I don't like them. Especially when someone is shoving them in my face.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against motivators. They can inspire and motivate someone to a better life. Good for them.
Me however, found listening (or reading) to motivators is a waste of time. Why? Lets see...
1. I don't like being lectured.
2. I already know everything they talk about. Seriously, I think most of us already have the knowledge; motivators just said it in a nicer way.
3. It's usually about money. Success = money, rich, respected. Materialistic.
Hey, if you like being lectured of something you already know, and become materialistic in the end, it's totally up to you. I couldn't care less. All I ask is that you don't bring it up to me.
And then there are motivator wannabes. These people pissed me off the most. They are not professional motivators, yet they always lecture those around them. I bet they don't even know what they are talking about. Well at least their enthusiasm is impressive.. NOT.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to delete motivational quotes posted by my friends on Facebook.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Lost in translation
Today I had a dinner with family and friends. On the way back to our car, one of us decided to buy drinks at convenience store. So the rest of us waited in front of the store. Suddenly an old grandma approached us, trying to ask something. We assumed she was asking about when the bus will arrive, since she was near bus station. Yes, this grandma speaks very little english, so we guessed and assumed a lot while trying to help her. At least she was able to say her destination area and the bus number. We looked to bus timetable nearby and found the next bus should arrive in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind today is public holiday and it was 9.30 PM.
The problem did not stop there. We decided to hang around a little bit until the bus arrived. It never did. Grandma now keep saying 'phone' and showed her coins. What does that mean? We thought she asked for money, so we gave her some more coins but she refused. Okay, phone, she wanted to make a phone call? We lent her our mobile phone, punched the number one by one as she said it. Who were we calling? She said daughter, or something like that, I wasn't sure. Wrong number. It appeared she kinda forgot the number. Next attempt, a slightly different number. Office voice mail, it must be wrong. Third attempt, she wrote the number and gave it to us to dial: no one picked up. Things were getting more desperate.
We understand somehow that she is from korea. So one of us called a korean friend to translate for us. After LONG talk with our korean friend (was she telling a story or what?), we figured out where she wanted to go and which bus she wanted to take. Wait, we know that already! Tell us something more useful! More confusion, laughter, and head scratching happened. Then we got an idea, we asked for her ID card. Of course she did not understand. Pulled out our own ID card. Pointing. 'You'. 'ID card'. Did that work? 'Pension card OK?' she said. Yes!
Fortunately her pension card has an address, and it is not that far. We decided to take her home with our car. Our korean friend said that to her and she was very happy. 'Thank you, thank you' she said while hugging my sister. 'She will attempt to point out direction, left, right, or forward', so our korean friend told us. Right, that will not be necessary grandma, we got GPS in our car! But of course we did not bother to tell her that. Suddenly I got this horrible thought, what if we can't find her home and we got arrested for kidnapping? Well let's just hope nothing like that will happen. A little warning from our korean friend: grandma will invite you in and cook for you once you got her home.
In the car, grandma tried to point out direction. 'Left, left, left' she said. Yes we know grandma, but we have to wait for green light! But she kept saying it anyway, I wonder what could I say back then to make her understand that we understand.
Long story short, GPS worked well and we actually managed to take her home! Yay! Grandma was very happy and invited us to come in her house (but we didn't go in of course). 'Cook' she said. No no no no grandma! We just ate! We kept saying no. Grandma gave us mango, korean instant noodles, and a bottle of coke as thank you gifts. We tried to refuse but she shoved them to our arms anyway. Apparently she live alone, we saw no one else. Well at least we managed to politely refuse her dinner invitation. On our way back to our car, she picked a bunch of flowers and gave it to us. How strong she is! The flower's stem was pretty thick! We said goodbye and finally drove home. We laughed a lot in the car, we still can't believe what happened. Random kindness won't hurt anyone so I guess it is okay.
Once we got home, I put the flower in a vase.
The end.
The problem did not stop there. We decided to hang around a little bit until the bus arrived. It never did. Grandma now keep saying 'phone' and showed her coins. What does that mean? We thought she asked for money, so we gave her some more coins but she refused. Okay, phone, she wanted to make a phone call? We lent her our mobile phone, punched the number one by one as she said it. Who were we calling? She said daughter, or something like that, I wasn't sure. Wrong number. It appeared she kinda forgot the number. Next attempt, a slightly different number. Office voice mail, it must be wrong. Third attempt, she wrote the number and gave it to us to dial: no one picked up. Things were getting more desperate.
