MIx #1

First time ever making a music mix.. Not very smooth.. well it is the first time anyway. hoping to improve soon.

A brain behind sports

Most people thinks that to be good in sports, we need pure skill and power. That is true but to be excellent in sports you need to have the brains to play it.

What i`m saying is people need to e smart in sports. Even if you have the best skill in the worlds but if you are playing your sports foolishly, you will never be the best player.

Every point need an example to prove if right? I`m giving you the easiest example there is who is Nicole Ann David, Malaysia`s own Number 1 squashy player. 

The fact that she is the number 1 squashy player is obvious that she is the best at her game. Currently her she is leading with more than 10,000 points compared to her closest competitor. Recently she defeated her opponent in a World class championship just under 31 minutes.

But not many people know that she did well in her SPM even in her tight training schedule. A perfect prove to my point. She really have a clever brain to accompany her skill. 

Another good  example is Mahali Jasuli the Malaysian football player.

He was a footballer that stands out from the rest because he has the brains to accompany his skills. He was the one to score one goal and assisted the only goal for Malaysia against Thailand in the AFF Suzuki cup recently.  

 All in all I just want to advise any sportsman or sportswoman to be smart while playing their game as brain always better than bran. 

From another point of view

We are always set our mind toward someone in the world with our own mind set. But what we don`t realise is which point of view that are setting our mind towards something..

An easy example is our mind set toward towards someone who is defined as a cruel leader of the past who is:-

Adolf Hitler

He is labelled as a cruel leader who kills at his own will.

Lead an army to destroy without mercy

But we return to the original discussion. We don`t realise our mindset is based on which point of view.

Some still don`t understand what am I trying to tell.

In reality, Adolf Hitler only tried to destroy the Jews. So many the jews had set every people`s mind to believe that he is actually a cruel man because he was cruel towards them. He actually respects other people and their religion except the Jews. I had saw a video that Adolf Hitler himself waited for the Muslim   members of his army to perform their solat before going out to war. 

So, do you understand now? How point of view of our mindset that is controlled by someone and at the same time could cover up the truth. so think about it.

KIZUNA project Malaysia Cohort 1 2012

On 14^th of September, all the participant of kizuna-youth exchange programme1^st batch delegation from Malaysia gathered at Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang for a pre-departure camp. The camp started with an ice breaking session on the first night and briefing by the facilitators and the Japan Information Service represented by Mr. Isogaya on the other day. Then on the evening, we practiced for the cultural performance until the night. On the final day of our camp, which is on the 16^th of September, we took our Japanese Proficiency Examination for form 4 students. After that, we went to the Concorde Inn KLIA for a pre-departure briefing by our travel agent.

Miyazaki A before departure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

On the 17^th of September, we arrived at the Narita International Airport around 7.00 a.m. When travelled to the Shinjuku Washington Hotel by bus that took about 45 minutes. We were given our lunch and rest until 2.30 p.m. Then we went to the TKP building for an orientation with the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) and our coordinators. We were briefed on the flow our programme and the basics do’s and don’ts  for the programme.  On 5.00 p.m we had dinner according to our groups.

On the 18^th of September, we checked out from the Shinjuku Washington Hotel and then went to the TKP Building for a lecture on The Effect of Japan Earthquake and order of recovery by Mr. Nogami Tatsuya from Meiji University. The lecture was focused on the effect of the disaster which includes damages to building, cost of loss, injury and death. Then on the second session we focused on the recovery steps took such as cleaning up the debris from the disaster, making temporary houses, and voluntary work. After lunch, we head to the Kasama Ceramic Training Centre in Ibaraki for a lecture The Effect of Japan Earthquake and order of recovery in Kasama. The journey took about 2 hours by bus. We were lectured about the horrible loss of ceramic industry of Kasama city such as the first kiln in Japan, ceramic roofs, merchandise, and the hardship of the civilians from Kasama had to face from the earthquake. The had suffered a terrible loss. Even though the loss was very big, they worked together to prepare 10,000 bowls for peoples from areas that is more badly effected. When the lecturer was asked why would the help others even when they are still in trouble he answered “we are Japanese” which left a big impact to the participants of this programme. Then we when to the President Hotel Mito to spent our night there.

