Get My Head in the Game

2 weeks. That's all the time I've got left before the tennis tournament. I haven't been actively playing and honestly, I've only REALLY played tennis almost 8-9 months ago. I did play a couple of times but twice isn't going to cover anything. So finally I was able to practice albeit badly with a good friend of mine and although I was frustrated I couldn't really get my shots right anymore, I've identified several things I really need to work on.

1. Low balls. This has always been my weakest. It's either this or my serve. Flat shots from opponents are a nightmare cause low, fast balls require lift to... LIFT and get them over the net. I have got to work on bending my legs, lowering my centre of gravity so that I'm able to at least get the ball back in play. We're not always aiming for winners, get that in your head, dude.

2. Serves. Been off the game for so long it's incredibly hard to get my serve in play. I don't have the confidence on both first and second serve. I'll fix that this weekend. Let's see how it goes.

3. Mental strength. Being in your first open tournament can be a scary thought and it doesn't get better if I worry about the two things above. I have to control my frustrations during the two days or I'll lose it. Remember I'm there to have fun, winning is secondary. God, I don't even know who will support me. Only my girlfriend is coming.

4. My right leg. Two hours yesterday nearly killed it. I'm extremely worried about the condition of my leg with the IM rod in it. It cramps too easily so warming that up is a big deal to me. Post-massage may be necessary but there are 3 matches to play on the first day. That is definitely something to worry about.

I Don't Even Want to Give This One a Title.

If there's one thing I know about myself it's the fact that I'm a confused man. For starters, I don't post another entry just days after posting one. Just bare with me for a second now, okay? I can whine all day long here and nobody can stop me. It won't be a long one, I promise.

So I haven't been to the office for over a week and I have a presentation to prepare for plus 2 more Masters assignment to submit by the end of next week. One of which deals with my proposed Masters research and the other has nothing to do with anything! Like why the hell would you do something that wouldn't aid your research in any ways just for the sake of passing a subject? It doesn't make sense to me. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't bother me and I'm simply whining like a bitch for no reason. Hmm, I never told you I went to Krabi for 4 days two weeks ago, did I? It was fun! The place that got bombed recently, yeah, we passed that area on the way back a day before it happened. COOL. Won't post pictures though because I didn't take any. No, I'm not stupid...

I TOOK A LOT OF VIDEOS.
The others had cameras so they were in charged of pictures.

Wait, I did say I was a confused man, right? So I was at the office today and was wondering what the hell is going on with me? I had a bad weekend. I freaked out last night because I'm participating in a tennis tournament on January 18th and I haven't practised at all in the past few weeks. @#&%ing crazy, don't you think? But that has nothing to do with what I'm confused about! Why am I writing this?

Okay back to the REAL reason why I'm confused. I love psychology. Love it so much. What in the world am I doing in an environmental institute then? I can't seem to focus on reading stuff that is related to my research area. I can only think of reading other stuff 'cause I love reading the 'other stuffs' more!

Shit just got real.

Was reading +Najwa Amira Matlan 's blog the whole morning and she has some pretty good advices in it especially to Muslims. Go and check it out!

My Brain is a Murderer

"I did it not because I was angry. Nor was it a warning to tell you how angry I was. I could have stopped myself. But I didn't. So why did I do something that I know I would regret later? I'll tell you why: BECAUSE I WANTED TO"

The human psyche is an interesting thing to study. By reading a lot of books, rummaging through the plethora of information in the Internet, or even signing up for courses will give you enough knowledge you'll ever need to know on psychology. Unless you're dreaming of becoming a psychiatrist. I know I wanted to be one if not for the fact I have to memorize loads of jargon I don't intend to ever use. I prefer understanding how things work without jamming my brain. I didn't give up the dream, though. I read a lot. And I mean a lot. Up to the point of taking interest in how everyone around me behaves. I'm obsessed with the way they talk, think, eat, habits, etc. And as disgusting as this sounds, I even care about the menstrual cycle of the women I talk to.

