My personal blog started in Nov 2004 archiving some of the memorable moments in life. It's also a journal of my personal development from a computer-loving teenager to becoming a digital marketer based in Tokyo. I may have a laughter or two when I read the entries again sometime in the future.
31 August 2006
Malaysia's 49th Year
Anyway, nothing much happened, the football field at Stpk Indah was flooded and the condition is too bad for football. Luckily stil can play football with neighbour at the limited grassland behind my yard.
Tomorrow's back to school, and exam's just around the corner.
29 August 2006
Maksim ELECTRIK!
The tracks has been revised from the earlier rumour I've posted. Yeah... cant wait to listen to Tonci Huljic's masterpieces and Maksim's performance!! :D1. The Gypsy from “Anvil Chorus ‘Verdi: Il Trovatore’ ” (Giuseppe Verdi)
2. Requiem
3. Child in Paradise (Tonči Huljić)
4. Anthem (Tonči Huljić)
5. In the Hall of the Mountain King from ‘Peer Gynt’ (Edvard Greig)
6. Nathrach
7. Beyond Rangoon (Hans Zimmer)
8. The March of the Icon
9. Tango In Ebony
10. Carmen Act III - (Bizet)
11. Prelude (Bach)
12. In Paradisum - (Faure)
13. The Way Old Friends Do (ABBA)Japan Bonus Track - Turandot
Japan Bonus CD - includes remixes by DJ’s from different countries.Info credit: MaksimMrvica.com
P/S: Unfortunately, the release date would likely to be around early October, I think it might take awhile for the album to be available here in Malaysia. I want to get the CD before SPM....
27 August 2006
Jay Chou's new album, Stil Fantasy
Jay Chou
It shouldnt take too much time to load, it's only 1.50 mins clip.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1S0HCb0Eq8
25 August 2006
Ronaldinho's Super Legend
UEFA Champions League draw
BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Live: Champions League draw
For any football fans out there, ECL(Euro Champs League) is an exciting competition, much like World Cup or EURO for club standard that plays annualy.
Right, so UEFA have drawn the 2006/2007 season of ECL's group list, and here it is.
Group AMy thoughts:BARCELONA
Chelsea
Werder Bremen
Levski SofiaGroup B
INTER MILAN
Bayern Munich
Sporting Lisbon
Spartak MoscowGroup C
LIVERPOOL
PSV Eindhoven
Bordeaux
GalatasarayGroup D
VALENCIA
Roma
Olympiakos
Shakhtar DonetskGroup E
REAL MADRID
Lyon
Steaua Bucharest
Dynamo KievGroup F
MANCHESTER UNITED
Celtic
Benfica
FC CopenhagenGroup G
ARSENAL
Porto
CSKA Moscow
HamburgGroup H
AC MILAN
Lille
AEK Athens
Anderlecht
Group A, the "group of death". 3 champions playing with 1 amateur club, the verdict? I'm looking foward Barcelona go through without any much problems. The 2nd spot? I'd go for Bremen, I'm doubtful with Chelsea's current performance, 1 draw 1 lose. Barcelona VS Chelsea, nemesis....
Group B, 2 capitals and 2 major cities from Europe collide. I'm favoring the city of Milan(Internazionale) & Munich(Bayern) to go through.
Group C, Liverpool, the ex-champion will have no problem as long as they're playing well to pressurize the other teams. Eindhoven is not as good as they are few years ago.
Group D, I've not much comments as I didnt observe the teams.
Group E, Madrid's reputation is stil doubtful eventhough there's the new manager. Lyon the French champion, should have no problem to keep the other 2 minor clubs out of the door.
Group F, this is what I'm waiting. Man Utd will play againts Celtic, a Scottish club in this group. On the other hand, Man Utd will also have to face Benefica, which knocked Man Utd out of the ECL last year. Copenhagen? Didnt heard of this club before, one of the capital of Scandinavia.
Looking foward to see Park Ji Sung VS Shunsuke Nakamura! :)
Group G, Arsenal are familiar with Porto and Moscow, which they've played againts them few times in the ECL.
Group H, the last group. I think Milan wont have any much problem as the teams arent those big names, lucky for AC Milan.
Those are my comments, we wouldnt know what will really happen next.