On the 19^th of September, we first visited the Kasama-yaki Kiln for a visit and activity which is ceramic making tutorial which is given by a staff there. We were also had been shown the Kiln that has been repaired after being damaged during the earthquake. Even though the kiln was not in use anymore, it was restored for it historic value. Then we visit the Ibaraki Ceramic Art museum where ceramic masterpiece was kept. The museum was divided into three parts which is the first floor, second floor, and the basement. The first floor is where ceramics from artists which has been acknowledged by Japan as the nation’s treasure is exhibited such as the masterpiece made by Miya Kyuwa. The second floor exhibit is for local artists such as Kobayashi Hiroshi and his two brothers Kikuchi Hiroshi and Komazawa Hiroshi to show their masterpiece. Finally the basement was devoted for unique ceramic masterpiece from around the world such as the wonderful panther sculpture made by Ogawa Yuhei besides a work from international artist such as Robert Arneson.

Next, we moved to Oarai by bus for a lecture on Tsunami Damages and Risk Management by Mr. Tobita. From the lecture, we knew the damages done by the tsunami that struck Oarai that causes many property loss but no life loss. This is because the risk management there has been planned carefully such as providing sirens in public areas and also warning receiver in every house in Oarai. There are also special risk management team in every area to ensure the safety of the civilians in Oarai from the danger of tsunami. We were also informed that Oarai is a victim of rumors that states the area was effected by radioactive rays. The rumour was surely not true as the condition there was in great shape.

  

The Oarai Culture Centre

One of the aquarium in The Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium

Later, we visited Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium which is the seventh largest aquarium in Japan. The aquarium hold about 68,000 sea creature from 580 species. The strength of the aquarium has help if survive the earthquake without any damage to the structure. The height of the aquarium from sea level help it from being affected by the tsunami which is has a height of 4.5 m. Finally we went back to the hotel for the day.

On the 20^th of September, we went to visit the Mito City hall by bus. At the city hall, we get to see the damages done by the earthquake that struck on the 11^th of march 2011. The ground around the building fell about 20 cm because unlike the building, the ground around was not supported by anything. The inside of the building is also partially damaged until it had to be shut down because it was unsafe to use the building. The building is damaged because it is still following the old building specification that states the every building need to hold up until shido 5 earthquake which is then changed to shindo 6. The earthquake that struck on 11^th of march 2011 was at the scale of shido 6 positive. A temporary building was build there to accommodate the city hall and it was build on the same property to not take other people’s property.

Damages of the Mito City Hall

After that, we went to visit the Kairakuen-Park which is one of the 3 most beautiful park in Japan. The park was build by a warrior from the Mito clan. The ‘Thousand Waves’ lake which is at the park is a manmade lake build for a competition for the greatest lake in Japan during the Edo period. The lake was 3.5 times larger than the lake we see today. The Mito palace is also accommodated in the park. The palace defence was strategically planned as the north, south and east side is surrounded by the lake and a river then the west side is heavily guarded by samurai warriors. We participated in a voluntary activity to clean up the park to ensure its beauty.

Voluntary work at the Kairakuen-Park

Then we went to the Ibaraki Prefectural Government Office. We had a talk on the matsuri or festivals that are celebrated around Ibaraki according the 4 seasons in Japan such as the Kashima festival which dates back 1,200 years ago that is celebrated in spring and the Ishoka festival celebrated in fall. All matsuri are dedicated to build up relationship between the citizens around Ibaraki. Then we when to the top floor of the building to experience the bird’s eye view of Ibaraki. People can see the 360 degrees view from the building.

View from the top of the building

Lastly, we when to the Sakuranomaki High school for a school exchange program. They firstly introduced their school in general to us. Then we share the daily life of Malaysian school which states our daily schedule for school. We were also had the chance to have a question and answer with them which one representative from both countries asked question to the student from the other country to share our daily life as a student. Finally we were given a tour by the students around the school to see the environment of their school. Then we went back to the hotel to spent our night there.

Students from Sakuranomaki High School

On the 21^st of September, we went to the Haneda Airport by bus to take a flight to the Kumamoto Airport at the Kyushu region. As soon as we arrive in Kumamoto Airport, we took a bus for about 2 hours to reach the town of Gokase. In the evening, we were introduced to our host family for our home stay program. There  are a total of 9 families all together that are willing to take the participants as a host famiy. My family consist of 4 members which is Satou Kumao (father), Satou Yumiko (mother), Satou Yumiko (little brother), and Satou Kana (little sister). I was on the same family as two other participants which is Ben Yap and Hijaz. Before reaching our host family house, we when to a school to see Satou Kana having her Kendo practice. Then we had our dinner at their house and finally go to bed.

