It seems like a long time since I last blogged. And its come to the time where my stint at UCLA is almost officially over. And it really seemed like yesterday I just moved into Hilgard, whereas I'll be checking out soon.
Finals Week came and went. I did pretty well on the exams I've gotten back thus far, they are really efficient in churning out results and grades on exams. Gets it out of your system fast so you can spend your winter break either playing in glee, or trying to forget terrible grades, whatever rocks the boat.
I've heard the UCLA jazz combos and jazz ensembles putting up free concerts in school, and I must say they sound pretty good. There's always opportunities here to allow you to express yourself, I guess something I'll miss when I'm back home.
I guess I finished off my stint participating in another UCLA tradition, the "Undie Run", hahaha, I'll leave it your imagination what goes on, but its hawtttt, I tell you.
So saying my goodbyes to the ppl at Hilgard, having a little party, just hanging out, and closing the chapter on UCLA.
Its been awesome.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Monday, 3 December 2007
Santa Barbara
Drove up to Santa Barbara to visit Justin and to see Santa Barbara. We thought it'd be the good thing to do, to kind of return the favour and also to see UCSB and how he lived in SB.
I thought that Santa Barbara was really a quaint little town. Bustling where its supposed to be bustling, quiet where its supposed to be quiet. Its really different from LA where there is lotsa hustle and bustle almost all the time, whether in Westwood, or Hollywood etc etc. It seems really more relaxed in SB, plus the air smells fresher too.
This is the second time in the space of the week where I kinda experienced apartment living, with Singaporeans. Food wasn't like the meal plan that I have here in LA living on campus, they usually cooked. They live about a 10min bus ride from school, ordinarily a luxury for living in Pasir Ris me, but the convenience of Hilgard from school is unbeatable. Living in an apartment with 4 other Singaporeans, must be an interesting experience. Although I wouldn't know if it was for the better or the worse. I'm thankful though, living in Hilgard, knowing Americans and other international students have made it easier for me to hang out, and look for fun stuff to do!
There's this vast space in SB that Justin spoke about, and that I finally kind of realised that was lacking at home. There's this freedom to think, to live, and to go out and just be overwhelmed by the grander aspects of life. Looking off the coastline from the top of a mountain, or just staring at the vast expanse of the ocean, somehow it just fills you with a sense that there is so much out there, something you cannot find back at home.
Visited UCSB, downtown SB, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Missions, and St Mary's Seminary on top of the mountain. Got quite alot of stuff done in a short space of time. But lets not kid you, amidst all the quiet serenity that I have described, SB is a party town at night. People thronging the streets, jacked up, going house partyhopping and all. I don't know if that's a good balance, but it sure makes for an exciting life if you indulge in it.
UCSB Lagoon
Rim Walk UCSB
Santa Barbara Missions
Coastline off the Highway
The setting sun, epitomising my time in the U S of A.
I thought that Santa Barbara was really a quaint little town. Bustling where its supposed to be bustling, quiet where its supposed to be quiet. Its really different from LA where there is lotsa hustle and bustle almost all the time, whether in Westwood, or Hollywood etc etc. It seems really more relaxed in SB, plus the air smells fresher too.
This is the second time in the space of the week where I kinda experienced apartment living, with Singaporeans. Food wasn't like the meal plan that I have here in LA living on campus, they usually cooked. They live about a 10min bus ride from school, ordinarily a luxury for living in Pasir Ris me, but the convenience of Hilgard from school is unbeatable. Living in an apartment with 4 other Singaporeans, must be an interesting experience. Although I wouldn't know if it was for the better or the worse. I'm thankful though, living in Hilgard, knowing Americans and other international students have made it easier for me to hang out, and look for fun stuff to do!
There's this vast space in SB that Justin spoke about, and that I finally kind of realised that was lacking at home. There's this freedom to think, to live, and to go out and just be overwhelmed by the grander aspects of life. Looking off the coastline from the top of a mountain, or just staring at the vast expanse of the ocean, somehow it just fills you with a sense that there is so much out there, something you cannot find back at home.
Visited UCSB, downtown SB, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Missions, and St Mary's Seminary on top of the mountain. Got quite alot of stuff done in a short space of time. But lets not kid you, amidst all the quiet serenity that I have described, SB is a party town at night. People thronging the streets, jacked up, going house partyhopping and all. I don't know if that's a good balance, but it sure makes for an exciting life if you indulge in it.
UCSB Lagoon
Rim Walk UCSB
Santa Barbara Missions
Coastline off the Highway
The setting sun, epitomising my time in the U S of A.
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Beat SC Parade, Bonfire and Rally
BURNINGG...
Attended the Beat USC parade, bonfire and rally yesterday. Hordes of students thronged the streets in school to catch the floats and parade down to the center of school for a huge bonfire and rally in anticipation for the biggest game, football, UCLA vs USC at the L.A. Coliseum this Saturday.
Its been Blue and Gold week here at UCLA and there's been many interesting activities this week lined up to show how you bleed blue and gold! There was a "trojan" car smashing event, trojans being USC, there was a "get the red out" blood drive, exchanging red tees for blue ones, an even a Bruin Bear security force for the whole week in case those stinky USC students came down to vandalise our mascot!
I think these are great traditions to have in the school, and what makes studying more fun and enjoyable, that identify that you have as a Bruin, irreplaceble I guess. Hahaha. Running down the streets trying to catch photos of the marching band in the parade, masses of ppl screaming Beat SC, f*** SC, etc etc. drunk ppl, sane ppl, fun ppl, just hanging out, screaming for the Bonfire to burn.
And so it did.
And now for Santa Barbara!
Attended the Beat USC parade, bonfire and rally yesterday. Hordes of students thronged the streets in school to catch the floats and parade down to the center of school for a huge bonfire and rally in anticipation for the biggest game, football, UCLA vs USC at the L.A. Coliseum this Saturday.
