Cambridge Mnite

Frank Mortons @ Newcastle

The night started at the Imperial College Union, 3 busloads of crazy chem engers were squeezed onto the waiting coaches.. 106 ppl only actually, so not really a squeeze... anyway.. we made our 6 hour journey from central London to nowhere in Newcastle. Unlike the rest of the people on the second year bus, the 4 of us, Nigel, Ke Lun and Ricki sat on 2 seats each! smart a plan it was as one seat alone was made backs ache. Im still having neck aches even after 2 weeks! some lousy seats.

Arriving at Newcastle, first thing we did was GET LOST. Even with the high tech GPS navigation, there is no substitute to good planning. Imagine 3 buses circling the stadium like flies before dawn. We finally stopped infront of st jame's stadium, home of Newcastle FC! we four guys could not help but take a pic of the coat of arms in the lobby. Cold.

Next order of business, Frank Morton's Sports day, where almost all the chemical engineering departments from around the UK gather to beat it out on the field and trek. Frank Morton is a chemical engineering lecturer in the university of Birmingham who likes sports i guess. Winning for 6 times was enough for Imperial I guess as the university of Manchester swept the overall trophy this year of 2009.

However, It was a real interesting experience playing dodgeball!! Was a really fun game and although i was really blur in it, I hope i made my team proud. We were knocked out after 3 games but was good for noobs! I might blog about it some other time when i feel like it.

Newcastle is a really small place. But in any place, its really bad to leave your friends without charging your hand phone battery!! Ended up walking around newcastle alone for the evening after the games. Yet, the city has some amazing sights to offer, particularly its architecture which is to die for.

The bridges offer such a spectacular sight as they span half a kilometer 50 feet in the air. The lights were traditionally English and gave a really romantic feel about it. I would take my girlfriend to visit this place just for the photography!

Did'nt i tell you? such a romantic sight Newcastle is at night. The lights and the serenity. The colours of the sky. Anyone who visited the place would be amazed. Sadly, in the midst of things, I forgot to drop by the castle. It was not even lit in that time so I guess round 2 is calling!

After skydark, I managed to meet up with my buddies again. Nigel, ke lun, ricky and Kuo Jian, aka CISM. We had dinner at a local Italian restaurant right after meeting up at some Epsom square. The diner was homely and there was this gorgeous waitress that nigel kept asking her to take pictures for us.

Our bus did not leave until 2 am that morning so we decided to go walk around Newcastle. Took some pictures at the Hilton hotel and more pictures on the bridge! there were 4 bridges close to each other but I managed to walk on all of them! yay, no better things to do!

If there is one lesson learnt in organising, it is never ever send the bags of 3000 people into 1 nightclub... it would be utter chaos when everyone needs to claim their bags at the same time. The club was called Liquid (has chains all over the UK) and i guess they were pissed. Luckily I took my bag along with me while I went sight seeing!

Battered, tired and frustrated, we left at around 230 and and reached london at 9.00am on wednesday. just in time for PDC lectures!!

Newcastle - I give it an 8 out of 10!!

黄昏

I got to know this song from my mum before I left for the UK for the second time. Guess she was trying to say something and I did not get it until I understood the meaning.



黄昏
Huang Hun
Dusk

词:陈信荣 曲:周传雄过完整个夏天
guo wan zheng ge xia tian
After the whole summer,

忧伤并没有好一些
you shang bing mei you hao yi dian
my sadness still did not improve.

开车行驶在公路无际无边
kai che xing chi zai gong lu wu ji wu bian
Driving my car on the vast, boundless roads,

有离开自己的感觉
you li kai zi ji de gan jue
I feel that I'm getting out of touch with myself.

唱不完一首歌
chang bu wan yi shou ge
The song that I could not finish singing,

疲倦还剩下黑眼圈
pi juan hai sheng xia hei yan quan
Left me so tired that there are rings around my eyes.