The Kendo team having their practice

Us with the whole Kendo team

On the 22^nd of September, all the delegates from Malaysia joined the Higenbana Matsuri or the Spider Lily Festival. The festival consist of taking a walk around the area and  preparing festive feast together. For this festival, a special festive food which is Omochi is being prepared especially for us. The festival when on from morning until around 3.00 p.m in the evening. Higenbana matsuri is held to celebrate the change from hot season to cold season.

Part of the walk for the Higanbana Festival

The process of making Omochi

After the festival, we went back to our respective host family. In the evening, my host mother brought us to a Kagura performance near our home stay. The performance consists of dancing, music and singing. The characters in the performance is based on the mask that the performer is wearing. The Kagura can only be performed by a male except for the character of the child. Every performance has its own story and is told by dancing, singing and music.

 

Part of the Kagura Performance

At our host family house, we specially prepared ‘ketupat’ and ‘kuah kacang’ for our host family. We brought the ingredients from Malaysia and prepared it for them. Our host family enjoyed the meal as most of them love spicy food. Finally that night we shared things about Malaysia with our family including tourism highlights, animals, and a little about our school.

They also shared things about Gokase. Gokase is a little isolated but is a famous tourism spot for skiing and snowboarding. On the next morning, also will be held a marathon heading to the Ski Resort as an annual event.

On 23^rd of September, we went to the Kamigumi Elementary School for their annual sports day. As the number students from the school are only about 50 people, there are also many events for family members. Many people from the area gathered together for the event. There are also beautiful cultural performances by all of the students such as the soran bushi. The delegates from Malaysia also had a chance to join in some of the events held there.

Malaysian delegates at the Kamigumi sports day

After the sports day, we when to the Kijiya Hotel to prepare for the farewell party that night. All the host families came to the farewell party at the Kijiya Hotel. The event started with a feast for the host families and participants. Then there was a dance performance by the Malaysian delegates followed by a choir by all of the delegates. It was an emotional moment as it is time for the participant and their respective host family to give their farewell.

Dance performance by Malaysian delegates

On the 24^th of September, we went to the Takachiho High School. The visit started with a general introduction to the school. The speech is given by the vice principle. We were introduced to the three fields of study and the co-curricular activities available at the school. The school has a tea plantation as well as farm animals near the school for practice to the students that are taking the field of production and distribution.

The kendo team is also has proven to be one of the best in Japan when they became the champion of the country 25 times. We were lucky to be able to spend so practice time with the team. 30 of us had the chance of trying out a martial art that is very unique.

Kendo practice

            Other then the kendo practice, 16 of us also had the chance to learn Japanese calligraphy. They learn from students that is a member of the calligraphy club.

 

Finished calligraphy

            After that, we had an interaction session with all of the students from the school.  The performed the Kagura which tell the story of a god hiding behind a stone. Then the Malaysian delegates also had the chance to perform the dance and our choir. The ceremony ended with exchange of presents by both side.

            Finally, we were given a lecture on prevention of natural disasters. We were taught to deal with natural disasters before they happen. This includes identifying affected areas and suitable temporary shelter.

Hands-on activity

In the end of the day, we had a workshop to discuss our finding for the period of 8 days that we are in Japan. Each group was divided into 3 smaller group for this workshop. Then the discussion of the 3 small groups will be combined to form a group conclusion that will be presented in Tokyo.

 

Group discussion

On the 25^th of September, we headed to the Kumamoto Airport to take a flight back to Haneda Airport. We have to be in Tokyo for a presentation our discussion that we had earlier. We presented our findings to Ms. Noor Hidayu from the human resource department and Mr. Yoshiharu Kato, Senior Regional Coordinator. Miyazaki A and Miyazaki B which is represented by Fazrul Amin and Aimanul Hakim presented their findings.

 

Group presentation

On the 26^th of September, we checked out from our hotel for the last time and went to the Narita International Airport to depart back to Malaysia.

my essay or world peace

The future has been pictured to be a world full of futuristic technologies, an easier life and the ability to travel to places we could never imagine. But people always forgets the most important thing for a great future that is world peace. Without peace and unity between everyone in the world, it is hard to create a future that we wanted.

