New Year 2010 - Challenges

My MBA class will start on the 5th day of Chinese Lunar New Year. Well, actually, in this Chinese New Year, I find that it is not as merry as the last few years. Perhaps I should say since I stayed outside (Subang Jaya), I distance myself far away from my parents.

Normally, my hometown neighbourhood before the Chinese New Year celebration comes, they will quickly hang up the lanterns around their house or some sort like having a competition among themselves but the thing is, there was no reward to be given even you were the fastest. So, what do you think or what motivates those uncle or aunties hang up those lanterns before the 1 month of Chinese New Year?

I used to enjoy celebrating Chinese New Year but as time goes by or perhaps I am getting to become an adult, this is where adults actually don't find themselves really enjoy Chinese New Year. Maybe yes maybe not? You have to clean the house, tidying up the places, preparing food, and have to prepare some red packets which you have to fork out your money. Well, to the certain extend I am still not at this stage yet. This only applies to those who have married.

To be honest, this new year 2010 will be a very busy year to me, but I still hope that I would be able to catch up the workload and also able to write up some of my magic materials.

Andrew Loh

A Busy and Hectic Week

This week is a terrific week for me. On last Monday, my girlfriend and I, we both woke up at 4am and started our journey from Subang Jaya all the way travelled to Malacca. It was a very hectic day for us. On Wednesday, we did the same thing which we travelled to Malacca at 12pm which after our globalisation class. After distributing the questionnaires, we were heading home from Malacca to Subang Jaya on the same day.

You may asked why? As I know you are curious, actually we were very busy to distribute the questionnaires to among the lecturers in Malacca as well as the lecturers in Petaling Jaya. Well, I thought the effort was well worth it because we felt rejoice after collecting back the questionnaires which were filled by the lecturers to seek their views in the area of knowledge-sharing and money-motivator (my girlfriend's chosen title).

Well, to tell you the truth, it was not an easy task though because some of the questionnaires had errors. As we went through the whole process of distributing and collecting the questionnaires, some of the lecturers (approximately 5%) they didn't want to co-operate with us. Of course, we won't blame them due to their busy schedules and etc. But, the thing is, if they feel they have no time or limited time, why not they just tell us they can't do it so that we don't waste our questionnaires to them. Some of the lecturers in spite of telling them some of the areas they missed, they tried to be funny with us. I just don't understand why some lecturers were behaving that way. Aren't they feel ashamed by behaving that way? How they can regard themselves as "lecturers?" The purpose of being a lecturer is to educate and help students; but not trying to threaten us or to show their "egoistic" attitude.

I can attest that the Professors were very helpful to us as they pointed out some of the improvements that can be made in our questionnaires as well as valuable pointers. My supervisor, Dr. Chan Kok Eng was a very helpful lecturer as his kind pointers really helped me in my questionnaires. There was one female lecturer personally told me she would like to read my thesis after I complete my work. I really excited and can't wait to share my work with those lecturers that I respect highly even though they were not my lecturers. Well, let's forget this issue and allow me to share something else that are nice.

Overall, I would say this week I had invested too many books especially in the area of business. However, I did purchase a set of magic books by Karl Fulves in a box-set which has been in my wish-list for so long. Finally, I did manage to secure that box-set and I was so delighted to own this collection.

Last week I discoverd it was my first time to cook Macaroni with cheese as you can see the photo on your left. This was my first attempt though so nothing to brag about. ^_^ I really like the aroma of the cheese which blends perfectly with some of the herbs in the Macaroni. I hope to cook this dish after I complete all my assignments and thesis. After completing my assignments and thesis, I hope I would be able to write more card magic ebooks and spend my time in reading magic books. I have been stopped reading magic books for the past 8 months.

