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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sustained Inspiration

After many long years of saying that I'll write and publish my book, I've finally managed to hammer down the outline and commit to putting thoughts to paper. On average, it's created at a rate of 2 pages a day, which I feel is about right since it doesn't appear to be something I want to rush headlong into.

Much of the inspiration for the writing comes from putting together a story out of the myriad programs operation in my head over the years. What appeared is a myth
on the continent of Lemuria, an insight into some genetic hard wiring when looking for mates and why a number of men have the drive to go out and kill the biggest thing they possibly can [hence the term dragon-slaying].

Writing it all down is a process in itself. Once started, it takes a life of its own. In order to keep up the momentum I've had to really get my blood flowing. Swimming helps some. Banging out on my drum usually fuels the inspiration. Any whisper to actually stop and rest is actually a warning that writing any sort of literature is not only an exercise of great creative expression, its punctuated by long period of extreme mechanical boredom in order to produce the book.

If there is a worry, it's because I've populated my world with the caricatures of people I actually know. If that causes offense then I sincerely beg your pardon. The creative process here has to be modeled on a number of living people as well. Anyway, to all the people who have inspired me [who happen to be the same that I've created a specific character for], my thanks and love.

I could not have begun this and envisioned the end of this book without all of you.

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Monday, August 4, 2008

Government House is Burning

It is the Haze Season again in Malaysia.

The greatest Irony of the time is that it is also the month where the nation is 'suppose' to celebrate the 51'st anniversary of our Independence. However, this year alone has seen runaway inflation coupled with ever shrinking levels of public decency, accountability and loss of actual territory. Perhaps in another 51 years we will be celebrating the glory of the Democratic Republic of Singapore. At the rate government idiocy is surrendering land down south, this is a disturbing possibility.

However, the annual curse of the polluted skyline is not wholly the failure of the
Government. The shame of allowing a giant forest fire to occur so close to the Administrative capitol is compounded by the rampant greed enjoyed by the few of our princes. In essence, Malaysia is literally having a Fire Sale of all its natural assets by those completely bankrupt in their ability to feel empathy and to nurture these treasures.

So where do I even begin to point out how a nation begun in nobility became utterly lacking in grace today? Was it in World War 2 and the aftermath of the Communist Emergency when the best and the bravest were lost to murder and battle? Or is this the result of the Land grab of the 1960's with trade captains refusing to tow the government line facing financial evisceration. Whatever the reason, there has been a marked retreat of enlightened leadership when it was needed most. It seemed for a time that the "Tuan's" that possessed a moral fiber went into monastic seclusion.

Those that remained in the mad build were willing to create their financial empires with little regard to the cost in both spirit and nature. Imagine the wholesale logging of rainforests with the bald patches visible by satellite, cloven mountains for posh hotels and resorts, failing infrastructure [concrete rain from the MRR2], fragile hospitals [what idiot builds directly on a riverbank?] and finally have the audacity to conduct land clearing by fire next to Putrajaya? All of it a National Shame because it has been allowed to occur with little more than a hand slap in penalties.

No more I say. This is not the time to be sitting on the fence when faced with the robber barons who continue to rape this country bare. Like the fall of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages of Europe, I hold that the retreat of the princes was in order to rebuild their numbers and to strengthen the will of those who are willing to challenge the evil overtaking this land. Come out of hiding now and make a stand before the National Treasure turns into National Displeasure.

Added for Breaking News:

1 Million in Drugs recently "Disappeared" from evidence locker. How this is possible with an entire police batalion on watch is just beyond imagination. Considering how stoned [as in rigid and anal] the boys in blue are, Government House isn't just Burning- It's now Smoking.

...(Read more)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Creating a Prepared Speech in 10 minutes [or less]

The Unadorned answer to this is: Merciless and Unrelenting Practice.

The Duration: Personally, several years of sustained effort on the disciplines and skills required in order to develop the attitude and mental structures.

It is the simplest and most difficult method of mastering any manner of skill without exception. However, this guideline is not about how difficult mastering rapid speechwriting will be; only illustrating the areas of focus in order to make the learning possible.

In the order of how I acquired the skill:

1. Master the Language.

The first and most important key is the vessel in which the message is communicated. Delivering clear and concise information requires the ability to quickly choose the best words, and form the grammatical structure in which to construct the message. In short, mastery required turning into living dictionary with English.

Imagine reading a dictionary from cover to cover for about an hour and a half. Now multiply that time with every day for about 8 years. I started this when I was 8 years old until I entered college at 17. Today I can honestly say that I have barely scratched the surface of the language although it has developed 3 additional skills that I use to this day.

To digress, the first is a system for speed reading. The principle behind this is based on a visual compression of the information being read. Unlike a system based on a total visual capture, this system takes advantage of both the redundant nature of the English language [the mass repetition of words such as ‘and’, ‘the’, ‘of’, ‘a’, etc.] and the typeface used in modern fonts used in printing. I.e.: the space between words and letters will always be consistent [which is something to thank Steve Jobs for].

The second skill gained is how to search for needed information, especially in a dictionary [never be without one]. The English language has a unique structures in which the vowel markers comes in sequence [as in A, E, I, O, U and Y]. Why this is important is that the language has areas of certainty no matter how many thousands of words it has.

The third skill is the ability to properly pronounce the words. Presenting the message with clarity is as important as forming the speech.

In conclusion, in order for the message to be understood it is imperative that there is a complete understanding of the medium it is presented.
2. Always Know What To Say Or Always Have Something To Say.

In short, be well read and to have an opinion.

