duniamatN

Sinopsis Buku: Rahsia “Kyoumi No Chikara”

2011-04-27T22:41:00.006+08:00

Buku ini mengisahkan seorang pemuda bernama Ahmad yang menjalani suatu proses kesedaran jati diri (‘self-realization’) untuk mencari formula kejayaan dalam hidup. Setiap peristiwa yang berlaku sepanjang kisah ini mempunyai pengajaran yang tersurat dan tersirat, sesuai dengan konsep Rahsia “Kyoumi No Chikara” yang akhirnya menjadikan Ahmad seorang individu yang lebih hebat.

“Kyoumi No Chikara” bermaksud “Kuasa Minat” (power of interest). “Kuasa Minat” adalah salah satu faktor utama yang menggerakkan manusia untuk bertindak memulakan sesuatu. Ia juga mampu membuat seseorang itu kekal bertenaga untuk meneruskan apa yang telah dimulakannya. Dengan “Kuasa Minat” juga seseorang itu akan terus berusaha tanpa mengenal rasa jemu dalam melakukan sesuatu pekerjaan. Ia merupakan sumber tenaga tanpa had yang membolehkan seseorang itu kekal bermotivasi tinggi, melihat sesuatu dengan lebih teliti, melakukan kerja dengan lebih berkualiti dan mampu merancang masa depan dengan lebih baik.

Selain itu, kisah Ahmad juga mempunyai beberapa contoh pengajaran dalam khidmat pelanggan, pengurusan masa, kepimpinan dan membina keyakinan melalui watak-watak yang ditampilkan. Di akhir buku juga terdapat nota-nota untuk memudahkan pembaca memahami konsep “Kyoumi No Chikara”.

Buku ini turut mendapat testimonial daripada:

- Dato’ Seri Mustapa Bin Mohamed (Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri)
- Dato’ Dr. Hj. Mohd. Fadzilah Kamsah (Pakar motivasi terkemuka)
- Dato’ Bakaruddin Bin Othman (Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha, Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar)
- Dato’ Ahirudin Attan (Blogger terkenal ‘Rocky Bru’)
- Hajah Fatimah Mohamed (Mantan Ketua Pesuruhjaya, Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia)
- Pn. Ramlah Shahari (Guru pakar bahasa)

The future is here.. Now..

2011-04-20T07:55:00.007+08:00

About 5 years ago I wrote my first book.

Quite a number of things didn't go as I hoped, but a lot of opportunities came with the experience.

Now, I've writen a new book. Whatever I had learned, I put into producing this one.

With this also I'm moving forward.
Change.
With this also I'm putting in more effort to get things moving the way I want it to be.
Plan, not hope.

My first book enabled me to make a career shift.
Let see where this book takes me this time around. ;)

You can also now find me now at facebook or my official webpage.

Mr Schu made this song cool again :)

2010-06-03T07:50:00.002+08:00

Randy would say "it was a'rite.."

2010-05-28T09:56:00.002+08:00

This was said to be recorded on 15-May..

Not great but a'rite.. ;)

A love story or a story about LOVE..?

2010-05-28T07:11:00.002+08:00

Jangan dengarkan orang bicara
Jangan ikuti orang mengarah
Mereka cuma sirik sama kita

Percuma omongan orang dipercaya
Percuma banyak mulut-mulut berbisa
Mereka hanya sirik dengan cinta
oh cinta kita

Cinta kita tak kan terbelah
Walau banyak cerita cerita
Yang gak mengasyikan
Cinta kita tak kan terpecah
Walau penuh kisah dan kisah
Yang coba tuk menghancurkan kita

Acuhkan nada sumbang yang ga jelas
Acuhkan suara pengadu domba
Mereka selalu sirik dengan cinta
oh cinta kita

Cinta kita tak kan terbelah
Walau banyak cerita cerita
Yang coba tuk menghancurkan kita

Comeback song...? :)

2010-05-21T07:11:00.003+08:00

Low budget clip aside, I think this song has a big potential to be rearranged into a great rock number..

I love how simply lyrics were in the 80s.. ;)

I've stop chasing.. 'cos they all got nothin' on you..

2010-05-17T19:36:00.003+08:00

Cool song huh?

Kindred Spirits

2010-05-15T20:53:00.005+08:00

Dear Blog,

I know it has been a very long time since last we met.. it was not intentional as life got in the way.. However, I do understand that you might feel a bit 'not special' anymore due to the fact that rumors has been spreading saying that i'm very close with and various other internet networks.. to tell you the honest truth, I had never forgotten about you.. even when I'm with Facebook, I still remember the fun times we had.. the ideas.. the stories.. the music and everything else that we have shared.. I will not deny my relationship with Facebook.. nor my relationship with YouTube for that matter.. the thing is Blog, we go beyond anything else.. of all the internet network, I know you know that the connection we have is unbeatable.. always have, and always will..

I realize that these past years have not been easy on either of us.. you had your fair amount of changes, as so have I.. Nevertheless, I'm not going to shut you down.. as a matter of fact, I still want to be with you.. that has not changed since day 1.. and because of that, I'm trying to find away for us to still be together even if we might never progress further in the future.. The things is Blog, I'm very happy with what we have now.. and I know you understand where I'm coming from and I know you will also agree we keep on to what we have.. Don't over analyze it.. You know I still care for you and you will always be a part of me.. my development.. my motivation.. my progress.. You were the one that helped me to be able to put my thoughts together, gave me confidence to perform and share.. I can never thank you enough Blog for what you did for me eventhough you might have not realized it.. Thank you for still being there and still being what you are..

To sum it all Blog, I dedicate this song for you.. actually I've been practising it and wanted to post my own version of it.. but I didn't get a chance to perform it.. yet ;)

I'm thankful that I have you Blog.. always have and always will.. :)

19 years later..

2009-12-20T17:33:00.001+08:00

acronyms

2009-11-08T15:49:00.002+08:00

Something to think about..

If..

False Evidence Apprearing Real = FEAR

then..

False Understanding Creates Kaos Encourages Disaster = ??

:)

I just love this song...

2009-08-29T08:20:00.000+08:00

My passion is TEAM ENGAGEMENT..

2009-07-31T14:57:00.006+08:00

I stayed up until 4am last night trying to get this ready for a short presentation this morning..

I was more satisfied to see the video clip than anything else actually.. I think it really captured the emotions from the Team Engangement program..

WHY FOCUS ON TEAM ENGAGEMENT TO IMPROVE BUSINESS EFFECTIVENESS?

Team Engagement is about coming together to support one another to overcome weaknesses and barriers regardless of shape, size and position to achieve greater heights and satisfaction as a winning team while bridging gaps.

Any organization that has a high sense of team engagement amongst their staff will result in better communication and coordination internally and will be able to channel their teamwork and team spirit to provide effective services to their customers.

So, for those who wonder about what is this outdoor training program all about.. or why is it any different from others.. and why I'm so passionate about it, do drop me an e-mail or leave a comment & I'll get back to you.. ;)

Geezzz... talk about M.A.D.

2009-07-29T08:28:00.006+08:00

First, you say the other side won't cooperate..
Then, when the other side extend a hand in peace,
you say don't entertain them because they can't even sort out their own internal issues..
as if you have sorted out yours..

Talk about inconsistency.. and I'm supposed to trust your judgement? How smart can that be?

And by the way.. what ever happen to 'working it out'?
Weren't we supposed to be 1 and united?

Something to think about....

"Mad" by
Ne-Yo

She's staring at me, I'm sitting wondering what she's thinking
Nobody's talking, cause' talking just turns into screaming
And now yes I'm yelling over her, she yelling over me,
all that that means is neither of us are listening,
and what's even worse, that we don't even remember why we're fighting

It's all for nothing (fighting for)
nothing, (crying for)
nothing, (oohh)

When we won't let it go for nothing, (come back for)
nothing,
it should be nothing
to a love like what we got oh baby

I know sometimes it's gonna rain,
But baby can we make up now
cause' I can't sleep through the pain (can't sleep through the pain)
girl I don't want to go to bed, mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me
no I don't want to go to bed mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me (oh noo)

and it gets me upset girl when you're constantly accusing
(asking questions like you already know)
hey we're fighting this war when both of us are losing
(this ain't the way that love is supposed to go, what happened to working it out?)
We fall into this place where you ain't backing down, and I ain't backing down,
so what the hell do we do now?

It's all for nothing (fighting for)
nothing, (crying for)
nothing... (oohh)

When we won't let it go for nothing,
nothing,
it should be nothing
to a love like what we got oh baby

I know sometimes it's gonna rain,
But baby can we make up now
cause' I can't sleep through the pain (can't sleep through the pain)
girl I don't want to go to bed mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me
no I don't want to go to bed mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me (oh noo)

Oh baby this love ain't gone be perfect, (perfect perfect oh no)
And just how good it's gonna be
We can fuss and we can fight long as everything is alright between us before we go to sleep...

Baby we're gonna be...

I know sometimes it's gonna rain,
But baby can we make up now
cause' I can't sleep through the pain (can't sleep through the pain)
girl I don't want to go to bed mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me
no I don't want to go to bed mad at you
and I don't want you to go to bed, mad at me (oh noo, nooo, noo)

thinking out loud..

2009-07-24T19:12:00.002+08:00

Exposure and Experience forms Preference..
Preference evolves into Expectations..
Expectations molds Perceptions..
Perceptions if not managed, causes Stress..

the internet says the darnest things..

