Food: Claypot Chicken Rice

I am a big fan of Claypot Chicken Rice (only if it's done the right way!) *fussy, fussy, fussy*. And am skeptical about the quality of KL food. Yucky, yucky, yucky...

Honestly, recommendations from my KL friends that "XXX at YYY is good la...", "AAA at BBB is damn nice lo...", "EEE at FFF is delicious man!!!!" have fallen short of my expectations. So, I've learnt not to trust their tastebuds though (disclaimer) there have been a few rare gems here and there... *smirks*

I found a stall selling 31900 (insert name of town) Chee Cheong Fun at Brickfields!!!! How wrong is that!!!! KL folks, don't get conned, 31900 is NOT famous for Chee Cheong Fun! And the best part is, the same stall sells Sarawak Kolo Mee too!!!
(Note to Miss TKL: Jangan kena tipu ah!!!)

So, my humble deduction is that dia sedang jual Kolo Mee dan 31900 CCF versi lanun (aka pirated).

Well, I might give it a try one day, to check the standards. But then, it's weird as the CCF is served with some mysterious brown sauce (think: KFC mashed potato gravy) and we never have our CCFs with that sauce! *Raises eyebrows* I have a feeling that he might be trying to replicate the Ipoh CCF sauce, but then, where are the mushrooms and minced meat?

Speaking of that, I wanna have some Ipoh CCF. (JS, MW: where to find a yummy one in Ipoh?) The stall that I used to go to sudah gulung tikar. In fact, mum met the lady at Kinta City one day, and she's now happily retired with anak cucu...

Anyway, back to the claypot chicken rice aka nasi ayam belanga...

The claypot chicken rice at Busy Corner, Damansara Jaya is yummy! Even better than the one back at the so-called "龙门客站" (Note: Not sure if I got the Chinese characters right. Literal translation: "Dragon Gate Guesthouse" or in Cantonese: "Loong Mun Hak Charn") back at 31900.

I used to patronise this place a fair bit during those sad and miserable KDU days. Now I know what contributed to the 'KDU blubber'! *grins!*

Had lunch there recently with mum and dad, after 4 years! Ah, nostalgic!!!! (Not really to be honest, as I never felt a sense of belonging to KDU. But still, the tasty claypot chicken rice! Syok!) He he... And they too gave their thumbs up to it!

Trust a Perakian when they say it's tasty! And yes, Penangites too! (before I get stoned to death by Penangites and their pride in their local cuisine, which kononnya is creme de la creme!)

-LV-

Mega Mac

Bro took up the 'Mega Mac Challenge' the other day. It's been dubbed as a 'heartattack on a bun' due to the sheer size of the burger itself.

Imagine the calorie content, the amount of salt and fat that comes along with the 3 pieces of bread + 4 meat patties + 2 cheese slices + lettuce + 'special sauce'....

A Big Mac is already filling enough on it's own, and now; a Big Mac with 2 extra beef patties. Do you feel your arteries clogging now?

A Mega Mac in its box, in comparison to bro's index finger...

The gigantic burger; side-by-side with dad's miniscule beef burger. Now, does the beef burger look 'tad pitiful there?

I personally have difficulties finishing my usual 'default order' at McDs - The DoubleCheese McValue meal (usually end up leaving one side of the bun on my tray unless I'm extremely hungry). Thus, I can't imagine how one could finish a Mega Mac!

Me, posing with the giant! It's almost bigger than my face! No, I didn't order that! *Mai siao ah!*

And he managed to finish it! *salute*

He's still alive! No heartattack! *yay!!!*

Madness!

-LV-

The ugliest book cover I've ever seen thus far.

The cheapo cover is just plain ugly! 'Nuff said.

I rest my case...

-LV-

Purple Roses

Roses, oh roses... A pretty bouquet ain't it?

I so love the colour of them!

-LV-

The Pillar of Strength

An interesting observation at one of the shops along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.

A steel frame erected to prevent the (presumably) pre-war building from collapsing.

Just like how we'd always need someone to provide us with support during those times of weakness and fragility...

-LV-

The No Holiday Rule

Judicial notice - A fact so notorious and rampant, that it does not warrant any further evidence to prove its truthfulness.
___

I've long taken judicial notice of the fact that the Torture Camp has classes during weekends and on public holidays. But this statement from Mr. R during class today takes the cake...

"I know it's the YDPA's birthday next Saturday..."

"But he didn't invite me..."

"So, the class is on..."

Yes, lawyers do say the darnest things. *lols*

-LV-

The Rucksack Dilemma

Update: Oh yes, I had to give the yellow 3o+10 one from Deuter a miss too! It looked good, sunset yellow; something like the colour of Bumblebee in Transformers...

___

I (FINALLY) purchased my rucksack 2 days ago. Pick-a-bag at Pertama Complex; Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Was in KL by 8.50am, hence spent quite sometime roaming around the quiet streets of KL early in the morning. It felt funny, KL city, quiet; on a Wednesday morning. Oh well, maybe just this particular street.

A peaceful and quiet Jln Tuanku Abdul Rahman; in the morning.

Anyway, the rucksack selection process was PAINFUL! It took me 1.5 hours to choose one that fit me to a tee.