The ball is round, so anything can happen in the game of football!! ;)
23 August 2006
Someone looks like her
Came throught these 2 pics of Rinoa of Final Fantasy VIII from the net. When I look at these pics, it reminds me of a friend which I think looks kinda like her, too.
Differnt people got different taste, right? I think my friend looks like her in terms of the hairstyle, and the smile, well that's what I think about.
Hah, I know she wouldnt be quite happy if she knew I put her pic on here, so I'll leave it for those smart people to figure out the 'hidden picture' I've put in this post. :P
Hahahah.....
21 August 2006
The end of Geo
I've attended last year, almost the same thing, except this year they're gonna stay overnight while our's just last for 1 day.
Waited for Ms Lee's arrival from 7am t0 9am. I've done some chemistry exercises, as well as visit the chemistry lab for the last time. There's afew other F4 students who're taking Geo too, but F5s only left myseld and Chun Meng, the 'professor' in F5.
Ms Lee arrived sometime around 9.15am, and the first thing she does is 'blast' us like we've done something terribily wrong and then say she quits teaching Geo, everything happens in just 5 mins. I dunno what is her problem, she's just too sensitive sometimes, overreact. I'm suffering from her since F3, it's kinda relief it's the end of it, I rather study Geo all by myself. But anyway, she's quite nice when she's in good mood, which seldom happen.
9.20am, walk from school to Stpk Indah football field few KMs away. 30 mins reach there, I was suppose to have football game today but I've to attend the Geo class. The boys are still playing there, I join in for awhile and later we had a tea break. Ate roti boom and milo ice, treat it like a reward for myself I guess.
Walk back to LRT station and take a ride to WM station.... walk back home. That's what I'm doing today, tomorrow still have to attend some extra tuition classes.....
Kinda pathetic to see my Geo class ended up like this, she's just too sensitive, bad-tempered. If she can change herself(which is impossible), she can be a great teacher. Too bad.... :\
19 August 2006
Advent Children: Those Who Fight
I'm very impressed by this video.
What your Birth month means
MARCH
* Attractive personality
* Affectionate
* Shy and reserved
* Secretive
* Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic
* Loves peace and serenity
* Sensitive to others
* Loves to serve others
* Not easily angered
* Trustworthy
* Appreciative and returns kindness
* Observant and assess others
* Revengeful
* Loves to dream and fantasize
* Loves travelling
* Loves attention
* Hasty decisions in choosing partners
* Loves home decors
* Musically talented
* Loves special things
* Moody
It's quite true.... all the details fitted nicely to my own personality. :D
| You've Changed 52% in 10 Years |
You've done a good job changing with the times, but deep down, you're still the same person. You're clothes, job, and friends may have changed some - but it hasn't changed you. |
18 August 2006
1 week break
Some teachers are giving us holiday exercises, not a big deal, I think I can finish it pretty fast.
Hmm.... just because I didnt bring a book, I earn myself a "nice advise" from Ms Siah. Arghh... I've finish the work but because I rarely use that book, I ended up keep that book into my shelf and forgotten to pass it up. I was dumbfounded when I saw the book kept nicely on the bookshelf, no idea how come I'll keep the book in the shelf instead of putting it into the beg so I dont have to be embaressed infront of the class. Crap.
Discussed Maxis CyberlinQ Community Project with some friends, lots of brilliant ideas, but too bad we're short of time, tomorrow's the closing date for proposals. If we got this news 1 week earlier, we've alrdy waiting to collect the grand prize... RM 7000. Glory and money, who wouldnt be tempted by these prize? I really like the concept of a community project.
Tomorrow's the usual football session at the field behind a cemetery, but I think the ground should be wet and slippery because of the afternoon rain today.
That's all for now, gonna start doing those holiday homeworks now. ;)
Dell E177FP
The delivery guy arrived at 4.30pm at my doorstep, 30 mins earlier than what my father inform be last night. Yeah....
It took me 30 mins to ensemble the monitor, including displace the old monitor from the table where it has been "staying" there for the past 4 years.
Let's compare these 2 monitors....
Well as you can see, the black Dell is of course flatter than the Samsung. It's very lightweight too, whereas the Samsung is more than 10kg when I carry it.
This screen is just nice.... though the Samsung monitor is still working in good condition. How weird it is.... the old monitor's color turned from black to red again....
