In the 2nd and 3rd year I was at the uni. I worked in factories during the break so as to get dough to buy a motorcycle. The first one I worked at was a moulding factory that moulds small metal peices like the ones you could find connecting other metal objects like gates, hinges and doors. They were also making highway dividers and lamp posts.
My good looks and chraming personality got me into the highway divider unholy unit. With a supervisor from Bangladesh, I really felt at home in Malaysia. His instructions were fun to begin with and with some tutorial that included a lot of improvisations and guess work, I was announced to be ready to go solo on the 3rd day of work.
Work involved scrapping extra metal from the highway divider after it was galvanized. This was needed to be done as the crude moulding and galvanizing process would leave some blunt and sharp leftover zink on the edges of the dividers.
It was hard work and you could also accidently cut youself but of course nobody would do it intentionally unless you are Kim Jong Ill and this is the global equivalent of the metal factory. I found that the Malay songs sang with Bangladeshi rhythm by the supervisor and his unwitting back up singers helped with the actual scrapping. It must be due to the soothing rhythm or the slow building of develish anger that was pushing ever higher to the point of explosion like hot larva burning its way to the top, hot reddish smoking larva... and usually it was already 5pm and it was time to go home. This went on for a couple more days until I found the soothing rhythm cooling the larva and soon I was singing too.
The boss, a short chinese man, did not like the singing too and his larva must have blown his mountain tops many a time but being an efficient supervisor, he would not want to get in the way of productivity and employees' general happiness.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
The House of Man, that was really NOT.
Well, it was not much of a house, I would have to admit early but a house nonetheless. It was my first rented house while at the university. I was only there for 6 days though I paid for 2 weeks. There's no prizes for people who guessed why the escapade did not go as planned.
Reasons:
1. Cleanliness was touchy as nobody would want to touch anything in the house, the only acceptable sustenance was water, straight from the bottle.
2. Difference between night and day: none as people would come and go and do whatever they pleased 24-7.
3. Mind boggling discussions: Unheard of before tall tales of dogs, cows, human and supernatural beings, 24-7
Real Reason for moving out: 7 OUT OF 9 HOUSE MATES WERE DRUG ADDICTS BOOZERS
Man should be able to take a and go through whole load of shit and crap but not drugs and not drug addicts and certainly not drug peddling addicts.
I left. And say no to booze and drugs
Reasons:
1. Cleanliness was touchy as nobody would want to touch anything in the house, the only acceptable sustenance was water, straight from the bottle.
2. Difference between night and day: none as people would come and go and do whatever they pleased 24-7.
3. Mind boggling discussions: Unheard of before tall tales of dogs, cows, human and supernatural beings, 24-7
Real Reason for moving out: 7 OUT OF 9 HOUSE MATES WERE DRUG ADDICTS BOOZERS
Man should be able to take a and go through whole load of shit and crap but not drugs and not drug addicts and certainly not drug peddling addicts.
I left. And say no to booze and drugs
Be good at least at one thing
In 1994, I was actually considered good enough to be in the first squad of my rugby team, even denying some former and current state players for the position. As the decision was made by the current star of the national team, it was one of those things people just followed, me included.
By the second game of the inter colllege tourney, I realized that I was picked not because of my good looks and or my non-existing suicidal nature but rather because of my supposed speed and ability to break out of the scrum quickly to support the star player. I was able many a time in a game just to be there beside him and thus gave him more options and time to do damage. It worked well enough though I handled the ball preciously little.
I realized then as I do now that you only need to be good at one thing, one simple but hopefully useful thing and you can actually cut it in this world. I was good at just following the star player and thus I got picked ahead of seasoned campaigners. I am able to speak well and thus, almost always people will see me first.
By the second game of the inter colllege tourney, I realized that I was picked not because of my good looks and or my non-existing suicidal nature but rather because of my supposed speed and ability to break out of the scrum quickly to support the star player. I was able many a time in a game just to be there beside him and thus gave him more options and time to do damage. It worked well enough though I handled the ball preciously little.
I realized then as I do now that you only need to be good at one thing, one simple but hopefully useful thing and you can actually cut it in this world. I was good at just following the star player and thus I got picked ahead of seasoned campaigners. I am able to speak well and thus, almost always people will see me first.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Bangkok Trip
I did as many others went to Bangkok for the first Asian BP at Chula. It was a nice tournament but I would say quite a few went there simply because of Mdm Piyanart, the grand lady of Asian debating.
It was tough to see her playing the pr/advisor role as it rendered her health a wreck. She gave it all and it was mind boggling that she was still standing what more adjudicating in the grand finals.
MMU won it and ILPS (however you spell it) gave a mighty speech which was enough to convince 4 out of the 7 adjudicators. I thought IIU should have won by I wasn't adjudicating and these adjudicators, I supposed, should know what they were doing.
The biggest thing at Chula was the fact that it was the first time in a debate tournament that there were more qualified adjudicators then they were debaters. Thus it was fun watching the DCA's juggling the experienced hands, some did it politically, some with respect, some jest and some just plain rude. Congrats to TJ(the CA) anyway, as in the end, most people were happy.
Next year it will be in Malaysia and for the first time, it was won under 'the Malaysian bid' or namely myself, Chandran, Omar and Hafidz. It should be fun as if we have lots of sponsor it will be a grand time in good ol KL and if there's not so much sponsor money pouring in, we'll still have a grand time in beautiful Langkawi, or is it the other way around.
It was tough to see her playing the pr/advisor role as it rendered her health a wreck. She gave it all and it was mind boggling that she was still standing what more adjudicating in the grand finals.
MMU won it and ILPS (however you spell it) gave a mighty speech which was enough to convince 4 out of the 7 adjudicators. I thought IIU should have won by I wasn't adjudicating and these adjudicators, I supposed, should know what they were doing.
The biggest thing at Chula was the fact that it was the first time in a debate tournament that there were more qualified adjudicators then they were debaters. Thus it was fun watching the DCA's juggling the experienced hands, some did it politically, some with respect, some jest and some just plain rude. Congrats to TJ(the CA) anyway, as in the end, most people were happy.
Next year it will be in Malaysia and for the first time, it was won under 'the Malaysian bid' or namely myself, Chandran, Omar and Hafidz. It should be fun as if we have lots of sponsor it will be a grand time in good ol KL and if there's not so much sponsor money pouring in, we'll still have a grand time in beautiful Langkawi, or is it the other way around.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
An Innocent Man
I was angry that I was being pressed to admit to something that I would never do in any circumstances.
'Just say it'
'You did it, who else could it be' Even then my rudemantary grammar told me that 'could' is a signal for probability not certainty but they were like vultures humming hideously to a yet living but carcass like young 18 year old.
'You're just hiding behind your religious face'.
Admiting that I pray 5 times a day but having a religious face? That was a first and it was enough for me to muster a simple 'fuck you all' statement albeit in a tone nowhere near how it would have sounded in US, Europe or ceratin parts of Pakistan and Latvia.
Then, out of the bluest blu came a statment with almost no conviction at all.
'Bukan dia la' (It's not him).
'Budak kolej 9' (A boy from the Ninth college)
'Dia pun putih jugak, TESL jugak' (He is also fair and a TESL student)
My saviour, the maintenance supervisor.
I was suddenly freed from all the accusations. They all said in a not really apolegetic tone that they were mistaken.
Mistaken, O boy, they were mistaken in pushing me around like a rag doll made out non-smelly crap.
Revenge will come. I will get all of them if it is the last thing I do on earth.
'Boo' (the shorter version of my nickname), a frind shouted. 'Let's go man, 'touch rugby'.'
'OK' I shouted and all the venom left and revenge was purged out in less than 3 second. I was simply not the man to be angry when there's an obvious joy to be achived by fooling someone with my fancy footwork at touch rugby.
An innocent man at touch rugby.
'Just say it'
'You did it, who else could it be' Even then my rudemantary grammar told me that 'could' is a signal for probability not certainty but they were like vultures humming hideously to a yet living but carcass like young 18 year old.
'You're just hiding behind your religious face'.
Admiting that I pray 5 times a day but having a religious face? That was a first and it was enough for me to muster a simple 'fuck you all' statement albeit in a tone nowhere near how it would have sounded in US, Europe or ceratin parts of Pakistan and Latvia.
Then, out of the bluest blu came a statment with almost no conviction at all.
'Bukan dia la' (It's not him).
'Budak kolej 9' (A boy from the Ninth college)
'Dia pun putih jugak, TESL jugak' (He is also fair and a TESL student)
My saviour, the maintenance supervisor.
I was suddenly freed from all the accusations. They all said in a not really apolegetic tone that they were mistaken.
Mistaken, O boy, they were mistaken in pushing me around like a rag doll made out non-smelly crap.
Revenge will come. I will get all of them if it is the last thing I do on earth.
'Boo' (the shorter version of my nickname), a frind shouted. 'Let's go man, 'touch rugby'.'
'OK' I shouted and all the venom left and revenge was purged out in less than 3 second. I was simply not the man to be angry when there's an obvious joy to be achived by fooling someone with my fancy footwork at touch rugby.
An innocent man at touch rugby.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Very Academic, Stay Away
Listen my young padawans,
Listen well (actually read)...
Organizing the Conclusion.. It may be short but it could ruin your speech.
The conclusion brings a speech to a close. It is the last opportunity for the speaker to accomplish the purpose of the speech. In an informative speech, the speaker wants the audience to remember the information that was presented. Emphasizing a main point gives that idea importance and increases the chance of the audience remembering it. Summarizing a group of main points reinforces an audience’s retention of those points. Both of these devices – emphasis and summary – are discussed in greater detail in the chapter on informative speaking. They are the main concluding devices used for an informative occasion.
When engaged in persuasion, use the conclusion to make a specific call for action or to ask for a specific change in attitude by audience members. All the reasons and arguments presented in the body of a persuasive speech support the specific appeal in the conclusion. In essence, the persuasive speaker draws conclusions for the audience: “Because of these reasons, this specific action is necessary.” A second part of the conclusion to a persuasive speech includes visualizing what the desired result will be or energizing the call for action with an appeal. Not only do listeners need to know what to do, they need to be motivated to do it. Appeals to emotion and restatements of benefits act as motivational devices that energize persuasive conclusions.
Both informative and persuasive speeches need a strong last line to add a sense of finality and closure to the speech. Just as speaker’s first words are vital for capturing attention, the last words are the most memorable.Nowadays there are a long list of words and phrases that you could easily get from the internet, so there is really no excuse for not getting good ones to end your speech. The last line of the speech should encapsulate the thesis of the speech. A memorable quotation from an authorative source, a strong visual image, or an assertive statement creates a lasting impression with audiences. You should take advantage of the last line of the conclusion to impress your listeners with a strong and striking statement since it is the final word.
Listen well (actually read)...
Organizing the Conclusion.. It may be short but it could ruin your speech.
The conclusion brings a speech to a close. It is the last opportunity for the speaker to accomplish the purpose of the speech. In an informative speech, the speaker wants the audience to remember the information that was presented. Emphasizing a main point gives that idea importance and increases the chance of the audience remembering it. Summarizing a group of main points reinforces an audience’s retention of those points. Both of these devices – emphasis and summary – are discussed in greater detail in the chapter on informative speaking. They are the main concluding devices used for an informative occasion.
When engaged in persuasion, use the conclusion to make a specific call for action or to ask for a specific change in attitude by audience members. All the reasons and arguments presented in the body of a persuasive speech support the specific appeal in the conclusion. In essence, the persuasive speaker draws conclusions for the audience: “Because of these reasons, this specific action is necessary.” A second part of the conclusion to a persuasive speech includes visualizing what the desired result will be or energizing the call for action with an appeal. Not only do listeners need to know what to do, they need to be motivated to do it. Appeals to emotion and restatements of benefits act as motivational devices that energize persuasive conclusions.