From the scenarios seen around the world, people are always fighting each other in different ways and reasons. For example, the war between the North and South Korea that has never been resolved since after the World War II. The people of both republics has always wanted peace them as they expressed In many was such as in the 2003 B-Boy International Competition when their performance tell the story off how the two republic get separated and finally reunited as one. The disagreement also leads to all the men are forced to join the army at a certain age to fight in the war.

If we turn to the Europeans, we could witness the problem of racism being a big obstacle for their unity. People from other races rarely work and communicate with each other peacefully. The problem became serious when in 2011, a big riot occurred for five days in England after the death of Mark Duggan that caused a peaceful protest in Tottenham. But the peaceful protest became violent when large number of police officers arrived to disperse the demonstration.

On the thirteenth of May 1969, the capital city of Malaysia which is Kuala Lumpur has been declared `in the state of national emergency` when a Sino-Malay sectarian violence occurred. 196 people were killed in the incident, although journalist and other observers have stated much higher figures. Other reports at the time suggest over 2,000 were killed by rioters, police and Malaysian Army rangers, mainly in Kuala Lumpur. Even though they life in an independent country together, they turned against each other for racial reasons.

In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for sabotage and other charges. He gone against Afrikaner-dominated National Party, which supported the apartheid policy of racial segregation. He led prominently in the ANC's 1952 Defiance Campaign and the 1955 Congress of the People, whose adoption of the Freedom Charter provided the fundamental basis of the anti-apartheid cause. While in jail, his reputation grew and he became widely known as the most significant black leader in South Africa. Mandela's fight for freedom has been an eye opener for the world.

to be continued..

Mars craters named after Malaysian cities

I`ve learned that most of craters in Mars are named after cities in the world and also some from malaysia. After looking at a very long list of craters (I mean a very long list, Wikipedia had to split the list into three parts all together) I`ve came up with a list consisting all the craters named after malaysian cities. The list shocked me because none of the famous cities are there. I don`t know if there is more that was not listed or maybe the one I miss. So, the list I`ve made is the following:

Crater

• Kok ~ Kok, Sarawak, Malaysia
• Raub ~ Raub, Malaysia
• Sibu ~ Sibu, Malaysia

The Mars Rover

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Mission (MER) is an ongoing robotic space mission involving two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, exploring the planet Mars. It began in 2003 with the sending of the two rovers—MER-A Spirit and MER-BOpportunity—to explore the Martian surface and geology.

The mission's scientific objective was to search for and characterize a wide range ofrocks and soils that hold clues to past water activity on Mars. The mission is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, which includes three previous successful landers: the two Viking program landers in 1976 and Mars Pathfinder probe in 1997.^[1]

The total cost of building, launching, landing and operating the rovers on the surface for the initial 90-Martian-day (sol) primary mission was US$820 million.^[2] Since the rovers have continued to function beyond their initial 90 sol primary mission, they have each received five mission extensions. The fifth mission extension was granted in October 2007, and runs to the end of 2009.^[2][3] The total cost of the first four mission extensions was $104 million, and the fifth mission extension is expected to cost at least $20 million.^[2]

In July 2007, during the fourth mission extension, Martian dust storms blocked sunlight to the rovers and threatened the ability of the craft to gather energy through their solar panels, causing engineers to fear that one or both of them might be permanently disabled. However, the dust storms lifted, allowing them to resume operations.^[4]

On May 1, 2009, during its fifth mission extension, Spirit became stuck in soft soil on Mars.^[5] After nearly nine months of attempts to get the rover back on track, including using test rovers on Earth, NASA announced on January 26, 2010 thatSpirit was being retasked as a stationary science platform. This mode would enableSpirit to assist scientists in ways that a mobile platform could not, such as detecting "wobbles" in the planet's rotation that would indicate a liquid core.^[6] Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) lost contact with Spirit after last hearing from the rover on March 22, 2010 and continued attempts to regain communications until May 25, 2011 bringing the elapsed mission time to 6 years 2 months 19 days or over 25 times the original planned mission duration.^[7]

In recognition of the vast amount of scientific information amassed by both rovers, two asteroids have been named in their honor: 37452 Spiritand 39382 Opportunity. The mission is managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which designed, built, and is operating the rovers. The rovers also appeared in some tv series just for a parody for the real thing. When one of the scientist that work on the rovers gave a talk at my school, the famous topic was Mars maybe could support life there.