感情的世界伤害在所难免
gan qing de shi jie shang hai zai suo nan mian
It is inevitable to get hurt in the realm of love,

黄昏再美终要黑夜
huang hun zai mei zhong yao hei ye
No matter how beautiful the dusk is, the dark night must follow.

依然记得从你口中说出再见坚决如铁

yi ran ji de cong ni kou zhong shuo chu zai jian jian jue ru tie
I recall that you said, "Goodbye" with a tone of steel,

昏暗中有种烈日灼身的错觉
hun an zhong you zhong lie ri zhuo shen de cuo gan
I had a delusion of being burnt by the sun in the darkening dusk.

黄昏的地平线
huang hun de di ping xian
The horizon at dusk,

划出一句离别
hua chu yi ju gao bie
Drew out your line of, "Farewell."

爱情进入永夜
ai qing jing ru yong ye
Love plunges into eternal night.

依然记得从你眼中滑落的泪伤心欲绝
yi ran ji de cong ni yan zhong hua luo de lei shang xin yu jue
I still remember the tears falling from your desolated eyes.

混乱中有种热泪烧伤的错觉
hun luan zhong you zhong re lei shao shang de cuo gan
In the confusion, there is an illusion of being burnt by the hot tears.

黄昏的地平线
huang hun de di ping xian
The horizon at dusk,

割断幸福喜悦
ge duan xing fu xi yue
Severed happiness and joy.

相爱已经幻灭
xiang ai yi jing hui mie
Love has already been destroyed.

Ip Man

Ah yes, this is a much watch movie of 2008! For all you action lovers out there, this is a much watch. Circled around the martial art of Wing Chun, the movie is set in China during the world war.

1 on 1, 10 on 1 sticks, swords, feather dusters... all well choreographed based on a true story.

Look out for the scene where his wife gives the stare of the century!

Valentines

Valentines day is here.. what is the point? Take a look at what I mean:

2004: Buy her roses at her school gathering. Did not have the guts to hand it to her personally. Must try harder next time. Smiled at her when we met. She was in her green uniform that time. We were barely together for 3 weeks. That time it was ICQ if I’m not mistaken.

2005: Gave her chocolates. Had a good time out at some shopping mall in Penang. You were driving cause I did not have my driver's license yet. Must do something more next year. I still remember how you always wanted me to hold your hands. I'm sorry it took so long.

2006: First valentines without you. Found myself driving along an endless road into Mara Banting, taking a friend to see her boyfriend... All I could do was send a text message and give her a short call. Looking into the mirror of my car, I see a place so unfamiliar. I still have a picture of my lonely reflection. So far away, 500km of road to get to you.

2007: Celebrated valentines with Fidaus’s Birthday. There was a huge board at Sunway College where lovers posted up dedications on a big heart. I guess interstate distance is not such a problem anymore. I remember sending a card or a wish or something to you. Must be in my diary or in the pile of letters I keep behind my bed.

2008: First valentines in England… Where the hell am I? Continents and Oceans between us… very few familiar faces. What to do? Drown in solace and send a card along with an e mail. The page with February 14th is left with no signs of love.. no signs of you. Wonder how I got so caught up in my other things…

2009: 2nd Valentines in England… On my bed, typing this post. You are in Genting Highlands enjoying yourself. No flowers… no chocolates… no hugs… no kisses…not even a little respite for that thing beating in my chest. Ah well, I hope she does receive my letter in due time.

See? So, to all you single people out there, rejoice, life is not so bad… Peace be with you..

Right now I have to do a run a simulation for Interstage Cooling Plug Flow Reactor for an exothermic reaction.

PS: Babe, when i'm back I grant you your valentine wish alright? 这样爱你.

Excerpts from our creative MSN conversation:

KOK says:
#stands up and holds out the flowers and the chocolates, staring into your pretty eyes laced with the mascara you just bought#

Chia Li says:
ok. *lifts u up and gives u a peck on the cheek, pulls ur ear and says "u dare not to make me ur valentine and SEE"*

A Hokkien Song for all you hokkien lang!

