Kursus Menentukan Keberkesanan Penyampaian Mesej melalui pendekatan dengan Penyampaian Cara Obama

Here's a speech by Obama during his nomination acceptance at the Democratic Convention in Denver, a historic moment where an African American is nominated, for the first time. Rhetoric? Perhaps. But if you follow what he did during his time serving as senator in Illonois, you may let your heart be touched by this speeches. Or we can even envy the Americans for being blessed with such a candidate running for presidency.

Perhaps we should send some of our politicians, who do not know how to speak, or worse, irritates people when they open their mouth to speak, for example...... I don't know, that Nazri perhaps, for "kursus untuk mempertingkatkan keberkesanan penyampaian mesej"...well, you know the goverment sector...they love to send people for kursus. That is the only way a department can get understaffed and a good excuse to not get anything done on time. They are made to sit for long hours just listening to Obama speak......no lingering breakfast or tea breaks...

Have a listen....

MERDEKA!!!!...Really???????

I opened my e-mail today to find a disturbing post sent by my Malaysian friend, living in the UK. It was regarding a "Cikgu Rusitah" giving racist remarks in class. A teacher, of all people. Surprised? Well, not really. Not compared to say, me being surprised that a friend living in the UK that had told me what was happening in Malaysia!! Actually, I've been trying to stay away from Malaysian politics for a bit, so as to recover from the "throwing my asshole out through my mouth" vomiting bouts I got from the previous political tickers. Still feeling nauseated from the Sodomy Story.
Anyway, I googled "Cikgu Rusitah" and found myself reading Lim Kit Siang's blog regarding this matter.
For those who are too lazy to google it, that's where I come in. There you lazy people, just click on the link below....

http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/08/12/hishammuddin-should-explain-why-education-ministry-condoning-the-racist-and-unprintable-slurs-of-a-history-teacher/


Hitherto, I am still waiting for comment approval so that my comment will pop up on Uncle Lim's blog. Just for your eyes though, this was what I wrote...

For those of you are unfortunate enough to work in companies where they block the pop ups, read the script I retype below this photo. Otherwise, click on the photo and trust me, even my grandmother can read the text without glasses.My comment:
"Sure, we can talk about the chinese, malay, indians and the dan lain lains bitching about each other from whatever level it is, but is anyone looking seriously into the Muhibbah matter?
Why are we talking about Muhibbah when even before reaching puberty, we send our kids to sekolah kebangsaan, sekolah tamil, sekolah cina, sekolah dan lain lain? If we are serious about cultivating Muhibbah, then stop pointing fingers at each other, then abolish such schools because the excuse of preserving culture doesn't make sense since the kids can learn that from home.
Come up with school for all races,perhaps english as a medium and anyone can take up any language they fancy for their own benefit. Isn't that the beauty of knowledge?
Otherwise, let's continue this to the next and the next generation, continue the legacy of hypocrisy......"

The British divided and ruled. They came, they conquered, they never left. The genius who came up with this idea, dead as he is today, should be given credit for his brilliance so much so, after decades they left, the practice is still alive and well. We pride ourselves on creating the longest, tallest, flattest whatever not monument there are, yet we have failed miserably in creating a generation of Malaysians. What we have is a Malay Malaysian,Chinese Malaysian, Indian Malaysian, Malaysian Aborigines and so forth. And we got the cheek to talk about Muhibbah.

We celebrate Merdeka Day year after year , screaming Merdeka!! , some get drunk, some just flag away the Jalur Gemilang , tossing the miniature flag onto the streets in time for the Alam Flora to come in, tossing expletives while picking up the national flag turned garbage the morning after, or however we chose celebrate it not knowing that we are still ruled by the "Divide and Rule" system. What are we screaming about? Freedom from who? The British? Are we free from the mental block and the deep seeded racism that everyone pretends not to exist? Certainly not freedom from hypocrisy. Don't blame the British. The people responsible are long dead. The question is, why are the living continuing the legacy?

How come no politicians bother to address this matter? My speculation would be, why should they? It is more convenient to leave it as it is or even better, feed on racist sentiments amongst the rakyat. After all, that was how they got to where they are today, by representing a political group based on race and religion. I won't bother talking about PAS, I am proud to embrace Islam, unfortunately not how the PAS interprets it. It makes me wonder, are they the reason why Malaysia have not recorded any sightings of unearthly intelligent lifeform, obviously because these ETs are intelligent enough to stay away from us.

They, the politicians, seem to be continuing the British rule on the pretext of maintaining harmony. Can harmony and hypocrisy live together in a symbiotic relationship? Perhaps. But for how long? Sometime, something has got to give. So basically, why are we still screaming Merdeka? When we are still governed by the colonial hauntings?

