Time's up!

Its finally here, the due date of this blog! I don't know why, but I just felt like saving the last post for the last day, just to keep it as up to date as I possibly can with the going ons in my life, in and out of college. Classes went well today, as it was mostly laid back and not as mind boggling as they usually are. Well, mind boggling might not really be the most accurate description, but right now thats the only word that comes to mind!

All the assignments that I've had to hand in were handed in, in time, and I'm pretty confident I'll fare well when the marks are revealed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not egocentric, it's just confidence. I thrive on confidence, be it real or forced. As long as I'm confident, I'll be in the right frame of mind to do my best and put all my effort into producing the best work possible.

The midterm examinations are three days away, I never saw them coming this fast! I still feel relatively new at Taylors, it's as if I only enrolled last week, even though in reality it's now already Week 6! How time flies when we're having fun.

A little too much fun, to be precise. Contrary to my previous post, I feel like I really did slack off this week. Not to say that I didn't study at all, but I guess I know personally that I could have worked harder and done much better in my preparations for the midterm examinations.

But I guess there's no real point crying over spilled milk, is there? I still have time, and an ample amount of it at that. The weekend is going to be spent in front of my books and laptop, studying every single thing I have to study, more than once to get it imprinted into the back of my head! Hopefully the planned study groups at McDonald's would help me a little, I always find constructive feedback from others as the best form of learning and improving. I'm most probably going to be camping there with a few friends for the whole weekend, reading book upon book, lecture not upon lecture note, and completing tutorial upon tutorial.

I'm still not entirely confident in my Management subject, even with more time spent studying that compared to the other subjects. I need to start trying harder, as much as I can't connect with that particular subject, I have no other viable option except to ace it. To tell you the truth, I guess it's a good thing that everything is so hectic and in a frenzy now. I always procrastinate, and this time it's come back to bite me. Hopefully this time I'll learn once and for all that me and procrastinating should never be associated with one another ever again when it comes to my studies. Three days to go, only three days. I only have this to say, quoted from one of my favourite bands, Muse; "Your time is running out!".

Crunch Time

A week till the midterm examinations begin, a scary prospect, and a reminder to all of us that we have to up our game in this next coming week. The midterms are utterly important, as it will be our carry marks and the overall decider of how well we do in this course for this semester. Honestly, I don't intend on doing any worse than a CGPA of 3.8, so I guess this week would be the be all end all for me, whether I decide to let the laze creep in and effect my results or whether I persevere with my studies and go on to get that scholarship I'm aiming for.

But at this point of time, at the start of the week, the midterms are probably the last thing on my mind. Not that I don't bother about it, I do, but it's just that the amount of workload we have from assignments from almost every subject is piling up while time is running out. True, things would have been a lot simpler if I had decided to complete them way ahead of the deadline, but I guess I really work best under pressure. Deadline week, I call it. We have four assignments out of the five subjects we're sitting for this semester, and all of them are due this week. I've managed to complete everything in time of course, but its just the matter of checking to see if its the best work I can produce. I guess I'm a perfectionist in that sense, nothing less than my best will do.

As far as preparations for my midterms are concerned, I think I'm adequately prepared for it. Of course, it does pay to actually listen attentively in class, since most of the important information is explained during the lectures. Then again, I'm not totally convinced of myself, so I guess its cue me burning the midnight oil almost every night studying every subject and making sure I know all that I need to know, for nothing less would do me justice. Of course, all this would only be possible once I'm done with my assignments. Deadline week, followed by midterm examinations week. Why is it always so jam packed?

Hopefully this next week goes smoothly, with me finishing my assignments and handing in the best possible effort I can, followed by countless nights of studying in preparation for the midterm examinations. No room for error now, its either do or die for me. And in the state of mind I am in now, die isn't really the option of choice. Out of all the subjects I'll be taking, the only one that slightly worries me is Management. I honestly can't connect with that subject, but giving up and forfeiting the fight isn't really in my nature, so I'll try to concentrate harder on this particular subject over the rest of them. I will ace my midterms, I'm sure of it! Heck, a little bit of optimism can't really hurt, can it?