Some CNY Treats!

Come and gone are the festivities of the lunar new year. Amongst all the joy and fun of celebration, I personally enjoy festive food. Agree or disagree, here are some simple recipes to complete your festive menu!

1. Sangria
Sangria means "bloody" in Spanish and Portuguese and it is a drink commonly served in countries with Spanish and Portuguese influence. It’s actually a concoction of meant to tingle the senses, a fruit cocktail mixed with red wine and soda. Alternatively, “sangria Blanca” is its name when white wine is used. I find white wine tastier than red wine, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Here’s some simple steps to make a glorious jug of sangria:
Ingredients:
Mixed Fruits (your choice and your budget!)
>A serving jug
>Ladle
>Soda (for the fizzy refreshment)
>White/ Red wine (for the slow kick after the fizz)
>Fruit juice (Orange, Apple etc)
>Ice cubes (or chill your white wine and fruits, red wine usually goes better at room temp)

1. Chop up some of your favourite fruits into small pieces or get cocktail mixes in cans from the shop. Oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, apricots, berries, pineapples mangoes, kiwi are some of the fruits I’ve tried and they all go well.
2. Get a serving jug and fill it halfway with the mixed fruits.
3. Pour in 2 parts wine, 1 part soda and 1 part fruit juice
4. Stir well with a lil ice and enjoy!

2. Yusheng , yee sang or yuu sahng (simplified Chinese: 鱼生; pinyin: yúshēng) is a Chaozhou-style raw fish salad. It usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon), mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Yusheng literally means "raw fish" but since "fish (鱼)" is commonly conflated with its homophone "abundance (余)", Yúshēng (鱼生) is interpreted as a homophone for Yúshēng (余升) meaning an increase in abundance. Therefore, yusheng is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

You will need:
For the main dish:
Raw fish (smoked salmon trimmings)
Capsicums (3 different colours of pepper)
Carrots
White Radish
Cucumbers
Sweet potates
Peanuts (crushed and browned on a dry pan)

For the plum sauce:
Plum sauce (available in stores)
Lemon(s)
Sesame seeds(browned on a dry pan)
Honey

Here’s how:
1. Grate all the vegetables in to separate piles.
2. Place the salmon trimmings and arrange as creatively as possible on a large platter and sprinkle generously the peanuts.
3. For the sauce, in a bowl, mix well half a cup of plum sauce with 1 table spoon of honey. Squeeze in some lemon juice to taste and add a table spoon of sesame seeds.
4. Usually we have five spice powder in red packets.
To serve, pour the sauce on the yee sang and stir!

Warwick Malaysian Night 2009

Ahh, time to get out the old sleeping bag (Thanks Nigel) and hop on the bus! Its off to Warwick this week for the University of Warwick Malaysian Night. I departed Victoria Coach Station at about 1.30 pm on saturday and took a Megabus to Cannon Park, Coventry ( Uni of Warwick is actually not in Warwick!). I arrived at the Student Hub and there were shuttle buses taking us to Coventry. There, the Malasian Society arranged a buffet dinner at some indian restaurant, MYO if im not mistaken.. Salad, Naan, taandori, even deep fried balls in syrup was served all to be washed down with some vanilla ice cream! T

After being posers for a while, I made my way to Belgrade theatre where the Mnite was held. I met up wif Chin Soon, my host for the night... Its funny.. guys who come to UK lose weight.. he lost 20 kilos! Man.. If any of you Sunway ppl remember his size last time, he probably has an 8 pack lurking under that suit!

The Mnite was well organised, and the performance was exceptionally good to set a standard to all other M nites in UK. If anyone has the video, PLEEAASEE post up the VIDEO of them playing badminton with TEFAL PANS!!! Its so cool!!!

