Sunday, December 14, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Pictures of my room, and some food I tried/ate in the UK
The view out of my temporary room. My permanent room wasn't ready yet, so I was given a room on the 9th floor.
My new room
The corner of the room where I have my bed and bookcase.
The view out of my new room. Its on the first floor (actually the 3rd), but its not too noisy. And I don't need to climb too many flights of stairs.
Ok,now for some of the food I've tried.
On Day 2 for lunch, I had some guo tiao at China town. It cost me like 4 pounds, and as you can see, it doesn't look very good. The taste was nothing spectacular too. Those who're still in Singapore, be grateful!
Day 2's dinner. Or part of it anyway. Flatmate's mom cooked some rice and offered us some. Not to sound ungrateful, but it looked better than it tasted.
Baku teh and noodles we cooked for dinner. To be frank, this looked better than it tasted too. The meat was pretty good though.
Some fish and chips I had at covent garden market. This was better than Long John Silver's, but that's not saying much actually. Honestly, this one looked better than it tasted too.
Beef Burger at LSE sports grounds at Berrylands late afternoon today. It was fantastic! The beef patty was so thick and juicy. Finally, one food item that tasted better than it photographed.
Second part of my dinner: soup and bread. The soup was really good- it was hot and thick.
And finally, apple cider. It was my first time trying it. I liked it at first, but it got sickening after a while
My new room
The corner of the room where I have my bed and bookcase.
The view out of my new room. Its on the first floor (actually the 3rd), but its not too noisy. And I don't need to climb too many flights of stairs.
Ok,now for some of the food I've tried.
On Day 2 for lunch, I had some guo tiao at China town. It cost me like 4 pounds, and as you can see, it doesn't look very good. The taste was nothing spectacular too. Those who're still in Singapore, be grateful!
Day 2's dinner. Or part of it anyway. Flatmate's mom cooked some rice and offered us some. Not to sound ungrateful, but it looked better than it tasted.
Baku teh and noodles we cooked for dinner. To be frank, this looked better than it tasted too. The meat was pretty good though.
Some fish and chips I had at covent garden market. This was better than Long John Silver's, but that's not saying much actually. Honestly, this one looked better than it tasted too.
Beef Burger at LSE sports grounds at Berrylands late afternoon today. It was fantastic! The beef patty was so thick and juicy. Finally, one food item that tasted better than it photographed.
Second part of my dinner: soup and bread. The soup was really good- it was hot and thick.
And finally, apple cider. It was my first time trying it. I liked it at first, but it got sickening after a while
Friday, September 26, 2008
First Day in London
The view from the plane, before take off. It wasn't a very comfortable plane ride, but I tried my best to sleep. There was a lovely old British lady flying back to the UK from Australia and we talked a bit.
The interior of the train. The train was nearly empty at Heathrow, but soon filled up.
Me on the train,looking slightly dazed. I was actually quite tired, but didn't dare to sleep, after hearing all the stories of the UK being less safe,and of things being stolen from unsuspecting tourists. So I had to stay awake to 'jaga' my stuff.
After getting only slightly directionally challenged, I got to my accommodation relatively safe and sound. I say relatively because, the tube stairs were a bitch. I had to carry my friggin 30+ kg of luggage down this horrendous flight of stairs. Finally at the last 10-15 steps or so,some one took pity on me and helped to carry it down the rest of the way. My biceps are still complaining now.
I arrived at Heathrow at 6 am, and I managed to clear customs and get my baggage relatively quickly. By 6.50 I was at the tube station waiting for the tube. I'm actually moderately proud of myself for figuring out how to take the tube to Holborn station and then how to walk to my residence, thereby saving the 30 or so pounds a taxi would have taken.
The interior of the train. The train was nearly empty at Heathrow, but soon filled up.
Me on the train,looking slightly dazed. I was actually quite tired, but didn't dare to sleep, after hearing all the stories of the UK being less safe,and of things being stolen from unsuspecting tourists. So I had to stay awake to 'jaga' my stuff.
After getting only slightly directionally challenged, I got to my accommodation relatively safe and sound. I say relatively because, the tube stairs were a bitch. I had to carry my friggin 30+ kg of luggage down this horrendous flight of stairs. Finally at the last 10-15 steps or so,some one took pity on me and helped to carry it down the rest of the way. My biceps are still complaining now.
After checking in, I managed to get the internet working. I then:
1.went to the bank to get my ATM card
2. go down to Oasis sports centre to check out the gym, swimming pool and other facilities
3. went to carphone warehouse to enquire about getting a phone
4. After that, I took the tube to check out the rink. Enquired about lessons and talked with some peope about skating, the coaches there, the sessions etcetcetc.
5. Then I walked to the skate shop and got fitted for my boots and blades. I got my new pair of skates!!!
6. While waiting for the blades to be fitted to the boots, I walked down the streets past Bayswater station. There were lots of interesting shops.
I know some of my friends (ahem ahem) have been very interested as to the 'eye candy' in the UK. I am lols. There are there are. But I forgot to bring my camera out when I was walking around. (And besides, I'm not that despo)
But I do have pics of even better eye candy! (For me,at least). My new skates!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Going to be freezing my ass off
Just realized that the temperature in London now is 10-18 degrees celcius. Thats bloody cold!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I made cheesecake!
Successfully, and it was my first time ever baking a cheesecake! It is/was good. And I have pictures =)
Here's the cheesecake in its tin, with a section cut off. I used a tin instead of those panfoil or sth thingys that you are supposed to use for cheesecakes cos I didn't want to buy one when I'm going to be leaving in a week or so. Anyway, it turned out all right.
Cutting the cheesecake....
And tadah! Lovely slices on a plate. You can see my eager brother already reaching for one.
Actually I was a bit worried about the cake turning out badly, it being my first try and all. And to compound matters, I was pouring the cream cheese mixture halfway when the phone rang- it was my father calling- of all times. What does he want? He wants me to turn on skype? OH no. So I stop pouring the mixture, so the pan's like half full with this gloppy mixture, rush to turn the computer on, and realize that the mixture's a bit lumpy. Ok turn on the machine again. rush to computer. Oh dad, you can just talk to gramps for a while. I have a vim (very important mission) now in the background. I'm making cheesecake!
Ok. Anyway,
since the shop only stocked cream cheese in 2kg units, that was what I bought. So I have a surfeit of cream cheese, which means I will be like baking every other day this week. So judo juniors! (all of you lurking and not commenting), you can expect cheese cake some day this week when I pop down to visit and say bye. I'm planning on baking oreo cheese cake and toblerone cheese cake. It be good!
Here's the cheesecake in its tin, with a section cut off. I used a tin instead of those panfoil or sth thingys that you are supposed to use for cheesecakes cos I didn't want to buy one when I'm going to be leaving in a week or so. Anyway, it turned out all right.
Cutting the cheesecake....
And tadah! Lovely slices on a plate. You can see my eager brother already reaching for one.
Actually I was a bit worried about the cake turning out badly, it being my first try and all. And to compound matters, I was pouring the cream cheese mixture halfway when the phone rang- it was my father calling- of all times. What does he want? He wants me to turn on skype? OH no. So I stop pouring the mixture, so the pan's like half full with this gloppy mixture, rush to turn the computer on, and realize that the mixture's a bit lumpy. Ok turn on the machine again. rush to computer. Oh dad, you can just talk to gramps for a while. I have a vim (very important mission) now in the background. I'm making cheesecake!
Ok. Anyway,
since the shop only stocked cream cheese in 2kg units, that was what I bought. So I have a surfeit of cream cheese, which means I will be like baking every other day this week. So judo juniors! (all of you lurking and not commenting), you can expect cheese cake some day this week when I pop down to visit and say bye. I'm planning on baking oreo cheese cake and toblerone cheese cake. It be good!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
It sucks to be sick on planes
I'm back in Singapore, but unfortunately, with a bout of what I would classify as, maybe moderate, food poisoning. And I can tell you,the plane ride was sheer torture.
Why moderate? Because its moderate in comparison to the last time I got food poisoning, which was when my mother was away in China and I ate some chicken pie that had been left in the fridge for too long. Then, I woke up at 5 in the morning, and from then till 1pm, puked three times accompanied with acute stomach ache. The amazing thing about that episode though was, I did not cancel my skating lesson. So at 3 pm, I dragged myself out of the house, walked to the MRT station, took the train to Jurong East, and went for my skating lesson.
This time, on the day of my flight, I woke up not feeling well. It must have been the beef and tomoto noodles I foolishly decided to try. The stomach did not hurt as much as last time though. What I did not expect nor realize was that I was slowly getting a fever. I mean I passed through the temperature checks at the Hong Kong check point perfectly well.
But as the flight progessed, I got colder and colder. Even though I was wearing my thick grey jacked and had the airline blanket tucked right up till my ears. And besides the cold, my eyes ached, and the seat seemed to be slanted too far back and the space was too cramped. So all I could do was obsessively monitor the flight path, and endure till the journey was over.
It sucks to fly while sick indeed.
