Bandar Blacks in the tournament

Saturday, April 26, 2008
In Iqah's request, I want everyone to know that Saffuan is 'not available'.

Believe me..
This innocent girl will kill you.


Playing with the Bandar Blacks seem like a dream last year. It was during those moments, while under the weight of doubt:

"My playing is so horrible, my stamina is weak, I have no skill in playing whatsoever"

As I mentioned before in my (very much) earlier post, I could never quit. Not when your team mates are awesome, and the game spectacular. No. I played on and I am now the experienced Rugby player I never thought I would become.

Back to the Blacks... oh yeah!
I was able to witness an awesome display of teamwork, aggression, and strategies. The Blacks' defensive line was surprisingly impossible to penetrate, and their players are the most enthusiastic bunch I've ever seen. I bet when they play, they felt like kings on the field, reigning their army to a bloody victory.

An amazing victory it is, against the Yachties for a 30-12 score.

Here are some pics. Enjoy!







Hahaha, Ranoadidas is here as well!






"No one is going to take my man away!"

Weird stuff with the Photoshop

Please 'click' on the pics for a clearer view.


Hello again, Ladies & Gentlemen.
Found some gems in my picture folder. Since the Adobe Photoshop is a marvellous program to pour graffiti on photos, I thought I might scribble and ruin some of them. I can now greatly emphasise how I feel with each picture, thanks to the digital age.

No, This is NOT how I feel!


On our conversation on McDonalds and the popular documentary...



Again for our Sociology Project.
Don't ask why we're doing this.



Caesar on his unbelievable behaviour again. Today he brought a bubble bottle shaped like Superman.



And on the topic of Vanity. Omnia Vanitas everyone.



Oh, met Sarah again in the mall with her cousin, Lulu. Hadn't left yet ^_^



Guitar Hero for the DS. Lame, but AWESOME!

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A lesson in Rugby pt 2: The T-rex Crash

Friday, April 25, 2008
Saffuan's offensive is revered by a lot of players lately. His technique, his skills, and his form, is an impressive display of rugby playing.

Along with the other lower six students in PTEB, Saffuan started off as a beginner in rugby. Being a basket ball player first, he already developed the necessary reflexes in the field. However, the very first of his tackles was a Spear. A powerful jolt attack yet an illegal tackle in rugby. Later, with a little help from his Physics knowledge and continuous practice, Saffuan became one of Brunei's most fearsome tacklers.

Saffuan's hard hitters depend on the opponent's reflexes. The T-rex Crash is like playing with the reflexes of a boxer. Once the opponent steps back, one rocket fist will send the fighter flying to a knockout. Again, the T-rex crash is fatal to any unsuspecting player. Once he starts raising his legs, any player with the right mind would be very careful, swift and quick; or just move away.



Anyone who is lucky enough to survive from this crash would either be in the hospital, or a deathly mark on their bodies. Once, I got hit and the shoulder, where the impact was, went green the next day. It took almost 3 weeks to disappear.



Of course, the key is always speed. It's all about not hesitating to attack. Go directly into contact with full force. If your opponent is dashing straight at you, do not lose focus and stay in his eyes. Be sure that there is a RIGHT AMOUNT of space between you and your opponent to carefull exact your actions.



The most IMPORTANT part of the crash. Saffuan said that he did a 'bicycle' to make the opponent think he's going to side step. However, this is a trick. I quote from the Coach, "Forwards do not SIDE STEP, we go directly into contact." The opponent is tricked and his body stops for a second before Saffuan hits him like a moving train.

Here is some theories on why Saffuan does the 'bicycle'.
(1) By catching the opponent off guard by pretending to sidestep, it creates a wider area for impact. Therefore, it increases the chances of injuring the opponent upon impact.

(2) It creates the illusion of Saffuan intentionally trying to kick the opponent in the face. The opponent will think "If I keep going, he will kick me in the face, so I have to avoid any injuries on my looks" then halts. And because rugby is a really fast paced sport, there is definitely no time to think twice!

(3) I learned that by doing the 'bicycle' in mid-run will make you faster. I once tried to imitate it in front of someone and accidentally tackled him. It seems the bicycle makes your movement uncontrollable in a short moment, and that if you went straight into a tackle, the impact would be mighty devastating.