I ventured into the shop, adamant at getting a 40L rucksack (knowing very well, that it would not be adequate for a 5 week expedition). *I know, I know* In fact, was telling SC that I'm adamant that a 20L would be enough for the 5 weeker... Yeah, it would probably be, only if I'm dressed in bikinis and G-strings throughout the expedition; less cloth, save space in rucksack!

Spotted one by Deuter that I liked; purple+white+grey, it looked pretty. *Lols* I know I should put functionality ahead of beauty, but that rucksack stood out from the zillions of rucksack in the shop. Too bad, it was only a 30L one. Too small, hence fail! *sulks*

Tried a couple by Deuter; a 40+10, 45+10, 60L. The 40+10 fit well, hip support fit to a tee, but shoulder straps were a bit too big; but the bag was slightly too high up/long? that it rested midway through my head, hence it didn't feel comfortable. The 45+10 was worse; the hip support did not fit well, plus, only 1/3 of the inner part of the shoulder straps rested on my shoulders; the other 2/3 was left hanging from my shoulders; I looked like a 'knight in shining armour' to a certain extent *grins*. And despite weights being put into the 45+10, there was still a huge gap between the shoulder strap and my shoulders; you could put your whole arm through it. The 60L had badly positioned shoulder straps that cut through my shoulder blades.

Mr. Rucksack, with its many cords and contraptions.

(Now, should I name it??)

Hence, i browsed and broswed and browsed. Left with no other choice from the Deuter range, I had to look at the more 'up-market' ones from Karrimor. I liked the 45L one they had, but kiasu me was afraid I might not be able to fit in my army rations into the meagre 45L rucksack. Hence, that was out. There was another 40L one that was super-uber light, that fit well.

But then, I needed to feed a whole nation with my army ration. Thus, 40L is just too small!!!

Woo hoo! My spanking new lean, mean backpacking machine. Yeah babehhhh.....

Browsed time and again... till the salesgirl suggested the red Cougar 65 from Karrimor. I was hessitant as it appeared huge. By now, I was quite 'paiseh' (English: didn't feel nice) for putting the 2 girls through such mental and physical torture. I know they must have been cursing me for making them take down one bag after another from the display shelf, and transfer the weights from bag A to B to C to B to C and back to bag A again.

I was at the verge of going, "Karrimor, Deuter,Northface, whatever... just get me one that fits!"

Anyway, I agreed to try the Cougar 65. And presto!!! Despite the size, it fit me well! Did a couple of trial runs in the shop with weights, jumped up and down with it, .... Yes, it felt great and this is the bag for me. Hence I grabbed it!

Karrimor; Cougar 65 (Colour: Cinder)

At the cost of RM700 (post-discount). I can't believe that I paid so much for a bag!!!! A bag with the capacity of 65L.

The exact weight of a full rucksack?
Think: LV carrying the weight of a 'pregnant LV' on her back.
(Almost 1.5 times my body weight, should the bag be stuffed to the brim!)

Ah, there goes the bulk of the money from my 'professional begging' last July-September!

I paid for my purchase, thanked the girls for their kind assistance, and off home I went with my new baby!

This is how big it is when empty, I would not want to imagine how enormous, gigantic and huge it would be when its fully stuffed with my 'barang-barangs'!

-LV-

*Rucksack done! Hiking shoes next!!!

When's Jusco having sales?

Moving On

It came 5 years too late...

And I've moved on...

Sorry there!

-LV-
*smiles

Colmar Tropicale: Review

Alright, we paid RM16 to enter...




The place was well-maintained by Berjaya. But, it lacks the 'tourisy atmosphere'. It was pretty quiet for a 'tourist attraction' considering that it is a school holiday.



My favourite place of all was the Japanese Tea Garden. Lush greenery, flowers, fresh air... That's enough to make me happy!



Apart from that, nothing much to shout about...


A nice 5 hour break from the city though...

-LV-

Fanatics???

From left: Bob's Dad, Bob's rear windscreen, Bob

*Lols* I've watched the highlights of the final 4 times (including the match itself).

NOT on purpose, but more because Astro seems to be showing it everytime I click on Channel 812.

No, I'm not crazy, but I need to have the telly on when I'm having my lunch/dinner alone...

-LV-

Colmar Tropicale

RM16/person. We hesitated... Took a U-turn intended to head towards Genting Highlands instead. But made another U-turn... Will we kena rip-off or not? Stay tuned!

Caramel

I ventured into the kitchen for an experiment today, and the end result was great! Served with vanilla icecream... Ah... Bliss!

I had no set recipe for the 'caramel experiment' in mind. Just went with the basic ingredients and instinct. Thank God it turned out fine!

Ingredients:

Sugar

Condensed Milk

Butter

Water

Cooking instructions:

Mix and stir over low heat till it thickens.

*lols* Yeah, I know it's a bad recipe I'm giving; without the measurements and proper instructions. He He! This is the result if you 'pakai tembak' in the kitchen...

-LV-

Pointless Study

I'm running low on gigabytes...
Those who know me well would probably know how much I hate memory work and how bad I am with it.
Oh man, the things I do for See Elle Pee!!!!!

