Oh well, I just finished it, that book,"Billions & Billions Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium". I can't believe I took so long reading it. Maybe that is because I read Full Metal Panic in between. It is a good book, very good for GP. Sadly, I read it long after the paper.
Oh yah, I almost forget that A Level result going to be released soon, the coming Friday to be precise. That's the end of the wait? No, it is still much longer. I plan to get on courses after taking back the result. I mean, it will make things easier that way. Oh well, I have not decided what to learn in Uni. Dad seems to expect me to learn something that will be useful to start business, but I'm really not sure what to take.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
At last I finished it
I can't believe that it took me that long to finish that book, I mean "A Brief History of Time". It is kinda old book written by a genius. It is partially due to the hard to churn content, but also because I read something else, watching lots of anime and did massive forum posting in the middle of reading it. It is a good book, I have to admit. I just finish reading it on Tuesday night, I'd say midnight, before getting on to bed. Oh yah, dad went back home on that day and I decided to accompany him till the harbour. I never expect I find a treasure in a bookshop in Vivocity. It is a book that I have been looking for quite long, written by a great scientist by the name of Carl Sagan. It is his last book, the one that he wrote in a state of next to death. It is titled "Billions & Billions Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium". I gotta say that it is a good book, jargon free and written in such a way that it every chapter is interesting and entertaining while the topic covered is not something shallow but there is a deep meaning behind it. Sadly they sold the book much more expensive than the original price, what a rip off. I can't find it at other bookstore anyway and it was the last one sold there, so I decided to get it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Welcoming the tiger
Winter solstice had passed,
signifying the end of the year comes near.
It is just a few weeks away,
for the end of the winter.
It is about time,
for the ox to leave.
The tiger will come soon,
to take over the spot.
Families gather around,
reuniting with family members,
waiting for the end of the year,
the coming of the tiger.
The last day of the year had come,
the ox slowly walks away.
It is about time,
for the last meal of the year.
The gong strikes,
the parade starts.
It is the hour of the dog,
a few more hour to midnight.
Flame dances in the sky,
gun powder could be smelt.
The crowd watched the colorful sky in awe.
The hour of pig had come.
The gong strikes,
the hour of rat had come,
signifying the change of day.
The tiger is coming!
The burst of firecrackers signaling the coming of the tiger,
the king of the beast, a symbol of power.
The ox had gone, the tiger had taken its spot.
A new beginning of the year, the start of spring.
signifying the end of the year comes near.
It is just a few weeks away,
for the end of the winter.
It is about time,
for the ox to leave.
The tiger will come soon,
to take over the spot.
Families gather around,
reuniting with family members,
waiting for the end of the year,
the coming of the tiger.
The last day of the year had come,
the ox slowly walks away.
It is about time,
for the last meal of the year.
The gong strikes,
the parade starts.
It is the hour of the dog,
a few more hour to midnight.
Flame dances in the sky,
gun powder could be smelt.
The crowd watched the colorful sky in awe.
The hour of pig had come.
The gong strikes,
the hour of rat had come,
signifying the change of day.
The tiger is coming!
The burst of firecrackers signaling the coming of the tiger,
the king of the beast, a symbol of power.
The ox had gone, the tiger had taken its spot.
A new beginning of the year, the start of spring.
Anime review - Senjō no Varukyuria -Valkyria Chronicles-
Genres: Action, Military, Romance
Themes: Alternative History, War, Racism
Rating: 7 out of 10
Original Run: 05.04.2009 till 27.09.2009
Episodes: 26
Fansubbing Groups : twrev-Doremi
An anime adaptation of the Japanese tactical role-playing game developed by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3.
Once upon a time the land was fertile, and people all lived in satisfaction. However, a greedy one took all the fruits, seeds and livestocks for oneself and people cried in hunger. Hearing their voices, a courageous one come forth, and with the spear clad in blue flame, pierced the heart of the greedy one. The land become fertile once more. The greedy one was a Darcs and the courageous one was a Valkyria.
In the year 1935 E.C., the continent of Europa is dominated by two superpowers: The Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance (The Empire) in the east and a commonwealth of loosely allied democracies known as the Atlantic Federation (The Federation) in the west. The economies of both powers depend on a precious multi-purpose mineral called Ragnite; its uses range from fueling weapons of war to use in medical treatments. Its growing scarcity results in the Empire declaring war on the Federation, sparking the Second Europan War. The Empire uses its military superiority to quickly put the Federation on the defensive. Emboldened by their progress and momentum, the Empire decides to invade the neutral Principality of Gallia in order to seize its rich Ragnite deposits.
When Imperial forces launch an attack on the Gallian border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of late Gallian national hero General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside the town watch captain, Alicia Melchiott. Together with Welkin's adopted sister Isara and using Belgen's prototype tank from the first war, the Edelweiss, they escape to Gallia's capital, Randgriz, and subsequently join the country's militia forces. Welkin is given the rank of lieutenant and assumes command of the newly-formed Squad 7, with Alicia acting as his non-commissioned officer. Initially, members of the squad question Welkin's qualifications due to a lack of combat experience; however, he quickly earns their trust and loyalty with his tactical genius. Welkin and Alicia soon become romantically engaged.
