Daily Postings of a Chung Ling Student

1 MORE DAY TILL SPM!!

2008-11-09T09:24:00.002+08:00

1 MORE DAY TILL SPM!!!

S.H.I.T!!!!!

SUDDEN-HYPER-INTENSE-TENSION!!!

AARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

ps. don't forget to subscribe to the Chung Ling Feed

No Updates Till After SPM (My Apologies)

2008-11-04T23:02:00.003+08:00

I know I said and promised that I'd update my blog regarding the Graduation Ceremony, but alas, I've just come to the realisation that I'm running out of time to finish up my Sejarah and the rest of the 10 unfinished subjects. Yes, I'm aware that I'm totally unprepared for this SPM. So with that, I'll probably be unable to update my blog till probably after SPM, which for me, ends on the 27th of November. So till then people, have fun, happy holidays and all the best to all Form 5s out there. And oh, do please subscribe to the Chung Ling Feed, I might be gone for a few weeks, but this blog ain't going nowhere. xD!

btw. Chung Ling Kias, where are your graduation photos? I know Flickr is a darn pain in the a** for having a 100mb limit per month, but what's stopping you guys from uploading pics? And oh, anyone to suggest a better photo storing site?

I've Graduated!!

2008-10-31T21:08:00.003+08:00

Gosh! I've finally graduated! Wohoo!! Lot's of things to update. Pictures will be coming soon. But anyways, I've got an announcement to make first. I've just set up a flickr account for all the pictures for today's graduation ceremony. So this is to all Form 5 Chung Ling Kias: If you have any pictures please upload to this flickr account. The username is : clhsclassof08. Contact me personally for the password. I'm trying to pool together all the pictures into one source, so that it'd be easier for everyone, especially years from now, to refer back to that one source and reminiscent on past memories. It's quite a monumental task, so please help ease it by passing this around if you're a Form 5 Chung Ling Kia. My MSN is hob_lim_zy77@hotmail.com if you want to get the password.

On other matters, I do myself have some pictures, though it'd take some time to sort it out, so unfortunately the updates won't be coming so soon. But all in all, today was an incredible day. A big shout out to all Chung Ling Fifth Formers out there. Today, you all rock!!!

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I'm Graduating Tomorrow!!

2008-10-30T19:34:00.002+08:00

I'M GRADUATING TOMORROW!!!

WOHOO!!!!

STAY TUNE FOR UPDATES AT THE CHUNG LING FEED!!!

CLHS Graduation Song (Melody)

2008-10-24T16:03:00.004+08:00

Here's the melody to the CLHS Graduation Song. I know most of you are quite confused with certain parts of the melody, so I've done the initiative of creating this melody according to the score. I'll be posting up the score for those who are interested.

I've noticed a few things while scanning the score. For one, the two words 盈盈 is actually sung ( as opposed to what my friend told me). That part is quite tricky so do take notice. Also, another tricky part would be 景常新.

But of course, who cares for all these minor details right? The most important thing would be singing the last phrase correct! 钟灵有辉光!! (As per usual like our dear school song where the last phrase is sung the loudest.

Anyways, here's the melody. I apologise before hand that it sounds a bit weird. It's actually a Clarinet. But still, I'm sure you can hear the melody quite clearly.

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CLHS Graduation Song

2008-10-23T15:24:00.006+08:00

This is for those CLHS fifth-formers who still do not know the lyrics to the graduation song and specially requested by Liang Soon. I'll be uploading the melody and also the score soon (hopefully by tomorrow). This would hopefully help you guys to be able to sing it by next Friday. As you Chung Ling Kias should know, the graduation ceremony is next Friday, with the rehearsal two days before. So try not to miss school on these two days. There were some quite interesting news today from school, so will be updating soon. Till then, please do subscribe to the Chung Ling Feed.