Its been Blue and Gold week here at UCLA and there's been many interesting activities this week lined up to show how you bleed blue and gold! There was a "trojan" car smashing event, trojans being USC, there was a "get the red out" blood drive, exchanging red tees for blue ones, an even a Bruin Bear security force for the whole week in case those stinky USC students came down to vandalise our mascot!
I think these are great traditions to have in the school, and what makes studying more fun and enjoyable, that identify that you have as a Bruin, irreplaceble I guess. Hahaha. Running down the streets trying to catch photos of the marching band in the parade, masses of ppl screaming Beat SC, f*** SC, etc etc. drunk ppl, sane ppl, fun ppl, just hanging out, screaming for the Bonfire to burn.
And so it did.
And now for Santa Barbara!
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Switchfoot
That's the name of the concert that Switchfoot and Relient K played in at the Bren Events Center at UCI. Now I can say that I've been to the OC and to Irvine! Hahaha. It's really quiet in Irvine, serene, peaceful. Its a good place to stay, although I imagine it can get a little dull at times. Still, if you have a car, it gets you everywhere in the OC.
But that's not the purpose of the post. Its to say how much I loved the concert that was put up. Soooo much fun!!!!! Can't believe I finally got to hear Switchfoot live after so long, and they were amazing. Soooo amazing. They were tight, they were energetic, the music was good, they had good interaction with the crowd. Jon Foreman ran into the crowd and I couldn't believe I was so close hahaha. Star Struck! From the awesome soliloquy before singing "Meant to Live", to screaming in the guitar during "This is Your Life", it was one hell of a rock show. The only thing was they didn't play "Dare you to Move", ahhh! COME TO SINGAPORE YOU GUYS.
Relient K was quite good too, but punk rock never really is my thing. Still they got grooving real good, and there was even a foam shower when they were doing their christmas tunes.
Noticed that lotsa parents accompanied their kids to the concert. I wonder how that feels for the kids. I guess its interesting that parents here want to indulge their kids, or should I say, be around their kids for stuff like concerts. Somehow, I appreciate the little freedom I get in choosing concerts that I want to go to I guess hahaha.
I lucked out because I only got tickets for the seats but not the floor where ppl were standing. However, someone sitting just above me managed to get a whole bunch of wristbands and she very kindly gave me one for me to run down to the floor, into the mosh pit for Switchfoot!! WOOOO!
Ppl were wearing Tee shirts that said "I love hardcore christian girls" ahhahahaha. Thought that was amazingly funny. There was even talk that Kutless was performing on Sunday, and ticket stubs for this concert could get you Kutless at 10 bucks!
Seriously, I don't know what it is about christian bands that appeal to me, but its good music so I shan't complain. Wei Lin would have absolutly loveeddddd being here for this concert, especially when the encore was the cello guitar duet, Only Hope, from the movie, a Walk to Remember.
I never fail to be amazed at how much fun concerts can be, and letting loose and jumping in the crowd just brings you to a high. No need for drugs, no need for alcohol, just friends having fun together.
Thanks to Karen for putting me up for the night!
But that's not the purpose of the post. Its to say how much I loved the concert that was put up. Soooo much fun!!!!! Can't believe I finally got to hear Switchfoot live after so long, and they were amazing. Soooo amazing. They were tight, they were energetic, the music was good, they had good interaction with the crowd. Jon Foreman ran into the crowd and I couldn't believe I was so close hahaha. Star Struck! From the awesome soliloquy before singing "Meant to Live", to screaming in the guitar during "This is Your Life", it was one hell of a rock show. The only thing was they didn't play "Dare you to Move", ahhh! COME TO SINGAPORE YOU GUYS.
Relient K was quite good too, but punk rock never really is my thing. Still they got grooving real good, and there was even a foam shower when they were doing their christmas tunes.
Noticed that lotsa parents accompanied their kids to the concert. I wonder how that feels for the kids. I guess its interesting that parents here want to indulge their kids, or should I say, be around their kids for stuff like concerts. Somehow, I appreciate the little freedom I get in choosing concerts that I want to go to I guess hahaha.
I lucked out because I only got tickets for the seats but not the floor where ppl were standing. However, someone sitting just above me managed to get a whole bunch of wristbands and she very kindly gave me one for me to run down to the floor, into the mosh pit for Switchfoot!! WOOOO!
Ppl were wearing Tee shirts that said "I love hardcore christian girls" ahhahahaha. Thought that was amazingly funny. There was even talk that Kutless was performing on Sunday, and ticket stubs for this concert could get you Kutless at 10 bucks!
Seriously, I don't know what it is about christian bands that appeal to me, but its good music so I shan't complain. Wei Lin would have absolutly loveeddddd being here for this concert, especially when the encore was the cello guitar duet, Only Hope, from the movie, a Walk to Remember.
I never fail to be amazed at how much fun concerts can be, and letting loose and jumping in the crowd just brings you to a high. No need for drugs, no need for alcohol, just friends having fun together.
Thanks to Karen for putting me up for the night!
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Las Vegas - The Sin City
Vegas is interesting. Its interesting because it is the city of vice, and in truth, a place where I could have gone really wild. But I didn't.
Somehow the city seems empty to me. Amidst all the bright lights, the partying, the gambling and women, there's something about the city that actually made me feel pretty uneasy. I wonder if its because the glam factor just puts me off? I may never know, but I must admit to have been pretty impressed with the first impression of Vegas definitely.
This is not to say I didn't enjoy Las Vegas. I did. It was definitely an eye-opening experience to be walking down the streets of Vegas, watching the monstrous Bellagio musical fountain, watching people fixated at the slot machines etc etc etc. Maybe its because I didn't go clubbing, or watched any shows, which might have clouded the experience abit, but no matter, I don't think I missed out on all that much. And there's always next time, with other ppl :P
But, I really enjoyed the drive to the Grand Canyon. A road trip with friends is definitely something that I will not forget, even though it was only a day trip. And the sights that greeted us, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the vast expanse of the desert, tumbleweeds, and the awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon definitely made this trip worthwhile.