A variation of this (and only when Saffuan is playing around) is by kicking his legs up high. It's pretty amusing to see when the whole team running to the sides.



How you use the impact is important. Saffuan is also careful with how he impacts.
For one thing, it is the DIRECTION of the impact. By making an upward thrust (that is RIPPING from down to up with your shoulder), you will temporarily stun the opponent and easily run past him like nothing.

Saffuan's favourite, however, is crashing THROUGH. One of the few reasons that this attack is terrifying is the fact that his shoulders are sharp and hard as steel. If he doesn't want to break your ribs, he'll make your lungs explode. And by crashing through the sorry boy, you'll push him away like a ragdoll thrown out of sight.

Here's some tips on survival:
QUICK AND SWIFT. The right momentum would be when he starts raising his legs. I think it would take 1 second to close the distance between you and Saffuan.
NO FEAR. The worst thing you can do is hesitate. Never hesitate because it hints your weakness. Believe it or not, Saffuan can see fear in you eyes.
PLAY WITH EGO. Ego should be part of the equation. A technique taught by Saffuan himself, the key is let the player go past you. This is not an act of fear, but a way to gain opportunity. Once he charges past you, grab his shirt as fast you can and pull him the ground. Becareful though, go slower and he'll break your arm away.

Thank you for reading A lesson in Rugby pt 2.

Please check out the BANDAR BLACKS in action in youtube!

Azzi The Armored Bear

A lesson in Rugby pt 1: The T-rex Tackle

Saffuan, or popularly known as T-rex, plays Rugby for the PTEB Sixers, the U20 national team, and the Bandar Blacks.

Despite playing Rugby for only a year, Saffuan is already ahead in the game and has been nicknamed the "Number One Tackler" on many occassions for his outrageous offensive. Once he readies for the tackle, most of us would be smart enough to stay out of this Rugby player's way.

The T-rex tackle, which I like to call, is one of the few rugby tackles in the defense that works like wonders.

I quote from Saffuan (in translation from malay of course), "You have to run fast and catch the player off guard. Like in Physics, the faster the movement, the stronger the resultant force." It is also known that his impressive tackles are from studying his Physics.


I've been his unexpecting victim most of the time T_T


If the opponent carries the ball and doesn't know what he's doing, it is definitely an easy target for Saffuan. However, the very experienced Saffuan does it even when the opponent is running at him. So no man is safe!


Once you charge at him offguard, this is where quick and hard movement is needed. Hug BOTH his legs, this is very important because you will render the opponent immobile. The trick here is carry the opponent with an UPWARD THRUST.


And the most dangerous of them all, after a few milliseconds in the air, Saffuan will bring you down like waves crashing. You start feeling Heaven's ready before your body gets buried to the ground.

This can give you back injuries and in a more serious note, a head injury if you are not careful. But here is some tips to protect yourself from this tackle.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. That way you won't bang on it to the ground.
AVOID CONTACT. Don't go directly at him unless you are confident you are faster than him. Once he grabs only one leg, you can drag him after.
GO LOW AS POSSIBLE. The lower you are, the farther your legs are from his hands. This gets your shoulders ready to crash and gives no opportunity for his arms to grab your legs. Chances are he'll try to aim higher. Possible smother tackle.
FOCUS. You'll be targeted if you are offguard.

Here's a lesson in Rugby for The T-rex Tackle. Thank you.
Pt 2. The T-rex Crash.

Azzi the Armored Bear

Bandar Blacks

I felt envious.
I might be an experienced Sixer and I won't deny that I'm still in the stages of learning. But training with the Bandar Blacks made me feel like an amatuer again. They are fast paced, more aggressive, I admit I am embarassed.

It was Saffuan who insist I join the Blacks. I did it only to sharpen my Rugby skills since there isn't much training in school lately since after the tournament.

Playing with the big boys was a great learning experience ^_^

How do I know? My neck hurts like hell and my muscles are shredded like cheese.

The New Sociology Project

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I am still sick
*Sigh* life is definitely a bitch..

While taking a break from revision, Ckg Hadi suggested we make some new posters for the class. Basing it on the A2 syllabus, we came up with interesting ideas to make our poster very comical.

