...has got to be Mars!p/s: Mars bars courtesy of Fiedah from yoUSeeIM
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Now playing: greenday - time of your life
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, 22 April 2010
What would be your Delayed Gratification?
My 'Delayed Gratification' Reward...
...has got to be Mars!
p/s: Mars bars courtesy of Fiedah from yoUSeeIM
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Now playing: greenday - time of your life
via FoxyTunes
...has got to be Mars!p/s: Mars bars courtesy of Fiedah from yoUSeeIM
----------------
Now playing: greenday - time of your life
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Yuda di Padang Maya (YDPM) – [Personal] Review
Finally the 496-page novel felt so light in my hand. Why was it heavy?
Firstly because I hadn’t finished reading it for so long & I had to read it knowing that I have this review task once I’m done as appointed by the writer himself to all the SBNNA winners.
Secondly, I was disturbed & annoyed at some points due to the language aspect (but this may be only applied to my condition at approaching this novel that is to relive & enrich my Malay language experience).
& if I may add a third reason, it was the 1st Malay novel that I read in years…!?
So please read on with an open mind & if you don’t like it, you may resort to the third reason above & have no worries afterwards. However, discussion is certainly open here :)
The novel has 2 prologues, which is very much apt as it revolves around 2 different ‘entities’; humans & djinn. Consequently, you would expect an epic & for that matter, the novel is divided into 3 ‘books’ to refer to the Realm of Human, Realm of Jinn & the Return to the Human Realm.
Yes, I got excited at the idea as I did enjoy some of Tamar Jalis series of “Bercakap dengan Jin” (Communicating with Djinn) during my childhood. But I know I can’t compare this with that as the writer’s aim in writing is different as described in ‘About Xarine’ on page ‘497’.
The learning process (of educating my human self) in terms of religion, humanity, psychlogy etc. was pleasant for me, even soothing at some points as humans are always in need of ‘reminders’. I agree with many parts & I learned from many parts. The ‘other parts’ would require me to do further reading elsewhere to really appreciate or understand the core meaning i.e. physics lesson. But I do give credit to the writer for bringing the readers closer to what is more than just about emotions and feelings.
I also like the humour that is injected throughout the novel. & I think perhaps the readers could actually put themselves in the same situations as I felt that some are quite familiar ;)
The suspense element & its rise towards the end is great as I kept imagining at certain points if the novel is turned into a movie…………………………………..wow!?
So, what the heck was I so disturbed about?
Back to my situation; obviously I would pay more attention on the use of language. It is what I look forward to in any of my reading experience. The realization that I have left Malay novels for quite some time & the need for new perspective from them, brought me to participating in the SBNNA contest. Hence, get my hands on the prize.
It is not that I did not like reading Malay novels. But I had to be choosy ;p I would go for mysteries, thrillers & those of experienced writers. Because then I would get the most of the language experience & use without having to worry on the ‘reading’ part.
It doesn’t matter if the writer mixes the language use with other languages. All the more reasons for language experience! But the use has to be clearly or creatively defined. Tombiruo by Ramlee Awang Murshid is an example. My friends & I really like learning the Sabahan/ Iban language used inside albeit very minor.
So, I would have to agree with Starsyeea in this matter that some of the words, which are in Arabic (I think) are not clearly defined or even described. If they are not enough to be made a glossary for, then it would suffice to explain them in brackets perhaps? Well, I did learn Arabic till varsity years but I’m thinking of the general public. Oh, that reminds me, I’m losing touch with Arabic also…*sigh* (I should have bought “ThiflulQaryah” by Dato’ Lat!?)
I think the language use/ aspect in YDPM is inconsistent. Some informal words / English, Arabic & Chinese/ dialect / slang words are rightly italicized but some are not e.g. ‘standard’ & ‘introvert’ including ‘hijab kabir’.
Must Malay words be italicized just because they are not used as frequent or… for what reason? It might make ‘uninformed’ readers confused whether the words are Malay words like ‘meladeni’ & ‘merona’. These are Malay words & thus need not be italicized. Bukan?
“Di sebelah sana adalah banjaran Tranta…” or “Di sebelah banjaran sana adalah Tranta…” or the Tamil way, “Di sebelah sana banjaran adalah Tranta” ? (but why would the djinn that were described to be users of Arabic would speak Tamil style out of nowhere, right?) (p.290)
There should be no ‘tetapi’ in the middle, if the sentence starts with ‘Jikalau’, right? (p.282)
It should be ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ (p. 315), right?
