Kezerk!

Moved

2010-03-13T14:03:00.000+08:00

Official: This blog has been moved to www.paulkzk.com/blog

2009-07-01T23:32:00.003+08:00

Peviote everyone.

From the 6th of July to the 16th of July I will be attempting to climb the tallest mountain in Europe - Mt.Elbrus (5642m) with the international youth expedition organized by the Ukrainian mountaineering federation. According to my brief research, I might be the first Malaysian to reach the summit after reading about Zuraina Dato' Zaharin 's failure to reach the summit in 2006.

“Mt.Elbrus is a volcano located in the western Caucasus mountain range, in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia, near the border of Georgia, in the northern Iranian plateau. A stratovolcano that has lain dormant for about 2,000 years, it is the highest mountain in the Caucasus. Mt. Elbrus (west summit) stands at 5,642 metres (18,510 ft) and it is not only the highest mountain in Europe (depending on continental border used); it is also the highest point of Russia.” -Wikipedia

As the climb crawls closer and closer through my calendar, I'm getting more and more nervous and anxious about the climb. Worried that the experience on Kilimanjaro would haunt me after reading about a South African climber going through the same thing on the Elbrus. (http://www.summitpost.org/trip-report/169838/highs-on-elbrus-and-lows-in-russia-uiaaf-meet-2004.html).

I wake up each morning with these thoughts banging on my mind's door. I sometimes try fending it away by praying or singing praises but it still disturbs me. I would say that my time in Moscow now isn't as enjoyable as I would have liked it to be due to the big worry in my mind. However, I do think that I haven't got this opportunity to climb by chance. And here's how I got the spot in this group.

One day I was just surfing the internet looking for Mt.Elbrus expeditions and guided groups. After awhile, I stumbled upon this International Youth Expedition organized by the Ukrainian Mountaineering Federation. It had stirred great interest in me and so decided to sign up for it. As I was reading the registration form, I found that the closing date has passed by a day. So yeah, so much for being excited. Despite the registration closing date, I decided to give it a go anyway. Telling them that I'm on a quest to climb the 7 summits (The tallest mountain in each continent) and that I'm a freelance photographer in Malaysia. Soon after I've sent that email, he replied with apologies being unable to register me with the group because they have already sent the list and details for the climbing permit application. HOWEVER though, he said that he could include me in the staff list and thus allowing me to climb with the team! I was shocked and ecstatic. What a fantastic opportunity! When dad heard this he was all out in support of me climbing together with this team. A few weeks after that, a letter from the government came and said that I'll have to report in on the 13th of June to join their National Service program. It was devastating, for such a thing to come up to ruin the party. I wasn't happy at all and so asked dad to see if they could postpone it to another time. Dad went to the national service office, sent in a letter to postpone my National Service, and we eventually got a letter of approval despite our reason not being an educational one.

We had got everything done, bought an ice axe, crampons, double plastic shoes, soft shell jacket and things and I was out of Asia and into Europe. So, I'm now in Moscow, all nervous about the climb.

An average of 22 people die in a year, with the worst record being 48 in 2006. Temperatures go down to -30c, winds blow in crazy speeds, weather changes from summer to winter in seconds, crevasses go down to 1000 feet, an amount of 12,000 calories being burnt on summit day. All that comes to thought giving me a nervous chill in sunny Moscow. If you've read what happened on Kilimanjaro here: (http://p-kzk.blogspot.com/2009/01/mt.html) You would know what had happened on Kilimanjaro. Anyways, in brief, on Kilimanjaro, on the summit day, I was climbing with ease and then suddenly my legs just couldn't hold my body up and couldn't walk without the help of my guide or my poles. On Elbrus however, I wouldn't have a guide next to me all the time and my poles wouldn't work on the traverse, and with a slight divert on the track would lead me to dangerous ground with crevasses (ice cracks knowing to reach more than 1000 feet in depth) covered with light snow making it hard to tell whether crevasses lie underneath. A weak leg could prove fatal. Being stuck on the mountain wouldn’t be pleasant; staying out over the night would mean severe frost bites or even death.

Knowing that the hand of God's always on me and angels guarding me even in the coldest temperatures and in the highest altitudes, I know that if it's God's plan for me to be on the top, I would be on the top of Europe.

So, I hope that you can join me in prayer that I would be able to make it to the summit with ease and also for His protecting over me. I would really hope to see you again back home with everything on me. God Bless you all. May all of us be lights in the dark.

PS: write up not edited. Mind the grammar/spelling

Understanding Women.

2009-03-10T02:20:00.002+08:00

Chemistry of women
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Woman--Chemical Analysis

ELEMENT: Woman
SYMBOL: WO+
DISCOVERER: Adam
ATOMIC MAKE: Accepted as 110 lb. but known to vary from 45 to
220 kg
OCCURRENCE: Copious quantities in all urban areas

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
1. Surface usually covered with a painted film
2. Boils at nothing, freezes without reason
3. Melts if given special treatment
4. Bitter if incorrectly used
5. Found in various stages ranging from virgin metal to
common ore
6. Yields to pressure if applied to correct points

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
1. Has a great affinity for Gold, Silver, Platinum and
precious stones
2. Absorbs great quantities of expensive substances
3. May explode spontaneously without prior warning and for
no known reason
4. Insoluble in liquids, but activity greatly increased by
saturation with alcohol
5. Most powerful money-reducing agent known to man

COMMON USES:
1. Highly ornamental, especially in sports cars
2. Can be a great aid to relaxation

TASTE:
1. Pure specimen turns rosy pink when discovered in natural
state
2. Turns green when placed beside a better specimen

HAZARDS:
1. Highly dangerous except in experienced hands
2. Illegal to possess more than one at the same time

Hold on tight, more to come.

2009-03-05T03:01:00.004+08:00

Hey guys,

Sorry for the lack of updates and the idleness of this blog. My apologies. Anyways, the reason for this is because I'm moving to my own website and thus, stopped blogging for a while due to my efforts in preparing my website to be up and running.

The website will be up and running in about a month's time, and at the time, the domain is still unregistered, so I'll let you know my website address when it's done. So yes, from the 1st of April, I'll be blogging on my very own website!

Our frequent soccer sessions with the Sudanese kids. We can't speak Arabic, but can certainly speak football - the universal language that draws everyone together. Red and Yellow, Black and White.

Schools under the boiling Sudanese sun. It gets up to 40 degrees celsius at this time of year, which is, for your information "winter".

Me and my crew - Wai Kin, a childhood buddy. "partners-in-crime". It is truly becoming a great experience working with one of my closest buddies.

Just a short update, Sudan has been an absolutely different from all the other countries I've been to. It's a world on its own. People that threaten to take you to the police for taking pictures to people that would offer you food as you pay a visit, the beautiful meeting of the 2 niles to the riots on the streets. Completely different from the other connecting countries that I've been to (Kenya and Egypt). It's been good so far though, surely, worth the time and money traveling to this part of the world - the second most unstable country in the world.

Anyways, just for those of you who are following my travel footsteps, I'm planning on heading north to Meroe for a night to see the pyramids of the "Black Pharaohs".

©Anthony Ham Lonely Planet Images

And then leave Sudan for Egypt on Sunday to visit Luxor, Aswuan, Alenxandria, Dahab (Red Sea) to dive and hike up Mt.Sinai and then head back to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia tentatively the 18th of March but most likely on the 23rd of March.

I'll update more soon. Will update about the websites progress and address.

Cheers.

Life on the other side- the blog

2009-03-02T01:44:00.003+08:00

Hey Guys!

Sorry for the late post. Haven't had time to update in ages.

Anyways, I'll now have two blogs, this one, and one that I'm partnering with my friend, Wystan (Wai Kin, as some of you guys may refer him as).

The new blog would be known as L.O.T.O.S meaning "life on the other side".

"Life on the other side is owned by both me (Paul Koh) and Wystan. We came up with this blog while we are traveling to the hot, dry, and dusty Sudan (we're still here as I write). We got bored due our inability to take pictures or shoot video because of some policies and the political instability. But it is indeed a good experience though, this trip gave us inspirations of crazy ideas and ingenious inventions! So, yes, we'll share it to you here, on this blog."

The link to this blog: http://pwcrazylife.blogspot.com/

Updates on Sudan coming your way soon!

Paul.kzk

Name Card!

2009-02-10T12:13:00.002+08:00

Gosh, haven't been updating my blog in ages!!

But guess what? I've got my name card done! Woots!! and I'm uploading it here for the sake of someone.... whose MSN cannot download sending files. :P

Front.

Back.

Cool much? :P

2009-01-23T14:09:00.003+08:00

Mt.Kilimanjaro

Wow. What a climb. Just over 2 days ago, I summited the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain at 5695m

I took the longest route on the mountain called the Lemosho route. It normally takes 8 days to climb up this route but I chose to do it in 7 days instead to push myself a bit.

So, the 7 days consist of 5 days of 8 hour long trekking and then summit on the 6th and down on the 7th. I had headaches on the first day at 2200m which was very weird and got me worried that I'll get AMS (acute mountain sickness). People usually get it when the body can't acclimatize well or in time for the altitude. Most mountain climbers die from this as a if its serious one can die within 24 hours without proper treatment. But well, I just took some aspirin, prayed and went to sleep hoping to shake it off before we start again the next day. So, for 5 days, I sleep with a headache and wake up perfectly fine just to get the headaches again just after about 2 hours of hiking. Then I'll have to suffer the other 6 hours with a pounding headache banging my brain to my skull. Each day I arrive at camp just lying dead on top of my sleeping mat, don't even have the headache break to take off my boots. It was terrible. Absolutely hated it. Well, despite the headache, my body was perfectly fine. No muscle cramps, no body aches nothing at all! In fact most of the time, me and my other climbing mate (Tomas from Austria) make it to camp the earliest, over taking everyone else on the other groups. I found the whole trek to be easy and not physically challenging even though my guide and a guide book I was reading said so. So yes, the only potential threat to my summit attempt: altitude headache.

So, on the 5th day, I started off feeling awesome. Even had the energy to wake up early to set up my camera of catch the sunrise over Mt.Kilimanjaro. So, I started the hike singing and beat boxing. My guide was surprised and joined me in melody soon after he got over the fact that I'm actually feeling better than ever. But just as I reached to sit in out mess tent for lunch, suddenly a huge roar screamed through my veins in my brain. A headache that felt like a mental elephant stampede. I told the guide about it, so, he asked me if I still want to go up the lava tower (4200m, a 200 meter gain from my current altitude) which would be extremely tough for me to go through as going higher would worsen the pain on my head but would be good when I up there and down to the next camp 400 meters lower than the lava tower as my body would have a chance to acclimatize. While I have the option of taking the short cut around the lava tower instead of over the tower. I did make a decision, to go up the lava tower. Hooyah.