We understand somehow that she is from korea. So one of us called a korean friend to translate for us. After LONG talk with our korean friend (was she telling a story or what?), we figured out where she wanted to go and which bus she wanted to take. Wait, we know that already! Tell us something more useful! More confusion, laughter, and head scratching happened. Then we got an idea, we asked for her ID card. Of course she did not understand. Pulled out our own ID card. Pointing. 'You'. 'ID card'. Did that work? 'Pension card OK?' she said. Yes!
Fortunately her pension card has an address, and it is not that far. We decided to take her home with our car. Our korean friend said that to her and she was very happy. 'Thank you, thank you' she said while hugging my sister. 'She will attempt to point out direction, left, right, or forward', so our korean friend told us. Right, that will not be necessary grandma, we got GPS in our car! But of course we did not bother to tell her that. Suddenly I got this horrible thought, what if we can't find her home and we got arrested for kidnapping? Well let's just hope nothing like that will happen. A little warning from our korean friend: grandma will invite you in and cook for you once you got her home.
In the car, grandma tried to point out direction. 'Left, left, left' she said. Yes we know grandma, but we have to wait for green light! But she kept saying it anyway, I wonder what could I say back then to make her understand that we understand.
Long story short, GPS worked well and we actually managed to take her home! Yay! Grandma was very happy and invited us to come in her house (but we didn't go in of course). 'Cook' she said. No no no no grandma! We just ate! We kept saying no. Grandma gave us mango, korean instant noodles, and a bottle of coke as thank you gifts. We tried to refuse but she shoved them to our arms anyway. Apparently she live alone, we saw no one else. Well at least we managed to politely refuse her dinner invitation. On our way back to our car, she picked a bunch of flowers and gave it to us. How strong she is! The flower's stem was pretty thick! We said goodbye and finally drove home. We laughed a lot in the car, we still can't believe what happened. Random kindness won't hurt anyone so I guess it is okay.
Once we got home, I put the flower in a vase.
The end.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas
Merry Christmas to everyone!
One little thing for you to think about:
Why christmas is on 25th of December? Why not any other date?
We don't have Gregorian calendar until 1582. How did they know when Jesus is born anyway?
Have a very merry christmas.
One little thing for you to think about:
Why christmas is on 25th of December? Why not any other date?
We don't have Gregorian calendar until 1582. How did they know when Jesus is born anyway?
Have a very merry christmas.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Spelling
Why 'loose' instead of 'lose'?
Why?
Does the meaning of the word changed? Or is it just stupidity disease?
Why?
Does the meaning of the word changed? Or is it just stupidity disease?
Stupid comment
Reading news from my home country is pretty frustrating. Mainly because they are almost always bad news. Take this one for example. It is bad, but this time I won't rant about my country (done that so many times already).
Instead, I want to talk about a comment on the internet. A really stupid one (of course). I stumbled upon this particular comment when I was browsing news. It says something like this: "Don't say that our country is discriminating religions, because other country such as US, France, etc also does similar things... <insert examples of discrimination here>" blah blah.
*facepalm*
Ok, so just because everyone is doing it, IT MAKES IT OKAY FOR YOU TO DO THE SAME THING??
Forget about US, France, or whatever. I don't care. They have their own problems. They have their own ways for solving it. But you are not them! Why do you have to compare yourself to them anyway?
You see, some people in my home country hate western countries. They say westerners brought capitalism, neoliberalism, and other bad things to our country. It seems the poster of the comment also dislikes westerns, but at the same time references to them as 'ideal countries who also do bad things'.
Thats what I found strange, which one is it? Does the poster hate them or does he/she love them so much that he/she wants to follow their actions?
No, the answer is simple: hatred. It is all about revenge. Your religion is being discriminated in another country, so you just have to abuse another religion here in your own country as payback.
*sigh*
Instead, I want to talk about a comment on the internet. A really stupid one (of course). I stumbled upon this particular comment when I was browsing news. It says something like this: "Don't say that our country is discriminating religions, because other country such as US, France, etc also does similar things... <insert examples of discrimination here>" blah blah.
*facepalm*
Ok, so just because everyone is doing it, IT MAKES IT OKAY FOR YOU TO DO THE SAME THING??
Forget about US, France, or whatever. I don't care. They have their own problems. They have their own ways for solving it. But you are not them! Why do you have to compare yourself to them anyway?
You see, some people in my home country hate western countries. They say westerners brought capitalism, neoliberalism, and other bad things to our country. It seems the poster of the comment also dislikes westerns, but at the same time references to them as 'ideal countries who also do bad things'.