I don’t remember which page but there is ‘pendalaman’ when it should be ‘pedalaman’ (when the characters were exploring the realm of djinni) & Amsyar’s name doesn’t start with capital A, similarly the Oggur at some points. Such use of language & typo (technical aspect) bugs me throughout my attempt in finishing the novel because it makes me think if what I learned all this while is wrong & that if the publishing is done hastily or…??? (Forgive me, I am trying to get in touch with Malay reading materials, remember?)
The part that reveals it were Garmodus & Vilgor posing as Silfia & Arissa was also not presented clearly. I believe there should be something like a caesura or a certain section/ division in between what Azmi believe & what Azmi did not know to be true. The enlightenment should come separately thus benefitting the suspense readers are always in hunger of.
However, I must say the idea of impostors is brilliant. It fits the infamous skill of the djinn. At the same time, of the possibility of what humans can do in their part of the world (is it really possible?). This is another part/ element that would greatly interest audience if it were a movie.
Hmm, I had to search & refer to p. 269 to see the light as I got confused suddenly when seeing (reading) Azmi the Oggur had killed 3 Oggurs (5 chapters later) while I had been so engrossed reading the scenes that explain of him killing 2 Oggurs (p.270 jumps to 287-289.)
Yes, there are several ‘scenes’ that required me to flip to the previous pages. That is my bad perhaps, as I would do the same in reading Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, which has its own issues of language, wars, maps, entities, magic etc. It’s a trilogy in movie, remember? That is why I consider YDPM to have the potential as an epic if not for some parts having superficial treatments (it seems).
Oh well, what I can say is, it’s not free of typos (it seems). Nothing is perfect but you could be near perfect. And like what most people would agree, a novel brings a reader to a different world. A reader depends on the flow & clarity of the description (words) in ‘colouring’ the world in his mind.
My mind however, was a lil’ bit marred in its process…
[Don’t forget the 3rd reason ;) ]
*peace*
p/s: Perhaps…I was given the wrong copy of the novel??
Firstly because I hadn’t finished reading it for so long & I had to read it knowing that I have this review task once I’m done as appointed by the writer himself to all the SBNNA winners.
Secondly, I was disturbed & annoyed at some points due to the language aspect (but this may be only applied to my condition at approaching this novel that is to relive & enrich my Malay language experience).
& if I may add a third reason, it was the 1st Malay novel that I read in years…!?
So please read on with an open mind & if you don’t like it, you may resort to the third reason above & have no worries afterwards. However, discussion is certainly open here :)
The novel has 2 prologues, which is very much apt as it revolves around 2 different ‘entities’; humans & djinn. Consequently, you would expect an epic & for that matter, the novel is divided into 3 ‘books’ to refer to the Realm of Human, Realm of Jinn & the Return to the Human Realm.
Yes, I got excited at the idea as I did enjoy some of Tamar Jalis series of “Bercakap dengan Jin” (Communicating with Djinn) during my childhood. But I know I can’t compare this with that as the writer’s aim in writing is different as described in ‘About Xarine’ on page ‘497’.
The learning process (of educating my human self) in terms of religion, humanity, psychlogy etc. was pleasant for me, even soothing at some points as humans are always in need of ‘reminders’. I agree with many parts & I learned from many parts. The ‘other parts’ would require me to do further reading elsewhere to really appreciate or understand the core meaning i.e. physics lesson. But I do give credit to the writer for bringing the readers closer to what is more than just about emotions and feelings.
I also like the humour that is injected throughout the novel. & I think perhaps the readers could actually put themselves in the same situations as I felt that some are quite familiar ;)
The suspense element & its rise towards the end is great as I kept imagining at certain points if the novel is turned into a movie…………………………………..wow!?
So, what the heck was I so disturbed about?
Back to my situation; obviously I would pay more attention on the use of language. It is what I look forward to in any of my reading experience. The realization that I have left Malay novels for quite some time & the need for new perspective from them, brought me to participating in the SBNNA contest. Hence, get my hands on the prize.
It is not that I did not like reading Malay novels. But I had to be choosy ;p I would go for mysteries, thrillers & those of experienced writers. Because then I would get the most of the language experience & use without having to worry on the ‘reading’ part.
It doesn’t matter if the writer mixes the language use with other languages. All the more reasons for language experience! But the use has to be clearly or creatively defined. Tombiruo by Ramlee Awang Murshid is an example. My friends & I really like learning the Sabahan/ Iban language used inside albeit very minor.