It was tough. Very tough. Every time I put my forward, it would shake my head a bit causing intensive pain. So I keep praying and singing trying to get the headache off me. Then I started thinking of my sisters Phoebe and Priscilla, and then my little brother Philip and my parents. And then my friends who've really provided me mental support throughout the whole climb.

Eventually, God sent an angel. This time in a form of a strong, Godly man also known as my assistant guide. As I was slowly pulling away from my main guide and Tomas, the assistant guide who never treks with us as he's in charge of organizing the tents and the porters had come joined me. We chatted, about life, money, real happiness, about my 7 summits, about him possibly doing homeschooling as his children's school fees has been a heavy sack on the back. I told him how much I needed to be on the summit. He then said that he'll do everything in his power to get me up and down, alive. So, the whole climb up the lava tower and down to our camp (Barranco Huts) had been a breeze.

The next morning, I woke up with frost decorated around my tent. Looking at my thermometer, 0 degrees Celsius, and I felt fine! It's amazing how the body adjusts so quickly! Well this would be the last hike/climb before we get our bodies ready for the summit attempt. We climbed a 800meter wall and did 7 hour hike. It was physically exhausting but not something I couldn't handle.

Finally, I reach the last camp, Barafu Huts, 4800 meters above sea level. Talked to some dudes from Europe across the other tents and then straight to my mess tent for dinner and then rest.

We eventually woke up, at 12 midnight. Gearing up for our summit attempt. I got up, -10 degrees, got ready, had 2 cups of hot tea and went off to the long, hard, physically demanding uphill climb for over a thousand meter gain in height.

I started of as one of the strongest climbers on that night. Going on for 4 hours without a break or a pause or decrease in pace despite having your mouth all frozen up and literally seeing tears on the ground going up. I was destined for the summit, that was at least what I thought. But just after 4 hours, my whole body just went to a complete shut down in a period of a clap. I started feeling extremely sleepy, and I couldn't stand on my own feet! It felt extremely weird like touching your body's limit for the first time. I still had the strength to go on though. Not physical strength, but you know, the willingness to push to reach the summit. So, I went really slow, eventually dropped to be the last climber. I couldn't use my legs anymore. I was literally using my trekking poles as clutches. Jamming them in the scree and pulling my body forward. It was long, tough and not so handsome. I got myself at the bottom of the scree wall at 6.45am. The scree wall is a 45 min vertical climb for a absolutely professional climber. The scree wall is extremely painful and tear indicting because scree is like small rocks that causes you to slide back each step you take. It's literally one step forward and two steps back. As I start climbing up the wall, Tom and my main guide were ski walking down the scree wall. And when he met up with me and my assistant guide, they both talked and were discussing something serious, but I couldn't understand Swahili but kinda got an idea of what the discussion might have been about from the seriousness and the fighting response of my assistant guide to what my main guide has said, probably the need for me to turn back because of my speed and physical condition. Eventually, my assistant guide negotiated with my guide that if I made it up the scree wall to Stella point (one of the summits on the mountain and a turning to the summit ridge to the tallest peak, Uhuru peak) before 8am.

Upon receiving the challenge, I pushed myself to my utmost physical limit. Well, not exactly my physical limit, but my limit under that condition. I slowly had the pole stab, drag body, pole stab, drag body rhythm. I eventually reached the top of the scree wall, at 7.55am. Just 5 minutes before the 'time limit'. So, I then continued to push for another 1 hour, up and down the summit ridge and finally, eventually, amazingly reach Uhuru Peak. The tallest point of Africa. At 9.00am, 19th jan 2008, I was the tallest man in the whole continent of Africa. I had tears in my eyes. I never thought I would make it up here, with my body almost useless, I sat below the "Uhuru peak board", motionless. My assistant guide pulled out my camera, I verbally gave him a 1 minute photography course and then he started snapping photos of me on the summit with the glacier below looking polished, huge and intimidating, after about 10 short minutes on the summit, I tried getting up on my legs to make my way down the mountain. I stood up, and then boom, fell back on the rock I sat on. I was dead meat. I pulled out my poles, then snap! My left pole broke in half. Now instead of having 2 legs left (my poles which were literally acting as my legs on that certain day) have only 1 legs left go drag myself down. I couldn't move. And if my assistant guide wasn't with me, I would have no choice but stay up on the summit and eventually lose my hands and legs to frost bite or kill myself trying to come down on one pole. But well, the angel was still there with me. He took my 35 liter bag and my 2kg monster camera and pulled one of my hands over his shoulder while I support my other leg with my pole. Each time we feel the wind passing through with great wrath, he keep saying, "the time is bad, the time is bad, we have to go down in hurry". This might be because the strong winds and cloud comes in as soon as late morning comes into play (10.30 to 11.30). I didn't have the strength to worry about the situation all I had strength for is to drag my 75kg, 5'11" body down that snow capped mountain. I, must, go down. We took the shorter but steeper way down which only porters use. I dragged myself down the scree slope, trying my best to keep myself up and not rolling. We had to stop every minute so that I can regain my alertness to stay up and not fall. I fell a few times, slid, rolled, but did not have the energy to feel any more pain. After 4 hours (felt more like 10 hours) of pushing myself and using every grain of energy I had left, we met up with my porters who purposely came up this high giving me some juice to drink and using their shoulders as support for me to get down to camp. I eventually made it, at 2.30pm. As I reached the camp, tears started to drip into my sunglasses in relief of me being alive and physically "complete" or in tact. I couldn't believe I actually made it down. As I saw my guide, I immediately gave him a huge and shake his hands saying, "feel my hands Mann, feel my hands! I have them with me Mann!" After lunch, I had to hike for another 2 hours down to the next camp where we were allowed to sleep at. And then another 2 hours down to the mountain gate.

It was a rather life threatening climb. It made me reconsider, if I should still continue pursuing the 7 summits. I did consider giving it up. But I personally feel the 7 summits will allow me to experience God, one to one. Having no choice but to rely on Him. Seeing the worst a person can go through and fight through it with the strength from God. This, is truly life changing. The different ways God has shown himself throughout the climb. God, is truly unbeatable. So, I encourage you guys, you, who took time to read my story on Kilimanjaro, to climb your own mountain. Be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Do it. And push to reach the summit and come back alive.

Also, you know, sometimes, too much determination might not be good. My determination to reach the summit wasn't entirely good. Like they say, have a bit of everything.

Like what my mom always says when she gets the chance to: "make your climb count."

PS: It was a good experience to see your body at its limit and a total shut down though. We don’t get that chance very often =)

Me and my assistant guide, Sam.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T21:33:00.002+08:00

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Local time: 10.14pm

Status: No time to update.

But I've got 5 mins to drop a big Merry Christmas on my blog! =)

so, here you go,

Merry Christmas.

The Aussie Madness

2008-12-01T14:05:00.005+08:00

Mann. Can't get my fingers on the keyboard to type out a post. Anyways, now that I've got my fingers on it, I'll update you guys on my Mt.Kosciuszko trip.

This morning at exactly 7.56am, I was supposed to take a train to Cooma, a small town 2 hours away from Kosciuszko Park. Find a backpacking lodge to stay in, hitch hike the next day to Kosciuszko Park, climb all the 10 tallest mountains in Australia with only bread, cheese and peanut butter. With temperatures going down to 0 celsius at night. Survive 3 nights, then hitch hike back to Cooma to catch a bus/train transfer to Melbourne on Friday.

Finally, for the first time in my life, I decided to back down in fear on this one. Just too scary to do it. I've never been to Kosciuszko Park, never climbed a mountain myself, never took a train out of Melbourne, or even New South Wales (the state where the mountain in situated).

I pull out. No, not going alone. If I had the transport, maybe.

So now, I'm looking for tours and guided hikes up Mt.Kosciuszko that includes a transfer from Melbourne. I might cost me 300-400 AUD. But at least I get the mountain done, just the tallest one at least. Just one problem with this one... I can't find any tour groups that includes a transfer from Melbourne!! Oh mann. I need to find one. Google hasn't been too helpful..

Anyone interested in driving me to the Kosciuszko Park? I'll pay.

I called all the tour busses, and tour guides and asked if they know if there's public transport to the park. And guess what? Busses don't operate in the summer!?!

First of the 7 summits, Mt.Kosciuszko, tallest mountain in Oceania, failure NOT ACCEPTED. I need to get myself to the mountain, climb it, and bring back only success in hand.

GOSH. the fear and madness. Need to get the mountain done and over with.

Just one last shot before I leave the beloved KL. All geared up.

Picture Perfect Melbourne!!

2008-11-20T13:31:00.003+08:00

Picture Perfect brings you an extraordinary photography experience in a 2 day course. The course includes essential topics such as photographic Composition, Lighting, Exposure, Lenses, Macro, Black and White, and many more… Dates: 6 and 7th of December Time: 10am to 4pm, 6th December; 3pm to 7.30pm, 7th December Price: 200 AUD with a 25% discount for Students!

The Kuala Lumpur Summary/Synopsis. =)

2008-11-07T00:10:00.009+08:00

Oh well, the finale of my Kay-elle trip did come - after a month that is. It was totally awesome though! Felt like a roller coaster ride.. Eternal fun and excitement. Met new friends, trekked new places, eat new food, seen new things. hahah!!

Hmm... what did I do during this one month.. Rock climbing course, Sarah's partay, Mae Yin's partay, met up with friends that i wanted to see for a long time.. spend loads of time with good friends playing pool, bowling, movies, dinners, luncheons, suppers, stay overs, ENDLESS.

Mann, really don't feel like writing.. I'll upload pictures instead... Cool? yeah, i think so.

Me, photographer for Chandra and Michelle's wedding dinner, Bangsar Seafood.

The Urban.

The city, the jungle and the KLCC

Friends. always.

the other perspective of KLCC. the blurred one. =)

I just love looking at this picture. somehow. =D

Archery @ Sunway Pyramid

Guys, yeah, Welcome to KL. Greatest place ever.

Mae Yin preparing for torture at her Bday party! Eggs, aged flour, chili sauce, water. Owh yeah!

Batting at 1U. =)

Sarah's party

Central Market

The KL life.

My usual walkway to school. =D ain't it artsy?

1st time visiting school in 4 years with best friend Wai Kin and crazy Jen Yen.

I loovvvee this picture!! look at the man walking.. the body language! i think he was drunk.. i was rather worried of being robbed or mobbed.. But, i think it was well worth it! an awesome shot in my opinion.

OK. STOP. The pictures below made the most memorable photoshoot ever. Find out why at the end of the post.

The beauty of the heavy clouds. Ain't it beautiful?

My masterpiece of the trip. Notice the glow around the clock tower with dark clouds closing in.

The whole reason why it was memorable. The sudden pour of rain and with no shelter to run to, yeah, as you can see - the soaked me. It was cold, i felt homeless for a while.. you know, that feeling.. oh well. Walked about 2km to the train station lugging my bag and my camera in a plastic bag. Oh, the fun. An awesome experience really. FUN.

