Being Normal Doesn't Mean You're Weak

Actually, I wanted to discuss this topic in the 'anime/manga' point of view but perhaps I'll get to the 'reality' part in the end. So...what do I mean when I say 'normal'? In the world of fantasy; you could say I was referring to those type of people who don't possess incredible abilities, powers or strengths. Take for example Ai Mori from The Law of Ueki (in the earlier series, since she would receive a power later). She's young, cute (at least I think so) and has absolutely no ability to defend her ownself around her power-users friends and enemies. But despite all that; Ai still managed to get through tough matters in the end, like how she ended a match with Kabara (a power-user) in a draw using only her tactical skills. No super powers involved!

It shows here that being normal is not synonymous with the adjective weak. Being normal might put you at a disadvantage, but that doesn't mean you can't get pass powerful opponents. With brains and a bit of luck, even the mightiest power would succumb to those who are called 'normal'. And in my own opinion, I think 'normal' characters in any series are far more interesting to observe. They create humour, and teaches us to be strong in the mind and the heart.

Reality-wise, it doesn't matter if you're not the most active sportsmen or the most talented individuals. Sometimes, getting on with life normally is already a heck of a thing to do. Realise that you're already great by just doing that. Congratulations! (no updates for today folks...)

[WORD POWER]

Haha, I've always realised my weak spelling skills and also the low level of vocabulary in me. Thus, this new segment is to help me (and also maybe you readers) in improving this weakness. Today's word is:

cockle (n) - an edible shellfish

Yes people, not many know what those 'kerang' in Kuey Teow Kerang or Kerang Rebus are in English. And that's what it is. Thank you to Zatil for asking! Hehe, until the next informative session guys.

[BLABBERS]

Ramadhan is coming to an end. People move around here and there; some were shopping and some were on their way back to their loved ones. It's nice to see the existence of a nice and warm flow among the society still. Recently, I've read an article regarding the types of 'moe' (a specific type that an otaku relly love) in a manga or anime. It turns out that I have a liking in those who fall under the megane and tsundere types. I really am a manganime freak 100%!

Art of Cooking: Don't Hesitate to Experiment

“Why don’t the potatoes soften after I cooked it for a while? The onions are getting burned!” That’s what ran in my head as I attempted a chicken dish for the first time. I still lack the moves and knowledge, but cooking is exciting! I always have myself imagining what dish I’d create once I go to university before I go to bed. Potatoes, beef, fish…all these ingredients seem to flow inside my mind every night with me cooking it in different styles. My mouth would water, and I’d get hungry.

To think that cooking would actually stimulate my imagination and not just my appetite. Once after I had finished cooking breakfast, loads of ideas come into my head for my writings. To see the different ingredients mixed together to create a delicious dish also gives me an insight that arts (I mean any type of arts) are basically the same. It requires the ‘ingredients’, passion, hard work and most importantly; experimentation. It’s not always good things that come out on your first try. Experimenting different ways and ‘ingredients’ are essential in getting a work of art that satisfies you and also others.

What’s great about cooking is that anyone can do it and it’s much easier for others to indulge in your work of art. Not everyone adores reading, but all humans must eat right? So come on, let’s try some cooking! It’s worth the try. I’d recommend watching ‘Chef at Home’, a good cook show for most beginners. Well then, enjoy!! Just make sure don’t serve anything burnt!

[UPDATES]
It's been a while since I experimented with my writings. Recently it suddenly hit me hard that i can't really write factual things. So I guess it's time to pick up that pen and start to practice. Factual writings would really help me in getting assignments done, right? Enjoyy these updates for today!

1. "Zero Degrees: Nine" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "#01: Presenting The Detective" - http://tesl-dissapear.blogspot.com/

[FEATURE]
The month is going by rather quickly, meaning the season of food is coming to an end!! Featured today on this site is: my mother! That's right. When I think about food, my mom would pop up as one of the best cooks I could ever think off. If I were to express how her cookings are like, they are: rich, expressive, and simple at times. What catches my attention in my mom's art of cooking is that no matter how she thows in her ingredients, it would eventually turn out right in the end. For example; she once substituted 'bread crumbs' with 'wholemeal biscuits' (since we had no crumbs at the time) to make Pegedil! I never thought that would work.