So, I would have to agree with Starsyeea in this matter that some of the words, which are in Arabic (I think) are not clearly defined or even described. If they are not enough to be made a glossary for, then it would suffice to explain them in brackets perhaps? Well, I did learn Arabic till varsity years but I’m thinking of the general public. Oh, that reminds me, I’m losing touch with Arabic also…*sigh* (I should have bought “ThiflulQaryah” by Dato’ Lat!?)
I think the language use/ aspect in YDPM is inconsistent. Some informal words / English, Arabic & Chinese/ dialect / slang words are rightly italicized but some are not e.g. ‘standard’ & ‘introvert’ including ‘hijab kabir’.
Must Malay words be italicized just because they are not used as frequent or… for what reason? It might make ‘uninformed’ readers confused whether the words are Malay words like ‘meladeni’ & ‘merona’. These are Malay words & thus need not be italicized. Bukan?
“Di sebelah sana adalah banjaran Tranta…” or “Di sebelah banjaran sana adalah Tranta…” or the Tamil way, “Di sebelah sana banjaran adalah Tranta” ? (but why would the djinn that were described to be users of Arabic would speak Tamil style out of nowhere, right?) (p.290)
There should be no ‘tetapi’ in the middle, if the sentence starts with ‘Jikalau’, right? (p.282)
It should be ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ (p. 315), right?
I don’t remember which page but there is ‘pendalaman’ when it should be ‘pedalaman’ (when the characters were exploring the realm of djinni) & Amsyar’s name doesn’t start with capital A, similarly the Oggur at some points. Such use of language & typo (technical aspect) bugs me throughout my attempt in finishing the novel because it makes me think if what I learned all this while is wrong & that if the publishing is done hastily or…??? (Forgive me, I am trying to get in touch with Malay reading materials, remember?)
The part that reveals it were Garmodus & Vilgor posing as Silfia & Arissa was also not presented clearly. I believe there should be something like a caesura or a certain section/ division in between what Azmi believe & what Azmi did not know to be true. The enlightenment should come separately thus benefitting the suspense readers are always in hunger of.
However, I must say the idea of impostors is brilliant. It fits the infamous skill of the djinn. At the same time, of the possibility of what humans can do in their part of the world (is it really possible?). This is another part/ element that would greatly interest audience if it were a movie.
Hmm, I had to search & refer to p. 269 to see the light as I got confused suddenly when seeing (reading) Azmi the Oggur had killed 3 Oggurs (5 chapters later) while I had been so engrossed reading the scenes that explain of him killing 2 Oggurs (p.270 jumps to 287-289.)
Yes, there are several ‘scenes’ that required me to flip to the previous pages. That is my bad perhaps, as I would do the same in reading Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, which has its own issues of language, wars, maps, entities, magic etc. It’s a trilogy in movie, remember? That is why I consider YDPM to have the potential as an epic if not for some parts having superficial treatments (it seems).
Oh well, what I can say is, it’s not free of typos (it seems). Nothing is perfect but you could be near perfect. And like what most people would agree, a novel brings a reader to a different world. A reader depends on the flow & clarity of the description (words) in ‘colouring’ the world in his mind.
My mind however, was a lil’ bit marred in its process…
[Don’t forget the 3rd reason ;) ]
*peace*
p/s: Perhaps…I was given the wrong copy of the novel??
Unique Boisterous Individuals (U.B.I) – ‘Blue-Black’ Tea Party
 |
| The only guys at the end |
 |
| a Wonderful array |
 |
| All smiles! |
 |
| Party still 'in control' ;p |
 |
| 1st winners' treat! |
 |
| Capture 'em b4 they're GONE |
The lovely U.B.I Welfare Committee; Nazz & Ash, organized a wonderful end-of-session event for the unit. It was held at Everly Resort, Melaka.
The food spread was scrumptious! Wanted to have more but full already in the end :P
The activities were phun & quite stress-free, haha… I had inkling that I was gonna have to sing & thought of Green Day’s Time of Your Life. But when the time came, I almost forgot the lyrics?! Our KU & Ms MIMI had a tough comic-session & Mr WKS’s twist was legendary! Anyway, I’m sure we all had fun & enjoyed the moment!
I followed Bren & Ash afterwards for the bookstore in Jusco. Oh my, they were giving ‘warnings’ to Bren & Ash when they learned abt it…! Hehe…Bren must have felt ‘threatened’ at some point as she asked me later if there’s any place where she can take me to if I want. Haiyaa….but I’m the one who came to join along maa…. ;p
No worries Bren & Ash. I totally enjoyed the whole evening from the party to hitting the hay past midnite ;)
 |
| the 'game' |
Thanks a million, all, for the great times together! :)
*sigh* Somehow in the end also there’s this melancholic feeling. Why?