That's all for now folks! back soon.

Tag, Tag, Tag..

2008-10-24T14:20:00.002+08:00

I think Tag's can be pretty interesting at times.. You ask yourself questions that you would never ask. So, here's mine. =) from Debbie.

If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be?
Forgive?

What will your dream wedding be like?
An overcast day on the beach. White sand, cool breeze, crashing waves. =)

On your wedding day, what would you like to see?
A whole lot of happy people.

Are you confused as to what lies ahead of you?
Well, I don't think I'm confused. I'm more... Curious..

What's your ideal lover like?
Well, I don't really mind.. Think I can adjust to anything. The city girl, the country girl, the relaxed girl, just maybe not the stressful kind.. The work-directed kinda girl. :S

She definitely has to love God though. =)

If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
I try not to be in that situation. But well, if I really am in one.. Either wait for the person or try to let go.. =)

Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Well.. not unhappy.. just a lil' stressed?

Who are currently the most important people to you?
God, My dad especially, Best dad ever. My mom, yes definitely. My 3 siblings. And yeah, Friends. Life wouldn't as fun and lively without them.

Would you rather be rich and single or married but poor?
Married but poor!!! Money is needed for survival.. but I could live without the whole bulk of green paper.

What's the first thing you do every morning?
Yawn and fall back to sleep. :P just kidding mom, if you're reading this.. haha!

Would you give all in a relationship?
Owh Yeah! Everything. Why hold back right? unless you really think she's not the one..

If you fall in love with 2 people simultaneously, who would you pick?
hmm... i don't do such things.. =)

What type of friends do you like?
Friends who:
- Encourage rather than pull down
- Are adventurous!
- Can think logically.. They're not many left in the world you know!
- Are responsible
- Can dance, sing and jump around! basically.. Not ashamed.. Take off that "cool" mask yo!
- Who can chill and do nothing for a while..
- Who can enjoy a simple dinner
- Who loves traveling
- Easy going =)

What type of friends do you dislike?

- Gives you half truths

- Liars

- Irresponsible

- Ok, I dont like this question.. gonna skip it. =)

Have you ever lied to your parents?
Y-E-S. Not proud of it.. But oh well..

What did you lie about?

Hmm.. Don't remember. I don't memorize what I lied about!! hahaha!

Currently, are you having any crush on anyone?
Hmm... crushes... Nah.. :P

Hint about him / her?
No one?

Do you think the guy / girl knows?
If I had a crush, she would know.. =)

What phrases you usually say when something unexpected happens?
- Shucks!

- WOah!

What annoys you the most?
- Guys who wear sport shoes with jeans.. brr

- People with unpleasant slangs... :S

- The wannabes..

What is your current obsession?
The 7 summits! Diving courses. =D

Who do you short text the most these days?
hmm.. friends? =)

Who do you miss alot now?
Now I'm thinking of my family.. Haven't been home for awhile. :S Don't worry mom, I'll be back soon. =)

Which secondary school friend you miss the most right now?
Can't really think of any.. I meet them quite often.. heh

Who do you idolize now?

Can't think of anyone apart from God.. heh

Best girl friends?
Rebekah Tan, Su Yen, Shammie, Christabelle

Best boy friends?
Too many to mention.. But well, here's some.. Wai Kin, Shou Yi, Darren, Tata, the usuals. =)

Biggest fear?
Heartbreaks. :S

Favourite hang out place?
Camp 5 mann!

If you were to go out with a group of friends, who will you choose?
To name a few.. Shammie, Wai Kin, Darren, Shou Yi, Rebekah, Su Yen.. But why are you all so busy!! hahaah!! :P

Made any new friends recently?
Owh Yeah! from my travel.. Fun! =)

What kind of mood are you in most of the time?
Crazily hyper!

Do you like the person who tagged you?
Like the person? yeah, you get what I mean.. she's pretty awesome herself. =D

I tag:
- Nat

- Sarah

- Shar

- Kin

- Shou

- Yen

- Sham

PS: KL pictures coming up soon. Hang on! :P

Picture Perfect Photography course

2008-10-15T23:35:00.006+08:00

It's finally here! Picture Perfect's second course. This time in Singapore!

Click on the picture to expand. =)

I'll just cut and paste the words on the brochure right here as it's pretty small.

Picture Perfect brings you an extraordinary photography experience in a 4 day course.

The course includes essential topics such as photographic Composition, Lighting, Exposure, Portraiture, Media, Lenses, Macro, Black and White, and many more…

Course Date: 14th - 17th November 2008

Venue: Singapore

Price: SGD $250

November 14th: 8pm - 10pm

November 15th: 10am - 10pm

November 16th: 12pm - 10pm

November 17th: 8pm - 10pm

Instructor:

Paul Koh is a qualified photographer and have been working professionally for 2 years after completing Prizewinning photography 1 and 2 by the Institute of Photographic Studies based in US. His work includes photographing 5-star-hotel Sutera Harbour, 4-star-hotel Zen Garden, photographer for various major events, weddings and events. During his career, he was a catagory finalist in the BBC Shell Wildlife photogapher of the year contest.

Paul started teaching photography at the age of 15. Ever since his first course, he has taught in 7 courses in Melbourne, Perth, Kuala Lumpur, Melacca, Kota Kinabalu and Kuantan.

And now bringing it to the Lion City - Singapore.

Paul Koh is also working towards climbing the tallest mountain in each continent (seven summits challenge) including Mt.Everest. Your participation in this course would help him both financially and mentally.

Really need your support guys! Get your names in!

Genting Highlands - city of entertainment

2008-10-07T03:16:00.011+08:00

01-10-2008, 0m sea level - me, Wai Kin and Tata, stayed over at Shou Yi's place for our trip to Genting Highland the next day.

Our 1.30am trip to the usual MCDs.

Commercial pillows never get as good as Shou's blubbery stomach. =)

100 push ups for charity! Shou didn't even do one. haha!

Shou Yi showing off his hod "UFC" standard bod. L-O-L

02-10-08, 1700m above sea level - leaving the house in the early hours of the morning, we reached Genting Highlands at approx. 10.30am.

Me and Tata in le France. NOT.

Seriously, taking pictures were the only free, cheap and easy thing to do in Genting. We had to, just had to.

We spent half the time playing our new found hobby/bestfriend. The pool table.

Coming to think of it, its not exactly our bestfriend. We didn't like it, it wasn't even :S

It isn't as easy as it looks. trust me.

Wearing a jacket that I would NEVER buy. (tata's jacket)

Don't know why we decided to take pictures under the snake. Just random.

Check out the size of the fish mann! Pure flour and butter! hahaha..

Look up yo, Malaysia's 1st Roller Coaster

THE only ride we actually sat on.

Album cover shot. =P

Yeah... don't even know who he is.

It was closing in on us, really! hahaha..

2.35am

Doing what we do.

Nothing better to do 1700m above sea level.

Joy Ng from Kota Kinabalu, she's working in first world and proud of it despite the low pay.. :P

Ice cream, 1700m, 2.45am, 16 Celsius. PERFECT.

Oh yes, before I go, I made history. I didn't bring my enormous 1d mrk3 and my lenses.

Below is my camera kit for this trip:

iPhone 3G.

It was definitely my lightest traveling pack, EVER.

Bringing my Sabah lifestyle back to KL.

2008-10-07T02:20:00.004+08:00

Yeah, I do what I do...

For some of you that don't know what my "sabahan life" was like, I'll explain...

It's really simple. The main foundation of living that life is one cool word - Relax.

What I did the whole day today was my typical Sabah routine.

woke up at 9.30am, walked to Sunway Pyramid, met a friend for lunch, walked around the mall to help digest my oh-so-filling Japanese beef teppanyaki, then finally decided to settle down in Starbacks.

While sipping the glorious Iced Caramel Macchiato, I got my eyes hooked on a book by Jon Krakauer - into thin air.

This is a totally awesome book. I highly encourage anyone with an adventurous appetite to read this book. It's probably to closest you can get to feeling what it's like on Everest while being at home. I hardly read books, and usually get bored before reaching the third chapter. However, this book just got me stuck for hours and hours. Jon Krakauer definitely did well in this book so much so that it got me thinking of taking up journalism and professional writing - a childhood passion which I lost over the years. With him being in one of the worst Mt.Everest disaster in history, Jon had the story written with perfect amount of detail and excitement.

Anyways, Yes, I am enjoying life despite being alone without my family or friends. Life is Beautiful.

The rough hike is worth the beautiful view.

2008-09-29T08:53:00.003+08:00

Just Imagine...

Your heart pounding with metal plates in between,

Brain working with nothing left to think,

Mouth breathing with no more air to breathe,

Eyes tearing with no more tears to shed.

But just something that keeps the engine in me going.

You, yes, You.. keep me going.

And its because... the view at the end of the hike is the most beautiful.

star-trails at the Tip of Borneo.

A Video Project

2008-09-04T15:35:00.003+08:00

Here's a video project of the Japanese Colonization I did for a friend's college video project

check it out:

The 7 summit challenge is officially kicking off in early Dec!

2008-08-31T14:30:00.003+08:00

The 7 Summits challenge aka "holy grail of mountaineering" will be kicking off in early December as I'm going to Australia to climb the tallest mountain in Oceania*, Mt.Kosciuszko.

"Mount Kosciuszko is a mountain located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park. With a height of 2,228 metres (7,310 ft) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Australia (not including its external territories)." -wikipedia.org

Mt.Kosciuszko is considered a simple mountain to climb due to its height and commercialization such as chairlifts and roads. However, I'm not only going to Kosciuszko park to climb only Mt.Kosciuszko, but all the 10 tallest mountains in Australia. All the ten mountains would take about 4 days, 21 hours of hiking and a 45 kilometer hike.

Below are the list of the 10 mountains I'll be climbing:

Peak	Height (m)
Mount Kosciuszko	2228
Mount Townsend	2209
Mount Twynam	2195
Rams Head	2190
Unnamed peak on Etheridge Ridge	2180
Rams Head North	2177
Alice Rawson Peak	2160
Byatts Camp south-west of Abbott Peak	2159
Abbott Peak	2145
Carruthers Peak	2145
Unnamed peak north-west of Mount Twynam	2136
Mt Northcote	2131

Anyone interested to join me? =)

Third Stop: Dive Trip, Sabah

2008-08-30T12:28:00.004+08:00

Paul Koh is officially a certified Diver yo!

Yeah, I completed the Open Water Diver course which consist of a theory test, 200m swim in the open sea, and float/trap water for 10mins. I think I did quite well although the 200m swim was quite intimidating since we had to jump off the boat, and swim to a marker and back, but after taking the courage to jump in the water, it was rather easy! =)

Dive team: L-R Fabian, Shairul, Me and our dive instructor - Jason Oh

Our dive gear.

