Project: A Photo a Day, From Birthday to Birthday

View my Flickr photo set

"The 2012 to 2013 stretch is a big one -- my final year as a teenager.

Memories. Rather than keep them for myself, I'd like to share them with you. You might say a photo is a thousand words, so what better a way to tell my story than through the art of photography.

A personal art project, with the wish of providing me with the enthusiasm to go out and beyond the beaten path to experience and make memories that are worth keeping.

If you'll indulge me, I'd like to show you my best photo of the day -- my best illustration of the day -- for the next 365 days."

Uploaded my photos for the month of March! Still deciding on whether I should upload the photos daily or every 15 days. Thoughts?

Flickr Update: Arbitrary

New randoms added to the set Arbitrary!

Happy Valentine's!

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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Flight back to Melbourne
(&, by extension, Skyrim)
18.02.2012

Acme Bar & Coffee @ The Troika

View my Flickr photo set



Monday, December 19, 2011 - Two days later and we found ourselves back at Kuala Lumpur. But forget the bears, that's old news. I'm here to tell you about the spectacular dinner we had.

Ellie (@ellyasam on Twitter), Josh (@joshualeesl on Twitter), Ju Ann (@khoojuann on Twitter) and I initially planned to walk to Delicious @ Dua Residency from Ju Ann's condo in the Oval KL.

Then the rain came.

As we now drove toward Delicious, Josh remembered reading about this new restaurant at The Troika, a nearby condominium that was probably just as new. Never doubting Joshua's extensive knowledge of eateries and the like, we decided that's where we would have dinner.

After overcoming two unnecessarily difficult security guards, we managed to park at the Troika's then empty underground car park.

Emerging from a spiraling staircase, we left the main reception hall and were welcomed by Acme's giant logo and front doors, both under the gaze of the KLCC twin towers.

Walking past the heavy (understatement) doors and into the cool of the restaurant, we instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. Disguised as a typical New York loft, Acme resonated with smooth jazzy tunes. We were seated beside a large wall of glass, the skyline of KL beyond.

The menu, presented as a clipboard, boasted a small array of foods and beverages. We decided to share.

Now, what you've probably been waiting for since you've starting reading this post: the food.

Of course, I understand how incredibly difficult it can be to imagine food described by words. Don't forget to view the slideshow above (or if you're reading this on a handheld device, you can always view the photos on my Flickr account using the link above).

1. Japanese Scrambled Egg Salad with sesame dressing.

2. Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Fettuccini with buffalo mozzarella and grilled artichokes.

3. Roast Confit Lamb Shank with cumin onions, burnt cauliflower and roast potatoes.

4. Slices of Sour Dough Bread because we assumed all lamb shanks are served with sauce.

5. Coconut Bounty Cake

6. Cempedak Cake

Now, I won't go into detail in reviewing each dish, because all effortlessly satisfied (and I believe I lack the journalism fortitude to deliver veracious and clever cuisine reviews). But I will note that, personally as a meat-lover, I thought the lamb was absolutely brilliant.

At a reasonable price of about RM37 each, we happily paid the friendly waiters.

We took a little time to walk around, take in the interior design. We were introduced to the amiable sister team, who we speculated to be the owners of the establishment as they welcomed guests at the receptionist counter and around Acme. But that's pure speculation.

All in all, Acme delivered. You should go.

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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Christmas Day
It's Christmas Eve!
25.12.2011

United Buddy Bears

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Saturday, December 17, 2011 - "We have to get to know each other better. It makes us understand one another better, trust each other more, and live together more peacefully."

Ellie (@ellyasam on Twitter) had just arrived in Malaysia, and Josh (@joshualeesl on Twitter) with his younger sister Jasmaine (@jasmaine98 on Twitter) joined us as we traveled to the Pavilion KL.

As we drove past, we noticed these towering and super flashy bears erected in a perimeter around the complex and its welcoming fountain. Naturally, we had to join everybody else and take photos. It was practically the only option available.

Even cooler: Each was assigned to a specific country.

Only after getting back home late that night did I delve into what those bears actually meant. I mean, a hundred or so bears. Come on. Gotta be a catch. Right?

