Assalamualaikum wrt dan Salam Sejahtera
RAJA AHMAD ISKANDAR RAJA YAACOB
Penghulu MCCH
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Memanjangkan peringatan dari Penghulu..
RAJA AHMAD ISKANDAR RAJA YAACOB
Penghulu MCCH
Saturday, July 16, 2005
The craze for Harry Potter.. believe it or not?!
It's finally here!
I don't need to put it in words.. the craze for Harry Potter had swept everyone.. from all ages of people, be it kids, adult, politicians, famous actors/actresses, singers, engineers, scientists all around the globe (termasuk juga ibu muda macam Kak Nana yang nangis-nangis baca buku ni). The kids section of BBC UK, CBBC have it in words how this record-breaking book selling of Harry Potter hit the world today, on the day of its launch. See in the picture, the smiling JK Rowling.
A bunch of grown up muggles were set to hold a conference due to be held on the 29th-31st of July, the first ever Harry Potter Conference, Accio 2005 at the University of Reading. Anyone interested to present a paper or attend this conference, feel free to do so. I hear the number of seats are limited , and perhaps have all already been taken. The call for papers for presentation, panels and worksyop have already started since last year's December (if I am not mistaken) and many titles have already been approved by the organizing committee. Look out for the suggested topics that they have in line, really really interesting for those of you PotterMania. I reckon their guest speakers are all of significant figures of UK's famous writers.
To retrace the events before the launching of the new book Half Blood Prince, I have constantly been visiting these fan sites. My favourite is MuggleNet, next to Leaky Cauldron, HPAna, and there's this one very-very exclusive website of JK Rowling where, she herself updates and communicates with the readers of Harry Potter. Before the launching, they have been setting up websites, counting down the days for the book launch, planning for parties during the midnight launching in the UK, exclusive interviews with Jo, the "cub" reporters constest, not to forget the rumours and spoilers for the title of the new book & its plot.
What more can I say...
A bunch of grown up muggles were set to hold a conference due to be held on the 29th-31st of July, the first ever Harry Potter Conference, Accio 2005 at the University of Reading. Anyone interested to present a paper or attend this conference, feel free to do so. I hear the number of seats are limited , and perhaps have all already been taken. The call for papers for presentation, panels and worksyop have already started since last year's December (if I am not mistaken) and many titles have already been approved by the organizing committee. Look out for the suggested topics that they have in line, really really interesting for those of you PotterMania. I reckon their guest speakers are all of significant figures of UK's famous writers.
To retrace the events before the launching of the new book Half Blood Prince, I have constantly been visiting these fan sites. My favourite is MuggleNet, next to Leaky Cauldron, HPAna, and there's this one very-very exclusive website of JK Rowling where, she herself updates and communicates with the readers of Harry Potter. Before the launching, they have been setting up websites, counting down the days for the book launch, planning for parties during the midnight launching in the UK, exclusive interviews with Jo, the "cub" reporters constest, not to forget the rumours and spoilers for the title of the new book & its plot.
What more can I say...
The Launch of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Latest (Live) from Edinburgh Castle.. picture taken when Jo is reading
Chapter 6 of the new HPHBP at ITV Granada.
JK Rowling arrived at the castle in a black Mercedes just 5 minutes before midnight, clasped tightly in her hand is the brand new HPHBP (first glimpse of the book: seems quite thick!). She was ushered on a red carpet which enters the castle right into its main hall. Just minutes before that, the selected "cub" reporters (the 70 winners from all over UK, many of them were between the age 7-10 years old) were seen being carried in several horse drawn carriages up to the castle. Silence fell over right after the counting down to 12.01 a.m. (16th July), the "cub" reporters were eagerly waiting in their seats. . Suddenly, Jo appeared from the door smiling and waving at her audience, only to be greeted with warm round of applause. She briefly gave an introduction of what she's going to read after seating at the high rise leather seat in front of the audience. She started off with Chapter 6, the plot when the trios went visiting Fred & George's new joke shop. No more spoilers to be added here. Have a go with the book, UK selling price is now from GBP 8.99. Jo stopped reading after a few pages, probably half way through the chapter and when she stopped, there was another tremendous round of applause by the audience, inside and outside of the castle. Click on to Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet for more reports on the new book launching.Chapter 6 of the new HPHBP at ITV Granada.
GTA (got to apparate) now. Cheers all~
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Counting down .... to 16th July
Countdown..
Wondering when will I get my copies from Amazon... please please please be quick.
Friday, July 08, 2005
The London Blast..
Thursday morning, the 7th of July 2005, another day that marked a devastating history. Alongside the 9/11 New York attack, the mid March Madrid tragedy.. here's the 7/7 London Blast. Unaware of what's happening, Londoners were occupied into their daily routine, wake up-get dress- grab a coffee-catch a bus-take the tube... devoting themselves to work.