Both informative and persuasive speeches need a strong last line to add a sense of finality and closure to the speech. Just as speaker’s first words are vital for capturing attention, the last words are the most memorable.Nowadays there are a long list of words and phrases that you could easily get from the internet, so there is really no excuse for not getting good ones to end your speech. The last line of the speech should encapsulate the thesis of the speech. A memorable quotation from an authorative source, a strong visual image, or an assertive statement creates a lasting impression with audiences. You should take advantage of the last line of the conclusion to impress your listeners with a strong and striking statement since it is the final word.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Luck and Practice
I was fortunate to be able to join the debate fraternity.I never have really been out of it for a good part of 19 years. I would be first to admit that practice and Saiful are two words that would have serious worldly repercussions if combined too often but I did practice, albeit, sporadically and specifically. Nonetheless, divine interventions helped my limited practice to be specifically on what was needed at that time to win or do well in the few tournaments that I entered.
Here's the list.
1. 1990 UPM Inter-College Tourney
- three beautiful teammates, so I was inspired to do all sorts of research to get to the final
2. 1991 UPM Inter College Tourney
- Our team was conned or Shanghaied into losing the finals the previous year so in 1991, I was pissed and thus ever willing to get the most potent of data.It was here that I developed my unique squirelling approach. We won and I was best speaker.
3. 1992 - kicked out of the UPM for purportedly having a short tongue and thus inable to pronounce words correctly. Insane, took me out of debate for a year but UPM lost all they could have lost (probably would have lost even if I was around) but my reputation was intact and called back in 1993 and I met OMAR SALLAHUDDIN.
4. Perfected my art of multiple definitions and parameters and got to the finals of the Battle of Wits. Lucky because Omar's team in a mindboggling decision lost in the semis. Ha ha, easy path for us in the finals. (My first prize money even though we lost the finals)
5. Went to the AllAsians (the first one) got to define 4 out of 5 times in the prelims and thus we won all four. Got to the octos but cannot define as we were the opps. Lost but reputation still okay as breaking then, means, you're good.
6. Went to the first royals in 95. Perfected the art of coin flipping so that we will get the 'Affirmative' position all the time. Got 4 out 5 and won 4 out of 5. Got through to the semis and the coin did not favour us and we were on the wrong side. Thus we lost.
Really not bad considering we only practiced defining and defending our parameters. Tough luck as by 96 people just simply got better and our way was not in style anymore (not that it was ever in style anyway)
Here's the list.
1. 1990 UPM Inter-College Tourney
- three beautiful teammates, so I was inspired to do all sorts of research to get to the final
2. 1991 UPM Inter College Tourney
- Our team was conned or Shanghaied into losing the finals the previous year so in 1991, I was pissed and thus ever willing to get the most potent of data.It was here that I developed my unique squirelling approach. We won and I was best speaker.
3. 1992 - kicked out of the UPM for purportedly having a short tongue and thus inable to pronounce words correctly. Insane, took me out of debate for a year but UPM lost all they could have lost (probably would have lost even if I was around) but my reputation was intact and called back in 1993 and I met OMAR SALLAHUDDIN.
4. Perfected my art of multiple definitions and parameters and got to the finals of the Battle of Wits. Lucky because Omar's team in a mindboggling decision lost in the semis. Ha ha, easy path for us in the finals. (My first prize money even though we lost the finals)
5. Went to the AllAsians (the first one) got to define 4 out of 5 times in the prelims and thus we won all four. Got to the octos but cannot define as we were the opps. Lost but reputation still okay as breaking then, means, you're good.
6. Went to the first royals in 95. Perfected the art of coin flipping so that we will get the 'Affirmative' position all the time. Got 4 out 5 and won 4 out of 5. Got through to the semis and the coin did not favour us and we were on the wrong side. Thus we lost.
Really not bad considering we only practiced defining and defending our parameters. Tough luck as by 96 people just simply got better and our way was not in style anymore (not that it was ever in style anyway)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Naih Nareien na
Naih Narein na
Bless humans all
Na hasuipo wichina it
All people received the gift
Na it wichinoh saipou uttamo
All the gift the world desires
Na shichi erose makuwani
All should use thoughtfully
It sianakepo utar
The gift shines over
Utar mnoei ke usupa
Over men who are blackhearts
Nisinggapa urak
Leaver of evil united.
Bless humans all
Na hasuipo wichina it
All people received the gift
Na it wichinoh saipou uttamo
All the gift the world desires
Na shichi erose makuwani
All should use thoughtfully
It sianakepo utar
The gift shines over
Utar mnoei ke usupa
Over men who are blackhearts
Nisinggapa urak
Leaver of evil united.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Idealogy in Debate
Talk is an interesting concept as it is not ever singular in formation. There are various influential variables that leads to the formation of the text of the talk. They would involve belief, culture, rules,level of education, economic backgroud, etc.
Thus, I would focus on one issue, Idealogy or belief. New debaters will be indoctrinated into the debate society with various show of beliefs, from the debaters talk, to the way they think, to the way they discuss, to whom they would listen to,etc. You can choose to ignore these belief charateristics and choose to do you it your own way but you will be frustrated and isolated. Debaters, happy and gay though most of them would be, religiously follow a set of belief that denotes the way they should act from the thinking, to the production of thoughts in discussion or debate speeches.
Hence, it would be wise for newer debaters to follow the cues and advice of senior members so as not to go against the conventions (hidden or clear) of the communitty.
Thus, I would focus on one issue, Idealogy or belief. New debaters will be indoctrinated into the debate society with various show of beliefs, from the debaters talk, to the way they think, to the way they discuss, to whom they would listen to,etc. You can choose to ignore these belief charateristics and choose to do you it your own way but you will be frustrated and isolated. Debaters, happy and gay though most of them would be, religiously follow a set of belief that denotes the way they should act from the thinking, to the production of thoughts in discussion or debate speeches.
Hence, it would be wise for newer debaters to follow the cues and advice of senior members so as not to go against the conventions (hidden or clear) of the communitty.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Accusation
There I was, cool as cool can be on my multicolored bike. I stopped, looked around and immediately noticed something not quite right. People, some blokes and girls were actually looking at me or at least at my hideous multicolored (not by choice) Honda 70cc Cup.
Nope. They were looking at me. Well maybe I am amazingly handsome today was the thought in my mind. I walked up the stairs and two blokes (acquantainces not really friends) high fived me. A senior stopped me and asked me on how I could be that stupid. By then, I figured, I must have done something that was on the left side of nice. It clicked in my mind. My wonderful drug addict friend must have gotten arrested or created some kind of people pissing stunt yesterday. I finally realized that it's got nothing to do with him when a nice looking course mate of mine asked me how could I have been caught with a girl.
Caught with a GIRL? Me? And not only that, I was accused of trying to be involved in some kind of close connection art at the Chinese Cemetery. Why? For staters, I have always been seriously afraid of chinese ghosts and the cement top of the cemetery would not be a great prop even if the girl had been Pamela Anderson or Phobe Cates, (this was 1990 so the second name was more relevant). Seriously, I had problems talking about assignments with girls and how could I have been daring enough (definitely not meticulous) to plan an underachieving gig like I was accused of doing.
Needless to say I was refuting the acusation with all the venom I could muster. I was ready to go blow for blow with words or physical contact (less so physically as they were quite a few of these righteous accusers). The end was nowhere in sight and my reputation in tatters. Well, help came in the most unlikely source.
Nope. They were looking at me. Well maybe I am amazingly handsome today was the thought in my mind. I walked up the stairs and two blokes (acquantainces not really friends) high fived me. A senior stopped me and asked me on how I could be that stupid. By then, I figured, I must have done something that was on the left side of nice. It clicked in my mind. My wonderful drug addict friend must have gotten arrested or created some kind of people pissing stunt yesterday. I finally realized that it's got nothing to do with him when a nice looking course mate of mine asked me how could I have been caught with a girl.
Caught with a GIRL? Me? And not only that, I was accused of trying to be involved in some kind of close connection art at the Chinese Cemetery. Why? For staters, I have always been seriously afraid of chinese ghosts and the cement top of the cemetery would not be a great prop even if the girl had been Pamela Anderson or Phobe Cates, (this was 1990 so the second name was more relevant). Seriously, I had problems talking about assignments with girls and how could I have been daring enough (definitely not meticulous) to plan an underachieving gig like I was accused of doing.
Needless to say I was refuting the acusation with all the venom I could muster. I was ready to go blow for blow with words or physical contact (less so physically as they were quite a few of these righteous accusers). The end was nowhere in sight and my reputation in tatters. Well, help came in the most unlikely source.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Accused
Never had a girlfriend till I was 23 and even then it was more like a case of situational syndrom (acted together so I guessed the situation was the catalyst). It was an amazament to me to see all my supposed macho mates having a girlfriend or two by the second semester. I was really adamant in my belief that gilfriend and machoness will never mix except if you are friends with Sauron and Saruman both.
Thus, it was quite mindboggling that some of my mates needed to talk to their girlfriends first before we could go out for pool. One even stated that he's very close to her and therefore would need to consult her as not to hurt her feelings. It was then becoming stupefying, too much new information for me to fathom and act upon.Like any good supposedly macho 19 year old, I went to see an all action movie with my drug addict friend. It was a fantabulous B movie. My not so close buddy wanted to make a usual stop to refurbish his limited stock. I said okay and zoomed past the place with him extremely unhappy at the back. Good movies, Yes. Good food, Yes. Drugs and Girls, No in whichever order it may come.
That was the spirit then. Idropped my unhappy friend and went to my room gathering my laundry and went to my sister's house to do justice to my jeans, shirts and etc. My sister pleaded with me to babysit her kids. Adamantly, I told her that I have a test coming and I need to study. However, I stayed back to babysit her kids out of brotherly love. The 30 Ringgit she gave was never a factor in my decision making, well maybe a bit plus the mouth watering 'Briyani'. It was cool, I looked after my nieces through a beautiful game I invented called the sleeping monster.
Late the next day I went back to my college. I felt like all eyes were on me and the eyes were not particularly nice ones. It was as if I had done something hideous. I found out eventually why those eyes were on me. I was accussed of doing something ridiculous. Me, doing it, this something and all the while I was hard at play at the sleeping monster game changing between an ogre and a foul dragon while hillariously entertaining my nieces. Me, how dare they accused me.
Thus, it was quite mindboggling that some of my mates needed to talk to their girlfriends first before we could go out for pool. One even stated that he's very close to her and therefore would need to consult her as not to hurt her feelings. It was then becoming stupefying, too much new information for me to fathom and act upon.Like any good supposedly macho 19 year old, I went to see an all action movie with my drug addict friend. It was a fantabulous B movie. My not so close buddy wanted to make a usual stop to refurbish his limited stock. I said okay and zoomed past the place with him extremely unhappy at the back. Good movies, Yes. Good food, Yes. Drugs and Girls, No in whichever order it may come.
That was the spirit then. Idropped my unhappy friend and went to my room gathering my laundry and went to my sister's house to do justice to my jeans, shirts and etc. My sister pleaded with me to babysit her kids. Adamantly, I told her that I have a test coming and I need to study. However, I stayed back to babysit her kids out of brotherly love. The 30 Ringgit she gave was never a factor in my decision making, well maybe a bit plus the mouth watering 'Briyani'. It was cool, I looked after my nieces through a beautiful game I invented called the sleeping monster.
Late the next day I went back to my college. I felt like all eyes were on me and the eyes were not particularly nice ones. It was as if I had done something hideous. I found out eventually why those eyes were on me. I was accussed of doing something ridiculous. Me, doing it, this something and all the while I was hard at play at the sleeping monster game changing between an ogre and a foul dragon while hillariously entertaining my nieces. Me, how dare they accused me.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Day I met Daniel
Well, it was one of those days when you're pushed to the front to lead or choose a leader for your group. I of course pretended not wanting to lead or nominate an able leader until a few more girls coaxed me into going to the front and be their hero, end the meting and allow them to go back to their lipstics, books and of course the shared pertinent need to have lunch.