The Sound of Music

Music, the universal cure for everything, the soother of storms, the jester for sadness, the companion for loneliness. Yes, we all love music, maybe not everyone has the same taste in it, but we all love it nonetheless. It really is our best friend, our closest companion in times of need. Feeling sappy? Put in a Coldplay CD in the car player, wind down the windows, and take a slow drive, with no specific destination in mind. That's what I do, and trust me, there is nothing quite like it.

Musical taste is always a widely debated topic. Some people are so caught up in their genre of choice that they disregard anything good from other artists who dabble in other genres. I on the other hand, consider myself to be quite a universal lover of music. Anything good will do, whether its metal, rap, hip-hop, trance and etc. Below are a few of my personal favourite bands/artists that I go to when I need a mood upper.

1) Megadeth

My all time favourite band, bar none. Formed from the insatiable hunger to dethrone Metallica as the front runners of heavy metal by Dave Mustaine, this band always manages to hit the right notes with almost every single album. Their style mostly consists of melodic cum speedy solos with harsh vocals, topped by amazing riffs and melodies. They usually create songs focusing on propaganda, corruption, revenge, morality and the afterlife. Megadeth might not be a band for everyone to listen to, but they definitely know how to hit the spot with me.

2) Muse

One of the best British bands out there right now, Muse are definitely in a league of their own when it comes to genre classification. Their music is unexplainable, it's just...Muse? Vocalist Matt Bellamy's falsetto croons are a definite addiction of mine, there is no one else quite like him when it comes to vocals style and ability. Catchy guitar riffs coupled with amazing basslines and drumbeats, this 3-piece band still awes me till this day with their ability to create huge sounding melodies with only 3 members. A definite favourite, and one I think everyone should check out.

3) Coldplay

The best thing since sliced bread, as many have claimed. I'm definitely on of those many people who share the same thought. Coldplay have been a revelation since they first burst onto the scene a few years back. Hit after hit, they never seemed to slow down, always upping their game and rising to the occasion. Chris Martin's croons over an acoustic piano is my go to of choice when I need to clear my head or just dwell on something emotionally troubling. There really is nothing more soothing and heart-jerking than listening to a Coldplay CD in the rain, having a slow drive around the neighbourhood in the middle of a night. Try it, I insist!

4) John Mayer

Not only one of my favourite singers, this man is also one of my favourite guitarists, one of my idols in fact. Most people only know him for his mainstream hits that are played on the radio and MTV, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Mr.Mayer is by right a blues player, and an amazing one at that. Check out his live concerts, where he has the ability to perform to his full potential and not be held back creatively by record labels and marketers. Stevie Ray Vaughan, the second coming?

Those four aforementioned artists/bands are just a few of the many that I hold closely to me, for they are the ones I'm able to connect to the most, the ones that manage to speak to me through their music. Whatever your music of choice, music can only be described in one word...magical. I doubt anyone would disagree with me on that statement!

Down the wire

Yes, that's how the title race in the Premier League is faring this season, right down to the wire. At this point, its clear that its a two-horse race between Manchester United (Man Utd) and Chelsea, with the remaining 18 teams just filling up the slots. Chelsea certainly hold the advantage with their 1 point lead over Man Utd, so in my opinion it's their title to lose. Though honestly, I think they'll go all the way and win their remaining one game to seal the deal, hindering Man Utd from clinching their fourth straight Premier League title on the trot.

Oh, did I forget to mention that I'm a die hard Man Utd fan? I've been one for 11 years, and the love I have for the club has never dwindled throughout that period of time. In fact, with each passing year, my passion and love for the club grows stronger and stronger. As die hard a fan as I am though, I'm still a realist at heart. And my inner realist tells me that the title is Chelsea's this season, they have the upper hand, and as much as I hate to say it, they are the worthier winners, but only just.

But who's to blame for Man Utd not winning the title this season? Is is the coach? Is it the players? Is it the outside factors such as their ownership problem and skyrocketing debts?