P/S: A little disappointed, the Dell monitor was a product of China, I hope it doesnt spoil so easily....
17 August 2006
Black/Back to Red
I was informed that the Dell monitor I ordered will be delivered tomorrow evening. But the problem is, suprisingly this Samsung CRT monitor I'm using now "recovered" to the normal stage.
Now I can see colorful graphics on the screen, rather than showing me black instead of red. I wonder how this hardware can fix the red pigment component by itself.... I dare not hit it like my friend suggest me to do.
Need to change? I guess so... since I've paid for the monitor. Moreover, LCD screen will be less harmful than CRT screen, a very important issue to be consider as I sit infront of computer most of the time.
Here's a flute piece I'd like to share.
"Desde El Altiplano" by Pedro Eustache.
(click to play)
16 August 2006
Life Goes On
These few days, I've came across some scenarios in life which I think it's kinda special and I felt myself are very fortunate and lucky to live in this condition. I'm contented with what I have right now.
I was walking to tuition centre with my friends ystrdy and came across a funeral procession. It's a traditional funeral, where the family are in blue cloth to express their last respect to the deceased. Well apparently, the deceased is the grandmother of my friend Hui Fong. Condolence to her and the rest of the family, I know the feeling being in a relative's funeral is very, very bad indeed.
So after ystrdy's tuition I and friends switch to taxi to go home at LRT Wangsa Maju station. We get into the car, and then the driver suddenly stops before the car leaves the station. There's a blind old man walking infront of the car, and the driver decided to get out and guide the blind man to the side. The taxi driver then continue to take us back home. After the driver guided the blind man to aside, another Indian lady came and help the blind man.
As a human, it's very normal to help each others, regardless your personal background or anything to be. We shouldnt felt ashamed when helping some unfortunate parties. If I came across with situation like this, of course I'll gladly help those people in need. Malaysians are actually very helpful and friendly.... It will be very nice if every Malaysian can do this, or I can say, anyone in the world.
When people are helping each others, we're in peace and living in a harmonious world. So, why there's still some parties like to attack the weaker parties like no one's business? We humanbeing should live in peace and not horror..... How stupid human can be, too.
15 August 2006
Today
I've been doing exercises for few subjects as a practise. Many says that doing pass year questions will help to get better result, so I'm doing it now. I'm doing pretty well in Bio, but a little uncertain in some other subjects, like +Math.
Today Fakaruddin apologize regarding last weekend's extra class. Apparently he overslept, and when he wake up the class is over. Kinda felt sorry for him, being a full-time tuition teacher also cant get enough rest....
Nothing much to write then, elder sis CLY's flying back to Beijing tonight to continue her work. Might be meeting her again next year, or maybe this year end? Hmm.....
13 August 2006
Maksim "Kolibre"
P/S: Too bad this video missed the climax part, which is the ending. Looking foward for his other works. :)
Owed classes
Thursday, Mr Praga's Chemistry lesson was cancaled, too, because he's attending a course. He also cancaled Saturday's extra class for Chem.
Saturday, Mr Fakaruddin's Physics replacement class was canceled at the last minute, we students have to wait at the tuition center for 1 hour wondering around.
That makes me have 3 classes of replacement/extra classes to attend in the future. Sigh.... looks like I wont be able to enjoy my weekend that much. :
Tomorrow started SPM seminar, it will be Phyz lesson from 11am to 1pm, Chem lesson from 2pm to 5pm.... dreadful.
12 August 2006
Spanish Dance - Malaguena
Anyway, I'd like to share the song with the rest of you out there.
I like it's Spanish latin dancing style of music, very lively.... feel like dancing when listen the song. :D
11 August 2006
PCfair 2006
I'm thinking of getting a new LCD, only to find out that the best offer I can get is from Dell. My aim is a 17' analogue flat display LCD, cost RM519. I couldnt find any better brands that can beat this price. Luckily the offer is available for online-shop, so have to wait for father's credit card approval to get it.
2nd sis CLH might consider getting a Dell's laptop, but she's very picky for the laptop. I can easily get a laptop for myself there, but for her it's very hard to decide on which laptop. So call the "X factor" huh....
What we've bought today? We've bought a NetGear G Wireless Router.