I went to the front of the congregation of 118 TESL students and diplomatically got a big bloke, now famous, by the name of Karam (Sinking) Singh. He was certainly huge enough, with a booming voice and with lucnh beckoning ever closer the whole class decided on Karam's not so good looks but charming personality that he was the leader we need to end the crisis of ending the meeting so that lunch can be sought after soon.
He sensed that lunch was probably the reason of his election too and thus boomingly announced that he will only need 3 to 4 minutes to address al of us and then we could go and do what men and women were delivered this earth to do, eat, buy and use lipstic, read and figure out the next best time to do all of these.
Karam shouted,"Could we all just settle down and sit down please?". And... Daniel, well then just a bloke to me, stood up with a hideous red shirt and unseen before hair style. He shouted back, "What if I want to stand?". The crowd hissed, sensing that lunch and lipstick will be delayed further.
Karam, thinking that his authority is being challenged on the first two minutes of being in power was about to answer when Daniel as he would do many times later in his life started eagerly jumping up and down with his backpack and Karam sensing that this monster is from a different timezone inteligently let us go and informed us that some decisons will be discussed later.
I went to the front of the congregation of 118 TESL students and diplomatically got a big bloke, now famous, by the name of Karam (Sinking) Singh. He was certainly huge enough, with a booming voice and with lucnh beckoning ever closer the whole class decided on Karam's not so good looks but charming personality that he was the leader we need to end the crisis of ending the meeting so that lunch can be sought after soon.
He sensed that lunch was probably the reason of his election too and thus boomingly announced that he will only need 3 to 4 minutes to address al of us and then we could go and do what men and women were delivered this earth to do, eat, buy and use lipstic, read and figure out the next best time to do all of these.
Karam shouted,"Could we all just settle down and sit down please?". And... Daniel, well then just a bloke to me, stood up with a hideous red shirt and unseen before hair style. He shouted back, "What if I want to stand?". The crowd hissed, sensing that lunch and lipstick will be delayed further.
Karam, thinking that his authority is being challenged on the first two minutes of being in power was about to answer when Daniel as he would do many times later in his life started eagerly jumping up and down with his backpack and Karam sensing that this monster is from a different timezone inteligently let us go and informed us that some decisons will be discussed later.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Art of Debating
It was spelled correctly, 'Art' not 'Fart'. Though many debaters now clearly know that manner is given due reward in debates, but have very limited areas improvement oppurtunity. Seniors and coaches would tell them sounding like how to say something (as 'how' would relate mostly to manner) but their version of 'how' still sounds like 'what' most of the time. The teaching of manner oftentimes would be the camourflaging of the teaching of matter.
Hence, newer debaters would have no art whatsoever and could literally be accused of farting out points and argumentation. They would be loud and fast similar to our preffered method in the loo and much to the chagrine of people who are expecting art plus points not farty points when viewing debates. A classic example would be during WUPID 2007 finals where the Irish boys were arty crafty and hence made their matter better. Thus we should have more trainings on manner and those without much inclinations on how to teach manner should NOT be doing it.
Hence, newer debaters would have no art whatsoever and could literally be accused of farting out points and argumentation. They would be loud and fast similar to our preffered method in the loo and much to the chagrine of people who are expecting art plus points not farty points when viewing debates. A classic example would be during WUPID 2007 finals where the Irish boys were arty crafty and hence made their matter better. Thus we should have more trainings on manner and those without much inclinations on how to teach manner should NOT be doing it.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Knee Problem
We can hop, run, hop, side hop and step because we have wonderfuljoints provided by the Allmighty. So, first, be extremely thankful. One of the most important areas of joints is the knee. It is somewhat ugly even with direct comparison to your own or someone else's bum, the knee would still, in beauty category, ranked extremely low.
However, I love as we all should, these knees of ours. I've had a running problem with my right knee for the good (or bad) part of a decade. 2 weeks before the fasting month however, the word 'problem' was combined strongly with the word 'bad'. My right knee could just stop whatever it is suppose to do even when I was sitting down. The faces that I saw in my mind (Bangau, Jabba and Bob) my rugby mates from my beloved Ex Angels Rugby Club, all pushed me to the brink of sheeding a tear or two. The thought of them missing me though I know they would be glad that I won't be around to impede anymore, was simply unbearable.
Then, as if God sent, while I was fasting in Melaka, some blokes asked me to play football with them. In the spirit of Kolo Toure who was fasting while playing in EPL, I bravely accepted the call of duty. Iplayed and I played well. Knee problem, well... What knee problem? The problem dissapeared. I felt strong and at least 4 weeks younger. Thus, I will not be retiring just yet. My right knee was cured, well or the pain was not as excruciating as before.
This great feeling was the one I presented to my wife who smiled and said,"You always feel good before you play rugby. It's after that I'm worried about".
Great feeling slightly deeming but the smirk is still there. I will take them all on, one knee at a time. The painkillers will help.
However, I love as we all should, these knees of ours. I've had a running problem with my right knee for the good (or bad) part of a decade. 2 weeks before the fasting month however, the word 'problem' was combined strongly with the word 'bad'. My right knee could just stop whatever it is suppose to do even when I was sitting down. The faces that I saw in my mind (Bangau, Jabba and Bob) my rugby mates from my beloved Ex Angels Rugby Club, all pushed me to the brink of sheeding a tear or two. The thought of them missing me though I know they would be glad that I won't be around to impede anymore, was simply unbearable.
Then, as if God sent, while I was fasting in Melaka, some blokes asked me to play football with them. In the spirit of Kolo Toure who was fasting while playing in EPL, I bravely accepted the call of duty. Iplayed and I played well. Knee problem, well... What knee problem? The problem dissapeared. I felt strong and at least 4 weeks younger. Thus, I will not be retiring just yet. My right knee was cured, well or the pain was not as excruciating as before.
This great feeling was the one I presented to my wife who smiled and said,"You always feel good before you play rugby. It's after that I'm worried about".
Great feeling slightly deeming but the smirk is still there. I will take them all on, one knee at a time. The painkillers will help.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The day I thought I fell in Love
It was not just a particular day. In fact it was several days with several young women. The question burning in pople's mind would be, "How would you know?".
Well, you just sort of know. For starters, you cannot keep her face out of your mind. And, a very big wish of wanting to be near her all the time.
Falling in love is, after all these years, no big deal. If you have enough connections, activities, correct words and behaviours, love will come.
It is precisely the second part of falling in love that will make the love worthwhile and long lasting. If you do the second part right, you will get the issues in the second paragraph above all the time and marvellously, they get better.
If you want to know this second step and how to get it right, well... there's some cost to be negotiated.
Well, you just sort of know. For starters, you cannot keep her face out of your mind. And, a very big wish of wanting to be near her all the time.
Falling in love is, after all these years, no big deal. If you have enough connections, activities, correct words and behaviours, love will come.
It is precisely the second part of falling in love that will make the love worthwhile and long lasting. If you do the second part right, you will get the issues in the second paragraph above all the time and marvellously, they get better.
If you want to know this second step and how to get it right, well... there's some cost to be negotiated.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Deebate
It is dee..bait. The bait, the hook, the spin, the whole nine yards.
The baits, as experience debaters would know almost all situations of debate contexts can be pre-prepared. Learn a few and teach them to your newbies. See how fast they can grow.
It's like knowing when to use 'threfore' or 'because' and when to use effective - causal argument or causal-efcetive arguments. Teach them these tricks. Maybe they will grow faster.
The baits, as experience debaters would know almost all situations of debate contexts can be pre-prepared. Learn a few and teach them to your newbies. See how fast they can grow.
It's like knowing when to use 'threfore' or 'because' and when to use effective - causal argument or causal-efcetive arguments. Teach them these tricks. Maybe they will grow faster.
Monday, August 17, 2009
How life was then.
The thing about me and rugby was the simple truth that I was persistently mediocre, low mediocre in all actuality. Everytime there was a game for a period of two looong years, I was the perennial last 5 minute man or not needed player. I'd be lying if I say I was happy with the situation, I certainly was not.
However, I kept coming and rugby being rugby, someone's bound to be injured so I got to play sometimes the whole 40 minute half. Nobody in their right mind would have questioned my enthusiasm but nobody in the right mind would also pass me the ball even if I was the only one within range. Slightly frustrated but I kept coming and coming and coming till i got my macho break.
I was selected to start because the first three choices were unavailable through real injuries, girl friend induced injuries (oouch) and (someone must have whacked his head repeatedly with a blunt object) heart injury to the third stringer who thought that it was better for me to play. I gleefully accepted the challenge and was a picture of swagger and confidence until I saw the guy I was suppose to be marking. Not a guy, maybe an ogre, so no wonder the third stringer stepped down.
Nonetheless, I had a plan. I will just jump on him and hang on long enough till the cavalry arirrives. We've been playing for 4 or 5 minutes when he came at me after busting through two tackles and with made believed ferocity, I jumped on him and he ducked and I hit my friend instead who in turn whacked my forehead.
Was feeling stupid, stood up and tried to look cool. Wiped my forehead and all the coolness left me as blood was all over my forehead. Knees buckled, tried to stand but in vain. Still, i had enough in me not to be stretched out and was send to the clinic for my first set of stitiches, all eleven of them. That was it. I was a bonafide rugby player as I got stitches. Girls loved it and I was perplexed but rather suprisingly happy as the stitiches turned me from a never will be to the second stringer.
Not bad.
However, I kept coming and rugby being rugby, someone's bound to be injured so I got to play sometimes the whole 40 minute half. Nobody in their right mind would have questioned my enthusiasm but nobody in the right mind would also pass me the ball even if I was the only one within range. Slightly frustrated but I kept coming and coming and coming till i got my macho break.
I was selected to start because the first three choices were unavailable through real injuries, girl friend induced injuries (oouch) and (someone must have whacked his head repeatedly with a blunt object) heart injury to the third stringer who thought that it was better for me to play. I gleefully accepted the challenge and was a picture of swagger and confidence until I saw the guy I was suppose to be marking. Not a guy, maybe an ogre, so no wonder the third stringer stepped down.
Nonetheless, I had a plan. I will just jump on him and hang on long enough till the cavalry arirrives. We've been playing for 4 or 5 minutes when he came at me after busting through two tackles and with made believed ferocity, I jumped on him and he ducked and I hit my friend instead who in turn whacked my forehead.
Was feeling stupid, stood up and tried to look cool. Wiped my forehead and all the coolness left me as blood was all over my forehead. Knees buckled, tried to stand but in vain. Still, i had enough in me not to be stretched out and was send to the clinic for my first set of stitiches, all eleven of them. That was it. I was a bonafide rugby player as I got stitches. Girls loved it and I was perplexed but rather suprisingly happy as the stitiches turned me from a never will be to the second stringer.
Not bad.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Things to plan ... vacation and stress busters
We should try to spend at least some romantic days enjoying the sunny and breezy weather north of Malaysia. We must go jungle trekking in the oldest rainforest in the world. It is pianfully difficult to see the proof of this 'oldest age' but who cares, we are debaters and we should claim something is, until someone else bombs us with better facts and rebuttals.
The state of Perlis and Kedah for example gleefully invite you to enjoy their hospitality and beautiful rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Their charming home stays will give you authentic Malay daily life experience, if not working is suppose to be the authentic way. Just spend lazy days watching the clouds drift by or spend active days hiking the glorious hills, talking to wonderful mak ciks, buying an old pak cik coffee. These activities do not cost much, but they are bonafide stress busters.
Or, you could watch G.I Joe. Your choice, your call and your money.
