Perception

theinsidelane: Education Quote Pic #6 Is there still a place...

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:37:56 +0800

Education Quote Pic #6

Is there still a place for rote learning in modern education?

(photo by Daniel P. Fleming on Flickr)

Yeah, real world problem.

My first dreadnought

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:54:27 +0800

My first dreadnought

Photo

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:51:32 +0800

Photo

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:50:44 +0800

Photo

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:48:51 +0800

Lone Wolf

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:38:55 +0800

I’ve been more talkative in university, sometimes I just can’t help it; but usually it’s because I don’t want to come across as arrogant or creepy, or “silent killer” as some people put it. I guess I’m a born listener; I’d end up listening to the interrogators’ story. Blabbering can be tiring; gossiping is bitchy. I’d rather be quiet.

The reason? Because living in my head is awesome. People say I’m smart; how do you define smart anyway? Knowledgeable? Witty? Inquisitive? Creative? I don’t know, but man I’m flattered! The truth is: I think, never too much though. Maybe that’s why. I can get somewhat detached when I’m thinking. I prefer getting things done on my own. I don’t like others slowing me down or worst, holding me back. Maybe I’m stubborn; I won’t stop when I’m determined. I’m naturally serious. I try to avoid unconscious negative influences from people around, friends especially. I don’t fancy being contained by rules or norms. In short, I’m at my best when I’m at my own. Shallow, superficial meaningless conversation? I’ll pass. Snobbish, you say? No, you misunderstood. That’s why I walk alone.

Ok, sorry for being cynical. Lone Wolfs are being sympathise as if they’re dysfunctional in the society. Quiet ones are almost always being perceived negatively. It’s sad but true; perhaps one day, society might appreciate them when they’re all gone. Action speaks louder than words, people say; they are the people who walk the talk. Don’t believe me? Then choose the loudest one.

Fine del rant.

-JP

Dusk at UNIMAS

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:33:02 +0800

Dusk at UNIMAS

Silent camera is illegal!?

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:26:54 +0800

I know there were cases of perverts taking candid shots of ladies underwear, most prevalent in Asia I think. Therefore, laws were implemented to make silent camera illegal so that people would know if someone took a photo of them. It is very annoying to me, because the Note 2 will make an extremely loud shutter sound whenever I capture a photo. The sound would draw everyone’s attention to me, making the situation awkward and embarrassing. I understand that the laws protect people’s privacy, however reasonable it is, the noise is irritating.

There’s no way to disable that sound, it’d be illegal to do that. Samsung are adhering to the law to avoid possible lawsuit apparently. But this is just too ridiculous to me, I can’t capture photo in peace now. =(

Well folks, have fun with this retarded law!

-JP

Electronic note pad - Galaxy Note 2

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:42:15 +0800

Woohoo! This is a post from tumblr application from Note 2, the functions are a quite limited compared to website version. I’m trying out various things that I use often, such as note taking, camera, encyclopedia and dictionary, not to mention what I’m doing right now. It’s my first time owning Android device, I hope it doesn’t disappoint!

The device is a beauty, industrious metallic design and the 5.5’ HD super Amoled screen is a sight to behold. It’d be perfect if aluminium was used instead. 720p, it’s like having a mini HD TV in your pocket. I’ve been accustomed to my dated sluggish N900, using this beasty 1.6GHz quad core device is gratifying; most of the apps start within fraction if a second, if not for a few seconds. Booting is a breeze too, it boots up in less than 10 seconds, as compared to my overclocked N900 which took minutes to be usable. Camera are quick to load too, but I hope it could be almost instantaneous. One might think this little behemoth might ran out of juice quickly, sadly (gladly) to say that I never manage to finish the battery under normal usage.

Here’s the reason Note 2 won me over: the ability to take note with a stylus. I know I know, it’s no rocket science or technological breakthrough, but so far not many devices I’ve used come close to Samsung’s Note series (I know there are superior touchscreen device out there, but they usually cost a bomb). I enjoyed drawing and writing on the integrated note application, paperless fun! On top of that, the new stylus comes with 1024 level of pressure sensor although I’ve yet to see the effects. Want to know my electronic pet peeves?

Virtual keyboard.

I never seem to get along with it; here comes the handwriting recognition to save the day! I write mostly in cursive; impressively, Note 2 get it most of the time. Perhaps better than my teachers do. No joke. Oh ya, air view with the stylus saves time too, and it’s cool!

OK, I still have a lot to learn about it. OS wise, it’d be great if Android was as open as Maemo5 on N900. I felt disappointed that ad-hoc network was disabled, and the sound quality of the media player for certain tracks were awful. To make things worse, there was no terminal and there’s no accurate way to read the device’s activities. The good side is, the device have smart functions such as the smart stay, rotation, blocking mode, etc.

I could go on ranting but I’ll stop my excitement here. Honestly though, I’ve got the shiny device some micro scratches on the metallic part just in a few weeks. I’m terrible when it comes to preserve shiny or glossy things.

Please, use your device to its maximum potential.

-JP

"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness."

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:37:55 +0800

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”

- Maya Angelou

Do you sing?