As of late, I'm beginning to see the crazy side of myself. This obsession of mine is increasingly making my insomnia worse. I am the type that cannot fall asleep at night because my brain refuses to stop thinking. What have I tried: counting sheep, listening to extra soothing music to religious-therapy and yet, I still cannot fall asleep. And that's the least of my problems. The more I study about human psychology, the more sinister my cognition becomes. The quote above isn't from a movie nor did it come from literature. It's actually something I said after doing something so wrong, yet it felt so right. I enjoyed it. I cried afterwards because I regretted ever doing it but it soon became a cry of joy. I join in useless conversations with people not because I want to talk but I'm more interested in the way they talk and solve problems.

What really sets me off is this 'behaviour' of mine is making me more anti-social than before. It used to be me talking (real talk, not the professional-sake talk) to at least 5-6 people a day and now it's down to 1 or 2. The need to interact with people is becoming so pointless to me. Dialogues I have with the person I feel like talking to is taken place in my head. If you don't like how the real person wants to talk to you, why not make up your own, right? I talk to myself all the time. Even writing this blog makes my head dizzy because there are at least 10 different personalities in my head screaming suggestions. It is the same voices that tell me that I don't need to interact with others.

That is, of course, unless you're a lady. I have a soft heart for them. But not just any lady. The women I talk to are filtered through many specific demands my brain sets for me. Talking to them makes me feel like an attention whore but somehow I think my head says it's the right thing to do. Talking to them shuts all but one voice in my head: MINE. However their counterpart doesn't really have the same honour. I restrict my conversations with guys to those I deem as best friends. Good luck making me talk to guys or staying friends with one. My criteria for being a friend is so strict and I intend to make it stay that way.

Sometimes I sit to think what has made me become like this. I can advice others everyday and give lectures on my understanding of psychology (even in religious ways) but if I apply them to myself, I go haywire. It's scaring me. I'm honestly scared of myself now. The next time I approach you to talk, stop and think: Am I really talking to you because I want to? Because I need the company? Or are you just another guinea pig to me?

Currently there are 5 women and 3/4 guys I love talking to regularly. You know who you are.

I would like to personally congratulate Faten Najjah for getting straight As in her 2013 PMR. I never did doubt her anyway. Her blog's called Dreaming and I've always been a fan of her blog as she deals with everyday issues and always going back to religion to lift her spirit. Her post on a non-muslim studying Islam (here) is by far my favourite one so far. 

Babolat Pro Hurricane/ N.Vy Hybrid Tennis String Review

Babolat Pro Hurricane/ N.Vy Hybrid String. Image retrieved from http://www.tennis-warehouse.com 6/7/2012 

I was in search for a new tennis string to replace my 2-year old setup. I've been using the Babolat Pro Hurricane (not Tour) for more than 2 years (plus) now and it was time for a change. I didn't agree with that decision at first. The PH has been an absolute wonder but I needed to experiment with other strings just for the fun of it. Before the PH, I used a couple of other strings like Ashaway Crossfire (Kevlar/poly hybrid), Wilson Stamina, Wilson Sensation and the Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour. I toyed around with them but somehow they never suited my playing style. So I picked up the PH and immediately it was love at first sight.
So I stuck with it for 2 years, varying in tensions and gauges until the last one broke. And so my search began...

With budget in mind I wanted a string provides me excess spin without the need to spend a lot of money. Sure there are strings like Technifibre Black Code, Babolat RPM Blast (next review, perhaps?), Gamma's polygon strings and so forth but they're all expensive. NOTE: Malaysian tennis scene isn't that big so the stuffs here are generally very expensive - a full Natural Gut bed costs RM250 average (that's like US$80).

Surveying a lot of tennis shops (retail and discount) landed me with this string: the Babolat Pro Hurricane/ N.Vy Hybrid. It was on sale and it wasn't far from my previous set up so I decided to give it a shot (cost around RM30 I believe). After 2 months of playtesting this, I was ready to write a review.

