Read, Watch, and Learn

This new semester has got me busier than usual, so far. I’m teaching five classes this time around, one class beyond the standard workload of four classes per semester, because of a huge demand for one of the courses. They are paying me extra for that, of course, but it will definitely bite me later with the extra assignments, quizzes, and exam papers to mark. Seniors are already coming to see me about the practical training program in the coming April – June, apart from the occasional students looking for the student advisor’s signature to drop a course.

The funny thing is I actually feel good about the whole thing. I can imagine, though, that my idea of a busy day or a busy week is nothing compared to what my friends at BNM or the private sector have.

In the meantime, if any of you people even take notice of the far right column, I’ve just finished reading two consecutive military SF novels by Steven L Kent. The Clone Republic and Rogue Clone, both published in this very year, tell the story of Wayson Harris, a clone Marine. The story is set in the 26th century, when humanity has spread across the Milky Way, with no aliens, at the brink of a galactic civil war. I’m definitely looking forward for the follow-up, Clone Alliance.

Eragon, the movie, was a let down for me. Of course, I can’t help comparing it to The Lord of the Rings trilogy (again the movies, not the books). Perhaps they should have taken a cue from Peter Jackson and made the movie two and a half hours long as well. Even The Chronicles of Narnia was over two hours. Reading the book, the Angela that I imagined looks nothing like Joss Stone; and weren’t they supposed to meet in a city?

Nessie sounds like Rachel Weisz (20th Century Fox/Yahoo! Movies photo)

(By the way, when is Book 3 of the Inheritance trilogy coming out?)

Before that on Monday the 11th, Olan at first suggested that we watch Cicak-Man. But I was the one buying the tickets, and how I was glad that I bought tickets for The Host instead! That gekko-man thing can wait till it gets out on TV next Raya. That's if I even want to watch it then.

Bakar asked me today whether I've decided to make teaching my career. He came for the National Career Carnival. To be honest I've never thought about doing anything else since I joined the university. It's a great feeling to teach – my own small contribution to the world.