And now. For Switchfoot.
Somehow the city seems empty to me. Amidst all the bright lights, the partying, the gambling and women, there's something about the city that actually made me feel pretty uneasy. I wonder if its because the glam factor just puts me off? I may never know, but I must admit to have been pretty impressed with the first impression of Vegas definitely.
This is not to say I didn't enjoy Las Vegas. I did. It was definitely an eye-opening experience to be walking down the streets of Vegas, watching the monstrous Bellagio musical fountain, watching people fixated at the slot machines etc etc etc. Maybe its because I didn't go clubbing, or watched any shows, which might have clouded the experience abit, but no matter, I don't think I missed out on all that much. And there's always next time, with other ppl :P
But, I really enjoyed the drive to the Grand Canyon. A road trip with friends is definitely something that I will not forget, even though it was only a day trip. And the sights that greeted us, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the vast expanse of the desert, tumbleweeds, and the awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon definitely made this trip worthwhile.
And now. For Switchfoot.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Singaporean Weekend.
Justin and Ru De drove down from Santa Barbara for the weekend to visit Los Angeles. It was a good way to spend the weekend with SG ppl all over again. As much as this is a cultural exchange and immersion here in the States, and I've been blessed by meeting so many great people here, but it's great to see good friends after a few months!
We went to Downtown LA the first day they were here. Walked Chinatown and to Little Tokyo. It was alright. Downtown LA just isn't the best place to be I guess, but the company made it worthwhile, and the food that we got at Chinatown was good. I guess its just natural that we made a beeline for chinese food since we were all together. Hahaha.
At night, we went to a club to check out the scene. I reserve comments on the clubbing scene in LA, since we went to a club that admitted 18 yr olds, cos Fel's suitemates brought us there.
The next day, we dropped Ru De off at Universal Studios, and we headed off to Hollywood to check out Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Justin and Fel headed off to mass while I came back to the house to catch a nap. Lunch was another chinese affair, beef noodles, fishball noodles, curry and rice. Hahaha. Then we headed out to Universal City Walk at night.
It was a great weekend. A short study week because of Thanksgiving, and I'm off to Las Vegas!
We went to Downtown LA the first day they were here. Walked Chinatown and to Little Tokyo. It was alright. Downtown LA just isn't the best place to be I guess, but the company made it worthwhile, and the food that we got at Chinatown was good. I guess its just natural that we made a beeline for chinese food since we were all together. Hahaha.
At night, we went to a club to check out the scene. I reserve comments on the clubbing scene in LA, since we went to a club that admitted 18 yr olds, cos Fel's suitemates brought us there.
The next day, we dropped Ru De off at Universal Studios, and we headed off to Hollywood to check out Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Justin and Fel headed off to mass while I came back to the house to catch a nap. Lunch was another chinese affair, beef noodles, fishball noodles, curry and rice. Hahaha. Then we headed out to Universal City Walk at night.
It was a great weekend. A short study week because of Thanksgiving, and I'm off to Las Vegas!
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Amidst the strains of the jazz tune, " I left my heart in San Francisco", I was walking along in Union Square, sipping tea, and marvelling at the charm of the city.
It wasn't such a pleasant greeting though. When I arrived it was raining, a slight drizzle, to a full fledged downpour once we reached the hostel. Talk about a bummer. One thing though, amazingly, in my time in San Francisco, I've had the best Thai food I've had in my life! Now I know Thai Expres suxXor.
We braved the rain and headed out to the city center to check out the City Hall. I guess there was something quite interesting braving the rain and wind and cold and walking out to the city center to check out the sights at night! What greated us were some stunning sights, and not so stunning hordes of the homeless trying to get shelther under whatever they could.
It was a much better Sunday to go out sightseeing. I walked around Union Square Downtown San Fran, and saw it go from quiet to hugely bustling in just under an hour. No doubt cheered up by the sun after the dampening downpour the day before, crowds started to throng the streets in full force!! There was so many shops and malls, and we managed to catch them pruning a huge Xmas tree in Union Square.
Took the Cable Car aka, San Francisco Municipial Railway to Fisherman's Wharf. That was an interesting experience. We lucked out by getting this power driver who was darn entertaining. He was boisterous and energetic, and even let a passenger try to operate the car itself! When we took the night car back, the other driver went backwards down the slope even! Its amazing how these cable cars are the kings of the road in San Francisco!!!
Took a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge, but stopped at IHOP (Intl House of Pancakes) for brunch. Hahaha. The Bridge was stupendous. Awesome, is all I can say. Hahaha. The sights, the Bay Area, marvelling at the engineering feet that makes up the Golden Gate, it truly is a sight to behold.
Made our way back to Fisherman's Wharf. Had clam chowder in a breadbowl. Walked around souvenier shopping and taking a closer look at the bay. Wanted to take a cruise to Alcatraz but it was terribly pricey. So that was a tad disappointing. But it was quite a fulfilling trip already!
I guess I'm not doing the city much justice because I was only there for 1 and a half days, but I'd definitely go back there if I have the chance. There is a charm in the city that speaks to me, and I'm sure it does to everyone who goes there as well.
San Francisco City Hall
Cable Car
View from Lombard Street
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman's Wharf
It wasn't such a pleasant greeting though. When I arrived it was raining, a slight drizzle, to a full fledged downpour once we reached the hostel. Talk about a bummer. One thing though, amazingly, in my time in San Francisco, I've had the best Thai food I've had in my life! Now I know Thai Expres suxXor.
We braved the rain and headed out to the city center to check out the City Hall. I guess there was something quite interesting braving the rain and wind and cold and walking out to the city center to check out the sights at night! What greated us were some stunning sights, and not so stunning hordes of the homeless trying to get shelther under whatever they could.
