My 2007 Christmas Trip!! (Part2- London)

Okay! Finaly its time to update on my christmas trip! Today is monday, and since I have nothing better to do, I might as well do this.

Right. I landed in London Stansted on the evening of the 24th, and took the tube to South Kensington, which is where Imperial College is. I was staying with Norman, for those of you who dont know. Unfortunately, I couldnt use the route I planned cause they were doing works at Victoria station, and so no trains were going there. Hmm, I had to make a (literally) last min change, but it was ok becuase the new route ended up being faster and cheaper!

A word of advice if you want to go to London. Get an Oyster!! (sumfin like a TnG) Its much cheaper with an Oyster rather than buying tickets. Youll regret it if you dont.

Anyway. It was WAAAY foggy that night. I oculd barely see in fornt of me. Haha Norman had to come out and meet me near the station exit because I could find my way(due to the lack of visibility).

Next morning he took me round Imperial College. No I dunt have many pics! Dont forget I didnt take my camera along... Anyway. Imperial is a very beautiful Place. Hahah most of their physics labs are underground. I figure its not just due to lack of space, but also becuase if anything happens, itll be contained underground. LOL.

Well, after that, Nomz took me around Kensington area. He took me to the Royal Albert Hall. Very grand place where all sorts of music and arts performances are held. Then we went to Kensington Gardens, which is just adjacent to Hyde Park.

There we saw the Royal Albert memorial, which bsaicly looks like a giant That building from a distance. It has a solid gold statue of Prince Albert (husband of Queen Victoria). Shows just how rich the British Empire was. At kensington gardens, we basicly just relaxed, and fed the birds and stuff. Walked around the area, then went for lunch somewhere nearby.

In the afternoon/evening, I basicly just walked around the area alone(Norman was tired and took a nap :P) I walked up to Harrods, and around the area basicly. Took some pics, and even got abit lost LOL. (thank goodness for my map of london). Later that night, met up with Ce Dong, Yevonne and Ian. There was a christmas party at Imperial, held by Malaysians (who were mostly studying at Imperial). Had quite abit of fun. I realy wanted to go to church though, and there was this great big catholic church that was having a grand midnight mass with Ochestra and choir. Unfortunately, before I realised it, the time was already 1am, and so I decided that there was no point going to church, so I stayed on at the party. Sigh. Ian and Yevonne stayed over at Imperial.

Next day was Christmas day!! The one day where England is practically dead. No public transport whatsoever. So Ian and I took a slow, long walk from Imperial to UCL (where he is studying). We went thorugh ensington Gardens, and enjoyed the scenenry. Walked through Oxford street, and urmm, what else. Of course the cristmas decorations at Oxford Street were absolutely beautiful. Anyway, you can probably tell Im abit lazy to blog. (somehow this feels more like a chore that I need to just get done...)

That night, Ian took me around UCL. Its also very old and beautiful, and I took one or two pics with my phone. Ian cooked me dinner, and urmm...what did we do that night? I realy cant remember! I think we just watched TV! LOL there realy wasnt much to do....

Next day? BOXING DAY SALES!!! It was off to Oxford Street! OMG it was sooo crowded! And all along Oxford streeet you could see the word SALE. LOL. Boxing day sales are realy big here.

Funny thing is, just off oxford street, it was quite the opposite. There was hardly a soul around. Most were just people who parked their cars and were walking to Oxford Street. I didnt realy shop, because I wasnt sure of what I wanted to get. LOL. Some people will call it a waste, but then this IS england. SO ill be paying in pounds....

So that was how our Morning and afternoon was spent. In the evening, the guys (Ian, Norman and CeDong) took us round Central London. We first went to Trafalgar Square, then to Bond Street, Down to the riverside, past Westmister Abbey, then to Big Ben. Oh BTW at this time Jolynn had allready arrived in London, and we were trying to meet up with them. Between debating on who should go where, giving her travel directions, and begging Jo to get a UK number ASAP, my phone bill skyrocketed, as I was the one in constant contact wif JO. Dont forget that she is using an Irish number, so its not included in my minutes.... Worst thing? In the end we didnt meet up at all!! AIGH....

Anyway, after all that we went back to Norman's place for dinner. After that? Ping Pong!! HAHAH yea, I learned to play ping pong, and we practically played that the whole night. LOL.