钟灵中学毕业歌

骊歌声声在飞扬，桃李盈盈吐芬芳；
我们是时代的群英，前程如朝阳。
欢乐年年共一堂，幸福绵绵比天长；
今日依依惜别后，不忘相怀想。
青山绿水景常新，及时努力奋自强；
乘长风破万里浪，钟灵有辉光。

CLHS 2008 School Magazine & Its Updates

2008-10-19T17:21:00.004+08:00

Chung Ling High School's school magazine for the year 2008 just came out last Friday. As usual, the cover has not changed a bit, save for the change in colour, which for this year, is thankfully blue ( unlike 2006's shocking pink school magazine!). Closer inspection reveals that even the picture used for the cover has not changed for the past 5 years at least. Yes, even the cars have not changed on the front cover, so I suppose there's nothing much to shout about this year's school magazine or any other year for that matter.

It has always been expected that our school magazine be somewhat a little dule with the format rarely changing. This year is no different, though there are some quite obvious changes, though nonetheless nothing worth getting excited off.

First things first, the cover is, if you notice carefully, more glossy than previous years. To what purpose this maybe I don't know. Perhaps for a more magazine-like look?

Secondly, there has been some changes to the layout. Noting down each changes however would be exhausting, so to sum it all up, it's quite pleasant to know that there has been some changes to tiresome one used ever year.

Thirdly, there is the surprising inclusion of the list of past principals, which also includes the potraits of each principal save for the first 3. Quite an intriguing feature that when you actually think about it, is surprising that it wasn't there in past school magazines.

That aside, there is also the inclusion of pcitures from Chung Ling's 90th anniversary might make this a more intersting read than usual. And did I mention this year's principal, Mr. Chuah writes long, two-paged, but thought-provoking piece of message?

As usual, the essays and student works provide some reading value to the school magazine, but that aside it's back to the ho-hum reports and more reports.

Oh, and just a side note (this coming from an observation from my friend), if you look at the PMR top scorers, you might just notice that somebody arranged all the prefect top scorers right in the first page. Coincidence? Hmmm....

Anyways, here's the cover of Chung Ling High School's 2008 School Magazine (I appologise that the colour appears a bit purplish in this picture. Alas, my scanner is not as colour-accurate as I would like it to be)

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Chung Ling : Pre-SPM

2008-10-17T14:32:00.008+08:00

Ever wondered what happens in school during those stressful pre-SPM moments? Well, here's a breakdown of it.

First things first, expect the class to be emptier than usual. Yes, most students, and even more so for Chung Ling have what's known as 'study leave'. It might to be mentioned in such an obvious term but the teachers sure do know. It's a trend that has had its following for quite some time, but has met with some resistance this year due to the 10 letter limitation before a downgrade for your attitude. As to the effectiveness of this measure, I suppose time will tell, though my class does seem a tad empty today....

Secondly, expect students to exhibit certain behaviours that were completely foreign before. In other words, expect them to do crazy stuffs. For the past few weeks, groups of card gamers have emerged among numerous classes, and I don't mean those cutesy Pokemon cards only. In some cases, there was even the presence of money! Then there's the return of the Rubik's Cube, something which puzzles me as the game was only really popular back in the 80s. A much more new trend would be the invasion of ipods, though I suppose that's nothing to really shout about as after all, handphones were already here first.

Even more bizzare trends would have to be th susdden craze for paper planes. And you thought you only saw those in primary schools. I suppose the SPM stress is really getting to quite a number of students. Paper planes aside, I still remember back when we were Third Formers and ping pong was all the craze during those tense pre-PMR days. Yes, you heard me right, Ping Pong! And how you may ask? Quite simple actually. All you need is two tables joined together with 2 books right in the middle to act as the net, 2 calculator covers as bats and a real ping pong ball and you're all set. Guess that speaks volumes of Chung Ling Kia's ingenuities. I wonder if the same is happening to our Form 3 juniors, who by the way should be gathering at all the shopping malls painting the town red as I'm typing this out! Guessing from past record, I have no worries.