I got bored during out Surface Interval aka Lunch break.. so I went around Sapi Island taking pictures.

The Star effect. LOVE it!

Gonna miss diving with you guys mann.

Oh, just a random picture to show you where I'm updating my blog from. :P

Second Stop: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2008-08-29T21:23:00.004+08:00

Owh yeah!! back to Kay Elle! Some how, I always look forward to Kl trips... Maybe because of the friends, fun, activities and all. Schedule gets so packed that I always start making appointments and calls the minute I leave Singapore when I'm on the bus in Johor Bharu!

Anyways, the KL trip this time was fun like always. Cousins came down from Thailand and Pahang, met friends, dinners, lunches, teas, futsal, bowling, stuff...

Oh mann. I'm not good with words. Let the pictures tell you:

Bowling... Look where the ball went! "drain pipe!"

Oh yes, I met my primary school teacher yo!

My "housemates" for the week. Dinner at Chili's L-R, Nigel, Suyen, Leon.

Wai Kin got his thumb stuck! :P

This ain't cool. The barber made a mistake, and Shou just made it a double mistake! right? =P

Su Yen and Nigel becoming kids again...

Ma Couzzies!! Jared and John.

Well... thats all for now. I'll be back with pictures from Sabah!

First Stop: Lion City, Singapore

2008-08-27T22:59:00.013+08:00

Mann.. its been a while since I'd updated my blog.. had been really, really, really busy (in the good way, not the stressful way)!! You'll see why in the next few posts.. =)

Now, I've been traveling all around south-east-asia ever since I finished my diploma. So, first stop was to visit my family back in Singapore. Singapore had lots of happenings, so I finally got my hands back on my camera. I sorta had the usual losing-interest-thing that most photographers get once in a while.. but I'm happy I sorta still have an eye for things.

Anyways, here's how it went...

My new style of photography! Blur it out! I took the picture while running, to get the perfect shot I ran up and down a few times.. I think I looked crazy. :P

I like this picture. =)

It feels... errr... Roller coaster.. if there's such an emotion..

Singapore Garden Fest.

A picture of a lady's face made with plants. (The people in front were on purpose, to show the actual size of the picture)

Bla, bla, bla...

Visit to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court?

Oh yes, I so Love this picture! woots!

OK, enough of the serious pictures. I got bored, so, yeah, here's some pictures of myself. (photographers get bored too!)

Jailed. I took so many pictures that they needed to lock me in to prevent me from shutter over-dose..

The Pang sisters came to Singapore! (taller: Suyen; shorter: Suli)

Eating Swedish at Ikea

This was when boredom went to the extreme level. :P

My Family, the whole reason I went back to Singapore for.. AWW... :P

Birthday dinner?

Yeah, Photographers get bored too. hahahahah!! it was a whole lot of fun though! So, I guess photographers get FUN when they're bored.. LOL

OK, more to update. BRB with more pictures from elsewhere. :P

Tag-ged.

2008-08-12T16:28:00.002+08:00

Rules: The tag victim has to come up with 8 different points about his/her perfect lover. Have to mention the gender of his/her perfect lover. Tag eight other victims to join this game and leave a comment on their blog. If you are tagged the second time, there is NO need to do this again. Lastly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN DOING IT.

It's a She. definitely.

1) She has to love God. (A BIG must.)

2) Adventures, daring, curious. (rafting at the great rapids? climbing high mountains? arctic expeditions?)

3) I don't want her to be perfect. No. (I want to help her out as she helps me on my weaknesses)

4) Smart and intelligent (oh yeah! i need someone that can help me out instead of being a liability)

5) Loves traveling! (I know people who get stuck to their couches. Not nice..)

6) Fluent with english and free from local slangs :P (I don't really like asian slangs, no offense, but yeah. don't quite like it although it slips off my tongue once in a while)

7) Can sit down, relax and do nothing. (some people just can't stop working!)

8) A person who is just herself, and loves me for who I am and not my money, experience, job, fame or anything.

Well, this is the outline of the person. But then again, I may get someone the total opposite! :S. I'll deal with that later :P I'm thinking lots of sacrificing, and lots of dreams broken, but then again, I love her, and I would do that for her =)

Ok, now,

-Sharolyn

-Sarah

-Eunice

-Joanna

-Shou Yi

-Lilian

-Natalie

-Debbie

You're tagged! yeah, sorry for making you work, but it'll be fun! =)

The 7 summits proposal letter:

2008-08-12T16:12:00.007+08:00

Hello. I’m Paul Koh and am challenging the ultimate challenge - the 7 summits, something that has never been done by a Malaysian

The seven summits is a challenge to climb the tallest mountains in each continent and consist of Mt.McKinley (Denali) in Alaska, Mt.Aconcagua in Chile, Mt.Elbrus in Russia, Mt.Vinson in Antarctica, the Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia, and finally the greatest of all, Mt.Everest.

If everything is goes according to plan, I will be the youngest person in the world to complete the 7 summits at the age of 19 (current holder: Japanese man, age 23), the first Malaysian to complete all the 7 summits, and be the youngest person from South-East-Asia and Malaysia to reach the peak of Mt.Everest.

To achieve a top physical condition, I will be going for a military-like-training , ALERT (air land emergency resource team) academy in Big Sandy, Texas. Other than that, I will climb Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the swiss alps, Mt.Koscuiszko, tallest mountain in Australia and to summit Mt.Kinabalu, Malaysia which is largely known as the tallest mountain in South East Asia, 3 times in 4 days.

Other than being a very keen mountaineer, I’ve also been professional photographer for 2 years. Although being 17, I have taken pictures for 5 star hotels, major events and a handful of weddings. The opportunity to climb the 7 summits would allow me to take breathe-taking pictures for other people to see and experience places that only few have been and seen.

My experience in sports and activities which I am humbled by includes playing for my school volleyball team to compete in our state qualifying games at the age of 11 and 12, played 1st team for a football team from the age of 11 till 15 and during that time played in the under-15 Football Association Malaysia League and got 2nd place, Under-15 Adidas League, and were the champions of the Royal Selangor Club in-house tournament for 2 consecutive years (2004-2005).

At 15, I moved to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to participate as a student in a college. During that time, I played for the KFC football team and have summit Mt.Kinabalu once and was 7th to reach the peak. After 1 and a half year in Sabah, I’ve finished my Diploma in Business Administration at the age of 16. I am now 17, and working on the attempt to climb the 7 summits featuring Mt.Everest.

After some calculation, the estimated budget required would be RM500,000 or more. I would love to have your support financially and mentally. I would gladly accept donations in cash, air milage and any sort of support systems. I am also open to advertisers and sponsors.

Please contact me at paul.kzk@gmail for more info, enquiries, and/or to receive updates of the 7 summit attempt.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Koh

(attached is the timetable for the activities for the year 2009-2010)

Time table:

Jan 09’ Mt.Kinabalu, Malaysia Tallest mountain in Sea reaching the peak and back to high camp 3 times in 4 days.

Jan 09’ Scotland Mountaineering course by Jagged Globe

Feb 09’ Mt.Kilimanjaro, Kenya Tallest mountain in the African continent

March 09’ Big Sandy, Texas ALERT training

May 09’ Snowdonia Scrambling course

May 09’ Mont Blanc, Switzerland An Alpine course and a climb up Mont Blanc, tallest mountain in the alps

July 09’ Mt.Elbrus, Russia Tallest mountain in Europe

Sept 09’ North Wales Rock climbing course

Oct 09’ Mt.Koscuisko, Australia Tallest mountain in Australia

Jan 10’ Scotland Winter mountaineering course

April 10’ Mt.Everest Tallest mountain in the Asia and the world

Aug10’ Mt.Mckinley , Alaska Tallest mountain in North America

Oct10’ Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia Tallest mountain in Oceania

Jan 11’ Mt.Vinson, Antartica Tallest mountain in Antarctica (this expedition would include a trip to the South Pole)

Feb 11’ Mt.Aconcagua, Chile Tallest mountain in South America

PS: sorry guys, can't do tables on blogspot. argh. anyways, how is it? =P

The CHiC book. - elegantly and stylishly fashionable

2008-08-04T13:42:00.003+08:00

The CHiC book is a photo book that would feature pictures of both domestic and international models with different make-ups, hairdos and lighting.

Here's the awesome thing about this book, it's a private project. So, I anyone would stand a chance to be part of this book.

To declare your interest to be part of this project as a model, hairstylist, make up artist, graphic and photography assistance or any help you can provide with, please contact me at paul.kzk@gmail.com.

Other than that, you can also "be a fan" on the CHiC book facebook page and we could communicate there

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/The-Chic-Book/24695740582?ref=ts

The CHiC book is looking for sponsors!

To make this one-of-a-kind book to be a success, we would need support and sponsors in any way possible.

We accept donations in any form. It could be cash, air milage, make up equipment, photography equipment, hair styling equipment, room space for photo shoots in your country and anything you can think of!

shoes. NEW ones.

2008-08-01T14:54:00.005+08:00

Parents are back from the US of A. And they got me.......... the Asics Onitsuka Tiger, Mexico 66.

Well, Mexico 66 is the name of the shoe. Here's the description of the shoe written on the tag that was tied to the shoe..

"(The Mexico 66) Introduced in 1966, these original training shoes were the first Onitsuka Tiger shoes with the famous stripes. They were worn at the Mexico Olympic Games at 1968"

And I go: "WOAH!! shoes with history. Swweeeetttt" Wonder what would happen if I use these shoes for training. :P

Of the Kay Elle!

2008-07-22T21:22:00.008+08:00

JULY 19-21

KUALA LUMPUR, Paul flew into KL on the Malaysian famous AirAsia.

(ok, cut!!)

it's looking like an newspaper article already!! anyways, I was in KL over the weekend to shoot for a friend's wedding!

Shou Yi! childhood friend. Mann, this guy is fun! look at him! you'll probably guessed so =)

Me and Wai Kin. Partners in crime. We were the naughtiest in primary school! I was a prefect, so he had all the access he needed for the pranks. XP

Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting.... SHOU YI's stomach. the best pillow ever!

Nicole Kow Li-Yen.

Well, so since I was there with my friends and all, I decided to celebrate my bday! So, I called a few people, and there we go! the bday dinner! haha

The Best Bday picture EVER! (to me at least)

Me and Darren with the cake (thanks Hanrick! and Nicole for choosing it)

The most brutal cake kill =P

Me and Darren.

Le Gang.

Le Gang with Nicole, Sasha and Natalie =)

Wai Kin doing what he does best. =)

Licensed to GRILL. Owh yeah.

ANNDDD FINALLY, picture of the day:

WHHYY SO SERIOUS?

