lohchuantuck

True Winter

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:42:00 +0000

July 24th 2011 was the first snow in Dunedin (I mean for this year). That was my first experience having white snow piling up everywhere and stop most of the activities, after three years staying in New Zealand. My flatmates and I built a miniature snowman (I mean small because we built another much bigger snowman yester night). It is meaningful for one of my flatmates (Double J’s) who will finish his study by December this year.

Almost three weeks after last snow, Dunedin once again dressed in white. My friends were praying for heavy snow, and indeed we were hit by snow storm. Exposed in extreme coldness, we managed to roll and patch out a snowman almost as high as us. Frosty the Snowman finally stand proudly guarding 97 Clyde Street.

Snow is a rare sight, snow is beautiful, snow is fun to play with. On the other hand, snow halts most of the normal activities: lectures (lazy to go out), assignments (better play with snow), transport (late courier), communications (slow internet speed from time to time), increased power consumption etc. I finally understand what is the impact of snow in northern hemisphere, as why British Premier League stops matches during snow storm.
This morning, despite the snow warning is still displayed on Met Service, heavy rain washed away the snow around the city. Lets pray for Dunedin and everybody staying here, that life will back to normal again soon.

Thank You Nuffnang and TGV!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:59:00 +0000

I blogged out of curiosity since 2007. Nuffnang is the first and only one blog advertising community that I ever joined. I stopped using Google Ads, due to the pride of being a Glitterati.

How do I apply for the Nuffnang Glitterati club?

You do not need to apply, and will be automatically included as a Nuffnang Glitterati as long as you do NOT have any advertisements from, mentions of, or links to other ad networks originating from SEA, or any other ad networks we deem a competitors on your blog.

This year 2011 is going to be my 22 years roaming on the Earth’s surface, creating problems while trying to fix them at the same time. I rarely get birthday presents from anyone. What I mean rare is, not more than 10 so far. I think the main reason for this ‘phenomena’ is, my serious face and personality drive people away. However, do not take me wrong, I admit that I am popular.

2011’s birthday is my biggest surprise, especially when receiving gift from ‘somebody’ that I never think of: Nuffnang and TGV Cinemas. When I opened my Yahoo! Inbox this morning, I just cannot believe my eyes (shown on top). I said in my heart, “Finally…” Yet, the excitement and joy turned to sorrow and disappointment immediately.

I AM IN NEW ZEALAND!

Anyway, thanks a lot to Nuffang and TGV. You guys just gave me one of the nicest birthday presents on my life.

P.S. Since this post is more urgent, I put down everything just to write this up. More updates coming soon. Thanks for your patience. Cheers!

What a ‘great day’!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:03:00 +0000

In the mid January where most university students have back to the campus, I made another trip to Berjaya Times Square, accompanying my Brother Ng searching his project materials – some radio car parts.

It was Indians festive season – Thaipusam and Ponggal just around the corner. Besides, Chinese New Year (more accurately Lunar New Year) has already being the major decoration theme of shopping malls. People are seen everywhere, even though it is a working day. We even seen many secondary school students wearing uniform roaming in Times Square. We just cannot imagine how youngsters nowadays have the ‘~~courage~~’ to play truant, while during our days, staying in school and learning are our obligation to fight for our future. The charm of modern attractions perhaps?

The male lion statue at the main entrance of Berjaya Times Square.

Centre square decorated with Lunar New Year’s theme. I have no idea why people love to greet with Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means congratulations for unexpected income (prosperity). This greeting is not reasonable since not everybody can make some money out of nowhere (that is what the greeting implies).

A Chinese union dinner. Too bad all the rice in the bowls are fake grains made by polystyrene.

Brother Ng really loves peach trees, doesn’t he?

By chance, we helped foreign visitors taking pictures.