___

I'm in the midst of revising Ethics and Advocacy now; which forms 40% (Part A of my Professional Practice paper). For the records, Professional Practice comprises of 5 subjects; Ethics, Advocacy, Bankruptcy, Land Law and Wills & Probate. 9 questions from which 5 are to be chosen, and answers to the above questions are to be written in 3 hours.

I've finally finished reading up Ethics albeit RELUCTANTLY. I was in a 'laugai'/protest mode for the earlier part of this week as I felt that this subject (Ethics) is pointless.

1. Memory Work>Understanding
My aversion towards Ethics began with the fact that we are not allowed to bring our statute books into the exam halls for this paper (apart from the National Land Code - for the Land Law section). Thus, this means the ruthless and heartless people around have made sure we have the total joy of memorising a grand total of god knows how many Acts JUST FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE alone! Now, did I not mention that we need to 'sub-contract'/'sub-let' some of our brain cells to the rest of the subjects too? We still have Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, Evidence and General Paper to contend with.

Now let me see...

(Note: Might get most of the years wrong... :P)
Probate & Adminstration Act 1959, Wills Act 1959, Distribution Act 1958, SEDA 1955?, PTCA 19??, Legal Profession Act 1976, Legal Profession (Practice & Etiquette) Rules 1978, Solicitor's Remuneration Order 2005, Solicitor's Accounts Rules 1990, Legal Profession Publicity Rules 2001, Solicitor's Accounts (Deposit Interest Rules) 19??, National Land Code, Bankruptcy Act 1967?, Bankruptcy Rules 19??, Company's Winding Up Rules 1969?...

AND
Criminal Procedure Code (can bring statute book), Penal Code (can bring statute book), Civil Law Act, Rules of the High Court 1980 (can bring statute book), Subordinate Courts Rules (can bring statute book), Courts of Judicature Act 1964, Subordinate Courts Act 1948, Limitation Act, Contract Act 1950, Rules of the Court of Appeal, Rules of the Federal Court, and the bits and pieces of the Federal Consitution...

And this brings us to a grand total of 15 (Read: fifteen, lima belas, 十五, quinze, 한국어, vijftien) Acts and 309543095 provisions in the Acts, just for the Professional Practice paper. Plus, a zillion others for the other 4 subjects.

Quote and unquote VCKY:
This is torture and is cruel.
Be realistic man! How can you expect us to memorise and cite the precise statutory provisions??!!??? I know it is possible under pressure, but will these pointless memory work serve us any purpose in the future?

Being able to cite the relevant provisions of the Act does not make one a better lawyer! Would being able to recall (for example) Rule 28 Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978 serve you any good in the working world? Will remembering S94(3) of the Legal Profession Act 1976 help you?

Oh yes, did I not mention that we have to remember the case names too? Would being able to memorise and regurgitate cases help be in the future?

Answer: No!

Picture this...

Client: Do this, this, this.....
Me: No, I can't cause it's contrary to S245 of the Legal Profession Act 1976, further supported by the case of AG v Arthur Lee...

This part of the paper more or less resembles the Pendidikan Moral paper we had in our SPM. We memorized all the 81 nilai-s along with the requisite definition(s) for the exam. But does it make us a better person? Would an A1 in Moral on your SPM certificate mean anything?

Answer: No!

I got an A1 for Moral, but hey... look at me now... :P Would I be any different had I got a C3???

2. Serves NO Practical Purpose
Yes, why study Ethics when the CLP is supposed to be a course aimed towards familiarising us with the Malaysia legal procedure.

Although some may say that Ethics ought to be taught at this level to expose budding lawyers of the ethical aspects of the job. But then, this could be done via e.g. Bar Council training, etc and not by means of an exam!

It's just a total waste of time and resources!!! Would probably be better if we spent more time focusing on other subjects instead of mugging for Ethics!

Ethics is something that requires a practical approach to it and is certainly NOT memory work. I can memorise Rules 1 - 50 of the Legal Profession (Practice & Etiquette) Rules 1978. So what??? Does this mean that LV's Morals>Guy who only memorises Rules 1-10??

Answer: No!

It probably shows that LV's more kiasu and does better with rote learning. Habis cerita!

3. Res judicata @ Double Jeopardy
All these hard work done does not serve us any good in the future. Yes, we may know about the dos and don'ts of the profession. But, we are to sit for an Ethics Exam during our pupilage. Hence, does it not mean double work for the examiners and 'double jeopardy' for us, the pupils?? This is totally against the rule of res judicata. *Oh, Baljit would be so proud of me!*

Pass already, still need to sit again for the same whole thing during Chambering.

Apa hal ni!!!! Mangkuk la tu!!!!


Good night, babe!

-LV-
*in the midst of dozing off in front of the computer

Fully Functioning Pens

I've been searching high and low for pens. My pens seem to be dying a premature death, the ink just stops flowing after 2 days. 6 pens of different brands in a span of 2 weeks! Headache resolved finally! Thanks to LY for her recommendation!

Dressed For Class

An influx of MU jerseys at the Torture Camp today. And I think Sukhdave stayed up for the match too.