Of course, there's the mix of students sleeping in class, eating in class, talking in class and the few who do actually study in school during these pre-exam times. The way I see it, this is just a natural reaction to the impending exam that represents stress and tension for all students. I suppose it's just another way to release the stress that has been accumulating in our system. There is of course the fact that half the things I mention here, if not more are actually illegal in school, which probably means any moment now I might be asked to provide evidence for any investigation regarding illegal activities in school (I'm exaggerating of course, but there's always that minute possibility). However, we're quite thankful that the school does not really rule with an iron fist (though I suppose the victims of Akademi Rambut Chung Ling would beg to differ). I suppose all teachers must have been through the same thing we're going through now and must have remembered how it was like.

It sure is a 180 degree change compared to the start of the year. I wonder if other schools go through a similar phase. Perhaps others would like to enlighten me?

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Tag

2008-10-09T16:57:00.008+08:00

Yes, I finally found time doing this tag. I suppose the past few days my trials' marks have been a source of frustration for me. Anyhow, here's the long overdue tag by Adelyn.

1) At what age do you wish to marry?
No ideal age, but probably before 35 ( I know how tough it is to find 'the other half' these days, statistics have proven that so I suppose 35 is quite realistic.)

2) If you have the chance, what would you probably say to your beloved one?
I love you.

3) If you were to be stranded on a desert island, who are the 3 blog buddies you would take with you?
Whoever it is that is so unfortunate to be stuck with me. xD

4) Where is the place you want to go to the most and with whom?
Home with my family. xD...ok, I don't really have an answer for that.

5) If you can have one dream to come true, what would it be?
To always be happy ( I know it's a foolish dream)...a more realistic one would be to achieve happiness

6) Do you believe you can survive without money?
Nope. I'll starve to death.

7) What are you afraid to lose the most?
Hope.

8) If you win 1 million, what would you do?
Invest in stocks, equity bonds, fixed deposits, mutual funds...etc. etc. After all, money makes money.

9) If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Yes, if I can find the courage to do so.

10) List out the good points of the person who tagged you.
..................
.............................
.......................................
...............................................
.....................annoying.........................
.......................................................................
wait a minute, that's not a good point..............
.....................
..............................
I know, she has an IQ of 180, good point loh, can use her intelligence to change the world......................let's see....what else.....hmmphh...don't noe leh.....scratch head.....

....

ok, let's see, ahh yes, um, smart, gregarious, outspoken, extrovert and a true friend. There, satisfied?

11) What am i doing now?
Blogging.

12) Which type of person do you hate the most?
Double crossers, back stabbers, double face people, manipulators, pretenders.

13) What is your ambition?
Pursuit of happiness and excellence

14) What is the thing that will make you think he/she is bad?
I'm not quite a good reader of people, which is probably why it I'll only know when the person double crosses me or does something bad to me.

15) What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Happiness.

16) Are you a shopaholic or not?
50/50 I guess.

17) What do you see when you look into a mirror?
Myself and probably the hope of a better tomorrow.

18) Who is the person that you can share all your problems with?
Now, probably no one (sorry, no offence to my friends and family, but I tend to like to keep my problems to myself...)

19) What is your desired age to lose ur virginity?.
I try to plan such things and not to have any expectations, but if statistics is to have its way, soon.

20) What are you afraid of?
Used to be dying when I was small, but I guess nothing that obvious that I can single out. Ghosts maybe? Haha. Maybe the supernatural.

No wonder they call streamyx STEAM-MYX!

2008-10-02T10:04:00.001+08:00

This is getting quite the norm of the day - Streamyx line has been down yet again, and yes, like before, it has happened on a holiday. I don't really want to be acrimonious in my critisicm, but come on streamyx, you've got to really buck up. 1Mbps for like 2 years already ?(yes, i do know of the 4mbps package, but I sure haven't heard of any Penangnites using it)

And what's with the exorbent pircing? Like I've said before, Thailand have cheaper prices for better speeds, which is ridiculous if you think logically. It's either they've done something or it's Streamyx that's cheating us of our money (not tha I'm implying they are). And yes, I suppose we can always sigh and say that it's all due to Streamyx being the monopoly in this field.