It was a much better Sunday to go out sightseeing. I walked around Union Square Downtown San Fran, and saw it go from quiet to hugely bustling in just under an hour. No doubt cheered up by the sun after the dampening downpour the day before, crowds started to throng the streets in full force!! There was so many shops and malls, and we managed to catch them pruning a huge Xmas tree in Union Square.
Took the Cable Car aka, San Francisco Municipial Railway to Fisherman's Wharf. That was an interesting experience. We lucked out by getting this power driver who was darn entertaining. He was boisterous and energetic, and even let a passenger try to operate the car itself! When we took the night car back, the other driver went backwards down the slope even! Its amazing how these cable cars are the kings of the road in San Francisco!!!
Took a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge, but stopped at IHOP (Intl House of Pancakes) for brunch. Hahaha. The Bridge was stupendous. Awesome, is all I can say. Hahaha. The sights, the Bay Area, marvelling at the engineering feet that makes up the Golden Gate, it truly is a sight to behold.
Made our way back to Fisherman's Wharf. Had clam chowder in a breadbowl. Walked around souvenier shopping and taking a closer look at the bay. Wanted to take a cruise to Alcatraz but it was terribly pricey. So that was a tad disappointing. But it was quite a fulfilling trip already!
I guess I'm not doing the city much justice because I was only there for 1 and a half days, but I'd definitely go back there if I have the chance. There is a charm in the city that speaks to me, and I'm sure it does to everyone who goes there as well.
San Francisco City Hall
Cable Car
View from Lombard Street
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman's Wharf
Saturday, 10 November 2007
On my Way to San Francisco
Woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. Waiting to catch a flight to San Francisco for the weekend. I think its going to be a wonderful city from what I've heard, and I'm really looking forward to this trip to unwind, take in the sights and sounds and have a great time. Would be also interesting to see the oil leak that just happened a few days ago. 220,000 litres of oil was spilt by a tanker in the Bay Area. Hopefully, it doesn't spoil the sights and coastline too much. It's quite a disaster actually.
Went to a UCLA Basketball game yesterday. Happening. Tickets were sold out, and we got some tix from "ahem" sources. LOL. Great game, great atmosphere. Been to most of the UCLA sports now, and I haven't watched a single losing game! My friend was saying how being a UCLA fan is akin to being a Man U fan, you hardly see a losing game, and its much more fun. HAHHAHAH.
Will upload the pictures from the Basketball game and San Francisco once I'm back. Its Veteran's Day, public holiday on Monday and that's when I'll be back!
Back to start the 7th Week of School.
Went to a UCLA Basketball game yesterday. Happening. Tickets were sold out, and we got some tix from "ahem" sources. LOL. Great game, great atmosphere. Been to most of the UCLA sports now, and I haven't watched a single losing game! My friend was saying how being a UCLA fan is akin to being a Man U fan, you hardly see a losing game, and its much more fun. HAHHAHAH.
Will upload the pictures from the Basketball game and San Francisco once I'm back. Its Veteran's Day, public holiday on Monday and that's when I'll be back!
Back to start the 7th Week of School.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
EAP Reciprocity
It was quite an interesting day today. Man Utd handed a whooping to Dynamo Kiev, 4-0 was the score.
What was better was that I went to a preorientation briefing for UCLA students that were going to Singapore next semester. I was quite surprised to know that there were individual booklets for each country that UC students are assigned to, plus another general guide. They also arranged for past students who were on exchange in the same country to come down to share with the newbies information that would have been extremely valuable for their exchange.
Got to meet several new people who were going to come down next semester, and also a guy that was in NUS the past semester. I guess what really struck me was that, this guy went around most of South East Asia in his time in Singapore. He was flying every weekend to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and also to Taiwan and Australia. I mean discounting the powerful US currency at that time, travelling all these countries must have been quite an eyeopener. Guess I kind of feel abit weird that I haven't been to most of the SEA countries before. hmm...I guess I really should. And I will!
The sharing session went good, although I was quite surprised that there might be a lack of on-campus housing for the UC students. Surprised they want to do internships in Singapore, surprised that some of them know about JJ Lin. (WAT !?) I told them to just spend time travelling, and figuring out CORS. Also, I guess this question never really struck me, but, are there cheap apartments near school available for rent? I've been staying at home for so long, but now I'm wondering, how much does it cost to stay away from home exactly...What would that experience be like? (Don't tell me like army. Definitely not. Hahaha.) Still, I guess nothing beats home. Hahaha. Its at times like these I'm really thankful that Singapore is such a small place that home and school is merely an hour away. Now, I really should ask them, why did they choose Singapore to go for exchange in the first place? Hahaha.
What was better was that I went to a preorientation briefing for UCLA students that were going to Singapore next semester. I was quite surprised to know that there were individual booklets for each country that UC students are assigned to, plus another general guide. They also arranged for past students who were on exchange in the same country to come down to share with the newbies information that would have been extremely valuable for their exchange.
Got to meet several new people who were going to come down next semester, and also a guy that was in NUS the past semester. I guess what really struck me was that, this guy went around most of South East Asia in his time in Singapore. He was flying every weekend to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and also to Taiwan and Australia. I mean discounting the powerful US currency at that time, travelling all these countries must have been quite an eyeopener. Guess I kind of feel abit weird that I haven't been to most of the SEA countries before. hmm...I guess I really should. And I will!