Can't think of any other reason why he let us off at 830pm today, instead of 930pm. It's so unlike him...

-LV-

The Double Delight

And the Stretford End faithful sings...

We won!

We won!!

We won!!!

We won!!!!

We won!!!!!

The trophies back from the glorious 1999; Manchester United Museum, Manchester

(Now, let's clear some space for the double of 2008 :P)

We won!

We won!!

We won!!!

We won!!!!

We won!!!!!

Old Trafford, Manchester; December 2004

I survived watching the finals!!!

My heart was pounding so hardly that I could feel it through my chest. Who wouldn't after a series of misses by Manchester United and a few calamity and 'saved by the post' moments for Chelsea.

And man, when John Terry walked up to take the 5th penalty (Ronaldo missed and it's 4-4 now, with Terry left to take), I just closed my eyes shut and prayed hard that he would miss! And he did!!!!!

Anderson duly converted the penalty, followed by Kalou for Chelsea. Then, Giggs walked up and converted the 7th; at this point I thought this agony would never end... that Evra, Vidic, Brown and Ferdinand would have to take a spot-kick each... I'll die of a heartattack if that happens...

Up came Anelka, who slotted the ball to van der Sar's right. VDS cleared, and all hell broke lose!!!!!!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!!!!!!!

(We won 6-5 on penalties)

Manchester United Museum; Old Trafford, Manchester

Goodbye season 2007/08, time to give my poor heart a rest for the next 2 months before this madness begins again!!!

-LV-

*trying to cool down and get some sleep, 6.44am now....

Yes, football is bad for health.

I WANT MY DADDY

Rubbish filled post ahead... Just for fun...
___

*beh song* *beh song *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song*

Begitulah kisah Si Bob yg terpisah daripada Ayah Si Bob pada tanggal 21 Mei 2008

Stuck down South, watching MU v Chelsea alone. Argh!!!!!!! Regardless of the outcome, it's NO fun shouting and cheering and cursing and celebrating alone.

Yeah, I'm being a brat tonight and making a big fuss outta it.... :P Just for fun...

I WANT MY DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At 6+ months old

Demikianlah kisah Si Bob yang terperangkap di ibu kota, akibat perbuatan BTC (i.e. Kem Penyeksaan)! Mangkuk!!!!

*beh song* *beh song *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song* *beh song*

-LV-

*he he...

Manchester Monthly Meeting(s)

A rough estimate: We, the Manchester girls do meet up about once a month; which is a good thing! Keep it up.

Along the streets of Manchester, after Spanish Tapas; November 2006
6 minus 1: MW, MW, where art thou???

BUT

We never seem to be able to have a 'family potrait' taken!!!! Maximum number will ALWAYS be 6, selalu kurang 1....

Resolution: Make it 7 the next time we take a group picture!!!

First 'date' was around November, at the newly opened GSC in Pavillion, where we watched "Stardust".

{Picture Missing}

Met up with NS in February. Was nice seeing her again after 6 months. Had a great time talking to her after such a long time.... Hey NS, got pics from that day???

Marmalade; BSV, March/April 2008

6 tolak 1 again! TLo, TLo, where art thou???

(Note to self: Sitting directly in front of the camera=looking fat and huge)

End of March/Early April. CC or more accurately SS came back for a couple of weeks. Met up with her at Starbucks along with TLo and MW; and with her, Jenny, MW, Steph, AK, Jenny at Marmalde; Bangsar Shopping Village the subsequent week. Had TLo not fallen ill on that fateful day, it would have been 'full attendance' i.e. 7 of us.

Korean BBQ, Ampang; 18 May 2008

Had a stressful journey to Ampang *winks* and met up with MW and Steph last weekend for Korean BBQ. Relaxing and good fun.
___

It's nice meeting the girls back 'home' i.e. in Malaysia and perhaps in a different guise i.e. as working women?/adults? :P
The things we do during our get togethers are so different nowadays. It's usually a movie, a dinner/lunch or over coffee and cake now.

During our 'Desperate Housewives' days; Manchester 2007

See! 6 minus 1 again! MW oh, MW where art thou?

Compared to the days back then when we meet up for a gotong-royong memasak bersama dinner, or for MAHJONG!!!! (I miss that!), or for grocery shopping. *lols* We were such 'housewives' then!

And our topic of conversations vary from the discounts available at Tesco; the half price strawberries, the crunchy and sweet grapes at M&S, the Mini-Bites (3 for 2 promotion) at M&S, J's constant cursing of her gila working hours at Subway, my constant cursing of itu pengurus yg teramat sgt bodoh, S's cursing about the loud music nextdoor, dirty flatmates, horrible cleaners....

Ah!!! When next???

-LV-

Chimera Embryos

Something to think about this weekend.

BBC News: Brown Urges Embryo Support; 18 May <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7406773.stm>

BBC Health: Q&A Hybrid Embryos; 19 May <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6233415.stm>

BBC News: MPs Back Embryo Hybrid Research; 19 May <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7407589.stm>

____

A touch-and-go write-up of the 'Chimera Debate'
____

The planned Bill and subsequent amendments to the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990) to allow for the cultivation and use of Chimera hybrids in genetic research has sparked an intense bioethical-legal debate. In essence, a animal + human embryo will be created, for research purposes and the UK Parliament is lobbying to pass a Bill (Bills - i.e. a proposed law. Once tabled and passed, it will become an Act) on this.