At least they are some up and coming competition. I just wished Streamyx would buck up and solve this erratic line once and for all. And the darn slow speed of 1Mbps, come one, at least give us 2Mbps for the same price, I wouldn't complain (because we've been fed with s*** for god knows how long and we'll take whatever we can get)

Darn....just wished the market could be more competitive to force Streamyxs to be more competitive. Then I suppose we might finally see some changes. Till then, it's going to be erratic lines, high prices, slow speeds for Streamyx. Like what my friend used to say - STEAM-MYX!!

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Holiday Ramblings...

2008-09-30T19:56:00.003+08:00

I suppose my long absence from blogging has put a stop to my ease of flow of ideas. It seems I'm currently out of ideas to blog about, though this is to be expected with the confines of the theme of my blog. School as you know is off for the entire week ( I wonder how many times I must repeat that), so there's really nothing to blog about school that is currently happening. Going back to school is not really an option as I must treasure whatever free time I have left before the impending SPM, even if that means wasting my 24 hours away with TV shows, movies, games and pleasure readings. And yes, I do feel a tad guilty now, though I doubt it'd be able to sway me away from doing all the above.

Exam results are thankfully not out yet, though that is to change within a week. Co-curricular marks are however in, and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my marks this year, after achieving what I believed to be the maximum marks attainable. You chung ling kias can of course check yours at the website you should be all too familiar - the Chung Ling Myschoolactive site.

On other matters, I should really discipline myself and start studying. SPM is not that far away, and there's so much I have yet to commit to memory. But of course, we shall fret ourselves not with such petty issues right (I shall henceforth use the word petty so as not to trouble myself or get sucked in the realisation that I really wasn't as prepared for my trials as I was and should be instead studying this very moment)

I shall write again soon, so as not to lose my touch, but I fear that mere ramblings may not be able to pull me out from my recent slump in writing, one that stretches back to I suppose 3 years ago ( I suppose the use of the word recent is so as to not feel as disappointed with myself...oh well) But anyhow, Happy Hari Raya to all muslims! Oh, and a big shoutout to all those poor souls who are still having their trials. Trust me, it feels great to be over with trials. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....Muahahahahahaa....

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Trials Finally Over!

2008-09-26T14:44:00.004+08:00

Hey everyone! I'm back! Yes, I am finally updating this blog after more than 3 weeks. Gosh! That is like so long ago. And yes, I know this blog is getting stale, but hey, updates are in progress.

Trials are finally over! Good luck to those who haven't finished theirs...hehe. SPM is creeping slowly, but hey, we've got to have our Raya first right? And what better timing then Hari Raya itself? LOL! We're having the entire week off next week. Alas, time for some well deserved rest after 3 weeks of gruelling, mind-boggling tests.

On other matters, our first results are out and it seems that no one, at least in my class, has gotten A for Chinese. Shocking right? Gosh, I hope they lower their grades for A, or else there might not be anyone in the whole form getting an A for Chinese, which for those relying on their trials and forecast results for scholarships might just spell disaster for them. I heard from my friend that his class less than half the class passed, which is pretty surprising if you think about it. If you want I could post the paper online and let you judge for yourself just how hard the paper is. That is if I'm not lazy....haha

Oh well, have to start catching up on my tv shows....let's see....heroes season 3, prison break season 4, terminator the sarah chronicles season 2, true blood, fringe......my goodness, that's a tonne of tv shows. And I've got to blast some North Koreans first in Crysis.........

.... and then if I do return, then you'll see some updates...till then...chow...and Selamat Hari Raya!!

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Permatang Pauh By-Election: Dawn of a new change?

2008-08-26T20:36:00.005+08:00

Updated: Apparently I got the majority wrong. Anyhow, I've updated the official figures for this by-election. Alas, not as much as I thought it was, though he still beat his wife's margin by more than two thousand.

