Sunday, May 17, 2009

It used to be fun

Psychology used to be fun to be learned. Learning about all the theories of human behavior, cognition and emotions. Great psychologist (although some might not be so ethical) such as Freud, Jung, Erickson, Bandura, Skinner, Pavlov, etc. are so interesting. Theories like social identity theory, cognitive dissonance, balance theory, conditioning are great as learning materials.

Where have all the fun go? This semester's subject seem so dry and boring. Even biopsych is more interesting. Contemplating on whether I should take a different subject (which i hope is more interesting). Let's hope it is.

God Bless~

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

What d'ya say?

So R.AGE got a bunch of adults to ask questions and i think it's pretty fun to answer. So below are the questions and my answers

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister
How would you like to see Malaysia in the future?
A: I would like to have a peaceful Malaysia and I hope that Malaysians can all stand united irrespective of race or religion. This can only start when everyone is treated equally and there is no favoritism towards a certain group of people

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, Transport Minister and MCA President
Q: What do you understand by "youth empowerment"?
A: The phrase to me means that youths need to be more equipped with knowledge and skills so that they can take on the ever changing world.

Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister
Q: What can you contribute to the country in this time of economy crisis?
A: I really don't know. Buy more Malaysian made things and rely less on overseas' products? Either way, I don't really spend money, so I don't know what I can do

Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Women, Family and Community Development Minister
Q: Are you ready for gender equality?
A: I don't think there will be a day where total gender equality exist. Of course, we should respect all individuals irrespective of gender and if there is a time when total gender equality exist, I hope I would be ready for it.

Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, CEO Air Asia
Q: What will it take for you as the youth to think 'Malaysian' first and Chinese/Malay/Indian next?
A: When there is total fairness and unity in the country.

Khairy Jamaluddin, Umno Youth Chief
Q: When you look into the mirror, do you see a member of an ethnic group (Malay, Chinese, Indian etc) or do you see a Malaysian?
A: Definitely an ethnic group. I am proud of my ethnic group's history and proud to be one.

CW Kee, Cartoonist - Kee's World
Q: What drives you crazy?
A: What drives me crazy? Oh quite a lot of things.. Malaysia's polar opposite weather (either super hot or constant rain), traffic jam, inefficient public transport, and if I am unable to play volleyball

Anas Zubedy, Managing Director Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd
Q: What do you think about yourself?
A: I have a good self concept, I think :)

Ivy Josiah, Executive Director, Women's Aid Organisation
Q: How can we educate men to stop committing violence against women?
A: Ohh.. tough question. I think most violence incidence stems from early life exposure by observing their parents or close ones doing it. Therefore, if we are aiming at curbing violence against women, then we should start from young onwards. A two generation (e.g. father and son) family intervention should be created and carried out. A research of course, should be carried out to determine what causes men to be violent against women.

Jit Murad, Playwright and Actor
Q: What things about us seem unfair to you?
A: Life is unfair. It's just about how much you would strive to achieve what you want eventhough life is unfair. To me, I think my height is a little unfair to me. I wish I could be a little bit taller XD

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Writer/activist
Q: What do you really think of your parents (and no need to be politically correct and only say nice things!)?
A: My parents are great people and they go to great lengths to make my life more comfortable. Really really great dad I have.

Shebby Singh, Football commentator/pundit
Q: There are many things that can motivate us, but that is different from what our own motivation is. What is your motivation, and why?
A: My own motivation? To be a better man? Why? Maybe so that I can go to heaven? I also would get satisfied if I somehow manage to help people. hahahaha

Zainal Abidin, Singer
Q: What is the definition of an artiste?
A: Person who can bring joy to the world, or at least some people of the world

Lee Khai Loon, Secretariat Member of Youth for Change (Y4C)
Q: What will make politics more interesting to you?
A: Politics in Malaysia is already very interesting as it is. It would be good (not neccessarily more interesting) if the opposition and government would have the same standpoint in some matters so that Malaysia can move forward, and not just stay stagnant because of constant arguments.

Anita Sarawak, Entertainer
Q: How important is national pride to you?
A: Right now, not really important.

Dr. Irene Fernandez, Tenaganita Director
Q: If you were elected into power, what three immediate changes would you make?
A: Another tough question.
1. Ensure excellent public transport (which will take care of the inefficient public transport and traffic jams above)
2. Break down all unfair treatment. People should be evaluated based on their performance, not any other demographics.
3. Ensure bare neccesities to all Malaysians (it might be a shock but some people don't even have electricity and/or access to clean waters)

Datuk Misbun Sidek, National badminton coach
Q: What does it take to become a champion?
A: Definitely hard work, and I would say a little talent if not a lot.

Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood, MERCY Malaysia President
Q: How important is it to you to put aside time for voluntary work in the community, whether locally or globally?
A: On a scale of 1 till 7 where 1 is not important at all and 7 is very important, I would score 2.5

Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister
Q: If you were the Penang Chief Minister, what is the one policy action you would take to the people?
A: No idea.

Dr Adeeba Kamaruzzaman, Malaysian AIDS Council President
Q: If there's one thing you would change about school, what would it be?
A: Less exam oriented

Youssouf Oomar, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei
Q: How do you perceive your role and responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia and the world?
A: As a citizen of Malaysia, I hope I can lend a helping hand to those in need. That is why I would study hard to achieve my goal.

J. Anu, Artist
Q: What are you reading?
A: Currently, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Datuk Yasmin Yusuff, Artiste
Q: Do you believe only the young can speak to the young?
A: No, I believe that the old can speak to the young too.