The moral of the story really gave me a F5 key (F5 is refresh for all u non PC literate ppl). The story was really cliche albeit interestingly twisted with some Malaysian street smart. The finale was the dikir barat performance which was also spectacular, despite the high pitched shouting of the girls in there.. Haha..

The performance ended after that and I followed Chin Soon and Ping home to their place.. Will blog about what we did that nite later... cause its a whole new topic!

9 am my watch showed when we left his place in Leamington. Chin Soon took me on a personal tour around Leamington ( It was just one straight road actually..). First stop, highstreet leam where the shops were sadly all closed on an early sunday morn. Next, we took a peek into Jephson Gardens. Apparently, all the animals in the park are property of the Uni. If you killed a duck, you get prosecuted by the local council, if you kill a swan or a peacock, you get prosecuted by the Queen!

We went down town to get some smoothies.. he got chocolate milkshake and I got Mango Orange with Raspberry.. Too bad I did not get the contact details of the sales girls.. Ooo..

Next stop, take a 30min bus ride to Coventry, where I was shown the WHOLE uni!

Its huge for one thing, just like USM where babe is studying.

I was kinda like a poser in some pics. There was even a frozen lake where I failed to walk on water. They also have factories inside the uni! 3 of them with real engineers working the. Whats wierd was one of the buildings had grass on its roof! The area has one of the highest crime rates in the UK with at least 3 student suicides every year... ouch... but by the looks of this smooth operator here, the students are in a world of their own. People here drink to get drunk and do all sorts of funny stuff... might have been lucky that I did not stay any longer.. if not ..

After 10 miles of solid walking, I got back to Cannon Park and decided to give babe a lil call. Overall, great trip and Next stop, Newcastle..

Siam Ar, Thai People Coming thru!!

Sawadikap!! On Wednesday 4th of Feb 09, the Imperial College London Thai Society let it all out on their thai night 2009. If you were there in the MDH, you would have been treated to a mouth watering selection of thai cuisine including Thai satay, spring rolls, roasted chicken, mushrooms, thai stir fry veges, tomyam chicken, huge king prawns and delicious triplet of traditional thai dessert.

All the while, there were various performances ongoing to entertain like the traditional dances, sword fighting, thai kick boxing, modern dances and musical plays. Interwoven into the night was a virtual tour of modern day Siam, from north to south, east to west, the beaches on Phuket to the vibrance of Bangkok, the land of the free, (thai means free) was promoted by the thai tourism ministry. It was amozing how much the thai government and organisations supported the event through various donations to make the night a success.

However, the most impressive part of the night was about the King of thailand, his highness, Bhumibol Adulyadej. At the beginning of the event, guests stood up to pay respect to his highness and for a good reason. It turns out the king was indeed the poeple's hero. He was a composer, a photographer, took part in sports, writer, samaritan, rainmaker etc.. He was the kind of King who did many things in his past times and many things for the people. For example, project royal rain was a cloud seeding proejct overlooked by his majesty.

I was seated with my Chem Eng Friends that night, most of them from China, including Derek, Cherri, Hung, Elaine, Ruien, Ren Zhe, Felicia, Pong(sathorn, Toey- the guy who sold me the ticket, i hope i spell your name right!) and Narisa. Had a good night and after that, we made our way home! so Siam Ar...

How to save a life

1. Put your iTunes/mp3 player/Cellphone etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. Write the name of the song, regardless of however weird :D
4. Tag some friends who might enjoy doing this.


IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
黄昏 Huang hun ( Zhou chuan xiong)周传雄

..依然记得从你眼中滑落的泪伤心欲绝..



WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GIRL?
Sway - Pussy Cat Dolls
..Only you have that magic technique, When you sway I go weak..


HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Get Low - Flo-rida featuring t-pain
..She hit the floor, next thing your know, shorty get low low low low..


WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Papa Roach - Getting Away With Murder ( I swear this was on shuffle! )


WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne (Oh my, you must be laughing your heart out)
..Hell yeah, I'm the mother f*****G princess..
.. Hey hey you you..

