Obama's visit to Malaysia

I could personally share something on his visit to Malaysia, as I was stuck in the trafic due to road block at Kampung Baru and withess both his cars pass by in front of me with dozens of police escorts.

Next, he stayed at Ritz Carlton and hotels nearby it were in tight security and I had to be checked by dogs and bomb squads by the secret agents and USA security. For a while I felt as if I was visiting OBAMA.

Though it was a short trip for him, he maximized it, by visiting the ASEAN students forum, MAGIC exhibition, signing of 3 MOU worth USD2bil and of course having dinner with King and Prime Minister.

The good thing I liked was his speech to the students at UM where his message was not to marginalised anyone, especially living in Muslim countries.

Of course Anwar Ibrahim too wants to meet him, but it would not be appropriate for him to meet Anwar as Obama is on official trip. Nevertheless, I suspect Obama's officers or party member would have meet Anwar and his team separately.

Anyway, looks like it will take another 30 years for next USA president to visit Malaysia.

Obama came to Malaysia and still supported USA product

Even when Obama comes to Malaysia, he still favored his home country's product. The CALTEX station which happen to be located opposite USA embassy had the attendance of "The Beast" or more known as The Cadillac One. The car was specially brought/flown from USA for the transportation of Obama.

It's a disgrace for both Government owned and UMNO owned Petronas and Petron or even BhP not to get a chance to be fueled by these cars.

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13 Things to Remember When Life Gets Rough

1. What is, is.

Buddha’s famous saying tells us: “It is your resistance to ‘what is’ that causes your suffering.” Think about that for a minute. It means that our suffering only occurs when we resist how things are. If you can change something, then take action! Change it! But if you can’t change it, then you have two choices: (1) either accept it and let go of the negativity, or (2) make yourself miserable by obsessing over it.

2. It’s only a problem if you think it’s a problem.

Many times, we are our own worst enemy. Happiness is really dependent on perspective. If you think something is a problem, then your thoughts and emotions will be negative. But if you think it’s something you can learn from, then suddenly, it’s not a problem anymore.

3. If you want things to change, you need to start with changing yourself.

Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. Don’t you know people whose lives are chaotic and stressful? And isn’t that largely because they feel chaotic inside? Yes, it is. We like to think that changing our circumstances will change us. But we have it backwards—we need to change ourselves first before our circumstances will change.

4. There is no such thing as failure—only learning opportunities.

You should just wipe the word “failure” right out of your vocabulary. All great people who have ever achieved anything have “failed” over and over. In fact, I think it was Thomas Edison who said something like, “I did not fail at inventing the light bulb, I just first found 99 ways that it didn’t work.” Take your so-called “failures” and learn something from them. Learn how to do it better next time.

5. If you don’t get something you want, it just means something better is coming.

That’s hard to believe sometimes, I know. But it’s true. Usually, when you look back at your life, you will be able to see why it was actually a good thing that something didn’t work out. Maybe the job you didn’t get would have made you spend more time away from your family, but the job you did get was more flexible. Just have faith that everything happens exactly the way it’s supposed to.

6. Appreciate the present moment.

This moment will never come again. And there is always something precious about every moment. So don’t let it pass you by! Soon it will just be a memory. Even moments that don’t seem happy can be looked upon as something that you might miss someday. As the country song by Trace Adkins says, “You’re gonna miss this…you’re gonna want this back. You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast….you may not know this now, but you’re gonna miss this…”

7. Let go of desire.

Most people live with “attached mind.” What this means is that they attach themselves to a desire, and when they don’t get it, their emotions plummet into negativity. Instead, try to practice “detached mind.” That means that when you want something, you will still be happy whether you get it or not. Your emotions remain happy or neutral.

8. Understand and be grateful for your fears.

Fear can be a great teacher. And overcoming fears can also make you feel victorious. For example, when I was in college, I feared public speaking (one of the top 3 fears of all humans). So I find it humorous now that not only do I speak in front of a group every day by being a college professor, I also teach public speaking! Overcoming fears just takes practice. Fear is really just an illusion. It’s optional.

9. Allow yourself to experience joy.

Believe it or not, I know way too many people who don’t allow themselves to have fun. And they don’t even know how to be happy. Some people are actually addicted to their problems and the chaos in them so much that they wouldn’t even know who they are without them. So try to allow yourself to be happy! Even if it’s just for a small moment, it’s important to focus on joy, not your hardships.