I did a short topic on this during my Philosophy classes last year. If I recall correctly, John was all for allowing the use of Chimera hybrids for purposes of genetic research. And I do agree with the use of such hybrids purely for research purposes.

"What are chimeras?", some may ask. In essence, or rather in Wikipedia terms

"... a chimera is an animal (in zoological terms) that has two or more different populations of genetically distinct cells that originated in different zygotes.

Chimeras are formed from four parent cells (two fertilized eggs or early embryos fuse together) or from three parent cells (a fertilized egg is fused with an unfertilized egg or a fertilized egg is fused with an extra sperm). Each population of cells keeps its own character and the resulting animal is a mixture of mis-matched parts. An analogy is two jigsaw puzzles cut using an identical cutter, but with different pictures. A single puzzle can be made out of the mis-matched parts, but the completed puzzle will show parts of both pictures..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimera_%28genetics%29

Under the draft Bill, chimera hybrids would be created in order to address the shortage of human embryos for research purposes. This opens up doors to possible findings and discovery of cures for genetically linked diseases e.g. Parkinsons, Alzhemier, MND (Motor-Neuron Disease). Proposed amendments to the HFEA (Human Fertilisatio and Embryology Act 1990) would allow for use of such hybrids on condition that these hybrids would be destroyed after 14 days.

What are the concerns about the work?
Opponents say this is tampering with nature and is unethical. Critics say they are repulsed by the idea and there must be no creation of an animal-human hybrid. It is already illegal to implant human-animal embryos in the womb or bring them to term.

Exerpt from BBC Health: Q&A Hybrid Embryos

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6233415.stm

But then, IF the HFEA is amended to allow for the use of such chimera hybrids, there would definitely be parties who are bound to find loop-holes within the legislation and perhaps attempt to push the limits. This poses many dangers; most strikingly the haunting possibility of the birth of a human + animal progeny.

"We think there is nothing illegal, immoral or unethical about this. While we understand the concerns, we think they are largely founded on misinformation. People think we are generating some sort of hybrid animal. This is just cells, just for science. No animal is ever going to be created."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6233415.stm

How do we (and will we ever be able to) effect a successful mechanism of control over these mad-scientists???

Will they NOT be tempted to further push the boundaries???

____

Further exerpts from BBC Health: Q&A Hybrid Embryos; 19th May 2008:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6233415.stm

What does the law say?

Although ministers felt the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 needed updating as science had moved on significantly, they were initially cool on the idea of creating human-animal embryos.

However, they bowed to pressure from scientists, who argued a ban would hamper medical research.

In addition, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee carried out an inquiry into the proposals and concluded that the creation of hybrid embryos was necessary for research and that there should not be a complete ban.
(I agree, but there is definitely a pressing need for a strict enforcement mechanism.)

A draft bill published in May 2007 allows for the creation of human embryos that have been physically mixed with one or more animal cells.

Will the bill become law?
(If the House is able to by-pass and find a way through the religious oppositions, the Bill would certainly be good law in no time. But, how would one tackle such highly sensitive issues? There are already strong oppositions going against the use of human embryos for research (mainly based on arguments that it is wrong to create an embryo knowingly that it wouldn't be afforded any opportunity of growing past the 10 day (or is it 14 day) stage, and now, creation of hybrid embryos? Are they any less human than 'normal embryos'?)

Opponents are determined to block the proposals. Several leading members of the Catholic Church have described them as immoral.

In his Easter sermon, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the church in Scotland, described the legislation as a "monstrous attack on human rights, human dignity and human life".

A significant number of MPs, including several Catholic members of the Cabinet, are also reported to have serious concerns about the legislation, leading to speculation of high profile resignations...

Some 200 medical charities have urged MPs to support legislation allowing the creation of animal-human embryos. And Labour peer and fertility expert Lord Winston has accused the church of misleading the public over the issue.

____

Question:
Is there really a need for the creation of what some term as "Frankenstein Hybrids"? Or would we be able to find a better ethical alternative to this?

In whatever decision that will be made, there is a need to thread with utmost caution.

Perhaps, the pressing consideration would be, if we allow for the creation of Chimeras now, how and where do we possibly draw the line in the future? There is a danger of the opening of floodgates and a free-fall to oblivion. And mad scientists would be keen on capitalising on loopholes and if not, finding justifications for their reasons for e.g. going beyond the 14 day permitted limit.

How do we control????


-LV-
*more answers to the above question in my new post. Off to read now!

Sabotaged

Yes, yes, yes I know I've been ranting over this for the past week.... Grow up, Livyen!

But still, beh song laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.......................

The torture camp sabotaged my 'balik kampung' plans to watch the UEFA Champions League tomorrow. I'll have to cheer them on alone tomorrow. So potong steam! *beh song*

-LV-

Housekeeping Duties

The benefits of living in a University accommodation:

1. I don't have to spend 2 hours a week mopping the floors and scrubbing the bathrooms
(But I don't mind DIY-ing it nowadays though, good workout!)