2009-07-24T12:13:00.000+08:00

OCTOBER

* Loves to chat
* Loves those who loves him
* Loves to takes things at the centre
* Attractive and suave
* Inner and physical beauty
* Does not lie or pretend
* Sympathetic
* Treats friends importantly
* Always making friends
* Easily hurt but recovers easily
* Bad tempered
* Selfish
* Seldom helps unless asked
* Daydreamer
* Very opinionated
* Does not care of what others think
* Emotional
* Decisive
* Strong clairvoyance
* Loves to travel, the arts and literature
* Soft-spoken, loving and caring
* Romantic
* Touchy and easily jealous
* Spendthrift and easily influenced
* Easily lose confidence

the meaning of "Brotherhood"

2009-07-02T21:06:00.002+08:00

My theme song for today.. "Brotherhood" by B'z

This is my personal interpretations of the lyrics:

At home in the early hours of morning,
laying exhausted on the floor
Today's bad news and good news flashing in my mind,
once again, can't close my eyes.. can't sleep

Brother.. you can only carry on living
There's nothing that you can't overcome at this point
somehow.. just tell me..
When you're in pain, say that you're in pain,
it's okay
we'll be alright... We'll be alright!

Are you doing alright?
Somehow it is hard, isn't it?
As for me, I'm just getting more and more exhausted everyday

Sometimes we'd talk about things that's beyond our control..
But because we are able to get it out of our mind..
At the end of the day, we'll part ways with a smile on our face

Brother.. you can only carry on living
There's nothing that you can't overcome at this point
Even though we're not travelling the same path
Each of us can only move forward in our journey..
we'll be alright... We'll be alright!

When you break down..
or fall into despair..
Reach out.. and say that you don't have a buddy on your side..
Since we were all destined to be different person..
and may not stick to each other all the time..
However.. in the time of need, I'll always lend a helping hand..
That's how we'll endure it and somehow.. got to be where we are now..
You know what I mean...

Brother.. you can only carry on living
There's nothing that you can't overcome at this point
If we can't run anymore, we'll walk it through, it's okay
Even if we travel down a different road, you know you're not alone..
we'll be alright... We'll be alright!

G.E.R.A.K - membantu membuat keputusan

2009-06-20T23:10:00.003+08:00

Allow me to explain this concept of mine in Malay ;)

G.E.R.A.K. adalah satu petua ringkas untuk membantu proses membuat keputusan. Ia boleh dipraktikkan selaras dengan '6 thinking hats' dan lain-lain konsep.
Akronim ini membawa maksud:

1) G: Guna
Gunakan segala sumber yang ada. Sumber utama adalah sumber manusia, iaitu dari segi kepakaran, ide, pengetahuan, pengalaman dan lain-lain. Alat-alat bantuan (tools) juga merupakan sumber yang perlu dan boleh digunakan.

2) E: Elemen
Senaraikan segala elemen yang berkaitan dengan isu yang dihadapi. Ini dapat membantu minda untuk merungkaikan isu yang dihadapi dengan lebih mudah. Gunakan 'mind map' untuk menyenaraikan segala elemen-elemen yang berkaitan.

3) R: Rujuk
Rujuk segala maklumat yang berkaitan dengan isu yang dihadapi. Sumber rujukan terdiri daripada pengalaman silam (first hand encounter), pengalaman pihak ketiga (case study, etc), konsep-konsep, teori-teori berkaitan serta trend-trend terkini. Sekiranya masa mengizinkan, luangkan masa selama mungkin untuk mendapatkan rujukan dari pelbagai sudut pandangan dan sumber.

4) A: Analisa
Analisa semua maklumat dan data yang telah dikumpul melalui langkah-langkah yang telah disebutkan tadi. Kategorikan mengikut kesesuaian. Sebagai contoh, boleh gunakan kategori asas 'Manusia', 'Mesin', 'Masa', 'Bahan', 'Wang', ataupun dari 'Ishikawa diagram' - Man, Method, Material & Environment. Bagi setiap kategori, senaraikan pro dan kontranya.

5) K: Kesimpulan
Dari analisa yang dilakukan, buat kesimpulan berdasarkan fakta yang nyata (iaitu pro dan kontra). Ingat, ketelusan dalam membuat kesimpulan adalah sangat penting bagi mendapatkan jalan penyelesaian yang terbaik dan tidak dipengaruhi kepentingan mana-mana unsur luar.

What gives...

2009-06-18T20:33:00.002+08:00

I'm tired.. emotionally tired..
The 'challanges' that I face are draining me emotionally..
And being an emotionally driven person, it's not easy to balance out..
Having to work with others while having to keep a positive emotional level is also not helping me cope with this..

I like what I do, I'm happy being who I am.. but I don't know.. I just don't get how people can be so .....................

Hmm.. probably I need somebody to hear my complaints for a change..

Dr. M: In future, all Malays and Malaysians will be stupid.

2009-06-09T18:21:00.002+08:00

.
.
.

The above is just to prove a point on how things can be taken out of context & manipulated..

Read the below extract from the Star for full story..

--

Tuesday June 9, 2009

Dr M: Don’t forsake English and ruin children’s future

PUTRAJAYA: Parents should think about the future of their children when deciding whether to agree or to oppose the Government’s proposal to make a pass in English compulsory for a student to pass the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said, English was a necessary component for students to get good jobs once they leave school or for them to go overseas for further education nowadays.

He said that when commenting on Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement that the ministry was mulling the possibility of making English a compulsory subject for passing SPM.

He said if parents continued to reject the importance of the English language in their children’s education, then the future of the country would be at stake.

He also slammed those who oppose the move saying that these people were less concerned about education than politics.

“It is more like politics than education. They are not interested in education or acquiring knowledge. All they want to see is how many votes they can win. So I am afraid the country will go to the dogs,” he told reporters after being conferred a honorary Doctorate of Humanity by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology yesterday.

Asked about the possibility that the policy on the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English would be scrapped Dr Mahathir said: “I feel very sorry. In future, all Malays and Malaysians will be stupid.”

Earlier, he received the honorary doctorate from university president Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.

Yes, I still feel you.. but do you still feel me?

2009-06-03T19:27:00.001+08:00

Classics are the best.. :)

I don't get it...

2009-05-07T18:43:00.002+08:00

Yes I do agree that everybody has their indulgence.. their own little vices.. but I just don't get some of them.. and I honestly don't get it when they show it to the world.. agak-agak laa.. I mean, the rest of the world might not be as opened.. so be the smarter half and keep it to yourself.. we don't want to get other people involved and end up 'fire fighting'.. it's not nice..

Don't get me wrong.. I'm not saying I'm perfect.. nor do I say it's right to do wrong.. but I promote thinking.. and I recommend we all do that.. atleast for ourselves and our future.. ;)

A wise sensei once said "A man who does not think for himself does not think at all."

Don't push it.. ok?!

2009-05-01T04:18:00.003+08:00

Leadership: Historian or Dreamer?

2009-03-30T07:51:00.004+08:00

What's the difference between a historian and a dreamer?

A historian brings the past to present while a dreamer brings the future to present.
However, in order to understand the present, one must learn about the past.. and only by understanding the present can one then see the future..

It's ok to choose to be either one.. but remember, a leader must be able to be both & knows when to swing from one extreme to another..

fear not, I'm still alive...

2009-03-25T21:00:00.002+08:00

Yes, I'm around.. just too busy lately.. 3 week stretch..
wish me luck! :P

Of honesty and friendship..

2009-02-17T14:20:00.002+08:00

I lost a friend today when I gave him an honest feedback few days ago..

I thought he could take it but I guess I was wrong.. I do hope he sees the intention behind it and that would clear his disturbed emotions but I doubt it would happen anytime soon..

So, it is true that the truth is painful..
However, should one was to pick between being honest & 'sugar coating' the truth, I personally feel that there is no right or wrong.. It's a matter of principles - how strong are you at upholding them..
'Hypocrisy' is labelled a negative word, but if it means breaking a friendship by being honest, would you change your principles? Would it be OK then to be a 'hypocrite'? Or would you rather loose a friend and be proud that you are an honest person? Everybody might hate you for it but you are happy doing 'the right thing'...??

All in all, I didn't regret about what I said.. Yes, probably the approach could have been better.. and yes, it did for a split second cross my mind that this might happen.. but I did consciously choose to do what I did and be honest, but I guess honesty doesn't work.. the bigger picture wasn't so clear after all.. tough luck for me laa.. I wish him all the best though.. and may we be friends again in the future..

Mellowed situation..

2009-02-01T00:35:00.001+08:00

What do you guys think? :)

Another colaboration.. :)

2009-01-30T11:29:00.004+08:00

My thoughts exactly...

2009-01-28T09:27:00.004+08:00

Snipped from the Star
--

Wednesday January 28, 2009

Short-term talent management crucial for firms’ survival

By LAALITHA HUNT

PETALING JAYA: Many companies in Malaysia are redeploying staff to different roles in their efforts to manage talent in a slower economy.

With the current situation, human resource (HR) managers are required to review and reassign employees to locations and business lines where there is the greatest need.

Organisations are also more flexible in expanding responsibilities and adding new roles to existing employees.

Talent2 International Ltd director for South Asia Leigh Howard said successful organisations would retain good staff through the tough times to ensure they could scale up their businesses when the market turned.

“There’s no doubt that successful talent management in the short term would be essential for long-term business survival,” he told StarBiz in an email.

He added that HR managers played an important role as they were at the centre of the decision-making process, providing businesses with critical information and paths of action to deal with the impending downturn.

“Retrenchment is the last resort as this exercise is never easy and need to be managed properly to avoid costly mistakes,” Howard said.

According to Hewitt Associates senior consultant Taranjeet Singh, besides strategic hiring, companies may choose to scale down salary increments.

“Salary increment ranges may be reduced from about 8% to 4%, going forward,” he said.
Watson Wyatt (M) Sdn Bhd said a slowdown was not going to reverse the long-term imbalance in the supply and demand for talented employees.

Its country manager Vivek Nath said: “Skilled employees will continue to have many career options and employers cannot afford to relax their focus on retaining key staff.”

He said in current times, organisations’ priorities should include retaining high-potential employees via competitive compensation and benefit structure.

“It is also important to engage and motivate existing high-performing employees to buy their long-term loyalty,” he said.

Besides special recognition programmes, employees should also be offered training opportunities to upgrade their skills, Vivek said.