Why moderate? Because its moderate in comparison to the last time I got food poisoning, which was when my mother was away in China and I ate some chicken pie that had been left in the fridge for too long. Then, I woke up at 5 in the morning, and from then till 1pm, puked three times accompanied with acute stomach ache. The amazing thing about that episode though was, I did not cancel my skating lesson. So at 3 pm, I dragged myself out of the house, walked to the MRT station, took the train to Jurong East, and went for my skating lesson.
This time, on the day of my flight, I woke up not feeling well. It must have been the beef and tomoto noodles I foolishly decided to try. The stomach did not hurt as much as last time though. What I did not expect nor realize was that I was slowly getting a fever. I mean I passed through the temperature checks at the Hong Kong check point perfectly well.
But as the flight progessed, I got colder and colder. Even though I was wearing my thick grey jacked and had the airline blanket tucked right up till my ears. And besides the cold, my eyes ached, and the seat seemed to be slanted too far back and the space was too cramped. So all I could do was obsessively monitor the flight path, and endure till the journey was over.
It sucks to fly while sick indeed.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Do British tabloids have too much time to spare?
Posh's Footsie Index: Or how much her heels cost per inch
The daily mail spent an entire article analyzing how much Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice, spends per inch of heels. They compiled 11 rows of the above close-ups of shoes she wore on various occasions. They found out the brand of each pair of shoes. They found the cost of each pair, the height of the heels, and divided the cost by the height to find the price-per-inch, or PPI as they call it. Too much time, no?
PS: Of course, this means I confess to reading this daily time wasting gossip about celebrities. I mean, its pretty good brainless fun. Hehe.
Here's the article
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
'Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated'
I've always found this phrase amusing- theres just a certain ironic wit to it.
Edit: No wonder! I've found that it was Mark Twain who first said it.
Here's an interesting instance
Found on wikipedia:
Jonathan Agnew: in January 2007, this alumnus of Cambridge University heard that his death had recently been reported in the Trinity Record (presumably a newsletter of Trinity College, Cambridge). He contacted the Record saying he had apparently also been removed from its mailing list, and requested a copy of the obituary so he could check and if necessary correct it.
And here's what was published in the newsletter:
Exaggerated Reports
of My Death
Philosophy is supposed to reconcile us to death, and even
to reported death. It is nice to confirm that it can indeed
do so. This message was sent in January to the Trinity
Record by Moral Scientist Jonathan Agnew (1960).
Subject: Exaggerated reports of my death
To the Editor of the Trinity Record
Dear Sir,
I have been informed that the latest issue of the Trinity
Record reports that I died last August. I am unable to
verify this information directly since, with a certain
internal consistency, you are no longer sending me a copy
of the Record. I am pleased to tell you (and I hope that
you will be pleased to learn) that I am alive and well and
assure you that, within the limits of my powers, I will
inform you if the situation changes. I should be most
grateful if you would publish a correction before reality
catches up with your report and send me a copy of the
latest issue of the Record so that I can read and, if
necessary, correct my obituary. Without parapsychological
means, I remain a devoted reader of your Record and give
you my permission to publish this email.
Yours faithfully, Jonathan Agnew
Here's a few more amusing incidents:
Edit: No wonder! I've found that it was Mark Twain who first said it.
Here's an interesting instance
Found on wikipedia:
Jonathan Agnew: in January 2007, this alumnus of Cambridge University heard that his death had recently been reported in the Trinity Record (presumably a newsletter of Trinity College, Cambridge). He contacted the Record saying he had apparently also been removed from its mailing list, and requested a copy of the obituary so he could check and if necessary correct it.
And here's what was published in the newsletter:
Exaggerated Reports
of My Death
Philosophy is supposed to reconcile us to death, and even
to reported death. It is nice to confirm that it can indeed
do so. This message was sent in January to the Trinity
Record by Moral Scientist Jonathan Agnew (1960).
Subject: Exaggerated reports of my death
To the Editor of the Trinity Record
Dear Sir,
I have been informed that the latest issue of the Trinity
Record reports that I died last August. I am unable to
verify this information directly since, with a certain
internal consistency, you are no longer sending me a copy
of the Record. I am pleased to tell you (and I hope that
you will be pleased to learn) that I am alive and well and
assure you that, within the limits of my powers, I will
inform you if the situation changes. I should be most
grateful if you would publish a correction before reality
catches up with your report and send me a copy of the
latest issue of the Record so that I can read and, if
necessary, correct my obituary. Without parapsychological
means, I remain a devoted reader of your Record and give
you my permission to publish this email.
Yours faithfully, Jonathan Agnew
Here's a few more amusing incidents:
- Dick Cheney (US Vice-President) in the CNN.com incident. The draft obituary, which had been based on the Queen Mother's, described Cheney as 'Queen Consort' and the 'UK's favorite grandmother'.
- Rex Alston (sports commentator, journalist and sportsman): when The Times updated its internal obituary file for him in 1985, it was accidentally published as an obituary. Alston remarried the following year (aged 85), thus having the unusual distinction of having his marriage announced in The Times after his obituary. He lived until 1994.
- Daphne Banks, a resident of Cambridgeshire, UK, was declared dead on New Year's Day, 1996. However, while she lay in a mortuary an undertaker noticed a vein twitching in her leg, followed by breathing and snoring. (wth? I'm sure!)She recovered in hospital. Local authorities and Mrs Banks' family refused to name the doctor who had declared her dead; her local GP would not comment, citing patient confidentiality.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Frozen Grand Central
This is absolutely cool, and the reactions of the NYC communters are hilarous. This is seriously good- these are seasoned commuters who don't notice crap- you know, the ones that tut if you walk like a milisecond slower than usual- and they were TOTALLY bewildered.
I know something similar happened in Singapore recently, but check out the poses in the videos! There were some really good ones.
I know something similar happened in Singapore recently, but check out the poses in the videos! There were some really good ones.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Moving on, moving on
Yea. The very lesson after I wrote (typed) the previous post, my instructor moved on to new things. *looks a bit sheepish*
Monday, July 07, 2008
I'm in China now and will be back in Spore end July
Unfortunately, this means that I will have to miss the Judo team prelims and finals as I will still be in China at that time. All the best to those participating though! Good luck!
And now, an update on what I've been doing in China:
Skating
Thats basically the bulk of what I've been doing now so far. Shen zhen is an ice skating haven, with three rinks in relatively close proximity- large, not very crowded rinks some more. Having grown acccustomed to super crowded fuji ice palace, the rinks are fantastic here.
The coaches are top notch too, all former national team competitiors. The bad thing though, is that my previous coach was not as careful as he should be in teaching me my basics, so now I'm back to working on basics again- forward and backwards crossovers. There were so many things I didn't realize I had to do. I'm also a bit impatient with myself. I mean, how long does it usually take to get backward crossovers working properly? It seems as if I've been doing them for forever, and I KNOW I'm still not gettting them right. Argh.
Skating takes up like about 8 hours each day, including transport, time I spend slacking, plus lunch.
Shopping/exploring
If I have free time and energy after skating, which is not a lot, I explore a bit, do grocery shopping as I'm now responsible for cooking the meals.
Oh, and I'm like single-handedly bringing down the style quotient in Shen Zhen, China. Here, most people take the effort to dress up properly. Not Singapore- T shirt and jeans= properly, properly.
I mean, its like 80% of the girls/women are wearing high heels? Don't their feet get tired? And they wear nice dresses or slacks. I hardly ever see any one wearing jeans even. And me? I'm usually in a T-shirt and trackpants, since thats what I've brought to and bought in China. And birkenstocks. I wore FBTs out once, and kept on feeling like people were staring at me- I was literally the only one wearing shorts that day in the area.
Watching TV
Watching sports on HD TV is fantastic! Need I say more?
Oh, and I watched the Fed-Nadal final at Wimbledon. So heartbreaking!
Yea, basically, I'm slacking and I'm enjoying it.
And now, an update on what I've been doing in China:
Skating
Thats basically the bulk of what I've been doing now so far. Shen zhen is an ice skating haven, with three rinks in relatively close proximity- large, not very crowded rinks some more. Having grown acccustomed to super crowded fuji ice palace, the rinks are fantastic here.
The coaches are top notch too, all former national team competitiors. The bad thing though, is that my previous coach was not as careful as he should be in teaching me my basics, so now I'm back to working on basics again- forward and backwards crossovers. There were so many things I didn't realize I had to do. I'm also a bit impatient with myself. I mean, how long does it usually take to get backward crossovers working properly? It seems as if I've been doing them for forever, and I KNOW I'm still not gettting them right. Argh.
Skating takes up like about 8 hours each day, including transport, time I spend slacking, plus lunch.
Shopping/exploring
If I have free time and energy after skating, which is not a lot, I explore a bit, do grocery shopping as I'm now responsible for cooking the meals.
Oh, and I'm like single-handedly bringing down the style quotient in Shen Zhen, China. Here, most people take the effort to dress up properly. Not Singapore- T shirt and jeans= properly, properly.
