Learder and follower

Yesterday, I had a great Saturday which was a meaningful day. I have joined an activity from BLIA to celebrated Wesak day. This activity's duration is 30 and 31 may, 2 days. But, I only joined them for one day because tomorrow I have an early class. It's a pity. this activities had been separated into many different group and as usual, every year, started from secondary school, I am under a same group. My duty is invite important person which included VIP, Taoist priest, sponsors up to stage to give their speech and also confer them the gift to thanks them before begin the ceremony.

My group have 6 persons, 4 female and 2 male. We have to gather at noon to comprehend our duty and also prepared well the gift. After knew each other, we started communicate. It's fun to knowing each other. Of course, every group have a leader to conduct the group members. After the leader had explained everything, they have no question at all, so I thought that every of us understand and know what to do. But when the activity has began, 3 of my group members doesn't clear what their duty, thus, everything goes wrong... some invited wrong person, some do not invited. And when we confer the give, some have get the gift and some do not. Terrible...

Of course, the leader get angry and condemned us...hai~~At that time, I realized that the important of efficiency communication and also listener's attitude, leader have to know that everyone of us have different comprehension about what he/she said. Eventually, listener have to ask question if they do not understand and do not pseudo, pretend know. I wish that they will do well in this night. And also hope they will not repeat the same mistake again.

If You Seek Amy by Britney Spears

Three days ago (Thursday), a bunch of college friends and I went to Mid valley's Golden Screen Cinemas to watch Terminator Salvation. At first, we intended to catch the 3.00pm show but as it was the first day of screening, it was fully booked, so we landed up buying tickets for the 4.10pm show. However, I will not be talking about Terminator Salvation in this post. It was just that this outing led to the discussion Daniel and I had in the car after the show.It was 5.30pm, the roads were very jam; Daniel and I were stuck in the car for at least one hour before we reached my house.

Daniel's car radio was on as usual, tuned to Hitz.FM. Somewhere along the journey, the song "If You Seek Amy" by Britney Spears was aired. That then reminded me of what my sister told me about this song. I then asked Daniel if he knew the controversy of the title of the song, but he had no clue. I realized that many people are not aware of the undertone of this song title, so here I will be sharing how the song writers have used language to imply another meaning to the song title.

If you listen carefully to the lyrics, part of the chorus containing the song title as below:

Love me hate me, say what you want about me,
But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy.

Does the last line make any sense to you? It depends on how you perceive it, but to many, this does not make sense if the words are taken at face value.

The song writers were able to use euphemism to create a pun out of the title of this song, by using betters words to replace the real meaning of the intended conveyed message. If you listen carefully to the pronunciation of the song title, you will be able to guess what message is trying to be conveyed.

If sounds like F
You sounds like U
See sounds like C
kA sounds like K
my sounds like Me

Put it all together, and there you have it. The true meaning of the song. In the context of language, this is also known as a double entendre. It is a phrase which can be understood in two ways. For example in this song, the first meaning is pretty much straightforward but the second meaning is not straightforward and in a way, it is inappropriate and definitely not allowed.

In my opinion, I find it fascinating that these song writers were creative enough to come up with such a phrase to convey a message that would otherwise have been disapproved by the public if expressed in the actual words. Now that you know the hidden meaning behind the song, what is your opinion? Don't you think that this is a great way to communicate when you do not want to be too straightforward? Or even a great way to swear at somebody without being obvious?


Written by,
Hooi Kit Wei

"Human" Communication??

Now, I just came back to my home which is in Segamat, Johor. Actually, I arrived my hometown by coach around 9.15p.m, after my parents picked me up, they straight away bring me to a place - a strange place that I never been there before. Honestly, I don't know how to name that place, that place is full of statue of god which is almost look alike a temple, but, it is not for believer to pray however, inside the temple have a leading character, a person who can exchange the role to become 'someone' else who is not exist in this real world. Get it?? In fact, this is a part of Chinese belief.This picture was took when the main character (MC) has been turned into other character. The believer called him God of third prince.MC was shaking his whole body until he success to let the third prince replace himself. Third price started conversation with the believer.

SEE!!! He was sucking the baby bottle which is contain milk. He continued told us what he wanted and we have to appease him whatever he said. Blindly obedience.He want candy, bananas and apple in a large amount.

The guy who was wearing the black clothes actually was a translator. I don't think so that the believers understand the way he spoke, for me, I 100% don't get what he was said, sound funny, really! He can't sat in his own chair, however, he run and walked around! And of course, the believers will followed. But then, I realized what was the believers purpose - to get a 4 digits number...LOTTERY!!!

To me, this was the crazy thing, I totally don't believe the third prince, because he really fake at all, his body movement, pronounce ,expression in eyes and face I don't know how to describes. Is this consider as 'human' communication occur in non-exist and exist human???