Here's some pics during class time.


The last pic is my group ^_^

Oh and some gems from random photo taking.

"Hey... I look cute!"

Do shiny teeth contribute to the biology of a criminal individual?

Fidsy's an angel!

And the very gorgeous Nasreena, whose picture, from all the other poses, I think is the best side ^_^

Commitment Issues

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ladies & gentlemen,
I have a confession to make.

Lately I have been sick. Chest pains, headaches, skin disease, breathing trouble, and a 3 month flu.

I realise that this is the most stressful year of my life. I immerse myself to work and mostly to my CCA. I haven't driven yet, and it is as if I'm moving everywhere. And I can't seem to stay on one place in school. Early morning at my table, Block 3 it's in the canteen, recess in my next class, lunch I'm moving everywhere, after school I'm having my CCA.

I've been busy with a lot of things lately.

I kept telling everyone this is the year of sacrifice.
I keep forgetting to tell this to myself.

Since I started joining clubs in 2007, I thought it was cool to be an individual. Then you have the system, the politics..
People started questioning my commitment. Commitment issues filled my head. A friend once said because of this, my relationships won't work.

I thought about Mirah when she asked me to release Joel for the debate club in which I gave my 'ok'. Most of the clubs she joined were involved with things that matter. Like the Charity Club. So I think I should sacrifice some of what I do so I could do things that really matter too.

So I'm going to sacrifice one club. And when I meant be sacrificing, I will lose my commitment to that club. This is too much for me to handle and so please, no hard feelings.

sorry, and,

Goodbye,
Music club.



One of the greatest songs ever made


Our Handheld game consules

Sunday, April 20, 2008
My handheld, the Nintendo DualScreen.
Thanks to Kaka Naja, I brought home some nice NDS accesories from Japan.



It may not be as high-tech as the psp, but the DS sports a few games that is mostly dedicated to most puzzle fans.
I only have a few games to play due to my-not-so lasting interest in things. However, I am still aiming to get Trauma Center and the NDS internet Browser which I joke to Zani, "Once I get this, I will leave you alone!"

It's Aira's birthday on Monday, but we celebrated on Saturday. Fortunately for Aira, this was an opportunity to get her birthday present.



PSP slim

You know, I just realised something.
I own a NDS
Kaka Naja owns a NDS
Max owns a PSP
Aira owns a PSP

Hmm, I wonder what's the pattern?

I think Mom is still thinking of buying a Nintendo WII (her very own exercise machine, she calls it).
And Dad? I think he wants a massage chair, hahaha.

The Spartan returns to PTEB

Believe or not, the Dean gained some popularity since I brought it to PTEB.
Everyone says is its bad ass shape: The K body glued to a V neck.
Then some people say is the way its painted: Camouflage with silhouettes of the late and legendary Dimebag Darrell (RIP).



But in the views of the more experienced guitarists, it's the sound.
Too powerful to be heard through any regular amp. The pickups capture the loud aggressive sound. It is also a weapon that can take on many revered guitar techniques.
Pinch Harmonics
Guitar Scratching
Absolutely tight shredding

So for the first time this year, I'm bringing my Dean again this tuesday.
Oh it's good to be the highest scoring guitarist in PTEB ^_^
Juniors, catch a glimpse then.

45

Friday, April 18, 2008
The world's lit up again ^_^

The history of game consoles

Once upon a time, a happy family ate lunch and all of a sudden a happy young glasses boy of 6 years found the thing that will change his life.

"Look mom! A wish bone!" cried out the boy, and in his hand is a v-shaped chicken bone.
The mother explained the magical qualities of a wish bone, and that breaking it with someone will grant you a wish.
So the boy and the mother broke the piece into 2 while the family watched. None of them knew what the mother wished for, but the boy was so excited, he told everyone on the table his greatest wish.

"I wish for a Playstation"

And so Syazani got his wish and as the years go by, our collection had gone bigger to the point it becomes in a way a part of the family.


Playstation (1994) bought in 1997.
I remember vividly when mom came home from Singapore with our first machine. Graphics then was normal polygon, but still an amazing experience.
My best memory has to be Metal Gear Solid. The themes, the easter eggs, the gameplay mechanics.. Konami is the best game company in history!