The state of Perlis and Kedah for example gleefully invite you to enjoy their hospitality and beautiful rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Their charming home stays will give you authentic Malay daily life experience, if not working is suppose to be the authentic way. Just spend lazy days watching the clouds drift by or spend active days hiking the glorious hills, talking to wonderful mak ciks, buying an old pak cik coffee. These activities do not cost much, but they are bonafide stress busters.
Or, you could watch G.I Joe. Your choice, your call and your money.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Role of Leadership in Good Governance
I found it rather strange that this is the topic that people are now presenting in seminars and conference. It is not that I have anything against leadership and good governance but in the fact that these two highly interrelated issues are now discussed as if they can be separated from each other. Maybe there are simply too many areas of studies nowadays that in reality only complicate issues.
In is only in these days that we are supposed to define issues that that were very, very simple then. Good governance simply denotes leadership or rather good leadership. How then can we be expected to define the role of leadership other than it is needed essentially in order to have and ensure good governance.
As in many definition of leadership, all issues in any organization must be known and acted on by the designated leader of that organization. This in turn, denotes a high degree of responsibility as the leader must be aware of all issues in the organization and thus must plan for the effectiveness and betterment of every aspect.
He or she is responsible for the people, process and also the vision and policy that should drive the organization forward. He is the policy maker and he is also the ultimate HR man especially in the current world work climate where people usually work for the highest bidder. He must take care or the organization and also the people that work for it.
The leader must also have the right knowledge, skills and attitude to plan for challenges and overcome shortfalls. He must be in the know and thus must possess enough resources to be referred to by his or her subordinates when the crunch time comes knocking.
A responsible leader might and should delegate responsibilities but is ultimately responsible for the results achieved by the organization; good or bad.
If a leader is responsible the way the definition stated it, then the leader would be a good cog in any organization. The leader would be the pillar that the whole organization can depend on. He or she would the captain of the ship who would be the first to fend off danger and the last one out when the heat is on. If we have someone responsible at the helm, that is it not than logical to believe that good leadership will ensure good governance? If the leader is knowledgeable and with the right experience and attitude like Dato Idris Jala the CEO of MAS, would it not than lead to the creation of good governance as what we now can plainly see in MAS. Mind boggling at times, the issues people nowadays talk about. But when you allow ridiculous charges like the one against Karpal Singh to be brought to court, what more can we say. Just slide away sheepishly and hope that not a soul saw you there.
In is only in these days that we are supposed to define issues that that were very, very simple then. Good governance simply denotes leadership or rather good leadership. How then can we be expected to define the role of leadership other than it is needed essentially in order to have and ensure good governance.
As in many definition of leadership, all issues in any organization must be known and acted on by the designated leader of that organization. This in turn, denotes a high degree of responsibility as the leader must be aware of all issues in the organization and thus must plan for the effectiveness and betterment of every aspect.
He or she is responsible for the people, process and also the vision and policy that should drive the organization forward. He is the policy maker and he is also the ultimate HR man especially in the current world work climate where people usually work for the highest bidder. He must take care or the organization and also the people that work for it.
The leader must also have the right knowledge, skills and attitude to plan for challenges and overcome shortfalls. He must be in the know and thus must possess enough resources to be referred to by his or her subordinates when the crunch time comes knocking.
A responsible leader might and should delegate responsibilities but is ultimately responsible for the results achieved by the organization; good or bad.
If a leader is responsible the way the definition stated it, then the leader would be a good cog in any organization. The leader would be the pillar that the whole organization can depend on. He or she would the captain of the ship who would be the first to fend off danger and the last one out when the heat is on. If we have someone responsible at the helm, that is it not than logical to believe that good leadership will ensure good governance? If the leader is knowledgeable and with the right experience and attitude like Dato Idris Jala the CEO of MAS, would it not than lead to the creation of good governance as what we now can plainly see in MAS. Mind boggling at times, the issues people nowadays talk about. But when you allow ridiculous charges like the one against Karpal Singh to be brought to court, what more can we say. Just slide away sheepishly and hope that not a soul saw you there.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Life and the lefty feel
It is sometimes just the feel, the gut is ticking a wee bit to the left. You just do not feel you could hack it this time. You look at the odds , whoa staggering wold be an understatement. Funny, it was just slightly under yesterday but it didn't feel so BAD.
Well, that's life. The feel, the odds, the challenges, the whole mix really depends on the perception. Thus, my undying love towards Han Solo who would not ever want to hear the odds quoted to him.
Man, well woman too, should just hack it and be hopeful that it will be better tomorrow. Like there's no such thing as a truly fit top-grade professional footballer - they are all playing with bits that are breaking or falling off. What sets the best of them apart is an ability to play through the pain and discomfort. That is the main difference between a man and a kid. Play through the pain and take a few punches, who knows, maybe tomorrow you're the one throwing them bombs.
Well, that's life. The feel, the odds, the challenges, the whole mix really depends on the perception. Thus, my undying love towards Han Solo who would not ever want to hear the odds quoted to him.
Man, well woman too, should just hack it and be hopeful that it will be better tomorrow. Like there's no such thing as a truly fit top-grade professional footballer - they are all playing with bits that are breaking or falling off. What sets the best of them apart is an ability to play through the pain and discomfort. That is the main difference between a man and a kid. Play through the pain and take a few punches, who knows, maybe tomorrow you're the one throwing them bombs.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
It is understood that some speakers are powerful and loud, some are analytical, some are psychological, some are soft, some are humorous and all of them can succeed or fail at achieving the goals of their speech. How do we ensure success? There are many ways and all of them, have you, the speaker at the center.
Some speakers do not even care to view or follow other speakers or acquire pointers in lectures or books. Some speakers would emulate others or their styles but great ones would come out with their own styles and ways that are best suited for their character, voice and abilities. Therefore, all the pointers and reminders that anyone could give or find should be used in accordance to the person’s character, voice and ability. If your are not the humorous type than do not try to be and if you are not psychological in manner than do not try to be since you could end up being misunderstood. Use your strengths and find pointers, guides or reminders that will enable you to bring out the best in you.
In ‘Rambo III’ Richard Crenna(Col. Trautman) mentioned to Sylvester Stallone (Rambo) on the fact that he did dot make Rambo the way he is ( the perfect killing machine). He was just a good teacher as well as Rambo was a good student. Richard’s character in the movie mentioned that Rambo was like a beautiful statue in solid granite. The statue was already in existence and as a good teacher; he just pulled out the chips that would enable the statue to translate itself into being. ( I know, very Leornado da Vinci like but Rambo is certainly more muscular)
We should be like Rambo and his teacher and help loosen ourselves to bring out the statue of the greatest speaker ever, from within ourselves. We must learn to recognize the problematic chips( fear, intonation, structure, language and etc.) to bring out, how big is the chip and also how to bring it out. It is not impossible and nobody can do it better than the person, himself or herself, since the chips are within the person. Give it a go and find out the speaker in you.
Some speakers do not even care to view or follow other speakers or acquire pointers in lectures or books. Some speakers would emulate others or their styles but great ones would come out with their own styles and ways that are best suited for their character, voice and abilities. Therefore, all the pointers and reminders that anyone could give or find should be used in accordance to the person’s character, voice and ability. If your are not the humorous type than do not try to be and if you are not psychological in manner than do not try to be since you could end up being misunderstood. Use your strengths and find pointers, guides or reminders that will enable you to bring out the best in you.
In ‘Rambo III’ Richard Crenna(Col. Trautman) mentioned to Sylvester Stallone (Rambo) on the fact that he did dot make Rambo the way he is ( the perfect killing machine). He was just a good teacher as well as Rambo was a good student. Richard’s character in the movie mentioned that Rambo was like a beautiful statue in solid granite. The statue was already in existence and as a good teacher; he just pulled out the chips that would enable the statue to translate itself into being. ( I know, very Leornado da Vinci like but Rambo is certainly more muscular)
We should be like Rambo and his teacher and help loosen ourselves to bring out the statue of the greatest speaker ever, from within ourselves. We must learn to recognize the problematic chips( fear, intonation, structure, language and etc.) to bring out, how big is the chip and also how to bring it out. It is not impossible and nobody can do it better than the person, himself or herself, since the chips are within the person. Give it a go and find out the speaker in you.
The ends sometimes...
In line with Machiavelli’s view, I would first state that the way to achieve our ends should not be everything under the sun. However, when the opportunity arose such as the use of public figures for the betterment of the society, it must not be turned away but exhausted to aid the good aims of our society. People would exhaust and try sometimes dangerous and evil means to achieve even peaceful ends and it would really be an insult to our intelligence if we do not use our public figures for the betterment of our society.
How can they, the public figures help to contribute towards the betterment of the society?
Public figures(PF) are automatically influential in the society. This influence can be used to send the right message to the society such as the fight against AIDS and corruption.
PF are also mostly society leaders and respected members and hence be focal point of reference for the members of the society. This would enable to influence, persuade and inform the society with better effectiveness as not only people would follow what they say, they would also need less government expenditures on them as there would be smaller needs for media payment for advertisements and campaigns for awareness and education for the society.
The most important reason other than cost saving than effectiveness would be on the fact that they are the most effective tools. If they are not effective, companies would not be spending billions to pay public figures to lobby and advertise for their cause or products. They know who they are and what they can do and thus I urge extremely public ones like datin Seri Rosmah to be given more coverage and more airtime but at the right places and junctures that can really make a big difference.
How can they, the public figures help to contribute towards the betterment of the society?
Public figures(PF) are automatically influential in the society. This influence can be used to send the right message to the society such as the fight against AIDS and corruption.
PF are also mostly society leaders and respected members and hence be focal point of reference for the members of the society. This would enable to influence, persuade and inform the society with better effectiveness as not only people would follow what they say, they would also need less government expenditures on them as there would be smaller needs for media payment for advertisements and campaigns for awareness and education for the society.
The most important reason other than cost saving than effectiveness would be on the fact that they are the most effective tools. If they are not effective, companies would not be spending billions to pay public figures to lobby and advertise for their cause or products. They know who they are and what they can do and thus I urge extremely public ones like datin Seri Rosmah to be given more coverage and more airtime but at the right places and junctures that can really make a big difference.
Prsentation skills
In order to be able to get started with the presentation part of things, we need to get familiar with the various terminology used in discourse parlance. Lesson 1, Proficiency in selecting and developing a topic, organising and planning a written speech and attainment of various forms of supporting materials are crucial before the actual points preparation activity could be set in motion.
But, even before that, at least two steps before, please o please prepare yourself to want tobe the presenter. As if you do not look like as if you want to, why oh why would people want to listen to you.
Show them, tease them, cajole them and maybe all that time spent in preparing the points are worth it.
But, even before that, at least two steps before, please o please prepare yourself to want tobe the presenter. As if you do not look like as if you want to, why oh why would people want to listen to you.
Show them, tease them, cajole them and maybe all that time spent in preparing the points are worth it.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
On the road
On the road for almost 4 weeks. Tough but good money. Am goin back to write the intepretation of my analysis so that i can submit my four chapters to my Phd Guru.
The thing to be lookin at is the fun i am expecting to have in my first copetetive debate in 12 years at GSD. I am sure FUN will be it.
I've been teachin outside for at least 4 days a month for a good 3 years now. Just wandering how i will fare teaching kids an Uni's in under 4 weeks.
Well, let us have fun debating first.
The thing to be lookin at is the fun i am expecting to have in my first copetetive debate in 12 years at GSD. I am sure FUN will be it.
I've been teachin outside for at least 4 days a month for a good 3 years now. Just wandering how i will fare teaching kids an Uni's in under 4 weeks.
Well, let us have fun debating first.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tough Debate
It was tough, really tough when I had to decide the first time on whether to represent the Uni for debate or rugby.