I mean, its like 80% of the girls/women are wearing high heels? Don't their feet get tired? And they wear nice dresses or slacks. I hardly ever see any one wearing jeans even. And me? I'm usually in a T-shirt and trackpants, since thats what I've brought to and bought in China. And birkenstocks. I wore FBTs out once, and kept on feeling like people were staring at me- I was literally the only one wearing shorts that day in the area.
Watching TV
Watching sports on HD TV is fantastic! Need I say more?
Oh, and I watched the Fed-Nadal final at Wimbledon. So heartbreaking!
Yea, basically, I'm slacking and I'm enjoying it.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
I'm giving my piano teacher a heart attack
As my judo mates will all attest, how well I do differs vastly from day to day, and it appears that this fluctuating performance has been carried over to my piano as well.
To paraphrase a friend of mine, 'how well Jingyi plays is never fixed. It seems to depend on how she feels when she wakes up in the morning, what she had for breakfast, her mood at that particular moment..'
Well, I wasn't feeling very 'on' when I went for my practice session on the exam piano on Friday, and I completely BOMBED it. I made every mistake in the book. My piano teacher was horrified, and rightly so. I was demoralized too, and I didn't even feel like practicing when I got home. So Saturday, Sunday and Monday went by without me touching the piano properly. Tuesday morning, I panicked, practiced for 2 hours, and with coffee boosting me, performed miles better than I did on Friday.
What can I say? I just wasn't feelin it on Friday.
To paraphrase a friend of mine, 'how well Jingyi plays is never fixed. It seems to depend on how she feels when she wakes up in the morning, what she had for breakfast, her mood at that particular moment..'
Well, I wasn't feeling very 'on' when I went for my practice session on the exam piano on Friday, and I completely BOMBED it. I made every mistake in the book. My piano teacher was horrified, and rightly so. I was demoralized too, and I didn't even feel like practicing when I got home. So Saturday, Sunday and Monday went by without me touching the piano properly. Tuesday morning, I panicked, practiced for 2 hours, and with coffee boosting me, performed miles better than I did on Friday.
What can I say? I just wasn't feelin it on Friday.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
I am suffeirng. Oh! How much I'm suffering from...
Ipod withdrawal.
Yes, that shiny sparkly red was necessary to express the depths of my torment. Because my lovely (Oh, shall I compare thee to a summer's day?) ipod has officially given up on me. I suppose I shouldn't blame it, since I was the one that (accidentally) soaked it in contact lens fluid, and since that day I should have known that its time was limited. I should, but I didn't.
And the big problem is, I dare not buy another Ipod! At least, not until the big Apple developer conference- WWDC is over. Mine eye and heart are at a mortal war- I must resist the temptations of the gleaming new ipods in the apple store. And how will I survive? How like a winter my ipod's absence has been. What dark days will these be- without any music or podcasts to accompany my travels?!
Note: try to spot all the mangled Shakespeare references that I've put in. And bah, the first one's easy easy easy.
Moving on, I thereby resolve not to be 'slower than molasses'. I went to the library today and realized that there was a skating competition going on, so I went up to take a look. And I finally realized what the people in the forums were complaining about when they derided some skaters for a lack of speed. Seriously, cute as some of these kids may be, watching them inch their way across the ice can be painful at times. Now I know what I need to work on-- I bet I'm guilty of the same thing myself. So I'll resolve to work on my speed, and not subject any unsuspecting eyes to 'turtling' or 'trundling' or even 'crawling' across the ice.
I'm watching 'Sex and the City' tomorrow. Glorious glorious days =)
Yes, that shiny sparkly red was necessary to express the depths of my torment. Because my lovely (Oh, shall I compare thee to a summer's day?) ipod has officially given up on me. I suppose I shouldn't blame it, since I was the one that (accidentally) soaked it in contact lens fluid, and since that day I should have known that its time was limited. I should, but I didn't.
And the big problem is, I dare not buy another Ipod! At least, not until the big Apple developer conference- WWDC is over. Mine eye and heart are at a mortal war- I must resist the temptations of the gleaming new ipods in the apple store. And how will I survive? How like a winter my ipod's absence has been. What dark days will these be- without any music or podcasts to accompany my travels?!
Note: try to spot all the mangled Shakespeare references that I've put in. And bah, the first one's easy easy easy.
Moving on, I thereby resolve not to be 'slower than molasses'. I went to the library today and realized that there was a skating competition going on, so I went up to take a look. And I finally realized what the people in the forums were complaining about when they derided some skaters for a lack of speed. Seriously, cute as some of these kids may be, watching them inch their way across the ice can be painful at times. Now I know what I need to work on-- I bet I'm guilty of the same thing myself. So I'll resolve to work on my speed, and not subject any unsuspecting eyes to 'turtling' or 'trundling' or even 'crawling' across the ice.
I'm watching 'Sex and the City' tomorrow. Glorious glorious days =)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Bliss
What could be better than lazing half asleep at 11am on a Wednesday morning, doing nothing but listening to the sound of the rain?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
All I wanna do is: Skate my lil heart out!
skate skate skate skate skate
Yes, ice skate, even though yesterday's pactice left me with 'lovely' bruises on my knees.
Here, have a look:
Yea, that was because I fell forward on my knees three times during the session. I was practicing backward crossovers (and on that note, I think I've got them, but we'll see what my instructor says today) and I would be going pretty well I would lose focus or sort of blank out. So I would be leaning and trying to move, while my legs were still crossed together. You know what happens next. *bish* then *OWWWww*
Actually the first fall was pretty ok. I was like, OK, lets get up and try again.
The second fall- 'Owwwwww', then I sort of hobbled and jumped around half heartedly on one foot before making (hobbling) my way back to the rink seats and nursing my sore knee.
But despite all that, I'm ready to go for my lesson today. As I said, all I want to do now, is to skate and skate and skate my heart out.
Yes, ice skate, even though yesterday's pactice left me with 'lovely' bruises on my knees.
Here, have a look:
Yea, that was because I fell forward on my knees three times during the session. I was practicing backward crossovers (and on that note, I think I've got them, but we'll see what my instructor says today) and I would be going pretty well I would lose focus or sort of blank out. So I would be leaning and trying to move, while my legs were still crossed together. You know what happens next. *bish* then *OWWWww*
Actually the first fall was pretty ok. I was like, OK, lets get up and try again.
The second fall- 'Owwwwww', then I sort of hobbled and jumped around half heartedly on one foot before making (hobbling) my way back to the rink seats and nursing my sore knee.
But despite all that, I'm ready to go for my lesson today. As I said, all I want to do now, is to skate and skate and skate my heart out.
Friday, April 25, 2008
LSE!
This morning, I just had a hunch about UCAS, so without checking my email or anything, I logged in to UCAS track. And what did I find?
Yay!
"Congratulations! Your place at London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) (L72) to study Government and Economics (LL12) has been confirmed."
Yay!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
New Hairstyle- photos
Hi Carmen! You wanted to see my new hairstyle? Well here it is. Its blurry though-- i set the camera to timer and apparently it didn't focus well. But its clear enough to get an idea of my hairstyle I suppose.
Random, random
Well, heres a report of how things are going so far
Work:
is going better. Relations better with colleagues + I get to write a bit more. Seriously, its a waste of brain power transcribing interviews that are shit boring
Driving:
Getting better too. Buckled down and both basic theory and final theory were finished chop chop. Not that I studied much, but I was ridiculously determined, and had a good idea of how much leeway I had before I failed the test. Driving on the road is going on well too. Instructors are complimenting me on how fast I learn Ha! This is a girl who managed to drive a toy car into the sea, for goodness sake!
Judo:
NUS training has stopped. Wails. I'm going to get flabby. Not that I'm not already flabby already. Sigh.
Ohters:
Met Ms Tay at West Mall today. Was so fun talking to her!
Qin Pei, Rui Yan, Shi Jia, Adeline, Rannald-- When are all of you free?!
Work:
is going better. Relations better with colleagues + I get to write a bit more. Seriously, its a waste of brain power transcribing interviews that are shit boring
Driving:
Getting better too. Buckled down and both basic theory and final theory were finished chop chop. Not that I studied much, but I was ridiculously determined, and had a good idea of how much leeway I had before I failed the test. Driving on the road is going on well too. Instructors are complimenting me on how fast I learn Ha! This is a girl who managed to drive a toy car into the sea, for goodness sake!
Judo:
NUS training has stopped. Wails. I'm going to get flabby. Not that I'm not already flabby already. Sigh.
Ohters:
Met Ms Tay at West Mall today. Was so fun talking to her!
Qin Pei, Rui Yan, Shi Jia, Adeline, Rannald-- When are all of you free?!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
How to make hairstyle changes
STEP ONE:
Decide what hairstyle you want.
For me, the decision process was extremely simple.
JY: I'm sick of my hair, I want a change! Shall I chop it all off? AH, I know, I'll perm it. Or should I...
MOTHER: I beg you, reconsider! Your hair is perfectly all right as it is. Remember when you had that horrible perm in primary two that made you look like your head was exploding?