My memory is seriously failing me now... I cant remember what happened on the 27th. I know i spend the whole day at the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum, but after that, I have no idea as to whar happened..... :s

On the morning of the 28th, I packed up and left. I didnt even get a chance to say bye or thanks to Norman, becuase he had work, and so had to leave. I went over to Ian's place and got the rest of my stuff (which I had left there), thanked him, and said goodbye. Then I made a quick stop at Oxford street to get some souviners. After that I headed over to my grand-uncle's place for Lunch. His place is pretty far away, Zone 5 maybe??

Anyway, spent the night at his house, and ot to know them. I havent seen them in AGES. Then I left for home on the morning of the 29th! I was back in Nottingham by mid afternoon, and thats the end of my christmas trip!

So...what now? Pictures of course! ENJOY!

The Royal Albert Memorial

Harrods!!

The Famous London Underground

An Original London Bus! Very hard to find these nowadays...

Cute eh? This is at Hyde Park

Me at Marble Arch
Me, Ian and Norman at Trafalgar Square

Still at Trafalgar Square, but this time against the National Gallery

I know its a crappy picture. The Christmas Tree and The Pole at Trafalgar Square

Big Ben!

The London Eye and City Hall from Westminster.

Silly pic of the 3 of us at Norman's Place

Say No to the Spectre of May 13

Im writing to give my thoughts to the lattest hot issue going around back home:
The statement by PJ Utara MP Chew Mei Fun(MCA) that “If there is insufficient Chinese representation in the Barisan Nasional, it is not a good thing, the Chinese community cannot afford another May 13 incident.”

This statement was aired by China Press. Obviously I cant and dont read the China Press, this is just news gathered around from the blogs. This statement has caused an uproar by civil society groups because of the highly threatening nature of this statment. Anyone with half a brain cell will be able to tell the meaning behind this statement:- That if chinese dont vote MCA, we will have another 13 May incident.

Now, China Press has aired an apology stating that the reporter had "misquoted and misrepresented Ms. Chew" in their coverage of the event. They state that Chew actualy said “If we do not have enough representation in the Barisan Nasional, then to the Chinese community, the lesson of 1969 is sufficient. I think we cannot afford another such scenario.”

Now of course these are all translations, so there are bound to be inaccuracies. (I figure her speech was in mandarin, and CP is in mandarin).

If this is true, and the translation accurate, I feel abit sorry for the MP because of the storm that is now hitting her. However, She didn't deny it (to my knowledge), and anyway what did she mean by 'the lesson of 1969 is sufficient' (or insufficient??). Some people claim that what she meant was actualy the shamefully huge loss MCA suffered in 1969 (and UMNO too for the matter). But of course what did that end up with? 13 May of course! So the way I see it, it is no different (IMHO) from the previous statement, except that this is what she may have actualy said, whilst the reporter might have just written down what she meant.

Either way, I feel as an MP it was highly irresponsible to make such a statement(whichever it was). The fact is, you say 1969 the first thing that comes to mind is 13 May. And anyway, UMNO has been calling out the 13 May Bogeyman for sometime now right? So why not MCA? BN Buddies! LOL.

The fact is that making such statements are realy playing with fire, and until she comes out with an explanation as to what she 'actually' meant by her statement (if that isnt what she meant) people can, will, and should see it as a dangerous and threatening gesture.

Hence, several civil society groups(Bersih Included) have come out with a joint statement, and many other individuals have endorsed it. All who agree with it can put it up on their blog. I have reproduced the statement blow, for you to see(and to keep yourselves informed!).

My POV? I will endorse this statement untill an apology, explanation, and statement that all should not fear their safety when voting is issued by MP Chew. These are of course just my thoughts, and I would very much like to hear your view on the matter.

~Baron Out~

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT BY CONCERNED MALAYSIANS ON 22 JANUARY 2008:

We, the undersigned civil society groups and concerned citizens of diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, stress that all Malaysians have the right to choose their representatives and the government in a free, fair and clean election. No individual politician or political party should resort to threats or intimidation to influence the voter’s decision.
We lament that Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, MCA MP for Petaling Jaya Utara, as reported in the China Press on January 21 (Monday), has conveyed this fear-mongering message to the public: “If there is insufficient Chinese representation in the Barisan Nasional, it is not a good thing, the Chinese community cannot afford another May 13 incident.”

The May 13 ethnic riot in 1969 was a dark chapter in Malaysia’s political history where political violence and manipulation overshadowed the democratic process as well as the voice of the people. Invoking the bitter memories of this tragic incident for political gain is a huge insult to those who died, the surviving victims and their families. This veiled threat to voters not to support the opposition parties is shameless and unbecoming of a responsible political leader.