I guess the whole nation's wating for tonight's results, or at least those wishing for a change. Words out that Anwar is leading, though that is to be expected. Even us students know that is almost an inevitable result. The question is, how big would he win?

Before the Permatang Pauh by-election, most has said he had become more of a matter of pride than a matter of win/lose. Some people feel BN should realistically hope to reduce Anwar's winning majority, as an upset win is quite far from becoming reality. The pressure was on Anwar to better his wife's winning majority, as not doing so would be a physhological win BN. So what says the current updates eh?

According to the latest Malaysiakini updates, he is currently leading by 15671 votes. If this is true and he mantains his lead, he would have bettered his wife's majority by 2273 votes, as his wife garnered a majority of 13398 in the recent March 8 election that resulted in a political tsunami in Malaysia.

I suppose it's human nature to want for change. Which is precisely why many are rooting for Anwar, as he represents what could possibly be the more realistic chance of a change. I won't comment much on this issue, as it's also quite a sensitive one, but all I'm saying is that, one should not forget the past and this man's past actions. After all, why do we study history if not to learn from our past mistakes?

So to those who are seeking for change, rejoice, for this may well be the start of a new era for Malaysia's political scene. Oh, and let's not forget, Merdeka is just around the corner.

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Free Holiday For Penang & The Impending SPM Trials

2008-08-25T20:21:00.002+08:00

No school tomorrow, so I suppoe that's a hurray for all of us. I'm sure most Penangites know why, though for the sake of those who don't know, it's really all for the sake of the hotly anticipated by-election in Permatang Pauh, which naturally involves Anwar Ibrahim. Apparently it's to boost the turnout for the election. That being said, some will surely criticise that the state government is not considering the loss of the business sector, but hey, I'm not complaining over a free holiday.

Oh well, I guess you can call me not being logical (which I'm rarely so) but hey, who cares, a free holiday's a free holiday. Who doesn't love holidays?

Anyways, blogging will unfortunately will be one of my beloved activities that will have to be cut down due to the impending SPM trials. Yes, the one that could very well determine my future (save for the SPM though this is still darn important). And with the exam fever hitting the Form 5s hard, what with students, yes, even those who naturally slept through their entire secondary school lives are now actually waking up to study, not to mention students setting their own question papers (gasp! - yes, this is actually true, something which I'm sure to elaborate later on, again a testament of just how far Chung Ling Kias can go), it is almost impossible not to be worried sick right now. Let's not forget, the SPM syallabus is a lot, and with just 2 more weeks left to cover 21 freaking textbooks, man, time sure is running out.

So, I'm unfortunately left with no choice but to study, as is after all the life of a student. Oh, and good luck to all those who are having their trials this September. May what you read come out and what you've left out never see the light of the day. Then again, if different read different topics, how is this statemen ever going to come true?

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Chong Wei got slaughtered! There goes our Gold Medal....

2008-08-17T21:48:00.002+08:00

OMG!!! What a disappointment!! After all the years of waiting, after all those expectations, after all those hope, all lost in a single painful course of 39 minutes.

Yes, Lee Chong Wei has lost. And along with it, Malaysia's dream of a first Olympic gold medal.

And you know what's the worse part? Chong Wei practically got slaughtered! The score line speaks for itself : 21-12, 21-8.

My goodness. From the start, it was mistake by mistake for poor Chong Wei. It was practically painful to watch. And Lin Dan all smiling in his smug self made it even worse. Of course, one can't really blame him. The whole nation had put a lot of pressure on him. One could say he practically shouldered the entire nations hopes upon his shoulders.

I guess today wasn't his day. Lin Dan was just way too good. Jumping smashes, great footwork, even more terrific netplay, he was almost perfect. Down 7-1 in the first set and 8-1 in the second set, Lin Dan was in total command from the start. It was almost written in stone from the start that Lin Dan would win.

I just wished Chong Wei was more of his Thomas Cup self. Yeah, the one where he beat Lin Dan straight sets. Back then, Chong Wei was terrific, leading 7-0 from the start. Oh well, I guess we would have to wait longer for our coveted Olympic Gold Medal. Sigh.