We never miss watching films every time we set our feet in Times Square. This time we decided to show our support to Malaysian movies production by watching “Great Day”, a Chinese movie talks about family relationships revolving around two elders who are staying in a care centre. I said Chinese is due to the various dialects being used, where Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien are the three main languages spoken throughout the movie. Funny elements are inserted within the main storyline that is making audiences sobbing. Overall, I was intrigued to witness the success of another local movie in portraying issues surrounding our normal life on the silver screen in such a natural but touching way. However, this movie raised another question in me, how can the same cast and director produce such a better movie compared to their production (《大日子 Wohoo!》) almost a year ago?

I am now look forward another movie, “Homecoming” (《笑著回家》), which is the collaborated production of actors and director from Singapore and Malaysia.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Welcome to year 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:34:00 +0000

I was 21 yesterday and 22 today. 2011 is my third year in Pharmacy, another year closer to my aim in politics. Just like usual, I live my life as a Malaysian with distinct aims without bothering to be happy or celebrating. However, I can imagine distinct differences of my life in 2011 compared to 2010.

2010, I fell in love again, after so long barred myself from any relationship. Even though she ends up to be my Sister yet I learned to let go. Yes, that means I am now again a lone ranger. Due to her, I found my long-lost confidence, the momentum that keeps me fighting for my life. I lost my confidence since studying in preparatory college in UiTM before. It is she who raised me from the ‘dead’ after most of my friends left the university I am now studying. I am grateful for her existence in my life and made my 2010 meaningful. My dear readers, lets pray for her, hoping she will live a meaningful and prosperous life.

2011, it is crucial to keep my momentum going. Third Year Pharmacy is busier and more hectic compared than Second Year. Besides, it will be a new environment for me to study since I moved out from university managed residential college. I may need to think about ways to save electricity (going green ha?), access to stable and fast internet connection and most importantly meals for my flatmates. Seems like I have a more challenging year to face. Lock and load!

Before I end this post, there is another main mission that I need to fulfil:

Happy New Year 2011

to ALL my dear readers! Thanks for supporting so long. Wish you all have great days ahead and your dreams come true. Fight for it!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Fun with brothers.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Yes, my dear readers, this is ME named lohchuantuck, wearing IMAX 3D glasses. We, my Brothers and I, had an early Christmas trip down to KL Berjaya Times Square (obviously this is a late post, sorry). Since everyone of us started our vacation, so it is a great time to meet up as a celebration for our TEN year-old friendship and brotherhood. We knew each other since eleven after I moved to Rawang from Segambut, KL.

One last shot before going into the pitch black theatre.

I was kind of regretted for the choice we made for Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We watched the movie in 3D, but there is no surprise at all. There is not even a shot specially made for 3D effect, given the plot is rather flat and monotonous. In short, Narnia 3 has nothing to be excited about.

Hey Bro, why do you look so frightened? I am no monster.

The very last time I met Brother Yap was during a Chinese calligraphy competition.

Some random shots in KL Central, the main transport hub of centre Malaysia.

This big banner also symbolises the advance of technology in Malaysia, yet how many people know that we are way behind in this technology era? Even our very own neighbour, Singapore has much faster and stable internet connection than us. Shame.

The giant Christmas tree in Berjaya Times Square. Err…did I see you here last year?

My Brother Ng with the polystyrene Snowman. A Snowman that may last forever.

My Brother Wong and Brother Yap. They went to the same high school. Dear readers, they were in the high school that is rival to mine all the time but it has nothing harmful to our friendships.

Santa Clauses are coming to town…

It is obvious that Brother Wong is holding the G900 camera.

This is my favourite picture of all. Got the idea from girls’ mirror shot.

I have no idea why Brother Wong wanted to pose next to this ice cream sign.

On the way to Petaling Street, we stopped at Chen’s Study (陳氏書院) for some pictures, since this is one of the historical building located within the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

Since when vandalism can also be an effort to beautify Kuala Lumpur? This was taken near Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (the old transport hub).

Brother Ho joined us in the second gathering. He is one week away from finishing his Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design. Maybe one day he can help me in in designing my websites.