To me, I guess the only factor that influenced the outcome of this season was a little something called Lady Luck. The turning point of the season, where Man Utd clashed with Chelsea, was won by an offside Didier Drogba goal. Miles offside, for that matter. On any other given day, the linesman would have flagged, his goal would have been disallowed, and Man Utd would still have held their two point lead over Roman Abramovich's Chelsea juggernaut. But then again, who says life is fair?

Of course, Lady Luck wasn't the only decisive factor in the outcome of the league this season. Any team losing two star players, in this case Carlos Tevez and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, would have had their work cut out for them. It didn't help that the only players they brought in were either injury prone, unproven or too raw. Micheal Owen played a part in the most exciting football match this season, scoring a last second winner against crosstown rivals Manchester City. Besides that, he has been spending more time on the surgeon's bed compared to on the pitch. Antonio Valencia, though yet unproven at the time of purchase, is seen by most as the success of the season. His telepathic understanding with Wayne Rooney was key in maintaining the pressure up top. Even so, he is no replacement for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. Gabriel Obertan was the only other signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, and he featured in only 3 or 4 matches throughout the whole season, not really a promising sign of things to come from him.

For me though, it has been a season we can be proud of, for we have done better than most thought we would have. Losing two star players was only the beginning, we also went through an injury-ravaged winter period with only ONE recognised defender, Patrice Evra. The only reason we were even in the running for the title was thanks to the rebirth of Wayne Rooney. Often in the shadow of Ronaldo, Rooney has stepped up this season and taken over the mantle as the most influential figure in the team, scoring the most goals he has ever scored throughout his career in a single season. Finally, he's been showing the kind of goal scoring instincts and form that people worldwide have been expecting him to, for a person as gifted as he is.

It may still be early to tell, but all that remains now is one match, which would decide whether the league title stays in Manchester or whether Stamford Bridge gets to keep it for the next year. Whatever the outcome is, it's been a great season of football, as always. Now, here's to hoping that miracles do happen, and Man Utd clinch the title on the last day of the season. Glory glory Man Utd!

First Week at Lakeside

Well, it came and went, just like that. My first week at the new Lakeside Campus is over and done with. And as I mentioned in my previous blogpost, spending the week here might change my overall perceptions towards this place. Looking back, hindsight really has a way of coming back to bite you. After spending this first week here, I have managed to realise that there are quiet a few positives that may make the cons of this place worth the while after all.

One thing I really love about this new Lakeside campus is the utterly amazing library. Four floors of futuristic themed architecture, interiors, couches and everything else was quite a sight to behold when I first set my eyes on it. Though, the one thing I've noticed is that most of the occupants in the library are primarily using it as a spot to take naps, not studying! Walk up all four floors using the stairs and you'd notice that at every floor, at least half of the occupants would be sprawled out across the sofas or slumped on their desks, books nowhere to be seen. I guess thats one of the side effects of making the library a little too comfortable, I would know that personally. All I'd have to do in the library is sit down on any of the couches, plop myself down and next thing I know, I'd be caught in a deep slumber, only to be awaken by one of my friends.

Besides that, the other thing I like about this new Lakeside campus is the fact that all the elevators are really, really, really slow. Not really something that most people would be happy about, but I am, and there's a good enough reason for that. Slower than sin elevators force me to use the stairs to climb the floors, getting to classes. At least this gets me some of my much needed exercise. Might seem like a trivial matter, but going up and down the staircase everyday for the next two and a half years would definitely help me lose this tummy I carry around everywhere!

Those being said however, I now realise that there isn't really much else to shout about when it comes to the new Lakeside campus. Sure, some might say that it needs time to develop, and that it hasn't even been completely completed, but that's beside the point. As a whole, I think weighing in both the pros and cons have enabled me to realise that the new campus is a step in the right direction, though it may not be the best step to take at this point in time. There is still much needed improvement if it is to live up to the hype surrounding it, because honestly, there is nothing outstanding about this new self-proclaimed 'world class' campus. I'm not one to judge though, lets see how much improvement occurs over the next year or so. Whatever it is, I can only hope that this campus fulfills it's potential before I'm done with my studies here. Anything else, and I'd be really disappointed.