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PLKN 2009 List Out?

2008-08-12T17:57:00.004+08:00

Words out that the dreaded National Service list is now officially out. Unfortunately, a quick check with the site showed that the entire site is down.

Hmmm....I guess too mch traffic flooding the site? Wouldn't be the first time Malaysia's servers not being equipped to handle such a spike in traffic. Though I guess this speaks volumes of Malaysia's technical capabilities.

Anyways, anyone got any heads up on this entire issue? I know some of us are entirely frustrated with the notion that the list is out and there is a possibility that their name is there ( me included) and some to the extent of losing sleep. I have tons to say about this topic, mostly my thoughts about the justifications of this programme, so called National Service that is supposed to foster greater ties between races, but I guess I should leave it for another post.

So, if you do know anything about the Khidmat Negara list being out, do leave a comment k?

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Happy 888!

2008-08-08T21:26:00.004+08:00

Just wanna post this before my only chance disappears.

Happy 08.08.08! And oh yeah, happy Olympics 2008, if that's even a date. The opening ceremony just went by. Yeah, the one that happened at 8.08 pm. 8 min and 8 secs on the 8th of Aug 2008. I guess we Chinese have a real fanaticism about 8s.

Anyways, currently watching Olympics Live Telecast on RTM 1 (unfortunately...don't have Astro's sports package subscription). Have fun people! Keep your fingers crossed for Malaysia's olympics medal. xD

Chung Ling Version of Gossip Girl !?

2008-08-07T20:00:00.000+08:00

Look's like someone's taking a leaf out of someone's book. Heard of gossip girl anyone? Well, apparently we have our very own Chung Ling version gossip boy, or should I say boys? I guess they needed to spice things up a little for all us Chung Ling kias who were bored to death with our daily study routine and need to get in touch with our gossiping side. Didn't realise there were so much things to gossip about in Chung Ling, guess I was wrong.

There has been much buzz surrounding this blog, especially after some of its more controversial posts regarding some sensitive topics, including a certain couple not to mention teachers (ah, the old student favourite gossip topic). With a blog of only 3 weeks old, this has been impressive to say the least. But then again, what can I say, it's human nature after all to gossip, especially when it's all about someone else.

With a tagline that says,

The exclusive source of information and dirt on the CLHS community.

..it's no wonder there has been a certain engagement with a certain friend of mine over a certain article over its authencity, not to mention the writers journalism ethics (which nearly, gasp!, ended in the termination of the blog by the authors!?). Frankly speaking, most of the articles are bordering on the dangerous line between truth and lies, not to mention some defamatory contents that are certain, if this had happened in America and the subject person had a little bit of money at hand, would have ended in court. (Ok, I might be a bit exagerating on this matter)

I suppose people like to have their laughs, and not think of the consequences. But oh well, at least the blog is staying. We'll see how long it lasts around this time, (or was it just a publicity stunt to gain more traffic, which would explain the presence of ads...though I suppose people just want to see some fruits from their labours...then again, these people just crave attention...then then again, living in a materialistic world makes money seem all that important doesn't it...aargh!! ok...I'm confusing myself...) Till then, do subscribe to the Chung Ling Feed, where you can be sure the news are real.

.....oh...if you're wondering what site it is, well, if you're a Chung Ling Kia, you should already know. No need to give him so much free promotion eh? xD

Back...from food poisoning...unfortunately

2008-08-07T14:42:00.002+08:00

Time to return to my dear blogsphere. Yes, it's been awhile. This time it's food poisoning that kept me away, though before that I suppose it was just plain procrastination. This bout of food poisoning isn't that bad, as I've had one worst one before. Just plenty of toilet time. The cause? Well, you know, the usual, outside food. A restaurant, to be more accurate. I'm not too sure actually, though I suppose having another person eating the same food and suffering exactly the same symptoms as I did should mean something right?