May God bless our friendship to last forever. The famous quote ‘Friends Forever’ is much more easier to say than practise. My only hope is that our friendship can last long enough to set as a model for other people, including for my dear readers.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Merry but not merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Odd title ha? All right, before I go any further, let me wish my readers a Merry Christmas and Happy Year 2011 that is coming soon!

I spent my whole day of Christmas and Christmas Eve sitting at home, facing my laptop, watching movies copied from my Brother (I called my best friends as they are my siblings). At the same time, I feel sorry for my Dad who had to work even on this public holiday to make some money for family living. Malaysian economic nowadays makes the living so tough and barely fulfil the daily needs. The rate of inflation is far higher than the rate of income increment. This kind of situation really ties me to home.

Another reason for a Not-Merry Christmas, is the high and humid climate back in Malaysia. I love warm weather most of the time, yet I do not think Santa Claus will like it. Just could not understand the motive of displaying Santa Claus’s figures riding on snow ledge all around Malaysia… Maybe Malaysian Santa should wear like this…

Wish you all, my dear readers, has a great year 2011! Be careful during the countdown party! Enjoy.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

First Step into politics…

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:36:00 +0000

I turned 21 about four months ago, and was excited going to be a ‘genuine’ Malaysian with my right to vote.

As a Malaysian, I am presented with all kinds of issues from different sources. Since I am the proud one, so I made my promise since few years ago: the only way to help Malaysia thrive is by involving in politics. People always say, politics is a pit of dirt, anybody in it will get polluted. So what? Then who is going to rule those sceptics? I chose my profession as a medical doctor before going into pharmacy instead, was based on the changing somebody’s destiny. After all, changing somebody’s live may not be enough for a growing country, and from there I developed my mind to become a politician, of course a cold and strict politician.

Yesterday I registered myself as a voter, in order to catch up the election possibly held next year. Yes, I just made my first step into politics, but what should I do for the next steps? There is no clue for me currently, except preparing for my coming Biochemistry examination in February 2011.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Thanks, Twitters!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Two days ago, I decided to utilise Twitter as a tool for my Blog promotion, apart from Facebook. While I still remember using blog directory visiting other blogs, same as finding phone numbers with Yellow pages, I came across Twellow.com. Twitters are categorised, with maximum TEN categories per Twitter. This feature makes Twitters easier in ‘tracking down’ other Twitters with common interests or certain services provided. Yet for me, I love Twellow simply because there is a “Follow/ Unfollow” button right below each Twitter. Without the need of opening another tab in the browser, Twellow gets my job done just by simple clicking. Hooray for that!

Thanks to Twellow and thanks to you Twitters! The number of my followers just reached the 300 mark and keep increasing now! Do remind to visit my Blog: lohchuantuck.com often. Love you guys!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

“I am a pole-dancer!”

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:40:00 +0000

When mention about pole-dancing, the two words that surface immediately in our mind, will usually be “Sex” and “Stripper”. Hello, do not give me that look! I do not go to any strip joints, and may never be. It is reasonable to see men drooling over the pole-dancers (usually female) attractive curves. Again, my lovely female readers, please do not take me wrong, no intention of discrimination here.

It is said pole-dancing is getting more for fitness purpose nowadays. “The dancers have a fantastic physique: incredibly muscular but at the same time curvaceous and feminine.” That reminds me of this:

In my opinion, pole-dancing can be another form of cheap entertainment, and should be a good news for ladies who want to keep their husband engaged at home. Another way of sexual foreplay ha? Good to know that some professionals also follow the ‘cult’.

Seriously, I have no idea how pole-dance being evaluated when comes to be a sport event. How about combination of both dance and gymnastics? The time holding the pole with feet off the ground, the number of rotations around the pole while the dancer is in the air etc. Please let me know in the comment if you came out with more possible criteria, ridiculous ones will do.

Chinese pole-dance, more to a circus stunt. Wondering if we can see this is Olympics soon.

I am wondering, if pole-dance can make its way into official sport events, such as Olympics, is it possible to make Public Speaking or Debate back to the games? Public speaking and debate had their glorious pages in Ancient Olympics, how about ‘resurrect’ them?