High school photography club

2008-07-14T03:53:00.004+08:00

Imagine teaching in a Photography club in a high school... yeah, I just did that in Tshung Tsin High school, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It was the usual weird but cool feeling again, for me being 16, teaching students my age, or older was rather exciting! Teaching about 50 of them certainly added to the excitement. =) Anyways, the students were nice to talk to, sweet personalities and stuff. Everything ran well as always. Here are some snap shots from it:

Student modeling. I think they had fun =)

Repetition of photographers! (the classic photography course look)

The crazy students!

Me teaching (picture by Bev Tan)

Me and the photography club teacher.

Tagged.

2008-07-12T14:25:00.003+08:00

I'm tagged! by my pretty couzzie Lilian..

Instructions:
Remove one question from below and add in your personal question, making it a total of 20 questions. Then tag 8 people from your list. List them out at the end of the post. Notify them that they have been tagged.

1) At what age do you wish to marry?
- 24 or 25, since I'm planning to earn a mil by 19, I'll get married after mt.everest and studies.

2) Where will you go if someone sponsors you a tour ticket?
- A tour ticket? hmm... The North Pole! seriously!

3) What’s your favourite thing to do?
- Making friends and money. =)

4) Do you think money can buy happiness?
- Hmm... with more money, there's more insecurities.. So, it depends..

5) Do you believe you can survive without money?
- Sure thing! It'll be fun going around searching for food and asking for dinners.

6) What are you afraid to lose the most?
- Nothing. Muahahah! nah, my friends and family are important to me.

7) If you win $1 million, what will you do?
- pump it into my business!

8. List out 3 good points about the person who tagged you
i. Never stops laughing. Well, I think thats a good thing.

ii. Looks pretty! (Lilian, it runs in the blood ;) )

iii. Loves to travel.

9) If you have only one wish, what will you wish for?
- Hmm.. make it to the peak of Mt.Everest and come down alive!

10) If you could rewind time, would you?
- I would, probably not make the mistakes I made.. But then again, I learnt so much from the experience!

11) What’s your ambition?
- Climb Mt.Everest, go to the South Pole and North Pole, be a world renown photographer, and a multimillionaire business man.

12) What’s your favourite song at the moment?
- Don't have one in particular. =)

13) If you can teleport once, where would you go?
- top of mt.everest! then i don't need to go through the suffering... but then again, there wouldn't be a sense of achievement. woops! wasted the teleport. LOL

14) What do you think is the most important in your life?
- friends

15) If you could undo one mistake in the past, what would it be?
- Don't really have one. Probably should have had more fun in school ;)

16) If you have a chance, which part of your character would you like to change?
- I'm being too competitive sometimes... So, need to learn how to be competitive only at the right time ;)

17) What music have you been listening to recently?
- Erm all, except for heavy metal and rock.

18. What is the one thing you cannot do but you wish you could?
- Wish I could go back to Highschool and had more fun.

19) Sushi or Steamboat?
- Yuck.

20)My question: Chocolate or roses?
-Chocolate.. And more chocolate...

I TAG! (you lucky people)

- Eunice

- Sharolyn

- Sandra Woo

- Joanna Tan

- Emmeline Lee

- Debbie Lim

- Shou Yi

- Sharon

an Update on Life, in a whole.

2008-07-09T12:11:00.003+08:00

Sorry guys, haven't had the time to update my blog as often as I used to because studies was catching up and exams was coming. Anyways, I'm done with one sprint of test papers last week and now free from the bondage!

So, back to the blog subject, life's updates. Here we go...

I'm finishing my diploma in 2 weeks!! I still can't believe I'll finish my diploma before I turn 17, it's still a mystery to solve.. =Z

Anyways, events for the month:

- Shah's wedding

- Priscilla's bday

- My bday!

- Move back to Singapore

- Shooting for "another life" movie

Then things to do next month:

- Start a business

- Finalize Mt.Everest training plans

- Take a saxophone crash course

- Learn singing! (just a random thought of learning how to sing, like singing that can make the crowd just go *silent*)

- Meet my primary school mates

- Get driving license done

Well, thats what I can think of for now..

Time is passing by way too fast!

Prime minister's office, Singapore.

"another life" movie audition

2008-06-30T16:03:00.002+08:00

Yes, I tried out for this audition a couple of week ago. The judges said I was impressive, however, I didn't think I was at my best. It was rather average..

Anyways, can't wait for the outcome of it!

Anyways, "Another life" is an upcoming new movie by filmmaker Shahrizan Ferouz. Shooting will be starting in July this year.

*clicks "publish post" and goes off to study!* exams starting tomorrow!

Jazzing through.

2008-06-24T02:31:00.005+08:00

Kota Kinabalu's 2nd jazz festival held was held in the new talk of the town: OneBorneo.

With the parking area portrayed like OneUtama in Kuala Lumpur and the welcoming aura and smell of the Kuala Lumpur atmosphere, OneBorneo did feel like Kuala Lumpur. In fact, the whole time I was there, I was actually looking out for my KL friends!!! It was rather a full day of me needing to snap myself back to the Kota Kinabalu life and face the fact that OneBorneo, is in KK.

Anyways, enough of me being submerged into my psychological pool and to the jazz festival.

Let me describe it in 1 sentence: It was good, impressive and enjoyable but it just didn't bundle up well because of the lack of jazzy atmosphere and good, clear sound.

This guy is one of the most impressive guys that night. An indian guy from Singapore. He sings in english by the way, well, just so you know.

Spirited saxophonist. The whole thing gave me an inspiration to practice on my Saxophone.

Mind, Body and Emotions all into the little mouth piece on the tip of the Classy Gold instrument.

Violinist in dramatic light.

The view from the farthest point cka. (commonly known as) sound control area.

*singing* "No tears on my guitar" =)

What is this called again? it was a fun instrument though.

Picture by Kimberley! Amazing considering that it was your first time using a camera so huge. Well, actually it was better than my version of the picture. XP

Kimberley after the whole event. Well, I would say that she was my PA (photographer assistant), holding my lenses, taking care of them, take pictures and such.

Making History.

2008-06-23T18:04:00.004+08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls I hereby present to you Paul's first ever go at this tagging thingy.

I've never ever done this before but I'll do this for the sake of Sharolyn. hahaha! Ok here it goes:

Here are the 8 Things I'm passionate about:

- Mt. Everest!

- My photography.. DUHh!

- Hanging out with friends

- Being hyper and high and crazy

- Having fun at the islands

- Being a winner!

- Acting in videos and real life

- good music

8 things I say too often

- Hello, How are you?

- What's up. I'm serious on this one, I say it every time anyone calls my name. It sometimes slip off my tongue when I'm talking to older people =)

- Sweeeeet or Awesome!

- Shucks (dictionary meaning: Informal saying of a thing to be worthless)

- Everest!!! hahahah

- Be cool dude

- Yo.

- La/ bah/ kan (Malaysian slang)

8 books I've read recently

I'm thinking of leaving this one blank cause I haven't been reading. But well, I'll try.

- Camera magazine

- Some brochures?

- *blank*

oh well, at least I tried...

8 Songs I could listen over and over again

Hmm.. I'm not sure about this one, I get bored of a song in a snap =)

- Wild Horses by Natasha Beddingfield (I think Natasha is a nice name.. Sorry, random. )

- Life is beautiful by Vega4

- I kinda like movie soundtracks.. like the one from the movie "21" named Time to pretend by MGMT

I can't think of anymore!!

8 things I've learn last year

- Yesterday's History and Tomorrow's Mystery

- Don't get into a serious relationship in your teenage years

- Think Big!

- Life is mysterious

- Many people have amazing business ideas, but no one puts it to work

- A good picture needs a good photographer. A big camera makes no diff

- Step out of boundaries (in some circumstances)

- Life is beautiful

8 people to tag

- Sharolyn!!!!

- Joanna

- Eunice

shucks. don't know anymore. :)

Ralf's photo shoot.

2008-06-20T12:48:00.003+08:00

It was Monday night, I had my camera with me. So, Ralf decided to dress up and take pictures! Here's how it went:

I love Tuesdays.

2008-06-18T17:26:00.006+08:00

It was just a random Tuesday. Sean called at exactly 2.01pm, and said: "Paul, lets go to the islands!". Then was like YES x5! After that call, the world turned upside down, we were singing, laughing and going crazy! We bought KFC, Burger King, Fruits, Snacks, drinks and everything! So, me, Sean, Ralf and Mark from Shanghai headed off to Manukan Island.

There's nothing better than frisbee and the beach. (I think my workout paid off :p )

The classic beach pose. Well, it was not exactly a pose, just natural. =)

Three Wise Men.

Me and Mark tackling Sean.

We had to have a group picture. So, well... yeah:)

Group pixxie in evening light

After the shot, Mark actually released me! But caught me before I fell. Mann, it was deep!

Ralf dead asleep.

Ustube (youtube)

Sabah state's discus thrower.

Mark, the chinese "gangster"

Mark and Ralf still dry and enthusiastic.

Posing, Shanghai style. (it was Mark's idea)

Tanning.

Power Icon video project

2008-06-17T13:09:00.000+08:00

I have been spending the last few weeks working on this 1min trailer for the Power Icon 2008 competition. So, here it is:

Happy D-Day (dad's day).

2008-06-16T18:27:00.002+08:00

"D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated" - wikipedia.org

Being a dad is like going into war. Ton's of battles, lots of money involved, lots of hurts, lots of pain. But in the end, every dad tries its best to win the war. And my dad is certainly on the winning side. After all the sweat and blood, its our duty to repay their bravery to take the step to bring us life.

I love you dad.

PS: I think you need a holiday =P

My first take on Ballet

2008-06-15T15:33:00.000+08:00

It's graceful, it's elegant, it's rapid, it's swift. Yes, that's how I describe Ballet.

14th, June '08. My first ever ballet concert. I mean, the first ever ballet concert I attended. It was Belle's (my close friend) concert. And, it was pretty interesting. It had a balanced mix of fast-pace and slow-pace music, and you could see that all the dancers were up for it with enthusiasm and strength.

The "Holy Grail" of mountaineering.

2008-06-12T21:27:00.002+08:00

What is known as the "Holy Grail" of mountaineering is the 7 summits. The 7 summits consist of the tallest mountains in each continent in which are:

- Denali, Alaska (North America)

- Aconcagua, Argentina/Chile (South America)

- Mt Vinson, no country (Antarctica)

- Mt Elbrus, Russia (Europe)

- Kilimanjaro, Tunisia (Africa)

- Kosciuszko, Australia and Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia (Oceania)

- Mt. Everest, Nepal (Asia)

The 7 summits is the dream of every mountaineer. Although I have only climbed Mt.Kinabalu twice and only reached the summit once, conquering mountains have been really interesting and exciting for me. I'm finishing my studies with a diploma in Business Admin next month and am planning to take 2009 and 2010 off for mountaineering.