Anyways, time to get my blogging fingers flexing. It sure has been awhile. Till then, do subscribe to the Chung Ling Feed.

Has JPN Stolen and Used Our RM600 Prize Money?

2008-07-28T19:30:00.006+08:00

My dear Penang Ministry of Education, when are you going to give us our RM500 plus my RM100? It's been what, nearly 3 months since our english debate state level finals. Our debate finals was on the 1st of May, and look, what date is today? 28th of July. And yet, no money and no word from JPN. Tell me, does it take 3 months to transfer money to one simple bank account? One week, I can understand, two weeks I might just think time is needed to balance last months acount, 3 weeks, I might think some miscommunication or some problems processing the money, but 3 MONTHS? Even us walking from Chung Ling High School to the Penang Ministry of Education office to take the money from your pockets and back to CLHS doesn't take more than a day! Tell me, my dear MOE/JPN, where is our money?

Has it been lost in some transfer of funds? Used up for some coffee-drinking sessions? "Loaned" to someone? Or ended up in someone's pockets?

Don't tell me you don't have enough money to pay us, it's just RM600! I mean, so much money is spent on functions, allocations to schools, developement funds, to hold activities, so on and so forth. And this being annual event, surely the allocation would have came with the budget given at the start of the year, surely there should have been money allocated for the prize money right?

Please don't let me speculate where the money is, because I might be carried away and babble away some nonsensical stuffs that might have some negative implications. So please do tell me then, my dear JPN, where is our money? Where is our RM600 prize money?

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Replacement Class Yet Again

2008-07-26T18:43:00.004+08:00

Yet again, we have to suffer through another round of replacement classes. And you do know how I hate replacements classes. It's after all a Saturday.

This time around it's for Hari Raya, which is on the 1st and 2nd of October this year. There's another one coming up on the 9th August and hopefully that would be the last of our replacement classes.

As usual, quite a number didn't turn up. I suppose they all had the misfortune (or should I say fortune) of falling sick on the same day, and what do you know, on a replacement class day! What are the odds eh? Classic Chung Ling Kias.

Surprisingly, not everyone was in one of those Saturday blues that made studying hell. Most were quite attentive (or at least concentrating on doing their workbooks). I suppose with SPM drawing near, even the most carefree ones and those with the I-don't-care attitude would start to buck up and work on their studies.

On another note, we did have quite a blast playing a certain board game - Risk. Yes, the very old classic (nope, not Monopoly). It's a strategy game ok. It sharpens your mind and is really really benefitial towards ones studies as it improves your analytical skills. And yes, I know I'm just crapping around to justify why we were playing it, but buttomline is, it really does eat away time fast! Gotta hand it to plain old board games making the long hours of school seem more bearable. Oh, and if you must know, there is this certain trend happening in quite a number of classes that has something to do with the above situation. I guess one of the teacher's line says it all , " What is happening to our Chung Ling boys now? Is it the stress of the impending SPM!? "

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MOE Delays Debate Comp For The 3rd Time

2008-07-21T19:45:00.002+08:00

Guess what, MOE (our dear Ministry of Education) just delayed our debate competition for the 3rd time! And the best part? Now, instead of a date, it's postponed to August indefinitely! What great efficiency this shows! I suppose it brings just that closer to our Vision 2020 eh?

So here's the full story. At first, the nationals was supposed to be held in May. This, I suppose, was decided way before, probably last year when they did their 'plannings' for the year. Then somehow, for some unknown reason, it was decided that the day be pushed back to July 7-10, which was the original date we received together with our four motions in a fax from MOE.

Then about a week or more before the date given, we started hearing rumours about a change in date, which as you know, was confirmed 4 days before the competition via a phone call from us, and not them to us.

Then, now, barely a week before the new date (28-31 July), we received yet another phone call confirming that the competition has postponed to August, without a freaking date!