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Rubik’s Crave

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:10:00 +0000

Few weeks ago, I went to Popular Bookstore near my home, and ‘bumped’ into the ‘non-Rubik made Rubik’s Cubes’. In fact, they are all MIC (definitely not Malaysian Indian Congress) – Made in China. Think to fill my summer vacation (it is always hot back in Malaysia) with another challenging task, so I bought this ‘pirated Rubik’s Cube’.

As I am still the usual me (apart from the fact that I am growing old), I opened Firefox and searched for Rubik’s 3 x 3 solution. It is my habit to look at other’s reviews and walkthroughs before starting to play a game. It may ruin the fun for most players but it is my curiosity that responsible for this. On the other hand, I do not like to pay so much effort in understanding the mechanism(s) then ended up the game is no way my choice in the first place. Back to the Rubik’s Cube solution, I found one of the easiest to understand step-by-step guide on Rubik’s official website: Rubik’s Cube Solution. On the right sidebar, there are links to download the PDF form of solution guide in different languages. Yeah, make it portable and try to impress somebody.

Step One and Step Two are easy to understand and remember (more to memorise). So far I can only solve the Cube with the guide opened in front of me. I just have to admit that I am already too old to remember anything or too dumb to understand anything. Which one do you think I am, my dear readers? Kind of nostalgic that I used to solve Sudoku without any guides and supervision.

Hope you enjoy solving the cube!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Promotion Banner download.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:16:00 +0000

I, as the owner of lohchuantuck.com, would appreciate your kindness and support by embeding any of below banners or buttons in your website(s), as a kind of link exchange. If you need any favour in return, please kindly leave your messages in the comment. Thanks in advance!

468 * 60 Full banner.

200 * 200 Large button.

125 * 125 Big button.

88 * 31 Small icon.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Snail Net.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 03:59:00 +0000

You all must have heard about the term “Snail mail”, right? Now, I am using “Snail Net” to surf through the cyber world and ‘connected’ to the ‘outside world’.

Under such '”snail speed” in the RED region of the above meter, streaming media takes almost forever, except for PPStream, which specially designed for “Snail Net” in China. Since both download and upload are almost impossible, so make sense that YouTube is a No-no for me. The most frustrating moments always happen when I am playing online games – lagging and disconnected.

Thanks God I paid RM60 for this crappy speed, not on the Dialup.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Ocean Acidification Threatens Global Fisheries

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:28:00 +0000

It has been so long that I have not post something about environmental issue. While reading Scientific American, I came across another alarming news regarding effects of carbon dioxide emissions towards ‘oceanlings’.

Without emissions cuts, the world's oceans could become 150 percent more acidic by the end of the century, according to a new report.

Ocean acidification is likely to threaten the world's fisheries without sharp cuts to carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities, the U.N. Environment Programme said Friday.
As CO₂ emissions have risen, largely from the world's increasing appetite for burning fossil fuels, oceans have absorbed more and more of the greenhouse gas. That has shifted the chemistry of the seas, which are now 30 percent more acidic than they were before the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Scientists say that, without emissions cuts, the world's oceans could become 150 percent more acidic by the end of the century -- a rate of change that "has not been experienced for around 65 million years, since the dinosaurs became extinct," the UNEP report says.

It warns that shifting ocean chemistry could have a "considerable influence" on the world's marine life, including fisheries that supply the primary source of protein for more than 1 billion people worldwide.

ACID OCEANS: The world's oceans are becoming more acidic at a rate that has not been experienced by fish, shellfish and other sea life for 65 million years.

"Although studies about the effects of ocean acidification on marine resources are comparatively new, early results indicate there is no room for complacency," the UNEP analysis says.

Studies show that more acidic water is harmful to sea creatures like oysters, corals, plankton and shellfish that grow hard shells made of a chalky mineral called calcium carbonate. If ocean water becomes too acidic, it can begin dissolving those shells, sometimes faster than creatures can rebuild them.

