Debating

Debating is an art. Art is something beautiful. So debating is beautiful.

Ive been debating before but i am not a sesoned one. I enter school level competition once and thats it.

And now suddenly my lovely English Lecturer Miss Syafiqah Johan decided to do an inter class debate tourney among us. Im rusted and unpolished as i go into the tournament but it is just for fun.

I lost at the first round. Garnering hate from my lecterur for taking it lightly ahahahahahahahahahaha.

But i just want Encourage all of you to pickup the sport debating. It gives you the chance to thibk critically, and also spontaneously on the spot. Also research done during the debating period may be useful in writing esssays or just to show off.

Also you would have and insight on current issues based on the motion for example

THBT we shoukd abolish Malay Supremacy Rights.
THW negotiate with Terrorists

And some others including

THW kill Justin Bieber.

So its more fun then stress.


Last words, Enjoy debating and argue a lot

Zootopia

Have you ever thinked how the animal kingdom works. If they were governed by the Lion or do they have enforcements among them, or if the fox is as sly as it said to be. Well, watch Zootopia. Although not accurate, it is basically animals running a country or a city.

Judy, a small bunny from the country, that aspires to do the right thing joined the police force. She was desperate for action and offered herself to find a missing otter. It lead to a whole bigger conspiracy that she discovers. Not too much it would spoil the movie

I can say that this movie also satirical. It showed animals doing human things. Or is it the other way ? Is it us in the current society who looked like animals ? Inside the movie it showed political corruption, tapping in the sensitive issue racism by the leaders in order to gain popularity of the majority. I think this is more recent is you think about it. Anyway. Its a recommended movie as it is filled with laughter joy sadness lesson to be learnt. Suitable for all ages

Alex Rider Series, A Commentary

You are never too young to be a teenage spy (or too old in my case). I started reading this franchise around 7 years ago, too late as the franchise were first published an 2002. It started when my mom made me read, she bought a random book at it turns out to be the first book, Stormbreaker. 

And it all started then. As it being an already years since it was first publish finding the books were not that easy, out of the 10 books in the series i only have around 7, Others i read in the form of e-book or pdf. Cost money too, my own money. But never regretted each cent.

The author Anthony Horowitz has an eye on detail, which really stood out in his writings. He did research on many things and described them inch by inch to allow vivid visualization by the readers. He went on from "Alex got on a bike to chase the bad guy" to "Alex saw a bike , A gold yellow Y frame bike made of carbon and reinforced steel complete with 12 inch tires with with a 6 gear chained mechanism." (This are just rambles but you get the point right ?). We are able to live the moment and that what really caught my eye in the first book, contributing to the fanaticism.

Also, as the protagonist Alex Rider is a teenage boy, he puts Alex around situation that complements a teenage boy. He got gadgets in the form of a Gameboy, Yoyo, Watch among others. Also, the conflicts in the missions are somewhat teen relatable, such as, a free computer that is given to all schools for education that turns out to contain real virus (Stormbreaker) or having to spy on a mob activity while on a school trip (Crocodile Tears) or having foiling an assassination at a Wimbledon tennis match bring you into a lot deeper trouble (Skeleton Key). All this appeal to my young self as a teenager and that is what make this reading a lot better.

Alex Rider was the only franchise i ever finished reading, (Maze Runner, Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl all failed) and these are the reasons why. i would really recommend you to try read this if you want to start an interest in reading.

Anime, realising our imagination

one thing about drawings is that they can visualise everything, logical or illogical, abiding laws of physics or impossible scenario. Now imagine moving drawings. Well you have it, Animation. Now animation has existed for quite sometimes now and we can see different kind of Animation. The West prefer a more 3D computer generated animation, trying to make it as real as ever. The East however decided to keep those sketch lines and pencils and vibrant colour pallete, Now known as Anime.

I like how Anime's are very imaginative and creative. There are anime's on puzzle, human and god, humans with powers, animes about basketball, soccer, rugby american football baseball you name it. And not many will share the same plot, it is always different. Anime are commonly adapted from manga manuscript but sometimes it works vice versa.