The Review
I didn't expect much from a budget string, to be honest. I never heard of this string nor did I check any reviews online before buying it (helps eliminate biasses). The setup is simple: buy 2 packs for both my racquets (Wilson K6.1 95 and Babolat AeroPro Drive Cortex) and string them with equal tensions. I'm no expert in string setups so cut me some slacks, okay? =)
I strung the mains with the PH at 50lbs and crosses with the N. Vy (which is Nylon by the way) at similar tensions.

Initially the power provided was excellent. I liked the way it feels though the I immediately noticed the lack of spin potential off the string bed. I kept a positive mind: I knew it wasn't a full fledge spin-friendly string so I kept going. It didn't take long before I notice that this wasn't the string for me. Here's why:

1) Power
Fresh off the stringing machine, this string has tremendous amount of power. Based on online reviews, it wasn't hard to see why juniors and people with strict budget chose this particular string. After 2 hours or so you'll definitely notice a difference in tension and a drop in power. Ball bite isn't really there either. If you're that type who loves being aggressive and enjoys playing with flat shots, this isn't the string for you.

2) Spin Potential
The PH and nylon's textures really helped in this department. For the first 30 minutes the string provides enough spin to (almost) always keep the ball in. It isn't as explosive as other spin-friendly strings but it's adequate for people who blend both flat and top spin shots together.

3) Durability
When it comes to budget strings, durability can play a huge role in deciding what to get for your tennis racquet. Whilst this string is average in power and spin, its long-lastingness isn't that great. My gripe about this string is that top spin shots can be abrasive to the nylon's texture and after a week or so I noticed some of the threads have snapped. I immediately changed my play style to flat shots (which I'm terrible at. I love top spin). I'm not a string breaker so it lasted almost 2 months before the entire thing snapped (and broke my K 95 in the process). My advice: Buy bulk and string often if you're planning to get this.

4) Feel
Another big issue about tennis strings is the way it feels off the racquet. Simply put it I didn't like how this one feels. It was rough and sounds horribly without a dampener (even worse on the APDC). If you're a fan of that 'stiff' feeling then this might be for you.

All in all, this string is for people who don't feel like spending that much on strings or tennis beginners feeling unsure what to buy. It's definitely not long lasting and the tension drops after 2 hours of play. The nylon's quality is atrocious and snaps after being abused to much. Over 5, I rate this at 3.5.

A closer look at the hybrid. Pro Hurricane in blue and N. Vy in white  

DEATH! Don't mind the dampener. Cheapest solution out there and it never comes off.  

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic

Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek

Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/meisternicshow

Randomousity Part 1

Do I really have to start with how long have I been absent from the blogging world? Meh, I don't care. Ever since I started Vlogging (youtube.com/meisternicshow) I rarely think about writing anymore.

Thing is I have a lot thing to spit out. Good things, bad things, rants and raves, oh you know, the usual stuff from me. I’m in the middle of a 3 weeks long exam and so far I’m doing alright. I know my limitations. I won’t have any trouble with questions involving maths but when it comes to reading and memorizing stuff – oh, the pain! – I suck big time! I’ll just have to deal with that; and my neater-than-a-woman’s handwriting. That’s another thing that holds me back. I take a longer time to write than most guys and girls in the exam hall. Changing my handwriting for the better good? No way. I love my penmanship. It’s better than yours.

Tennis is a big part of my life; everyone around me agrees. I’m addicted to it. I think about it all the time; in the showers, during study sessions, eating, lectures, you name it. Tennis is always in my mind. Anyway, I just got back from an average session today. Yesterday was worse. I couldn’t hit anything. I broke my main racquet (which has serviced me for 2 years) and now I’m back to my previous racquet which is (how do I put it?) TERRIBLE. Adapting to change can sometimes be bad. Now I know why tennis professionals hardly change their gears. I can’t wait to get a new racquet once the new semester starts. No point buying it now because I’m almost done.

