner tomorrow.

consolation prizes may or may not be given.

of course, those who have descended to such levels of thievery and presumptiousness as to steal food from my bag when i was not around, will get nothing.

2005-04-24T23:48:00.000+08:00

SK round 7 has started.

well, a new game, a new beginning. hopefully i can do better this round. this time i got a screwy but active sector with the raging debate for SL still going on. plus a *** alliance. with 2 weeks to go before the exams, i have decided NOT to multi 6 accounts as originally planned, but instead to go with ONE!!! since i don't care about the SL fighting nor the alliance, that gives me more time to build star mines, uh, i mean, study, for exams.

progress so far

9 hours into the game and i still only have 15 scientists.
hourly income is only 15k
i have a grand total of 75 probes!!!
i have an excess of power which will last me until 1300 land
volcanic penalty at 15% is gh3y. now i have 3400 pop instead of 4000.
the new change in number of probe attempts for mobilisation is stupid.

i think there's something wrong with my game.