For your information, I came up a "Triumph" routine which involves two selections. This version is inspired by Jay Sankey's "Back in Time" which is one of my favourites. I have performed my version to my girlfriend and she was astounded. She couldn't believe what she had just seen the magic happened in her hands. If you want to know my version, check it out my ebook perhaps I will release my ebook or hardcopy book in August 2009. I strongly believe that you will like this version and will actually use in real-life performance.

Andrew Loh

Next Journey of Life...

Recently, I saw many of my fellow classmates were distributing their questionnaires to their friends to fill up. One good thing I did notice about UK education is that, undergraduate and postgraduate students are required to write a thesis or dissertation to meet the standard as a business degree student.

Not only my fellow classmates were required to write a thesis, even I myself were required to submit my thesis on this coming May 2009. The scope of my thesis is involved about knowledge-sharing. I really hope this week I would be able to start distributing my questionnaires to my fellow friends, lecturers and other corporate workers to fill up as at the later stage, I have to gather all these information to make a thorough analysis by using a particular software.

I had interviewed a few colleges and universities for the past few weeks and I was surprised to find out that Australia and US Masters, they didn't offered the students to write thesis but instead, just merely assignments. Well, it is too early for me to say or make my own final judgement. Furthermore, the information that I got were just merely covered on a general surface. I did consult my lecturer whose is now taking a PhD and she told me even an Australian Masters programme will require their students to undertake thesis in their course. Perhaps different universities will provide different means of studying the courses or the systems? One thing for sure, after completing my business degree, I really hope I can further my study by taking up Masters degree as I think nowadays, degree is a rather common requirement that most of the graduates had in the industry.

I really hope that this coming April to June 2009 as there are proliferation of education systems that will be held at KLCC and other places, hope I can gain more information or enlightenment from the various universities.

Andrew Loh

My New Gadget

I just started to use a broadband connection today. I am using the Celcom's service and I am quite satisfied in terms of the service provided. The speed is 7.2 Mbps and the surfing time is fast.

Previously, My girlfriend and I we share the internet connection with someone. To tell you the truth, I am not so fond of sharing things with other people (except my loved ones) even though we pay or share the costs. I just hate some people (without using their brain even though they are genius or whatever) just because of a small matter, we end up being scolded in a rough manner. The thing is, there was no sincere apology and still would like to show their ego. I think they behaved that way due to childish attitude is still imbued in them. I really have no respect to this kind of people and my reputation would be tarnished if I continue to befriend with this person.

I have no regret to opt for this new option. My girlfriend and I, now both of us can surf the internet anytime and anywhere. Well, I guess now I have more time in using the internet and spend my time in web portal to access more useful information in my study.

Andrew Loh

Flooded Zone

Yesterday after my class, while I was driving home, the weather changed suddenly. It was a dark and gloomy evening. And that time, I faced with a heavy downpour and my exodus was kind of difficult. It was my second time to face with this kind of shock.

I think the reason of having a heavy downpour recently was due to quite a number of days I saw the clouds were very dark and didn't rain for days. I would say a horrible experience to us.

At that time, when I was trying to brake my car, the brake function couldn't function properly due to the slippery of the road and I really hope in the future, this event won't occur again.

Andrew Loh

Did I see Flying Cars - Hollywood Show?

Well, I would like to share an amazing true story today... Or... How about I put this way, a Hollywood's flying car effects? No, I maybe exaggerate quite a bit but actually today, this afternoon while I was driving to school, I saw there were two cars they seemed to be racing on the road. Both drivers I should say, they drove in a reckless manner and could harm other drivers. I should put at as people's life would be at stake. I just couldn't believe with my own eyes witnessing somewhat like a Hollywood's video camera tricks.

I saw the lady, open her window shield and finger-pointing the other driver perhaps to call him stop the car. I believe they seemed to be involved in a fighting or quarrelling and perhaps they are husband and wife? Well, I really have no idea but they really performed a truly outstanding show today. They overtook with each other and truly dangerous in the middle of the highway. I think other drivers were facing the same trauma like me today. I just don't know how to explain that kind of fear while you are facing that kind of scene. They overtook me from left to right and then sped I think 140km/h. Are they crazy? Is it a stunt? You be the judge, ok?