LISTENING: How Does It Feel?

The shampoo formed on my palm while my imagination ran wild through my past experiences. And I only had 40 minutes left before I stood right in front of all friends.

It all happened at the Leadership Camp about two months ago. On the last night, Mr Joel randomly picked three of us - Davka, Niraj and I to present a brief speech about past experiences. By the time came, my mind was still emptied with a specific topic. The three of us were called out of the hall and Niraj was assigned to be the first presenter, came Davka and lastly, me.

Niraj started to talk about his happiest moment when his father bought him tickets to watch the semi-final FIFA World Cup in Germany a few years back then. Unfortunately, when he was talking the rest of the crowd was not paying attention. Everyone was busy talking, even the ones I least expected him or her to be so rude to Niraj. Due to time constraint, Niraj couldn't manage to finish his speech on his saddest moment that had ever happened.

Davka stepped up confidently, determined to change the behaviour of the audience. She began about her journey all the way from Mongolia till Malaysia. It was exciting traveling from so far though there were times when she missed her family. The audience remained noisy, some unseated and distracting Davka's attention. Many little funny mischievous things happened it between. Obviously, Davka felt a little humiliated and angry. This must have been planned earlier by the other lecturers, I thought.

Finally, Mr Joel stepped forward together with Niraj and Davka. Mr Joel explained to everyone on the floor about the importance of listening and paying our respects to the speaker. Everyone was all ears. It has definitely taught each of us a lesson or two. Davka confessed about her feelings towards the ways her friends treated her when she wanted to share her priceless experience and Niraj felt the same, too. After that, it was my turn.

Since I wasn't given any specific topic so I randomly spoke about the misconceptions that people have on me. Surprisingly, everyone paid full attention. It really touched my heart knowing that a person's attention could make such a big difference in myself. Overall, I was glad that I was given a chance to say out things that had always been at the back of my mind. Thank you, Mr Joel. =)

PS: I'm still wondering what would have Niraj talk about his saddest moment. =(


Sign-ed off,
PANG YUEN CHENG (QUEENIE)

The Listeners

In our lives, we constantly face challenges and obstacles. Some are easily dealt with, yet for some of us we need professional guidance and help. When we do, we turn to psychologists. Psychologists are commonly thought to be those who deal with mentally unstable or those who have completely lost their minds. However, this is to a certain extent not true. Psychologists are in fact professionals who are involved in helping others live healthy and productive lives, as well as solving life's problems. On the other hand, psychiatrists are similar to psychologists, but instead are certified in treating mental disorders. This means the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to his or her patients whereas a psychologist is only eligible to give advice.

Nevertheless, whether they are responsible for prescribing psychiatric medication or not, both professionals need to be good listeners. They need to know that listening to their patients require effort; they need to let their patients know that they are there for them. On top of that, people who make better listeners are those who are more people-oriented. Therefore, people who have people-oriented listening tend to understand how others feel and generally make better psychiatrists and psychologists. On the contrary, those who have insensitive listening are not advised to pursue either profession.

Furthermore, psychiatrists and psychologists who are empathic listeners are able to put themselves in their patients shoes. However, when it comes to advising patients, both professionals have to be careful with what advice they give. Giving inappropriate advice could cause suicidal tendencies of their patients and the end of the road for their career. When giving advice, a few solutions to solve the patients problem should be considered in order to expand the probability of recovery. Most importantly, both psychiatrists and psychologists should be very strong minded so that they do not get emotionally involved with the patient's challenge.

Psychiatrists and psychologists are both responsible for holding a patient's information and problems private and confidential. Psychiatrists and psychologists are also expected to be impartial to the patient's problems. They are expected to hold a cool front to exhibit stability to the patient. Any other reaction on their part could upset the patient further.

Being branded as insane when you see a psychologist is now obsolete; whenever you need advice on mental health, relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, substance and even sexual abuse, do not be afraid to consult a psychologist. We should feel no shame if we need help; life is full of ups and downs. To those out there who are struggling in unimaginable situations, "It is essential to our well-being, and to our lives, that we play and enjoy life. Every single day do something that makes your heart sing." (Marcia Wieder).


Written by,
Hooi Kit Wei

presentations

In college we always have to give presentations, wearing formal clothes and looking presentable. For example, last semester i gave a presentation on how to make a paper lantern and had to wear formal. Personally i found it just a bit weird, maybe cause i'm not used to it, but it gave me a smart and more profesional look and image.

The way we look affects how people percieve us, but our body language and our choice of words and the way we talk has the greatest long term effect i believe. if we choose our words wisely and make the topic we are presenting interesting and lifely you leave a lasting impression. This is very important as otherwise you may bore your students outta their minds. And thats not what you want to achieve.