10. Don’t compare yourself to other people.

But if you do compare yourself, compare yourself with people who have it worse than you. Unemployed? Be grateful that you live in a country that gives unemployment compensation, because most people in the world live on less that $750 a year. So you don’t look like Angelina Jolie? Well, I bet there are more people who don’t than do. And you are probably way better looking than most people. Focus on that.

11. You are not a victim.

You need to get out of your own way. You are only a “victim” of your own thoughts, words and actions. No one “does” something to you. You are the creator of your own experience. Take personal responsibility and realize that you can get out of your hard times. You just need to start with changing your thoughts and actions. Abandon your victim mentality and become victorious. From victim to VICTOR!

12. Things can—and do—change.

“And this too shall pass” is one of my favorite sayings. When we are stuck in a bad situation, we think that there is no way out. We think nothing will ever change. But guess what? It will! Nothing is permanent except death. So get out of the habit of thinking that things will always be this way. They won’t. But you do need to take some sort of action for things to change. It won’t magically happen all on its own.

13. Anything is possible.

Miracles happen every day. Really—they do. I wish I had enough space to write about all the miraculous things that have happened to people I know—from healing stage 4 cancer naturally to having their soul mate appear out of nowhere. Trust me: it happens all the time. You just need to believe it does. Once you do, you have won the battle.

by Carol Morgan

Division B International Speech contest - 19 April

I have won this contest in 2011, but this year, I want to make it a point to win it for various reasons. Even before the area contest some members already came and gave me challenges, thus, it's time to prove my ability. Few days before the Division contest, I was told there are other tough contestants whom are able to win the title but they never bother to tell that I too have a chance.

With all this negative influencers, I wanted to win the title, or atleast go and share my story and inspire the audience.

My challengers were not to be estimated. They were also had their own strengths as they too were coached by senior and seasoned members. I was the contestant number 6. The disadvantage is, it builds up pressure as you are the final contestant and you have witnessed 5 other speakers before you.  As it happened to me during the last humorous speech, this round I ensured I'm not distracted by all these this round.

After this negative distractions, just a week before the contest, I got fever, followed by sore throat, running nose and dhirea. I was just wondering, why all this is happening to me now. Only 3 things I had was, believe in myself and believe in god and blessing from my loved ones.

When I started of my speech, I had laughter and it pumped up my speech which I had the gusto till the end. Even when I asked question, some people whom I know don't even bother to put up their hands. Probably they just came to sabotage me and don't even laugh at jokes.

I ended my speech when the red light was switched on, so I was confident of at least 3rd placing was on my hand.

When the drum roles beginned, the 3rd place went to Michelle Fernandez, then 2nd place...to Johan Ooi. Now it's down to the title. I was thinking if Simon Soh would get it. When the name was announced, it was S.MEYYAPPA MANICKAM. (the contest chair was strugling anyway, but people knew it was me.)

What a great feelings. Received the winner trophy and challenge trophy from Albert (Division Governor) and Sue Ding (past Division governor).

Now I'm geared up for the District Contest where I will be up against 9 other contestants from all over Peninsular Malaysia.

Whatever it is, it's my personal achievement for the term where I got podium for all the 4 contest at Division level.  

Division C Table Topics Contest - 12 April

It's my first time taking part in Division C contest. The previous round was taking part in area C1 in 2005 for humorous speech and thereafter the division broke to Division B.

Thus, I thought of testing the water in a different territory. There were 5 of us contesting. It's also 2nd time for me to take part in Division Table Topics contest.

As the drawing went , I was the Contestant 1. The good thing is you get to listen to all other contestants. Arthur Lai whom was the contest chair came with topic of " Money Talks".

When I was expecting for some motivational or life quotes, there comes something unexpected. Nevertheless, I sailed through the topic, but I knew it wasn't my best.

The next contestant was Aruna and she used Maslow Hierarchy and manage to conclude it strongly.

When the results was announced, there were no time disqualification. That made me to be satisfied, atleast I'm not out of time. Then, the 3rd place was announced and it was Bruce Chan of MIMPJ whom is quite seasoned in TM. Then 2nd place, and it was my name....As, expected 1st place went to Aruna of Sunway TMC.

Anyway, I was happy to finish podium at the division contest. It's also a history for me that I won the Area contest for the 1st time too for table topics. That completed my grand slam for area contest titles.