We need a government who actually believe in a one nation, not based on religion, nor race. A government who believe in basic human rights. And this government, not only believes, but is sincere enough to break the barriers, the invisible wall blocking us to progress as one nation. A government that is not corrupted (this is beginning to sound like fairy tale, except only the cronies get to live happily ever after).

A government who see the poor as one race, implements the NEP the way it should be implemented, with Amanah and sincerity to pull out the poor from poverty. A poor Chinese, Indian, Malay etc, have one thing in common. The poor form a race of it's own. They have nothing to loose. People who have nothing to loose can be dangerous, and they will inevitably come back and haunt the society.
Could we be lucky enough to be blessed with such a government?

Cikgu Rusitah is a product of our system. It doesn't matter if her name was Mei Chin, Sathia or Super Bitch, the truth to the matter is that this incident just goes to show that racism is well and alive, and we are sweeping it under the carpet, pretending we are the muhibbah nation, hence not addressing it the way it should. She is just the one who got caught and should be severely punished, simply because she is the teacher. Why are we angry at Rusitah? Humans are the product of the circumstances and experiences in life, plus upbringing. She is a national product of our system. Why point finger at the product when the default lies in the production manager?
So go on with the bitch fight, yikkity yakkity..blah blah...then things simmer down for awhile and everyone forgets until the next Rusitah in some other form reappears causing stir again. It's like pouring water into a holed vessel, religiously pouring to keep the water level full, and not bother to mend the hole. Pointless.

Ask ourselves this question. Is racism right? Anyone who answers yes, then don't bother keeping any religion. Because the gist and purpose of any religion, put aside the trivial differences, are recognizing the basic rights of each and every individual, bringing joy instead of harm into others' lives. Learning to accept and respect each others' differences. If it is not, then why the hell are we still practicing it?

The Muslims will scream, "It is against Islam to have a non Muslim rule the country." . I say, "bloody hell, earn the reign. Just like respect, leadership needs to be earned " . You cannot expect to try very hard to move backwards to the sahabah's days , constipate progress and shun anyone who overtakes you.
I do not want to belong to a generation that the future look back upon and brand as genephobic (Don't bother looking it up, I just made that up) and racist. That we continued the legacy of the British's "Divide and Rule"...we should free our minds from self deceit, and hypocrisy. Then only then, perhaps the word "Merdeka" may feel like it has a meaning to it.

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's....SuperDrivers!!!

Just like the Superheroes who change their personalities the moment they jump into their costumes, the same happens the moment a Malaysian enters his car and drive. Unlike the Superheroes who seem to like wearing their underwear over their trousers, for some apparent reason, most Malaysian drivers turn into monsters, even when they don't show off their underwear. Perhaps someone should conduct an experiment and make mandatory, for Malaysian drivers to wear their underwear over their pants, so that perhaps their personality turn into that of Superheroes instead. Imagine when the car indicator buzzes the moment one wears his underwear inside,just after he managed to silence the indicator buzz for the seat belt.

Why do we do that? Is it because we feel that we are loosing something by say, just simply giving way to another car? What can one loose just by giving way? Honestly, one extra car ahead of you is not going to make any big difference if you are already late for work. Why are you late for work anyway? Well, that is a separate issue I guess. It's kind of difficult not be getting up late after a night of intense sex, I suppose, one can't really plan or time that one.

What is it about us? Do we not feel worried that what we practice today on the road may cause us danger in the future, when we are old, when we can't decide, which is more strenueos, driving a car or driving your partner(or partners for Malay men) nuts (interesting note for polygamy practitioners, imagine 4old women driving you nuts when your nuts are shriveled). We may be the ones responsible for creating a new generation of crazy, mentally impaired drivers. Wait, let me rephrase that, second stage mentally impaired). You think your kids are not observing how you drive? And if you think they follow what you say rather than what you do,hey I've got news for you, kids have selective hearing.

I give you an example. Tailgating. These people must really have a lot of free time on their hands. Imagine if the guy in front actually have more leisure time than the person who tailgates, and decided to have fun and give an emergency break just to piss you off. There is no court of law that will find you not in the wrong (unless you are involved in politics and happen to oppose the Barisan National, then it may look and sound like your car, but is not. Only in Malaysia folks..). As far as the law is concerned (with the exception to certain cronies who seem more immuned than the diplomats), even if the guy in front decided to release his fart, lift his buttocks and by doing so, release his foot from the accelerator, and the sudden drop of speed may cause the person behind to bang from behind,( not in an "Anwar-ised" sense of it), you better make sure you are fully covered by insurance and that you have your driver's license with you, and oh, you road tax is alive. Or, of course, you belong to the crony in power.