JY: OK, thats settled. I shall curl my hair
STEP TWO:
Go to the hairdressers. And sit there for a very long time.
Of course, giving precise instructions is of paramount importance. Here, I give the extremely excellent example of how I bugged (the hell out of) my hairdresser. Be extremely clear as to what you want.
Of course, I was an absolutely horrible (and boring) conversationalist, but hey, you've got nothing better to do in a hair salon anyway, right?
So, I'm lying down on this strange chair that vibrates (perhaps it was intended to be a massage chair??) while the hairdresser washes my hair.
JY: so yea, I was really sick of my hair and I want a change
Hairdresser: er hm
JY: Yea, so can I have curls that are not too big, but not too small either?
Hairdresser: hm. ok.
JY: Yea, I don't want it to wear off in like 3 months. But the curls can't be too tight ok?
Hairdresser: grunts
JY: I want curls that are just nice. Is there such a thing as curls that are not too loose and not too tight, and are just right?
Hairdresser: erm. yea.
JY: Ok, so you know I want curls like...
(I'm pretty sure you get the idea)
STEP 3:
Sit at the hairdressers for a very long time.
Useful tips include:
try not to fall asleep-- looking and thinking nasty thoughts about the people sitting beside you is quite a good tactic. Or you can try eleevesdroping on their conversations. That works too.
try not to be scared of the machines. I mean, there's this weird flying saucer thing that emits heat as it spins over your head. And another one where tentacles are attached to your hair and begin to heat up-- that thing could have worked pretty effectively as an instrument in my book. Yea. But its a tad difficult to perm one's hair if one doesn't even dare to let heat emitting machines near one's head.
AND,
thats how my hair went from this:
to this:
Decide what hairstyle you want.
For me, the decision process was extremely simple.
JY: I'm sick of my hair, I want a change! Shall I chop it all off? AH, I know, I'll perm it. Or should I...
MOTHER: I beg you, reconsider! Your hair is perfectly all right as it is. Remember when you had that horrible perm in primary two that made you look like your head was exploding?
JY: OK, thats settled. I shall curl my hair
STEP TWO:
Go to the hairdressers. And sit there for a very long time.
Of course, giving precise instructions is of paramount importance. Here, I give the extremely excellent example of how I bugged (the hell out of) my hairdresser. Be extremely clear as to what you want.
Of course, I was an absolutely horrible (and boring) conversationalist, but hey, you've got nothing better to do in a hair salon anyway, right?
So, I'm lying down on this strange chair that vibrates (perhaps it was intended to be a massage chair??) while the hairdresser washes my hair.
JY: so yea, I was really sick of my hair and I want a change
Hairdresser: er hm
JY: Yea, so can I have curls that are not too big, but not too small either?
Hairdresser: hm. ok.
JY: Yea, I don't want it to wear off in like 3 months. But the curls can't be too tight ok?
Hairdresser: grunts
JY: I want curls that are just nice. Is there such a thing as curls that are not too loose and not too tight, and are just right?
Hairdresser: erm. yea.
JY: Ok, so you know I want curls like...
(I'm pretty sure you get the idea)
STEP 3:
Sit at the hairdressers for a very long time.
Useful tips include:
try not to fall asleep-- looking and thinking nasty thoughts about the people sitting beside you is quite a good tactic. Or you can try eleevesdroping on their conversations. That works too.
try not to be scared of the machines. I mean, there's this weird flying saucer thing that emits heat as it spins over your head. And another one where tentacles are attached to your hair and begin to heat up-- that thing could have worked pretty effectively as an instrument in my book. Yea. But its a tad difficult to perm one's hair if one doesn't even dare to let heat emitting machines near one's head.
AND,
thats how my hair went from this:
to this:
Thursday, February 21, 2008
And hows work going now?
It's sucking pretty moderately now.
Suck.
Sucks.
Sucking.
actually if you replace the 'S'es with another letter, you get a pretty good idea of what I'm thinking while at work.
Suck.
Sucks.
Sucking.
actually if you replace the 'S'es with another letter, you get a pretty good idea of what I'm thinking while at work.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Random junk: how fast can you type?
Yup, this is the only sort of thing I have energy for when I get home after work and then judo training on mondays.
88 words
88 words
Friday, February 15, 2008
A great blog I've started reading: Baby Barista
http://timesonline.typepad.com/baby_barista/
A fictional account of a junior barrister at the English Bar, this blog combines unrelenting meanness with, more than abundant, wit and style. As someone who has no interest in becoming a lawyers, I found this blog absolutely fascinating, not to mention amusing. I got to learn a bit about the peculiar workings of the law, and hear about the scheming and rivalrly among lawyers. With one reviewer commenting: "His blog is very clever and witty but I can’t take such unremitting meanness, it’s like swallowing sulphur or eating vindaloo curry everyday", what's there not to like of this blog (in small doses)?
Here's an excerpt from the blog:
A fictional account of a junior barrister at the English Bar, this blog combines unrelenting meanness with, more than abundant, wit and style. As someone who has no interest in becoming a lawyers, I found this blog absolutely fascinating, not to mention amusing. I got to learn a bit about the peculiar workings of the law, and hear about the scheming and rivalrly among lawyers. With one reviewer commenting: "His blog is very clever and witty but I can’t take such unremitting meanness, it’s like swallowing sulphur or eating vindaloo curry everyday", what's there not to like of this blog (in small doses)?
Here's an excerpt from the blog:
Year 2, week 19: hook, line and sinker
the insurers had ridiculously dug their heels in for no apparent reason. Well, no reason which they gave anyway. All in, it was a rear end shunt worth £1,500 where the insurers had suggested that my client had contrived the accident but unfortunately for them without a shred of evidence. Almost in a sulk at their lack of success they refused to give any instructions to settle and instead insisted on their barrister cross-examining my client at ridiculous length as to his finances and his general situation in life.
By the end of the first day the judge was getting ever so slightly irritated by the droning on of my poor opponent and eventually brought the evidence to a close. Come submissions, he only asked to hear from my opponent before giving the briefest of judgments in my favour.
All in all, I must have been on my feet about ten minutes for which I earned a total of £6,000 after the uplift was taken into account. With the smell of money still fresh from the case I rang my solicitor only to be told,
“Well done BabyB. Nice little earner for all of us. It’s getting easier by the day to make insurers think even the most honest of cases is dodgy.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Oh come on. Surely you know the routine by now?”
I didn’t.
“It’s so easy BabyB. You just throw out a teeny weeny inconsistency early on and they fall for it every time. First they start alleging fraud and then go on to make it into some huge and most importantly expensive trial only to be confronted by a nice upstanding member of the community when they get to court. Hook, line and sinker.”Oh.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sorry about the lack of Updates
I've started work-- it'll be my 6th day today-- and I'm busy, and tired.
I'm adapting though, so Ill proabbly have the energy to blog instead of rotting away once I get home. (That image of one slowly rotting away once you reach home is pretty cool though).
I'm adapting though, so Ill proabbly have the energy to blog instead of rotting away once I get home. (That image of one slowly rotting away once you reach home is pretty cool though).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Taiwan Trip Highlights: Days 1 & 2
Day 1
We arrived in Taiwan, and at my grandmother's house in time for a late lunch. After some rest, we went to the Confuciuis Temple (孔庙 kong3 miao4).
Why would we go there, you ask. Well, my parents are history buffs. So it to the temple we went, though we had already been there the last time we went to taiwan (and the time before, and the time before that... you get the idea.) . I know the temple is a place full of history, but at the risk of sounding shallow, I don't really find that sort of stuff fascinating. But it was fun! Because while my parents were traisping around listening to the guide, my brother and I were taking photographs.
This picture gives you an idea of how much attention we were paying. The guide was speaking to my parents, my brother was taking a photo of the temple, and I was taking a photo of my brother taking a photo. Fascinating stuff, really.
My parents were pleased though. We didnt whine and moan and constantly ask 'What time is it'.
We went back for dinner, and then I watched Espn. If you know me, you'll know that is a highlight. Because I am a sports nut (basketball, badminton, swimming, heck, any sport!), and I don't have ESPN at home. Hence, whenever I go overseas, the first thing I check at the hotel is whether they have the sports channels.
Day 2
My cousin took leave from work to bring around on Day 2, and it really made a difference having a local bring us around. We went to Chi Kan Lou and the area surrounding it. I shall not elaborate on the temples/architecture, as you already know my opinion.
What was important was the food!
I forgot what these round white balls are called, but some of these are cruncy while others are chewy, and there are white sugar as well as dark sugared varieties.
We went for lunch next. What my brother is cutting here is a 棺材板 'guan chai ban' (which roughly translates to 'coffin board'?) Its thick toast where they fry the toast, then cut off the top and dig out the middle. The hollow toast is then the 'coffin' and the top the coffin cover. They then fill the toast with something that tastes like campbell's coup. The soup oozes out when you begin cutting the toast, and it tastes lovely.
After that, it was time for some beancurd. We went a shop that was quite renowned, and the variety available was quite mind boggling. There was white beancurd and black bean curd. You could have your beancurd hot or cold, with red beans, with sweet sauce, with salty sauce, with with pearls (as I did, and you can see in the picture), or with everything if you dare.