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Forever in love - Kenny G (hmmm ain't I sweet)


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
The Story - Brandi Charlie

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Foo Fighters - Best of you
.. The best, the best of you..

WHAT IS 2+2?

Tell me - Christina Auguilera


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
All I want for chirstmas is you - Britney Spears


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani
.. Tell me boy now wouldnt it we sweet? (sounds so gay!!)


WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
In the middle - Sugarbabes
Kinda true... always in the middle..

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Spongebob square pants theme song!
Spongebob square pants, Spongebob square pants, Spongebob ....square pants!

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Stop and Stare - One Rebuplic

(Emo song...I do it when I miss my babe)


WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Green Day - Time of your life
..So make the best of this life and dont ask why, Its something unpredictable, but I hope you had the time of your life..

(I love my parents!)



WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Breaking it down - Flying Steps!
..Rocker nation breaking it down..yeah!..

(I can imagine myself break dancing at my wedding!! )



WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Bond - I'll fly away




WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Umbrella - Rihanna feat Jay Z

(Nay, what kinda silly hoppy is it?)


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Goo goo Dolls - Let Love in

WTF??



WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Ain't no other man - Christina Auguilera

..Ain't no other man but you.. OMG.. that IS the worst thing that could happen, as crooked as Elton John..Ewwwwee...



HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Marriage d amour - Richard Clayderman..

Choi!!



WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Irreplacable - Beyonce

hahah.. nay, how can I regret that?


WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
When I grow up - Pussycat Dolls
..When I grow up, I want to be famous, I wanna be a star..
AHAHAHAHAHA..

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Silent Night - Kenny G


WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Thank God I Found You - Mariah Carey

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Sugarbabes - Change

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Innocence - Avril Lavigne

DESCRIBE YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE
Numb - Linkin Park
..Every Step that I take is another mistake to you!..

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
I will always love you - Whitney Huston
.. Bittersweet memories..I will always love you..
Hope its not to late to always love you =)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Candyman - Christina Auguilera


WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
How to save a life - The fray

Can't believe I just did that.. anyways, I'll tag:

My Housemates!
My ASSes
and you!

Mnite 2009 Fight Practice!

Proir to Mnite, Me and Nigel practiced our fight scene. Kinda fake but we will get there eventually!

老鼠爱大米

This is a really touching clip.. old song, but touching.



L: Literal Translation
Groups of underlined Pinyin indicates 1 word. The numbers represent the tones ( _ / \/ \ ), which are unimportant when you sing, but quite important when you speak.
Lyrics for Like The Mouse Loves Rice or Lau Shu Ai Da Mi ( 老鼠爱大米 ).

歌手: 杨臣刚
Artist: Yang Chengang

我听见你的声音
wo3 ting1 jian4 ni3 de sheng1 yin1
L: I hear your sound
I: When I hear your voice

有种特别的感觉
you4 zhong3 te4 bie4 de gan3 jue2
L: get special feeling
I: I get a special kind of feeling

让我不断想不敢再忘记你
rang4 wo3 bu4 duan4 xiang3 bu4 gan3 zai4 wang2 ji4 ni3
L: let me unceasingly think not dare again forget you
I: it constantly makes me want to not forget you

我记得有一个人
wo3 ji4 de2 you3 yi1 ge4 ren2
L: I remember have one person
I: I’ll always remember there’s somebody

永远留在我心中
yong3 yuan3 liu2 zai4 wo3 xin1 zhong4
L: forever remain my heart centre
I: Who will stay in my heart forever

哪怕只能够这样的想你
na3 pa4 zhi1 neng2 you4 zhe4 yang4 de xiang3 ni3
L: even if only can this way think you
I: even if I can only long for you this way

如果真的有一天
ru2 guo3 zhen1 de you3 yi1 tian1
L: if really have a day
I: But if there really comes a day