I just wish that I won't meet this kind of scene in the future. It was a heart-throbbing experience for me today. I also hope that you won't meet this kind of incident while you are driving on the road.

Andrew Loh

Time Constraints

Things are pretty hectic recently with my personal study and business. Yet, I am still able to juggle between my time to pursue my magic. Recently I am not so much in reading magic books but I just hope that after completing my thesis and assignments, I would be backed on track again. If I have the chance, I guess I will go through or explore the card principles which I have been enamoured the idea quite long ago.

From time to time, I will contribute or review some of the magic stuffs or books that I did in the past for the benefit to the magic fraternity.

Andrew Loh

Visiting a New Place...

It was a rather gloomy day and this morning I encountered a heavy rain while I was driving to school. The traffic was extremely busy and I took almost 1 and a half-hour to reach my college. It was a normal lecture and learned a few new things today.

After my class, my girlfriend and I, we went to Mid-Valley Megamall. I was overjoyed as this is my first time I drove car to reach there. At first, I was worried because I really didn't have the idea or the roadmap how to reach there. So, I would say today my driving was just merely using my instinct to reach that place.

When I reached there, my girlfriend and I, firstly we dropped by MPH bookstore and it was a huge bookstore I ever seen in my life. I think is much bigger than the Time Square Borders bookstore. After that, we went to have our lunch at the foodcourt. We ate chicken rice and after our lunch, we went back MPH bookstore again. I haven't visit The Gardens yet which I have been told that there is another Borders bookstore there. Well, I hope one fine day will pay a visit.

Andrew Loh

What a Day!

I am glad today I managed to deliver my module's presentation this morning. The requirement is to do a presentation approximately 5 minutes and if I exceed the time, I would be penalised. But to my surprise, I took about 2 minutes to complete my presentation and that was fast!

I told my girlfriend to observe the time if I do the presentation exceed 4 minutes, then she has to give me a sign. To me, I thought I exceed the time limit but unfortunately, I couldn't see her clearly due to the reflection of the extreme lightings from the projector.

I am really happy today as the day has over which there were a huge croud at the auditorium this morning. I guess if there is another presentation which sets no time limit, I think I would do better and I can deliver my presentation in a relaxing manner. It couldn't be helped and the professor has to set the time limit was due to there were about 72 students in my batch. So I guess you can do the rest calculations if no time limit, I don't think the professor can meet the dateline of covering all of our course modules.

Well, I guess I can sleep well tonight.

Andrew Loh

My Current Life...

Things are pretty hectic recently as I had a few group assignments and thesis which kept my busy with my coursework. I really wish that I can get back to my hobby which to start writing and publish my work but I can't at this moment. But when things are settled and once again I am available, I will get things going and I hope that a brand new year is around the corner so that I can invest some of my leisure time in my card magic.

I am very delighted that through my thick and thin, my girlfriend is always be with me and support me throughout my studies as well as my endeavours. Thank you so much darling!!!

Andrew Loh

My Recent Gathering with Singapore Magicians

Recently, I was very happy as on 2 June 2008, I had a wonderful gathering with a bunch of magicians in a hotel at 5.30pm and I had a chance jamming with them until 8.30pm. It was a fun gathering.

At that time, I was at home doing some cleaning of my bookshelf and my most respected magician; Uncle Bob Chua from Singapore, I was delighted he called me up and asked me to come and join the gathering. So, I gladly replied. Yes, why not?

It was my great pleasure to be able to meet up with uncle Bob Chua because I LOVED his card magic. His card magic is filled with great surprise always.