I plan to climb Mt. Everest 2010 to be the youngest South-east-asian and Malaysian at the age of 19. In preparation for Mt.Everest, I will climb Kilimanjaro, Mt Elbrus, Mt Koscuiszko which means that I'll finish conquering 4 mountains out of the 7. After Mt.Everest, I'll climb Denali, Mt.Vinson and Aconcagua and hopefully finish everything by Feb 2011 which will make me the youngest person in the world to complete the 7 summits at the age of 19 and 7 months (current record is exactly 20).

Detailed plan to be finalized soon. Interested sponsors please contact me at paul.kzk@gmail.com

the Apple iPhone 3G.

2008-06-11T00:30:00.001+08:00

iPhone 3G ad:

The iPhone 3G. It's finally here.

3G, wifi, 16GB, 24 hours music playback, GPS, revolutionary phone.

All for $199 USD.

And not to mention, it's available in Singapore!

But wait, did they miss out on Malaysia? But why?

I seriously can't wait for it to be in stores!

la coupe de cheveux (french for "the haircut")

2008-06-10T23:25:00.001+08:00

After 3 long months, I've finally got a haircut. But this ain't any normal haircut.

Why? cause it was done in a private, exclusive, customizable saloon accompanied with my laptop and a movie. Other than that, my black "mane" was snipped away by le Ibrahim (Abraham Chai). If there's one word to describe his hair-dressing skills, its PERFECTION.

He did my "mane" for 1 hour and 45 mins, I almost finished the movie that was showing on my laptop already! A record for my longest hair cut!

Exclusive Saloon. :P

The "mane" before.

The hair after.

Gang le Terbalik.

2008-06-09T20:19:00.000+08:00

I NEVER joined a Gang, apart from this, terbalik gang! Well, for my non malaysian viewers, or rather friends, terbalik is a malay word for upside down, inside out, inverted and reversed.

Here's the story of the "gang": It all happened on the 10th of October 2007. A week before that, I was back in Singapore. It was a sale season, so I did some shopping. I bought this pure black T and thought it'll look pretty good inside-out because of this:

So, I went into church with my shirt inside-out. Most of my friends were like: "Sigh, Paul, don't you know how to wear your shirt?" and more of the "didn't your mom teach you how to wear your clothes?" mode.

BUT, it didn't take long for this to happen:

All of the cool guys in church showing off our inside-out-ness. L-R Daniel, Bobby, Me, Zachary, Roderick and Abraham.

Showing off our tags. *checking my shirt now* it says: machine wash 30c, wash INSIDE OUT with similar colors, wash dark colors separately, do not bleach, bla, bla, bla, bla...

Showing off my "tag" behind.

This picture was funny. I organized everyone to face backwards and asked the photographer to count before snapping. The photographer, was curious on why he needed to count cause there wouldn't be a difference if he would count as we were all facing the other way. Anyways, he did count and I quickly turned around at the count of 3 :P

Ok, finally. All of us facing the same direction.

The whole thing lasted the since that Saturday night till the next day when we met in church. Everyone was curious on what was going on with this group of guys (us).

June so far...

2008-06-08T19:30:00.000+08:00

1 week of June down, internal exams coming closer and closer. I'm trying to divert my attention on mt. Everest to my studies!

Wild and free! (picture: me and Bobby)

And finally I've got a pair of new glasses!

The TOOiNCH brand. designed by Jordan Chan

Pretty cool? well, I think so. :P

(edited on 10.6.08)

Road to Everest.

2008-06-06T22:31:00.000+08:00

Oh mann. The passion to go up to the top of the world is growing day-by-day! I recently found out that the youngest climber from Malaysia and South-east-Asia was 21 when I reached the peak of Mt. Everest. I'm only 16 turning 17 now, finishing my diploma, so if I take next year off to train physically and mentally. I'll be 18+ when I climb Everest. Even if I don't make it, I'll be the youngest from SEA and Malaysia to "try" climbing Mt. Everest.

Anyways, here's my plan so far (not approved by my parents yet:P)

Nov 08- Mt. Sinai, Israel

Jan 09- Mt.Kinabalu via Ferrata

Feb 09- Train for ALERT

March to May 09- ALERT training. ALERT stands for Air Land Emergency Resource Team. It involves hard core military style training that includes a 24-hike, a series of fitness tests and survival camps.

June 09- Start searching for sponsors for the Mt. Everest climb and training climbs which would probably include Mt. Kilimanjaro (tallest mountain in Africa and tallest freestanding mountain in the world), Mt. Cook in New Zealand and the local Gunung Tahan in Pahang and Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah

July 09- Take rock climbing and ice climbing courses

August 09- Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

October 09- Mt. Cook climb

December 09- Gunung (mt.) Tahan climb

Jan 2010- Mt. Kinabalu climb

Feb 2010- finalize sponsors and donors

March 2010- train, train, train

April 2010- Health check-ups.

May 2010- Journey to the top of the world: Mt. Everest

There's only one question I wish could be answered. How would you know if you're fit enough for Everest?

And here's my motivation to conquer Mt. Everest: from the famous quote

"mountain as high, that no bird can fly over it"

Picturing Me.

Finally, well, everything has the bad side. So, here's a video titled: Dying for Everest

Ok, this is going to be kinda random. But somehow, I can't wait to get to the Base Camp in Kathmandu and tell myself: "Ok Paul, its the last chance to turn back." or "remember 1 in every 6 died on the mountain in 2003" and still have the mental ability to go for it!

Final thoughts: I'll only be 18+ when I climb mt. Everest. After conquering it, I think it'll be a great mental boost to do anything in the future. Whether its business, photography or living the life.

*plans subject to change

"dying for your dreams" - life of a kiwi bird.

2008-06-05T14:54:00.000+08:00

Ever since watching a series of Pixar animations (you know the animations you see ahead of Pixar movies like Toy Story and such), I have been really interested in "short-film" animations. So, what else could I do? Youtube it!

And this is what I found. A video with 17,415,990 views... and counting!

It's a really funny and interesting story of a kiwi bird trying to fly. Story well written.

My prelude to Indiana Jones

2008-06-02T01:56:00.000+08:00

I'm planning to watch Indiana Jones this week. And here's my prelude to the movie:

This thing is really, really funny. To all the Lego fans, especially my brother, here's a "ball" made out of 5 million lego blocks! They're imitating the one of the "classic Indiana Jones" scene with the ball rolling down the hill with Indiana Jones running away from it.

Really, really fun and cool music video!

2008-05-30T19:31:00.000+08:00

Here's a video of "here it goes again". They won the grammy awards for best short form music video in 2006. watch it! it's really, really funny and innovative at the same time

My marketing assignment video!

2008-05-29T22:15:00.000+08:00

I did my business proposal presentation on Wednesday. The night before was a long one... Brushing up the slides, make sure the details are in and having the right animation effects and stuff. After the long night, it was already 5.30am. And I wasn't tired! So, I decided to open iMovie and pull out the picture of the sandwich I used. And within 10 mins, I came out with this (video above).

My group member didn't know and so my teacher. And when the presentation started, it was just black screen with music... and then, the video comes out! My group member (Christabel) was in kind of a shock. Oh, the look on her face. HAhahahahah!

Anyways, thats the >1 min video done in 10-15 mins.

Scala String Quartet.

2008-05-28T04:02:00.000+08:00

"Scala have been together for two years after meeting on a tour bus travelling round the UK and Ireland. They were part of the string section of the orchestra and it was there that they became great friends and decided to form a band incorporating both their talent for playing classical music and their love of contemporary styles. Scala who are Victoria, Izzy, Chantal and Tasya were classically trained at the Guildhall School of Music, Royal Academy and Royal College of music and have spent years of intense work honing their skills." - scalamusic.net

Me and a few friends (Abraham (flute), Me (Saxophone) and Daniel (violin)) in Kota Kinabalu has been thinking of starting a band of mix genre's. And so happen I was just looking through Britain's got talent, and found a band called "Scala" I think Scala (watch the video above) is nothing short of awesomeness.

Hidden talents.

2008-05-27T02:48:00.000+08:00

People have hidden talents. And some just blows you off your feet.

Here's one. It may be a long time ago, and I've watched it over and over again.. It is awesome.

GO! Find your hidden talents! Well, I know I may have a talent in photography and music, but I believe there's more to come. So I'll never stop learning and opening my options to explore my talents. :)

My Rye sandwiches

2008-05-26T01:22:00.000+08:00

Sorry guys, haven't been updating in a while. I have been extremely busy with a business proposal. Oh mann. So much details. anyways, here's an outline of it...

"My Rye® is a company that sells sandwiches. My Rye®’s sandwiches are made right in front of you with freshly-sliced meats and vegetables on our warm fragrant bread. We then oven-toast the sandwiches until they’re golden brown, so all the flavors burst through with each toasty bite. Being the only store that not only specializes in sandwiches but also allow you to customize your sandwich just the way you like it. All these for you to experience a sandwich tastier than you ever did before."

Well, to cut the story short, its kind of like bringing the "subway" concept to Sabah. The product has been very exciting though! After calculating the whole cost and the price of each sandwich, the profit margin goes up to 70%!!! If I ever have the chance to stay a few more years in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This company will be up and running in no time!

I hope to start blogging regularly soon! But now I have the business presentation to finish. Ta!

Manchester United. Champions of Europe.

2008-05-22T19:43:00.001+08:00

Let's put it this way, it was about time.

All in all, it was an extremely interesting match or in other words, Adrenaline Gushing.

Me and the Saxophone.

2008-05-21T00:31:00.000+08:00

Oh yes! Just got my saxophone a few days ago. And couldn't wait to take pictures of it ever since! It has been a beauty just to look at it! Oh by the way for "musical" people, its a Yamaha YAS-475 :)

"Everything you know is about to change forever." The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2008-05-17T16:55:00.000+08:00

The old...

And the New.

Just back from the theaters with Dan, Bev and Saori (Bev's friend from Japan) . And yes, we watched The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Well, I'm not going to write a synopsis of the movie cause it'll only ruin it for those who have not yet seen the movie. :)

But here is what Director Adamson has to offer for a synopsis of Prince Caspian: “Prince Caspian tells the story of Narnia 1,300 years after the Pevensies left. The Telmarines have taken over Narnia and driven all the creatures into the forest. Prince Caspian, the rightful heir to the throne, has been ousted by his uncle, Miraz. Caspian blows Susan’s horn to bring the Pevensie children back to Narnia to save the land from Miraz, this unrightful king.”

Anyways, here as just some cool facts about the movie:

- Barnes, to actor for Prince Caspian, wasn't a good horsemen before taking the role of Prince Caspian, although at the time of casting director Adamson assumed he was. Barnes greatly exaggerated his ability to ride a horse during the audition process

- There were over 1,600 CGI shots used for Prince Caspian!

- The makeup team set a record by doing 4,600 makeups over the course of the movie

- Costume designers build 262 cast outfits as well as 3,722 items for the Telmarine army and 1,003 Telmarine villager items.