Taranjeet said the more progressive organisations would choose to re-assess employees’ capabilities as well as skills requirement and provide training opportunities as means of sustainable development during economic uncertainty.

One of the ways was through the Human Resource Development Fund, where employers would provide financial assistance to staff to pursue masters or doctoral degrees.

Howard concurred that employees who might be affected must be prepared to be flexible and pick up new skills to ensure that they remain employable.

He added that there were vast opportunities in Malaysia to pursue further education as there were over 200 educational institutions.

Employees must also be prepared to work in a different industry from what they are used to in case of layoffs, according to another consultant.

“This is where retraining is important, so that the retrenched workers can be equipped to take on new jobs,” the consultant said.

On funding for retraining purposes, Perbadanan Sumber Manusia Bhd has allocated RM5mil in the last Budget.

--

sensei says "The best of us can find happiness in misery".. it's always best that we know what we are good at and what do we need to improve on...

Setiap lagu ada nyawanya..

2009-01-19T07:57:00.007+08:00

A wise sensei once said, "Kalau nak buat lagu, buatlah lagu yang mudah dinyanyikan".. that sensei was Allahyarham Tan Sri P. Ramlee..

Last night when Meet Uncle Hussain won AJL23, I heard another good quote which goes something like this.. "Every song has it's soul and it's fate lies in the amount of heart we put in it".. I always believed that in any job, the key lies in how much one loves doing it.. if one is passionate about what he/she does, the reward will come.. and usually the sweetest one are those that come unexpectedly.. "Lagu Untukmu" actually took more than 2 years to see daylight, and now almost everyone knows the tune..

This is my own take on the song.. a shortened acoustic version.. ;)

For the one that's far away..

2009-01-11T10:39:00.003+08:00

I love this song.. that's why I decided to do my own solo version..
you can catch the one I did with my BlindSight buddies here.

A wise sensei once said "Sometimes why you don't get what you want is because it is better for you to not have it.."

Like father like daughter...?

2009-01-03T19:32:00.003+08:00

I have nothing to say... any comments? :)

Fairy under the wind..

2009-01-02T20:27:00.006+08:00

I think this song might just bag AJL next year...

If only I had gotten the lyrics 100% correct.. :P

2009: What's the game plan?

2009-01-01T09:37:00.002+08:00

Kate Beckinsale said, "One of the things I've done wrong with my career is not have a massive game plan for it. I was very surprised to ever find myself even considered for an action movie. I'm like the literary, academic geek who's not very good at sports, so it was amazingly shocking that anyone would ever do that."

I guess even successful people don't realize their true potential sometimes.. but still, like she said, if she had a clear plan for her career, she might have have been a bigger star by now..

So, what's our game plan for 2009? ;)

さらば 2008

2008-12-31T07:51:00.003+08:00

This year has been one bumpy ride after another..

Just thinking about it makes me frown..

Personally I'm looking forward to put 2008 behind me..

I'm very hopeful of what is in store for 2009..

Therefore, today I bid さらば 2008 !

No 2: Hijrah

2008-12-29T19:03:00.002+08:00

To put it in simple words, 'Hijrah' means migration.. While most people focus on the destination of Hijrah (usually from bad to good or good to better), I'd like to highlight a different dimension - the action..

Migration requires movement.. if we don't move, how can there be any migration or even a realization of the destination? Without moving, the destination will always stay a mirage..

So, let's not waste energy on coming up with the 'right destination'.. Let's just start.. Start moving.. for the end will always be better than the beginning.. ;)

Salam Maal Hijrah 1430

No 1: Plates

2008-12-28T00:58:00.001+08:00

If you have a plate and put your food on it, you would know how to eat that food (as you are comfortable with the portion and know how to handle that quantity).. but if you were given a bigger plate with additional choices of food in it, chances are you’ll only eat what you like and take your own sweet time to finish the remaining (provided that you even choose to finish it)

Many of us have a ‘plate’ that we are familiar with.. but how do we judge the ‘size’?.. Is it too small or too big? Are we spending too much time on doing the things that we like and not what is really important?

Easier said than done.. especially when the ‘plate’ doesn’t belong to us.. ;)

Prelude: 2009

2008-12-28T00:17:00.004+08:00

Those who read my blog might remember what I want to achieve in 2009..
Yes, I'm still very keen on that.. but to add on my personal-professional goal, I'd like to finish writing my 2nd book in mid 2009..

What would the angle be this time? Well, I won't tell yet.. it's still in the works.. all that I know is I need to have 99 strong points to be able to have a presentable manuscript.. My current plan is to work on those 99 points as I go along.. so I should achieve that by 31-March-2009, then I can spend the following 3 months to write the final version.. possibly in Bahasa again..

So, for now.. this blog and probably my 'FB notes' will be my scratch pad for those 99 points..

Time flies....

2008-12-20T20:00:00.003+08:00

I believe that everything happens for a reason..

Coincidently, these photos were taken on the same day same date 2 years apart..

When I look back, yes, I've changed a lot.. mostly for the better but some things do remain the same.. perhaps it would take me longer to shake off those.. but the thing is.. I might not want to.. ;)

Last one for the year..

2008-12-17T07:26:00.004+08:00

Personally I thought I'd never get another chance to sing in a ballroom again after Blind Sight's performance 2 years ago.. but I was wrong.. :)

Final one for 2008.. it's been a crazy year..

p/s: Nazli was the best guitarist from ING.. even the chefs came out to check us out.. haha..

Come full circle..

2008-12-11T20:11:00.004+08:00

6 years ago Uncle Ben told Peter Parker..
"With great powers, comes great responsibility"
Logically I understood what he meant.. but yesterday, I came to understand the statement emotionally..
The reason was simple -- I never had any (or failed to realize I had any) so-called 'powers' before so I could not understand the implications of misusing them.. but recently I realized I've developed a new skill that with the wrong intentions might cause chaos.. Thank God I still have a strong head on my shoulders and still am that nice guy..

Hmmm.. suddenly I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders..

I love this part right here..

2008-12-08T22:01:00.003+08:00

Many have asked me, "How do you carry on doing teambuilding programs every weekend?"..
Well, to be frank, I look forward to the dinner.. because every now and then, I get people like Clarence that can join me and Ben on stage to rock... and that just gives me the energy to keep going on...

By the way, the 'party' is actually part of our 2D1N module.. it's about "work hard, play hard" and importance of having a balanced life.. and mind you, I rock clean - no alchohol, no drugs..

why worry so much?

2008-12-04T17:39:00.003+08:00

You Got Me
by
One Block Radius

You Got Me
No need to wonder why.
Don't have to question,
So clear your worried mind

Now I don't wanna lose you,
But I'm tryin' do, what I gotta do, do.
I know the style of my life might confuse you.
And I don't blame you one bit.
I don't even say nothin' when you tripp.
But I thought I told you?
You can put it on my shoulder's, I can hold you.
And I don't care who all believes me, I'ma show you.
Momma it's been a long time.
My leadin', bangin boys about to shine,
All up on my grind.
Gotta get this money what door, just a little crack.
I'm gonna kick it in and make some noise, baby I'll be back.
Gotta keep you movin' ma,
That's how we do it ma,
We chasin' dreams and makin wishes,
I'm your shootin' star.

Now I don't really want to leave you right now,
And I don't even really wanna go.
And I don't even wanna see you cry now,
Baby you should, already know.
Sooo.

You Got Me, (You know that you got me)
No need to wonder why. ( No reason to wonder why)
Don't ever question, (You ain't got to question)
So clear your worried mind (It'll be alright)
((Repeat))

no need for second guess, yes, i know im running late
but ill be right there in a sec,
no stress, no disrespect,ima put my kneck up there for us.
see you can see you and me got that unity and trust.
plus, i know you see oportunity knockin,lately its been poppin for
me, we gona solve these problems,
aint we been through hevier, wearier weather?clearly whatever get
between us, we always seem to put it back together, like that!
no need to snap my love, your boy is comming back.
we scratchin and i scratchin your back,now girl relax!
and put it all on the table and get it all off your chest,believe me
when i tel you ima give you my best!

You Got Me, (You know that you got me)
No need to wonder why. ( No reason to wonder why)
Don't ever question, (You ain't got to question)
So clear your worried mind (It'll be alright)
((Repeat))

we can fly away,
and start another life some how!
i love you every day!
ill never ever let you down!
yaa....
i know that it hasnt been easy
but i need you more than ever to believe me(me)
ima make it good(good)
ima set it straight(straight)
we gona do right!!

so trust me when i say!!

You Got Me, (You know that you got me)
No need to wonder why. ( No reason to wonder why)
Don't ever question, (You ain't got to question)
So clear your worried mind (It'll be alright)
((Repeat))

ima make it alright
you know that you got me
i told told told
so clear your worried mind
((repeat))

--> check out the actual song.. it's really beautiful.. ;)

why I sing with the mic stand...

2008-12-04T07:35:00.003+08:00

Bacause we look soooo cool.. :)

the 0.001 chance..

2008-12-01T14:44:00.007+08:00

Yup.. I went.. I waited.. I sang.. and I was not short listed..

I arrived at the venue from Seremban (had a teambuilding program there the day before) at approximately 9am. The queue was already about 400m long and people were still coming. It took about 7.5 hours before I got my number... it took me another 7 hours before my number was called to the jury room… to my surprise, we had to go in in 5s and the juries were not whom I expected it to be.. we were given 30 sec to sing our heart out one by one.. God knows how exhausted I was.. so at that point of time, I just sang what came into my head naturally – B’z, Calling.. after all 5 of us sang, we stepped out of the room and was informed by the staff that none of us made it to the next round.. not even the ‘maybe’ list.. but I was happy that I gave it a shot.. the only regret I had was not being able to hear the feedback from Paul Moss which was the main reason I wanted to audition in the first place..

Now I understand what it takes to be ‘the one’ and how passionate people can be in chasing their dreams.. I realized that there will always be others who are better than you and if you think you had it bad, there will also be others who got it worse.. and I came out of it being very thankful for what I have..

to those who made it, I wish them all the best.. they deserve it..