We felt bloated after that much food, so my cousin brought us bird watching. The boys went to try to catch crabs, and they caught one, a tiny one, after much yelling and shrieking. I yelled too-- when they tried to bring the crab near me.
We watched the birds in a small wooden hut, and we had to keep quiet so as to not scare birds (if any) away.
I'll end with the pictures of birds I managed to get. It was quite difficult capturing them though, as the big flocks were at a distance from us, so all I managed to get were individual birds, through extensive zooming.
We arrived in Taiwan, and at my grandmother's house in time for a late lunch. After some rest, we went to the Confuciuis Temple (孔庙 kong3 miao4).
Why would we go there, you ask. Well, my parents are history buffs. So it to the temple we went, though we had already been there the last time we went to taiwan (and the time before, and the time before that... you get the idea.) . I know the temple is a place full of history, but at the risk of sounding shallow, I don't really find that sort of stuff fascinating. But it was fun! Because while my parents were traisping around listening to the guide, my brother and I were taking photographs.
This picture gives you an idea of how much attention we were paying. The guide was speaking to my parents, my brother was taking a photo of the temple, and I was taking a photo of my brother taking a photo. Fascinating stuff, really.
My parents were pleased though. We didnt whine and moan and constantly ask 'What time is it'.
We went back for dinner, and then I watched Espn. If you know me, you'll know that is a highlight. Because I am a sports nut (basketball, badminton, swimming, heck, any sport!), and I don't have ESPN at home. Hence, whenever I go overseas, the first thing I check at the hotel is whether they have the sports channels.
Day 2
My cousin took leave from work to bring around on Day 2, and it really made a difference having a local bring us around. We went to Chi Kan Lou and the area surrounding it. I shall not elaborate on the temples/architecture, as you already know my opinion.
What was important was the food!
I forgot what these round white balls are called, but some of these are cruncy while others are chewy, and there are white sugar as well as dark sugared varieties.
We went for lunch next. What my brother is cutting here is a 棺材板 'guan chai ban' (which roughly translates to 'coffin board'?) Its thick toast where they fry the toast, then cut off the top and dig out the middle. The hollow toast is then the 'coffin' and the top the coffin cover. They then fill the toast with something that tastes like campbell's coup. The soup oozes out when you begin cutting the toast, and it tastes lovely.
After that, it was time for some beancurd. We went a shop that was quite renowned, and the variety available was quite mind boggling. There was white beancurd and black bean curd. You could have your beancurd hot or cold, with red beans, with sweet sauce, with salty sauce, with with pearls (as I did, and you can see in the picture), or with everything if you dare.
We felt bloated after that much food, so my cousin brought us bird watching. The boys went to try to catch crabs, and they caught one, a tiny one, after much yelling and shrieking. I yelled too-- when they tried to bring the crab near me.
We watched the birds in a small wooden hut, and we had to keep quiet so as to not scare birds (if any) away.
I'll end with the pictures of birds I managed to get. It was quite difficult capturing them though, as the big flocks were at a distance from us, so all I managed to get were individual birds, through extensive zooming.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Federer-Tipsarevic Liveblogging, Australian Open 2008
Finally got sports package, and it'll be my first time ever getting to watch the Fed. I'm horribly excited, so I'll try detailing what happens.
Refresh for updates!
Starsports switches over to Federer-Tipsarevic match midway as Blake match drags on. I'm staring at the TV and urging Blake to finish the job, quickly.
Then my computer dies. Wonderful.
Finally get to start.
First set 6-6. Tiebreak. Tipsarevic just 'clobbered the ball'. 3 points all
Tipsarovic serving. 4-3, Tipsarevic
Fed serve and volley 4 all.
Running forehand from Tipsarevic. Wins tiebreak
6-7. 48 mins, first set to Tipsarevic! Fed missed several easy volleys.
Its more competitive than what I was expecting.
Second Set
Fantastic serving by Tipsarevic. Goes up 0-1
Fed's serving better in the second set. Playing patient baseline game, but he's the one making the errors, not Tipsarevic. 40-30 Fed. And then draws level, 1-1.
Nice crosscourt backhand return by Fed. 15-30
Deuce. Adv Federer. Tipsarevic challenges after point is over. Fed thinks its too late to challenge, commenters agree. Challenge holds, point to Tipsarevic who proceeds to win the game.
Crowd seems to be behind Federer. Cheers when he goes up 15-0.
17 unforced errors by Federer so far. Tipsareovic 11.
2-3 Tipsarovic. It was 40-20 to Fed , butTipsarovic saves two break points, and then wins the point.
Fed looks grimmer. Think he has 3 aces from serve, wins the point. 3-3
Tipsarovic serving. Makes 3 unforced errors in a row. Fed up 40-0. But now its Fed's time for unforced errors. 40-30, Fed. Big serve by Tip, deuce. Tipsarovic fights back! Tipsarevic wins the point. Fed's trailing 6-7, 4-5
Very quick serves by Fed. second set 5-5
Federer challenges, but ball is way in. He has 1 challenge remaining. Fed seems to continue his trend of making strange challenges. But we know the +/- error of hawkeye. Is it possible that Fed can actually see more accurately than the computer?
Error by Federer, dumps a return into the net. Tipsarevic 6-5!
Extended rally, fantastic forehand return right down the line by Federer.
Federer wins point. 6-6. We're going to a tiebreaker
Crowd seems to be willing Federer to get back into it.
Flick backhand crosscourt by Federer. Tipsarevic scrambles, seems to get tangled at the net. 4-1
Serve by Federer 5-1. Resigned look on Tipsarevic's face
Federer wins the tiebreak. Second set goes to Fed, 7-6. We're going to at least 4 sets
3rd Set
1-0. Federer
Ace by Tipsarevic. 15-0.
Tipsarevic goes to the net, returns the shot but slips and flals on his butt. Fed easily sends the ball to the other side of the court. 15-15
At 1-0 Fed now. Deuce.
Interesting stat: 16 break point opportunities by Fed today, so far he has succeeded in taking only one.
Deuce no.3 now
Federer up 2-0 in 3rd set
2nd breakpoint opportunity by Tipsarevic. Broke Fed back on serve. Fed 2-1 Tip
Federer 2-2 Tipsarevoc.
Huge serves by Tip to 40-0
Federer 3-2 Tipsarevic
Ace no. 20 by Federer
Federer 3-3 Tipsarevic
Failed drop shot by Tipsarevic, Fed goes up 15-0. Tipis serving but Fed returns excellently. Drop shot by Tipsarevic at net which Federer rushes to and amazingly returns. But Tip is waiting at the net, and he easily taps the ball over. 30-30. Tip coming to the net more now, fantastic forehand and backhand drop volleys, ges up 30-40.
Federer 4-3 Tipsarevic
Reverse Two handed backhand by Tip, right down the line! Fed ace, he now has 21, to Tipsarevic's 8. Another ace by Fed 40-15. The classic cross-court Fed backhand, and the point goes to Federer.
Federer 4-4 Tipsarevic
Fed sends return obviously wide, but stll challenges. 'Out', hawkeye says. Tip serves ace to go to 0-40, and then game.
Federer 5-4 Tipsarevic
15-0 Fed--Extended rally, Tipsarevic really wants this, he races from one end of the baseline to the other to return. Fed takes advantage of his momentum rushing back to put the ball the other way. Fed seems to be getting into stride. He serves to extreme corner of the court, and Tip returns, but can only stand and look as Fed smashes the ball to the other extreme corner.
Federer 5-5Tipsarevic
Remarkable volley at the net as Tip climbs up from 15-40 to deuce. Tip sends ball to extreme right corner, nice position. The Angled backhand return from Fed finds the net, again this afternoon/evening. Fed lost 2 set points in this game.
Federer 5-6Tipsarevic
Tip sends a return wide and yells in frustration. Commentator says that its the first time that he's miscued on a big point. Fed's serve seems to be the only thing that working remotely ok at this point. He just sent a forehand wide, which he normally throws down the line, and he expected it to be in. Wow, magnificent passing shot by Tip. ADV Tipsarevi. He's succeeded in all his break point opporunities. 100%. Cross court winner, and Point to Tip.
Federer 5-7 Tipsarevic
30-0:Whopping ace by Tipsarevic--200km/h. Stunned. Its now set point to Tipsarevic. 2nd set point: Fed dumps a backhand into the net (again), and point to tip.
Tipsarevic leads 2-1! And it had thought before hand that it would be complete Fed dominance. The Serb is much better than I had expected. His serve is good, and he can return shots. That, combined with one of Fed's ho-hum days, is it enough for an upset?
Fourth Set
Federer 1-0 Tipsarevic
0-15 Tip. Federer just sends a forehand long Oh dear. Fed is serving well though. Serves 2 aces to get to 40-15 (I think). 25 aces for Federer so far.