The sharing session went good, although I was quite surprised that there might be a lack of on-campus housing for the UC students. Surprised they want to do internships in Singapore, surprised that some of them know about JJ Lin. (WAT !?) I told them to just spend time travelling, and figuring out CORS. Also, I guess this question never really struck me, but, are there cheap apartments near school available for rent? I've been staying at home for so long, but now I'm wondering, how much does it cost to stay away from home exactly...What would that experience be like? (Don't tell me like army. Definitely not. Hahaha.) Still, I guess nothing beats home. Hahaha. Its at times like these I'm really thankful that Singapore is such a small place that home and school is merely an hour away. Now, I really should ask them, why did they choose Singapore to go for exchange in the first place? Hahaha.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Gone Till November
Just finished watching the match between Liverpool and Besiktas. 8-0. Goodness. I'm so glad I'm able to watch soccer down here in the States, couldn't imagine going without watching ManUtd for like 4 mths!
Finally the plethora of midterms and papers are over. Been doing pretty good I guess, quite happy, but also in a way knowing that these results don't really mean anything just makes things abit empty.
Yes its November, and the sun isn't out, and I'm feeling a little dreary. I can't believe that 2 months has passed since I first stepped foot into America. These 2 months have been sooo good. And I've learnt and experienced so much. I've really lucked out in getting great roommates and housemates, and that everything in LA has been quite smooth-sailing so far. Its been fun travelling the States as well with Fel and Justin, and I'm glad we did this trip together hahaha.
I don't know why I'm sounding so poignant, but I guess it has to do with the fact that I realise that I only have 4/5 weeks before schoool ends. And then its time to go home. My roommates and housemates have been telling me that its a pity I'm here only for such a short time, and in a way I guess I agree. Oh well.
Cheers. Haha.
Finally the plethora of midterms and papers are over. Been doing pretty good I guess, quite happy, but also in a way knowing that these results don't really mean anything just makes things abit empty.
Yes its November, and the sun isn't out, and I'm feeling a little dreary. I can't believe that 2 months has passed since I first stepped foot into America. These 2 months have been sooo good. And I've learnt and experienced so much. I've really lucked out in getting great roommates and housemates, and that everything in LA has been quite smooth-sailing so far. Its been fun travelling the States as well with Fel and Justin, and I'm glad we did this trip together hahaha.
I don't know why I'm sounding so poignant, but I guess it has to do with the fact that I realise that I only have 4/5 weeks before schoool ends. And then its time to go home. My roommates and housemates have been telling me that its a pity I'm here only for such a short time, and in a way I guess I agree. Oh well.
Cheers. Haha.
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Its Beginning to Get to Me.
No, the blog title isn't about me getting home sick. Not yet at least. (Then when?)
I have the flu. Bah. Sniffling sucks. I'm still functional, but feeling a little down I guess. What with the weather going hot and cold and nice then hot then cold. Booooo.
Taking a break from school work, and studying for the massive week ahead. 3 Midterms coming up, and 2 papers due the week after this one. I'm due a breather after this, and I'll be so glad once the midterms are over, because then I'm going to San Francisco!
Courses have not been as hectic, but studying sure has. Its one thing saying, only the credits are counted, just make sure you pass the courses here. Still, I think there's a perogative to at least try and do reasonably well here, amidst all the fun, its quite rewarding to know that I'm doing well. Hahaha.
I'm going for a TV taping at Hollywood on Thursday for MadTv. I don't exactly know what's happening to be honest. Just sit there and see how taping a TV show works I guess. It better be entertaining and there better not be 10 million takes on the same scene! Still it'll be nice to see a studio and stuff like that, takes the mundanity out of freaking studying life, although I do have a midterm the day after the taping. Hahaha.
On another note, I'm glad the fires in Southern California have gone down, and firefighters have managed to keep it under control. Its sad seeing people whose houses have been destroyed by these fires, or have lost their loved ones.
I'm not sure though, am I the only person who doesn't like Halloween? BAH. Irritating.
I have the flu. Bah. Sniffling sucks. I'm still functional, but feeling a little down I guess. What with the weather going hot and cold and nice then hot then cold. Booooo.
Taking a break from school work, and studying for the massive week ahead. 3 Midterms coming up, and 2 papers due the week after this one. I'm due a breather after this, and I'll be so glad once the midterms are over, because then I'm going to San Francisco!
Courses have not been as hectic, but studying sure has. Its one thing saying, only the credits are counted, just make sure you pass the courses here. Still, I think there's a perogative to at least try and do reasonably well here, amidst all the fun, its quite rewarding to know that I'm doing well. Hahaha.
I'm going for a TV taping at Hollywood on Thursday for MadTv. I don't exactly know what's happening to be honest. Just sit there and see how taping a TV show works I guess. It better be entertaining and there better not be 10 million takes on the same scene! Still it'll be nice to see a studio and stuff like that, takes the mundanity out of freaking studying life, although I do have a midterm the day after the taping. Hahaha.
On another note, I'm glad the fires in Southern California have gone down, and firefighters have managed to keep it under control. Its sad seeing people whose houses have been destroyed by these fires, or have lost their loved ones.
I'm not sure though, am I the only person who doesn't like Halloween? BAH. Irritating.
Monday, 22 October 2007
Hilgard BBQ
Wow, all of a sudden, the ppl here organised a bbq! Think its really nice ppl are spending their time to do this and its quite fun to be sitting around a fire talking nonsense and having beers. I'm starting to like this community more and more, and I'm really glad that I managed to get a place on campus housing, where I get to mix with a diverse bunch of people and learn so much about not only the U.S. but other cultures as well.
This is getting to be a really tight-knit community, and I'm thankful that these social networks are all of the right mix and making my UCLA stay all the more fruitful.
SO cheeeeeers to Hilgard, and cheeeeers to the Singaporeans that have accompanied me on this trip to UCLA!
But now....time to do my paper. HAHA.
This is getting to be a really tight-knit community, and I'm thankful that these social networks are all of the right mix and making my UCLA stay all the more fruitful.
SO cheeeeeers to Hilgard, and cheeeeers to the Singaporeans that have accompanied me on this trip to UCLA!
But now....time to do my paper. HAHA.