Ever wonder where Narnia was shot? Anyways, here are the answers. The bridge scene was shot in Bovec, Slovenia; the ruins of Cair Paravel was shot at the Hereherataura Peninsula, Hahei, Coromandel, New Zealand and the rest of was shot in a studio and the other parts of New Zealand.

Official Trailer:

Can power drinks cause heart attack?

2008-05-16T16:34:00.000+08:00

"Power drinks such as Gatorade, Reb bull have an influence on heart attacks as power drinks make the ventricle (pipe) of the heart pump faster. And so, when the heart pumps too fast, you have a heart attack."

Is this really true?

Well, from what I read, a heart attack is cause when the blood vessels of the heart cannot feed the heart muscle or when the heart muscles is not oxygenated. The power drinks are low in caffeine if they have any at all. However, they have sodium and potassium. So if you take too much to these, you might overload yourself and get yourself in trouble. The use of high amounts of Potassium Chloride can stop the heart from contracting. All-in-all, heart attacks can be very rare and there might not be a factual evidence to support that these drinks can actually cause a heart attack.

"Power drinks are used for when you are going to run a lot and your heart is going to be pumping fast. Some people drink them even if they aren't going to exercise or run or anything and it gets your heart pumping really fast and you aren't even doing anything hard like running a lot and it's bad for you. you are over working your heart when your body isn't even working hardly at all.

From what I have read in the recent medical papers it depends on your genes. The caffeine levels can cause alarm if you have genes that act negatively to caffeine. If your genes are not effected by caffeine then over-use is still a concern that should be discussed with your doctor. The bad point is that without a very expensive DNA test you can't tell which set of genes you have. So, bottom line everything in moderation is best." - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11713660/ and various AP wire reports

Well, I guess mom's always right, everything in moderation is best.

Random fact: an average human's heart pumps about 3 billion times his/her entire life

Best Wedding Toast ever

2008-05-15T15:04:00.000+08:00

Hey Guys! I found this in Metacafe. It's an awesome "musical" the bride's friends did for her. Really, really, really awesome. I'll make sure my wife gets this Magical Treatment. :)

Going backstage of Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man

2008-05-15T13:00:00.000+08:00

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Starks aka Iron Man

I've been a long, devoted fan to Captain Jack Sparrow of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Why? its all because of how he keeps his cool and the cheeky, unexpected lines he use to get around things.

And, now, I just found another crazy fella in Mr. Tony Stark. Oh, his lines and his ways. AWESOME. However, the man behind with the mask of Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr was hardly the obvious choice to play an iconic crime fighter. After all, this fella became the topic for table talk, after serving a year in prison for drug and alcohol related charges.

The past, is the past, says director Jon Favreau that made Downey the only choice to play millionaire and recovering alcoholic Tony Starks, aka Iron Man.

"The best and worst moments of Robert's life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That's Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic-book character who is having trouble in high school, or can't get the girl. Plus, he's simply one of the best actors around." Director- Jon Favreau

To be Iron Man, Downey is working on being an iron man. Aged 42, he lifts weights five days a week and practices martial arts to get in shape to play the iron-bodied Stark.

"I'm more diligent than I used to be, I want to show Jon he was right to have faith in me. Whatever questions might have arisen about my life weren't issues with him." Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Starks aka Iron man)

Director Jon Favreau then got his backing by the fans says Rob Worley of Comics2film.com

"Fans need the heart of the comic to be in" the movie, he says. "Tony Stark had a substance abuse problem. He was built up and torn down many times. I think when people heard Robert Downey was going to play the part, there was actually a big relief."

Downey knows a fair bit about comics, and he can get downright geeky when discussing about them. He prefers Marvel to D.C. comics. He liked Iron Man. But it wasn't until Downey matured that he came to appreciate the man in the iron suit.

"He struggles with his lifestyle, he struggles with the drinking," Downey says of Stark. "He faces the same issues a lot of people do."

And here's my take on Robert Downey Jr. being Iron Man,

Downey is the only one that could portray Iron Man, even if his past wasn't the greatest, we don't have the right to say anything about it.

For those who knows the comic magazine, Iron Man is above all, a hero with real strength because he had to overcome the bad and evil side of the "greedy men". So parts of the comic was really funny, and with Robert Downey Jr having a background of acting in comedy, managed to put in his parts (the lines with sugar and spice). And definitely did a good job to make us crave for more. With him being "Captain Jack Sparrow" of the marvel series, it only made me want to watch the movie over and over again.

I think the best thing director Jon Favreau did, was to get Robert Downey Jr in the cast. If Iron Man 2 will be featuring Robert Downey Jr, I will make sure I watch it even if I'm in Antarctica.

The Iron Man trailer you might be interested to watch:

Shah and Angeline's underwater wedding proposal

2008-05-13T15:01:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with Shah's wedding in July, I decided to post this up on my blog:)

In May last year (2007). I flew to Bali, Indonesia to take pictures and videos for Shah's surprise wedding proposal to Angeline. Anyways, Shah was planning to propose to Angeline in a ballroom of a shipwreck off the coast of Tulamben. I didn't have a diving license, and it was my first time diving. But I still could go 30 meters deep to take this video of Shah's wedding proposal underwater in the ballroom of a shipwreck! It was definitely an experience of a life time!

Now I am looking forward to take a dive course to dive LEGALLY. :)

Pictures, yakking and Jo.

2008-05-12T19:10:00.000+08:00

Well, Joanna came over to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur, so, we went out to take pictures!

Location: Sutera Harbour.

I'm currently working on the Sutera Harbour website, and well, since Joanna wanted to take pictures in Sutera, I might as well look out for possible photo opportunities that would add to my website photo collection. Anyways, here are the few shots I liked:

Waves sweeping into main land.

Life in paradise.

Peace and harmony, away from the city.

And now, just random photos of me and Joanna! :)

Joanna doing some serious stuff.

:( no sunset. Cheer up Jo!

Random.

Tongue and Co.

Sigh. Photographers. :)

Well, we didn't get a sunset, but I was happy with what I got... Not sure about Joanna though. :)

To mom. With love. From Earth.

2008-05-12T11:26:00.000+08:00

You always strived to love and care,

You always want to give and share,

You always have to heed and bear,

Another word for mom is love.

Written by your son, Paul.

Training to be on top of the world - Mt.Everest

2008-05-11T11:40:00.000+08:00

The 71-day route up Mt. Everest

The tallest peak I have ever conquered is Mt.Kinabalu at 4,095 metres above sea level. Mount Kinabalu would be considered simple and easy for most of us, because there’s no rock climbing skills needed, no mountaineering skills needed, and no special equipment needed. But I still have fond memories of the long suffering, well, not exactly suffering, more like the weary and tired feeling, other than that was the altitude sickness that had my head pounding!

However, the long suffering and altitude sickness will not hold me back to climb the tallest mountain in the world- Mount Everest. Mount Everest, as we all know, is the tallest mountain in the world. It is 8850 meters tall (which is 4916.6 times taller than me and more than twice the height of Mount Kinabalu). Mount Everest is formed about 60 million years ago (its 3,529,411.76 older than me). In 1998, 15 out of 98 climbers died having a ration of 6.5:1 and records shows that the highest cause of deaths is avalanches.

All these death records and fatal injuries are somehow the ones that drives me to climb the 71-day hike to the peak of Mt. Everest because it shows how tough it is and how great the achievement would be in my life and the lives of my close ones. To conquer the tallest peak in the world would definitely be the biggest motivation to achieve the best in life. It’s like challenging the hardest challenge. For it to be called the goddess of the sky in Nepal and the mother goddess of the universe in Tibet, it must be something.

Prior to the climb up the tallest mountain in the world, intensive training would definitely be required, first starting with foundation, then aerobic/strength and finally peaking. After all those, then comes mental training, climbing the tallest mountain in the world is not only all about physical fitness but about mental strength as well. Other than that would be learning to rock climb, and then ice climb and finally mountaineering. Some say that climbing mountains in the best way to train to climb Mt. Everest. Well, I might go on Mt. Cook, Mt. Kilimanjaro and such before scaling the tallest mountain.

Snowboarding down Everest

I never tried snowboarding, but it certainly looks like fun. Anyways, in spring of 2001, two climbers snowboarded Everest! Stefan Gatt was the first on May 22,2001 without the help of oxygen and Sherpa support followed by Marco Siffredi on May 23, 2001. Marco Siffredi was the first to snowboard down from the Summit of Everest to ABC. However, Marco attempted it again in Autumn 2002 to snowboard down the Hornbein Couloirs of Everest. He was last seen descending from the top on his snowboard, but was never seen again. Anyways, I was just thinking, maybe I should give it a go. :)

“One could argue that most die because they push too far these days, but certainly not all die for that reason. Mountaineering, especially at altitude, is a very high risk sport. This is a very high risk sport where people die every year” www.everestnews.com

Yes, it’s a very dangerous thing to do, and its not that I don’t value my life, I just want to challenge the greatest challenge- the £30,000, 71-day and life threatening hike up the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.

PS: Stay tuned, I’ll set up a blog/website when I begin my training for Everest

An interesting fact from the Premier League - two trophies and two sets of medals!

2008-05-10T13:34:00.000+08:00

With this weekend being the last week of the Premier League, Chelsea and Manchester United are locked on with the same points except for the goal difference. If Chelsea wants to win the league even thought Manchester United beats Wigan, they'll have to win by 17-0 or more! Well, if Manchester United losses and Chelsea wins, Chelsea would get the title.

Anyways, typically, the trophy will be paraded out on the podium for the winning team to celebrate, but with Chelsea playing in London when United play at Wigan almost at the same time, where would the trophy be? The odds are with Manchester, but will there be a "faux" trophy on hand in London, just in case United slip up?

"it is no secret that there is another trophy to cope with such circumstances. The real trophy will be heading to the JJB Stadium, simply because its destination is in United's hands, while a replica will be on stand-by at Stamford Bridge, should Chelsea end up winning their third title in four years. I can also confirm that the Premier League have also minted two sets of medals." - Martin Tyler, Skysports

Written by Me, a proud Manchester United fan.

“The Invention of the Year 2007: The iPhone.” Time Magazine, Nov ‘07

2008-05-10T13:02:00.000+08:00

Yes, we all can start complaining. The iPhone is too hard to type, too slow, too big and Steve Jobs secretly hates puppies and so on… There’s so plug about the iPhone out there, so much so that writing another article about it seems like a crime and maybe find your article about it on the last page of google search. But after everything has cooled down, Apple’s iPhone is still the best thing invented last year. Here are five reasons:

1. The iPhone is pretty - Well, if guys don’t like the word “pretty” used on the iPhone, then maybe “sleek” could make up for it.

Most high-tech companies don’t take design seriously; they treat it as a postscript. But on of Steve Jobs’ “common sense” about technology is that good looks are actually as important as good tech. All the features in the world wouldn’t do you good unless you know how to use it, and feel smart and stylish while using it. You guys should know how the cool the iPhone is, or rather Apple in a whole. The main thing is that it speaks your language. Touch, Feel, See, Hear.