The most important thing that can be learned from my mother's excellent cooking skills is to practice, practice and practice! She got that good because she has been 'drilled' by her grandmother ever since primary school. Talk about cooking for almost all of your life! =P

Ramadhan: Final 10 Days Where the Gates of Hell are Closed

The days are progressing on quite fast, and Ramadhan has only 10 days left. It's quite sad knowing that the most blessed month is leaving us Muslims yet once again. Well, lets just make the best of it while its still there. Hek!

Finally, I managed to begin 'TESL: Dissapear' after waiting for such a long time. Ever since 'TESL: Battle Royal' went to a sudden halt, my mind had been eagerly excited to start over a TESL production from scratch (this time without Dzaf in it, so sad!). Anyway, the series is up and running for public view. This time the element of mystery is put into main focus, but do expect an equal level of action and paranoia as well! It's a bit dissapointing that Ican't collect the data I wanted for the story, I guess I would have to do with just what I have now. So, please show your support readers!

I'll take a long break from adding new titles from now on. Maybe after I finish the first season of 'Zero Degrees' I'll spice up my work with something new. Until then, take care! To all muslims, grab the chance of Lailatul Qadar this last 10 days alright?

[UPDATES]
Fuhhh...finally the new titles are out. I guess I am easily excited about starting new things, but I won't let the old things be abandonned. So as usual, the link are next to the titles okay? Enjoyyy!! (too busy to add other sections, maybe next post?)

1. "Once Upon A Cherry Tree (Pt.1 of Ch.1)" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "#00: A Stir Upon A Strange Night" - http://tesl-dissapear.blogspot.com/

Mathematics Presto!

Ah, the magic of maths. I was eating sahur one day and 'Numb3rs' was playing on AXN. The idea of using maths to solve crimes is quite cool. No complex machines like in the CSI are in use, just a blackboard and a few chalks would do the trick. Every time I watch the series, I'm always fascinated by mathematics. But then again, why do I always try to run away from this subject?

I know. Math is used everyday, in any occasion. My mum once dared me to name an activity not involving numbers, resulting in me unable to find it. Time, money, weight, height; all of this things are related to maths and to our everyday doings. Put solving crimes aside, I think that's the real magic in maths. It's everywhere, everytime! How cool can a subject be?

From the kitchen to the sports field, there's maths involved at any place. No wonder I couldn't get away from it no matter how hard I try. Well, time to accept the fact and move on Try and enjoy maths, and enjoy life!

[UPDATES]
There's maths in writing too! From the number of words to the length of paragraphs, it's inevitable even in pursuing my dreams. Haha, not that I'm complaining. Here's an update for the day, maybe I'll add in a few titles by tomorrow. Look out! (link next to title)

1. "Shot! :: Abandoned, The Inside Story" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "Dwane VS The Enigma: #5" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[TRIBUTE]
A tribute today to those magical moments of learning! Without learning, we won't become what we are today. There were times of boredom, and there were times of excitement and adventures. Congratulations for making it thus far, and the journey of learning goes on. A speacial tribute to those sessions where it made me realise my passion to write. Thank you!

Writer's Dilemma

It's been almost a month since I opened up this blog, and I'd like to thank you all for reading up until today. Having readers is the most important fuel for me to proceed in this dream, but there's another thing I need to get past first. One of a writer's dilemma, the horror of tenacity. Most of you are probably unaware, but like I said in the first post here...this is my third time setting up a blog in pursuing my writer dreams. I've stopped halfway twice already!

I guess all artists go through this phase. You get excited in starting, and when your halfway through it you come to a halt for various reasons. Getting unmotivated, being too lazy, the sudden lack of facilities, feeling at a lost of kick regularly; and the list goes on. Believe me, I've been through most of this stuff. And I'm quite terrified to say that I'm almost on the verge of succumbing to this phase yet again, since I've been really late on updating. It really is frustrating when you can't keep up with the deadline you yourself set. Haizzz...