The queue..

Half way there...

Buddies - the kid that qualified for AF6 stage 1 but couldn't attend stage 2, the kid that took the morning bus from Tanjung Malim without notifying his parents and the burger seller who's wife wanted him to give it one last shot..

the largest number I saw was 10,270..

the waiting hall...

Just the 2 of us.. the other 2 kids bailed out..

taken at about 10:30pm.. some of them still have about 500 people ahead of them..

am I one...?

2008-11-27T19:49:00.002+08:00

Wish me luck!! :P

Happy day

2008-11-21T18:48:00.003+08:00

I made someone happy today..
I didn't plan to but it was more of a spontenious thingy..
and in return, it made me verry happy..

Sometimes the best rewards in life are those that come unexpectedly..
so don't be so calculative.. ;)

may the 4th be with you...

2008-11-17T08:27:00.006+08:00

Introducing sensei's 4th...

Ibanez artcore AF75TDG - semihollow, 22-fret with vintage-style vibrato.. ;)

me & my hand

2008-11-14T15:05:00.002+08:00

I'm not complaining but this is what I get after 4 days in the sun giving my best to 'engage a team'.. :) of course the participants go back with more body aches than me but their spirit are surely at a new high.. they understand each other better and the team is more energized - improved team dynamics, so to say..

I love what I do.. but at times I can't help but feel lonely watching their bus leave.. perhaps it is true, I am too emotional.. however it still does makes you happy to see that they've achieved the goal - team engagement.. emotional or not, that can only happen with engaged 'sensei's.. ;)

OIAM3 : Superstar

2008-11-12T10:58:00.004+08:00

I'm thinking of doing this song for the auditions.. What do you guys say?

Superstar by The Carpenters

Long ago, and oh so far away
I fell in love with you,
before the second show.
Your guitar, it sounds so
sweet and clear
But you're not really here
it's just the radio.

Don't you remember you told me
you loved me, baby?
You said you'd be coming
back this way again, maybe.
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby,
I love you.
I really do.

Loneliness is such a sad affair
And I can hardly wait
to be with you again.
What to say to make you come again,
Come back to me again
And play your sad guitar?

Don't you remember you told me
you loved me, baby?
You said you'd be coming
back this way again, baby.
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby,
I love you.
I really do.

What is P-A-S-S-I-O-N?

2008-11-06T12:21:00.002+08:00

I can keep on doing what I'm doing for as long as I feel good doing it..

I try my best to be honest to myself first.. then I can be honest with others..
because if I'm not true to myself, my heart hurts and that beats the purpose of doing things..
And knowing myself for 30 years, I'll quit when my heart is no longer there..

I believe that with passion comes expertise.. but that doesn't mean that being a jack of all traits is bad either.. I have people calling me "multi purpose".. and I take it as a compliment.. to me, being an expert is boring.. akiyasui mono dakara.. ;)

the LIST

2008-11-04T15:42:00.003+08:00

I'm looking to build a set list of 20 songs that I can performe with the aid of my guitar.. this is somewhat a prep for my goal to be an "entertrainer".. :)

So guys, lend me a helping hand.. please suggest your fav songs and I'll practise on it.. it will be a challenge since I never could memorize the chords to play a full song! :P

Trick or Treat?

2008-10-31T18:29:00.002+08:00

I always loved Halloween.. probably it's because I like to dress up and wear costumes.. :)
Coindicently, I did "Thriller" with Ben a couple of days ago.. It was a complete car crash!
But atleast it didn't end up like this... hehe..

Happy Halloween guys!!

CSI season 9 premier

2008-10-24T20:27:00.005+08:00

Warrick Brown had always been my favourite CSI character..

We'll miss him for sure..

p/s: This is the full length song - The Funeral by Band of Horses

be a gakusei

2008-10-22T08:04:00.003+08:00

I just realized there's this 'follower' feature on Blogger.. so, I've added it under 'gakusei'..
do feel free to jump in there.. ;)

fyi, gakusei = student a.k.a follower ;)

15 seconds of fame..

2008-10-18T06:42:00.003+08:00

sensei's shots on V...

sensei enter frame.. hehe

sensei: Waaay cooool man..

on air in the air

one for the album

They shot for half a day and the segment lasted for about 3 minutes.. imagine how tough editting work is.. but atleast I made the cut.. hehehe

the 3rd V

2008-10-13T22:48:00.001+08:00

I'll be on channel V Oct 15, 6:00pm... :)

I'm a jerk..

2008-10-08T20:07:00.002+08:00

I'm a jerk because I'm not patient enough..
I tend to give up on things too fast..
I logically understand that it's wrong to do, but emotionally it's not registered in my head..
I could comment that Hull City took about 18 years to climb up to the Premier League from Division 3, but at the same time I gave up on my book 3 months after it was published.. talk about learning from football.. :P

Today I learned that I have to be more tolerant in waiting for results..
but that doesn't mean I should take a back seat and let life runs it's course..

The difference is to have a game plan.. and to ensure that game plan works, I must see to it that there is progress towards the end goal.. and on that point, I must be a bit impatient by doing vigorous follow ups but at the same time, not having too high of an expectation -- basically it's applying the right attitude in the right situation.. something easier said than done.. :P

30

2008-10-04T09:00:00.000+08:00

I'm 30 today.. enough said.. hehehe

29

2008-10-03T09:55:00.001+08:00

still on leave.. and still 29..

As per..

2008-09-30T13:52:00.003+08:00

Salam Aidilfitri

Moga kecekalan hati dalam perjuangan diri

sentiasa menjadi aspirasi

Salah silap selama ini jangan diulangi

agar hidup terus diberkati..

Amin

see you on the flip side ;)

Things happen for a reason..

2008-09-27T07:11:00.004+08:00

Before I continue, I must say that in order for this post to make sense, you must view both videos fully and in order.. ok? :)

This is "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" by Def Leppard from their 2nd studio album High 'n' Dry released in 1981. Pay close attention to the members as you listen to the song..

For those who may not know, this was one of their signature ballad that help them penetrated US.. it was co-writen by 3 of the band members Joe Elliott, Pete Willis & Steve Clark.. the band parted ways with Willis approximately 1 year after the album was released (I'm not sure if it was him in the video) and Phil Collen stepped in his shoes to continue work on their 3rd album right after..

But a bigger tragedy striked the band in December 31, 1984 when the band's drummer Rick Allen was involved in a car accident and lost his left arm.. However, he never gave up the role and the band stood behind him.. Def Leppard released Hysteria in 1987 which became their monster hit album.. they still continued to perform and this was taken from their 1988 Hysteria World Tour.. see if you can feel the difference of weightage the same song has brought this time around..

That's probably the last time you'd be able to catch their lead guitarist Steve Clark performing live as he died on January 8, 1991..

And yes, Mariah Carey covered this song in one of her albums with Dave Navaro on guitars..

But the point is - bad things happen for a reason.. and more often than not, the reason is to make you stronger when you bounce back from it.. I feel that the song was much better in the 2nd clip and possibly due to the new arrangements to compensate for Rick's condition and Willis' absence..

You see, if you open up your mind you can use your weaknesses to your advantage.. all you need to do is stop dwelling on the negativity.. ;)

So easy yet so hard..

2008-09-23T21:46:00.003+08:00

Today I learned the secret to career advancement..
1) Do what you are asked to do
2) What you don't know, you learn
3) What you know, you teach
That's it! Simple right??

But in reality, people don't do that..

We find ways to not do what we're supposed to do.. we give excuses.. we create reasons for self limitations.. we dwell in petty arguments..

We also don't put in effort to find out things.. we don't even ask.. we assume and keep at it.. we don't see the bigger picture.. we think it's a burden..

We don't share because we fear.. fear of losing the upper hand.. fear that we'll become irrelevant.. we fear that someone can take over our place because we don't see ourselves moving fast enough.. a wise sensei once said, "It is when you have fear, you will never find peace"..

Time to change.. and get to where you want to be.. or else just stay but don't complain la.. ;)

Realization: Time management

2008-09-20T08:16:00.002+08:00

I've been working with this company for 1 year 6 months exactly today..
We specialize in time management.. I thought I understood the concept, but now I realize my understanding was wrong as I had missed 1 critical element..

The problem I had was I took time for granted.. I always thought time was infinate.. so there was no awareness towards sense of urgency.. the sense of urgency only arises when faced with a time limit -- deadlines..
In other words,

People only becomes conscious of resources when it's limited

Note: Resources = Man, Machinery, Money, Material, Time

So, in managing time, you must always put a limit and review it.. example, on daily basis, consider you have 16 hours (8 hours for good sleep) and then plan your day the night before.. it creates the sense of preciousness to your day.. then look at your weekly plans, monthly plans, mid term plans (current 3 months), long term plans (current year).. but the key is to take out the time you won't have 1st.. example - holidays, leaves, etc..

Basically its like knowing you only have a 1 litre jug.. you can't bring back the whole ocean even if you know it's there at your disposal..

Lucky? be greatful..

2008-09-15T18:55:00.004+08:00

I hear this song for the first time on radio this morning...
It made me smile..
With all the 5hit that's been going around town lately, sometimes we just need a reminder that we should all be greatful for what we have.. ;)

A student learns once, the teacher learns twice..

2008-09-11T21:58:00.002+08:00

It's funny sometimes how people react towards new challenges..
Sometimes it's easy for us to give our two cents worth, but in the moment of truth, do we really practise what we preach?

To be honest, I don't think I do.. and that is something I need to work on fast..

This one I must share..

2008-09-10T18:08:00.002+08:00

I read about ways to enhancing afternoon naps the other day, and 1 of the method was to drink coffee before taking a 20 minute snooze..

The logic behind it is that research has shown that caffeine in the coffee takes about 20 minutes to kick in.. and in the first 23 minutes of sleep is when your body actually goes to rest before entering the the deep sleep cirle..

So, by doing this you actually double the effect of a power nap!