So, what is the point these tailgators trying to make? Intimidate the front drivers? Hah...try it on me and see if it works. Don't mess with bored doctors. We've got the time to fuck irresponsible drivers senseless because we can't do it any other time.Have you read about doctors shooting people...I rest my case. Normally I would purposefully drop my speed at least 30km/hr from the time of tailgating. Then off and on, (this you require skills, don't try it otherwise) give a well timed brake shock, just enough to drop the tailgators' IQ further points, yet not sufficient to get my car Anwarised. If the sudden braking does not work, I'd be contented to go 40km/hr all the way to normally a toll, where by most of the time I'd end up ahead because I use a Smart Tag, and the tailgators, not surprisingly go and queue up at the cash toll counters. That is when I'd turn around and look the driver and flash my Smart Tag and a smug smile. Honestly, just at that kind of moment, I felt that they should rename the Smart Tag "SMUG Tag".

Then there these people who, flash their headlights telling the car in front to move aside for them. And it's not like there are no cars ahead of this car that was getting highlighted. That is when I wish that my car has this sign that can pop out to say,"Yes dear, we are all in a hurry too". These light flashers reminded me of those delusional singers who auditioned in the American Idol. They actually think they are special. I couldn't even be bothered if they are really. If it is not for those skin tight pants traffic police with dangerous looking shades,(what is it with men with authorities and tights) ushering drivers to make way for some of the assholes we elected,(or not), not to mention pay tax for their wages to get to parliament where they make the dumb decisions, I would have blocked their cars on purpose so that whatever stupid decisions they make in parliament, would be delayed so that the rakyat can enjoy some bliss time before whatever it is they decide in session materializes.

Why do we change our personalities the moment we grab hold of the wheel? Could it be the cheap paint that seeps into our brains, the part responsible for characters? Have we turned into a society that feels pinched whenever we give? Or worse, refuse to even give. Why..why..I am drowning in an abyss of bewilderment. At which point did we take the wrong turn and decided to turn into these monsters? More importantly, how can we make everyone realize this phenomena is detrimental to us as society because without realizing, there will be no room for improvement. You cannot change if you don't feel that you don't have any reason to change. I can't see any immediate solutions just yet, so I guess I'll stick to that wearing the underwear over the pants suggestion. What are your suggestions?

Anal unterlude

I have recently received a number of emails telling me all sorts of things about that famous anal related case. So, to offer a little interlude but still keeping with the anus related theme, I wish to relate a story. a short one, promise.
An elder person from my kampung was once taken to the hospital in excruciating pain in the stomach and anus. Upon questioning, they found out that he had not been to toilet for days, which was the cause of the stomach pain, according to the doctor. The doctor used a proctoscope (is that what it is called?), and found a rambutan seed lodged in such a way that it caused a blockage in the anal canal. The doctor then used a forcep to remove it.
Unfortunately, immediately upon removal of the obstruction a flood of faeces, of different textures and consistencies came rushing out. Needless to say, the other patients had to be directed to a different clinic for the rest of the day whille the doctor, the nurse and the doctor's office were being cleaned.
Ah yes, the anus is such an amazing thing.

The Last Lecture...

Here's the videos of the much talked about "The Last Lecture". I've embedded the one shown on Oprah Wifrey Show, and the second video, is the original 1hour 15minutes lecture, really heartwarming with a many lessons of which we tend to take for granted, until we are faced with something that is as certain as tax....death. I enjoyed the second video, as Randy was more casual and up beat.



The video below was shot during an actual lecture at the University.

Political campaign, at it's best

If you are going to have a political bitch fight, do it right..John McCain's campaign ad attacking Obama.



Instead, Paris Hilton came up with hers:

Thank You

She looked at me in what seemed to have been the longest lingering stare. Those eyes, gentle and sad. I watched as the color of life insidiously left her skin. Lying down on the hospital bed looking very frail. She muttered something softly.
"Is my son here yet", and as though she was struggling to muster the energy to finish her sentence, resumed,"doctor?"

A question I dreaded answering. I pretended to be very busy checking her vitals and avoided eye contact for a moment. "It's a peak traffic hour auntie. I'm sure he'll be here as soon as he can. You just sit back and relax. Don't worry. I'm here. How's the pain? It should be better. I've just upped you morphine. You should feel better soon".