But I don't plan on giving up yet. As long as there's still one reader out there, I'll do my best to continue to write even if it kills me (total exaggeration, but I need it). Yeah, this is my new principle as of today. Get ready 'writing world', here I come!! To all of those who are feeling the same, don't fall for it just yet. If you need the support,I'll gladly try and help. Untill then, take care readers!! Hehe.. =)

[UPDATES]
Well, I am really spirited, but there's only one update for today (and after solong too). Haha, I'll be more careful with keeping up next time. Oh, and below are also a few links to my previous blogs if you were wondering. Don't bother commenting there, it's been abandoned (so sad!). Just realise it's kind of a waste to stop halfway. I already noticed it myself. Enjoyyy..!!

1. "Zero Degrees: Eight" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

To Know Others, To Know Thyself

What kind of person are you actually? Do you know who you are? People always say, people around you know you better. It is partly true, since most of the times humans tend to deny the things they want to believe are non-existant in their own nature. So when you get to know other people, you are actually getting to know your own self.

Getting to know yourself is quite a good and exciting thing to do. It's a chance to 're-structure' those unwanted parts of yourselves, and at times you'll be amazed at the things you never ever realised about yourself. Maybe all this while you've been buying clothes, you don't realise that you've been buying mostly those of a certain colour or design! And by knowing yourself more, you'll become better at 'being your own self'. No need to 'act' out anymore, and just 'be'!

If I haven't make myself quite clear here, I'm sorry. Since I've been tagged, I'll make this short. Get to know others, and get to know yourself. Life has its ways to make humans become less selfish. I'd like to know all my readers better too! Hehe..take care. (click on the image if you want to know what I think of myself as)

[UPDATES]

Hey, you guys can also get to know others by their work that they produce. Here's an update for the day! Enjoyyy! (the link is next to title)

1. "Zero Degrees: Seven" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

2. "Dwane VS The Enigma: #4" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[TAGGED]

Aha, this is my first time being tagged (thank you Kak Iqa!). Maybe by answering these questions, I'd get to know myself better?

1. How old are you?

-Nineteen. An old teenager.

2. are you single?

-Yup, single like a cheese.

3. in what age do you think you’ll get married?

-27 or 28, maybe. Stabalise my income first.

4. do you think you’ll be marrying the person you are with now?

-Haha..I'm still single dude!

5. if not, who do you want to marry?

-Uhh..a Japanese lady? (dreaming...hehe)

6. do you want a garden/beach wedding, or the traditional wedding?

-Most preferably traditional.

7. your ideal motif?

-Red and blue would be nice. But I think I'll let my future wife decide the other half.

8. where do you plan to go on a honeymoon?

-Anywhere where we haven't gone before. I vote for Japan! What about you dear? (Remember, I'm single...hehe)

9. how many guests do you think you’ll invite?

-Around 200. This includes family, friends, and other people I know.

10. do you want an extravagant wedding or a simple wedding?

-Simple maybe. Extravagant if I manage to publish five books already at that time. Huahua...

11. do you want the traditional vows or something you’d make up on your own?

-Err...?

12. how many layers of cake do you want to have?

-Three. One for the guests, one for the family and one for us! Yeah!

13. do you prefer having your reception at a hotel or at a simple place?

-Hmm...at home, my current home. I have a spacious backyard for everyone! =)

14. when do you want to get married, evening or morning?

-Morning, regardless of whatever I have in mind. Huhu...(I'm thinking of midnight, you know?)

15. you’d rather have your reception outdoors or indoors?

-I'd pick indoors.No particular reason.

16. do you like a grand entrance for your groom?

-Skipping this question. Lalala...(I'm marrying a bride!)

18. name the song/tune you’d like played at your wedding?

-Anything romantic and appropiate. No rock please!

19. are you a morning person or a night person?

-Night person. I'm most active at that time of day. Hehe...

20. do you want a solemn ceremony or a light one?

-Don't understand this one...

21. what age do you want to get married?

-27 or 28, depending.

22. describe your ideal husband/wife.

-Aha! Ehem..."With skin as fair as snow, or as coloured as an egg; unique in it's personality, and ferocious in it's beliefs. Know what is right from wrong, and know it's religion well; understanding in who I am, and understand that I love her all I can." Is this enough, or you want to hear more??

23. do you prefer fine dining or just the normal spoon & fork/knife?