I've been having trouble staying awake after buka puasa so I gave it a shot.. and for the last 2 nights it has worked!! I could finally do my work until 1am and still wake up for sahur at 5am and even continue the day like normal..

Maybe you guys who face the same problem as me could give it a try.. ;)

Key note: Wake up before you go to R.E.M. mode..

HOT.. AIR..

2008-09-07T18:46:00.011+08:00

Today I went for a hot-air baloon introduction session with my colleague..

We were supposed to go there and see how this can be included in our future teambuilding programs..

FJ: It's pretty safe to fall..

BJ teaching us the ropes

Stretch it out kids

Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

Up up and away..

Don't look down on me!

But to my suprise, the session was coverd by Channel V for their request show Remote Control!

Marion.......!!

Question: Do you have a working permit Sir??

They went inside the baloon

Not just that, Marion picked us to go up to ride the hot-air baloon with her, and we get to be 'On Air' too! :)

Producer Eva calling the shots

Ready to fly??

Man, this is soooo hot!! -- the burner on top of us that is..

one for the road

Group shot: Flame on!!

1 week later...

2008-09-05T08:16:00.006+08:00

It's been a week since Avril's concert at Stadium Merdeka..
Amongst all the newspaper reviews that I read, I think the Star said it the best..
Considering all the restrictions given to Avril & the organizers, I guess they managed to pull off a good show.. Just imagine, no screaming, no jumping, no running and no loud sound system.. I mean, what rock concert is that la?

Note to Malaysian journalist doing reviews: Do your homework!! Don't just simply write what you see..

Anyways.. these are some 'goodies' I brought back.. Enjoy!!

Even the hotel supported the show ;)

The moment finally arrives..

Why go and make things so complicated?

By the way that was not me singing ok..

So much for my happy ending :)

BlindSight Reunion Jam

2008-08-27T08:27:00.004+08:00

It's been a year since we jammed together..
A lot has changed..
The landmark Hyundai showroom is no longer there..
The mamak stall below the jamming studio has become a mini mart..
James is in Sabah..
Zainy had his 2nd child.. sold his bass.. couldn't make it yesterday..
Jai expecting his 2nd child.. learned programming skills and brought his new laptop so that we could still jam and sound decent..
Paka didn't changed much but was abit rusty with some of the old set list..
Your's truly also didn't prepare well and screwed up most of the songs.. hehe..
but all in all it was a good outing..

Managed to copy a couple of songs from Jai and played around with the video..
Not the best but OK laa.. it's also my first attempt at including lyrics.. Enjoy the song! :)

Homage to another true Olympian..

2008-08-26T09:19:00.006+08:00

I know the Beijing Olympics is over.. but I can't help but mentioning about another hero I discovered.. He's name is Jorgen Persson..

You can click on his name or the above picture to learn about his history..

I'm not really a pingpong fan, but when I saw him play by chance the other day, I was really moved.. read this article and you'll understand why...

----

Chinese take record 8 medals

The Associated PressPublished: August 24, 2008

China clinched a record eight-medal sweep in Olympic table tennis Saturday, cementing the pingpong-mad country's domination of the sport.

Sweden's Jorgen Persson, the only non-Chinese player to make it to the men's medal round, was easily beaten by Wang Liqin in the single's bronze medal match.

Persson, a 42-year-old trying for his first medal in six Olympic appearances, opened strongly against Wang, but withered quickly against the high-speed topspin shots that are the specialty of the tall Chinese player.

Later, world No. 2 Ma Lin defeated No. 1 Wang Hao in the gold medal match to complete the haul."They played perfectly to create this perfect ending for the pingpong competition at the Beijing Olympics. I never dreamed it would be so easy," Chinese coach Liu Guoliang said.

The Chinese men and women easily won the team events earlier this week, while the women swept the singles medals on Friday.

Though China has always been dominant in its national sport of table tennis, the eight-medal finish is its strongest showing yet.

China's only other 1, 2, 3 finish was in the women's singles event at the 1988 Seoul Games.A top table tennis official expressed concern China's dominance was hurting the sport, creating ho-hum contests with predictable results.

"We cannot blame China for being so strong, as it is their national sport. Other nations have to become stronger," International Table Tennis Federation President Adham Sharara said before the final. "We do not want to limit Chinese participation, but we need other nations to grow to challenge them."

The men's singles final was played with three red flags of China already prepared for the medal ceremony.

Ma outlasted Wang Hao in a tense matchup that showcased the country's skills. The men tried to outwit each other with dynamic play that ranged from soft pushes to high-speed volleys. Ma won with a score of 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9.

It was another disappointing finals appearance for Wang Hao, who lost to South Korea's Ryu Seung-min in the gold medal match at the Athens Games.

"Last time, I lost to a foreigner. This time I lost to a teammate. To say I don't feel bad is impossible, but it's not as unbearable as losing to a foreigner," Wang Hao said.

In the bronze medal match, Wang Liqin struggled in the first game against Persson but stormed back in the second on his way to sealing the win with a score of 13-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-9.

At times, the match turned into the pingpong equivalent of a slam-dunk contest: Persson was only able to feed the ball to Wang Liqin, whose long arm sliced through the air as he repeatedly drilled the ball across the table from 3 meters (10 feet) back.

Play was delayed for several minutes before the fourth game as Persson had his leg massaged by a trainer after it began cramping following a long rally.

Liu, the coach, said he was inspired by Persson's fighting spirit. As a player, Liu foiled Persson's first opportunity to win a medal, beating him in the bronze medal match in the 2000 Sydney Games.

"He's 42, 43 years old, and even when his leg was injured and he was down 0-3, he still refused to give up," Liu said. "We've been watching him play since we were kids. I've been coaching for years now and we're still watching him play."

Persson, who also lost to Wang Hao in the morning semifinal, said it would be difficult to break China's stranglehold on pingpong.

"They are all very good and it's especially very good to be on top when it's a big tournament," he said. "So we have to fight and I hope this can encourage more players. When I can be there, of course young players can also do it."

sensei says..

"Motivation is an outcome of emotionally understanding the sweet taste of hardwork's fruitful result"

Next Batman movie?

2008-08-22T16:08:00.004+08:00

About 11 years ago, Uma Thurman played Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin...

Then yesterday I saw this girl...

I think she can kick Uma's a$$ :)

Now I'm upset...

2008-08-21T09:45:00.006+08:00

There are only a few things that can get me upset..
I've been very tolerant with the current happenings and avoided making any remarks -- it's not something I want to step into.. but today, I've had it.. this is just plain ridiculous!
I don't want to repeat myself, so I'll just copy & paste my comment when I first read about the 'rumours' at Galaxie Blog..

Just shows how bad we are at planning.. I mean, we all know that August is Merdeka month.. it's been like that for 51 years.. so, when the organizers proposed the dates (and I'm pretty sure Avril's people has planned out the tour dates months, if not years in advance), shouldn't we be aware of what would happen during that period?? Giving a green light and pulling back in the last minute really shows lack of professionalism on our part.. As far as I'm concern, patriotism has nothing to do with this issue I'm more than happy to flag our Jalur Gemilang during the concert.. ;)
By sensei, 20-Aug-2008

Then this morning, I saw this..

To add on...

I also learned that our Olympian will get a Datukship for 'loosing in the finals'..

Read this article first and you make the call wether or not he deserves it..

Amputee inspires in Olympic debut
By The Associated Press
Posted Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:44 PM ET

BEIXIAOYING TOWN, China (AP) -- Natalie du Toit pulled herself onto the dock and waited for someone to bring her prosthetic leg. She stretched out the other leg -- the one she didn't lose in that horrendous motorcycle accident -- and chatted with an official about the first open water race in Olympic history.

Du Toit didn't finish where she wanted. Not even close.
But just making it to Beijing was a huge victory for anyone who's ever faced a disability.
Hoping to contend for a medal, the 24-year-old South African amputee fell off the pace toward the end of the grueling 6.2-mile race and finished 16th on Wednesday, more than a minute behind gold medalist Larisa Ilchenko of Russia.

"I tried my best," du Toit said. "I'm not too happy with it, but I'll be back for 2012."
Don't bet against her.
When she walked out with 24 other swimmers to be introduced for the groundbreaking event, it was quickly apparent she wasn't like any of them.
Du Toit hobbled along stiffly on her artificial leg, No. 23 written on her back and both arms. While others bounced up and down to loosen up, she settled for shaking her arms. A couple of times, she walked over to the edge to splash water on her face and goggles, leaning over tenuously with the wooden prosthetic sticking out to the side, keeping her from falling over.
When it was time to race, she walked slowly onto the dock and removed her replacement leg. Someone moved it to the side, and du Toit sat at the edge of the water, her right leg dangling in. When the starter called for everyone to get ready, she pulled herself up, wobbled just a bit and dove in.
She was an Olympian.

"My message isn't just to disabled people," du Toit said. "It's to everyone out there that you have to work hard. I've been through a lot of ups and downs ... but I've seen a lot of good things along the way. I was able to use the negativism in a good light and say after my accident, 'I can still do it if I work hard.'

"You have to set dreams, set goals and never give up."

Du Toit, who carried the South African flag in the Opening Ceremony, hung with the lead pack much of the race, but she had a problem with her cap and couldn't keep up when the pace quickened toward the end of the two-hour ordeal. She finished 1 minute, 22.2 seconds behind Ilchenko, who out-sprinted two British swimmers who led most of the way.

Then again, du Toit's time of 2 hours, 49.9 seconds put her ahead of nine others, including 16-year-old American Chloe Sutton, who broke down in tears after finishing, every part of her body cramping and aching.
"I was swimming next to her and she beat me -- and she has one leg," Sutton said. "It's incredible she was able to do that."

Du Toit was an up-and-coming swimmer who just missed qualifying for the 2000 Sydney Games when her life took a tragic turn in 2001. Returning to school on a motorbike after a training session, she collided with a car and sustained massive injuries to her left leg. Doctors tried for a week to save it but finally had to amputate at the knee.