Friday, 9 April 2010
The PBAKL 2010 Trip organized by KayeMeM Librarians
It was on 26 March 2010.
We departed from the college at abt. 8.45 am, later than planned as there were those who canceled last minute & being replaced by others. Anyway, I looked forward to this trip as if not for it, i wouldnt be able to go. Last year it was during our semester break & I managed to go with my dad & sisters.
I already got a list of books to buy for my aunt & my sis. Mine is a list of books to 'collect' (the online contest that I won) only. Wasn't really sure if i would buy anything for myself since I still havent finished reading those of last year's :P
When we arrived, buses were lining up behind each other outside the building. People were also lining up at the ATM machine, which annoyed Iza, hehe.. We then proceeded to find certain identified booths; NB Kara, DBP & Jemari Seni plus a booth where Natrah was on sale (couldnt remember) where Iza was supposed to buy for Wana.
p/s: arranging ideas for Yuda di Padang Maya review in my mind, but worry if it's gonna be 'harsh'...hmm
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Now playing: Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone
via FoxyTunes
We departed from the college at abt. 8.45 am, later than planned as there were those who canceled last minute & being replaced by others. Anyway, I looked forward to this trip as if not for it, i wouldnt be able to go. Last year it was during our semester break & I managed to go with my dad & sisters.
I already got a list of books to buy for my aunt & my sis. Mine is a list of books to 'collect' (the online contest that I won) only. Wasn't really sure if i would buy anything for myself since I still havent finished reading those of last year's :P
When we arrived, buses were lining up behind each other outside the building. People were also lining up at the ATM machine, which annoyed Iza, hehe.. We then proceeded to find certain identified booths; NB Kara, DBP & Jemari Seni plus a booth where Natrah was on sale (couldnt remember) where Iza was supposed to buy for Wana.
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| Got these as my aunt requested |
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| My 3 books ;) |
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| Very interesting 3D postcards from Czech |
  |
| Mr.Xarine is holding his 1st novel |
The only book that i bought...was the dictionary! :P haha~ cost only RM19.50. I almost did not buy it, kept contemplating til later took a long U-turn with Iza to get it. Thanks to Iza for keeping the dictionary in her bag since mine was already full with my aunt's, my book-gifts & the 3D postcards. The one ordered by my sis wasnt available at the booth since it was published before 2005, so the attendant explained. Thanks to Iza also for accompanying me to meet the writer, who also willingly left his office during noon & went to the booth on the day he wasnt scheduled to be in charge, just so he could sign my novel-gift. Very responsible & dedicated of him :)
 |
| Had to accept these...such a waste of papers |
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| Water Lily Gold |
For me, the difference with the book fair ambiance this year, was something that most of my trip-buddies found unpleasant, 'pests'(ouch!) giving out leaflets/pamphlets or the unnecessary 'persuaders' of soft wares etc. I was annoyed with 1 guy who kept pestering people; to 'sign the guest book' in the middle of the walkway. Why dont they arrange a desk on the side & put up a notice regarding it?? So those who are interested would directly go & participate, right? & people will go to you if they are interested, right? Provided you have a large notice on it put up. The book fair was more like a 'pasar' (market) to me this time. The attendants/ volunteers were good & helpful :) I didnt encounter any of them last year. Guess because this year was a larger event.
I laughed when I overheard a friend lying about her status when being approached by a salesman on children's book. She has a child but she was desperate to make him go away, hehe...
I met 1 brother; x-UIAn, at the postcard booth. Said he's working with TV3 now. I dont know his name, he's a familiar face in most UIA student functions. Of course he doesnt know me also.
Oh, the water lily gold (i think it's supposed to be Gold Water Lily?), was bought at Seremban R&R on our way back. I've never heard such name for mangoes. There's also Water Lily Black to which i replied to the seller "Apsal tak Water Lily Green?" (Why they arent called Water Lily Green?) since the skin is green?? hehe... Bengang pokcik tuh...! :P
Overall, I totally enjoyed this trip, which i managed to make it plasticbag-free & hope it's going to be an annual event!
I laughed when I overheard a friend lying about her status when being approached by a salesman on children's book. She has a child but she was desperate to make him go away, hehe...