Animes realise our imagination. It evokes a feeling like we are in the motion picture, a CATHARTIC effect. Lets say Naruto. We know ninja's ever since we were young. Maybe some of us even dreamed of being one. Ninja Warrior is a series that has entered the mainstream American market but not all pass the course. The show Naruto gives us that feeling of being the ninja that everyone hopes to save the world, and saving their friends from the clutches of evil. With powers such as Rasengen, Raikiri, Chidori, the Sharingan it looks super awesome and super cool to be a ninja. We all know for a fact that it is impossible but we still watch it just to feel the adrenaline of having to fight Orochimaru.This effect hits not only kids but also adult and has been relevant to all ages.

Kudos to the Anime scene for revitalising old people's youth and young people imagination

Naruto Vs Sasuke

K-Pop Deserve their popularity

The trend is uprising. K-pop is now known as a genre of music famous around the world. K-pop or Korean Pop. Ask anyone if they knew any Koreans, i would bet they would say the name of Bigbang or Girls Generation. Back track 20 years ago, the Korean music scene is just a local, small industry. Not even comparable to the Japanese music industry (even now). But now they are starting to steal the spotlight. The graph is extremely steep on the incline doing wonders to Korea, bringing in revenue, tourist, spreading of culture, all leading the economy of the country.

Me, being unbiased (its a lie), believe that they truly deserve their stardom.They work hard for it and they have the talents. The government also plays and important role it his phenomenon.

Working hard is abstract but i can say they put their sweat in it. Compared to artist in the west who are more prominent in their vocal strength, these kpop artists or "idols" are known for being the complete package. They are expected to be able to Dance and Sing, have variety skills and unique talents (they have to find/create talents to show at shows). This results in "Trainee System". Entertainment company will take these hopeful and train them. The trainee don't know if they will ever debut, or if their debut will be a success. Some are known to endure long trainee period such as Jihyo of TWICE who trained under JYP Entertainment for 11 years before debuting. Some dont, Eunji of APink trained for 6 month prior debuting. She felt the hardship of shot trainee period afterwards as she finds lack in certain areas. See, they put their effort in it and their deserve to be where they are right now.

Korea as a country is also backing this humongous leap. Korean TV Station are known to have weekly music shows that allows not only established artist, but also newcomers, indie band and from the underground scene a chance to broadcast their music. Hallyu Wave is a term not coined by the consumers, but coined by the government and there are initiatives (budget, infrastructure) to improve the entertainment scene (Music Drama Webtoon). The Fans also played they part, these fandoms of each group are massive supporters, being at every show posting, videos online, making sure they favourite idol hogs the headline. in turn because the fans were so appreciative, these idols are willing to work even harder and thus accumulate to their success.

I did not point any correlation with other music genre. I am not saying one is better than the other, its just that the high tide the Koreans are riding right now. They deserve it.

BTS an Gfriend the current trending Idols.

Re: View , The Help

Emma Stone ! The Help is one of the few movies of her i haven't watch yet and when being asked to do a review on this movie i was pretty excited. My lecturer always gave us this Racist mid 19th century based movie for us to watch. Maybe because when we go to the States we will feel kinda like them ; the minority, the immigrant. 

Anyway, Emma Stone in the movie was Skeeter, an aspiring novelist who wants to write what she wants to write. She got this crazy idea of making a taking life stories of black housemaids across Mississippi, thus the name of the topic. The life experiences she took was not all bad encounters between the maids and their owners. The boo was never meant to be biased or protective, it was just an insight of how it was like to neglect your own child and raise another person's child.

So she went to Aibileen and ask her for help, sharing her own experiences and also to rally other maids to cooperate. it did not turn out that well as in those days there were laws that have mad the coloured freedom of speech hindered and if broken they will be apprehended.

After a few incidents then the maid community feels like they should be heard and comply with Skeeter. The novel was a hit, and people came to realise that these maids are people to.