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:12:33 +0800

Takamine D20-NS, a dreadnought acoustic guitar I bought few weeks ago. The quality is impressive for the price, and the tone is quite good I’d say. This will be the first guitar I own. Woohoo! A reunion with my musical passion sure feels good! Although I’m a beginner guitarist, I do love fingerstyle a lot.

OK, here’s the thing: Guitarist ≠ Singer

Friend: “You play guitar at your room?”

Me: “Yeah, why do you ask?”

Friend: “Um, won’t you feel bothered when you sings, like others might be listening?”

It dawned on me that, MANY people thinks that whoever plays guitar must sing. Isn’t it? Guitar is so mainstream that it become an accompaniment instrument for most singers. All they do is strum a few chords, maybe pick a few notes, and they sing along. It’s everywhere, it’s in the media, it’s around us, our friends did that too; singers with guitar are so common that we started to think that they are GUITARIST.

NO, they might be. But mostly not.

OK, I know no one cares about this. But whenever people ask if I sing, they are getting on my nerves. Whenever I say NO, they’d say: “So what’s your guitar for?” I felt humiliated somehow, I wish I could smack them with my guitar. Not going to happen though.

What? Isn’t that obvious? I’m a guitarist! That’s what the guitar for!

It’s really sad that our general population is ignorant of the fact, that guitar is not only for accompaniment. Don’t believe me? Go out and ask those “guitarist wannabe” who is one of the best (acoustic/electric/whatever) guitarist in the world; you’ll get what I mean.

End of rant.

“Music is what feelings sound like.”

-JP

I know you're reading this

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:23:17 +0800

I know you are. Here contains my deepest thoughts and desires…

Please,

Read on your own risk.

-JP

Beginning of University life

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:58:34 +0800

It’s been a long time since I’ve update here.

1st, life was a little hectic for the last 1 month period;
2nd, the internet here is horrible;
3rd… OK, I ADMIT. I’m just too lazy.

Obviously, my hectic university life is not going to end any time soon. Maybe it is my poor time management skills that cause life to be so hectic here, usually it feels like time passed so quickly that you would start to wonder if there are really 24 hours in a day… Sometimes I don’t even know where did I spent my time on. A lot had happened since I get into UNIMAS.

Oh, it ends temporary.

Now I’m in a week of holiday, with my terrible organising skills and lack of goals, I bet it’s going to be a mess. I can say it is a mess, I slept through the day after finishing all the chores and assignments, which kinda left me feeling guilty. I wonder why am I so sleepy and tired recently, yet having insomnia at night…

Anyway, I think I’ll do some reading as usual, and stop writing in a pretentious tone like in previous posts. Too weird when I re-read them.

Bed’s callin’ again, have fun guys.

-JP

"And everyone is somebody. People are people. Some are just more known than others. But that..."

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 03:07:00 +0800

“And everyone is somebody. People are people. Some are just more known than others. But that doesn’t make them inherently better.”

- Ben Cooper

Imagination in words

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:31:14 +0800

I’ve been writing down series of my fantasy down as a story, something which I never thought I’d do. I’m addicting to story writing now, although it takes a lot of time getting my imaginations down in words, not to mention review and polish them. But I can tell you it’s damn interesting, as you’ll open up your senses to things that you never noticed; you’ll started to look around to find inspiration and different point of views for your story.

So fellas, I’ve just started writing, never took any classes or lessons. Therefore, evaluations and criticisms are always welcomed! I’ll write down what I’ve learned when I have free time here…

-JP

Yes or No!? My phone asked me, which I don’t even know...

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 04:24:19 +0800

Yes or No!? My phone asked me, which I don’t even know what it’s about.

Welcome Home - Radical Face The song always give me a mixed...

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 04:14:36 +0800

Welcome Home - Radical Face

The song always give me a mixed feeling of happiness and sadness…

Desiderata

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 04:08:00 +0800

By: Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Radical Face, Ben Cooper

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 03:53:00 +0800

Radical Face, Ben Cooper:

My new-found favourite musician. His music reaches some of the deepest place in my spiritual space… He’s bearded too.

Go on… Have a feel. You won’t regret I promise.

Smells like cheese!

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 03:45:00 +0800

I know they make good dishes, and tastes awful on their own. Not all of them, though. It’s been awhile since I write something here, as I’ve been writing things down on a paper journal. Sometimes I wonder, “who’d actually read my blog”? It’s boring, compared to 99% of the blogs here on tumblr. Gawsh, I LOVE the eccentricity and creativity here, it’s unconventional, it feels like a breath of fresh air to me! Everyone have their field of interests and talents, which is awesome!

About the cheese? It’s my style of writing. Cheesy, I sometimes cringe at what I’ve written here. Which makes me question what I’m currently writing. Was it a little dull, over dramatic? It’s not the way I think in my head, I just can’t get it right when I tried to express them in words. Meh, who cares? I guess no one actually read them anyway… And here I’m criticising myself, always strife for the best, right?

I’m going to the university soon, what to expect?? Something exciting? Some say it’s the best time of our life, I don’t know about that. I always thought it was our secondary school life. Anyway, I gotta go now.

Cheese!

-JP