Personally, this has more to do with attitude than any degree of skill. I have met many with an equal or superior command of the language and all have faced a similar issue. What I feel is the biggest obstacle to the speechwriting is the idea that what will be said is not good enough, and ultimately the fear of the intended message. The biggest irony is that the same people who declare that they are unable to create a speech in public are the same individuals who can generate one within 10 minutes when the structure and intent of the message is clear.

There are many ways in which to overcome the fear and self judgment over a personal message. The fastest and most effective way is to stay around someone whose message is similar to the one delivered and has the clarity of heart and mind to consistently present it.

The key here is “What Do I want To Say Now?” At the core of speech there is a message or ideal that has to be so important that its speaker feels it must be said.

3. Say What is Meant and Mean What is Said.

Above all, be congruent with what is being created in the speech. The knowledge to impart is secondary to how aligned the speech is to the intent of the messenger. With that said, it is also an advantage to be well read in a variety of topics in order to form the content of the speech [see point 1 on reading quickly].

The speech must be believable to its speaker first. That way it will always have an accepted audience even though the content is a complete fiction.

4. The Importance of Role Play.

What I have found useful over the years are games that allow for role play. The point of delivering the speech has a direct correlation to the stand being taken in the message.

Practice being the messenger. A storyteller assumes all the characters in the tale in order to breathe life into the fable. A speech generated with that level of empathy ingrained into the writer satisfies both point 2 and point 3.

5. The Greatest Cure for Fear.

I frequently hear the words “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” Whether it works I feel is dependent on the individual being able to overcome that fear with how important their message is.

Otherwise, hold everything said as important and not allow anything to challenge it, even fear. Do not even allow fear to enter the space where the speech is formed. If the fear is not able to be stopped, then be aware of the point where the emotion begins and generate the speech before it occurs. Feel the fear afterwards.

The best form of practice for both point 4 and 5 are the opportunities for impromptu speaking. In other words, be comfortable in a space without being afraid. Continue practicing this discipline and the length of time being fearless will grow.

Simply put, this is a discipline that will work everywhere when needed.

6. Structure of Presentation

The final key is to write the speech in a manner that allows the core of the message to be clear to both the speaker and audience, and still allow for embellishments to be added. In short, a Mind Map or a Post-it board with the keys points in a visual representation.

Because of the element of time in a speech, a visual representation may take the form of a sphere with main message at its core and the key points radiating outwards. No matter what form it naturally takes, after a presentation using the visual structure note down which of the key point branches were used. Use it as a benchmark in the practice of speechwriting for how aligned the message is to the messenger.

7. No Substitute for Practice.

The above would have little meaning if it is not used again constantly like a muscle to be grown. All it is are the core experiences of the writer who used the measure of talent already inherent and mated it with a sustained drive to be understood. There is no magic wand here for instantly acquiring the skill, only the steps personally taken to receiving it.

8. The Most Important Key of All.

Have fun with this. Every step I took for this is something I wanted to do. It was both a challenge as well as a great amount of personal satisfaction simply forming a sentence and making it beautiful. From the first step in mastering the language to acquiring the ability to display it in an accurate and abstract manner is something that was a joy.

In conclusion, all of this comes down to a simple choice. Do I want to learn how to write a speech quickly? Whatever the answer, only those willing to surrender to the choice will gain.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Welcome to Beijing




"Welcome to Beijing "

Another morning is coming, and brings in the fresh air

Our friendship will never change, just like the fragrance of green tea

My door is always open for you, and I'm here for you with open arms

You'd know me better when you hugged me, and you will love it here

Be my guest no matter you are from home and abroad

You are here as promised, friends we welcome you

I grow green plant at home to show you all the legends in the past

I want to plant in the soil to make you good memories

Friends and strangers, you are all my guests, and please be at home

No matter how many times we meet, there are still a lot to talk about

Welcome to Beijing, we will show you a brand new place

The charm of Beijing is full of life

Welcome come to Beijing, let's breath together in the sunshine

We want to make new record on this yellow soil

I always keep my doors open, to welcome the world

The old ages is smiling like youth, to welcome that day

We are all friends, please make yourself at home

With all the smiles, I am here waiting for you

Welcome to Beijing, May my music touch you

Let's working hard and try to go beyond ourselves

Welcome to Beijing, it's great to be able to have dream

Just be brave and there will be a miracle

...(Read more)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Earthlings

EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Real Perspective on the Solar System - With Music




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Sunday, June 22, 2008

HAARP: THE ULTIMATE WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION



The son of a Canadian diplomat, Benjamin Fulford rebelled against his upbringing and at the age of 17 made his way by boat into the heart of the Amazon to live with a tribe of former cannibals. Continuing to seek answers and better understand Western society, he spent time in a self-sufficient community in Argentina before heading to attend university in Japan.

Principled, brave, and still a diehard idealist after all these years, he resigned as Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief of Forbes Magazine after investigating a scandal which the editor refused to report. As he researched global affairs further in his own time, he uncovered for himself the complex web which is global financial control at the hands of the Rockefellers and the Rothschilds - and also the existence of racially targeted bioweapons such as SARS.

It was these plans for global depopulation that upset some important and powerful factions in Japan, Taiwan and China. After being approached by a real-life, present-day Ninja, matters came to a head in 2007 when Benjamin became the first Westerner for 500 years to be admitted into the ranks of the Eastern Secret Societies, a vast group with six million members. Acting as their spokesman, he stepped up to the plate to deliver a simple message to the Illuminati:

Recognize that your time is over, step down without a fight, and allow the world to thrive as it should - or face the consequences from up to 100,000 professional assassins for whom no love is lost towards the self-styled ruling elite of the planet.

...(Read more)

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