9 am is a common start of office hour in the UK. The same time where I need to swipe my card at the office here in Manchester. Though at that time, the first blast were already felt by the commuters on Circle Line from Aldgate to Liverpool Street Station. This station is the main station for train heading east towards East Anglia. These are the two stations that is nearest to Zone 2 and identified as the deepest underground tunnel of London's tube network. It was reported that the Circle Line experienced an underground explosion which was initially believed to be the faulty short circuit of the very old (more than 80 years?) train electrical power source. Injuries and casualties (at least 7) had already caused devastation to this first incident. This was followed by another separate blast on a Piccadilly Line which is travelling between Russel Square and King's Cross. I have been there earlier this year. The place were packed with muggles ( Harry Potter's term) as it is still under renovation for upgrading. It was not a very attractive scene from my eyes, then. This station is quite significant because it connects London with some of UK's northern cities. This is also the filmin location of Harry Potter, for each and every sequel of its movies. Further west, another explosion occured on another Circle Line carriage. This time, it is in Edgeware Road, the road where it is most populated with Muslims in London. This station is one of the biggest interchange between the underground tubes and trains in Central London. Located nearby are 2 of the famous Malaysian restaurant; Mawar and Naha. I was there last two weeks, and the atmosphere was vibrantly stimulating for tourists to visit. The last explosion is what I think was very "barbaric" as Tony Blair addressed it in the morning. It happened not very far from King's Cross. A number "30" double decker bus was ripped off from its lower tier when the upper tier exploded. Pieces of bodies shattered everywhere (quoted from BBC). 2 were confirm dead with hundreds of injuries.
Dalam serius, ada jugak lawak signboard ni. Try spotting the mistake.
Syukur, semua kenalan saya selamat. I can just imagine what it will be like trapped in the densed underground tunnel, with smoke, darkness and very thin air to breathe.. I don't even dare to think more of it. Last two weeks on the tube from Bayswater to Victoria during the morning rush at 8.40 in the morning, I had that tingling instinct "what if.. just what if there's someone hijacking and suicidally blast this sardine-packed tube I am boarding, that would mean today will be the last day that I will saw the face of the earth"...
9 am is a common start of office hour in the UK. The same time where I need to swipe my card at the office here in Manchester. Though at that time, the first blast were already felt by the commuters on Circle Line from Aldgate to Liverpool Street Station. This station is the main station for train heading east towards East Anglia. These are the two stations that is nearest to Zone 2 and identified as the deepest underground tunnel of London's tube network. It was reported that the Circle Line experienced an underground explosion which was initially believed to be the faulty short circuit of the very old (more than 80 years?) train electrical power source. Injuries and casualties (at least 7) had already caused devastation to this first incident. This was followed by another separate blast on a Piccadilly Line which is travelling between Russel Square and King's Cross. I have been there earlier this year. The place were packed with muggles ( Harry Potter's term) as it is still under renovation for upgrading. It was not a very attractive scene from my eyes, then. This station is quite significant because it connects London with some of UK's northern cities. This is also the filmin location of Harry Potter, for each and every sequel of its movies. Further west, another explosion occured on another Circle Line carriage. This time, it is in Edgeware Road, the road where it is most populated with Muslims in London. This station is one of the biggest interchange between the underground tubes and trains in Central London. Located nearby are 2 of the famous Malaysian restaurant; Mawar and Naha. I was there last two weeks, and the atmosphere was vibrantly stimulating for tourists to visit. The last explosion is what I think was very "barbaric" as Tony Blair addressed it in the morning. It happened not very far from King's Cross. A number "30" double decker bus was ripped off from its lower tier when the upper tier exploded. Pieces of bodies shattered everywhere (quoted from BBC). 2 were confirm dead with hundreds of injuries.
Dalam serius, ada jugak lawak signboard ni. Try spotting the mistake.
Syukur, semua kenalan saya selamat. I can just imagine what it will be like trapped in the densed underground tunnel, with smoke, darkness and very thin air to breathe.. I don't even dare to think more of it. Last two weeks on the tube from Bayswater to Victoria during the morning rush at 8.40 in the morning, I had that tingling instinct "what if.. just what if there's someone hijacking and suicidally blast this sardine-packed tube I am boarding, that would mean today will be the last day that I will saw the face of the earth"...
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
The story about CK
The Cik Kiah or glamorously known as The CKs was established 7 years ago in 1998 originating from the interest of 10 girls with mounting intention to go travelling on their own. The original place of birth of this establishment was in University Technology PETRONAS, during which the time the land of Tronoh was ruled by the old miners (old people where they used to work as miners in the 1960s-70s) of Tronoh, Batu Gajah, Taman Maju and USM KCP. Those were the times when the land of the Metana,Etana, Propana hostels was still red due to its very recent completion of construction only days before we came in.