Now all 3 of us will not have to share for the same line anymore. Heh, they can even online in the toilet, that's where I've tried to connect and it works. Yeah!!
2nd purchase goes to the Canon printer ink catridge, BCI-24 Black twin pack. Cost RM 44, but later we saw cheaper offer for that. Well, we bought the catridge at the official Canon booth so.... the price's dead, we couldnt haggle the price with them.
Today's the first day of the PCfair, suprisingly it's not congested and too crowded like what happen in Putra World Trade Center which the PCfair were hosted years ago. I bought this com I'm using now in PCfair 2002 at there.... was a real nightmare me and my sis. The 2006 PCfair was divided into few levels, each level contain different categories of electronics, from laptops, audiophiles to hardcore hardware stuffs, etc.
If you're interested going to the PCfair, I suggest you go there as soon as possible. Do not drive car if you're driving, take public transport like LRT is the better choice(safe oil and time).
Well, expect to carry your stuff back to the LRT station by yourself. There's a distance between Convention Center and LRT station.... I've warn you... it's a shopping heaven for guys, if you can afford it. ;)
P/S: Thx Val for inform me the LCD price... appreciate it, and sorry to disturb your nap. :P
09 August 2006
PCfair note
It's a carnival for gadget geeks, I wouldnt miss this!! ;)
Rumours about Maksim's 4th album
The following info are taken from MaksimMrvica.com, full credit to the admin Sara, one of the craziest Maksim fan out there.
The title might be named "Electrik" or "Another New World", though it havent been finalize yet.
1. Requiem~~~~~
2. Anvil Chorus “Verdi: ‘Il Trovatore” - (Giuseppe Verdi)
3. Carmen Act III - (Bizet)
4. In the Hall of the Mountain King from ‘Peer Gynt’ - (Edvard Greig)
5. Inspired by ‘Hindi Sad Diamonds’, from ‘Moulin Rouge’
6. Inspired by ‘Yulunga’ (Dead Can Dance)
7. Pictures in an Exhibition: Bydlo - (Mussorgsky)
8. Beyond Rangoon - (Hans Zimmer)
9. In Paradisum - (Fauré)
10. Anthem ‘Vangelis’ - (Tonci Hulijic)
11. Child In Paradise - (Jenkins)
12. Asian Girl - (Tonci Hulijic)
13. Inspired by a ‘Spanish Rhapsody’ - (Tonci Hulijic)
14. The Way Old Friends Do - (ABBA)
15. Prelude - (Bach)Japan Bonus Track
16. TurandotTracks 5, 6 and 13 (the ones with ‘inspired by’), have not been finalised yet.
Although things havent been finalize yet, but I'm looking foward for this album. Maksim usuall release his album sometime in autumn, basically in Sept, so it's just 1 month to go for his new album.
Some of my opinions regarding the new album with the info I get right now....
If there's anymore news about his new album, I'll keep it updated. For those who're new to Maksim, please go over MaksimWorld.com to listen for some sample tracks from his last album, "A New World".
Things seems to be moving on slowly
As for students, we just enjoy our free time having fun with friends and study. I dont think we'll be like that for the following weeks. Trial exam's just 1 month away, and the real SPM is just roughly 14 weeks away. When the day is getting closer, we dont really have the mood to play a prank or chit-chat with others.....
I was suppose to have a Geo class today, but Ms Lee's too busy with her jogathon stuff so the class was canceled at the last moment. Luckily I dont have to waste too much time, catch up with friends and went for lunch. 3T seems to be awkward today, laughing all the way from school to the restaurant.
Anyway, when we're back to the tuition centre, clerk inform us that Dr Haresh couldnt make it for today's class so the class' canceled. Wee~~~ I can go back home earlier than usual!
Talk about going home, something funny happened to me ystrdy. Sis was suppose to leave the key at a place I could get it since I didnt have the key, so when I reach home at 5pm, she's alrdy went out to fetch 2nd sis and mother. She did not place the key at the proper place and I couldnt get it.
Eventually I waited at my houseyard for 30 mins, playing ball and read some notes. When they come back they were laughing, oh well..... Consider myself lucky I'm not in a hurry for anything.
Things like this happened once in awhile, I stil can forgive it, but not when I really need the time to do something important...