Rugby was fun and so was debate to a big extent bug all the tackling in rugby is done through words and at time the physical side of rugby I surely did miss.
Nonetheless, the first call i had to make was in 91' and debate was it. The decision fell flat on many people's faces as the debate part was cancelled on the 11th hour for that Inter-U competition.
Well, see...
Rugby was fun and so was debate to a big extent bug all the tackling in rugby is done through words and at time the physical side of rugby I surely did miss.
Nonetheless, the first call i had to make was in 91' and debate was it. The decision fell flat on many people's faces as the debate part was cancelled on the 11th hour for that Inter-U competition.
Well, see...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Satisfaction
In debate terms, satisfaction can be divided into 3.
1. Satisfastion of you as the speaker (you feel like you've done a fantastic job and given a spectacular speech)
2. Satisfaction of the general audience (they feel that that the speech is great)
3. Satisfaction of the adjudicators (they feel that the speech and you are fantabulous)
Guess which one matters the most. Yup the third one... the 3rd one ... the number three.
Thus we need to understand this simple concept. Satisfaction is result minus expectation. Thus you need to know their expecttation to be able to plan for it and deliver something beyond the expectation than the result for you is generally sound but if the result is lower than the expectation than, well.... not so good.
1. Satisfastion of you as the speaker (you feel like you've done a fantastic job and given a spectacular speech)
2. Satisfaction of the general audience (they feel that that the speech is great)
3. Satisfaction of the adjudicators (they feel that the speech and you are fantabulous)
Guess which one matters the most. Yup the third one... the 3rd one ... the number three.
Thus we need to understand this simple concept. Satisfaction is result minus expectation. Thus you need to know their expecttation to be able to plan for it and deliver something beyond the expectation than the result for you is generally sound but if the result is lower than the expectation than, well.... not so good.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
My Beginning as a debater
I never debated during my school days except in one inter-class tournament where I suprisingly upstaged the supposed best speaker in the school. I was really fired up that day simply because he said something negative about my pink striped tee shirt. Still, I was considered not good enough to represent the school. Thus I quit debating and concentrated on 'silat' and cricket. (Wasn't that good at both also but some girls said I looked kinda cute in my 'Silat' attire@ good enough for me)
In 1989 I was accepted into UPM in their matriculation program. I took part in two Public Speaking tourneys as I did not really want to be fully involve in the then famous orientation program, and finished 2nd in the BM category and 3rd in the English respectively. In 1991 I was selected as the team manager for my college team(I was really wondering why not as a speaker but the girls chosen were much better in terms of poise and looks, I didn't really complain). The all girl team made it to the finals and they were, all in their special cute ways, said how indebted they were to me for getting them to the finals.( I really thought that I did not do much other than vetting their points as we generally get our topics at least one week in advance those days).
Somehow or rather the organizer turned evil on us. They earlier informed us that the finals was slotted to be on the coming Saturday night but sent an ex-bouncer officer with a loud-speaker lecturer to cordially inform us that it is tomorrow night, kindly forgetting that the other team was informed of this change 3 days earlier. In good sportmanship albeit with a lot of crying, we went, took part and lost. But I was angry, I was so angry at being Shanghaied that I walked up to the organizer and told them with as much venom as I could muster, that next year I will be back as a speaker and I will trash every single team up against my beloved Sixth College. True to my word, I dished rugby for a full month preparing my team next year and won the 1991 UPM Inter College Title together with the best speaker title.
I was happy and also in a boastful mood. I told the organizers that I will come back next year and do the same again which I duly did in 1992. I was satisfied and went back to the real love of my life, the mud and blood of the rugby field. Somewhere in between those months, I went with a strange team to the IIU Australs where my speakers did not really want to debate. After the second round which we won, one of my speakers got ill and luckily I had a nice Singaporean speaker replacing her. Needless to say we did not do well in that tourney.
My rugby team team got third in 1993 Inter-college and I was a permanent fixture in the UPM Angels' B team when I got a message from the UPM Student Affairs Department that they want to send a team to Australia for the Australs and there will be a selection. I thought.. well never been to Australia before... 3 stitches on my forehead... left knee not doin so well... Sure.
In 1989 I was accepted into UPM in their matriculation program. I took part in two Public Speaking tourneys as I did not really want to be fully involve in the then famous orientation program, and finished 2nd in the BM category and 3rd in the English respectively. In 1991 I was selected as the team manager for my college team(I was really wondering why not as a speaker but the girls chosen were much better in terms of poise and looks, I didn't really complain). The all girl team made it to the finals and they were, all in their special cute ways, said how indebted they were to me for getting them to the finals.( I really thought that I did not do much other than vetting their points as we generally get our topics at least one week in advance those days).
Somehow or rather the organizer turned evil on us. They earlier informed us that the finals was slotted to be on the coming Saturday night but sent an ex-bouncer officer with a loud-speaker lecturer to cordially inform us that it is tomorrow night, kindly forgetting that the other team was informed of this change 3 days earlier. In good sportmanship albeit with a lot of crying, we went, took part and lost. But I was angry, I was so angry at being Shanghaied that I walked up to the organizer and told them with as much venom as I could muster, that next year I will be back as a speaker and I will trash every single team up against my beloved Sixth College. True to my word, I dished rugby for a full month preparing my team next year and won the 1991 UPM Inter College Title together with the best speaker title.
I was happy and also in a boastful mood. I told the organizers that I will come back next year and do the same again which I duly did in 1992. I was satisfied and went back to the real love of my life, the mud and blood of the rugby field. Somewhere in between those months, I went with a strange team to the IIU Australs where my speakers did not really want to debate. After the second round which we won, one of my speakers got ill and luckily I had a nice Singaporean speaker replacing her. Needless to say we did not do well in that tourney.
My rugby team team got third in 1993 Inter-college and I was a permanent fixture in the UPM Angels' B team when I got a message from the UPM Student Affairs Department that they want to send a team to Australia for the Australs and there will be a selection. I thought.. well never been to Australia before... 3 stitches on my forehead... left knee not doin so well... Sure.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Th Greatest Political Saga
As pointed out by Harun Yahya in one of his famous books, scientists have proven that the universe is expanding at a very very precise systemic speed. Thus the scientist, baffled by this, unrealazingly commented that there must be an overseeing bigger rule that is controlling the events in the universe. They were and rather still are and also in the future will be rigtht as this overseeing is done by GOD himself.
In relation to the political saga in Perak and other equally minute things, the saga is expanding but there is no underlying control to it. No rules, no ethics, just expansion in any which way direction possible which would usually lead to a nice but unwanted creation of a black hole.
Even in a debate with good teams with good contents, if they are not govern by shared laws, rules and ethics, by the middle of the debate, people would be trading blows by the middle of proceedings.
There must be agreed terms, agreed rules and agreed ethics for logic and sanity to prevail. The universe is expanding fine due to the attachement to the rule of GOD as proven by the many great scientist. Though miniscule in the scheme of things, it still relevant to the politicians to realize this simple universal notion. They must agree to a common ground then talk, chat, argue than do something worthwhile. Else... find a lawless land and have a nice fist fight, ensure knock outs to both sides as we do not really want you back.
In relation to the political saga in Perak and other equally minute things, the saga is expanding but there is no underlying control to it. No rules, no ethics, just expansion in any which way direction possible which would usually lead to a nice but unwanted creation of a black hole.
Even in a debate with good teams with good contents, if they are not govern by shared laws, rules and ethics, by the middle of the debate, people would be trading blows by the middle of proceedings.
There must be agreed terms, agreed rules and agreed ethics for logic and sanity to prevail. The universe is expanding fine due to the attachement to the rule of GOD as proven by the many great scientist. Though miniscule in the scheme of things, it still relevant to the politicians to realize this simple universal notion. They must agree to a common ground then talk, chat, argue than do something worthwhile. Else... find a lawless land and have a nice fist fight, ensure knock outs to both sides as we do not really want you back.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Ethics and curtness
It is good to be ethical and curt but it is certainly not easy to most people. This is due to the fact that ethics and curtness are mostly culture related and hence differ oftentimes from place to place and situation to situation.
Nonetheless, there are general guides to ethics and curtness that you may follow that may lead people into viewing you as curt and ethical. This section is made for university parliamentary debaters that may also be generalized to other people.
1. Listen and look like listening to people by jotting down something.
2. Smile a bit more so that people especially judges will have a more favorable view on you.
3. Clearly understand that you do not have to be cocky to be smart.
4. Talk nicely to judges even if in your opinion they are crappy as you may meet them again in the next round.
5. Learn as much as possbible what are the tules to debate ethics and curtness according to the judges in the room or tournament not from a freind watching TV at home.
6. Remember the key importance to having the right ethics and curtness will be high marks on manner which will definitely have some bearings on your matter.
7. Do not judge abook by its cover. Bo Hoo! We do this all the time and so will the judges no matter how experienced or inexperienced they are.
Nonetheless, there are general guides to ethics and curtness that you may follow that may lead people into viewing you as curt and ethical. This section is made for university parliamentary debaters that may also be generalized to other people.
1. Listen and look like listening to people by jotting down something.
2. Smile a bit more so that people especially judges will have a more favorable view on you.
3. Clearly understand that you do not have to be cocky to be smart.
4. Talk nicely to judges even if in your opinion they are crappy as you may meet them again in the next round.
5. Learn as much as possbible what are the tules to debate ethics and curtness according to the judges in the room or tournament not from a freind watching TV at home.
6. Remember the key importance to having the right ethics and curtness will be high marks on manner which will definitely have some bearings on your matter.
7. Do not judge abook by its cover. Bo Hoo! We do this all the time and so will the judges no matter how experienced or inexperienced they are.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Teaching the uninterested
Teaching is a tough job especially if you are not that prepared and the students do not really want to learn.
My proposal to you;
1. Keep it simple
2.Have a planned fun session every ten minutes (more or less)
3. Ask the students what they want (preferably before session starts)
4. Remember, check your activities: If they are fun to you, confirm this with a trusted comrade because if they are not fun to you, well the students will not like them either.
Try: DO and do some more.
My proposal to you;
1. Keep it simple
2.Have a planned fun session every ten minutes (more or less)
3. Ask the students what they want (preferably before session starts)
4. Remember, check your activities: If they are fun to you, confirm this with a trusted comrade because if they are not fun to you, well the students will not like them either.
Try: DO and do some more.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Eagles and Manner
An eagle would always fly majestically even in not a so majestic situation. It could be trying to escape a storm but the posture would remain, poised and ready, sometimes seemingly oblivious to danger.
And thus the similarity starts with manner and its link to context. The eagle's brain has never been dignosed, scanned or basically checked in any way. Therefore, we do not really know whether it was just the poise that was shown to be magnificent but inside, it may just be as fearful as other birds facing the mighty wind and thunder. Will we ever know? Well, only God knows.
What we can do is follow Vulcan logic. They, the eagles, magnificent though they mayhaps, should still be afraid but would not yield tactical strength to their enemy who could just by chance be sensing that this great hunter is also afraid. Perhaps, an eagle is able to fly close to the storm but not close enough to be sucked in but as a result to any eyes from afar, "Wow! what a great creature"
Lesson one:
Arrange the right context : the storm
Execute the right manner: looking cool flying over the storm
People might think that you're an EAGLE.
And thus the similarity starts with manner and its link to context. The eagle's brain has never been dignosed, scanned or basically checked in any way. Therefore, we do not really know whether it was just the poise that was shown to be magnificent but inside, it may just be as fearful as other birds facing the mighty wind and thunder. Will we ever know? Well, only God knows.