Having my practical (WORK OMG) after this. I’ve never done part time jobs in my life so this would be an (read: INTERESTING) experience for me. Nervous? Definitely. But I’m no quitter.

Today I read an article on Zerotohundred about Aston Martin releasing the new V12 Vantage Roadster. It’s amazing how AML (Aston Martin – Lagonda) is releasing new models in a short period of time. They’re turning into a mainstream production company now and it kind of bugs me. I love Aston. I love their heritage, the beauty of their cars and I definitely love how they sound. It would be a dream to own one. Honestly, I’m working my way to owning an Aston (preferably the DB9 but any model would do). DB9’s the cheapest: about RM400k+ for a second hand. Sounds achievable? That’s before considering the road tax: RM18, 000 annually. My hopes should be shattered, don’t you agree? I’m a positive thinker. I know I can own one. I didn’t say I have to get one at a specific age, right? So what if I get to buy one at 50? The goal is to attain an Aston Martin supercar.

If you’re thinking I’m jumping topics too fast and it’s annoying I suggest you read the title of this blog. There’s a reason why I call is Randomousity.

Over lunch, the people I went out with were constantly talking about marriage. I for one dislike the topic and they know it but I’ve no rights to complain. I prefer getting married at the age of 30 (I’m 22 this year) but not them. They wanted it ASAP. I don’t give in to this whole start a family idea. I want to marry (yes, I totally do) but only after I think my single life becomes ultimately boring. You may say I’m afraid of responsibility. I say I enjoy being free from obligations. Spouses will hold you back, believe me. I hate kids, by the way :P

I think about my future but not in a typical fashion: I dream BIG. I’m not sure what would make my life complete but I know this: I want my own tennis court, I want my wife and kid(s) to love tennis and I want an Aston Martin. There are other things in between but let’s keep that for another time, shall we? By not achieving these it doesn’t mean my life would suck. I learn how to appreciate.

That brings me to the final topic: Appreciating. I have had to deal with this word since God knows when. People around me need some drilling in their heads so that they would start appreciating others. I don’t say much to them because it’s in their nature to be like that. Are other people around the world different? I hardly think so and that is why I’m able to adapt. If I don’t like them I just say it. I curse a lot and I’m not ashamed of people looking at me in another way.

Oh! Hold…

(Went to eat my chocolate lava cake)

Okay I’m back. Thing is people in Selangor (that’s where I’m at) and Kuala Lumpur (the place I always hang out at) are not the appreciative kind. Saying thank you and giving them a smile seems to be a big deal for them to do. How hard is it to look in someone’s face, smile and say thank you? How hard? I was once in Giant (hypermarket) and this Indian cashier looks like she was about to give up life (no, seriously I’m not kidding). The woman before me was giving her a lot of pressure and after all the trouble the cashier got into, not a single sign of thank you was given to her. My principle is to say thank you first without waiting for the other to do it. When I praise someone for being pretty I do expect a “Thank you” or “I’m flattered” but I what I usually get is “I know” and “Tell me something I don’t know”. Sigh.

That will be all for now. I need to continue studying the most boring subject ever. Before I end this I would like to say that I’m not specifically pin-pointing anyone in this blog. I’m speaking in general terms so don’t take heart. I love you all and I mean it. Except to the ones I dislike; that’s like less than 5 people.

Until then, hobey-ho! Let’s go!
MeisterNic

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 8

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 7

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 6

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 5

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 4

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Spectre Part 3

Please recommend my channel to your friends. Show me some love ♥♥♥ anyway, I'll be releasing 4 new parts on my channel today

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Professor Layton and the Last Specter Part 2

Enjoy and rate. Don't forget that I do have a donation box at the left panel. Feel free to support me to further improve my YouTube career =)

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

New Playthrough! Professor Layton and the Last Specter

I intentionally edited the clips to look like that. If you don't agree with me then I'm sure that there are other playthroughs out there that suits your viewing experience. I made it like this so that the screens are bigger. Thanks for watching and don't forger to rate =)