-Well, anything would do as long as its home cooking.

24. champagne or red wine?

-Apple juice plus her favourite drink. (it's sure gonna taste weird!)

25. honeymoon right after the wedding or days after the wedding?

-Days after the wedding. Got to mingle with the family first...

26. money or household item?

-Whatever my wife pleases, but make sure it's affordable! Huhu..

27. who will pay for the bills?

-Mmm..us.

28. are you ready for married life?

-In the meantime, I'm not really sure anymore...

29. do u think you will still be a virgin until u get married?

-Yes, insya-allah.

30. will u always be true to your wife/husband?

-Yup, of course!

31. how many kids do u like?

-I'm thinking of only 2, a girl and a boy if possible. But future re-construction can be made...huahua...

32. a new house for a newly wed or an old one?

-New house maybe?

33. will u celebrate silver wedding, gold wedding, or diamond wedding?

-If you're talking about rings, I'd say gold at the moment.

34. what kind of cuisine would u like for ur wedding?

-Home cooking! Yay..!

35. will u record ur honeymoon in a cd or dvd?

-If possible. In case we would forget to bring a video recorder, I'd record our honeymoon in a novel with as much detail as possible...errr, not too much.

Ramadhan: Next 10 Days with Forgiveness

Seeking forgiveness from a human, is something not 100% certain. Every human is different to one another, having different musings and dislikes. Everyone can't possibly be happy with everyone. Perhaps that's just what life is. I for one, really despise people looking down on other people's dreams even for the tiniest bit (even if it is a joke!). But I understand. Not everybody is perfect. They don't mean it, I know.

It can't be helped. We are humans and humans make mistakes. Sometimes, we don't even realise that we are making a mistake. We tend to do what the heart tells us, follow our instincts. But we're not even sure if that thing was the right thing to do. Some 'steps' we've taken, might not be able to be seen anymore; to be mended, to be made back into the way it was supposed to be.

Haha...sorry for yet another random rambling here. I'm not sure if it makes any sense! Since the next 10 days of Ramadhan is filled with His forgiveness, I thought I'd bring up this issue of 'mistakes/forgiveness'. Seriously though, some things are just meant to happen even if you try so hard avoiding it. Forgive a mistake today, and someone might just already forgive you back. The world revolves happily when everyone works together. Seek forgiveness, give forgiveness. Think positive! Congratulations to all Muslim readers for making it thus far throughout the fasting month. Aminnn..!

[UPDATES]
I've made so many mistakes to so many people, and I'd like to take this oppurtunity to ask for all humans out there for their forgiveness. Sincerely from my heart, "I'm sorry!" Updates for this time is up and running. I was thinking of adding one or two new titles by the 21st, and I'd like for the readers opinions. Please? =) [link next to title]

1. "Zero Degrees: Six" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[ADVERTISEMENT]
Attention all writers! Have I got a great link for you. Interested in joining a writing competition this November? Or are you just lost in trying to comprehend a genre? Check out the "National Novel Writing Month" (NaNoWriMo for short) site now! It is open for everyone and sign ups are free. If you're looking for writing information, just visit its forum. If you're looking for an interesting competition, then join. Simple huh? (since you can right almost on every genre, so it's stress free too!) Link is as below, or you can click the NaNoWriMo symbol on the side anytime you like. Take care!!

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Warning: Beware of Evil

Seriously dear readers, do take care of yourselves wherever you go. Criminals nowadays are real psychos, and they've got a new style too. Now, they attack without warning. I've got this sudden chill in the spine when I heard my parents talking about a car theft that had just occured somewhere in Malaysia. To put it simply, the victim that had its car stolen is now in a coma since its head was shot. Scary! My parents were really concerned, saying that criminals nowadays don't ask much question in getting the job done. Erase, and get what you want. It's that simple for them.

This issue always gets my stomach churning. My family members, friends and readers are all out there across the world. I just can't stop worrying since you never know what will pop up. Right now, I only pray intently that all whom I care for are safe from harm. Insyaallah...again, this is a warning post. Do become extra careful. Crimes will pay, one day. Take care!