Its members were chosen from the group of girls previously studying in MARA College Banting, Malaysian-France Institute and PPP/ITM. Although their background were very diverse, they share one thing in common which is their dreams to continue their degree abroad shattered when the sponsors (MARA,JPA) decided to absorb their students to any one of the private but elite universities in Malaysia. Hence, starting from May 1998, the girls gradually get into the 'click' of their own which very much influenced by their original place of study.
Living in the same hostel, has got it advantages. At the initial stage, their meeting points were constrained in the toilet while doing the laundry, in the common room to watch TV or in the kitchen to cook using the magic rice cooker.
List of members (according to alphebatical order):
Ann~Cikli~Effa~Elya~Faiz~Junei~Ina~Macit~Normi~Pah
Due to the outgoing character of some of its members, the 'click' from MFI, PPP and MCB get along really well. After a little bit of organization, they drafted a plan to go travelling. The first project was to Teluk Batik, a famous lagoon (located in Lumut, Perak, West Coast of Malaysia) which was only 65 km away from Tronoh. Simple but compact planning, the budget was laid out after the itineries and logistics kicked in. 2 cars were chartered for this purpose; 1 from Ustaz Cahyono (of USM) and the other was from the canteen operator (makcik kantin). They have put their confidence to appoint Elya to drive Ustaz's car and me to drive Makcik's car.
It was during this organizing that some other group (gang) of people relates the girl's plan as such "Rombongan Cik Kiah" adapted from the famous TV drama (Rombongan Cik Kiah ke Sukan Komanwel). Since that day onwards, the 10 girls were known as CKs. Thanks to the "Tronoh Rangers" for the name so lovely, it brings good memories to us all.
Did I said"Tronoh Rangers"?... Their establishment weren't as significant as the CKs (to think about it, they are more dominant in terms of their friendship bond with each other). This group was founded by the ex-PPP/ITM male students whom each owns a motorcycle. The connection between the CKs and the Trons (Tronoh Rangers) were undeniably "close" as BIG Bros and Little Sis. Big Bro Jai, Sham, Ad, Hasly, Hai, also my batch mates Nazri (Nyet), Rizal (Eddy), Irfan, Zul... (did I miss any names? Toyak skali kan?).
Many plans were planned together after that, many ups and downs were felt together. Accidents happened (glad Hasly and Toyak recovered and is well again), some even fallen in love ( to Junei and Zul), hanging out until late at night infront of the hostel until the security have to call us off to disperse, several farewells and graduations that we gone through..how can I forget all of this?. Sigh.. where are you guys now?
Its members were chosen from the group of girls previously studying in MARA College Banting, Malaysian-France Institute and PPP/ITM. Although their background were very diverse, they share one thing in common which is their dreams to continue their degree abroad shattered when the sponsors (MARA,JPA) decided to absorb their students to any one of the private but elite universities in Malaysia. Hence, starting from May 1998, the girls gradually get into the 'click' of their own which very much influenced by their original place of study.
Living in the same hostel, has got it advantages. At the initial stage, their meeting points were constrained in the toilet while doing the laundry, in the common room to watch TV or in the kitchen to cook using the magic rice cooker.
List of members (according to alphebatical order):
Ann~Cikli~Effa~Elya~Faiz~Junei~Ina~Macit~Normi~Pah
Due to the outgoing character of some of its members, the 'click' from MFI, PPP and MCB get along really well. After a little bit of organization, they drafted a plan to go travelling. The first project was to Teluk Batik, a famous lagoon (located in Lumut, Perak, West Coast of Malaysia) which was only 65 km away from Tronoh. Simple but compact planning, the budget was laid out after the itineries and logistics kicked in. 2 cars were chartered for this purpose; 1 from Ustaz Cahyono (of USM) and the other was from the canteen operator (makcik kantin). They have put their confidence to appoint Elya to drive Ustaz's car and me to drive Makcik's car.
It was during this organizing that some other group (gang) of people relates the girl's plan as such "Rombongan Cik Kiah" adapted from the famous TV drama (Rombongan Cik Kiah ke Sukan Komanwel). Since that day onwards, the 10 girls were known as CKs. Thanks to the "Tronoh Rangers" for the name so lovely, it brings good memories to us all.
Did I said"Tronoh Rangers"?... Their establishment weren't as significant as the CKs (to think about it, they are more dominant in terms of their friendship bond with each other). This group was founded by the ex-PPP/ITM male students whom each owns a motorcycle. The connection between the CKs and the Trons (Tronoh Rangers) were undeniably "close" as BIG Bros and Little Sis. Big Bro Jai, Sham, Ad, Hasly, Hai, also my batch mates Nazri (Nyet), Rizal (Eddy), Irfan, Zul... (did I miss any names? Toyak skali kan?).