Instead of giving up on her athletic career, du Toit was back in the water six months later. Swimming made her feel whole again, though she wasn't competitive with able-bodied athletes in the pool, where the legs are vital for starts and turns.
Along came open water, which was added to the program for Beijing. There are no flip turns to negotiate in marathon swimming, which is usually held in lakes and oceans, and the upper body is more important than the legs.
"When I take my leg off and I'm completely free in the water," du Toit said, "that's who I am."
She had found her new calling. Du Toit qualified for the Olympics with a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in Spain this year.
"I find it hard, and I'm a completely able-bodied person," said Cassandra Patten, who won bronze in the race held at the Olympic rowing and canoeing course. "She's an amazing role model."

The race didn't go according to plan. Du Toit caught her skintight cap on a buoy and spent much of the time fiddling with it, trying make sure it didn't fall off.
With the cap occupying her attention, she kept skipping the drink stops along the course and wound up getting dehydrated. By the end, her leg was cramping and searing pain ripped through her bulky arms.
"I couldn't even get out of the water," du Toit said. "That showed I gave my best."

After bobbing on the surface in the finish area for a few seconds, she finally hoisted herself onto the deck. The official came over with her artificial leg, which was stuffed with the T-shirt du Toit wore out for the start. She pulled it out, slipped on the prosthesis and walked slowly toward dry land.

Du Toit has put herself out there for everybody to see, and she's eager to share her story.
"Sometimes you feel a bit awkward kind of asking, but she told me everything. She told me about the accident, what happened, the rehab," Patten said. "She's got such courage. Everyone's insecure, everyone has insecurities. To kind of put that in show and be totally fine with that is totally amazing. I'm going to go and give her a big cuddle."

Du Toit was not the first disabled athlete to compete at the Olympics, or even in Beijing. Natalia Partyka, who was born with a right arm that ends just below the elbow, made the Polish team in table tennis.
Both will remain in Beijing after these Games to compete in the Paralympics. Du Toit will be looking to match the five gold medals she won in Athens four years ago.
No disabled Olympian was more successful than American gymnast George Eyser, who won three golds and five medals overall while competing on a wooden leg at the 1904 St. Louis Games. His left leg was amputated after a train accident.

Still, it's quite unusual for someone with a major disability to compete at this level, especially in a sport such as swimming where the legs provide so much power.
Ilchenko praised du Toit for not letting her disability hold her back. She was right in there battling with everyone else in a race that's often called wrestling in the water for its rough tactics.
"I'd even go so far as to award her a separate medal," the winner said through a translator. "I have enormous respect for her. It is exceedingly hard. Just looking at these people inspires you."
Du Toit did receive a special gift from officials at the rowing basin: a traditional Chinese drawing encased in a wooden box. She doesn't want to be treated any different, however.
"I worked hard to get here," she said. "I want to do everything on merit. This is not just a free ride."

Du Toit didn't get a free ride Wednesday.
She was an Olympian, just like everyone else.

What's your view on the 'Datukship++'?

I give up... our dudes are just helpless (read: useless)..

So, guys.. don't 'grow up' to become like them..

Happy Merdeka Day.. ;)

20-08-2008: Stress Management

2008-08-20T09:44:00.004+08:00

I'm a bit stressed out today.. double whammy: auditorium + 100pax
anyway, looking on the bright side of things to come..
atleast I got something to look forward to... ;)

I climb the stage again this night,

'cause the place seems still alive,

when the smoke is going down..

-Scorpions-

For one is silver, an the other is gold...

2008-08-18T18:46:00.003+08:00

I won't dwell on Chong Wei not winning the gold medal..

To be fair, he did very well considering the intense pressure by the Chinese spectators -- you could hardly hear the empire on the speakers.. but I guess the dude was just too overwhelmed by the whole Olympic thingy.. and having the RM1million 'golden incentive' is just additional pressure.. I mean, if they seriously wanted the athletes to be motivated, the incentive should have been announced 4 years ago.. then things might have been different... extra investment on individual training might make sense to the athletes..

Simple equations:

Input --> Process --> Output

On the other side, you have someone lile Phelps..
I came across this article and its worth to read -- even to be used as a case study..

---
Built to succeed ... and assume his place in history
Mental strength, intense focus drove Phelps to epic 8-for-8 in Beijing
By Alan Abrahamson, NBCOlympics.com
Posted Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:37 AM ET

BEIJING -- One day last March, at the University of Michigan, where Michael Phelps and several of his Club Wolverine teammates were training, the whiteboard poolside bore a message.

"In business," it said, "words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises but only performance is reality."
The quote was taken from a business book, but, in sports, it's the same. And, off his performance this week in Beijing, winning eight gold medals in eight events, the reality is that Phelps, with 14 golds in his Olympic career, is now alone in the history books -- he has won more gold medals than anyone else in Olympic history and more gold medals than anyone else in any single Games.
Four others had been tied with nine golds, including swimmer Mark Spitz, winner of seven at Munich in 1972.
"I'm almost speechless," said Peter Ueberroth, the chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee. "He's beginning to set a whole new standard for his sport and for America.
"The United States Olympic Committee is very proud of him, as is USA Swimming and basically every citizen in our country and in many other countries. He's a true athlete and represents what's best about the Olympic movement."
Eight medals.
And, overall, now 16 in his Olympic career, just two shy of the 18 won by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina - a milestone sure to animate Phelps as he turns and sets his sights on four years from now, in London in 2012.
Only performance is reality, and the reality is that Phelps' performances here in Beijing and over the course of his career deserve to be more fully appreciated by the wider public in the way that Tiger Woods' majors are savored.
Why he's not so appreciated is easy to explain.

It's swimming, not golf, and thus part of the American cultural landscape only every four years. Moreover, it's a sport that, unlike golf, doesn't convey emotion well - swimmers are goggled and their heads under water a lot of the time. Moreover, Phelps makes it look easy - even though what he's doing is outrageously difficult.
"I hope people realize," U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Jim Scherr said this week, "just how difficult what he's doing is. We will never see anything like it again."
The reality is in the performance, and in one package Phelps combines physical gifts, mental toughness and a passion for the sport.
That's tough to beat.
To start, his physical gifts are indeed almost freakish. These are perhaps best displayed when he is on the blocks, just before the start of a race, when he wraps his arms around himself, as if he were a condor about to take flight.
This, too, is central to the performance: Phelps loves to swim. Loves it. Exuberantly.
"It's a very happy marriage between someone who needed something like this and this being available," his longtime mentor and coach, Bob Bowman, said in an interview earlier this year.
"I think he still sees the water as a haven from everything else."
Phelps, in one of a number of conversations over the past year, said, "Bob and I both talked about this. When I'm on my best, when I'm training the best, I'm happy. I'm smiling at workouts, I'm joking around, I'm talking. For the most part throughout my career, I'm happy going in the pool.
"If you enjoy every moment at the pool, you're bound -- you're guaranteed -- to train your best and swim your best."
Phelps holds an inordinate appetite for incredibly hard work. In December and again in April, Bowman took Phelps and the other swimmers at the Michigan base to Colorado Springs, Colo., for altitude training.
The others included Peter Vanderkaay, the bronze medalist in the 200m free on Tuesday, and the anchor on the 4x200m free relay. The three-week camps run to nearly 70 workouts.
"I have pretty hefty goals this year," Phelps said in January at a meet in Long Beach, Calif., after detailing a series of four-a-day workouts in Colorado that included three swims, the first at 6 in the morning. "It's going to take a lot to get there."
Phelps is ruthlessly competitive. Poker, spades, swimming -- he wants to win.
Teammate Erik Vendt said, "When it gets to be game time, you can see it in his face: 'I'm Michael Phelps and I'm not going to lose.'
"When push comes to shove, he is going to be there. I have never seen him lose a close race."
"When I'm focused," Phelps said, "there is not one single thing, person, anything that can stand in my way of doing something. There is not. Never has been.
"If I want something bad enough, then I'm gonna get there. That's just how I always have been. If I don't get there, watch out - because it's going to be even worse and I'm going to have my head on even tighter and you will not get in my way."
Phelps is, moreover, possessed of an exquisite sense of awareness and timing about his own body and performance.
For one, Phelps has an uncanny ability to predict his times.
Every year, Phelps shares his goals with Bowman. He used to write them on a sheet of paper; now it's done via computer.
"He hands it to me and I read it. He is right on the money about where he ends up, almost always," Bowman said, and always has been ever since they first making these lists - when Phelps was a teenager, said his goal was to swim the 200m fly in 2:04.68 and then, at the junior nationals, swam the 200 fly - in 2:04.68.
"Pretty amazing. I don't know how it comes about but that's part of it."
Traditionally, Phelps has never said a word about what's on that paper. But now the 2008 version can be revealed:

"It all happened here this week," Phelps said Sunday.
In races, Phelps tends to go out slow and then come on strong.
Does that make sense? It's harder to come on stronger after you've already been swimming.
But Phelps does.
Which is why, when he went out hard in the first 50 meters of Tuesday's 200m free, it was clear he was not just going after the gold medal -- he was after the world record, too, which he himself had set last year at the World Championships in 1:43.86.
"The plan was to take it out and dare them to try and catch me," Phelps said afterward.
The plan probably -- Phelps never shares these things, except with Bowman -- was to break 1:43 as well.
He finished in 1:42.96.
For more than a dozen years now, as he has gone from boy to man, Phelps has submitted willingly if not obediently to Bowman's intense demands.
Bowman, who is something of a student of success literature, said a recurring theme of his coaching and direction is that "successful people make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don't like to do." That's it. They make a habit of doing things other people aren't willing to do. And that's our game here."
Finally, as Phelps has gotten older, he has developed an increasing maturity about himself and his place, not only in the pool but in the world around him.
Phelps turned 23 at the end of June. He endured the humbling public scrutiny of a drunk-driving matter after the Athens Games, after winning eight medals in 2004, six gold. He broke a wrist last year in a fall -- an injury that made him focus on what really mattered.
Which is -- testing himself to see what he ultimately is capable of.
Asked this spring whether he believed Phelps was the greatest American athlete of our generation, Bowman said, "My job is to make him be the greatest Michael Phelps. If he is that, all the other things you guys can bestow on him -- or not. My job is to help him go at the end of the day as far as he could go. Dealing with the other stuff is really counter-productive."
Spoken like a true coach.
"I will say he can be the greatest American athlete of our generation," Bowman said a moment later, adding, "If he has a successful summer, it would be hard to not start believing that."