Funny Weather
It is Fall in America, but strangely enough, the weather in Los Angeles is weird. After a couple of weeks where the temperature has been a high of 23 deg C and a low of 13 deg C, the past 2 days have had a high of 31 deg C and a low of 13 deg C. A look at the weather forecast shows that the weather is going to be this hot for the next week at least, which is HOT. Funnily enough, there have been reports of winds at 40-60mph that are going to happen for the next few days at night, which is actually quite interesting. I never had to contend with forces of nature at home, now its actually quite a new experience to be somewhere that there is a possibility of new weather experiences, at least those that are unexpected.
Here are the pics as promised from the Rose Bowl.
Trying to be clever to catch "UCLA" formed by the band.
Getting sunburnt :S
Entrance to the Rose Bowl
Action
Final Score
Go Bruins!!!!!!!!!!!
On another note, I've come to realise that despite Singapore being chastised as a country that has little political freedom, or stifling human rights, we are constantly a focus in the international context. The text that my roommate is reading for his International Political Theory/Economy class, has a lot of mention of Singapore, and we are always used as an example of growth and success, in spite of our supposed stifling environment. Of course, I'd try as much as I can in our conversations to dispel any misbeliefs that people have of our country, there must always be a balance struck between individual rights and the common good. Great, now I sound like I'm an advocate of National Education. Wait....I was actually working there once. HAHAHA.
Here are the pics as promised from the Rose Bowl.
Trying to be clever to catch "UCLA" formed by the band.
Getting sunburnt :S
Entrance to the Rose Bowl
Action
Final Score
Go Bruins!!!!!!!!!!!
On another note, I've come to realise that despite Singapore being chastised as a country that has little political freedom, or stifling human rights, we are constantly a focus in the international context. The text that my roommate is reading for his International Political Theory/Economy class, has a lot of mention of Singapore, and we are always used as an example of growth and success, in spite of our supposed stifling environment. Of course, I'd try as much as I can in our conversations to dispel any misbeliefs that people have of our country, there must always be a balance struck between individual rights and the common good. Great, now I sound like I'm an advocate of National Education. Wait....I was actually working there once. HAHAHA.
Sunday, 21 October 2007
UCLA FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
Just got back from the football game, UCLA Bruins vs the CAL Golden Bears. What a russssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhh......wooohooo! UCLA beats CAL 30-21 ! And we were expected to lose all the more. Since our quarterback and our reserve quarterback was out, and we just lost to the worst-ranked team coming into this game. HAHA.
Got up early in the morning to take the shuttle from UCLA to the Rose Bowl. Talk about Singaporeans being kiasu, the ticket said that the bus was supposed to leave 2 and a half hours before the game, but the queue started from 9am onwards!
It took a really really long bus ride to Pasedena, to the Rose Bowl, Home of the UCLA Bruins. Filled to a capacity of 91,000, the stadium was incredible. There was no track surrounding the stadium so everyone was close up to the action. YEH!
There was a huge crowd at the stadium when we got there. There were alot of people setting up barbeques and drinking beers, setting up tents outside the stadium and their TV screens, all intent on having a good time watching the game outside the stadium.
The UCLA Fight cheer never fails to resound, but first it was the Star Spangled Banner played by the marching band, then the 8 claps, which is the fight cheer. woooo! It's great fun to be in the crowd, when strangers all around get starting high and high fiving everyone and cheering with everyone hahaha! There was this girl in the crowd, who was wearing a Cal tee, and everyone was going, "Take off that Cal shirt, take off that Cal Shirt..." And she was teasing taking it off. HAHA. Very interesting.
To be honest, in spite of the kickass crowd, and 1x old spirit squad leader alumni calling for "every man woman and child" to not be a "slacker", the game was quite boring. I mean American Football is really, tactical and by play, and there are stoppages all the time, unlike footy where its non-stop action from start to finish. But it was still a nerve-wracking and exciting finish though! Cal with a minute left on the clock, needing only to score a field goal to win the game, but we managed to intercept the pass and score a TOUCHDOWN. Talk about the whole stadium erupting. wooohooo!
Well, I'll start uploading pics as soon as I'm feeling motivated to put the pics into my laptop hahaha. Wait up. GO BRUINS.
(Seriously, this school has a really good way of making you feel part of the Bruin Family, think I never felt a sense of allegiance to a school other than DHS, when I still remember Mr Kiw saying, once a Dunmanian, always a Dunmanian.)
Got up early in the morning to take the shuttle from UCLA to the Rose Bowl. Talk about Singaporeans being kiasu, the ticket said that the bus was supposed to leave 2 and a half hours before the game, but the queue started from 9am onwards!
It took a really really long bus ride to Pasedena, to the Rose Bowl, Home of the UCLA Bruins. Filled to a capacity of 91,000, the stadium was incredible. There was no track surrounding the stadium so everyone was close up to the action. YEH!
There was a huge crowd at the stadium when we got there. There were alot of people setting up barbeques and drinking beers, setting up tents outside the stadium and their TV screens, all intent on having a good time watching the game outside the stadium.
The UCLA Fight cheer never fails to resound, but first it was the Star Spangled Banner played by the marching band, then the 8 claps, which is the fight cheer. woooo! It's great fun to be in the crowd, when strangers all around get starting high and high fiving everyone and cheering with everyone hahaha! There was this girl in the crowd, who was wearing a Cal tee, and everyone was going, "Take off that Cal shirt, take off that Cal Shirt..." And she was teasing taking it off. HAHA. Very interesting.
To be honest, in spite of the kickass crowd, and 1x old spirit squad leader alumni calling for "every man woman and child" to not be a "slacker", the game was quite boring. I mean American Football is really, tactical and by play, and there are stoppages all the time, unlike footy where its non-stop action from start to finish. But it was still a nerve-wracking and exciting finish though! Cal with a minute left on the clock, needing only to score a field goal to win the game, but we managed to intercept the pass and score a TOUCHDOWN. Talk about the whole stadium erupting. wooohooo!