2. It’s touching.

Apple didn’t invent the touch screen or reinvented it, but they certainly know what to do with it. Apple engineers used the touch screen to innovate past the graphical user interface. They created something that given the users the illusion of actually physically manipulating the data with their fingers – flipping through albums, clicking links, stretching and shrinking pictures. It just brings you to another world of wonders.

The touch sense is growing big in the market. Look at the Nintendo Wii. Apple started the first touch scroll wheel on the iPod and now more with iPod touch. It won’t be too long till we see a iMac touch and a touchbook.

3. It will make other phones better

The iPhone sets a new standard for phones. And for other competitors to keep up with the pace, they have to do some major tweakings! Another reason is that Steve Jobs negotiated a deal with AT&T to carry the iPhone in U.S. The reason why so many cell phones are lame is because cell-phone-service providers crippled phone developers with useless rules about what they can do and can’t do. However, AT&T gave Apple its freedom to build the iPhone to its owns liking. This makes the other phone makers feel stupid and jealous. One day the rest will step up to challenge, which means better and more innovative phones for all. One small step for Apple, one big step for mankind.

4. It’s not a phone, it’s a platform.

When Apple made the iPhone, they didn’t get some nuts and screws from Chinatown, they took OX S, the full featured desktop operating system, and squished it down to fit the iPhone’s glass-and-stainless-steel case. That makes the iPhone more than just a gadget. One big thing about technology in the past is that technology is cyber space stuff and it isn’t meant for us to understand. But well, the iPhone took it on the streets with Google Maps.

“The iPhone is more than just a gadget. It’s a genuine handheld computer, the first device that really deserves the name” time magazine

5. It is but the ghost of iPhones is yet to come.

With more than 1.4million by December last year, the iPhone has sold enough. If you ask me if the iPhone is worth buying? It’s definitely worth it. Why? Because the iPhone was build to evolve, look at all the room to develop and all the software possibilities. Notice the the blank black space on the iPhone’s desktop? It’s for you to fill them with nifty icons and softwares. Just give it a while, it’ll get cheaper as time goes by.

is SHE really the Spanish Defense Minister??

2008-05-09T16:09:00.000+08:00

The word “Macho” came from the Spain. And now, that country that has 750 soldiers in Afghanistan and whose commuter trains were bombed by terrorists has presented the world’s first women-majority cabinet, but also elected a seven-month-pregnant woman as Defence Minister!

Miss Carme Chacon, who is seven months pregnant, is one of nine women appointed to the 17-member Cabinet by Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero recently.

The appointment of Ms Chacon, 37, who has no military experience, as Spain’s first Defence Minister is the boldest statement yet from a Socialist government that is bent on ridding male-dominated Spain of gender discrimation.

Criticisms never end, with one source saying that the new Cabinet the PM’s “battalion of inexperienced seamstresses”. And PM, Mr Zapatero replied saying: “When it comes to political or public administration, my experience has been that women do it better than men.”

This makes me wonder, what would the world be if women ruled the world? Would it be different? Maybe fewer wars and more jewellery? More sensible spending, less wastefulness, except for the occasional national spa treatment?

Presenting the newly appointed Spanish Defense Minister, Miss Carme Chacon with her stomach bulge. Would you prefer her to him (below)

The Ex-Spanish Defense Minister, don't you think he looks more fit to do the job?

Miss Carme Chacon checking out on her soldiers in Afghanistan. Is she even allowed to travel with that baby inside?

Of friends and never ending fun.

2008-05-08T20:37:00.000+08:00

Meeting Amelia and gang would mean starbucks, pictures and shopping.. It happens every year... But it's still fun!

Funtastic 4.

Going crazy after that Caramel Macchiato!

Pris being as calm as always.

Amelia's idea... who else? :P

Our traditional group photo... :)

oh come on, not that Japanese thing!

Guys, being guys...

Singaporeans being camera shy...

Do, Re, Mi, FAR!!!

The art of randomness.

The guys, and the girls.

Tada! the END:)

Well, it was fun while it lasted... Don't worry guys (Amelia and gang)! more to come in July!

Greg Pattillo - The flute maestro.

2008-05-08T00:59:00.000+08:00

With almost 13 million views on one of his youtube video, I'm sure you guys have seen this guy play the flute. Anyways, if you haven't, this guy can beatbox and play the flute at the same time! And the way it blends is just magnificent. My sister, Phoebe, has been playing the flute for 2 years now, and she's pretty good at it, but I'll wait and see if she can do this!

Here's some videos of Greg doing his thing:

I might start learning to do this! It totally rocks!

Oh, just before I forget, my saxophone has finally arrived! Will post pictures of it soon.

Candy Empire - Singapore trip '08

2008-05-07T16:14:00.000+08:00

Heaven in the real world.

Candy Empire is really an empire of candies. The shop is full of chocolate bars, cookies, nougats, chips, jelly beans, biscuits, marshmallows, gummies and much more! Most of these are imported from Europe and Australia.

Candy Empire is owned by K.A. Zareena, the company was set up to bring Chupa Chup lollipops from Spain. As time goes by, the company went into direct retailing because it felt the growing demand for niche candy brands and so opened its first outlet in Millenia Walk, Singapore in 2004. At first, it stocked only a small variety of chocolates and cookies. But now the shops are filled with hundreds of different candies and snacks. Stepping into shop will start you drooling and leaving the shop without a "candy empire" bag will leave you screaming!

The Grand entrance of the Empire.

The Candy Empire.

So many different kinds of sweets that buying everything will give you a year's supply of snacks.

The tall "watchtower" or more like a tower to keep an eye on because that's where the new arrivals make their debut!

"Mommy! I'm flying!" - being in "heaven"

Pick and choose.

Well, thats all I've got from the Candy Empire. Cheers!

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Singapore trip- Vivo City

2008-05-06T19:00:00.000+08:00

Before we went to Sentosa, we briefly visited Singapore's largest retail and lifestyle destination- VivoCity (no spell error here, the word is actually joined!)

Anyways, we didn't have much time at VivoCity because it was late when we came back from Sentosa Island but I still had some time to get some shots anyway. So, since I am Malaysian, I'll start from what Malaysians know best- Food.

The exterior design of Food Republic, a very nicely design food court based on a traditional Melaccan theme.

A Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) stall displaying their food in a simple, traditional way.

The chinese section of the food court, making it feel very Hong Kong-ish.

Tables and Chairs with food all prepared.

The juicing bar never failed to look juicy.

Sporty dining for the sport addicts.

Dining in the water. Well, not really, just took the shot through an aquarium. :P

Moving on, Priscilla (my beautiful "Japanese" sister) wanted to "take a look" at Daiso. Daiso is a very interesting Japanese shop which sells everything for no more than 2 SGD. They have all sorts of things, from flippers to slippers and shirt to skirts. As I'm writing this, I'm just thinking on how easy the accounts would be since everything is at the same price- 2 Dollars.

Daiso, the double dollar delight.

The good part of shopping here is that you don't have to look at the price tag before making a decision.

Nothing wrong with marking my visit with a self-portrait.

Finally, just before leaving VivoCity, just decided to drop by "heaven".

Check out the LENS!

Something to drool about.

Well, thats all from VivoCity. I've still got plenty more to blog about. OFF TO DINNER!

Cool updates from the world.

2008-05-06T15:17:00.000+08:00

"Beauty, a rescued Alaskan bald eagle, sits in her pen at a raptor recovery center near St. Marie's, Idaho, Wednesday, April 23, 2008. A surgery in May 2008 will provide Beauty with a new artificial beak, to replace the one damaged by a gunshot wound.

(AP Photo/Young Kwak)" Yahoo News

Interesting huh? Looks like they have plastic surgeons for birds too!

"Mondex, a 5-year-old Chihuahua, poses as he walks the aisle dressed as a scuba diver during a dog show at a mall in suburban Manila on Sunday April 27, 2008. Mondex bagged first place during the fashion show category.

(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)" Yahoo News.

Cute? I don't think so. More like suffering to the dog. Imagine that weight on the Chihuahua! An average weight of the Chihuahua is from 4-6 pounds, how much more can it carry?

Sentosa Island, Singapore Trip- Day 6, 2 May 2008

2008-05-05T15:53:00.000+08:00

I woke up that day, thinking of getting something free: a TAN, a sun tan, to be specific.. Not some chinese person with Tan as a surname.

Dad took a leave from work, and we're off to Sentosa Island, Singapore!

Nothing more than Fun in the Sun with mom and a gum. (sorry, pretty random)

Of trees, blue sky and puffy clouds.

The highlight of the trip- THE LUGE, Singapore

The Luge in Sentosa, is the first ever Luge in Southeast Asia. A Luge is a three-wheeled cart which is part go-cart and part-toboggan cart in which uses a self driving car system which riders control the speed by pushing a pair of handlebars back and forth.

The Luge in Sentosa is fairly exciting! It allows you to race down a 650-meter downhill track going up pretty high top-speeds. Although racing is not encouraged someone like me miss out on the chance to outrace my siblings? Anyways, here's how it went...

Philip leading the Koh clan to the cable cars.

The four P's (Paul, Priscilla, Phoebe and Philip) taking the cable car up the hill. At this point, I felt like I was going for a skiing trip. But, having slippers on my feet slapped me back into the real world...

The Luge cart is a three wheeled cart allowing the rider to control it's speed with the handle while resting it's body on the back with both legs placed forward.

No, Phoebe didn't win. I did! (Big bro's can never lose... :P)

The design of Sentosa Island never failed to portray its class.

A sea creature Philip waited for ages to catch! I don't know the name of it, but its slimy, swims like a jelly and I don't think it has bones...

I didn't know Singapore still has some wildlife! (no offense, but the country is just so developed, I didn't think there was anything left apart from the animals in the zoo and the stray cats)

The weird world of Chinglish (chinese+english)

2008-05-04T21:31:00.000+08:00

Received this on my email from Beverley Tan...

One fine day, Ah Beng was asked to make a sentence using 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. But not only did he do 1 to 10, but 10 to 1 as well! It's hilarious! Even an Englishman with an English mother tongue in England cannot construct sentences that would include the numbers 1-10! Well, maybe with the exception of someone from the "Sound Of Music" since they come up with a song for everything! So maybe a numeric song wouldn't be a problem. Anyways, here's what Ah Beng came up with:

"1 Day I go 2 climb a 3 outside a house to peep. But the person saw me, so I panic and 4 down. The man rushed out and wanted to 5 with me. I ran until I fell 6 and threw up. So I go 7-eleven and grabbed some 8 to throw at him. Then I took a 9 and try to stab him. 10 God he run away.

10 I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7-eleven. Next day I called my boss and told him I was 6. He said 5, tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work. He also asked me to go climb 3 and jump down. I don't understand. I am so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1."