WARNING, SPOILER ALERT!!!
The Regulars of Gallian military, who hate the militia are jealous of the success of Militia Squad 7 and often sent them to suicidal missions. However, under the leadership of Welkin, Squad 7 managed to complete every mission given which pretty much weaken Imperial Force. To counter his successive defeat, the crown prince Maximilian deploys one of his commanders, Selvaria Bles, equipped with the Ragnite lance and shield of the ancient Valkyrian race, thought to have saved the ancient world from the Darcsen race. Using innate magic powers, she decimates the Gallian army. Alicia is shot by Welkin's archeologist colleague, Faldio, in order to awaken her own latent Valkyrian powers. Alicia is able to drive Selveria back, allowing the Gallians to advance to the border. Selveria commits suicide in defense of the Ghirlandaio fortress, killing the self-serving Gallian commander but sparing Squad 7.
Maximilian, wanting to create his own empire, uses his ultimate weapon, a "land dreadnought" called the Marmota, to break through Gallia's defenses and steal a giant Valkyrian lance from within Randgriz Castle. The princess reveals herself to be Darcsen - the Valkyrians rewrote history to make themselves into heroes, while an allied Darcsen tribe gained Randgriz as the spoils. With Alicia's help, Squad 7 are able to board the Marmota, destroying its engines and defeating Maximilian. Alicia and Welkin are rescued, and return to Bruhl, where they marry and raise a child.
Main Characters:
Welkin Gunther
Lieutenant, age 22. The only son of the hero of the previous war, General Belgen Gunther. He joined the militia as the leader of Squad 7 after witnessing the destruction of his homeland. He majored in Animal Sociology in his university year. In secondary military education, he chose Tank Operation; at university, Officer Training, In addition he earned credentials as Tank Commander. As a commander, he rides the "Edelweiss," a highly mobile tank created by Professor Theimer, Isara's late father.
A lover of nature since childhood, his free time was usually spent observing animal and plant life near his home. From his unique interests, he often finds the most unconventional tactics (such as using trails left by animals) to stop the Imperial forces.
Welkin is somewhat an airhead who is too absorbed in his hobby that he is oblivious too his surrounding. It took him long to realise that his hometown is under attack that he should evacuate by that time. He is somewhat dense that he do not realise that Alicia harbor feelings for him. When Faldio told him that he confessed to Alicia, Welkin does not show any reaction, unaware of his love for Alicia.
It was later revealed that Isara's death pain him greatly despite of him being the only one who put a straight face during the funeral.
Alicia Melchiott
Sergeant, age 19. A young lady who dreamed to become a baker. She served as a team captain of the Bruhl Town Watch and was called for duty after the invasion, being posted to Squad 7 as Welkin's Aide . From her previous experience, she will serve as one of the scouts.
She is extremely reliable, full of righteousness and loves taking care of others. At first, she is perplexed by Welkin’s personality, but soon learns what is special about his gentle ways. Faldio's attraction to her conflicts with her feelings for Welkin.
Alicia was an orphan, little is known of her parentage. It is later revealed that she come from the same orphanage with Selvaria and both of them are descendant of the legendary Valkyria.
She deeply cares of the safety of Squad 7. Which is clearly shown when she made a personal request with the princess to guarantee the safety of all member of Squad 7 and Faldio before she advance to the battlefield to face Selvaria.
Isara Gunther
Corporal, age 16. She was adopted by her late father’s friend, General Gunther, making her the younger sister of Welkin. Due to her Darcsen decent, a group of people who are openly discriminated in Europa, dealing with prejudice is part of her life.
Taking to engineering in her father’s footsteps, she earned several credentials before enlisting in the Army. She plays a dual role as the squad’s tank pilot and mechanic.
Together with her brother, she operates the "Edelweiss," a memento of his late father.
She was shot when taking care of injured Rosie.
Themes: Alternative History, War, Racism
Rating: 7 out of 10
Original Run: 05.04.2009 till 27.09.2009
Episodes: 26
Fansubbing Groups : twrev-Doremi
An anime adaptation of the Japanese tactical role-playing game developed by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3.
Once upon a time the land was fertile, and people all lived in satisfaction. However, a greedy one took all the fruits, seeds and livestocks for oneself and people cried in hunger. Hearing their voices, a courageous one come forth, and with the spear clad in blue flame, pierced the heart of the greedy one. The land become fertile once more. The greedy one was a Darcs and the courageous one was a Valkyria.