---

Makes you start asking yourself..

"Just how bad do you want what you want?" ;)

Yin & Yang

2008-08-15T07:51:00.005+08:00

Saw this news on MSN just now..

Invisibility Cloak on the Horizon, Scientists Say
By Steven Musil, CNET news.com

Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that will render people and other objects invisible.
Researchers say they can redirect light around 3-D objects using metamaterials--artificially engineered structures created at a nano scale that contain optical properties not found in nature, according to an Associated Press report.
People see objects as a result of the light reflecting or scattering off them. This new mixture of materials has "negative refractive" properties that keep light from being absorbed or reflected by the object, allowing only the light from behind the object to be seen. Essentially, the material bends visible light in a way that eliminates the creation of reflections or shadows in much the way water flows around a stone.
The findings, to be released later this week in Nature and Science, were made by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Xiang Zhang. The research, which was funded in part by the U.S. Army Research Office and the National Science Foundation's Nano-Scale Science and Engineering Center, could have broad applications, including for the military.
But the materials work in limited wavelengths, so they won't be used to hide buildings from satellites, said Jason Valentine, who is a co-author of one of the papers.
"We are not actually cloaking anything," Valentine told Reuters. While the Harry Potter series of books and films has made the idea of a personal "invisibility cloak" popular, he says, "I don't think we have to worry about invisible people walking around any time soon. To be honest, we are just at the beginning of doing anything like that."

This made me to think..
Can we trust the people with such knowledge to not use it in the wrong way?
A wise sensei once said "A little knowledge is dagerours, so is a lot"..
I always believed that there is only 1 source of knowledge but the medium in which it comes varies.. and because of this, the medium has the upper hand in influencing the recepient towards a preception of its choise.. Therefore, intentions are far more important..

We're really progressing in science and almost every thinkable item has somewhat started to become reality..
Remember: In the absence of light, darkness prevails..
The right tool in the wrong hands will always be used the wrong way..

So, what would YOU do it you could be invisible? :)

a K.I.S.S to remember..

2008-08-13T19:33:00.002+08:00

Actually I knew KISS long before but never took noticed of them until they came up with the Unplugged album back in 1996.. at that point I thought what the hell, let's give it a listen and actually bought it.. In that album, the song "Beth" grabbed my attention..

Today as I was surfing youtube, I learned that there were actually 2 versions to the song.. one was sung by Peter Criss and another was sung by Eric Carr.. to be honest, I don't know which one is which.. hehe.. but I'll always remember this one..

I liked the fact that as they went unplugged, they also went non-make-up.. ;)

From 100 to 2..

2008-08-11T17:53:00.002+08:00

I'm too tired to write a long post to explain the above, so I'll try to keep it simple..

Back when I was in school, I'd always aimed for 100% marks in all my exams..
That has somehow wired my brain to always have high expectations on myself..
I only realized this last weekend that it has made me struggled even more as I could not be happy when I get anything less.. even worse is I'd spiral downwards and would take a long time to bounce back..

Then, a wise sensei said to me..
If you get 75 out of 100, why over pressure yourself to get that extra 25 in the next exam?
Why not just work on getting another 2 marks.. it shows improvement, and chances are you'll get more than 2.. but more important is, be happy with the fact that you are improving..

That made me recall a lot of data from the past..
And it made more sense when you understand that the 'exams' will not have the same questions.. so you're not actually getting an extra 2 marks (77) but you already have 152!
And that is 52 better than 100!! Get what I mean?

So, from now on.. I'm aiming for that 2 marks.. ;)

08-08-08

2008-08-08T19:23:00.003+08:00

I just had to post something on this day..

When most people say today's a lucky day, I felt otherwise..
almost everything I did today didn't turn out right.. go figure.. :P

Anyways.. a good question was raised today by a colleague that I'd like to share..

If the choise is so clear, then why do you struggle?

Hmmm.. something to think about as my heart sheds acid tears.. hehe..

Happy or Unhappy

2008-08-04T16:26:00.002+08:00

Let's face it.. most of us are bitter about something in life..

I have heard of the same speech over and over again for the past year or so.. but it never clicked in my head until today.. Today, the dots have been connected.. and now I try my level best to have.....

No expectations

Why no expectations.. well, for one, expectations creates illusions of a perfect picture.. and when you start to have a perfect picture in your head, you start to compare that image with reality.. I once said this before in someone's blog..

Comparison creates unhappiness

When you compare reality and it doesn't match the image that you had hoped for, you start to feel blue.. you start to feel unhappy because somehow you felt betrayed..
but if you think about it long enough, you'll probably see that the image or illusion was created by you.. you betrayed yourself and there is no reason to be angry..

The point is.. why be unhappy when you can choose to be otherwise.. if choose to have no expectations.. and choose to live by the moment.. then life becomes a journey, no longer a destination..

But having said that.. it's not easy to do.. life is a tough journey..

of Japanese drama..

2008-08-03T16:16:00.004+08:00

I was a great fan of Japanese dramas.. well, it's kind of hard not to be one considering that's the only thing you can afford to watch as a student.. :P
But I do believe Japanese dramas has good story line and not too lengthy - average 13 episodes per drama shown weekly, not like those Korean ones that runs up to 100s even when shown daily :P .. usually the ones to look out for (if I remembered correctly) was the Fuji TV Mondays 9pm slot, Fuji TV Wednesdays 9pm slot, TBS Fridays 10pm slot.. I also like the fact that they tie up with great Jpop tunes - win-win situation for the entertainment industry..

After coming back to homeland, I tried to keep up by watching them on VCDs (later on DVDs) but since the viewer's trend shifted to K-dramas a few years back, its been hard to find the good ones on TV or in stores..

Then, a few weeks back 8TV started showing "Propose daisakusen - Operation Love", the interest rekindled.. last time I saw Yamashita Tomohisa was when he stared as Tokiwa Takako's younger brother in Kabachitare! (2001) - I came back to Malaysia before the drama ended.. now he's plays the lead role.. hmmm.. the dude has progressed.. ;)

For those who knows, I've been tided up on weekends and hence not been able to catch the whole show.. But I must say, it has a nice plot and an excellent ending theme song by Kuwata Keisuke - Ashita Hareru kana which I'd personally translate as "Will the sun shine tomorrow?".. this is the clip.. such a beautiful ballad.. wish you all could understand Japenese, we'd have a great time discussing the lyrics.. anyway, enjoy the song...

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow..

2008-08-01T16:08:00.003+08:00

Because of yesterday, I'm reinforcing my motto today..

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst

Tomorrow I might not be where I am now..
Tomorrow I might not have what I have now..
Tomorrow I might not want what I want now..

but atleast today.. I know I did my best to make a person smile.. eventhough I was just being there doing nothing.. ;)

Life is too short to be unhappy..
Live.. Love.. Learn..

April in August

2008-07-31T09:16:00.006+08:00

Yes!! Avril Lavigne is coming to town!!
Can't wait for that..

In the meantime, I found this on youtube.. I'm not really a fan of Coldplay but atleast now I can listen to the song until the end ;)
I hope she sings this one in KL..

P/s: Just in case you think the title is a typo, 'Avril' is French for April ;)

Maboroshi = Image / Illusion

2008-07-30T11:06:00.002+08:00

maboroshi yo, nemure...

Introducing...

2008-07-15T18:11:00.003+08:00

sensei's NEW V!!

amacam? ;)

Application..

2008-07-10T18:18:00.004+08:00

Past two post I blogged about Steven Tyler & "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"..
Well, today it hit me.. check out this one..

The song is not a typical love song.. it does sound so, but knowing Steven Tyler and his hidden meaning lyrics before this, my bet is he's talking about drug addiction here.. OK la, so maybe he didn't write the lyrics, but only he can pull it off..

And on the second point... check out how he just grab the girl and gave her that killer kiss.. Now that's 'fearless'!! ;)

The answer is in the question..

2008-07-09T17:28:00.004+08:00

Few months back I kept asking myself

"How can I make an impact?"

It has worked on several occasions.. and I've also shared it in my trainings..

But last month I came accross a book.. it was on adapting to changes.. and in that book one statement in the form of a question striked me.. and now I try to ask myself the same question all the time..

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

For every love letter written, is another one burned..

2008-07-08T17:17:00.005+08:00

I don't know about you guys but I think Steven Tyler is a lyrical genius.. that's why I consider him as one of my 'wise sensei'.. I still remember the first time I heard "Dream On".. had goose bumps.. that line "you got to loose to know how to win" is just classic!

I mean, let's think about it for a while..

The best method of learning is commonly said to be through experience.. Malcolm Knowles eleborated this through 'andragogy' (don't worry, click on the link and you'll know what I'm talking about) but here comes a 16 year old rocker (that was Steven Tyler's age when he 1st wrote the tune) and easily summarized the whole thing in 1 line.. and guess what, you actually do learn faster through observation and reflection - not just from your own experiences but also learn from the mistakes and achievements of others instead of having to go through it yourself.. he got it right.. most of us still don't see it..

A few months ago I started this new concept of "simulation learning" in my training session.. I have this idea that adults might be able to learn faster through emotions stimulated in certain controlled situation by using proper trigger mechanisms.. the theory is based on how we recall certain memories when our senses are stimulated/triggered.. ex. a distinctive smell might remind you of a person from the past, a song might bring back specific memories of an event that happen, etc..