Federer 1-1 Tipsarevic
0-40 Tipsarevic. Fed sends a backhand return wide. That is becoming a familiar motif this evening... 30-40: Federer successful with a slice volley. Fed sends a return wide, Adv Tip. Fed dumps a service return into the net. Game Tipsarevic.
Federer 2-1 Tipsarevic
30-15. Tipsarevic very flat return, drives the forehand return down the line-- Fed puts the ball in incredible positions, but Tipsarevic somehow manages to run this one down for a winner. Federer serves big for the game.
Federer 3-1 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic sends an obvious drop shot, and Federer capitalizes-- backhand down the line; 15-15. Fed unleashes his crosscourt backhand, Tipsarevic goes for broke, and his forehand misses the line by a meter; 30-15. Double fault, Tipsarevic. Its the first time thats happened in the match for the serb. Is he nervous? 40-15, Fed leading. Break point for Fed, whereupon he dumps a backhand into the net; 40-30. Fed looks calm though. Extended rally, and Tip does admirably returning the ball. But the Fed's position is perfect, and he drops the ball down.
Federer 4-1Tipsarevic
Business as usual for the Fed. Rallies are short, and in his favour
Federer 5-1 Tipsarevic
Lovely inside out backhand by Federer, but it curls a bit too much and is out; 0-15. Its 3 hours into the match. I seem to remember Fed saying part of his preparation/strategy for slams is avoiding unnecessary or 'stupid 5 setters' in the early rounds. Smart play by Fed. He uses a sharply angled passing shot, and Tipsarevic can only watch as the ball flies past; 30 all. Another amazing play; a rushing Federer reads Tip's poorly disguised drop shot, and sends the return to the other end of the court; 40-30 Fed.
Federer sends a drop shot, Tip rushes and retrieves it; Fed sends the ball to the opposite corner. Somehow Tip gets it, Fed drops it, Tip who's seemingly off balance, rushes back and volleys the ball down. Fantastic rally!
7th break point; Fed whips his backhand cross court.
Federer 6-1 Tipsarevic
Miss some action while publishing, but look up to see Fed dump a backhand into the net; 30-30. Fed is still in control through, and wins the game in short order.
We're going to a 5th set!
Fifth Set
Tipsarevic medical time out. Seems that he slightly tweaked an ankle. Trainer is taping it now. Crowd is noisy, and commentator suggests that they have reason to be cheerful given that they paid for an afternoon session yet its 8 at night and they're still watching in the stadium. Thats some pretty heavy wrapping around Tipsarevic's ankle, so it might be a pretty serious sprain.
Federer 0-1 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic serve and then forehand winner 0-40. He then dumps a forehand into the net right after that though. Federer sends a forehand long, game to Tipsarevic.
Federer 1-1 Tipsarevic
30-0. Tipsarevic sends a return high, and Fed does not hesitate in smashing it. Commentator says Tip seems to be able to read Federer's serve while Fderer has no idea where Tip's serve is going. 30-30 as Fedrere sends a backhand long. 40-30 Tipsarevic dumps a forehand into a net and yells in frustration. Federer changes his serve; that works, and he wins the game.
Federer 1-2 Tipsarevic
0-15; Ace numer 12 by Tip. Three easy points for Tip, goes up 0-40. Federer fails to return Tipsarevic's serve. Game to Tip
Federer 2-2 Tipsarevic
Fed is serving well again.
Federer 2-3Tipsarevic
0-15 both players come to the net, Fed volleys well.
Tip digs himself out of a possible 40-0 again. Tip sends a forehand and Fed, amazingly fleet of foot manages to retrieve, but Tip is waiting at the net and calmly volleys the ball into the opposite corner.
40-30. Fed comes uph with amazing half volley winner.
40-40 deuce.
Amazing forehand by Fed for advantage. But Tip comes right back with a cracking Ace-- 203km/h! 'Incredible effort', the commentator says
Another Tip serve, which Fed returns wide. Adv Tip. I'm on the edge of my seat.
Play is stopped by umpire in the middle of point. Apparently a ball had fallen out of a bag. Fed is not happy about it.
Tip serves, Fed returns wide. Point to Tip
Federer 3-3 Tipsarevic
Fed serves, and its game to him so very quickly.
Federer 3-4 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic is grunting very loudly now. Awesome groundstroke, Fed seems stuck to the ground. The crowd, which seemed more on Fed's side at the beginning, is now cheering for both.
40-15. Tip forehand to his right corner, Federer sends return to the net.
Big serve from Tipseravic. Game to him! Crowd is going wilder by the moment
Federer 4-4 Tipsarevic
I'm nervous for them too... 15 all.
Clever play by Federer. He looks out of the corner of his eye to make sure where Tip is before sending the ball to the right corner.
Strong forehand by Tip that a rushing Fed fails to return.
Fed is in a potentially sticky situation at 30-30. He looks calm though.
Serve by Fed 203 km/h. Ace no. 32 Thats about the maximum speed of Fed's serves.
Tip sends return to net. Point to Fed
Federer 4-5 Tipsarevic
0-15 Tip forehand winner. Is it me, or does Federer look a tad nervous?
15-40. Serve and Volley by Tip. Great execution, not even a slightest hint of hesitation as he comes to the net.
Tipsarevic forehand, which Fed doesn't manage to get into the net.
Federer 5-5 Tipsarevic
Crowd giving both players a standing ovation.
Federer ace to go 30-0. Fed now has 33 aces so far. The Serb sems to fight back, going to 30-15, but Fed passes him.
Federer 5-6 Tipsarevic
I have to say, Tipsarevic's groundstrokes are holding up to the pressure! He moved Fed around, till Federer couldn't reach the ball.
Awww! Tip sends a flat crosscourt forehand into the net. Audience sighs in unison.
The tension is growing...
Tip sends a forehand wide... as soon as i said hisstrokes are holding up
Another big serve and forehand. This young man can match cools with the Fed. I'm impressed. Tip another fabulous serve to win the point.
And theres no breakpoint in the fifth set. Tension
Federer 6-6 Tipsarevic
Two consecutive aces by Federer
Tip sent an easy drop shot over, the crowd gasped in anticipation, and then Federer slices the ball into, the net. Collective gasp again.
Return by Tipsarevic long. Camera shows Mirza letting out a sigh of relief.
Federer 6-7 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic's steady serving continues in this set. Marvellous serve by Tip that Fed reaches but can't return; 0-15.
Quite a log rally. Fed sends the ball to the extreme corner, Tip returns it wonderfully to the opposite corner. Fed retrives, Tip error. 15-30
Fabulous flat forehand down for a winner by Tipsarevic. This is tremendously exciting.
Federer 7-7 Tipsarevic
Fed leads 15-0. Seemingly perfect forehand from Tip to draw level 15-15.
Crosscourt backhand by Fed 30-15. 196 Ace by Fed. Serve by Fed that Tip doesn't manage to get cross the net.
Wwill Tipsarevic choke? Or will he win?
Federer 7-8 Tipsarevic
Federer sends ball into net while just trying to keep it in play.
0-30.Tip crosscourt forehand. Very flat. Comentator says that 'shouldn't be possible.' Thrilling.
Tip forehand long. 15-30.
Tough shot by Tipsarevic to try change direction. Ball goes wide. 30-30.
Serve by Tip thats just marvellous, serve to the extreme right corner standing on the left, which leaves Fed perfectly, out of position. 30-40. Whose nerves will crumble next?
Fed forehand into the net! Tip wins point!
Federer 8-8 Tipsarevic
Federer's serve basically working.
Federer 9-8 Tipsarevic
This is crazy. Drop volley by Tip that Fed somehow manages to get. Tip gets to it though, and slidddeeeees it down the line.
Fed unable to crack the groundstrokes of Tip. Fed sends ball into the net. 0-30, Tip
Another brilliant groundstroke by Tipsarevic that Fed can't read. That guy seems unflappable. Perhaps Fed had thoguht Tipsarevic would fold under pressure like Djokovic did?
Fed seems to be getting read on Tipsarevic's serve. breaks him to go 30-40. Tipsarevic does rely a lot on his serve.
DEUCE!
Tipsarevic sends what seems to be a given forehand long.Adv Federer. Crowd is going wild.
Big forehand from the Serb which Fed can't return. Deuce again.
Federer is clutch. High back end volleys. He is visibly agitated after that shot. Break point no.21.
Tipsarevic sends a shot into the net. Mirza is smiling and clapping.
Federer 10-8 Tipsarevic
Fed serving for the match.
Ace no. 31. Just inside the line.
Crosscourt backhand, right into the corner. 30-15
Match point, Federer. He sends the ball into the net.
Fed serve, Serb sends the ball into the net.
Roger Wins!
Final
6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-1 10-8
Respect to Tipsarevic though. He fought Roger all the way. Crowd is giving him a standing ovation. I'm looking forward to more of him.
This match reminds me of another 5 setter, Andy Roddick against Philipp Kohlschreiber. The rhythm of that match was different though. Their game was more reliant on serve-- I mean, Kohlschreiber had 103 winners! And rallies were shorter than the Federer /Tipsarevic match.
OK, thats it, folks. I need food.