2. I have someone to have dinner with

3. I have someone to go grocery shopping with. Ah, those 40 minute walks to Asda! (A huge supermarket in the UK. Rivals of Sainsbury and Tesco)

4. I have someone to bitch with about the boss-from-hell

5. I can leave the heating on full blast during those cold winter days, and not worry about bills

My Former Room: Acomb House 08-060; Whitworth Park, Manchester

(September 2006 - September 2007)

*lols* I so love the poster! Miss 'ya Sarah, Miss 'ya Mel, Miss 'ya Yiwen!!!!

Oh yes, NgeeShin, Vince (see ya 23rd July ya! *winks*), Nien-Chia, Nung-Kuang, Dom, Divine, Daniel, Dorcas, Jessica, Min, Hui-Chi, Qiong, Konrad, Ange, Kat, Kathrin, Yumi, Margret...

BUT

This does not mean that I appreciate the substandard work and hygiene practices of the cleaners at the Whitworth Park Hall of Residences, University of Manchester at all...

I'd rather clean and scrub for 2 hours, than to bear with the dirtier than before cookers, stinkier than before bathroom floors; the aftermath of the Whitworth Park cleaner invasion.

They'll come in, mop a bit, wipe a bit, n pour all the dirty water into the kitchen sink, leaving the sink dirtier than before, complain in a (lan lan si si i.e. arrogant way) that you and your flatmates don't keep the common areas clean, blahblah yaddahyaddah, giving you a lecture that you guys should have a duty roster so that the common areas are kept clean, kitchen stoves are clean...

OMGWTFBBQ!!!!! For God's sake, those areas aren't even filthy to begin with!

At times, I can't help but wonder how their houses look like... Or maybe, they don't even clean their houses at all? :P

AND

Yes, I certainly don't miss those days during the cold, bitter and miserable December where we were left without hot water and heating for 2 weeks!!!! That was the longest ever period we survived without heating and hot water, not forgetting those intermittent times when it went off. Crazy man!!! Imagine washing your face, brushing teeth and taking an icy cold shower (imagine pouring a bucket of Iced water over your body) when temperature outside plummets to about 5 degrees celcius or lower! Thank God for the Manchester Aquatics Centre gym membership of mine. I frequented the gym often during those days, for their hot shower!

Ah, those were the days! Thank God it's over now.

-LV-

Of Grants, Scholarships and Sponsorships

Very often, I feel like writing. Especially on days like today where I get back from a long day of classes; to digress and destress...
My brain is so conked out, yet I still have to prepare for Wills & Probate tomorrow.

Nose went havoc AGAIN this morning, popped the pill to keep it under control. Result: Palpitations, plus endless talking during class. *hic* Pity those who have to bear with me...

China just won the Uber Cup: 3-0
___

SPM results are out, STPM results are out. It's the time of the year again, where people jump with joy, or drown in tears of sorrow over their success or failure.

Scholarship offers aplenty, applications are submitted.

I can't help but wonder, what exactly is the selection criteria for scholarship offers?

Pure academic excellence? 10As?
(Oh, pardon me! 10As is so passe, it's 20As now... *rolls eyes*)
An all-rounder with say, 9As but who is a state athlete, head prefect, debator, active in community service, sports?
That bloke with 7As who walks in, gives you a confident handshake, and talks eloquently and convincingly?

But then, the burgeoning number of students who have 20As, 19As and 18As further poses problems to the selection criteria. Is a 20As student (who is a pure bookworm) better than a 10As student (Cos he/she only took 10 subjects and not 20 unlike our Kiasu friend) who is an all-rounder?

How do we assess?

Academic Excellence?
Undoubtedly, putting a cap on the number of subjects a student is allowed to sit for in the SPM would provide for a more equal/level playing field for all parties. Therefore, I feel in that the STPM with its maximum of 5 subjects per candidate ruling, provides with a fairer basis of assessment of the credentials of a candidate. The interviewer's eyes would not be blinded by the surmountable number of bling (Sorry, I mean As) on an applicant's certificate. Rather, in cases of scholarship applications, it would provide for a more careful and stringent selection and filtering method. Only the cream of the crop would be given what they deserve.

An All-Rounder?
I feel strongly against awarding scholarships to applicants purely based on academic qualifications. A student with 20As who is a pure bookworm (and probably a librarian. Well, yeah, that would be the only "KK" he has on his school leaving cert.) is in NO WAY better than an all-rounder who scores 10As and is a District level debator, Head Prefect, Rotary Club member, state athlete and active in social and community services.

The former only knows how to study, memorise and probably make short notes. Whilst the latter knows how to lead, communicate, play, study and socialise. Needless to say, the all-rounder would have a better education, and would certainly stand a better chance of 'surviving' in the working world. He/She has acquired the necessary communication skills, is able to work as a team and has the core values needed in the real wide world out there. I'm not saying that the bookworm is doomed to fail in working life. But, the all-rounder, by virtue of his/her acquired skills and experiences would fare better than the former.