JJ, Hitz FM Radio Announcer
Q: We had games like Chopping, Kunda Kundi, Catching, Five Stone, Galah Panjang, Police and Thief and many more. What games bring you out of the house?
A: I play volleyball. Does that count?

Michael Wong (Guang Liang), Singer-songwriter
Q: How will your lives be different if music ceased to exist?
A: Live would be very dull without music as music is a form of expression. If music ceased to exist, I will sing. XD

Zang Toi, Fashion Designer
Q: What fresh new ideas do the young generation have to help solve global economy crisis and world peace ?
A: I really don't know.

Francesca Peters, Singer
Q: Is there more to you than money, money, money, the rat race, finding a rich partner and "scoring"?
A: Yes. Living life meaningfully, help other people, and play volleyball :)

Jo Kukathas, Theatre actor and director
Q: When you close your eyes and see yourself, what do you dream you are and what do you dream you can become?
A: I dream that I will become a counseling psychologist (maybe lecturing at the same time) and also a part time volleyball coach (maybe a player at the same time).

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Former De Facto Law Minister
Q: Do you care who your leaders are?
A: I do. I would want a person who is capable of holding and executing their roles.

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Immediate past president of the Malaysian Bar
Q: Do you feel disconnected from the politics of Malaysia and in this regard how much do you value your right to vote?
A: I am now still not eligible to vote but even if I have the power to vote, I still would feel disconnected. Might be because politicians are always talking and not doing. Jumping boats from one party to another. Not doing enough for the people. Tell me, what's the basis of voting again?

Khalid Samad, Shah Alam MP
Q: What are the characteristics of good governance and what is your role in ensuring that these characteristics are truly embodied by the government of the day?
A: Characteristics of good governance. Execute what you plan and enforce it consistently. More often than not, Malaysia always have an act or certain policy but it is the lack of enforcement that is the problem. What use is the policy then? Another characteristic would be always place the people first. My role would be to follow the rules properly.

Camelia, Singer
Q: What do you think is a good age for a young person to leave home?
A: 21, and that is if they are earning themselves.

Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, President Limkowing University of Creative Technology Q: Do you feel that creativity (or freedom to express oneself creatively) is sufficiently encouraged in this country?
A: I don't think so. We are always told what to do, or rather what we SHOULD do. School exams are always based on answer script and any deviation would be deemed wrong.

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, Principal Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Q: If, as a young person, you are able to lead this nation, how will you seek to build a Malaysia where there is greater consciousness of being Malaysians first?
A: Fight for the people and serve them as one, rather than for certain subsets.

Patrick Teoh, Actor
Q: Why are so many young Malaysians apparently so apolitical?
A: Because they don't see that being involve would have made any difference.

Winnie Loo, Hairstylist
Q: You all are so blessed with everything lay on your table whether is technology, transportation and even communications, but what do you see yourself 10 years from now? Can the world be a better place with your new generation knowledge?
A: Honestly speaking, the way I see it, technology is making people lazier. That is why I exercise so that I am in good health. 10 years from now, the world will definitely change, but I won't be too sure if it's for the better or worse (let's hope it's not the latter).

Yasmin Ahmad, Film director
Q: What is the best thing about being in a multi-racial country?
A: Undoubtedly many people will answer food. And I would agree with that. But besides that, it's the simple fact that we don't see the same skin colour everywhere. You can put it that it's colourful :D

Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, Historian
Q: Do you think lecturers in a university should learn to be more effective teachers?
A: All educators, including lecturers and school teachers should learn to be more effective in transmitting their knowledge. A good educator can make a dry subject interesting but a bad educator can make a really interesting subject boring.

Jeff Ooi, Jelutong MP
Q: How would you like to see Malaysia become in 10 years time?
A: Better governance. This would make all the differences and I believe a lot of our problems would be solved if we have better governance.

Hishamuddin Rais, Writer
Q: Should the young know who is Tun Sri Lanang, A.Samad Ismail, Usman Awang, Victor Hugo, Tagore, Lu Xun or Tolstoy?
A: They should.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Transparency International Malaysia president
Q: Do you feel that you have got a good deal as a Malaysian citizen?
A: I think I do. Should be thankful that Malaysia is progressing at such fast pace.

Aznil Hj. Nawawi, TV personality
Q: How can we become a developed nation without sacrificing our local and traditional values?
A: To be a developed nation, one must be open to opinions and feedback. We need not sacrifice our values, but at the same time, being dogmatic about our values will do us no good. The point is to find common grounds where we can accept ideas, without sacrificing our values.

Ujang, Cartoonist
Q: Apakah yang anda fahami tentang pentingnya mencintai sungai dan alam semulajadi?
A: Pada saya, mencintai sungai dan alam semulajadi bermaksud tidak mencemari alam sekitar. Kita tidak seharusnya membuang sampah merata-rata dan kita perlu berjimat, berjimat dengan perbelanjaan dan kegunaan seharian. Apabila kita berjimat, maka akan berkuranglah permintaan dan apabila permintaan berkurangan, penghasilan juga akan berkurangan. Dengan ini, pencemaran juga akan berkurangan.

Azean Irdawaty, Actress
Q: What does being grateful to your country mean to you?
A: It means that I will make the country better by giving back to it

Datuk Faridah Merican, Executive Producer KLPAC
Q: What is the most important thing about being a young Malaysian?
A: To live my life to the fullest

Eddin Khoo, Writer and traditional arts activist
Q: What do you think you are all about, really?
A: Very deep question. I think I am a person who is here for a purpose and that is to make this world a better place for some people if not many.

I think this would be my longest post so far.

God Bless~