Well, I'll start uploading pics as soon as I'm feeling motivated to put the pics into my laptop hahaha. Wait up. GO BRUINS.
(Seriously, this school has a really good way of making you feel part of the Bruin Family, think I never felt a sense of allegiance to a school other than DHS, when I still remember Mr Kiw saying, once a Dunmanian, always a Dunmanian.)
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Semi-Charmed Life
Take blog updates as a reliable predictor as to whether I am busy or if I'm taking a break during school work because it is all starting to pile up.
Without me knowing, the midterms are suddenly in my face, and thankfully, I've been keeping up with readings and being current. Things have a good knack for staying in my mind, *pray* and things don't become overwhelming. What sucks though is that on top of midterms, I've got to prepare for short essays, long essays, debate, and mega long essay. A quarter system really compressess everything. That being said, if I did just take the normal workload, it would probably have been much easier. :P
Had a lesson today in Psychology and Law. There was an invited guest speaker, a pretty well-known defence attorney who gave us a rundown on the criminal court system in California. The ethics of a defense attorney is mindboggling to say the least. Their mandate is to defend their client zealously, and their defence consists of protecting their client's constitutional rights. A police officer can't search your car if they do not have reasonable proof to think that something is in your car, and you have the right to tell him that he is not allowed to search it even if he wants to! I can't imagine us at home telling the police that they can't search our cars. That being said, I don't really know what my constitutional rights are, or how they are protected back home. Seems like I'm assuming either the police have rights to searches, or they have warrants for searches or something to that effect. American's really seem to know their rights, and they have A LOT of rights.
So it is that today's topic was alot on the lawyering tactics of jury selection, trial processes, and the psychology took a backseat in the course. Seems more like a course for lawyers, and I was amazed that probably 3/4 of the class were going to law school. S***. There better be more psychological theories for people like me to pwn the course, I don't want to remember lawyering tactics and proceedings all that much! Still, I would love to head home to ask some lawyers about the legal system at home and compare.
Hopefully I can get tickets to watch Switchfoot and Reliant K in concert at UCI. My friend is getting them for me, and I can't wait to watch Switchfoot! omg. woooooooo!
Tomorrow's I'm going to the football game, the UCLA Bruins vs Cal. I heard football lasts a terribly long time. I hope I don't get too bored. Still, I'm going to come back with loads of pictures of the 91,000 Rose Bowl. Giant!
On another note, this place is starting to feel like home. Yeh. In the sense that it is 31C in Los Angeles California. HAWT* I'm loving it. HAHAHAHHA.
Without me knowing, the midterms are suddenly in my face, and thankfully, I've been keeping up with readings and being current. Things have a good knack for staying in my mind, *pray* and things don't become overwhelming. What sucks though is that on top of midterms, I've got to prepare for short essays, long essays, debate, and mega long essay. A quarter system really compressess everything. That being said, if I did just take the normal workload, it would probably have been much easier. :P
Had a lesson today in Psychology and Law. There was an invited guest speaker, a pretty well-known defence attorney who gave us a rundown on the criminal court system in California. The ethics of a defense attorney is mindboggling to say the least. Their mandate is to defend their client zealously, and their defence consists of protecting their client's constitutional rights. A police officer can't search your car if they do not have reasonable proof to think that something is in your car, and you have the right to tell him that he is not allowed to search it even if he wants to! I can't imagine us at home telling the police that they can't search our cars. That being said, I don't really know what my constitutional rights are, or how they are protected back home. Seems like I'm assuming either the police have rights to searches, or they have warrants for searches or something to that effect. American's really seem to know their rights, and they have A LOT of rights.
So it is that today's topic was alot on the lawyering tactics of jury selection, trial processes, and the psychology took a backseat in the course. Seems more like a course for lawyers, and I was amazed that probably 3/4 of the class were going to law school. S***. There better be more psychological theories for people like me to pwn the course, I don't want to remember lawyering tactics and proceedings all that much! Still, I would love to head home to ask some lawyers about the legal system at home and compare.
Hopefully I can get tickets to watch Switchfoot and Reliant K in concert at UCI. My friend is getting them for me, and I can't wait to watch Switchfoot! omg. woooooooo!
Tomorrow's I'm going to the football game, the UCLA Bruins vs Cal. I heard football lasts a terribly long time. I hope I don't get too bored. Still, I'm going to come back with loads of pictures of the 91,000 Rose Bowl. Giant!
On another note, this place is starting to feel like home. Yeh. In the sense that it is 31C in Los Angeles California. HAWT* I'm loving it. HAHAHAHHA.
Monday, 15 October 2007
The UniTablist
Watched a soccer game between UCLA and Stanford. The atmosphere wasn't as spontaneous and electric as the volleyball game between UCLA and USC. In fact, the crowd was quite dead made worse by the fact that the stadium wasn't filled. It was such a contrast to watching soccer back home, back at Kallang, at the National Stadium. Feet stamping, hordes of vitriol and abuse hurled at the opposition and the referee wentever decisions did not go our way. Tens of thousand of Singaporeans gathered together just to see us kick the crap out of the opposition, whoever that may be. Lol. This was sadly quite disappointing, that soccer does not arouse the same generation of passion as does basketball, baseball or football does in the States. I shan't comment on the standard of play, but I must say I never understand why the U.S. likes to change the rules of soccer. It happened with the MLS, but in college soccer? There are unlimited substitutions, which spoils the tactics of the game. The clock is stopped for stoppages, so there isn't any stoppage time or injury time at the end of the half, culminating in a very cheesy and irritating "5,4,3,2,1" count down at the end of each half.