What we can do is follow Vulcan logic. They, the eagles, magnificent though they mayhaps, should still be afraid but would not yield tactical strength to their enemy who could just by chance be sensing that this great hunter is also afraid. Perhaps, an eagle is able to fly close to the storm but not close enough to be sucked in but as a result to any eyes from afar, "Wow! what a great creature"
Lesson one:
Arrange the right context : the storm
Execute the right manner: looking cool flying over the storm
People might think that you're an EAGLE.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Of Manner and Biases
I like Manchester United. I have been a follower since the Bryan Robson + Paul Ince era, almost 20 odd years. Thus, whatever they do would almost always be okay. In my eyes, knees, kidneys and nostrils, everyone's out to get them and I mean everyone. Here's a list of possibles and probables MU haters who are evil and under preveliged.
1. Liverpool fans
2. Terrorists
3. All fans of other football clubs
4. Politicians in Perak
5. Anyone I do not like
Thus whatever these group of people would do or say are categorically wrong or at least plain old wrong or at least inferior.
Why is this happening to me? I am Bias. I am and so are all of us and that is why manner is so so important plus the right contextual evidence in any discussion, presentation or debate.
The trick to get people who are bias against us to be on our side is through pre-planned and pre-prepared bias manerism.
1. For a Liverpool fan (a fantastic example), to get free coffee from an MU supporter, tell them in a convincing manner that you wish Ferguson is Liverpool's manager (it will help if you are not wearing a Liverpool T-shirt at the time).
2. For a Perak politician, look calm (smile, offer handshake, bring small tokens, even food is okay) be in the mood to discuss (look at your kids, favourite car, listen to favourite song) then go to meet your opponents. Chances are, there will be a discusion not a fracas. Even wear, 'We love Perak' T-Shirt.
3. For debaters, choose a tone that is not intimidating or humiliating to the other debaters and adjudicators. 'I am your friend and am helping you out tone' would help and would usually score a point with adjudicators and audience.
If you set the right tone in your head, you will have the right manner and with the right manner, people would believe i your matter. Because, if you have the right manner,people would think so to as they are your audience, audience who can only see what you show and lsiten to what you say, what's inside is invincible to them.
P/S do not smile and look calm if you are up aginst a mugger. They will not be kind to their own mothers.
1. Liverpool fans
2. Terrorists
3. All fans of other football clubs
4. Politicians in Perak
5. Anyone I do not like
Thus whatever these group of people would do or say are categorically wrong or at least plain old wrong or at least inferior.
Why is this happening to me? I am Bias. I am and so are all of us and that is why manner is so so important plus the right contextual evidence in any discussion, presentation or debate.
The trick to get people who are bias against us to be on our side is through pre-planned and pre-prepared bias manerism.
1. For a Liverpool fan (a fantastic example), to get free coffee from an MU supporter, tell them in a convincing manner that you wish Ferguson is Liverpool's manager (it will help if you are not wearing a Liverpool T-shirt at the time).
2. For a Perak politician, look calm (smile, offer handshake, bring small tokens, even food is okay) be in the mood to discuss (look at your kids, favourite car, listen to favourite song) then go to meet your opponents. Chances are, there will be a discusion not a fracas. Even wear, 'We love Perak' T-Shirt.
3. For debaters, choose a tone that is not intimidating or humiliating to the other debaters and adjudicators. 'I am your friend and am helping you out tone' would help and would usually score a point with adjudicators and audience.
If you set the right tone in your head, you will have the right manner and with the right manner, people would believe i your matter. Because, if you have the right manner,people would think so to as they are your audience, audience who can only see what you show and lsiten to what you say, what's inside is invincible to them.
P/S do not smile and look calm if you are up aginst a mugger. They will not be kind to their own mothers.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Kay Pees Eyes
Well, it is really nothing to shout about, the KPI's, I mean. It should have been in any organization worth their salt to have some kind of mechanism to evaluate staff performance in lieu with the organizational objectives.
Thus,when people all over the country jumped, hopped and dived on the KPI's bandwagon, a startling thought crossed over me, "We've never done this before?
In debate, parliamentary debate that is, KPI's and KRA's is like the name of the game. We set objectives and tell our debaters how best to achieve them and then evaluate them through results and observation and do the same things again.
I guess, things, ideas,procedures which we debaters deem as normal is not so in the real world, or only maybe in Malaysia. I do worry.
Thus,when people all over the country jumped, hopped and dived on the KPI's bandwagon, a startling thought crossed over me, "We've never done this before?
In debate, parliamentary debate that is, KPI's and KRA's is like the name of the game. We set objectives and tell our debaters how best to achieve them and then evaluate them through results and observation and do the same things again.
I guess, things, ideas,procedures which we debaters deem as normal is not so in the real world, or only maybe in Malaysia. I do worry.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Same Ol Story
Think
Get Ideas
Debate them
Get solid proposal
Put action plan on the proposal
People love the idea, some are even willing to pay for it
You and mates were extremely bungee jumping type happy,
Then people walked up to you and say, "Mate this is international class, simply superb"
Then you would have thought, "Hey I could make a few bucks from this idea".
Nope, CANNOT. That's the WUPID fate.
International event, attended by royalties, supported by one of the biggest banks in Malaysia but you cannot make two bucks out of that nice idea.
It is better to bring Il Divo, better to get FI to be here but not up to the mark when the great idea was Malaysian Made.
Sad, it is great when it is someone else's but not when its your. The wonderful world world of WUPID.
Get Ideas
Debate them
Get solid proposal
Put action plan on the proposal
People love the idea, some are even willing to pay for it
You and mates were extremely bungee jumping type happy,
Then people walked up to you and say, "Mate this is international class, simply superb"
Then you would have thought, "Hey I could make a few bucks from this idea".
Nope, CANNOT. That's the WUPID fate.
International event, attended by royalties, supported by one of the biggest banks in Malaysia but you cannot make two bucks out of that nice idea.
It is better to bring Il Divo, better to get FI to be here but not up to the mark when the great idea was Malaysian Made.
Sad, it is great when it is someone else's but not when its your. The wonderful world world of WUPID.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Of Divine Intervention
The CEO of Malaysia Airlines stated loudly that life cannot run away from divine intervention(DI). True and agreed to by many.It is jsut that some people stretch and squirrel the divine intervention part too much for anyone's liking.
HOW DI WORKS:
1. You have a clear profitable objective/s that has been tested and proven by trends and studies.
2. You have a plan.
3. You have action plans with clear vision on the make ups of the people needed to to implement the actions successfully.
4. You implement the actions, they fail... THEN YOU CAN CLAIM IT WAS DI.
Other than that, it is ususally due to lack of planning or even simle laziness. For debaters on a losing streak who canot even convince the poor African to eat free food, well... look at the list above, before blaming adjudicators for your poor result.
HOW DI WORKS:
1. You have a clear profitable objective/s that has been tested and proven by trends and studies.
2. You have a plan.
3. You have action plans with clear vision on the make ups of the people needed to to implement the actions successfully.
4. You implement the actions, they fail... THEN YOU CAN CLAIM IT WAS DI.
Other than that, it is ususally due to lack of planning or even simle laziness. For debaters on a losing streak who canot even convince the poor African to eat free food, well... look at the list above, before blaming adjudicators for your poor result.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Of AllAsians
I was there at the first AllAsians in NTU Singapore. It was amazing we even got there.Lack of funding, no proper address, famous first speaker who decided to skip the event, well all the usual negativities (according to Sir Elton) came on the day we got to Singapore.
Well we got there, me, Daniel and Teh Chee Seng. We had only one plan, pray hard to be the proposition all the time as that was my specialty. I could squirrel a motion that would make Plato himself proud. My second speaker has no understanding of matter what so ever, he was and still is I fancy, the perrenial manner man. Chee Seng, well he was sort of the unholy glue, relentless, repeating all that was worth repeating through wonderful repackaging of our not so strong points combined with the opponents' rebuttals. It went quite well till we got to the octo-finals. Somehow or rather, we were the opposition and as our plan did not cover that particular issue, we were floored through a double squirrel from our namesis.
Fun, it was that first AllAsians. Soon, it may not be around anymore, thanks to idiots who just do not appreciate history. It has been around for 13 years, countless heroes like Peejay Garcia, Prabha Ganesan, Taufik well but to name a few that came through this wonderful tourney. Suddenly, some morons are playing the fool with this long history of fun debating and a sure fire friend making place. Idiots and morons. Am I angry, YES I AM.
Not easy to have a worthy idea
Not easy to build a plan to see the idea become whole
Not easy to see the idea become great
Not easy to get people to believe
Not easy to break down either,
Break it down all you doomsayers,
Tomorrow I will build it back with this bare hands with debaters who love debating and friend making,
It will not take much as the most crucial piece is already there, someone thought of the idea,
Let us not forget the person's contribution to Asian debating and let us not waste the time spent by Omar Sallahudin writing the constitution.
Let us not kill, let us build, together.
Well we got there, me, Daniel and Teh Chee Seng. We had only one plan, pray hard to be the proposition all the time as that was my specialty. I could squirrel a motion that would make Plato himself proud. My second speaker has no understanding of matter what so ever, he was and still is I fancy, the perrenial manner man. Chee Seng, well he was sort of the unholy glue, relentless, repeating all that was worth repeating through wonderful repackaging of our not so strong points combined with the opponents' rebuttals. It went quite well till we got to the octo-finals. Somehow or rather, we were the opposition and as our plan did not cover that particular issue, we were floored through a double squirrel from our namesis.
Fun, it was that first AllAsians. Soon, it may not be around anymore, thanks to idiots who just do not appreciate history. It has been around for 13 years, countless heroes like Peejay Garcia, Prabha Ganesan, Taufik well but to name a few that came through this wonderful tourney. Suddenly, some morons are playing the fool with this long history of fun debating and a sure fire friend making place. Idiots and morons. Am I angry, YES I AM.
Not easy to have a worthy idea
Not easy to build a plan to see the idea become whole
Not easy to see the idea become great
Not easy to get people to believe
Not easy to break down either,
Break it down all you doomsayers,
Tomorrow I will build it back with this bare hands with debaters who love debating and friend making,
It will not take much as the most crucial piece is already there, someone thought of the idea,
Let us not forget the person's contribution to Asian debating and let us not waste the time spent by Omar Sallahudin writing the constitution.
Let us not kill, let us build, together.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
It is disheartening when I heard about the big bonus pay off for AIG's top execs. It will take a great line up of debaters to be able to defend that line.
This era of slumps and lumps, we should go back to the French Revolutionary era and revisit an old but extremely suitable concept in this current climate. We are all guilty until proven innocent or rather people in certain climates or involved in certain issues should be seen as part of the environment till they are viewed as heroes, saviour,etc. This undoubetedly should include the AIG execs who should prove their worth before taking the bonus, Obama who should see the economy climb a bit more before being paraded as a saviour in Europe and also Najib Razak who should really have a couple of dozen weeks excluding honeymoons, to rectify the money politics, Malay issues, etc.
Let us get the prososal to show result first before crediting anyone with anything. It is at times so useless to ask those who cannot comprehend the concept of numbers to count.
Simply put, bright ideas do not equal result. Get us some result first o' great execs and leaders of the world or forever would you be the bane of the debaters who in a debate have to be the side that defend your unproven but highly rewarded proposal.
Litany o litany of boredom and unfathomable frustations.
This era of slumps and lumps, we should go back to the French Revolutionary era and revisit an old but extremely suitable concept in this current climate. We are all guilty until proven innocent or rather people in certain climates or involved in certain issues should be seen as part of the environment till they are viewed as heroes, saviour,etc. This undoubetedly should include the AIG execs who should prove their worth before taking the bonus, Obama who should see the economy climb a bit more before being paraded as a saviour in Europe and also Najib Razak who should really have a couple of dozen weeks excluding honeymoons, to rectify the money politics, Malay issues, etc.
Let us get the prososal to show result first before crediting anyone with anything. It is at times so useless to ask those who cannot comprehend the concept of numbers to count.
