I was introduced to this video by a friend. The video is very well put together with interesting shots and plot points. However, I am not here to critique the film, the purpose of this post is for me to share what I think about this video.

This video shows an alternate future in which men are oppressed like women are nowadays. It shows a society in which feminism triumphs over masculinity. Misogynists would normally retort that this is a reason for feminism to be stopped. They miss the point of the video.

The point of this video is to show that this is the truth, the reality, this is what women have to go through everyday. They are seen as an accessory, an object.

However, this is what I gather from the video. No matter what gender we are, we would still find a way to assign roles and oppress the other. It is ingrained for us to strive for dominance over each other. Instead, we should abolish the roles and abolish gender. We should instead strive for equality instead of dominance in any way.

When we come down to it, when you look at someone, you shouldn't see that they are male, female, white, black, gay, straight. Instead, everyone should understand one thing. We are human.

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When we think of anyone famous who has made a positive or negative impact on society, they would have made speeches at one point in their career. Whether it is Chairman Mao, Hillary Clinton, Adolf Hitler, J.K. Rowling, they all have been trying to persuade people to do something, whether it is to follow their (often demented) ideology or even to buy their books. And normally, they do succeed. Why don't we do the same? It is very simple.

Writing speeches or persuasive writing has a very simple structure. Purpose, Audience and Format or PAF for short.

We must first realise what is our purpose for writing the speech, why are we giving the speech, is it to promote something or to demote something, to put forward an ideology or to shut down an opposing or contradicting ideology, to persuade someone to buy into what we are selling or to make people not buy what others are selling. Next, audience plays a key role in writing. We must decide who we are writing for, we cannot simply write a jack-of-all-trades speech as it would be to generalized. Hence, we need to focus on a particular audience for the anticipated response. For example, if we are writing a speech on the political aspects of the Weimar Republic in Germany and its ineffectiveness, we wouldn't write it in a way that we would speak to small children but instead, we will make it into something intelligent for intellectual minds to comprehend. Format is also very important in any form of persuasive writing as there are different ways of writing the same message for it to be perceived differently. A great example of this is that if we are writing a speech, we would use a different format than a persuasive letter to a figure of authority.

Next, let us go into deeper detail of writing a speech. A speech that is carelessly written will not persuade anyone. There are various techniques applicable to ensure a successful speech. These techniques can be remembered as A FOREST. Let us dissect this acronym.

A - Alliteration - This is repetitions of various letters or sounds to put emphasis on specific parts of a text to initiate an emotional response by the reader or listener.

   - Anecdote - A story or introduction of a quote will intrigue the reader/listener as it would have both more substance and more enjoyability.

F - Fact - Facts are a necessity in writing a speech or any form of persuasive writing as concrete facts show that our speech has substance and is more impressive to the reader or listener.

O - Opinion (Expert) - Expert opinion by famous writers or scientists will support the persuasion that we wish to convey as people are more willing to trust an established author/philosopher/scientist than us as we are really nothing in comparison.

R - Repetition - Repetition of words can be used to reinforce the purpose of our piece of writing as this prevents a monotonous flow of words. However, constant unnecessary repetition can lead to our downfall as the repetition itself becomes monotonous, bland and uninteresting.

   - Rhetorical Question - This technique is a common staple in speeches as it is very important as we are including the audience as part of our speech. A bond between the spokesperson and the audience is an absolute necessity to ensure persuasion. When we ask a rhetorical question, we are questioning not only the audience but ourselves too as we may or may not know the answer sometimes. Hence, using rhetorical questions, we are able to voice out our doubts or questions without having to find an answer as the readers would reflect upon themselves to find the answer to our questions.

E - Emotive Language - Strong words are an absolute necessity in persuasive writing as we are persuading someone to follow something we wish to put forth. We cannot use words that will say the message without persuading as we will be failing on our purpose, we want to be able to write something that will persuade people through the language itself. The usage of words can change the audience's perception of the speech.

S - Statistics - This technique is held hand in hand with the "Facts" part mentioned earlier as its purpose is roughly the same but it is to add some numbers to our story. People like numbers.

T - Tripling/ Power of Three - This method is very commonly used to emphasise a point that needs to be addressed with utmost importance. The usage of tripling is best used when we wish to convey our original message/ purpose. If we use tripling unnecessarily we will be degrading the importance of our main point.