07 August 2006
Hazy
Since my sis return, I tried to write things when they're not around. Because of this my blog seems to be pausing.
I'm too used to write blogs all by myself, when no one's around so I can enjoy my music + write something I like. It's an enjoyment. :)
Almost exactcly 1 year ago, Malaysia was struck by haze. Hah, I stil can remember I've post some photos when I'm going out during the worst condition in KL. The liquid ooze in my nose are flowing like tap water, non-stop. I hate this happen while I'm sleeping, have to wake up few times to wipe off that nasty liquid. :
Kinda suprise that I've won 1st prize for the intellect quiz I've participated few weeks ago. I didnt write about it because that wasnt really a good day. Anyway the prizes are just nice, few books, a case, file.... etc. But what I really need is the benefit that I can borrow extra reference book from the library. At this moment I need reference book more than anything in school.
I was suppose to pass up ALL my BM homeworks today, Hnz said the books will be marked by school admin and will punish those who didnt pass up. Well, I ignore it and treat it like it's non of my business.
I learn by thinking, not always by doing homeworks, and I'm a little lazy to do homework sometimes. :P
The SPM trial exam will be held on Sept 11 til Sept 27 for my school. Sept 11? Reminds me of 2001 Sept 11 attack....
04 August 2006
Story behind Increasing of petrol (in Malay)
sebelum 90 - RM 0.89
tahun 1990 - RM 1.10 (kenaikan RM 0.21)
01/10/2000 - RM 1.20 (kenaikan RM 0.10)
20/10/2001 - RM 1.30 (kenaikan RM 0.10)
01/05/2002 - RM 1.32 (kenaikan RM 0.02)
31/10/2002 - RM 1.33 (kenaikan RM 0.01)
01/03/2003 - RM 1.35 (kenaikan RM 0.02)
01/05/2004 - RM 1.37 (kenaikan RM 0.02)
01/10/2004 - RM 1.42 (kenaikan RM 0.05)
05/05/2005 - RM 1.52 (kenaikan RM 0.10)
31/07/2005 - RM 1.62 (kenaikan RM 0.10)
28/02/2006 - RM 1.92 (kenaikan RM 0.30)
Nota : (ayat2 standard)
1. Kenaikan minyak masih rendah berbanding mana2 pun negara ASEAN.
2. Kerajaan akan pastikan kenaikan tidak membebankan
3. Kerajaan tidak mampu lagi menampung subsidi.
4. Kerajaan memberi jaminan harga runcit petroleum tidak akan dinaikkan lagi
pada TAHUN INI.
seorang muslim wrote:
Saudara,
Pertama sekali abang Perdana Menteri kita ia itu Ibrahim bin Badawi menerusi syarikatnya SkyChef menjadi supplier makanan
kepada syarikat penerbangan MAS yang sekarang mengalami kerugian RM900 juta untuk sembilan bulan pertama 2005. Abang
PM kita jual sebotol air mineral kepada MAS dengan harga RM30 setiap botol. Kenapa kita hairan MAS rugi ?
Menteri Besar terengganu Idris Jusoh telah mengadakan lumba kapal layar Monsoon Cup yang menelan duit rakyat sebanyak
RM300.0 Juta.
Duit ini di bayar kepada seorang taukeh bernama Patrick Lim dan kekawannya termasuk Khairy Jamaludin menantu Perdana
Menteri. Perlumbaan kapal layar tak sampai lima hari makan duit rakyat RM300.0 Juta. Sudah tentu duit RM300.0 Juta itu ditelan
oleh orang yang sungguh bertuah dapat kontrak RM300.0 Juta itu.
Untuk menutup kehilangan duit sebesar ini sekarang sabsidi minyak di potong dan harga minyak nail 30 sen satu liter.
Telekom Malaysia pula rugi lebih RM700 Juta duit rakyat sebab terpaksa bayar ganti rugi kepada syarikat telekom German ia itu
Deutsche Telekom. Terpaksa bayar ganti rugi RM700 Juta sebab Telekom Malaysia tak tahu buat kontrak.
Nak tutup rugi ini pula kerajaan potong sabsidi minyak.
Sekarang lebih murah naik kapalterbang Air Asia pergi balik dari Kuala Lumpur ke Kuala Terengganu. Tambang pergi balik Air
Asia dari Kuala Lumpur ke Kuala Terengganu tak sampai RM300 bagi tiga orang sekeluarga.