Like today i had to give a presentation together with another friend of mine. I dont know how i did, but i do know i made some mistakes like we all tend to do when we feel a bit nervous. I stuttered a few times, didnt know where to look, couldn't keep my hands straight (i kept rubbing them together), and reading from the slides. Although i noticed some of the mistakes i was making, i couldnt bring them undercontrol very much.

To improve our presentation styles i believe we must prepare, be self concious and contolling, and practice. This will help us to convey our message and information clearly and in an appropriate communication style.
To my friends who had to listen to me presenting, i hope i didnt bore you guys outta your minds...
cheers

Our emotions effect our communication

we constantly change our emotions or moods from one day to the next and from one moment to the next. at one point of time we are happy, then something happens such as we spill some coffee onto our shirt and we explode and get pissed off. our emotions include being happy, sad, angry, excited, nervous, annoyed, sleepy, hungry and a few more.

i'm a simple example to use to show how my emotions effect my communication styles. like today afternoon, after having 2 classes in a row i was starving and had a third class waiting for me. before that i was relatively happy and talked and joked more, but then i just started to get easily annoyed and less talkative. after eating again i was fine. in this short period of time my communication style had changed already just because i was hungry.

although this was only a mild change, sometimes the change can be severe. if a person is happy and u ask 'how are u?' you'll get a good chatty respons, after a few minutes after he got a phone call from his girl friend wanting to break up, he may be angry and shout at you.

for each emotion we have, we have a different way of communication that comes with it. these are the general ones
happy = chatty and cheerful communication style
angry = unfriendly and even rude communication style, often leads to arguments
annoyed = sarcasm often gets involved and it often turns to the more angry side
excited = jumpy and elaborative communication style
sleepy = more of an unresponsive communication style follows this.

there are more but these i believe are the main ones. so if someone seems to be in a bad mood, better be careful of what you say and do cause you might just make it worse.

LANGUAGE: Does Your Name Sound Funny?

Some find it unique; some find it hard to pronounce, but my name is Queenie. As far as I'm concerned, I was named after a kinda-hearted young lady in a classical movie. My aunt gave it to Daddy, who wanted to name me Debbie. After a while, Debbie was eliminated because it sounds almost similar to "Daddy". I have friends who called Harrison, whom we made it short to Harry (hairy) and Brian which we made it into Bra. It all gets very funny.

I even have plans on what to name my kids in the future. Some people may wonder why would a parent give funny names to their children. For example, Angelina Jolie's adopted son is called Maddox, which sounds like mad dogs to me. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter is called as Apple. Below are a few Asian names which bring both obvious and hidden meanings. Warning: This post may be a little offensive but they are all for laughters purpose.

Darriah (a popular Indian name) – Not everyone knows the spelling and pronounciation of diarrhea, but it sounds like that!

Hardick (a Hindi name) – Do not spilt the name into two. Anyway, the owner of the name will be attracting a lot of women.

Dough – It's either you want the child to sound cute as a doughnut or fats from the doughnut.

Dick – Tell me about it.

Pinky – Sounds like a trying-to-act-dumb girl to me, but I don't see we have Greeny, Blueny or Yellowy. So why Pinky?

Fanny – A euphemism for butt?

Phyllis – Congratulations Phyllis, you’re Syphilis free.

Jesus – Imagine when you are tired of your son's little tantrums and you go, "Jesus! Jesus, stop that!". Do not blame God.

Harry – It’s terrible when you have hairless legs and are called Harry.

Sukhdeep (popular Punjabi name) – Let your imagination runs wild when you spilt the name in two.

And the list goes on...

Keep It Short and Simple.

When naming your kids, think precisely of how a baby’s name should be - meaningful for the baby and the parents, simple in pronunciation and spelling. Keep in mind that your child will grow up eventually to an adult. Your daughter may sounds cute with Twinky at the age of 2 but the society will be laughing off their heads when she shows her business card with her name printed on it. Give a name that your child will be proud off.

Thought of a name?

Finally, you have one meaningful name for your child! Double check the name through internet or ask opinions from friends and family. Make sure it has no weird meanings in other languages or even belong to infamous celebrities. Before I end my post, I would like to share a joke about three young men.

Three young men from China -Bu, Chu and Fu flew to America to look for jobs. Nevertheless, to be an American citizen they have to change their names into English names. Bu decided to be named as Buck, while Chu wanted Chuck. As for Fu, he decided to go back to China.

I apologize for any conflicts along the post. But most of all, I love my name very much because my Nie (Queenie) sounds like hoNEY. =) What about yours?

Source: Funny Asian Names

Sign-ed off,
PANG YUEN CHENG (QUEENIE)