Therefore, please award the grants and scholarships to these deserving individuals. They ought not be marginalised by virtue of scoring 10As lesser than their peers.

Financial Standing?
Academic qualifications aside, those from the middle-income class are often caught in a quandary. They are 'neither here nor there'; i.e. not rich enough to support themselves for education at a top-notch university (their parents would probably have to dig up their financial reserves to fund their studies overseas and the student would most likely have to work part-time) BUT at the same time, are not poor enough to be deserving of a scholarship based purely based on financial needs.

Do think about it, 10As oil tycoon's bookworm son vs 10As tauke balak's son vs 10As teacher's daughter (Middle-class income) vs 10As Insurance Agent's bookworm son (Again, middle class income) vs 10As rubbertapper's daughter.

Who deserves it more? And why?

If you choose the rubbertapper's daughter, how would you justify the non-selection of the teacher's daughter?
If the tauke balak's son win, why not the Insurance Agent's bookworm son?
If the oil tycoon's bookworm son is selected, why?
Would his non-selection be based SOLELY on his dad's wealth - richer thus can afford self-funded education?
Would you assess him based on a stricter criteria, as he is born with a silverspoon in his mouth, and therefore if he were to be deserving of a sponsored education, he must perform doubly well to impress you?

____

But then, the SPM, STPM and scholarship application days are far behind me!
PG and UG (Postgrad and Undergrad for the uninitiated) are also long gone!
I'm at the final leg of my long journey now.
So why should I even bother?

The Old Quadrangle, University of Manchester; June 2006

- Can you recognise me? Oh yes, I so love those shoes of mine!

-LV-
*apathetic

*1130pm now, forget bout Probate, I'm going to bed (no pun intended)

On LDRs

People in long-distance relationships never cease to amaze me.

With their sheer determination, unwavered trust and confidence in each other...

And their ability to withstand temptations...

It's just amazing!

-LV-

Wardrobe Malfunction

My baby blue (now brownish due to wear and tear) + pink shoes, teamed with my favourite pair of striped socks=Ultimate mismatch!!

Thank God I wore my pair of khakis today!

Wardrobe theme for today: Relaxed + Malas. Hence, I went for class sans heels... :P

-LV-

I Spy With My Little Eye

Some pictures stolen from bro's lappie as I rumaged through it the other day...
___

Spot me........ Can you find me????
Nampak tak aku????

Picture credits: TY Tham

A close-up shot... (no prizes for guessing the location where this picture was taken)

Picture credits: TY Tham

Question: What is a praying mantis called in Cantonese and Mandarin??? Please enlighten me.

-LV-

*New Resolution: Get enough/adequate/sufficient sleep. I nearly died during Land Law revision today

Rant, Rant, Rant

59 more days...

I'm feeling a bit patah semangat...

I'm not stressed...

I'm just numb, all over...

I'm tired of studying and not knowing if I'll reach the end...

I've been slacking lately...

I'm so sick of doing questions over and over again...

I'm sick of reading the same thing time and again...

At times, I just feel that I'm not working as hard as I ought to...

At times, I feel as if I'm doomed to a lifetime of eternal studying...

So much for the 'professional student' tag I jokingly give myself...

I'm sick of books, and of a carefree life...

Naive as it may seem...

I'm afraid of failure...

But is this enough to spur me on?

I need change...

I do not want to slave over the books, never ever...

How I wish July was here...

I'm just so bored...

Sometimes I just wish exams were here tomorrow...

I wish to just get over and be done with it....

I really want to close this chapter of my life...

And begin another...


-LV-
*emo...
Free hugs pls...

Some Old Pictures

Some old pictures I found while rummaging through my folders...

____

Life is tough being Bob...

You need to survive being knocked WITHOUT any scars (dents)...

Look! No scratches at all!!!!

I can't believe he took pictures of it and sent them over to me via MSN (was still in Manchester back then), "Look sis, Bob got involved in an accident today. But hey, he's dented, but without a scratch!" *pengsan*

Note: I am in NO WAY associated with the above damage caused to Bob. Bro bears sole responsibility for them...

Disaster: The 'typhoon aftermath' @ UPM. What a close shave! *phew*

Thank God and heavens that Bob didn't get penyek (squashed)

____

Cute dogs (not mine! Hell NO!!!!!!)...

Estee: Cute lil' critter. But ain't my favourite as he/she/it goes round biting plastic bottles and nibbling at your feet! *Squirms* I hate dogs! *terrified*

Z+: Ever the darling.

-LV-

Now Li Vyen Can Fly

Update: This pirated Teochew has just booked her return flight. At the rate of RM69.50 as well! :)
____

Yay!!!!! *Skips with joy!!!!*

I've finally booked my outward bound flight to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Barring any unforeseen turn of events, I should be off on the 9.30am flight headed towards the Land Beneath the Wind (Negeri Di Bawah Bayu) on the morning of 28th July 2008. The last I've ever been to the other side of the country was back in 2002. Yeah, moons ago!!!! But it was at the other end of the "dog" i.e. the tail, and now I'm headed towards its head.
(For the uninitiated: Don't you realise that the entire chunk of Borneo is shaped like a dog?)