Simply put, bright ideas do not equal result. Get us some result first o' great execs and leaders of the world or forever would you be the bane of the debaters who in a debate have to be the side that defend your unproven but highly rewarded proposal.
Litany o litany of boredom and unfathomable frustations.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Life and the gig
My life is fantastic.
Always full of wonderful gigs
Always full of wonderful people
None more so than my beautiful wife
She is my main gig, the one who would be behind all gigs, past - present - future.
My gigs are great and my lfe is fantastic.
Lucky me, hopeful for others too.
Always full of wonderful gigs
Always full of wonderful people
None more so than my beautiful wife
She is my main gig, the one who would be behind all gigs, past - present - future.
My gigs are great and my lfe is fantastic.
Lucky me, hopeful for others too.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Of Perception
We are bias. Period. Continous. As we are humans.
So...
Find ways, steps, guides to reduce heuristic and biases.
1. Forget names
2. Forget photos
3. Forget even religion when looking at someone.
4. Do those again.
* Now you are at the first step of being less bias.
Like all new steps, it will take a while to get use to these methods but in a while through consistency and belief, it'll be a habit. An allmighty good one.
So...
Find ways, steps, guides to reduce heuristic and biases.
1. Forget names
2. Forget photos
3. Forget even religion when looking at someone.
4. Do those again.
* Now you are at the first step of being less bias.
Like all new steps, it will take a while to get use to these methods but in a while through consistency and belief, it'll be a habit. An allmighty good one.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Winning and having Fun
I have been debating and playing rugby all my adult life. At 38, I'm sure that the second option will not be with me that much longer. Nonetheless, with 6 previous fractures, two torn ligaments and stitiches (luckily covered by still black hair) all over, I'm still playing and I still want to play. The eagerness of waiting for a game, the willingness to break speed limit to drive to a game after an outstation stint, the sheer wanting to play or watching my mates play is vehemently undeniable.
I do believe, in terms of accolades, even my Phd reserch is on debates, skills and ability, debate would be the better choice for me. Sadly, it just does not have the feel of fun these days. There would not be that many friends or fans who would gasp at a hard tackle and wishing loudly that your are okay. The last two debate tourneys I went to however, I got to see a lot of smugs and punks who participated. Blokes who could not say two nice words to their opposition without trying to inject their supposed intelligence superiority over everyone. Arrogance is the name of the game. Yes being arrogant is a posture that you can employ but usually it is only for those big cans who are loud but have no substance inside.
Ladies and gents, if you're good, you're good. There is no point having this air of hollier than thou surrounding you. That is why I loath to go to debate events nowadays except for some select few. That is also the reason why I would rather train school students than college or university ones adhering to Malone/Sean Connery in 'The Untouchables' that if the apples in the barrel are rotten, then we should go the the trees.
That is also why I would rather play agains brute men who named their team Dogs of the Royal Selangor Club but saluted your team at the end for giving them a good game (we lost 4-2). they realized that a good game is more fun and it will also help them raise their game.
I do believe, in terms of accolades, even my Phd reserch is on debates, skills and ability, debate would be the better choice for me. Sadly, it just does not have the feel of fun these days. There would not be that many friends or fans who would gasp at a hard tackle and wishing loudly that your are okay. The last two debate tourneys I went to however, I got to see a lot of smugs and punks who participated. Blokes who could not say two nice words to their opposition without trying to inject their supposed intelligence superiority over everyone. Arrogance is the name of the game. Yes being arrogant is a posture that you can employ but usually it is only for those big cans who are loud but have no substance inside.
Ladies and gents, if you're good, you're good. There is no point having this air of hollier than thou surrounding you. That is why I loath to go to debate events nowadays except for some select few. That is also the reason why I would rather train school students than college or university ones adhering to Malone/Sean Connery in 'The Untouchables' that if the apples in the barrel are rotten, then we should go the the trees.
That is also why I would rather play agains brute men who named their team Dogs of the Royal Selangor Club but saluted your team at the end for giving them a good game (we lost 4-2). they realized that a good game is more fun and it will also help them raise their game.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
There's no substitute for speed
Richard Kahui is perhaps only a well known name in the rugby fraternity especially in New Zealand. He is a very talented centre who has represented the New Zealand All Blacks. A centre in rugby is a crucial position who would be the second last line of defense who doubles crucially as the man who would release the talented speedy wingers. Nonetheless in a few test, Kahui was played as a winger. he is such a talented player that he was able to score I believe two tries eventhough he was predominantly a centre. When interviewed on which position he would prefer playing, as any good All Black, he stated, ANY POSITION, as long as I'm playing.
In the short interview though he stated something, so obvious yet so many times missed by so many people. He said, " I'm probably the slowest winger around". Yes, he might be a talented player but he recognized that speed was not his forte. And as a winger, when the crunch time comes, you would need speed. There is simply no substitute for good ol pace.
In life, you would need to study the situations to know what is the needed 'speed' for you in facing the crunch time.
In driving, the speed = the horse power
In love = continous
In crime/business = innovation
IN UNIVERSITY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE = READING, IF NOT DURING THE CRUNCH TIME YOU WILL FALL SHORT
In the short interview though he stated something, so obvious yet so many times missed by so many people. He said, " I'm probably the slowest winger around". Yes, he might be a talented player but he recognized that speed was not his forte. And as a winger, when the crunch time comes, you would need speed. There is simply no substitute for good ol pace.
In life, you would need to study the situations to know what is the needed 'speed' for you in facing the crunch time.
In driving, the speed = the horse power
In love = continous
In crime/business = innovation
IN UNIVERSITY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE = READING, IF NOT DURING THE CRUNCH TIME YOU WILL FALL SHORT
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Simple executions in rugby and debate
If you have seen a rugby game before, a good one, then perhaps you would be perplexed at times on the number of things that the players have to do while adhering to a great number of at times mind boggling rules. If you have never played before, then chances are you might excuse yourself from ever playing this beautiful game. It could also be viewed upon as difficult because the person or mayhaps even a coach, explaining the game to you, wanted the game to be seen as complex and multidimensional as an indirect communication to you that he or she has mastered this game and as such is a few status level above you. These types of coaches and explainers are the ones driving people away from the game.
If you were to ask me, a rugby fan, I would tell you:
1. Grab the ball and run toward the opposition's try line.
2. If you do not have the ball, support the guy with the ball or if the ball is with the opposition, grab him.
3. Pass the ball backwards.
... You are ready to play. The complexities of strategies, well, when you play they will be better explained through in play coaches; team-mates, referees, opponents and fans standing outside.
Play the game and the game will coach you.
Surprisingly, as also a great debating fan, I kept seeing these complex coaches and explainers given a free hand and reigning over debate as if it is the most complex situational activity in the world. Debate is not and very much like rugby NOT in the same league as rocket science.
Listen to me would be debaters,
1. Believe in an idea, support your idea and tell all of those to the face of your opponent.
2. They will say something back so like in a canteen food fight, throw something back at them, the bigger the stinkier the better.
3. Keep throwing at them and fend off what they are throwing at you.Ifthey are stinkier than you ate the end.You win.
Simple.
Play rugby and debate. This will make you the real gentlemen playing the ruffian's game.
If you were to ask me, a rugby fan, I would tell you:
1. Grab the ball and run toward the opposition's try line.
2. If you do not have the ball, support the guy with the ball or if the ball is with the opposition, grab him.
3. Pass the ball backwards.
... You are ready to play. The complexities of strategies, well, when you play they will be better explained through in play coaches; team-mates, referees, opponents and fans standing outside.
Play the game and the game will coach you.
Surprisingly, as also a great debating fan, I kept seeing these complex coaches and explainers given a free hand and reigning over debate as if it is the most complex situational activity in the world. Debate is not and very much like rugby NOT in the same league as rocket science.
Listen to me would be debaters,
1. Believe in an idea, support your idea and tell all of those to the face of your opponent.
2. They will say something back so like in a canteen food fight, throw something back at them, the bigger the stinkier the better.
3. Keep throwing at them and fend off what they are throwing at you.Ifthey are stinkier than you ate the end.You win.
Simple.
Play rugby and debate. This will make you the real gentlemen playing the ruffian's game.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Battle at Kruger: Hitler
I saw two unconnected pieces in National Geographics last week. One was about the death of Hitler and the other one about a calf that was attacked by six lions and a croc but was still able to escape albeit with great aid from his mates.
I saw the second one as the will to live is exceptionally strong but sometimes may simply not be enough. The calf struggled, kicked, screamed with life being seemingly sucked out by the seconds but fought and fought and fought as all those watching nottingly nod to the futility of it. But then out of the sudden an unseen before scene transpired and buffaloes in a herd attacked the lions and free the calf. Life and for life we should kick and bite and fight but not, NOT for death and the biggest death merchant of all, the highly surreal Hitler.
He brought death by the millions and compelled Germany to die with him. Let us not fight to bring back the memory of this man and let us not follow the Jewish unsatisfiable hunger to have a piece of his flesh to burn over and over again. Let us forget him and many others who were like him.
Forget him and throw his memory of the human mind shelf. His legacy should not be reminded to us all in a wonderful media information show such as the National Geographic Channel.
I saw the second one as the will to live is exceptionally strong but sometimes may simply not be enough. The calf struggled, kicked, screamed with life being seemingly sucked out by the seconds but fought and fought and fought as all those watching nottingly nod to the futility of it. But then out of the sudden an unseen before scene transpired and buffaloes in a herd attacked the lions and free the calf. Life and for life we should kick and bite and fight but not, NOT for death and the biggest death merchant of all, the highly surreal Hitler.
He brought death by the millions and compelled Germany to die with him. Let us not fight to bring back the memory of this man and let us not follow the Jewish unsatisfiable hunger to have a piece of his flesh to burn over and over again. Let us forget him and many others who were like him.
Forget him and throw his memory of the human mind shelf. His legacy should not be reminded to us all in a wonderful media information show such as the National Geographic Channel.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Mistakes and Faults
Humans, we are. Let nobody tells us otherwise and to prove to ourselves and even the mighty ones, we make mistakes. We make them not all the time but they do happen. Sometimes these mistakes becomes the opener for old can of worms, sometimes they just dissapear and well sometimes.. mistakes as in the earlier statement will just happen.
You are no less a man or woman if you make mistakes. It is precisely what you do after making them that defines your character. If you've made an error of judgement, a bad call or a stupid step; first and foremost admit it or them. Second, apologize and do it meaningfully. Third, try not to do it again as most people especially the ones that matter to us should not be made to suffer fools who are stupid enough to make incessant mistakes one after another.
We are human and thus not perfect. We make mistakes and sometimes these mistakes create a Godzila type problem but remember still, as humans we have a life and thus a role to play in others' life so rectify the mistakes and move on. Do not ge too bog down with the consequences.
Kids can behave like that but not adults, never should adults be so judgemental on themselves.
Humans,... Do the best and expect the worst.Life would be quite interesting.
You are no less a man or woman if you make mistakes. It is precisely what you do after making them that defines your character. If you've made an error of judgement, a bad call or a stupid step; first and foremost admit it or them. Second, apologize and do it meaningfully. Third, try not to do it again as most people especially the ones that matter to us should not be made to suffer fools who are stupid enough to make incessant mistakes one after another.
We are human and thus not perfect. We make mistakes and sometimes these mistakes create a Godzila type problem but remember still, as humans we have a life and thus a role to play in others' life so rectify the mistakes and move on. Do not ge too bog down with the consequences.
Kids can behave like that but not adults, never should adults be so judgemental on themselves.
Humans,... Do the best and expect the worst.Life would be quite interesting.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Political maturity in Malaysia
Never in fifty years. Never in fifty years that something like what had happen in the silver state could happen before in Malaysia.