So I Google'd (don't tell my dad, he works at Microsoft) "bears pavilion" and after a surfing through a few pages, BOOP. I found out they were world touring Buddy Bears. Like the Gummy Bears, only way cooler and not edible (as far as we know).

These aptly named, United Buddy Bears, travel here and there every so often, promoting peace and harmony. Around 140 bears are designed by different artists on behalf of their native countries. I personally thought the bears were adopting that scary pose bears do before pouncing but, really, they're made to stand in that way to give the idea that they're "standing together hand in hand." Oh, and these bears have racked in about €1,800,000 (November 2011) through donations and auctions in aid of UNICEF and local children’s relief organisations.

Also, I'm now one of the 25 million or so visitors world-wide to have been photographed with the bears. Probably only one of the fewer to have hugged one (not photographed, sorry). Jealous? They'll be around 'til the 15^th of Feb next year.

If you're the type for details, look no further than here (http://www.buddy-baer.com/)

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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Christmas Day
I'm secretly an elf. Don't tell.
25.12.2011

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

View my Flickr photo set

I remember starting Oblivion in 2006. I never finished it.

It wasn't because I grew tired of the destruction I wreaked on innocents or the endless quests presented by the game and the limits of my imagination. It was because there was no end. The game was whatever you wanted to make of it. Explore every nook and cranny of the expansive province? Sure. Commit mass murder and flee the god-like guards? Whoa, no (but I still did it).

The sensibilities of freedom and discovery didn't sate my hunger, it fueled it. I dreamed of a sequel and, what have you, in about 5 years it arrives right on my doorstep.

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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Visit to Malaysia!
I can already smell the char kway teow cooking.
03.12.2011

He was a Revolutionary, a Visionary.

Steve Jobs
1955 - 2011
On this morning with deep clouds and a muted sun, I sat with my classmates, the Psychology of Stress students, in a small theatre at RMIT. It was just before the tweets on Twitter began reporting, Apple's co-founder, chairman and recently resigned CEO, Steve Jobs, had passed. So I sat there in awe, consulting my classmates. It couldn't be real. Not yet.

I sat in disbelief until I read the official statement Apple had just released:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

I've never met Steve Jobs, nor have I ever truly yearned to be in his presence. For all I knew, he could be an apparition; a character not unlike one in a film or television series. But his image and significance on the world has made him play a more personal role in my life than I'd care to admit. Not a day goes by without my laying hands on a product of his and his company's ingenuity and creativity. His company's flair and sleek, simplistic design virtues have inspired and influenced art and modern culture, reminding us that the future wasn't somewhere far away in distance but right in front of us.

He was a man of vision, innovation and imagination. A man of such caliber to be known throughout the globe for his contributions to the computer and technology industry.

He will be missed.

My heart goes out to his family, and to all who were touched by his phenomenal gifts.

Apple has since announced that fans can send their thoughts, condolences and memories to rememberingsteve@apple.com.

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

R U OK?Day '11

"A conversation could change a life."
There are 6.94 billion people on Earth. It's unlikely you'd be able to go an entire day without meeting anyone. Yet, the feeling of loneliness can kick in even when you're surrounded by people.

On Thursday, the 15^th of September, I invite you to join me in asking family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?"

R U OK?Day is an Australian day of action. The objective? To prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and, by extension, help stop little problems from turning into bigger ones.

But don't let the fact that it's just an Australian day dissuade you from connecting with those you know and love. I believe everyone, from around the world, all backgrounds and walks of life, should take a moment and spend some time with the people you care about.

After all, staying connected is key to promoting our general health and well-being. Feelings of isolation and hopelessness can play a part in the development of depression and other mental health issues, which can ultimately result in suicide. Consistent and meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

As Gavin Larkin, Founder R U OK?, says:

In the time it takes to have your coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life. On R U OK?Day, who will you ask?

It's that simple.



For details, and even tips on how to start an R U OK? conversation, click here (www.ruokday.com.au/)

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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The RMIT Foundation Graduation Lunch
September 2010 Intake
15.09.2011

Love Never Dies.

"Love's a curious thing. It often comes disguised."
Love Never Dies. Personally, I have never seen its predecessor, The Phantom of the Opera, or any musical other than that of my high school. But that said, having watched the film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, I expected a much darker and aged musical. Love Never Dies is different.