In conclusion, A FOREST and PAF will be able to lead us into literary success upon writing a speech or persuasive writing of any sort. However, we need to understand that although these are the basis for persuasive writing, it does not mean that we have to blindly obey these rules. Some may practically apply the rules differently or use their own set of rules but this is at least the basic guidelines for a great speech. To put in an analogy, our speech is a tree, these rules are the roots, our branches may reach far and wide but deep down, this is where it begins.

"As Aristotle said, "In making a speech one must study three points: first, the means of producing persuasion; second, the language; third the proper arrangement of the various parts of the speech."

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Recently, I have got a part-time job with Comics Mart in Midvalley Megamall so I have something to do during the holidays. The job wasn't exactly high-paying but it was a job that I wanted to do and I enjoyed doing it. I started around mid-november and I had my last day today as I am going to go to Penang for the Christmas holidays.

Working at a comic and board game stall, this one, I have learned a lot of things, I have observed many things.

Firstly, I learned a bit about writing and people's preferences when it comes to comics. People like comics that have a relatable character. Nowadays, people do not wish to look for a story that has a god-like or omnipotent character that has no flaws. No. People want dark, gritty and realistic stories. Hence why Batman is currently more popular than Superman.

I ask some of the customers I deal with regarding their favourite heroes sometimes and when I ask about Superman, he isn't that popular due to him being too much of a boy scout and being too powerful.

Next, I learned how to communicate better. Normally, I do not socialize well with people because I am actually quite shy. Ever since I was young, if I were to come in contact with other humanoids, I will hide behind my mother and observe until I decide I am ready to talk. However, after I got this job, I learned to speak clearer and I got to talk a lot trying to convince people to purchase things and sometimes, some people just needed someone to talk to, even though they weren't buying much (Though I have to admit sometimes it was a waste of time).

Also, I have been able to feel the glorious taste of success. When I sell something and the money temporarily goes into my hands before going into the register, it feels wonderful because I have managed to sell something and helped someone make some money. I just can't put my finger on it but it just feels great.

Furthermore, I learned to ask for help when I need it. For example, if a task is too hard (Which rarely happened) or I was clueless as to what to do, I would simply ask.

Also, I have to really idolize my boss, Khai Hoong. He is extremely kind and very friendly. He keeps his customers close and his staff closer. We are not his workers but instead we are like a family. For example, for his future renovations, he asked me how things should be changes. No one asks me for my opinion. This sort of thing makes me feel included in the future for this shop while giving the information that he wants. It is a win-win situation. He gets the information he needs and I get the good feeling.

Furthermore, I have to admire his dedication for his shop. Whether sick or not, rain or shine, he will come and ensure the safety and fluidity of the shop. This shows that he is extremely dedicated in his shop.

He is extremely admirable and I would be like should I be an owner of a small enterprise in the future.

Also, my co-workers, Anthony, Fahimi, Daryl and Nurul, were very fun. I really like working with them because they make you feel like you are in a big family and we can laugh together and play games together. It was a wonderful experience. Especially playing Magic with some of them.

Comics Mart is a very cool shop if you are a fan of boardgames, comics and Magic: The Gathering (Which is my favourite game of all time by the way). The prices are relatively cheap in comparison with other stores around Malaysia and the games are very unique because they are not the mainstream games like Monopoly.

I really want to work with them again someday :D

I am thinking of doing reviews of the games on youtube if I have the time.

I guess that is all I have to say, so bye and Merry Christmas.

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Earlier at school, my class watched a Chinese TV series called Dangerous Mind. Although it sounds like a "Criminal Minds" Chinese knock-off, it is a show that actually had a lot of substance and allowed me to think rather deeply.

The main theme of the show is that education is not determined by a certificate, exams or just good grades. People should not go to school just to get a piece of paper that tells you that you are an excellent student because that does not make you a great student. What makes a good student is the will to learn.

Another theme in the series is how one person can influence another and how influence can be a dangerous thing. This is completely true as most revolutions were started by the thoughts of one man, then those thoughts are spread quicker than Ebola.

I thought that the main theme is very applicable, especially in schools like mine. Teachers NEVER teach so that the students can learn and benefit from the teachings. The teachers just tell us which questions will probably be coming out in the exam and where to memorize the answer. Emphasis on memorize.

Furthermore, if you were to overhear the students in my school around the school year, they never ask, "What have you learned?". Instead, they ask, "What have you memorized?" This is very bad. Especially since after the exam, everything that was "memorized" does not remain in the head. They are temporarily stored until the end of the exam when they are dumped.