If Chew is aware of certain quarters planning to use violence in response to a certain electoral outcome, she who has been speaking tirelessly on public safety should lodge a police report immediately and assist in the police investigation.

If she is merely speculating, we are truly disappointed that she has stooped so low in fishing for support. Politicians should not behave like gangsters. They should not use the threat of violence to solicit vote, as gangsters do to extort money.

By making this statement, Chew has in fact violated Section 9 (1) of the Election Offences Act 1954:
Undue influence9. (1) Every person who, before, during or after an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, makes use of or threatens to make use of any force, violence, or restraint, or inflicts or threatens to inflict, by himself or by any other person, any temporal or spiritual injury, damage, harm, or loss upon or against any person in order to induce or compel such person to vote or refrain from voting, or on account of such person having voted or refrained from voting, at any election, or who by abduction, duress, or any fraudulent device or contrivance impedes or prevents the free exercise of the franchise of any elector or voter, or thereby compels, induces, or prevails upon any elector or voter either to give or refrain from giving his vote at any election, or who directly or indirectly interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise by any person of any electoral right shall be guilty of the offence of undue influence.

While waiting for the Election Commission to investigate and lodge a police report, we call upon Chew to do the honorable thing. She should retract her statement and apologize unreservedly for her fear-mongering act. She must condemn unreservedly the use of political violence in Malaysia.

Voters must be assured of their right to vote for any candidate or party of their choice in an environment that is free from fear and intimidation.

We also call upon the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Badawi to disassociate his administration and party from Chew’s fear-mongering statement and condemn unreservedly the use of threats and intimidation on voters.

We must not let Malaysia become a failed state where political violence rules, like Pakistan. We must not allow any party to ‘play with fire’. We categorically reject anyone who uses the spectre of May 13 as a bogeyman to threaten Malaysians.

All individuals or civil society organisations in support of democracy may endorse this statement by displaying a copy of this statement on their premises, vehicles or the front page of their blogs or websites, until Chew retract the statement and apologizes.

Civil Society Organisations:
Coalition For Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH)
Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Malaysian Voters Union (MALVU)
Save Ourselves (SOS Penang)
PJ Utara Get an MP Initiative

My first attempt at a Zoom Out to Space!

Well, you probably are expecting part 2 of "My Christmas Trip" but im feeling a little too lazy to do that right now. Its going to be a very long post, and I may just break it up!

Anyway, just writing to announce that Im back into playing around with After Effects, after quite some time, and Im very happy to show you my first attempt at a zoom out to space. It starts at the Petronas Twin Towers (rather unoriginal, I know).

Its kinda crappy, but its just something I did. Id like to thank Andrew Kramer for all his wonderful tutorials that help me to learn more about After Effects, and try out new things. Been spending a long time at your site, http://www.videocopilot.net/

Also Im spending more time, coming up with a HD version for the intro screen of the BlueMarble Productions sequence. And whilst it dosent appear to be faithful to the 'blue marble' theme, I think its coming along pretty good. But havent come up with the entire sequence. Lets just say is going to be BIG! LOL.

Yup! That means that BlueMarble Productions might be facing a comeback soon! (Infact Im planing on redesigning the website, but its pointless unless there are any new developments) Speaking of which, just want to say that Derek n I have been talking (more like thinking) for a while of seriously doing another movie, (and no this time I hope its not Star Wars, we want to try something else!) But for now, we dont realy have any ideas at all!

Well enough of my rambling, just watch the video!

My 2007 Christmas Trip!! (Part1- Dublin)

OKAY!! EXAMS ARE FINALY OVER!!! YAY!!

Now I can finally tell you about my Christmas Trip which Im sure your all simply DYING to know about yeah?! Overall it was a fantastic trip, except for one f***ing blunder. I FREAKKING LEFT MY CAMERA AT HOME!!! Bah, I still cant stop hitting myself for it. I mean like, what the HELL is the point of having a super great and EXPENSIVE vidcam, if im gona leave it behind on such a trip?? Ireland is sooo beutiful, and its the perfect place to take outdoor HD, imagine 1080p!!!! So, I have very few piccies, I had to survive with my phone (which is thankfully a k800) as well as tumpang Jo n Norman's camera. Or course Normz has an SLR which leads to fantastc pics!

DUBLIN:

First, I went to Dublin on the 20th, and spent a few days with my cousin Anu, and Jolynn of course!! It was sooo nice seeing both of them after such a LONG time!! OMG!!! IRELAND IS SOO BEAUTIFUL!!!! you can tell im getting all excited thinking about it! XD. I will DEFINATELY go there again. Next stop Galway!! HOOITZING HERE I COME!!! muahahahaahh.