Air Asia diurus oleh orang yang tidak rasuah dan yang tahu buat bisnes tanpa menyusahkan rakyat.
Sekarang dengan harga minyak yang sudah naik, belanja minyak sahaja nak pergi balik dari Kuala Lumpur ke Alor Setar sudah
naik hingga RM220 (kereta Proton Waja). Bayar tol pula lebih RM120. Belanja makan dan minum (nasi campur dan teh kosong)
bagi sekeluarga enam orang tambah lagi RM40. Ini bermaksud jumlah belanja minyak, tol dan makan minum pergi balik dari Kuala
Lumpur ke Alor Setar hampir RM400.
Negeri lain bukan macam negara kita. Walaupun harga minyak di Thailand lebih mahal daripada harga minyak di Malaysia tapi di
Thailand tak ada bayar tol.
Dari Bukit Kayu Hitam ke Bangkok jauhnya lebih 1,100 batu (bukan kilometer) naik lebuhraya enam lorong tanpa bayar TOL
(bukan empat lorong macam Lebuhraya Utara Selatan kita).
Di Thailand tak ada rasuah AP. Harga kereta Honda Civic 1.5 di Thailand tak sampai RM40,000. Lebih murah daripada harga kereta
Perodua Kelisa 1.0 di Malaysia. Inilah kelebihannya di Thailand- tak ada AP di sana.
Di Malaysia pula ada AP. Sebenarnya harga AP yang perlu di bayar kepada Kerajaan (MITI) tak sampai RM250 sahaja. Tapi AP
boleh di jual sehingga RM40,000 sekeping kepada Dato Dato yang kaya yang di kenal sebagai "AP King". Rasuah AP ini telah
berlanjutan selama lebih 30 tahun. Akhir kata rakyat Malaysia yang terpaksa tanggung rasuah AP ini.
Oleh yang demikian kereta Honda Civic 1.5 yang dijual dengan harga RM40,000 di Thailand naik harga sehingga RM110,000 di
Malaysia. Rakyat Malaysia rugi. Kerajaan pun hilang wang. Bila kerajaan tak cukup wang - maka potonglah subsidi minyak. Maka
naik lah harga minyak 30 sen satu liter.
Malaysia Boleh!!!!
Sekian. Salam.
* Tolong hantarkan informasi ini kepada kawan kawan yang anda kenali.Adakah kita harus menjadi mangsa dalam
kejadian sedemikian?Orang lain hutang duit,kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia pula kena membayar ? Yang penting sekali,
bukan setakat bayar sahaja,manakala nak bayar sampai bila ? Adakah ini akan berhenti ?............
03 August 2006
Nike Tiempo Air Legend series
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
White/Sports Red
Joe Cole
R10 White/Gold
Ronaldinho, before WC 2006.
R10 Gold
Ronaldinho, during WC 2006.
Metallic Silver/Black
Black/Metallic Gold
Black/White Classic
02 August 2006
Monthly Test
I didnt really study the subjects, I'm stil playing computer for all 3 days. Really.... I dont have feeling about the test, maybe because ths test will not be recorded into the record book.
Of all the papers I've took, I think the English paper is the hardest of all. Although my best language subject is Eng, but I think it's quite hard for my standard. The teacher who set the question must be a crazy fella. Well he really is.
Hmm.... there's a last holiday for me sometime near end of Aug, but after that I'll have my trial exam for SPM... The end of a small fight is just the beginning of a greater battle....
01 August 2006
TARC student robbed case petition
不管您是不是拉曼生,是否您都应该挺身而出?
一起推举这项 万人网上签名请愿活动
号召万人网上联署
促改善文良港严重治安问题
http://www.you-zi.net/AskForPeace/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even if you're not a TARC student, will you stand out to help?
Let's sign this 10-thousand-people online petition campaign.
Let people coorperate
Improve Setapak area's serious community security problem.
http://www.you-zi.net/AskForPeace/
I think the local community really need to do something to handle this case. It's not about the money, but it's about the life the robbers took.
You can earn money anytime you want, but you cant live for the 2nd time.
Ironically, there's a police station located within 1km radius from the location the robbery happen. I wonder is the police doing their job?