Stop the Grunt

I find this article appearing in today’s newspaper is practical and yet amusing: A loud grunt as a ball is served down the court has almost become as part of the Wimbledon fabric. But that could all be about to change as tennis officials are considering a ban on emitting too much noise. Something needs to be done to govern the level of noise on the courts: “There is a need for some sort of regulation.”
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Used to watching badminton games on Television, we see that the players hardly utter any sound when the games are played. However, in tennis, especially the women’s players, every hit is accompanied with a loud scream. That was how I described the action until another runner friend corrected me that the right description is “grunt” or “grunting”.

Unfortunately, my tennis idol, Maria Sharapova, is the Queen of Grunt. As I said before, I got to love what my idol is doing. Here is the statistic:

The Grunters (in decibles)

Lion’s roar = 110
Maria Sharapova = 101
Monica Seles = 93.2

Imagine for every shot when Maria hit, we hear a lion roar in almost similar loudness. That is not easy to get use to. As for Minica Seles, she groans so loud that she is not far from Maria. Imagine for every shot, you would hear Minica Seles emitting a long, low sound just like she is experiencing a strong pain.
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Do you think the players are taught grunting? Well, the coach says: “We have always taught the proper ways to breathe in and out. Players grunt because it helps them release energy and keep focused.” On the other hand, certain opponents complain that the disturbing and distracting sound made them loosing focus, and lost in the games.

Well, if you like to hear players grunt, do enjoy the games before the grunting is being regulated.

click here for all postings on Maria Sharapova (scroll down the pages).

Photos of Maria Sharapova are extracted from the official website.

Written by KC
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Chantelle Via Ferrata Climb at Mount Kinabalu

Chantelle

Of all the team members in this Mount Kinabalu trekking trip organized by Tony on 29 April 2009, one team member that Tony and I talked much about is Chantelle. We know her for about five years already when taking part in many of the local running events.

Congratulation to her for successfully completed the journey via the ferrata cable route. From the photos, the ferrata climb looks really challenging by descending via the vertical cliff of Mount Kinabalu.

Tony said while she was high up at the cliff, she was able to change from normal clothing to warm clothing and vice versa that requires skillful maneuvering and is not easy to do.

She must be enjoying the zest of her life in running marathons, trekking up mountains and, Yes, taking up photography.

According to Chantelle, she is now taking up triathlon. BRAVO !!

On the way to the peak of Mount Kinabalu

Chantelle at Laban Rata

On top of the world feeling

Chantelle at Lows Peak. Congratulation!

Chantelle at the ferrata climb

click here to read my favourite writing dedicated to Chantelle.

Posted by KC

Broga Hill

A warm welcome - (L-R) Alexis, Dr. Hamdan, PK Chan, Jayne Aw.

(L-R): Yours truly (KC), Alexis, Rose, Jayne, Yoke Cheng, PK Chan, Dr. Hamdan

Start of the journey ... AB Tan, Vemanna

Joining us are Juliette's three adorable dogs. The male dog, though smaller in size, is more naughty and has to be lashed with Juliette. The three of them were having a fun time running around Broga Hill.

Human jam - Green wave for those going down now

At the peak - Dr. Hamdan, the pro, is boiling water and making hot drinks (while Alexis just make do with a packet of Milo drink)... :-)

On the way down ... Leng, Yoke Cheng, Hamdan, Sasa Ng, Shirley Teo, PK Chan, ChooTS

A happy moment to cherish -- (L-R) Jayne Aw, Alexis, Huey Ling, Rose, PK Chan, Dr. Hamdan

A wonderful time together: The mega group photo -- 36 members.

The scenic Broga Hill

Adjourn to the famous Ikan Bakar restaurant (about 7km further away from Broga town).

hmmm.... yummy yummy. We order nine (9) different flavor of Ikan Bakar

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC) when trekking at Broga Hill.

I was first introduced to Broga Hill in August 2008 after seeing Kathy's photos of the scenic Broga Hill. click here. So I told her that one day, I shall trek at Brogal Hill.

I visited the place two weeks ago on 30 May 2009, and on Saturday 13 June, I am back again. This time, I went together with a group of trekkers.

A few days before this trekking trip, I was worried as the haze problem suddenly became serious on 11 June. So I informed the trekkers that while we could not change the outcome of nature, when we go to Broga Hill, we would have to treat the haze as misty effect.

Nevertheless, the heavy rain at 5pm (the day before) and again at 3am on the day of trekking bring brief respite to the haze problem that is engulfing Klang Valley. During rainy season, a downpour on the eve of trekking day would mean the ground is wet, stream is full of water. This time, the heavy rain before the trekking trip is most welcomed to clean up the air.