Thats what I found strange, which one is it? Does the poster hate them or does he/she love them so much that he/she wants to follow their actions?
No, the answer is simple: hatred. It is all about revenge. Your religion is being discriminated in another country, so you just have to abuse another religion here in your own country as payback.
*sigh*
Monday, August 8, 2011
Moment of Inspiration
People get inspirations from all sort of occassions. Some get it from reading or travelling; others by watching oprah, and some even got inspired by their dreams. Inspirations and ideas truly can come in any form and source.
For me, I got my inspirations from.... toilet.
Yes I am serious. Toilet.
Why? Because that is the only place that I am truly alone. No computers, no internet, no mobile phone, no facebook, no games.... Nothing!
In this quiet, small room, I can relax and let my mind rest (while doing my business of course).
During this 10-15 minutes I can think clearly and more objectively. Heck, I even solved some of the hardest programming problems while in a toilet.
And yes, I got inspiration to write this article in a toilet too....
....
....
Actually this is kind of disgusting, so I'll spare you and stop writing now....
For me, I got my inspirations from.... toilet.
Yes I am serious. Toilet.
Why? Because that is the only place that I am truly alone. No computers, no internet, no mobile phone, no facebook, no games.... Nothing!
In this quiet, small room, I can relax and let my mind rest (while doing my business of course).
During this 10-15 minutes I can think clearly and more objectively. Heck, I even solved some of the hardest programming problems while in a toilet.
And yes, I got inspiration to write this article in a toilet too....
....
....
Actually this is kind of disgusting, so I'll spare you and stop writing now....
Sunday, July 31, 2011
I have no mouth and I must scream
I found this really old horror/sci-fi short story titled "I have no mouth and I must scream".
It's about how a self-aware supercomputer has successfuly annihilated mankind, save for five people that it keeps for torture.
The machine torments them every single day for like 100 years. There is no escape.
It looks like death is their only salvation, but the machine won't let them kill themselves.
This short story is very disturbing but also mind-blowing at the same time.
It's a little bit old (1967) but I think it is a very good read. Not for everyone though..
If you're a fan of thriller/horror story like Stephen King's then perhaps you will enjoy this one.
I know I do.
Read it here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070227202043/http://www.scifi.com/scifiction/classics/classics_archive/ellison/ellison1.html
It's about how a self-aware supercomputer has successfuly annihilated mankind, save for five people that it keeps for torture.
The machine torments them every single day for like 100 years. There is no escape.
It looks like death is their only salvation, but the machine won't let them kill themselves.
This short story is very disturbing but also mind-blowing at the same time.
It's a little bit old (1967) but I think it is a very good read. Not for everyone though..
If you're a fan of thriller/horror story like Stephen King's then perhaps you will enjoy this one.
I know I do.
Read it here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070227202043/http://www.scifi.com/scifiction/classics/classics_archive/ellison/ellison1.html
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Individuality
Some time ago I had a conversation with an Indonesian friend. We talked a bit about individualism in western culture. Of course, being a typical Indonesian he immediately jumped to conclusion 'individualism is bad'.
I asked why it is so bad. He said because people will ignore others and not willing to help each other, less communication, etc etc...
Is that really the case?
HELL NO.
You see, Individualism is not the same as Egotism. Being individual means that you are able to take care of yourself, mind your own business, and respect other's privacy.
Does that stop you from communicating and helping others?
NO.
In fact, I found that most Australians are more considerate than Indonesians. How do I know? Easy, just listen to everyday's conversation and you'll notice that these words are spoken the most: Thank you, Please, Excuse me, Sorry, How are you, Have a good day, so on...
Stand on the side of a street and count how many times drivers use their horn. I was surprised when I noticed no one really use their car's horn even if it's a very busy road.
Small, kind gestures are common in here, such as helping a mom carry her pram down the stairs, asking someone if they are queuing or not, opening doors for someone else, etc etc...
So if you are one of those people saying that individualism is bad, you should go take a closer look.
Saying things that you don't know about just make you look stupid.
But then again stupid is the new trend... so yeah..
I asked why it is so bad. He said because people will ignore others and not willing to help each other, less communication, etc etc...
Is that really the case?
HELL NO.
You see, Individualism is not the same as Egotism. Being individual means that you are able to take care of yourself, mind your own business, and respect other's privacy.
Does that stop you from communicating and helping others?
NO.
In fact, I found that most Australians are more considerate than Indonesians. How do I know? Easy, just listen to everyday's conversation and you'll notice that these words are spoken the most: Thank you, Please, Excuse me, Sorry, How are you, Have a good day, so on...