Reasons; Not enough thinkers want to think about politics other than maintaining the old Barisan vanguard status quo. Things were okay then, we could go to work, kids can go to school, people have jobs, wife have to go to work .. er this particular statement was an obvious change from the fifties, sixties and seventies but people who can think just pointed out to the fact that women wanted career as they were more educated. But, Really, Do we really want to work?
I do not and if I can afford it I probably would not.
Women going to work was a big change but not big enough to move massess of thinkers to change the status quo and see what's next. Not enough, even when the corruption index, even when politicians were driving around in super expensive cars and living in castles, not enough.
But now, political maturity just seem to happen. We do not like the politicians or what they are doing or not doing we change them. Direct and strong political actions.We change them like in the 5 states that were lost to Pakatan Rakyat. They were changed. TBo Hoo but the beauty of political maturity is the fact that the people who later did not like the Pakatan rakyat in Perak then decided to change albeit through a weird and almost uncivilized manner but somehow or rather, change happen quite fast and after the change, we could still do and go about our daily chores nonchalantly.
Beautiful, to have the fights only in media but business still goes on.
Reasons; Not enough thinkers want to think about politics other than maintaining the old Barisan vanguard status quo. Things were okay then, we could go to work, kids can go to school, people have jobs, wife have to go to work .. er this particular statement was an obvious change from the fifties, sixties and seventies but people who can think just pointed out to the fact that women wanted career as they were more educated. But, Really, Do we really want to work?
I do not and if I can afford it I probably would not.
Women going to work was a big change but not big enough to move massess of thinkers to change the status quo and see what's next. Not enough, even when the corruption index, even when politicians were driving around in super expensive cars and living in castles, not enough.
But now, political maturity just seem to happen. We do not like the politicians or what they are doing or not doing we change them. Direct and strong political actions.We change them like in the 5 states that were lost to Pakatan Rakyat. They were changed. TBo Hoo but the beauty of political maturity is the fact that the people who later did not like the Pakatan rakyat in Perak then decided to change albeit through a weird and almost uncivilized manner but somehow or rather, change happen quite fast and after the change, we could still do and go about our daily chores nonchalantly.
Beautiful, to have the fights only in media but business still goes on.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A vision
There are some people out there who would just score high in most games whatever the stakes maybe. How do they do this? Why does it seem that these blokes just could not lose?
There is no one answer. The answer is in a combination of three workable areas that needs to be balanced out in concentration and effort in accordance to needs, trend and condition.
1. These blokes know stuff (willingness to learn from the right people until they are themselves experts or at least competent in particular area of need)
2. These blokes are willing most of the time to put long hours into planning and implementation.
3. These blokes have a strong support network of friends or workers for mental and financial resources.
In plain English, we should not be too suprise as those who are most of the time successful are the smart willing hardworkers who are rich enough to hire resources or produce capital or those who are nice enough to have friendly support at most of the go's.
No joke, no brag just plain old fact. So for losers, get over it and put in the effort.
There is no one answer. The answer is in a combination of three workable areas that needs to be balanced out in concentration and effort in accordance to needs, trend and condition.
1. These blokes know stuff (willingness to learn from the right people until they are themselves experts or at least competent in particular area of need)
2. These blokes are willing most of the time to put long hours into planning and implementation.
3. These blokes have a strong support network of friends or workers for mental and financial resources.
In plain English, we should not be too suprise as those who are most of the time successful are the smart willing hardworkers who are rich enough to hire resources or produce capital or those who are nice enough to have friendly support at most of the go's.
No joke, no brag just plain old fact. So for losers, get over it and put in the effort.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Medicine
Medicine of Life
Sickness is a sure thing in life as even in a Christian marriage ceremony, the phrase 'in sickness and in health' is mentioned to inform us more about the inevitability of sickness, illness, under the weather etc.
We do get sick but there are serious effective ways that can prevent us from getting sick often. The most important cure of almost all sickness is the nonchalant throwing of seven hibiscus leaves.
Instructions: !!! if ilness is not the fatal kind only!!!
1.Find a hibiscus three
2. Take seven leaves
3. Throw the seven leaves one by one to the north
4. Turn south and breathe seven times
If you do not feel any changes to your state of health, do the same process again with other types of trees until you are stopped by memebers of the public or by choice out of growing tiredness and utter feeling of bemuse.
I do not really know who invented this magical cure but it worked for him. Thus it may work for you minus the statement after step 4. Funny that in reality he just wants us to keep searching for the cure and keep trying until you fix it or die. Relentless is the greatest mover of humans.
Sickness is a sure thing in life as even in a Christian marriage ceremony, the phrase 'in sickness and in health' is mentioned to inform us more about the inevitability of sickness, illness, under the weather etc.
We do get sick but there are serious effective ways that can prevent us from getting sick often. The most important cure of almost all sickness is the nonchalant throwing of seven hibiscus leaves.
Instructions: !!! if ilness is not the fatal kind only!!!
1.Find a hibiscus three
2. Take seven leaves
3. Throw the seven leaves one by one to the north
4. Turn south and breathe seven times
If you do not feel any changes to your state of health, do the same process again with other types of trees until you are stopped by memebers of the public or by choice out of growing tiredness and utter feeling of bemuse.
I do not really know who invented this magical cure but it worked for him. Thus it may work for you minus the statement after step 4. Funny that in reality he just wants us to keep searching for the cure and keep trying until you fix it or die. Relentless is the greatest mover of humans.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Love is a wonderful thing. Da ha and bo hoo. Loving and being loved still ever so strongly after 12 years and 4 months and 13 days, well you can say that my love or my love relationship is under the category of damn lucky.
One thing I would like to share is the fact that my love with my wonderful wife is reciprocal. I love her as much as she loves me.
The second thing is the fact that it is unconditional. I only aspect her love and that is all. Whatever, we do, give and share are really unconditional. Thus love blossoms. I also have a few friends whose friendship with me through their actions and affections can also be considered unconditional. Thus I have wonderful friendships.
Love is, really a wonderful thing. It's good to have and you would hate to lose it, so why not love?
First, choose someone who also chooses you. (Reciprocal)
Second, give all you can and pour your heart and soul to the relationship without expecting anything but love.
There, you have your wonderful thing call love.
One thing I would like to share is the fact that my love with my wonderful wife is reciprocal. I love her as much as she loves me.
The second thing is the fact that it is unconditional. I only aspect her love and that is all. Whatever, we do, give and share are really unconditional. Thus love blossoms. I also have a few friends whose friendship with me through their actions and affections can also be considered unconditional. Thus I have wonderful friendships.
Love is, really a wonderful thing. It's good to have and you would hate to lose it, so why not love?
First, choose someone who also chooses you. (Reciprocal)
Second, give all you can and pour your heart and soul to the relationship without expecting anything but love.
There, you have your wonderful thing call love.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
There will be an election in Terengganu this coming week. As usual there will be the usual potshots thrown at each other in fiery manners. Live is like that but since the last general election, there have been a noticable drive towards the two party system that is the central base for most established democracies all over the world.
Whatever happens and whomever wins, we must remember two things;
1. It is the trend that is followed successfully (the two party system i.e US, Australia, Britain even Japan to a certain extent) thus to survive democratically we need to push further for the wo party system and whomever is in power will receive a strong check and balance mechanism thrown against them which would undoubtedly play to the tune of the people.
2. Move quicly and concentrate on GAZA, give them money, give them aids, give them weapons and most importantly pray for them and pray for the destruction of ISRAEL.
Whatever happens and whomever wins, we must remember two things;
1. It is the trend that is followed successfully (the two party system i.e US, Australia, Britain even Japan to a certain extent) thus to survive democratically we need to push further for the wo party system and whomever is in power will receive a strong check and balance mechanism thrown against them which would undoubtedly play to the tune of the people.
2. Move quicly and concentrate on GAZA, give them money, give them aids, give them weapons and most importantly pray for them and pray for the destruction of ISRAEL.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Views and perspectives of the Gaza conflict
That beauty is in the eye of the beholder is a given and widely believed saying. That the truth can bee seen from many perspectives also holds a big credential as it was one of the most important lines in Star Wars the movie as well as being said by many of those who are wise and also a great many pretenders.
In terms of the Gaza conflict, the beauty is in the eye of Israelis and the American Government, I do stress government as I do not believe that this is also the wish of the American people. However, from their perspective, the situation is beautiful to the tee.
Imagine these;
I can kill whomever I want,
I can tell everyone else to fuck off and they would not only keep quiet but make ridicoulous staments in agreements,
I can be openly called babykillers, like America in Vietnam but still retain massive support because of the 4o people who hurt their pinky toes through Hamas' ferocious attacks,
Sorry, but 'I' as in the rule book of the English language can mean both the Israelis and the US goverment.
It is beautiful for them, delicately and stupidly beautiful that will lead them to their ashes.
They should kill more Arab vocabulary,
They should shoot more missiles as this would not at all incite the Iranians to send rockets to their nuclear plants,
They should show glee in their face when they are killing not morbid indifferent look as this would unite Muslims the world over,
Go on, kill some more and the 'eureka' we have been waiting for all our lives would happen and Israel will be part of the sea.
Beautiful to the tee.
In terms of the Gaza conflict, the beauty is in the eye of Israelis and the American Government, I do stress government as I do not believe that this is also the wish of the American people. However, from their perspective, the situation is beautiful to the tee.
Imagine these;
I can kill whomever I want,
I can tell everyone else to fuck off and they would not only keep quiet but make ridicoulous staments in agreements,
I can be openly called babykillers, like America in Vietnam but still retain massive support because of the 4o people who hurt their pinky toes through Hamas' ferocious attacks,
Sorry, but 'I' as in the rule book of the English language can mean both the Israelis and the US goverment.
It is beautiful for them, delicately and stupidly beautiful that will lead them to their ashes.
They should kill more Arab vocabulary,
They should shoot more missiles as this would not at all incite the Iranians to send rockets to their nuclear plants,
They should show glee in their face when they are killing not morbid indifferent look as this would unite Muslims the world over,
Go on, kill some more and the 'eureka' we have been waiting for all our lives would happen and Israel will be part of the sea.
Beautiful to the tee.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Sex, Drums and Related issues
People have been talking and writing about sex parties, sex as a whole, underaged sex as well as overaged ones. Well bohooo, people have sex, they need sex and thus they talk and write about it, sometimes in the search for truth and justice, sometimes for anger, jealousy, boredom, well ... for whatever reasons.
Sex is important. I agree and i'm sure people in loads and droves would agree with me. Important things like the nuclear bomb have rules, explicit rules that would have to be adhered to.
Thus, kids and people behaving like kids... Learn the rules if you want to be important or play with important things. OR ELSE like the nuclear bomb, its fun to have one, even more fun to push the button but when it explodes, you'll die together with a host of other innocent or evil dudes regardless.
Fun is good but learn the rules. From whom? Definitely not from the idots who throw sex parties because that is their only hope to be looked upon as cool or remotely suceessful humans. Learn from people you would turn to when the chips are down and the last boat has sailed. You know them. talk to them they will tell you about sex and how it is great and how to keep it important.
Even animals don't throw sex parties. So for those who do... well...
Ciao
Sex is important. I agree and i'm sure people in loads and droves would agree with me. Important things like the nuclear bomb have rules, explicit rules that would have to be adhered to.
Thus, kids and people behaving like kids... Learn the rules if you want to be important or play with important things. OR ELSE like the nuclear bomb, its fun to have one, even more fun to push the button but when it explodes, you'll die together with a host of other innocent or evil dudes regardless.
Fun is good but learn the rules. From whom? Definitely not from the idots who throw sex parties because that is their only hope to be looked upon as cool or remotely suceessful humans. Learn from people you would turn to when the chips are down and the last boat has sailed. You know them. talk to them they will tell you about sex and how it is great and how to keep it important.
Even animals don't throw sex parties. So for those who do... well...
Ciao
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