That's likely to send ripples up the food chain. Tiny swimming snails called pteropods, for example, appear to be particularly sensitive to ocean acidification, the report says. They are also an important food source for herring, salmon, whales and seabirds.

The UNEP study also highlights recent research that suggests young clownfish -- made famous in the Pixar movie "Finding Nemo" -- may find their ability to navigate the ocean degraded because higher CO₂ levels affect the development of a special ear bone called an otolith that helps fish remain upright and sense motion. The young fishes' sense of smell may also be affected by acidification, changing the way they behave around predators.

Still, the UNEP study notes that the effects of ocean acidification aren't uniform. Some plankton species are more resistant to harm from higher CO₂ levels, for example.

Still, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said the new report was "yet another red flag being raised" about the growth of greenhouse gas emissions.

Ocean acidification, he said, "is a new and emerging piece in the scientific jigsaw puzzle, but one that is triggering rising concern."

Source: Scientific American

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Morphed.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 14:49:00 +0000

Be the Emperor among the Kings! is not being used as the name of this (or my) Blog anymore, even though it is cool as a slogan but too long to remember, isn’t it? I am trying to make my name a brand in the internet, hope nobody will blackmail me.

I used the previous yellow-black modified template for almost a year. In order to impress my dear readers (just kidding), so I decided to work on a new template, which spent me a few hours editing the code to make it fit my (and obviously my readers’) needs. Upon working on the template, I removed most of the badges, and now I am still considering whether to put them back. Any suggestion? If you have one (hope you may have more), please let me know.

The official name of me (apparently) and my Blog now – lohchuantuck.com
Navigation menu – Make my dear readers browse around freely. Drop down menus come with the template, since I have no idea on writing Java script.
New features on lohchuantuck.com – Picture sliders. May get updated from time to time with the best pictures specially for you. Time for some slide shows (not Tiger Show, sorry)!
The section where I announce something. Focus and take your time read it. Thanks!
Follow Me! This feature makes me need to be active again in Twitter.
Subscribe my Blog if you like my Blog (or my writings). One of the most common features in Blogs.
Search in my Blog or the internet. Seems much better than the Search box in my last template.
Once I Tweet in Twitter, you can see the latest ones here. Real time ha?
Hit counter and Nuffnang advertisements. Please click it often, as a form of support. Thanks!
This box is the main reason I chose this template – it combines THREE separate functions in the same box using Java script. Save quite lot of space in my Blog.

Apparently this is the area where you should read about my Blog. Please kindly drop me a comment, whether you like it or not. Positive comments can make my day, while negative ones can clear my head and make me think.
Chatbox? Yeah, the easiest way to let me read about your opinions. Feel free to spam it.
Facebook addicted? Just “LIKE” it, so I can love you more.

I am done in introducing my lohchuantuck.com. Hope you enjoy my writings, and thanks for promoting to your friends, family members or whoever you want. Love you guys!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Contact

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:07:00 +0000

Any suggestions, or complaints? You can also contact me if you are simply missing me. I prefer email but I do on Skype from time to time. Thanks for spamming me but I need to apologise if your email being deleted or your call being ignored.

Email: lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my or
izahs_lct@hotmail.com
izahs.lct@gmail.com

Skype: izahslct

Facebook: lohchuantuck

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Way Back Home.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:50:00 +0000

Just like previous year, this is an account for my journey back home to Malaysia. Too bad I was too tired to take any pictures except these took during my waiting time in Auckland International Airport.

You may ask, what degree of exhaustion can deprive my mood in taking pictures in such a ‘meaningful’ journey? Lets do some maths: 2 hours (Dunedin) + 5 hours (Auckland) + 8 hours (Melbourne) + 2.5 hours (Dunedin to Auckland) + 3 hours (Auckland to Melbourne) + 7.5 hours (Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur) = 28 hours altogether on my way home! Even though Emirates' 777-300 has the most beautiful cabin I ever experienced (compared with Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines), long flying plus waiting time just made me too lazy to switch on my phone and capture the moments.