Stand on the side of a street and count how many times drivers use their horn. I was surprised when I noticed no one really use their car's horn even if it's a very busy road.
Small, kind gestures are common in here, such as helping a mom carry her pram down the stairs, asking someone if they are queuing or not, opening doors for someone else, etc etc...
So if you are one of those people saying that individualism is bad, you should go take a closer look.
Saying things that you don't know about just make you look stupid.
But then again stupid is the new trend... so yeah..
Monday, June 27, 2011
Just another day
Today I saw a girl stood in front of my school's office. Apparently she was talking to her lecturer about her assignment or something like that. She was talking on phone because she can't enter the office without security code.
After some time arguing (not much of an argument, she barely could say a word) she slumped down to the ground and started crying. My guess was she failed the subject because she did not turn in her assignment on time.
I have to explain that it is tough when us, international students, failed a subject. You have to pay for another semester and have your student visa extended, which is a painful and expensive process.
So she just sat there,crying while still talking on the phone. At this moment I felt an urge to say something, you know, to comfort her, or just asking if she is okay or not. After all we all have our turn of misfortune, when all seems so hopeless and disappointing. In that kind of time everyone could use few words of comfort, even if it comes from strangers. Right? right?
No, screw her.
After some time arguing (not much of an argument, she barely could say a word) she slumped down to the ground and started crying. My guess was she failed the subject because she did not turn in her assignment on time.
I have to explain that it is tough when us, international students, failed a subject. You have to pay for another semester and have your student visa extended, which is a painful and expensive process.
So she just sat there,crying while still talking on the phone. At this moment I felt an urge to say something, you know, to comfort her, or just asking if she is okay or not. After all we all have our turn of misfortune, when all seems so hopeless and disappointing. In that kind of time everyone could use few words of comfort, even if it comes from strangers. Right? right?
No, screw her.
Things to do on exams
It's exam time. Any of you who went or currently go to school must already know how dreadful exams are. For me personally, the dreadful part is not about studying or doing the exam itself, its how you have to WAIT for the exam to finish before you can leave the room.
Let's say the exam is 2 hours long. You finished all of the questions in 30 minutes. What will you do in the remaining 90 minutes?
Here are some suggestions (based on my 20 years experience of doing exams, how stupid am I?):
1. Check your answers. OF COURSE THIS IS VERY BORING. WHATS THE POINT ? Next.
2. Sleep. A very viable options, especially after you pulled an all-nighter. Whats not cool is when you drool on your answer sheets.
3. Observe other people. Just look at them, people can be very interesting if you look closely. Some people are still busy doing the exam, some are frustrated, others are smiling, sleeping, cheating, so on... When you do this there is a high chance that the examiner will warn you not to look around. Bummer.
4. Draw. I never did this myself because my best drawing was stick man. Enough said.
5. Fantasize. Think about how great you are. What great things you can do. How people all over the world will praise you for your greatness. Sounds good yeah?
6. When you're done fantazising, think about your miserable future. Really think about it. Do you think you can pass this exam? Do you think you can pass the subject? Do you think you can get a job after you graduate? Do you think you can pay all those debts you have? Realize how pathetic you are. Now despair.
7. Go to the bathroom. Just to waste some time.
8. Have any ideas? Please comment below.
Let's say the exam is 2 hours long. You finished all of the questions in 30 minutes. What will you do in the remaining 90 minutes?
Here are some suggestions (based on my 20 years experience of doing exams, how stupid am I?):
1. Check your answers. OF COURSE THIS IS VERY BORING. WHATS THE POINT ? Next.
2. Sleep. A very viable options, especially after you pulled an all-nighter. Whats not cool is when you drool on your answer sheets.
3. Observe other people. Just look at them, people can be very interesting if you look closely. Some people are still busy doing the exam, some are frustrated, others are smiling, sleeping, cheating, so on... When you do this there is a high chance that the examiner will warn you not to look around. Bummer.
4. Draw. I never did this myself because my best drawing was stick man. Enough said.
5. Fantasize. Think about how great you are. What great things you can do. How people all over the world will praise you for your greatness. Sounds good yeah?
6. When you're done fantazising, think about your miserable future. Really think about it. Do you think you can pass this exam? Do you think you can pass the subject? Do you think you can get a job after you graduate? Do you think you can pay all those debts you have? Realize how pathetic you are. Now despair.
7. Go to the bathroom. Just to waste some time.
8. Have any ideas? Please comment below.
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