The group has a wonderful time together at Broga Hill. Most noticable is Juliette's three adorable dogs which gained much popularity and attention with other trekkers.
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We concluded the trekking trip by having a sumptuous lunch at the famous restaurant in Broga town (landmark: a big Chinsese temple) serving Ikan Bakar. Warning: if you do not tolerate the sub-standards facility and service offer by the restaurant, do not go there!

Posted by KC
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Via Ferrata Climb at Mount Kinabalu

Descent via ferrata climb at the top of Mount Kinabalu is Asia's newest mountain adventure activity. For those who like rocks climbing, this is definitely worth the try.

Tan Pei Ling - From the photos, anyone who has high altitude sickness should avoid that route. Otherwise, it is a journey of paying RM 400 to endure the fright of one's life... :-)

Please click here to view photos by courtesy of Tan Pei Ling.
The trip was organized by Tony P3 on 29 April 2009.
click Slideshow and click F11 to expand photos.

Pei Ling will be the photographer for the Everest Base Camp team in 4 October 2009. click here

Balancing act on a wire
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Yeah! We Made It! From the mountain top to the golden plain
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Photos by Tan Pei Ling

Posted by KC

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Broga Hill - Prelude

The EBC team click here and other new members will be going for a fellowship-of-trekkers trekking this Saturday 13 June at Broga Hill. So far, response is good; about 32 trekkers have indicated to come.

Since this is a short trail (compared to Gunung Nuang on 23 May), the team shall go for a sumptuous lunch at the renown restaurant serving famous Ikan Bakar. The fishes are caught from a pond nearby and freshly grilled ... hmmm... yummy yummy.

I was communicating with a co-Team Lead of EBC_4Oct2009 a few days ago. I told him that after running up the peak of Broga Hill, I ran down; then ran to the Broga town which is about 2 km away. Then I ran further in to look for a Chinese temple – a landmark for the famous Ikan Bakar restaurants.

According to Sharon, another lady trekker who took part in the 25km Ball Breaker Challenge Run (Yes, guys beware!!) at Broga Hill on 7 June 2009, she said next to the temple is the famous Ikan Bakar restaurant.

Immediately after the Police Station, I saw a temple and two restaurants opposite, and then I ran back to my car 2km away.

When I called the co-Team Lead, he said the Chinese temple is about 10km away from the town. So I said, "I did not run far enough!!"

So come this Saturday, we shall go in MPVs or cars and I do not have to run there.

The above photos are extracted from here and here.

Written by KC
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Japan Super GT

Get Set For The Mother of All Battle At Sepang F1 Circuit from 19 to 21 June 2009.

Jason Lee, Shukri and yours truly (KC) will be going there to witness this great event.

I learn that the three most exciting events happening at Sepang F1 Circuit are Japan Guper GT, MotorGP and Formula 1.

A freind of mine have two (2) extra tickets to this great event. Each ticket is selling at RM 50 (instead of the actual RM 100). So, if you would like to come along, do contact me.

Promotional Drive at Bandar Sunway which included introducing the number one ambassadors – GT Queens Sana Yuki and Nana Shibata.
.Super GT racing car in awesome roar and speed (photo by KC, 2008)
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Graced by the gorgeous GT Queens from Japan (photo by KC, 2008)
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Please click here for photos taken by Jason Lee and yours truly in Super GT 2008.

Please click here for all postings happening in Sepang F1 Circuit (scroll down the pages).

Please click here for Sepang International Circuit official website on Guper GT.

Posted by KC

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EBC - Briefing by AB Tan

Special thanks to AB Tan, the experienced high mountains trekker, for conducting this informative briefing on Saturday 6 June 2009.

The 3-hour briefing, which started at 3:20 p.m. covers trekking to Everest Base Camp ("EBC"), high altitude and the effect on trekkers; trekking gear and a lot more other valuable information. He also shared with us his unique experiences when he trekked to EBC (5,500m) and Mera Peak (6,500m).

The special briefing by AB Tan is part of the continual effort to ensure a successful mission to Everest Base Camp (5,500m) by team members starting from 4 October 2009.

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC) during the briefing session.

Next activity: Trekking to Broga Hill, Semenyih on Saturday 13 June 2009.

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AB Tan - showing his yellow The North Face duffle bag which contains most of his trekking gear inside. Notice the Mount Everest poster (in blue) and the Everest Base Camp map (just behind AB Tan). Written on the whiteboard are the points which he went through with us.

Jayne Aw introduces herself while Fiona looks on.
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Fiona - a lively intro

(L-R): Fiona, Jayne Aw, Arunan, Dr. Sharah, WongFK, Dr. Supra and ... , SC Yong and wife, Kenneth Choo, PK Chan (not in photo). Notice another Mount Everest poster and map (to Everest Base Camp) that make up four posters in AB Tan's Executive Meeting Room.

Having a feel of the gear bought from Kathmandu, capital of Nepal.

Posted by KC