I'm drained just from watching the match. Whew.
Refresh for updates!
Starsports switches over to Federer-Tipsarevic match midway as Blake match drags on. I'm staring at the TV and urging Blake to finish the job, quickly.
Then my computer dies. Wonderful.
Finally get to start.
First set 6-6. Tiebreak. Tipsarevic just 'clobbered the ball'. 3 points all
Tipsarovic serving. 4-3, Tipsarevic
Fed serve and volley 4 all.
Running forehand from Tipsarevic. Wins tiebreak
6-7. 48 mins, first set to Tipsarevic! Fed missed several easy volleys.
Its more competitive than what I was expecting.
Second Set
Fantastic serving by Tipsarevic. Goes up 0-1
Fed's serving better in the second set. Playing patient baseline game, but he's the one making the errors, not Tipsarevic. 40-30 Fed. And then draws level, 1-1.
Nice crosscourt backhand return by Fed. 15-30
Deuce. Adv Federer. Tipsarevic challenges after point is over. Fed thinks its too late to challenge, commenters agree. Challenge holds, point to Tipsarevic who proceeds to win the game.
Crowd seems to be behind Federer. Cheers when he goes up 15-0.
17 unforced errors by Federer so far. Tipsareovic 11.
2-3 Tipsarovic. It was 40-20 to Fed , butTipsarovic saves two break points, and then wins the point.
Fed looks grimmer. Think he has 3 aces from serve, wins the point. 3-3
Tipsarovic serving. Makes 3 unforced errors in a row. Fed up 40-0. But now its Fed's time for unforced errors. 40-30, Fed. Big serve by Tip, deuce. Tipsarovic fights back! Tipsarevic wins the point. Fed's trailing 6-7, 4-5
Very quick serves by Fed. second set 5-5
Federer challenges, but ball is way in. He has 1 challenge remaining. Fed seems to continue his trend of making strange challenges. But we know the +/- error of hawkeye. Is it possible that Fed can actually see more accurately than the computer?
Error by Federer, dumps a return into the net. Tipsarevic 6-5!
Extended rally, fantastic forehand return right down the line by Federer.
Federer wins point. 6-6. We're going to a tiebreaker
Crowd seems to be willing Federer to get back into it.
Flick backhand crosscourt by Federer. Tipsarevic scrambles, seems to get tangled at the net. 4-1
Serve by Federer 5-1. Resigned look on Tipsarevic's face
Federer wins the tiebreak. Second set goes to Fed, 7-6. We're going to at least 4 sets
3rd Set
1-0. Federer
Ace by Tipsarevic. 15-0.
Tipsarevic goes to the net, returns the shot but slips and flals on his butt. Fed easily sends the ball to the other side of the court. 15-15
At 1-0 Fed now. Deuce.
Interesting stat: 16 break point opportunities by Fed today, so far he has succeeded in taking only one.
Deuce no.3 now
Federer up 2-0 in 3rd set
2nd breakpoint opportunity by Tipsarevic. Broke Fed back on serve. Fed 2-1 Tip
Federer 2-2 Tipsarevoc.
Huge serves by Tip to 40-0
Federer 3-2 Tipsarevic
Ace no. 20 by Federer
Federer 3-3 Tipsarevic
Failed drop shot by Tipsarevic, Fed goes up 15-0. Tipis serving but Fed returns excellently. Drop shot by Tipsarevic at net which Federer rushes to and amazingly returns. But Tip is waiting at the net, and he easily taps the ball over. 30-30. Tip coming to the net more now, fantastic forehand and backhand drop volleys, ges up 30-40.
Federer 4-3 Tipsarevic
Reverse Two handed backhand by Tip, right down the line! Fed ace, he now has 21, to Tipsarevic's 8. Another ace by Fed 40-15. The classic cross-court Fed backhand, and the point goes to Federer.
Federer 4-4 Tipsarevic
Fed sends return obviously wide, but stll challenges. 'Out', hawkeye says. Tip serves ace to go to 0-40, and then game.
Federer 5-4 Tipsarevic
15-0 Fed--Extended rally, Tipsarevic really wants this, he races from one end of the baseline to the other to return. Fed takes advantage of his momentum rushing back to put the ball the other way. Fed seems to be getting into stride. He serves to extreme corner of the court, and Tip returns, but can only stand and look as Fed smashes the ball to the other extreme corner.
Federer 5-5Tipsarevic
Remarkable volley at the net as Tip climbs up from 15-40 to deuce. Tip sends ball to extreme right corner, nice position. The Angled backhand return from Fed finds the net, again this afternoon/evening. Fed lost 2 set points in this game.
Federer 5-6Tipsarevic
Tip sends a return wide and yells in frustration. Commentator says that its the first time that he's miscued on a big point. Fed's serve seems to be the only thing that working remotely ok at this point. He just sent a forehand wide, which he normally throws down the line, and he expected it to be in. Wow, magnificent passing shot by Tip. ADV Tipsarevi. He's succeeded in all his break point opporunities. 100%. Cross court winner, and Point to Tip.
Federer 5-7 Tipsarevic
30-0:Whopping ace by Tipsarevic--200km/h. Stunned. Its now set point to Tipsarevic. 2nd set point: Fed dumps a backhand into the net (again), and point to tip.
Tipsarevic leads 2-1! And it had thought before hand that it would be complete Fed dominance. The Serb is much better than I had expected. His serve is good, and he can return shots. That, combined with one of Fed's ho-hum days, is it enough for an upset?
Fourth Set
Federer 1-0 Tipsarevic
0-15 Tip. Federer just sends a forehand long Oh dear. Fed is serving well though. Serves 2 aces to get to 40-15 (I think). 25 aces for Federer so far.
Federer 1-1 Tipsarevic
0-40 Tipsarevic. Fed sends a backhand return wide. That is becoming a familiar motif this evening... 30-40: Federer successful with a slice volley. Fed sends a return wide, Adv Tip. Fed dumps a service return into the net. Game Tipsarevic.
Federer 2-1 Tipsarevic
30-15. Tipsarevic very flat return, drives the forehand return down the line-- Fed puts the ball in incredible positions, but Tipsarevic somehow manages to run this one down for a winner. Federer serves big for the game.
Federer 3-1 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic sends an obvious drop shot, and Federer capitalizes-- backhand down the line; 15-15. Fed unleashes his crosscourt backhand, Tipsarevic goes for broke, and his forehand misses the line by a meter; 30-15. Double fault, Tipsarevic. Its the first time thats happened in the match for the serb. Is he nervous? 40-15, Fed leading. Break point for Fed, whereupon he dumps a backhand into the net; 40-30. Fed looks calm though. Extended rally, and Tip does admirably returning the ball. But the Fed's position is perfect, and he drops the ball down.
Federer 4-1Tipsarevic
Business as usual for the Fed. Rallies are short, and in his favour
Federer 5-1 Tipsarevic
Lovely inside out backhand by Federer, but it curls a bit too much and is out; 0-15. Its 3 hours into the match. I seem to remember Fed saying part of his preparation/strategy for slams is avoiding unnecessary or 'stupid 5 setters' in the early rounds. Smart play by Fed. He uses a sharply angled passing shot, and Tipsarevic can only watch as the ball flies past; 30 all. Another amazing play; a rushing Federer reads Tip's poorly disguised drop shot, and sends the return to the other end of the court; 40-30 Fed.
Federer sends a drop shot, Tip rushes and retrieves it; Fed sends the ball to the opposite corner. Somehow Tip gets it, Fed drops it, Tip who's seemingly off balance, rushes back and volleys the ball down. Fantastic rally!
7th break point; Fed whips his backhand cross court.
Federer 6-1 Tipsarevic
Miss some action while publishing, but look up to see Fed dump a backhand into the net; 30-30. Fed is still in control through, and wins the game in short order.
We're going to a 5th set!
Fifth Set
Tipsarevic medical time out. Seems that he slightly tweaked an ankle. Trainer is taping it now. Crowd is noisy, and commentator suggests that they have reason to be cheerful given that they paid for an afternoon session yet its 8 at night and they're still watching in the stadium. Thats some pretty heavy wrapping around Tipsarevic's ankle, so it might be a pretty serious sprain.
Federer 0-1 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic serve and then forehand winner 0-40. He then dumps a forehand into the net right after that though. Federer sends a forehand long, game to Tipsarevic.
Federer 1-1 Tipsarevic
30-0. Tipsarevic sends a return high, and Fed does not hesitate in smashing it. Commentator says Tip seems to be able to read Federer's serve while Fderer has no idea where Tip's serve is going. 30-30 as Fedrere sends a backhand long. 40-30 Tipsarevic dumps a forehand into a net and yells in frustration. Federer changes his serve; that works, and he wins the game.
Federer 1-2 Tipsarevic
0-15; Ace numer 12 by Tip. Three easy points for Tip, goes up 0-40. Federer fails to return Tipsarevic's serve. Game to Tip
Federer 2-2 Tipsarevic
Fed is serving well again.