I met 1 brother; x-UIAn, at the postcard booth. Said he's working with TV3 now. I dont know his name, he's a familiar face in most UIA student functions. Of course he doesnt know me also.
Oh, the water lily gold (i think it's supposed to be Gold Water Lily?), was bought at Seremban R&R on our way back. I've never heard such name for mangoes. There's also Water Lily Black to which i replied to the seller "Apsal tak Water Lily Green?" (Why they arent called Water Lily Green?) since the skin is green?? hehe... Bengang pokcik tuh...! :P
Overall, I totally enjoyed this trip, which i managed to make it plasticbag-free & hope it's going to be an annual event!
p/s: arranging ideas for Yuda di Padang Maya review in my mind, but worry if it's gonna be 'harsh'...hmm
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Now playing: Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, 8 April 2010
My 1st Online Contest & Won!
I didn’t share this earlier. The contest (hosted by Mr.Xarine) ended 28 February 2010. It was the due date that had enticed me into joining ;)
A weird endeavour it was too by yours truly as some people had reacted so when they learned that the contest promised Malay Novels to the winners.
Another reason was because it’s about creating/ completing a slogan, to which I felt I could dabble a little bit of literary stuff even though it’s in Malay.
Next reason was because my Malay, well, some of its usage la, has been a mockery for my sisters. It occurred many times, (an opportune LOL session for them) involving some basic elementary words & later made me think; I gotta get back in touch!? Gotta read Malay novels! (I last read one during in UIA, abt. 8 or 9 yrs ago??)
Hence, what better way than to join a contest & hope of winning….?! ;)
5 second prize winners get to win one of the novels of their choice (excluding the new one by Xarine) under Jemari Seni Publishing while
the 5 first prize winners get to win the newly launched Yuda di Padang Maya novel plus another one of their choice under the Jemari Seni Publishing.
Xarine announced first the 5 second prize winners. Seeing my name wasn’t there, I felt a tad disappointed… but I still remember this jittery feeling with the swishing- tinking- tink sound in the background… the familiar foreshadowing to a happy ending ;P haha~~
So when I saw my name in the next announcement, I was elated! Alhamdulillah…a birthday gift to myself ;)
What’s more interesting was that we get to collect our prize at their booth during the KL International Book Fair 2010 & Xarine would personally sign his new novel for us. Otherwise it will be posted to us, which I thought would be the option for me…if not for the Trip initiated by our college librarians on 26.3.2010. I thot it was a terrific timing! I’l share it here later ;)
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Now playing: Alanis Morrisette - That I Would Be Good
via FoxyTunes
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Now playing: Alanis Morrisette - That I Would Be Good
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Poached Bananas
Well, got another set of bananas coming back from home last weekend. The basic poaching by my mum is;
1. Cut ripe bananas (sideways) & put in a little water (just enough to cover) plus a pinch of salt & sugar & a cinnamon stick.
2. Leave to simmer.
3. Turn off the fire & leave to cool
Eat them as is or with steamed grated coconut that has been mixed with salt & sugar (of which u can omit them in the poaching process, if u want)
Another variety is to
1. Poach the cut bananas with only salt & cinnamon stick.
2. Arrange the bananas on a plate, sprinkle the dried cranberries over.
3. Pour some of the poaching juice on the cranberries (helps to soften them)
4. Sprinkle some brown sugar.
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Now playing: Alanis Morrisette - That I Would Be Good
via FoxyTunes
1. Cut ripe bananas (sideways) & put in a little water (just enough to cover) plus a pinch of salt & sugar & a cinnamon stick.
2. Leave to simmer.
3. Turn off the fire & leave to cool
Eat them as is or with steamed grated coconut that has been mixed with salt & sugar (of which u can omit them in the poaching process, if u want)
Another variety is to
1. Poach the cut bananas with only salt & cinnamon stick.
2. Arrange the bananas on a plate, sprinkle the dried cranberries over.
3. Pour some of the poaching juice on the cranberries (helps to soften them)
4. Sprinkle some brown sugar.
----------------
Now playing: Alanis Morrisette - That I Would Be Good
via FoxyTunes
Monday, 5 April 2010
Reruns of these TV programs still hold up for me!
My Secret Identity
It feeds my imagination of having a super power ;P
Mind Your Language
It piqued my interest in understanding culture & communication (plus double-meanings :P) during childhood.
Neighbours
It portrays true meaning of LIVING in a neighbourhood - full of twists & dramas that really make you think "What if it happens in my area?"/"Could that really happen here?"
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