Half time entertainment consisted of no cheerleaders. LOL. Instead, 2 kids teams ran out for a friendly kickabout. This seems to be a major thing in American parenting, that they want to get their kids involved in all kinds of sports, in the Little leagues. And there are rules governing all these leagues and organized activities for kids. On one hand, I think that its good that there are so many activities, organized ones at that, that kids can participate and learn from and develop their talents. But whatever happened to spontaneity, and a childhood of making up your own rules and finding out what you want, when you wanted to? Sometimes I think kids should be left to their own devices, but heck what would I know? Just seems that the magic is lost somehow.
I think I never introduced my roommates to those who are reading this blog lol. My American roommate's name is Matthew, Matt for short. My German roommate's name is Cornelius. Matt DJ's with the turntables and stuff, and we've got similar taste in music, so I love whatever he puts on the stereo. Cornelius is into political science, international relations and military stuff, so we have a lot of fun talking about politics, policies, comparisons between countries, and of course military history and protocols.
Matt's pal came down for a visit, Fernando. He was actually teaching English in Korea for bout 7 mths and living the life. But got sick of it and decided to come back. A wanderer, which makes for an exciting and random life. Somehow though he was sharing, that maybe its time to settle down, get a proper job. But that doesn't mean he is going to abandon his jet setting lifestyle all the same. hahahah.
And he had a car, Acura Integra, (wonder if that is the same as the Honda Integra, I suspect it is..) which means he took us out on a spin. Drove around the neighbouring districts of LA, taking in the sights and sounds.
Next to the Bruin Bear!
Random camwhore moment.
CHEEEEEEEESE!
Train Burger place selling incredible chilli dogs.
Los Angeles River (This is...sad)
Still can't get through the fact that its not a stereo in the room but a turntable playing vinyl records. wooo! Plug for my mate Matt the Unitablist on myspace!
Half time entertainment consisted of no cheerleaders. LOL. Instead, 2 kids teams ran out for a friendly kickabout. This seems to be a major thing in American parenting, that they want to get their kids involved in all kinds of sports, in the Little leagues. And there are rules governing all these leagues and organized activities for kids. On one hand, I think that its good that there are so many activities, organized ones at that, that kids can participate and learn from and develop their talents. But whatever happened to spontaneity, and a childhood of making up your own rules and finding out what you want, when you wanted to? Sometimes I think kids should be left to their own devices, but heck what would I know? Just seems that the magic is lost somehow.
I think I never introduced my roommates to those who are reading this blog lol. My American roommate's name is Matthew, Matt for short. My German roommate's name is Cornelius. Matt DJ's with the turntables and stuff, and we've got similar taste in music, so I love whatever he puts on the stereo. Cornelius is into political science, international relations and military stuff, so we have a lot of fun talking about politics, policies, comparisons between countries, and of course military history and protocols.
Matt's pal came down for a visit, Fernando. He was actually teaching English in Korea for bout 7 mths and living the life. But got sick of it and decided to come back. A wanderer, which makes for an exciting and random life. Somehow though he was sharing, that maybe its time to settle down, get a proper job. But that doesn't mean he is going to abandon his jet setting lifestyle all the same. hahahah.
And he had a car, Acura Integra, (wonder if that is the same as the Honda Integra, I suspect it is..) which means he took us out on a spin. Drove around the neighbouring districts of LA, taking in the sights and sounds.
Next to the Bruin Bear!
Random camwhore moment.
CHEEEEEEEESE!
Train Burger place selling incredible chilli dogs.
Los Angeles River (This is...sad)
Still can't get through the fact that its not a stereo in the room but a turntable playing vinyl records. wooo! Plug for my mate Matt the Unitablist on myspace!
Thursday, 11 October 2007
UCLA Planetarium
Amidst the hussle and bussle that is school, I took the time off to vist the UCLA Planetarium and Observatory, part of the UCLA Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics where there was a show on stars. There was also a telescope viewing of current objects that was in the night sky.
The graduate student gave us a quick lesson on the birth, life and death of stars. (No not the USP module). He then showed us the night sky by pointing out various constellations, imaginary lines of the Earth's orbit, celestial equinox, astrology terms that I couldn't make any sense of, but was still cool all the same.
Astronomy never fails to amaze me, and remind me how small we really are in the large scheme of things. Astrology and the Zodiac just confuses me. LOL.
Telescopic House
Planetarium
View of Westwood Village
The cold night, a star-filled sky. The perfect combination.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a totally seperate note, there was a reading which my Prof got us to read, which hadn't been published yet.
"This Brave New World, has already begun in Singapore, perhaps the most restrictive non-Muslim society in the world..."
Goes on to talk about the "Great Marriage Debate" and then the streaming policy in Singapore.
I promptly shot a long-ass email up to the Prof.
Is there a cross-hair on our country? Why are we inviting so many criticisms from all over the world? I think its really our duty as citizens to correct any fallacies of our country to the best of our ability. We've all had gripes about the system, but there are some things that you just cannot stand for and swallow.
The graduate student gave us a quick lesson on the birth, life and death of stars. (No not the USP module). He then showed us the night sky by pointing out various constellations, imaginary lines of the Earth's orbit, celestial equinox, astrology terms that I couldn't make any sense of, but was still cool all the same.
Astronomy never fails to amaze me, and remind me how small we really are in the large scheme of things. Astrology and the Zodiac just confuses me. LOL.
Telescopic House
Planetarium
View of Westwood Village
The cold night, a star-filled sky. The perfect combination.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a totally seperate note, there was a reading which my Prof got us to read, which hadn't been published yet.
"This Brave New World, has already begun in Singapore, perhaps the most restrictive non-Muslim society in the world..."
Goes on to talk about the "Great Marriage Debate" and then the streaming policy in Singapore.
I promptly shot a long-ass email up to the Prof.
Is there a cross-hair on our country? Why are we inviting so many criticisms from all over the world? I think its really our duty as citizens to correct any fallacies of our country to the best of our ability. We've all had gripes about the system, but there are some things that you just cannot stand for and swallow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)