On top of that, Uncle Bob Chua is a very popular and the most respected magician among the peers in Malaysia. You must SEE his card magic which will captivate you. Uncle Bob, firstly, he showed me his own collections of card magic. His card magic such as his own versions of reset, cannibals, professor’s revenge, and the like really astonished me with his simple structure of the routines and built in with a very strong climax.

After his performance, I showed him a few some of my own materials and we had some feedback to each other after we did our routines. What I do know, I really enjoyed Bob’s card magic and I look forward to meeting him in the near future which this coming July 2008, I would travel to Singapore.

Shade did some of his "knuckle-busting" card magic to me and I was impressed. His card magic was influenced by Martin Nash which also known as the "charming cheat". His second, centre and bottom dealings are really impressive.

Well, you may ask how about Gordon. To be honest, he was busy as a "cameraman" with his small very advance gadget and whereas Shade was the bright star in the performance session. I hadn’t see any single of Gordon’s materials but I heard he is a cardguy. I really hope I will have the chance next time to see his card magic.

Uncle Dominic Lim came quite late as I understood that they had functions at other places so we had a short meeting with him as well. He didn’t perform anything but he kept on asking me "Do you know this?" and "Can you do it?" I can tell you this uncle is very funny at times. He is an expert in magic clowning and also as a stage performer. When you have the chance to see his stage magic performance. You will feel very relax as his performance is very lively as though he is dancing a "cha-cha".

I would like to end here but before I leave, I would like to say to Uncle Bob Chua. Congratulations on your new card magic book. I was lucky had a glimpse of his book which contained 12 materials which range from ropes, cards and coins magic. Uncle Bob, I am still waiting the arrival of your book and hopefully, either today or tomorrow your book must arrive to my home.

I hope Uncle Bob you can produce more of your especially card magic materials in the near future to the magic fraternity and I can attest that your magic books would be selling like "hot-cakes" and most importantly, as a card magician we really hope that your legacy for all these years would be cherished and appreciated by those who read your materials.

Andrew Loh

Assignments Week

My God, this week I felt kind of relief after submitting my two heavy assignments. I thinked these two assignments weighted about 20kg. Well, I am pulling your legs. Trust me, the loads were extremely heavy.

I am still owing two assignments to my two lecturers. The first one is a group project and the other is about researching in terms of the company’s competitive advantage in using information technology. I am glad with the supports from my lecturers and peers, all the assignments can be done in a smooth-sailing manner.

I will do my best to complete my other assignments hopefully by this week and after that, exams are coming soon and my upcoming new student life would commence in KL. It should be a good way for me to learn to live independently while studying for my final degree in KL. The only thing I phobia the most is... Thesis!

All in all, this morning I was extremely happy. There were many things happened this morning. Since tomorrow is a public holiday, I guess I should focus in completing my assignments. That is my golden time and I have other functions for this entire week. So many things to do but I am happy with it.

Andrew Loh

Feel the Heat...

I really can feel the heat of exams. It’s coming. I’m writing this not because I am an "informer" but actually I treat this blog as a "sanctuary" for me to pour out some of my grouses. After writing, I may feel better that’s why I call it a "sanctuary".

As usual, exams seems like a norm to students, we all think that it is a suffering 3-hour sitting in the torturing chamber. Ya, I think is true in the sense that if I never prepare any thing or revision. The next coming exams would be "Asian Business Environment (ABE)" & "Technology Knowledge Management (TKM)".

These two modules if I want to make a comparison, ABE is more tougher in the sense that the exam requires you to read more what iss happening around the Asian market such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries. I just not so fond of answering questions such as NAFTA, ASEAN, EU, WTO and other organisations. To me, the thing is like my brain memory is going to memorise and load all the respective information, their functions, obligations, and etc. Wow, I just don’t like to answer these kind of questions. Instead, I think I will aim more towards the country’s market.

I just hope that the TKM is not as "tough" as it sounds but I hope my past diploma in computer studies would be able to help me answering better in terms of the question structures. =)

Andrew Loh