I've procastinated, and have been monitoring the prices on Air Asia for 1 month. Yes, kiasu and kiamsiap me! Which makes me wonder whether I've got any Teochew blood running through my veins at times.
(For the uninitiated: Teochews are supposed to be kiamsiap, according to SW. But at the same time, the are supposed to be the A-grade Chinese, very smart kononnya. And Cantonese are supposed to be of C-grade. This effectively puts me on the lower tier of the Chink hierarchy. So ladies, for a 'guaranteed smart' progeny, go look for a Teochew guy! :P No offence intended! Please don't send me any hate mail for this!)

Anyway, back to the main topic of discussion this morning. The MAS-AirAsia dog fight is doing me good! I clicked on the MAS website when they announced the launch of their Zero Fare promotion last week and I skipped at the sight of KLIA - KKBI: RM120 (one-way); RM240 (return). It's dirt cheap compared to the RM500+ we had to pay before. And picture this, the sight of Li Vyen with her sleeping bag, mat, mosquito net (what you call that? It's kelambu in Malay), her hiking shoes on board a MAS flight man!!!!! All the way to the jungles of Sabah to do cheap labour!!!! Talk about being CLASSY!!!!

But then, the little pirated/fake-Teochew in me decided to wait when I saw a news article in the Business section of The Star about Airasia launching it's SubZero fares next week i.e. this week. And I thank God and heavens for guiding my eyes towards that tiny weeny piece of news as I rarely flip through the business section EXCEPT for the "Exchange Rate" column.

Hence, this little pirated-Teochew waited patiently. Woo hoo! It pays to be patient!!!! As I now pay ONLY RM69.50 for my flight from LCCT (who cares if it's not KLIA) to KKBI!!! *Yay!!!! Goes this happy pirated-Teochew.

Will be touring or jetsetting or rather driving round Sabah; Kudat, Sepilok, maybe Pulau Tiga for a week. Then, will proceed to climb Mt K on the 7th and 8th September. Had initially planned for the climb to be on the 2nd and 3rd September, but they ran outta rooms on that day! *Sulks* Think it's got something to do with the long Merdeka weekend! Arrrggggghhh... maybe I should sweet talk them into doing a good deed for the birthday girl? :P Man! It would be cool to blow candles on the summit of Mt K.
HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE!!!!!!!!!!
Damn cun right???? Too bad, that's not the way things were meant to be!

*Lols* Not that birthdays are a big thing to me.
But then, the 'kembang' factor when you tell people, "I celebrated my 25th on top of Mt K!!!!!!" and people going, "Wow, that's so cool!!!!"
Alright, it's just me and my imagination running wild.
(I think it's gotta do with the Clarinase I had yesterday night and it's after effects. Still a bit 'high high dei'. But, it got me conked out for the night! Such a good night's sleep, PLUS all the hallucinations!!!! Woke up this morning, feeling like I'm floating.... *lols*)

Anyway, I have yet to book my return flight though as I'm unsure of the dates. I foresee the 9th September tentatively. Anyone interested in a belated b'day celebration??? *Hints to the Manchester girls!!!!*
HINTS HARD TO THE LADIES..... AND HARDER.....

PS: I still feel like I'm floating. Damn Clarinase!

Ice Cream plus super concentrated coffee sauce @ Ipoh Old Town Kopitiam. Lovely!

PS: I don't know what and how the picture above relates to my post. But just felt like posting it. See!!! Told 'ya I'm still high high dei...

-LV-
*in the mood to write crap

Kpr Gay Laksa

Kpr's infamous 'gay laksa'... *slurp*

-LV-

A Pot of Kaya

I love Kaya + Cream crackers very very much... (more than Manchester United)


I tried to make some myself back in Manchester but failed....

Miserably....

*hides faces in embarassment*

Hence, I was determine to 'go up the mountain and look for a sifu' (上山拜师 - cantonese); ala Chinese Kungfu shows should opportunity arise.

In English: I decided to ask Grandma to teach me how to make it...

So, she called out to me this morning,

"Vyen (yes, that's how my grandparents call me)... I'll show you how to make Kaya!"

And of course, I skipped at the opportunity!

So much so that I missed part of the live telecast of the Parliamentary proceedings this morning. (Yup, I'm one of the few people who find joy in following the proceedings. And conincidentally, our Kpr MP got to put forth his question during Question Time today. I didn't miss that part though...)

After 2 hours of ocassional stirring over low heat.

*Tadah!!!!* Yummy-licious Kaya!!!!

Easy peasy.

I know what failed me during my initial DIY attempts - Yes, it's my Archilles heel - IMPATIENCE.

But, as I was under the watchful eyes of the Old Master this morning, I wasn't allowed to turn up the heat. So, I had to stir patiently and wait, and stir, and wait.....

And yes, perseverance pays!!!!

Just like in life, it takes lots of patience and perseverance to get the girl. *Congrats Dom!*

Magnifique!!!!!

-LV-
*Kaya making novice....*

Champions 2007-08?

Update:

WE WON!!!!

WE WON!!!!!!!!

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excitement + Anxiety + Tension... Will we be champions again?

5 more mins to the big match.

God speed...

-LV-