Thank you for Kelana Bilingual TMC for giving me the chance to represent the club.   

Moyes is sacked

Finaly Moyes has been given the red card permanently by the MU management. After 316 days managing one of the prominent club in the world, he could only manage to win charity shield but made poor performance by finishing the team to lowly of 7th place, exit in quarters of champions league, 3rd round in FA cup and semifinals in league cup.

His signing of fellani and mata could only for little for the team.

Ryan giggs will be thre caretaker for the next 4 matches.

Holland coach Louis van gall and Jourgen Kloop of borusia dortmund has been speculated to be the next boss.

Whatever, i hope Manchester United will be a team to be feared off next season.

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RIP Tiger of Jelutong

Tuesday Humor

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empty vessel

If you want to attack me, just come face to face. Why being so coward by misusing your power to attack me. Do you all feel stupid. Furthermore, just because your body size is big, doesnt mean your brain or heart is big. It ust provves your egoism and stupidity is big.

Your skirt or hair could be short, but that also shows your feelings for others are also short and you are basically short sighted. If you believe in karma, the bad things you do will come back to you in a tough way. Whereas if you have helped people without return, it will also return when you are being challenged.

End of the day it just says you are damn nut because empty vessel makes more sound.

Tuesday Humor

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KCK Run - 6 April 2014

I'm running here after 3 years of absence. As I'm regaining my fitness, it was good to test my fitness level for 7km.

As I reached there, I parked near to starting point, so it was easy for me to go back from the place. The race started on time. Initially I was wearing specks which means normally I slow down my run. But in this case, it was an experiment to run fast with specks, although a lot of runner do run with their specks on.

I was following the front pack (which means I'm basically in top 30). Starting from 3rd row, gave me advantage of starting fast. I was running around 200M distance with the race leader. After 1.5km, I slowed down and followed the the front pack.

We were pacing each other to maintain the pace. There was water station at 2km, which I grabbed 2 cups but only drank a bit.

The route was flat, except for 1 flyover, which made me to slow but manage to catch up after the downhill. After the downhill, I was reaching the Setia City mall, so I thought the race is going to end. But if the race is ending, it will be under distance. Then I realised, they turned us to go further from the end point and made a u-turn.

Taking u-turn is always not my cup of cake, as you could see who is ahead of you and how far you are behind them. Anyway, I saw Jeyakumar leading the race, followed by Casey and Jothpal. So that could be 1km away from them and finishing lane.

I didnt allow anyone to overtake me at that stretch, but I manage to close the gap with runner in front of me. Aster the U-Turn, it's only 500M away from finishing line, so i pushed myself and overtake 3 runners in front of me.

As I reached the finishing line, my timing was 30:39.

Imbalanced Trial

When a accusation took place, it should be thoroughly investigated and heard from both side before coming to a decision. When a decision was abruptly made, just because a group of them doesn't like you personally (not professionally), this promotes to more chaotic situation.

Of course if the so called accused, just give the ruling group a chance and feels pity on their immature behavior. In addition, they didn't prove anything rather than merely their power crazy and listening to another immature leader or not even leader, a sore looser.

When it comes to corporate organisation, the management team should be respected. Any major decision should be consulted with them, rather than taking your own decision. You yourself has 108 task to do right from family, resident association, studies, work, business etc. Then why take up another position and screw it up.

If you say harassment by looking, then why wear sleeveless and tight dress including short skirt. Just wear "tudung labuh" like the middle east ladies.

Should you know only how to hold some electronic gadgets, then just focus on that, no need to take up leadership and give lame excuses.

I can always talk back and even in vulgar words, but whats the different between you and me then. If you people wants more innocent people and respected people to be accused, just join our barisan nasional and just screw up the country and you will be called big screw driver.

What a shame you all are there just for the sake of free dinner. 

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Tuesday Humor

10 Key Competencies of Finance Professional

based on survey of 500 CFO (extracted from ACCA Malaysia Magazine, March 2014)

1. Professionalism & Ethics
2.  Governance, Risk & Control
3. Stakeholder relationship management
4. Strategy & Innovation
5. Leadership & Mnaagement
6. Corporate reporting
7. Sustainable Management Accounting
8. Financial Management
9. Audit & Assurance
10. Taxation

6 of 10 are soft skills.