A 777-300 found on internet. I always think that only four engines aircraft can fly long journey, but this two engines really amaze me.

Apart from touch screen TV (even though my phone’s screen is much more sensitive), the most intriguing feature inside the cabin should be the light and ceiling that change according to time. As you can see in the picture that I found from internet, the light turns blue while ‘stars’ lit on the ceiling along the walkway at night. In the morning, the light will turn orange and yellow, besides white during the day.

Is this 737? Just a random shot from viewing deck of Auckland International Airport.

A Qantas plane taking off from Auckland International Airport.

Jetstar, reminds me of AirAsia of Malaysia. Economic flight, with the hope to make flying no more a dream.

A collection of photos featuring aircrafts that use Auckland Airport, which I believe is not up to date, as you can see in the next picture I took.

Concorde retired since 2003! Sorry for the quality of photo, sky was so blue behind me.

The worst experience for this journey should be, the extended waiting time for another one and a half hour due to the arrival delay for Emirates from Dubai to Melbourne. Departure time of 3.30 am was delayed until 5.00 am. Thanks to three friends who happened to be in the same flight, we spent our almost eight hours time waking and sleeping alternatively. Waiting time seems so endlessly, with the lack of my long time companion – laptop. Same as Auckland Airport, Melbourne International Airport can hardly find power socket while wireless access need to be paid by credit card. At that time, I really miss Kuala Lumpur International Airport where people can find lots (I really mean it) of power sockets and wireless internet access is free (even though internet speed in Malaysia is always slower).

Yes, before I forget, really need to say the importance of weighing scale in journey, ha3! I carried TEN kg more, and it costs NZD350 more too. Gone, there goes my money!

Seems like I need to end this post before it goes any longer. In short, this journey is ‘so-damn-tiring-plus-so-damn-boring’. Hope I can enjoy my every moment at home – food, rain and people…

Dedicated to Michelle Hwang and all my loyal readers.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Back Again!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:47:00 +0000

After two weeks of ‘bloody’ battle, my second year in Pharmacy just marked a full stop. It was a hard one, yet I am confident to pass it all (but I never have the hope to excel in university exams).

Pharmacy second year is so hectic. Assignments and tests and workshops come one after another, paired with packed timetable, it is just so much differ from seniors’ said ‘honeymoon’. Anyway, it is now summer vacation, cheers!

I am coming back to Malaysia for vacation from 7th November until 31st January next year. I already made a ‘to-do’ list, which including upgrading my laptop, reading BioChem, self-learn C++ etc, but eating is still the most important thing of all. I really miss Malaysian curry a lot. Kiwis just do not know how to use spices, no offence.

However, since I have another week to depart from New Zealand, I am now packing up to move to my new flat. I will stay with my old friend since in college, a great man indeed. I have to bid goodbye to Toroa staffs that assisted me adapting to this ‘city’ along these two years. Just wrote a sticky note that reminds me to wrote Toroa a ‘Thank You Card’. Oh right, my new flat is in the middle of campus area, how strategic it is! Here I really need to thank my old friend that offered me place to stay with him.

Before I end this, I just want to announce my ‘come back’ to all my Malaysians friends and those who know me. I am free for any invitation, ha3! Will get my dear readers updated more often.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

War Horn!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 06:35:00 +0000

It has been very long time since my last post. Just before final exam starts at 20th October, I would like to announce my further absence from beloved readers. Out from the usual busy life, now into the hectic preparation for “War of the Year 2010”. The war is expected to end at 30th.

Since most of the course materials available in PDF or PowerPoint slides, most of my life drains in front of the laptop.

Too much to remember…

One of the “war-syndromes”, Coffee necessitica.

Hush, back to study again. See you my readers! Wish me luck!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Snow in Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:35:00 +0000

Theoretically Dunedin is now in spring (as in the previous post), yet since last week we are able to witness all four seasons in a single day. Thanks to the big cold storm that hit New Zealand since last week. Huge storm bears down on New Zealand.