Thus, all students are just blindly memorizing. Sure, it will improve their memory but it does not teach them anything. This completely defeats the purpose of an education.

So, how can we fix this? Make classes more experiential instead of just reading from a book and copying textbooks. Instead of writing down how a scientific experiment works, do it! Instead of sitting down and read about the Islamic influence on our country's history, bring us to museums and teach us with the actual artifacts. Not only our memory of the topic will improve but we will also learn. Everything learned via an experiential method will be imprinted deeply in your mind, especially if the teacher makes it interesting for the students.

Let's take this theory into test with a normal situation. John went to the cinema 2 weeks ago, he still remembers it today because he enjoyed it and experienced it. But John also copied a page of text a week ago, he has no idea what he wrote about, because there was no experience, he was blindly copying.

In conclusion, if a student wants to have a good education, the student should not just be educated for the grades but the student should actually learn and imprint the knowledge in their minds. How? By experiencing the topic of study firsthand.

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When we are born, we are naked. When we die, we are naked. When I say we are naked when we die, I am not referring to our clothes, I am referring to whatever we have strived to achieve in life.

When we are born, we start fresh and anew, we have no gains, no accomplishments, nothing in this life. We are just a baby fresh out a womb, soon to be taught the harshness of life.

After birth, we are taught basic knowledge to survive before going to more advance knowledge, ie School. We study for about 12 years and then we work, we go through a lot of suffering before we end up dropping dead.  Then, it continues on in our future lives. It is a vicious cycle. A cycle of birth and death.

However, there is a way out of this cycle, Enlightenment. Freedom from suffering and attachments. Eternal bliss fueled by compassion. Enlightenment, of course, is no easy feat. Thus, this is the goal we must strive to attain, not wealth or material gains. Those are all lost at the point of death.

When I say that we die naked, everything we once known to care for and treasure, our wealth is all stripped off us, except for one thing - our mind. Our mind remains with us even after death and our karma and merits follow suit.

Karma is like a shadow. You can't easily get rid of it. So, we must be detached from all material attachments and focus on clearing our negative karma and gain merits. This can be done by practising the Dharma and practising compassion (If you are not religious).

In conclusion, if you do not wish to die a meaningless life, put some meaning into your life through having unconditional care for others. Everything you would work hard for in this life is impermanent, it does not really exist. They are merely illusions. Your Buddha nature is the true nature of your mind. The naked body is your mind and in that body there is a Buddha.

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Hello my fellow readers, here is a treasure trove of cute videos on my youtube channel.




The kitten in the video was called Mini and is now called Tara. She was taken care of by my household until she was adopted into a loving family.




This cat is Mani. I tried to see whether she would do anything cute for the video but she failed to impress me, hence the title.




This doggy is Yogi  (Mumu). He is H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's miniature schnauzer. Mumu is a very lovely and friendly dog. I like him a lot.




What happens when you mix a very butch dog and a very lazy one to play tug-of-war? This.




This very random thing happened to me at 6 in the morning. I could not resist sharing it.

 

Brush is super cute. I really like her. She is the first cat I ever got and she has been with me for the longest time.

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Recently, I have been re-introduced to Magic: The Gathering. I was introduced to the game early in the year. Then, I stopped playing for a bit due to there being no one to play with. I was re-introduced to it again about a week ago by a very close friend of mine who also gave me some of his spare cards.

What is Magic: The Gathering? You ask? Well, each game represents a battle between mighty wizards, known as "planeswalkers", who employ spells, items, and creatures depicted on individual Magic cards to defeat their opponents. Although the original concept of the game drew heavily from the motifs of traditional fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, the gameplay of Magic bears little similarity to pencil-and-paper adventure games, while having substantially more cards and more complex rules than many other card games.

The game is a fusion of both luck and skill. Luck in the sense that you have to draw the right cards or even be lucky when you buy booster packs. Skill in the sense that you need to be very analytical of your cards to ensure that they are played at their best.

Furthermore, Magic The Gathering is a rather cost-efficient game in comparison to other card games like Pokemon. Here is the comparison:

MAGIC THE GATHERING THEROS BOOSTERS (15 cards) - RM12
POKEMON TCG PLASMA FREEZE BOOSTERS   (10 cards) - RM 10

Furthermore, MTG has a larger fanbase than other card games. The age range for MTG is not all children but rather mostly adults.

Also, MTG improves decision making skills and social skills due to interaction with other players while playing.

I hope that one day, I will be able to master the game and go for tournaments. It will be very fun.

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