Love Never Dies is set in the year 1907, roughly ten years after the events of the original musical. Christine Daaé has been invited to perform at Phantasma, a new attraction in Coney Island, by a mysterious impresario, and along with her husband Raoul and son Gustave, she journeys to Brooklyn. Unbeknownst to her however, is that it is the Phantom who has arranged for her appearance.

Lover Never Dies' story is a deep, character-driven affair, that builds the relationships between the characters until the very dramatic ending. But what would it be without great visual flair? The theatre I watched Love Never Dies in was the Regent Theatre over in Collins Street. Its grand Victorian architecture really helped establish the era of the musical. Beyond the theatre itself were the absolutely brilliant set pieces and props that adorned the stage. Two towers, dressed in fairy lights and topped with marble looking roofs, framed the stage and contrasted the circular nature of the large stage and its large variety of set pieces.

Love Never Dies has scenes full of colour and yet, maintains its dark and mysterious nature. It sells the idea of Phantasma being a sort of Cirque du Soleil circus, with it's myriad of performers; from a wolfman to a group of gypsy-like dancers. The costumes felt extremely convincing, enunciating that we were actually in the early 1900's. The props were also very cleverly used, ensuring you're never wondering where you are unless you're meant to.

Making full use of the rotating nature of the circular stage, the transitions were both seamless and clever. Without spoiling too much, another highlight worth mentioning was the amazing practise of lights, silhouettes and one-way mirrors.

The Phantom was the real star of the show. He was mysterious yet bold, and his voice was so full of character. The orchestra, which was hidden right in front of the stage, beautifully backed the emotional and moving scenes. That's not to say the other cast members were unremarkable. They too succeeded in convincingly carrying their characters and reacting to the drama that unfolds throughout the musical.

All things considered, Love Never Dies is an amazing musical and one that I would recommend to any to watch.

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@bernardsam on Twitter:

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Visiting Malaysia!
I want my char kuay teow.
14.6.2011 - 04.07.2011

College Finals.

Semester B Finals. The final examination for college, and my last week in it.

Papers will be reviewed from my own account from 0 (WTF?) to 10 (Masterful) for you to get a better understanding of how well I thought the papers were (based mostly on length, time allocation, question variation, experience), not how simply by how easy it was.

Also, do note that I'm no professional examination reviewer (is there such a thing?) and expect different opinions from others who sat for the exam.

LAST UPDATE: June 10, 2011 4:55PM

Subjects:
• Biology B
• Physics B
• Chemistry B
• General Mathematics B
• English Language B

• Week 1:
- Day 1 (Monday): English Language & Biology B- The English paper was a good one, I reckon. The comprehension analysis had us reading this article on the positive points video-gamers possessed and it was a breeze. Question: "In which video-game does Azeroth lie?" Biology was challenging, but it was entirely doable. There were however a few questions that we've never seen before but it was nothing we couldn't handle. (+9, +7.5)
- Day 2 (Tuesday): General Mathematics B - The math paper only had 8 pages and 7 questions but no one left until the end. It wasn't that it was hard, just filled with number crunching and values. I wasted most of my time checking and checking the Chi Square Test which gave a ridiculous value. Fortunately the rest were doing just about the same thing too. There was a statistic question that was intensely long. Imagine, all values correct to 3 decimal places. I've never seen the end of my calculator's queue in an exam before. So long, in fact, I'm glad I'm not actually typing all of this out in numerical form. (+8.5)
- Day 3 (Thursday): Physics B - The paper was surprisingly short, with only 7 questions across 8 pages (not including the formulae page). I'd say the paper was doable, being surprisingly easy, but because of the wide range of topics it covered it was unfortunate for only a small portion of them to come out. Still, I'm not complaining! (+7.5)
- Day 4 (Friday): Chemistry B - A great paper, but there were a few instances of more strange values and unfamiliar questions. (+8)

^{For my thoughts on the Semester A Finals, click here (http://alwayssecondfromtheright.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-come-back.html)}

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Semester B Final Examinations
The grand finale.
30.05.2011 - 03.05.2011