[UPDATES]
Evil lurks since there are motives within the human heart. Then does pure evil exist within them? New updates for this time folks! Sorry for a late update, been a bit off the hook. Ah, it's raining! Well then, enjoyyy..!! (link next to title)

1. "Dwane VS The Enigma: #3" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "Shot :: Cloudy, Cloudy Indolence" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[REVIEW]
Since I'm a manga freak, it'd be weird if I don't have any manga review in this page. Getting my review today is a manga by Kazuki Takahashi; 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'. That's right. This popular manga is the basis of the famous Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card games that once took Malaysia by storm. Having a unique title, many would wonder what the story is about. This manga is actually a story about a boy named Yugi, who manages to complete the Millenium Puzzle and gets possesed by a pharaoh spirit. Now Yugi has a double personality; one the weak and hesitant original, the other a proud and confident pharaoh.

Thus begins their adventures, with two souls sharing one body. Takahashi-sensei had put an interesting theme in this manga, which is the theme of 'games'. Each obstacles faced by Yugi in the story are in game form, where Yugi and his companions need to play games for their safety and for their lives. The most notable game is the card game (which had been made popular), and this had been the main core throughout the manga.

One other thing is the Millenium Artifacts. Remember the Millenium Puzzle? This is just one of the seven Egyptian artifacts that has magical powers. Others who possess this artifacts might have speacial powers, and some are evil. These villains are quite powerful, and play games by the 'Dark Rules'. Well, at least they play by the rules. Not like our criminals in reality! All in all, the manga is quite fun to the end. Maybe the card games could get draggy, but it's packed with emotions and strategy! (Rating: 3.9 out of 5)

It's Tastier When...

Still on the issue of food, I want to voice out what I think is the most important in making food taste better. It's not the ingredients, and it's not the surrounding. Food are much tastier when eaten together! That's right, it feels so good eating something with a company. Whether you're out for dinner, or indulging some sweet ice-cream...the taste and appetite really comes out when you're eating them with your family or friends. I'm not saying something totally random here. I've come to realise that I can't finish my favourite Chachos whenever I eat alone. I know I can just finish a bag of those chips by myself, but I can never bring myself to do it. It really is 'tasteless' when I'm not sharing it with someone.

Aha, I guess I'm being emotional over this 'eating together' issue since I just remembered how I made friends with new people upon entering MRSM for the first time by just having a meal together. During my early stay in the boarding school, I always end up eating by myself at a far corner of the dining hall. Food tasted bleak, and I always had no appetite. One day, someone suddenly came and had lunch together with me. At that time, we became friends and food had been better than ever. And that guy, he became one of my best friend soon after. Well, that's another story to tell then.

Eat well, eat plenty, and eat together! Want some unfinished chips? Hehe, enjoy your days readers. No new updates for today, take care!!!

[TRIBUTE]
A tribute today to all Malaysia's television dramas and movies! You have sparked some sense of imagination within my writer's mind, in a more Malaysian way. I've always been too interested with Western and Japanese stories, so thank you for making me realise that Malaysian stories are also unique in its own simple manner. A speacial tribute to dramas/movies having Eja as their actress. I'm a big fan of her since primary school! (haven't watched 'Sepi' yet, so sad...)

[BLABBERS]
On the way back home from Klang today, the radio was playing Scorpion's 'Winds of Change'. I listened intently, and pondered for a moment out the wet road. As you grow up, it's harder to change your habit espeacially those 'bad' habits. Thus today, I decided to remind all readers and myself to change these 'bad' habits still residing within our hearts. Everyday is a day for a change. Wheteher the winds of change are raging or calm, always remember that we're still humans! Is the price of oil going down? Now that's a change I think everybody hopes for!

Introducing, Eccentric Foods!

In a way, cooking is a form of art as well. The 'artists' that are widely known as chefs, battle it out everyday to come out with an original and interesting 'masterpiece' (which is their food). I just came to realise, that in a modern day like this; it's no surprise if you stumble into some unique taste and sight in food. In a personal view, I believe it's very sporty of chefs to come up with such things. But do I really want to eat such food? Here's a list of some of the eccentric foods I've come across with!