Lol im going nuts. I didnt really go around very much in dublin itself, but from what I saw in the city centre, it realy is a beautiful city. My cousin DID say that 3 days was too short a trip. SIGH. NVM Ill go again. One thing, dublin sure isnt cheap!! But its definately worth going.

My flight was delayed by several hours, so I arrived at Dublin in the late evening. In fact, by the time i got to my cuz's place it was already 7pm!! BAH!! Went out for dinner with her, had Malaysian food!! Oh. I will NEVER take a cab in dublin unless i absolutely HAVE to. about 60% of the money i took with me to Ireland went off to the taxi man! (im not gona tell you the exact figure!)

Next morning I met up with Jolynn n Elaine! Yup!! Elaine is in UCD too! I had no idea untill I saw her waiting with Jolynn. LOL. Had Lunch at her place, then we went around abit. We ended up going for a movie at the biggest mall in Dublin (cant remember the name). Then went around a little bit more around the town at night. Went to Grafton Streeet ( think thats the name, forgot so muh di!) to see the christmas decorations. Since it was already late, I slept at Jo's place that night, cuz next morning we were going HIKING!!!

Following Morning, we headed out of Dublin, to the small town of Bray. If you wana see Ireland, thats the best way to go. Head out, cause Ireland is all about the great outdoors. We climbed Bray hill, and it was absolutely fantastic!! The scenery at the foothills as well as the top of the hill is awsome! (scroll down for pics) You see, the hill is by this lovely pebble beach, and from the top of the hill, there is a giant cross, and you can see the town of Bray, and the whole of the Dublin metropolitan area in the distance. The view is absolutely BREATHTAKING!

Ok, so maybe we had planned to do too many things in one day, cause we had to dump the trip to the Guiness storehouse. The Irish are very proud of their Guiness. Practically all souviners are about Guiness. LOL. Anyway, next place we went was Ennis-kerry (doubt I spelt it right), which is EVEN further away from Dublin. At Ennis is a old English Lord's mansion, with B-E-A-utiful gardens. Words simply cant describe the whole area, not just the gardens, but the whole of Ennis. One word. AMAZING. (I soooo wish I had my cammie)

It was a very long walk from the bus stop, and by the time we were done touring the area, it was already dark. (bout 6pm I think). Before we went around we had Lunch/Tea there,enjoyed the view and fresh clean air. Its just sooo peaceful. Anyway we spent quite alot of time there since we had already decided to not go to the Guiness Store House, which was ALL the way in Dublin, and it closed at 5pm. But, we were practiclally in the middle of nowhere! After a very long walk back to the bustop, we were abit lost, because we were unsure of which way was back to Dublin! :S Well, one very lovely Irish couple gave us a lift ALL THE WAY BACK to Dublin! They were so friendly and kind, and went out of their way to help us. Bet you will never find that kind of people in Malaysia!!

I promised my Cuz that Id go with her to her friend's Xmas party, so I rushed back, took a shower and out we went! Got to meet my cousin's friends, and I had a good time. (Apparently they enjoyed my company too. YAY!) Oh my cousin n her friends are all around 26 (graduated n working, most of them), so they were all like "you're soo young!" LOL, but you know what, its 2008 now and im gona be 19! I feel so old.....

Anyway, came back reaaly late the next morning (obv, its a party!). Woke up late, so rushed to town to get some souviners, and then took ANOTHER cab to the airport! Sigh that morning was such a rush that I didnt even get to take any pics with my cousin. Oh well, I will next time I go! Deffinately! Maybe ill even get to meet her BF?

So! That was my whirlwind trip of Dublin! Even though it was waay to short, I had a blast! Got to see 2 people who I hadnt seen in a very long time. Then it was on to London! Malas to blog about that trip right now, so Ill continue later, but for now.... PICTURES!!!!

City Hall at O'Connel Street

An Interesting Tram Bridge

Christmas decorations at Grafton Street

Me n Jo at the Square in front of the Mall I told you about

Me n Jo halfway up Bray Hill

The Beach at Bray

At the Summit, with the hills at the back. Its really windy!!

The City in the distance! The picture dosen't do it justice!!

Me n Jo with the giant cross. Outstandingly Wonderfull!

Somewhere in Enniskerry, on the road to the Mansion. For some reason I realy liked that hill.

Dublin is full of Statues! but this one is just one of the many at the Mansion

The last picture I took in Dubin. The Three of us, somewhere in the Gardens.