Playstation 2 (2000) bought in 2003.
Our addiction grew worst during this era. Then we could only see the very refined graphics in magazines, but once we has this one it was one journey to gaming perfection.
Gungrave got me into cel-shaded graphics. The first time I played I was amazed on how everything in there seem so new. Grave and his coffin is my favourite game character of all time.


Playstation Portable (2005) bought in 2006
Zani's pet. It was this machine that got him into the world of technology. Compared to the PS2, the graphics and game mechanics might not be so great, but it is definitely greater than any handheld that existed in this era. Because of this machine, Zani is now the most knowledgable one when it comes to media.
I'm still rocking over Patapon; warfare, art, and music mixed, its the thought that counts.

and finally..


Playstation 3 (2006) bought in 2008
Our big leap to realism. During the ps2 years, we now recognise the amazing capablity of videogames and its technology. We knew exactly that the next Playstation's graphics will be the closest to reality. The gaming experience will be so poweful that our brains will melt from over-excitement.

Now combined with Zani's technology based knowledge and my eye for quality, it is definitely a feast for our eyes. However, the realistic graphics are so powerful, that hours of playing will result on temporary blurring.

The price of our love.
And all of this started with a wish bone ^_^
Monday, April 14, 2008
Internet was off for days now. Thank god I can blog now. So instead I blog with the Microsoft Word and bring it around in my pendrive everywhere.

So it is true, blogging can get really addictive. hahah.

April 12, 2008
See you again Sarah




Block 3 in PTEB is very quiet for me now. Not many of my friends are in the canteen and the library I’m afraid will have to be the only place to go.
Maybe it’s the time of year to go back in there. Hahaha.

Well one thing is for sure.
I’m sure going to miss her.


April 13, 2008
Time is not a straight line




After discussing the Cat's Eye novel in English Literature class, I've got some insight on the concept of time.

I remember staring at a picture I saw in the Kyoto-Tokyu Hotel named "Time". It's made with a broken chain of straight lines but also a graph like horizontal line cutting a quarter of the picture. Kaka and I discussed about how can this drawing explain the concept of Time.

Then I remembered the the novel's opening line: "Time is not a straight line". At first I thought it's confusing but as I read deeply in to the words, I realised that this is not any fictional memoir of a painter's past life as it tends to focus more on the protagonist's memories and emotions, on flashbacks. And that these flashbacks occur all of a sudden made her realise her past and that it will never change.

And then I found Blankets again and read through it one more time.

A memoir graphic novel where it centers on the main character's love life and Christian faith, and since this novel is his dwelling into the past, the same with Cat's Eye, I find the last lines of the novel very touching.

He goes out for a walk to see the snow. Behind him, he makes foot tracks. He exhales and a cloud of breath remains. He sweeps some snow off a fence then looks again at the tracks he made.
He first walks, then leaps and leaves a gap between one footprint and another. After that, he goes on walking, leaving more footprints on the snow.

"How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface.
To make a map of my movement--
--no matter how temporary"

He looks up in the sky, and snow is falling.


April 14, 2008
Rwanda Genocide


We watched another film for GP today, this time on the topic of human rights.
I watched Hotel Rwanda before and saw the atrocities that can occur then in 1994. And the most surprising of all, it was never thought seriously.

UN soldiers who return home after being denied of intercepting the Hutu violence tore their blue berets in disgust.

Yes, Genocide is terrible, especially to your fellow man. We went through interviews of survivors and killers, and it was real tragedy when it befell them.
Filah cried after the film, most of us felt great sympathy.
Dulce et Decorum est Pro Patria Mori gone wrong.


April 15, 2008
Bandar Blacks junior division


Today I went for training with the Junior Bandar Blacks. Saffuan recommended I join the juniors first before going to senior league.
Of course, I felt a little guilty, but the training regime is equally hard than Sixers training. So The Captain says true on what he meant.

But the final decision came when PES invited me. so I said, "You know what? Sure. I haven't played much rugby in awhile since I came back." It is definitely a breath of fresh air.

So I came for training earlier than the guys but training is super fun. Games back to back. Tackles left and right, It's down right coolness.
Looks like extra training coming right up. ^_^