And taking from what the wise sensei said.. if it works on the negative side, it should work on the positive side because it is then up to you to use those triggers to help you counter an emotion and excell in what ever you do..

Don't listen to a sad song when you're down, but listen to a uplifter instead.. get what I mean? ;)

As I was driving back..

2008-07-05T20:58:00.003+08:00

Another piece of my heart went with the last team..

If this carries on with every teambuilding program I do, I might end up being 'heartless' at the end of the year.. ;)

Standard Tuning:

Am Dm G C F B E

Look out [3]

Where it’s at
I know karma’s coming to pay me back
Im with the sweetest thang thats on the map
I broke her heart in 30 seconds flat
In 30 seconds flat

Now how did i
Just how did I become that kind of guy
To look at girl and lie right in the eye
My momma told me willy that aint right
Boy now that aint right

Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break your heart [2]
Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break ya
B b b b break it baby
Look baby
Im a heartbreaker [6]
Im a heart
A h h h h im a heart
A h h h im a

Where she go
I got some things I gotta let her know
To fix the love now its impossible
But baby baby if we take it slow
If we take it slow
We can make it work
We just cant throw the love down in the dirt
You probly think that im a f**kin jerk cause the way I let you down it made you hurt
I didnt mean to make you hurt

Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break your heart [2]
Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break ya
B b b b break it baby
Look baby
Im a heartbreaker [6]
Im a heart
A h h h h im a heart
A h h h ima

Break it down
Lets break it down [roughly 15]

So so so sorry
So so so sorry
A la la la
La la la la
La la la la

Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break your heart [2]
Im s s s sorry
Im s s s sorry
I didnt mean to break ya
B b b b break it baby
Look baby
Im a heartbreaker [6]
Im a heart
A h h h h im a heart
A h h h ima

p/s: What's the opposite word for Heartbreaker?

Alive...

2008-07-04T01:11:00.002+08:00

This is what I used to listen to 10 years ago...

SPEED released this single on July 1st, 1998..
I saw the movie 3 times in a row.. crazy huh? :)

When it rains, it POURS...

2008-07-03T08:46:00.004+08:00

Cik Lan (Arwah Cik Din's elder brother) passed away last Tuesday evening..

I can only imagine how my mother must have felt to loose 2 younger brother in 9 days.. I myself have yet to recover from the 1st blow..

Cik Lan too stayed with us before he got married.. he used to take me to the shop and would always get me a sweet.. he sent me to school when I was in Standard 1 until Standard 2.. When I went to visit him last Sunday he mentioned this to me.. "Jangan lupa berbakti pada orang".. regardless of his shortcomings, he was always kind to children... he did mention that he only wanted to be a good uncle for all the kids.. I pray that God will be kind to him..

Al-Fatihah..

The lost song..

2008-06-30T18:27:00.002+08:00

If not mistaken, this was recorded during our final jamming session in 2007.. Never did got a chance to sing 'Pupus' in front of a live audience..

Found a new excitement today.. video upload is fun! :)

p/s: Sorry for the video quality..

Materialized!!

2008-06-28T21:18:00.007+08:00

The football based teambuilding program that I mentioned was materialized today..

This is a short clip that I made to show at the end of the programme..

Yes, it's my first video upload in YouTube.. ;)

This I must comment..

2008-06-25T16:15:00.002+08:00

Why do we keep on doing things for the wrong reasons?

Seriously laa... Helmets are worn for SAFETY.. not because you fear authority..

Get that into your thick skull.. pleaseeeee!!

Speechless..

2008-06-24T09:22:00.003+08:00

Cik Din passed away last Sunday morning at 6.55am..

I was with him the day before but was not beside him when he passed on..
This was really a big blow to me..

He was not only my uncle, but the next best thing to a father for me.. a brother.. a friend..
He used to send me to school..
He taught me how to play badminton.. how to kick a ball properly..
He was there to comfort me when my father passed away..
He was there to celebrate my marriage.. even hosted my Japanese friend that came to visit Malaysia..
He showed be how to be kind to people.. what it means to give & not just take..
Most of the time he taught me how to laugh at my own shortcomings and move on..
He always had a smile on his face.. even when what's left was only his body..

I'll miss him dearly.. Penang won't be the same.. Life won't be the same..

Al-Fatihah...

What if... -revisited-

2008-06-19T23:03:00.003+08:00

I wrote something on the same thing quite some time ago.. --> HERE

But anyways...

Today was one of those days that got me thinking about a few "What ifs"..

If you think about it long enough, probably you'll see that there is actually no 'alternate dimensions' to this world -- or atleast to your life.. We are all presented with choices every second of the day.. some come in big dilemmas, while others are really small A or B options.. What ever it may be, we choose one thing over the other.. then at times, after making those choices, we look back and say.. "Hmmm.. what if I had chosen....."

You may logically know what could have happen, but the fact is, you will never get the chance to really experiece the alternate choice & emotionally understand it... NEVER EVER!

So, if what is done is done and what ever will be will be.. no matter how, or which.. choices are actually merely virtual options in life.. they don't really exist.. there's no 'one or the other'.. everything IS pre-selected.. you are only given the opportunity to FEEL the sensasion of going through the process of selecting the pre-selected option.. Don't you agree?

And get this... people tend to think on a 'positive mode' when looking back at an event in their life, but will likely to think on a 'negative mode' when considering the present onwards.. for example.. school days are often said to be the best part of our lives.. but when we were in school, we actually complained a lot about how hard it is to get through.. betul tak?

It's all in the mind... the mind likes things that are simple & common.. it creates perseption based on those grounds.. the unknown is always difficult and bad.. but once you've done it and things become familiar, it's easy and good..

Pelik kan? ;)

Reborn...

2008-06-18T00:22:00.003+08:00

2 years ago was an engineer with alot of spare time on my hands.. so, I wrote about how people can actually learn about management through watching football.. but then, I got upset with the outcome.. click here to get a better picture ;)

Fast forward, I'm now in a different field of work.. and was given the opportunity to develop the idea further.. so, by the end of the month, the whole 'learning management through football' will take on a new life in the form of a new never-done-before teambuilding program!!

I'm so excited about it and can't wait to try it out.. this one I must REALLY sell.. ;)

Harian Metro, 23-Jul-06: Boy was I fat back then.. hehe

Aku sedang ingin...

2008-06-17T07:52:00.002+08:00

Lately my weekends have been packed with Teambuilding programs..
July looks crazy and I may have to do back-to-back programs..
Stressful? Yes, but 'good' stress...

Along the way, I made friends with Ben the one man band.. Cool dude, very pleasant personality.. my boss loves him, the clients love him.. he gets the party going and with a little help from yours truely, we take it to the next level.. We always have a good time together.. I more or less know his set of playlist already & we're working on a few new songs to play.. the 1st one was "Sedang Ingin Bercinta".. eventhough it wasn't as mind blowing as when Blind Sight did it, nevertheless I had a blast doing that number..

So with this "side project" going on.. I can say I'm pretty happy doing any teambuilding programs during weekends.. Its the weekdays that's killing me.. :P

In the mood for blood..

2008-06-12T23:28:00.003+08:00

Yup.. that's right, I'm ready for a fight..
I very seldom feel this way, but right now.. at this very moment, I just might..
You poke me, I'm not just gonna poke you back, I'm gonna rip your eyeballs out of their socket!!

my heart is pumping..

adrenaline rushing..

but somehow my brains are still in command..
I'm still rasionalizing stuff in my head..
should I or should I not fuel the sparks...

hmmm...
choices ohh choices..

A wise sensei once said... "Don't make me angry.. you won't like it when I'm angry..."

Sometimes I amaze myself..

2008-06-11T02:38:00.002+08:00

A little get-in-the-basket-and-lift-it-myself story here..

Sometimes I come up with the wackiest ideas when I drive.. some of them actually make sense more than what I normally say during discussions & meetings.. the only problem is, I forget most of it at the end of the day simply because I don't write them down.. see how important it is to have a 'trigger mechanism'?

Anyways.. just now I came up with this quote that I think is pretty brilliant..

"In life, you can't always do what you want and want what you can do.."

which actually ties up with my previous concept of "Life = Dreams + Duties".. of which I came to a conclusion that Dreams are 'positive' while Duties are 'negative'.. and that makes a balanced life..
Example: Makan ayam goreng, sedap = positive.. Jogging, penat = negative.. but you do need both to balance things out, something of that line laa..
Tengok bola sampai pagi, seronok = positive.. esok pegi kerja mengantuk = negative..
Kena kerja lebih masa, takde social life = negative.. hujung bulan dapat income kencang = positive.. Ok la tu.. circle of life.. :)

The art of procrastination..

2008-06-07T08:35:00.003+08:00

I'll be taking a small part in our monthly talk this month.. the topic is about procrastination.. Actually this is my 4th time.. Previously I'll be the 'opener' but this time I'm the 'anchor' -- I'm coming in just before my big boss concludes the topic.. yikes!

The only stressful thing about doing this is the fact that is an open-to-public-thingy which means people of all level and age will be there.. which means that it's extra hard to engage the crowd.. which means logically you can't really get 100% positive reaction -- which bothers me as I always go for 100%.. I beat myself up for even 1 unfavorable remark.. It's all about setting my own expectation standard.. sometimes I set it a bit too high for my own good.. hehe..

A wise sensei once said, "Control the controllable.. and allow time for the uncontrollable".. I say it doesn't really make sense when you talk about procrastination now does it? ;)

I mean, we tend to allow too much time and in the end ending up not doing anything about it..

and isn't that what procrastination is all about? We favor simple, easy and common things.. we avoid things that are difficult, new and complex (unless it's a shopping complex - hehe).. it's all because we are too intelligent in finding 'reasons'... I mean, think about it.. Do animals procrastinate?... they don't, they just do it.. animals know that in the wild, things just has to be done to survive.. we on the other hand find ways to cope either way.. betul tak? :)

I think I have given the topic quite a good thought.. I got my approach angle.. we'll see how it goes.. :)