Temperature drops so low, sometimes feel even colder than during winter. Weather worsens with frequent shower and occasional hail, sleet even snow! Immediately after all those meteorological phenomena, there appears blue sky with sunshine. Too bad cold wind still blows from time to time. This has been cycled for couple of days. So far I have never seen weather any fickle than in Dunedin now.

Follows is a news about the cold temperature is killing little lambs. NZ storm continues its carnage.

The sky is full of clouds when the sleet fell.

Shutter speed of Sony Ericsson G900 is just too fast to capture any visible falling sleet particles.

Lots of sleet particles really looks like snow.

Venue? Just outside my flat.

It is still cold out there. We are still longing for snow, even though snow always fall for few seconds unexpectedly these days.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Spring is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:33:00 +0000

Dear readers, here am I again! As I am now in spring break, so definitely I have to write something to show you the spring in Dunedin (as busy can no more be the reason of late updates). Just cannot imagine, I just passed my second winter in New Zealand, but that also indicates I am another three months older. However it is quite a good news for people who hate wearing thick clothes (including me). It has been drizzling for two days though.

Optical illusion? Is this a slope?

Is this cherry blossom? Sakura?

Anyone know its name?

Rare scenes back in Malaysia.

Living in harmony with nature.

First day of spring break, then campus is basically dead from rushing students. Still waiting for those trees to bloom.

The always busiest place in campus, the library is deserted too.

I wonder how many people do really see this statue at night.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Happy Blessed Ramadan!

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:52:00 +0000

This year, has been the fifth year that I fast together with all my Muslim friends during Ramadan in Islamic calendar. I apologise to those whom I told, this year is my forth year fasting. I really do lost count but I am so clear that I fasted for the first time when I was 17.

Please, stop that look! I am not a Muslim, and I am definitely not a terrorist (even though I like to play on evil side in games)! When I was 17 and 18, I fasted for the sake of my female friends (hope you understand, ha3). Years after until now, fasting with my Muslim friends more to respect and earn me a ‘ticket’ for Aidilfitri celebration. Fasting saves some of my money for lunch, once a year.

The day before I started to fast few days ago, I had lunch together with my Sister (not my birth sister)and a friend, in a Malaysian restaurant – Rainforest. The cosy dining environment made me miss Malaysia.

Before I end this, I would like to wish all Muslims in the world, Happy Blessed Ramadan! Selamat Menyambut Bulan Ramadan!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
lohchuantuck@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Mid Winter Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:46:00 +0000

After Semester One exam, I had almost a month of freedom and boredom. Semester Two starts at 12th July, with packed timetable and expected heaps of works since the very first days. Anyway, I am not writing this to grunt about my (coming) busy campus life but to show you Christmas in June – Mid Winter Carnival.

We celebrate Christmas during winter in northern hemisphere, but it is summer at 25th December in southern hemisphere! Christmas without snow, looks like typical Malaysian Christmas though. Hence, since year 2000, volunteers in Dunedin held celebration at the end of June, usually during the longest night in the whole year. For this year, Mid Winter Carnival was held at 26th June. People (and volunteers) involved in giant lantern making and procession, which Creatures of the Sea be the theme of this carnival. Lets look at some of the ‘live scenes’ taken during the procession (credit to Mark A. Chong).

Sea Horse lantern. It reminds me of dragon dance.

Dancers walked in front of drummers.

Little fairies.

These girls are so young, most probably not more than 13 years old.

Dunedin City Council at night (actually it was just 6pm, do not get fooled by the dark sky).

Fireworks after the procession.

This may be the last post before semester reopen. Wish all my friends, whether back in Malaysia or round the globe, all the best in your life and study. Dear faithful readers, good luck!