Many plans were planned together after that, many ups and downs were felt together. Accidents happened (glad Hasly and Toyak recovered and is well again), some even fallen in love ( to Junei and Zul), hanging out until late at night infront of the hostel until the security have to call us off to disperse, several farewells and graduations that we gone through..how can I forget all of this?. Sigh.. where are you guys now?
Monday, July 04, 2005
Rombongan Cik Kiah ke Peak District
The Peak District, Derbyshire
Newly established Cik Kiah UK Branch:
My plan to go out and seek the nature in UK's country side was very brief when I proposed for all the UTPians in Manchester to get together on an outing we all will remember. Linda Ong and K Zura (AF) were my priority. Somehow, when I told them the idea of going camping out in the nature, they liked it. I missed nature, and I'd love to see the country side. It will be either Lake District or Peak District for our first outing that shall cover at least 2 interesting places nearby the main destination. We made plans, but at the last minute, Linda had to withdraw herself out. She said she would have to committ on her dissertation so that it will finish early. I wish you all the best Linda, we missed you though.
The two of us were determined to get the plans going, hence we open up the offer to several of the girls that I think would be interested with the plans. We were lucky enough to get another 4 girls to join this trip. We rent an MPV (Corrolla Verso VVT) which was really nice and booked a hostel in Edale to spend the night. Although pitching up a tent sounds very tempting, I hesitated at the idea because we weren't prepared for it.
I am not good at writing travel experiences, that's the reason I have only the itineries here.
My plan to go out and seek the nature in UK's country side was very brief when I proposed for all the UTPians in Manchester to get together on an outing we all will remember. Linda Ong and K Zura (AF) were my priority. Somehow, when I told them the idea of going camping out in the nature, they liked it. I missed nature, and I'd love to see the country side. It will be either Lake District or Peak District for our first outing that shall cover at least 2 interesting places nearby the main destination. We made plans, but at the last minute, Linda had to withdraw herself out. She said she would have to committ on her dissertation so that it will finish early. I wish you all the best Linda, we missed you though.
The two of us were determined to get the plans going, hence we open up the offer to several of the girls that I think would be interested with the plans. We were lucky enough to get another 4 girls to join this trip. We rent an MPV (Corrolla Verso VVT) which was really nice and booked a hostel in Edale to spend the night. Although pitching up a tent sounds very tempting, I hesitated at the idea because we weren't prepared for it.
I am not good at writing travel experiences, that's the reason I have only the itineries here.
Scenes from Peak District...
Travel Itineries
Satuday:
0700 -0800 : Berkumpul di rumah Effa
0830-1015: Journey to York -Designer Outlet
1015-1230 : Shopping around
1230-1315: Picnic Lunch at the lovely carpark
1315-1420: Journey to York town and sightseeing
1530-1720: Journey to Peak District
1720-1830: Rest and relax, tea
1830-2200: Exploring Edale, Peak District
2200-2300: Rest and dinner
2330 : Retire
Sunday:
0700-0900: Prepare breakfast and pack stuffs
0945-1015: Fotography session
1015-1100: Prepare sandwich at kitchen and check out
1100-1200: Enjoying scenery towards Hathersage town
1230-1420: Journey to Stoke On Trent, including getting lost halfway into Sheffield town
1420-1530: Wait for Aiman at Stoke's Potteries Shopping Center
1530-1730: Royal Daulton's factory and Outlet store
1730-1800: Dixy's chicken Stoke
1800-1900: Head back to Manchester
1930-2115: To Old Trafford, and Shell for fueling
2115-2145: To Airport and return the car
2358: Arrive at home
Satuday:
0700 -0800 : Berkumpul di rumah Effa
0830-1015: Journey to York -Designer Outlet
1015-1230 : Shopping around
1230-1315: Picnic Lunch at the lovely carpark
1315-1420: Journey to York town and sightseeing
1530-1720: Journey to Peak District
1720-1830: Rest and relax, tea
1830-2200: Exploring Edale, Peak District
2200-2300: Rest and dinner
2330 : Retire
Sunday:
0700-0900: Prepare breakfast and pack stuffs
0945-1015: Fotography session
1015-1100: Prepare sandwich at kitchen and check out
1100-1200: Enjoying scenery towards Hathersage town
1230-1420: Journey to Stoke On Trent, including getting lost halfway into Sheffield town
1420-1530: Wait for Aiman at Stoke's Potteries Shopping Center
1530-1730: Royal Daulton's factory and Outlet store
1730-1800: Dixy's chicken Stoke
1800-1900: Head back to Manchester
1930-2115: To Old Trafford, and Shell for fueling
2115-2145: To Airport and return the car
2358: Arrive at home
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