This whole delaying business is cauing great headaches and frustrations for my team. One might thing that we would actually appreciate the extra time give. After all, more time means more time for preparation and being more prepared should naturally raise the odds of winning. But hey, guess what, it's exactly the oppostie. We want this to over. It's my SPM year after all. Hello, it's S-P-M ok? My whole future depends on this darn exam. And here they are postponing it to god-knows-when!? Of course I'm feeling stressed. And no, don't go starting on the EQ thing.

I'm not trying to make a fuss about this whole matter, but has gone way past the reasonable line. First it was a delay without any black and white confirmation letter, and now a delay for the 3rd time? With just one phone call, no date, no time, no venue, no information on our transportation, where we're staying, not to mention the program list. I mean, these are all the very basic items that should have been prepared a long long time ago. Which makes it more mind-boggling as to how can they have such a competition be delayed for 3 times!! Come on, date, time, venue, aren't these supposed to be decided and dealt with a long long time ago? I mean, I'm sure MOE doesn't do things last minute. And I'm even more sure that this being a yearly even, it should had been planned months ago. How long does it take to fix and book a venue, decide on the judges, write letters to them and get the confirmation, plan for the event and have everything finalised?

This is not an attempt to nitpick. Some might think that this is just some small issue and what's the whole fuss about it. But listen, it's precisely because it's such a small matter that it makes such utmost importance! It's because such small things, such as the MOE not being to successfully organise a National Level English Debate, that shows exactly how efficient they are as a whole. If such small things can't be done systematically, it is of big concern to me as to how then are they suppose to carry out the big plans that effect not only a few students ( may I remind you, some very angry and frustrated students) but the entire nation effectively and with the intended results!

All I'm trying to say, dear MOE, please clean up your act. This does not look good on you. It's shows a total lacking of planning, of organising, of efficiency, not to mention a total disregard of protocol. This really, really does not paint a very good picture of the government right now. As for me, I'm just praying there wouldn't be a 4th delay. God-willing.

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Bumiputra Rule in Malaysia's English Debate Competition - Word by word

2008-07-15T17:38:00.006+08:00

Remember about the Bumiputra Rule I brought up a while ago that nobody knew existed in Malaysia's Secondary School English Debate competitions? Yeah, the very one that I got really angry at. Here it is in all its glory, word by word. I only have one thing to say: Read it and decide for yourself if it's even justified at all. And if you really think it's a rule that should be there, please do let me hear of your logic, if there even exists such a logic in the first place.

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Debate Postponed Without Official Letter 4 Days Before Actual Date?

2008-07-04T17:36:00.003+08:00

Those who have been following the Happy O-Meter on the left(the ad just expired so I'm not when I'll put it back up) would know that our dear Ministry of Education has just postponed our English Debate competition. Darn! And do you know when we got the cofirmation? On wednesday, 2nd of July, 4 days before the original date of the competition! Yes, that's 4 days before the competition without any idea of transportation, any information of funding! Nothing! Except for the date, state (notice that it's not place, not venue, but state!) and the 4 motions.

And the best part is? We never received any official letter regarding this matter! You know how we found out? By word of mouth! From hearing bits and pieces of rumours from other debaters in other states till finally us picking up the phone calling them up! Oh, and what's even better? Apparently, they said, they already received the letter and have yet to send it out! What the heck? Hey man, it's 4 days before the competition. How can you not send such an important document when there's only 4 days left till the competition?

Until today, I'm not even sure if they've actually sent the mail. I suppose us calling them up probably saved them the trouble. But still, this is an official matter. At least it should be in black and white. Even I, a mere 17 year-old know of such a protocol.

Seriously, I'm not trying to nit-pick, but this is way beyond comprehension and logic! I was really pissed back then, but of course I've calmed down now. My only main concern is, how can such a thing happen in our ministrial departments? It shows a lack of organisation and planning! Don't tell me it was on purpose? Then it'd be even worse! That's sabotage!

But of course, there's nothing much we can do. All this shouting and rambling makes no difference as it's already postponed and we're still participating. I just hope they won't postpone it a second time.

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