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
izahs_lct@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Over 10K Clicks Since 2006.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:40:00 +0000

Be the Emperor among the Kings! is four years old now. I still remember my initial idea that made me establish my own Blog – become famous in spreading information about saving the world. Before that, I tried collecting and uploading ‘horrible’ pictures about animal abuse onto several social network, including Friendster, Multiply and Photobucket. However, I got very few responses and views. I abandoned them after some time. Even though I was disappointed, but my website was always visited and supported by a young mother, named x7heavens. Then I decided to establish this Blog from scratch, as a door to step into the cyberworld completing my own mission.

Dear readers, you can still trace back my oldest posts writing about some world issues. I stop writing those ‘serious’ topics long time ago. Instead I invented my own writing style of ‘melting’ information into articles about my life. From time to time, I still support some internet campaign, including Earth Hour, Blog Action Day etc.

Now, the main purpose of this Blog is updating my readers about my life far from Malaysia. As long as this Blog is updated, I am safe and sound. I never think the total number of clicks will exceed 10K. I really appreciate your support and patience. I hope I can do better in the future. Before I end this, please do me a favour. Pray for my success and wellbeing. Thanks.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
izahs_lct@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Happy Birthday, the youngest one.

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:29:00 +0000

Today should be a big day for my family, as the youngest one finally turned 18. Even though 18 is still not a ‘legal’ adult but my sister should know that she needs an adult’s head from now on.

It has been years that I spoilt her by helping her through her life. Sometimes she is too naive to spot a possible danger, while sometimes a small challenge seems fatal to her. In turn, I becoming more and more mature solving her problems (sounds terrible). Basically, I grew up in an environment virtually different from hers. I smashed by troubles that I solved by myself, yet she knows that there is always somebody that can help her get over. I regretted not being a good brother for so long. Now I am worrying.

After I came out from home studying in New Zealand, from time to time she still ‘loves’ to ‘disturb’ me with her tiny bits. In July, for the first time of her life, she is going to stay in a nursing college and further her studies. Away from the warm and steady harbour, she finally steps into the ‘human potpourri’. I hope she can stay alert and awake. What can I do?

On the other hand, with my sister leaving home soon, now left my parents at home. My Dad will still engaged in his gold digging life, yet my Mum is the one that will feel lonely. When we are all at home, she got somebody or something to nag around, which now she will miss soon. Still wondering…

Before I end this, I would like to wish my Sis, Happy 18th Birthday! Stay alert and trust no one.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
izahs_lct@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/

Catlins Trip (To NZ’s Countryside).

noreply@blogger.com (lohchuantuck) — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:24:00 +0000

I joined another trip during Easter Break, but this time with bigger group, longer distance and lower temperature. The trip organised by OMSA (Otago Malaysian Students Association) had a visit to the southern part of the South Island, named Catlins (not Cathreen or Kathleen, ha3!). We depart at around 7 am and came back at 7 pm. What a tiring journey…

Early in the morning, heading towards assembly point.

Bottom Bus. Emm, do not ask me why the name sounds so ‘gay’, the bottom…

New Zealand’s traffic jam, once in a lifetime.

The entrance to waterfall. Yeah, it is really scenic, no bluffing.

Entrance and scenes before enter the dark and slippery trail.

Thick bushes along the trail. Seems like far less ‘thinner’ than Malaysian forests.

The ‘real’ waterfall.

Little (or rather tiny) waterfalls along the stream.

I love this picture, but spoilt by the unknown gray object at the corner.

Cold and windy bay. We just cannot stay any longer as all (yes, all) of us were shivering.

Once, there was a thick forest here. Now, here lies the grave those prehistoric faunas.

Do not believe? Take a closer look at the rock under your feet. Definitely they once stand tall until one day… but now they are under research preservation.

A lake filled with dark green water.

Light house.

Sceneries under light house. There are lots of fur seals down there, but hardly visible through photos.

Closer look at the old light house. Oops, my friend.

The rainbow that crosses the whole cape.

Last photo of Catlins trip before bid Catlins bye bye.

Best regards,

Loh Chuan Tuck
izahs_lct@yahoo.com.my
http://www.lohchuantuck.com/