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Album Review: Imaginaerum by Nightwish

Hey there! It's been a long time coming, really. I've been meaning to do this review after I first heard it but that would be biased. After listening to Nightwish's latest studio album for at least 100 hours I think I'm ready to write this review =)

Donation

Hello, beautiful audience. Quick announcement here before I continue revising for my exams. I might start a donation box (kinda like a tip jar thingy) using paypal. The money will be used to improve my channel cuz I'm in need for better equipment and money isn't on my side. So yeah. Once it's up, I'll let you know. Thanks a bunch for supporting me. I love you all ♥

Please support me by:
Finding me on FB @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Following me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribing to my YouTube channel @ http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek

Thanks and I'll see you guys after my exams =)

dailyNIC #10: Starcraft II Analysis

PART 1


PART 2


Like and favourite these videos and be sure to subscribe to my channel for more.

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube/nicolaisidek

dailyNIC #9: Starcraft II Analysis

PART 1

PART 2

Like and favourite these videos and be sure to subscribe to my channel for more.

Find me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/dailynic
Follow me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
Subscribe to me on YouTube @ http://www.youtube/nicolaisidek

DailyNic #3

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm MeisterNic otherwise known as Nicolai Sidek and it's time for another #DailyNic #3! How awesome is that? Well today's DailyNic has a sad twist in it. Daily #1 and #2 were about my OCD and this wacky exam ritual I have but today is all about Christmas spirit :D Christmas (X'mas)is all about family bonding and bringing people closer. Doesn't matter if you don't get a lot of presents (really it doesn't) so long as the meaning of "we're together now" is there. Personally, I treat X'mas as my primary festival (is it a festival...dunno...I'm kinda down right now so I'm not thinking straight) even though I'm a Muslim. I honestly don't care what others say about it. The reason I bring this up is 'cuz in 2 days, the world will be celebrating X'mas. ME, I'M STUCK AT MY APARTMENT a few hundred miles across the ocean from home. This is the first time in my life I won't be celebrating with my family and it sickens me to death. I received a mini X'mas tree about 30 minutes ago and I immediately sang Jingle Bells. That's when reality hit me. I won't be celebrating it the usual way this year. Then I wept. Hard. Honest-to-God. It's not easy dealing with the thought of celebrating my favourite time of the year by myself, far away from home. I miss setting up the X'mas tree at my grandmas and putting presents under it. What more can I say? I'm a sucker when it comes to X'mas. I don't think there's another moment where I'll feel happy giving than receiving. It sort of works the other way round, isn't it? People would rather receive than to give. But not X'mas. It doesn't to that to people. So, for those of you celebrating X'mas with your families this year, I would just want you to take a minute to appreciate how special that moment is. Once they're gone, the void it leaves in your heart is just unbearable. Thanks for reading, people. See you in the next Daily. MeisterNic

The DailyNic

Brief introduction on what the DailyNic's about. In simple words, the Daily is an 'everyday' post about myself, be it OCD, silly but necessary rituals, fun facts or just simple ordinary things. I've posted DailyNic numbers 1 and 2 on my Twitter page so feel free to browse 'em. Here's the link to my Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/dailynic Add me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicolaisidek

Stop Wasting Time

I've just finished watching Day9's playthrough of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. I'm not suppose to be doing that! My thesis proposal has not even started yet here I am busy watching YouTube. Heck, I even have time to blog about this sh*t...

What is wrong with me? I told myself awhile ago that the next time I turn on the laptop (now) I'll start my thesis. Instead of doing so, I started singing...and opened the devil (YouTube)...urgh....okay time to get serious: START MY THESIS PROPOSAL!....

FYI, my thesis is about tennis. Duh~ So predictable. :D

To watch Day9's Amnesia playthrough, head to my YouTube playlist here: Amnesia Playlist
Add me:
http://www.facebook.com/nicolaisidek
http://www.youtube.com/nicolaisidek
http://www.twitter.com/nicolaisidek
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidekphotography


Nic