In the year 1935 E.C., the continent of Europa is dominated by two superpowers: The Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance (The Empire) in the east and a commonwealth of loosely allied democracies known as the Atlantic Federation (The Federation) in the west. The economies of both powers depend on a precious multi-purpose mineral called Ragnite; its uses range from fueling weapons of war to use in medical treatments. Its growing scarcity results in the Empire declaring war on the Federation, sparking the Second Europan War. The Empire uses its military superiority to quickly put the Federation on the defensive. Emboldened by their progress and momentum, the Empire decides to invade the neutral Principality of Gallia in order to seize its rich Ragnite deposits.
When Imperial forces launch an attack on the Gallian border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of late Gallian national hero General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside the town watch captain, Alicia Melchiott. Together with Welkin's adopted sister Isara and using Belgen's prototype tank from the first war, the Edelweiss, they escape to Gallia's capital, Randgriz, and subsequently join the country's militia forces. Welkin is given the rank of lieutenant and assumes command of the newly-formed Squad 7, with Alicia acting as his non-commissioned officer. Initially, members of the squad question Welkin's qualifications due to a lack of combat experience; however, he quickly earns their trust and loyalty with his tactical genius. Welkin and Alicia soon become romantically engaged.
WARNING, SPOILER ALERT!!!
The Regulars of Gallian military, who hate the militia are jealous of the success of Militia Squad 7 and often sent them to suicidal missions. However, under the leadership of Welkin, Squad 7 managed to complete every mission given which pretty much weaken Imperial Force. To counter his successive defeat, the crown prince Maximilian deploys one of his commanders, Selvaria Bles, equipped with the Ragnite lance and shield of the ancient Valkyrian race, thought to have saved the ancient world from the Darcsen race. Using innate magic powers, she decimates the Gallian army. Alicia is shot by Welkin's archeologist colleague, Faldio, in order to awaken her own latent Valkyrian powers. Alicia is able to drive Selveria back, allowing the Gallians to advance to the border. Selveria commits suicide in defense of the Ghirlandaio fortress, killing the self-serving Gallian commander but sparing Squad 7.
Maximilian, wanting to create his own empire, uses his ultimate weapon, a "land dreadnought" called the Marmota, to break through Gallia's defenses and steal a giant Valkyrian lance from within Randgriz Castle. The princess reveals herself to be Darcsen - the Valkyrians rewrote history to make themselves into heroes, while an allied Darcsen tribe gained Randgriz as the spoils. With Alicia's help, Squad 7 are able to board the Marmota, destroying its engines and defeating Maximilian. Alicia and Welkin are rescued, and return to Bruhl, where they marry and raise a child.
Main Characters:
Welkin Gunther
Lieutenant, age 22. The only son of the hero of the previous war, General Belgen Gunther. He joined the militia as the leader of Squad 7 after witnessing the destruction of his homeland. He majored in Animal Sociology in his university year. In secondary military education, he chose Tank Operation; at university, Officer Training, In addition he earned credentials as Tank Commander. As a commander, he rides the "Edelweiss," a highly mobile tank created by Professor Theimer, Isara's late father.
A lover of nature since childhood, his free time was usually spent observing animal and plant life near his home. From his unique interests, he often finds the most unconventional tactics (such as using trails left by animals) to stop the Imperial forces.
Welkin is somewhat an airhead who is too absorbed in his hobby that he is oblivious too his surrounding. It took him long to realise that his hometown is under attack that he should evacuate by that time. He is somewhat dense that he do not realise that Alicia harbor feelings for him. When Faldio told him that he confessed to Alicia, Welkin does not show any reaction, unaware of his love for Alicia.
It was later revealed that Isara's death pain him greatly despite of him being the only one who put a straight face during the funeral.
Alicia Melchiott
Sergeant, age 19. A young lady who dreamed to become a baker. She served as a team captain of the Bruhl Town Watch and was called for duty after the invasion, being posted to Squad 7 as Welkin's Aide . From her previous experience, she will serve as one of the scouts.
She is extremely reliable, full of righteousness and loves taking care of others. At first, she is perplexed by Welkin’s personality, but soon learns what is special about his gentle ways. Faldio's attraction to her conflicts with her feelings for Welkin.
Alicia was an orphan, little is known of her parentage. It is later revealed that she come from the same orphanage with Selvaria and both of them are descendant of the legendary Valkyria.
She deeply cares of the safety of Squad 7. Which is clearly shown when she made a personal request with the princess to guarantee the safety of all member of Squad 7 and Faldio before she advance to the battlefield to face Selvaria.
Isara Gunther
Corporal, age 16. She was adopted by her late father’s friend, General Gunther, making her the younger sister of Welkin. Due to her Darcsen decent, a group of people who are openly discriminated in Europa, dealing with prejudice is part of her life.
Taking to engineering in her father’s footsteps, she earned several credentials before enlisting in the Army. She plays a dual role as the squad’s tank pilot and mechanic.
Together with her brother, she operates the "Edelweiss," a memento of his late father.
She was shot when taking care of injured Rosie.
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