Federer 2-3Tipsarevic
0-15 both players come to the net, Fed volleys well.
Tip digs himself out of a possible 40-0 again. Tip sends a forehand and Fed, amazingly fleet of foot manages to retrieve, but Tip is waiting at the net and calmly volleys the ball into the opposite corner.
40-30. Fed comes uph with amazing half volley winner.
40-40 deuce.
Amazing forehand by Fed for advantage. But Tip comes right back with a cracking Ace-- 203km/h! 'Incredible effort', the commentator says
Another Tip serve, which Fed returns wide. Adv Tip. I'm on the edge of my seat.
Play is stopped by umpire in the middle of point. Apparently a ball had fallen out of a bag. Fed is not happy about it.
Tip serves, Fed returns wide. Point to Tip
Federer 3-3 Tipsarevic
Fed serves, and its game to him so very quickly.
Federer 3-4 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic is grunting very loudly now. Awesome groundstroke, Fed seems stuck to the ground. The crowd, which seemed more on Fed's side at the beginning, is now cheering for both.
40-15. Tip forehand to his right corner, Federer sends return to the net.
Big serve from Tipseravic. Game to him! Crowd is going wilder by the moment
Federer 4-4 Tipsarevic
I'm nervous for them too... 15 all.
Clever play by Federer. He looks out of the corner of his eye to make sure where Tip is before sending the ball to the right corner.
Strong forehand by Tip that a rushing Fed fails to return.
Fed is in a potentially sticky situation at 30-30. He looks calm though.
Serve by Fed 203 km/h. Ace no. 32 Thats about the maximum speed of Fed's serves.
Tip sends return to net. Point to Fed
Federer 4-5 Tipsarevic
0-15 Tip forehand winner. Is it me, or does Federer look a tad nervous?
15-40. Serve and Volley by Tip. Great execution, not even a slightest hint of hesitation as he comes to the net.
Tipsarevic forehand, which Fed doesn't manage to get into the net.
Federer 5-5 Tipsarevic
Crowd giving both players a standing ovation.
Federer ace to go 30-0. Fed now has 33 aces so far. The Serb sems to fight back, going to 30-15, but Fed passes him.
Federer 5-6 Tipsarevic
I have to say, Tipsarevic's groundstrokes are holding up to the pressure! He moved Fed around, till Federer couldn't reach the ball.
Awww! Tip sends a flat crosscourt forehand into the net. Audience sighs in unison.
The tension is growing...
Tip sends a forehand wide... as soon as i said hisstrokes are holding up
Another big serve and forehand. This young man can match cools with the Fed. I'm impressed. Tip another fabulous serve to win the point.
And theres no breakpoint in the fifth set. Tension
Federer 6-6 Tipsarevic
Two consecutive aces by Federer
Tip sent an easy drop shot over, the crowd gasped in anticipation, and then Federer slices the ball into, the net. Collective gasp again.
Return by Tipsarevic long. Camera shows Mirza letting out a sigh of relief.
Federer 6-7 Tipsarevic
Tipsarevic's steady serving continues in this set. Marvellous serve by Tip that Fed reaches but can't return; 0-15.
Quite a log rally. Fed sends the ball to the extreme corner, Tip returns it wonderfully to the opposite corner. Fed retrives, Tip error. 15-30
Fabulous flat forehand down for a winner by Tipsarevic. This is tremendously exciting.
Federer 7-7 Tipsarevic
Fed leads 15-0. Seemingly perfect forehand from Tip to draw level 15-15.
Crosscourt backhand by Fed 30-15. 196 Ace by Fed. Serve by Fed that Tip doesn't manage to get cross the net.
Wwill Tipsarevic choke? Or will he win?
Federer 7-8 Tipsarevic
Federer sends ball into net while just trying to keep it in play.
0-30.Tip crosscourt forehand. Very flat. Comentator says that 'shouldn't be possible.' Thrilling.
Tip forehand long. 15-30.
Tough shot by Tipsarevic to try change direction. Ball goes wide. 30-30.
Serve by Tip thats just marvellous, serve to the extreme right corner standing on the left, which leaves Fed perfectly, out of position. 30-40. Whose nerves will crumble next?
Fed forehand into the net! Tip wins point!
Federer 8-8 Tipsarevic
Federer's serve basically working.
Federer 9-8 Tipsarevic
This is crazy. Drop volley by Tip that Fed somehow manages to get. Tip gets to it though, and slidddeeeees it down the line.
Fed unable to crack the groundstrokes of Tip. Fed sends ball into the net. 0-30, Tip
Another brilliant groundstroke by Tipsarevic that Fed can't read. That guy seems unflappable. Perhaps Fed had thoguht Tipsarevic would fold under pressure like Djokovic did?
Fed seems to be getting read on Tipsarevic's serve. breaks him to go 30-40. Tipsarevic does rely a lot on his serve.
DEUCE!
Tipsarevic sends what seems to be a given forehand long.Adv Federer. Crowd is going wild.
Big forehand from the Serb which Fed can't return. Deuce again.
Federer is clutch. High back end volleys. He is visibly agitated after that shot. Break point no.21.
Tipsarevic sends a shot into the net. Mirza is smiling and clapping.
Federer 10-8 Tipsarevic
Fed serving for the match.
Ace no. 31. Just inside the line.
Crosscourt backhand, right into the corner. 30-15
Match point, Federer. He sends the ball into the net.
Fed serve, Serb sends the ball into the net.
Roger Wins!
Final
6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-1 10-8
Respect to Tipsarevic though. He fought Roger all the way. Crowd is giving him a standing ovation. I'm looking forward to more of him.
This match reminds me of another 5 setter, Andy Roddick against Philipp Kohlschreiber. The rhythm of that match was different though. Their game was more reliant on serve-- I mean, Kohlschreiber had 103 winners! And rallies were shorter than the Federer /Tipsarevic match.
OK, thats it, folks. I need food.
I'm drained just from watching the match. Whew.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Introducing: my new dahling
The 12 inch IBM X61!
You may look at it and think 'What's so special about it?'
well.....
tadah! Pink! Pretty pretty.
My white macbook was getting very slow and laggy after three years, so I finally got a new laptop. I couldn't stand the boring black cover though- I mean its like there are a million other black laptops. Hence I got it wrapped. Pretty.
It wasn't all smooth sailing at first though. I switched from Mac to PC because there might be some programs I might need in the future that only run on PC-- access, for instance. I wasn't exactly very happy about that, for I liked using the mac. And when I first switched, I thought Windows Vista was the stupidest operation system ever known to mankind.
It was so frustrating! At first I couldn't even find a way to get 'my computer' onto the desktop and had to ask my brother for help. After all, it was automatically there on my mac. And then what about the endless and annoying popups asking me to verify my password for every thing I download? ARGH! And why are the windows so weird? I was used to having multiple windows that don't automatically occupy the whole screen, sort of like this:
see how the multiple windows overlap each other? Then I could switch between multiple windows without going to the taskbar, just by clicking the edge of the other window. And I could automatically have two different word documents side by side, with another hidden behind,which I could easily switch between.
I have another peeve (sorry, this is turning into a rant). Windows automatically hides file extensions. I wanted to change the file extension from .divx to .vlc, and imagine my irritation when the extension just refused to show up. A bit of googling, and it was rather easy changing the view settings on my computer. But. Still.
It is not all bad though. It turned out to be not so bad once I got used to it. But in the future, if I need Windows at my workplace, I'm going to get a Mac as a personal computer.
My opinion: Get a Mac if you don't have to get a windows. Really.
You may look at it and think 'What's so special about it?'
well.....
tadah! Pink! Pretty pretty.
My white macbook was getting very slow and laggy after three years, so I finally got a new laptop. I couldn't stand the boring black cover though- I mean its like there are a million other black laptops. Hence I got it wrapped. Pretty.It wasn't all smooth sailing at first though. I switched from Mac to PC because there might be some programs I might need in the future that only run on PC-- access, for instance. I wasn't exactly very happy about that, for I liked using the mac. And when I first switched, I thought Windows Vista was the stupidest operation system ever known to mankind.
It was so frustrating! At first I couldn't even find a way to get 'my computer' onto the desktop and had to ask my brother for help. After all, it was automatically there on my mac. And then what about the endless and annoying popups asking me to verify my password for every thing I download? ARGH! And why are the windows so weird? I was used to having multiple windows that don't automatically occupy the whole screen, sort of like this:
see how the multiple windows overlap each other? Then I could switch between multiple windows without going to the taskbar, just by clicking the edge of the other window. And I could automatically have two different word documents side by side, with another hidden behind,which I could easily switch between.
I have another peeve (sorry, this is turning into a rant). Windows automatically hides file extensions. I wanted to change the file extension from .divx to .vlc, and imagine my irritation when the extension just refused to show up. A bit of googling, and it was rather easy changing the view settings on my computer. But. Still.
It is not all bad though. It turned out to be not so bad once I got used to it. But in the future, if I need Windows at my workplace, I'm going to get a Mac as a personal computer.
My opinion: Get a Mac if you don't have to get a windows. Really.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
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