1. Ayam Masak Hijau - Really, it's totally green! The colour is quite vibrant in a way, and perhaps it's another form of 'rendang' made with peas as one of the main ingredients. I never really like exessive vegetables in a chicken dish. It looks tasty though.
2. Coca-Cola Cake - Now here's a weirdo. Who ever thought of making a cake out of a carbonated drink? I love Coke, but I don't think I'd want to indulge in a Coke Cake. It must be REALLY sweet!
3. Kek Gulung Pisang Berkeju - No rules applied in making food everyone! I have this set of mind that fruits can never really go well with cheese, but I guess some taste buds can handle it. Banana with cheese anyone?
4. Squid Ink Curry - What else can I say? It's also known as black curry, and I think it's widely accepted in Japan!

There you have it. All of them are very amusing to hear and see, but I won't eat them. Maybe I'm not as adventurous when it comes to food. Maybe in the future, we'll be hearing of Ayam Masak Biru made from blueberries!

[UPDATES]

Don't start to lose your appetite readers. Eccentric foods are just the many ways cooks experiment and have fun! Enjoy this singular update for this time. (link next to title)

1. "Zero Degrees: Five" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[FEATURE]

Featuring in this segment, my nostalgic memories on LEGOs! LEGOs are one of the two types of toys I onced had in the past. Playing with these multi-shaped cubes was really fun at that time; I learned to build houses and I learned to arrange shapes. Now, when I look at LEGOs and how they have expanded...I was quite impressed. Many different versions of this toy can be found at toy stores; ranging from Star Wars to Bionicles. I rarely even see the basic version I had once when I was small. All in all, it is a fun and creative product. It evokes creativity and imagination in a child, so don't hesitate to get one for your kid! Just be careful of choking though, for those younger than four. (Even grownups play with LEGOs too! Here's a picture taken by Balakov using LEGO pieces, and all of his LEGO artworks can be viewed here.)

'Densha Otoko' or 'Resident Evil'...?

As I rattled away on a train to Seremban, I indulged myself into a manga (Japanese comic book) that I had bought earlier. You should know, once I totally get myself attached with a manga I become totally oblivious of my surroundings. I would occassionally take a few seconds of break by glancing around, and that's when I noticed a girl staring at me with a face probably saying; "An otaku?" Her face didn't show signs of a taunting, but it was more of an interested expression. Wait, isn't this partially a scene in 'Densha Otoko'? Where a regular girl becomes interested with an otaku (person with obsessive interest in manga, anime and video games) inside a train? Suddenly, there was a loud bang and all the lights went out. Ugh...now I'm in 'Resident Evil'?

Haha...train travelling is quite interesting. I totally enjoy it, as I use it more than buses touring the town or travelling to another state. Train fares might be a little costy, but the travelling time is short. You can almost get to anywhere without encountering traffic jams (though on peak hours, it's quite hectic even in a train). For me, train travels are a time for 'human observation' and 'imagination elaboration'. As a writer, meeting different types of people is crucial in a character creation and almost every type of humans ride the train everyday. I've met guys with bouquet of flowers with interesting colours, I've even met a child with green eyes. I've heard people sneer in anger, I've even heard weird sounds that are quite frightening. In a train, I seem to understand humans better. In a train, it seems like fantasies are brought to life.

Furthermore, I sometimes think it's quite romantic in a train! The scenery constantly changes from one place to another; a busy city view one moment, a serene village scene the next. They haven't marked people in love riding the 'love train' for no reason. It doesn't matter where the train will stop, as long as that speacial someone is there with you!.How I wished to have a whole day of train travelling with my future significant other (make sure there's no comic at my hand)! Well, perhaps it's not that romantic when it's too packed. =P

I've talked too much here. Try and enjoy a nice day in a train. It might just do good. One more thing; when I have a manga in my hand, I never do human observation! Sorry staring girl, I'm not interested. Hehehe...(perasan)

[UPDATES]
I wrote just a little too much for other segments to show this time. I'll try to keep it low next time. Haha...it's been a while since I ever wrote about my romantic side to others. Maybe I've forgiven myself finally? Or maybe I just wanted to be hurt even more? Well, lets enjoy these new releases first! =)

1. "Zero Degrees: Four" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "Dwane VS The Enigma: #2" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/