爱情理想会实现
ai4 qing2 li3 xiang3 hui4 shi2 xian4
L: love sentimental ideal can realise
I: When this love becomes a reality

我会加倍努力好好对你永远不改变
wo3 hui4 jia1 bei4 nu3 li4 hao4 hao4 dui4 ni3 yong3 yuan3 bu4 gai3 bian4
L: I can redouble efforts better to you forever not change
I: I will double my efforts to be true to you

不管路有多么远bu4 guan3 lu4 you3 duo1 mo yuan3
L: no matter road have how far
I: No matter how far the road

一定会让它实现yi1 ding4 hui4 rang4 ta1 shi2 xian4
L: certainly can let it realiseI: I will surely make this love come true
我会轻轻在你耳边对你说( 对你说 )
wo3 hui4 qing1 qing1 zai4 ni3 er3 bian1 dui4 ni3 shuo1 (dui4 ni3 shuo1)
L: I can gently in your ear to you say (to you say)
I: I’ll lean close to your ear, and gently say

我爱你爱着你
wo3 ai4 ni3 ai4 zhe ni3
L: I love you, loving you
I: I love you, I’m loving you

就像 老鼠爱大米
jiu4 xiang4 lao3 shu3 ai4 da4 mi3
L: like mouse loves the rice
I: like the mouse loves rice

不管有多少风雨我都会依然陪着你
bu4 guan3 you3 duo1 shao3 feng1 yu3 wo3 dou1 hui4 yi1 ran2 pei2 zhe ni3
L: no matter have big small wind rain I will still accopany you
I: No matter how difficult, I will stay with you

我想你想着你wo3 xiang3 ni3 xiang3 zhe ni3
L: I miss you, missing you
I: I miss you, I’m missing you

不管有多么的苦
bu4 guan3 you3 duo1 mo de ku3
L: No matter have big pain;
I: No matter how painful;

只要能让你开心我什么都愿意
zhi3 yao1 neng2 rang4 ni3 kai1 xin1 wo3 shen2 me dou1 yuan4 yi4
L: so long as can let you happy I anything to want
I: I will do anything to make you happy

这样爱你
zhe4 yang4 ai4 ni3
L: like this love you
I: This is how I love you.

--------
Excerpt from http://www.1earthadventures.com/.

PS: Babe, I'm trying to learn some mandrin so bear with me okay =).

Of Hair and Style

Talk about style. I guess this is a new trend no? Was a lil taken aback when CL said she was going to do something new with her hair. Of course, it was her hair I fell for before falling , for her.

After a cost of more than RM200, this is the result! To me it looks fresh. All you need is a really hot cheongsam and you would be dressed to kill.=).

I wonder if everyone else agrees.. leave your comments!

Happy 22nd Birthday to Chia Li!

Happy 22nd Birthday to my babe! Another year another candle on the cake! I wish you good health and happiness! I do hope you enjoy your present. For any guys who wants tips.. go visit:

Well, I guess this is the best i can do for you birthday this year dear. Hope to celebrate your birthday next year just like the way we did in 2005! Look at you being so cute last time:

Snow in February!

The 2nd of Feb 09 saw heavy snowfall and mad weather in London. Apparently, the cold air blew in from Russia. Everything was covered in white layer of fluff! Most classes at Imperial were cancelled due to the adverse weather. The loneliest time in Ethos ever. I was the only one in the pool at 1 pm.

The snow was heavy! Ruien, Carmen, Linda, Me and Rikki pointing snowballs to the cameraman! Queens Lawn was covered in snow...
Luckily for me, Pong was also on the way to college too in the morning and managed to snap me a shot in from of Huxley.

On my way to college, on Cromwell Road,a couple happily builds a snowman in the middle of the road! Not much cars though.

To illustrate how thick is 5 inches of snow, heres a picture outside the Mariott Hotel! Luckily, the foot path was well throdden and I did not have to brave the snow