Eye lids half shut, she muttered,"You are so kind doctor. Thank you".
I had a lot of work to do that day, but I had decided to just spend some extra time with Mrs Lim. She was such a polite and sweet soul. Most of the time, when faced with such circumstances, I find myself unable to decide what mode of sentiments should I be in. Should I be angry? With who? God? Destiny? Why do good people die? Why can't cancer hit all those dreadful souls, there are many of them out there, those corrupted people. Why don't give them cancer? Why these good souls? More often, I was just angry with cancer for being blind.

She moved as I adjusted her pillows, for she looked uncomfortable with her head tilted to one side for a long time. Eyes suddenly rolled about their sockets, as though she resented the fact that she had wasted a few minutes dozing off, she asked me again,"Is my son here yet?". She must have thought she had fallen into slumber for quite some time now.

"You just get that rest Auntie Lim. I promise to wake you up the moment your son comes. I won't go anywhere, I'm just going to sit here" and continued in my mind screaming,"where the fuck are your useless sons anyway?!!"

I've made a couple of calls only to have the voice machine spoke to me. I left a message, "Mr Lim, please come to the hospital as soon as possible. Your mother is dying." . Mrs Lim was more than just a patient to me. She was Mrs Lim, a person I had come to know fairly well in the course of the treatment of her cancer. I know that she was a former teacher turned home maker after she got married to a wealthy man. They were blessed with two sons. I know that she embraced Buddhism yet kept her mind open about other religions.

We used to chat about how simple religion is and that humans make them complicated with their own agenda, or came up with the theory that Sidharta Ghautama Buddha may have been one of the Muslim's many prophets, whilst examining her, whilst I secured her intravenous branula, or check her for bed sores. She was skin and bones and the last thing I want is to have whatever little flesh she had, be eaten by bed sores.

The little time that I was permitted to spend on one patient, I made full use of it on Mrs Lim. Her wisdom attracted me like a magnet. I would wake up early every morning to get to work so that I would create some extra time to sit and chat with her. She used to tell me, in that aristocratic way of speaking, "No matter how successful you are in your career, make a point to spend quality time with your children. I use to be very busy attending functions with my husband when I was young. I regret having missed the time when my boys grew up. Their nanny is their mother. "

Diagnosed with final stage lung cancer, there was nothing much we can do except take one symptom at a time and try to make her as comfortable as possible. I noticed sometimes that her sons would come at odd hours to visit, hardly at the same time. He would sit by her, politely nodding at whatever it is that she muttered under her breath. She was weak and was getting weaker by the day. Watching her die a slow death, I felt helpless, not being able to reverse that. There were times when I dreaded attending to cancer patients. Not because I don't care, it was just that it could become emotionally taxing for me. The part where I know after all the bondings, my cancer patient will inevitably die, and I will live to pick up the pieces. The only way I could help was to ensure they die as gracefully as possible. The only way I could secure my sanity, was to learn how to not get affected, which was one of the toughest thing to do.

"Doctor,", Mrs Lim's voice sounded distance,yet strong enough to jerk me back to the present moment. She was now struggling to finish her sentence. "my son".

"He just called me 5minutes ago. He's on his way. There's a massive traffic jam in Jalan Ipoh. Some lorry overturned. He'll get here as soon as he can." I had to lie and I hate lying. At that moment, I had brilliant and creative ideas on how to strangle her sons.

Then I knew. I just knew. That it was time. I felt no drift of air caressing my skin or making the hair at the back of my neck stand. Nor were there any white light embracing the woman lying down in the bed, looking extremely jaded. All I could see was life leaving Mrs Lim. She had signed the document rejecting any active intervention to be performed on her. It was her wish, and we had to honor it. So I sat there, beside her, holding her right hand that was slowly becoming less warmer. I felt totally helpless and at the mercy of destiny. I had to say something to make her feel good. "Jimmy told me to tell you, that he loves you very much. And Eric said that you're the best mom anyone could have. I spoke to them earlier"
I was not sure whether she had heard what I was babbling, but I saw a little smile that crept up the corner of her mouth as she surrendered herself to death.

"Doctor, ......you're so kind......thank you......" and with that last words, she exhaled her last breath, leaving me staring ahead into an abyss of frustrations. I felt touched but no tears came by me. I did not feel sad that she had gone, for I have a good hunch that she had gone to a better place. Somewhere she will never feel the pain again.
And just like that, Mrs Lim was gone, leaving me with words that would haunt me for the rest of my life. That is why I have to return to the hospital in the future. I will have to settle my daughter now, so I will resume working in the private sector for a while. When she's settled, I will go back. There are many more Mrs Lims who needs me.


For just that simple word, "Thank you"......