What I learnt from the movie is that everyone deserve to be heard out. We must give them channels to broadcast their opinions, feelings, shouting out their voice. Skeeter as she progressed in writing the novel, are able to get into the maids' shoes and feel their pain and joy of raising another person's child. Nowadays,through media we are able to speak out our voice without being oppressed. That's the essence of democracy. And that is what we ought to protect.

Re:View, Flipped

First of all can we appreciate how pretty Morgan Lily is

Flipped, a story of first love, from being just a next door crush to being something more. Bryce Loski moved into Juli Baker's neighbourhood one day and everything became haywire. Juli Baker thought Bryce was into her and that she felt the same way too, Bryce was however, not as Juli imagined, he hated her. (wtf who would hate Morgan Lily, refer above) she is annoying and wont quit pestering him. 

As they grew up together, climbing sycamores they finally reach high school. Then, as maturity played its part, Juli Baker realized maybe she dosent really have the crush on Bryce. Bryce also realized, how he is just in a state of denial about his feelings towards her. How the tables have turned, its now Bryce Loski's pursuit. 

Family get involved as the Loski's are not fond of the Baker's as they have hideous lawn, they are axis-ed at  both Mr Loski and Mr Baker. the other part of the families get along considerably well.

Do i have to tell everything ? it ended well, obviously, but not that easily. There are many obstacles between them (dont want to spoil it) that i personally think that they will not end up together. Just watch it.

Now what i learned from the movie was family influence. We will see how the Loski's were ful of complaint, influence from Mr Loski who can't chase his dreams of being a musician. Therefore he is always unsatisfied with every aspect in life, Then we have the Baker, where they are more carefree towards others as Mr Baker, an artist, is living the way he wanted to. Although they are living on a deficit, they are satisfied with what they have. Family influence are the thing that shapes us the most and it is evident in the case.

Anyway, Flipped is when you "Flipped" How do i say this, you just.... well Flipped" and when i watched Flipped, i "Flipped".

Re: View, The Shawshank Redemption

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. 9.3/10 Imdb score, 91% Rotten Tomato score, 80% Metacritic score. This movie was shown to us by our English Lecturer, the ever so beautiful Miss Syafiqah Johan on a gloomy Thursday afternoon when we are reluctant to go to the screening for exhaustion has taken its toll. i sluggishly walked to the theathrette and just randomly google the movie. Ranked first on Imdb got me curious and i have to say it has lived up to its billing.

The movie is about the witty Andy Dufresne who was charged with a count of murder and was sentenced to Shawshank to serve his time. There he befriended Red, the local contraband supplier and also others. During the time he went from being "the sisters" favourite to the warden's maid (money laundering, get it ?). But behind his obedience he has already made an escape route along with a fake identity to allow him to live without the concern of being arrested. 

At first i would thought this as a regular movie with a normal "release from jail, looking at the sky" ending but boy I was wrong. Andy Dufresne is well educted, being one of the managers of a large corporate bank, different from the other prisoner in Shawshank. 

One scene i wondered about was during the killing of the witness to Andy Dufresne's murder case. The guy (sorry I dont remember) claimed to know who the real murderer is, and willing to testify, as Dufresne helped him to ace his exams. But upon knowing the matter, the warden decided to kill the guy as Andy was an asset for him. I wondered what would happen if he was not killed. Andy would be free, being the banker he used to be, the witness would be able to see his kid go to school, and the warden, well he wont get all his money stolen back by Dufresne. Aint that a win-win ? but of course that would not be as interesting of an ending. the witness guy deserve to his kid again that is all i want to see. 

Emotional much. Anyway this is still a highly recommended movie to watch. to show you that the brain outweighs the muscle.

To Kill A Mocking Bird, A Commentary

To Kill A Mockingbird. A Pulitzer Prize winning literature component that is integral to the American culture. It is even adapted into the big screen. Im tackling this novel because of the racism issue being address in the novel. Seeing how dire we are currently divided, i just felt like reading this novel.

Anyway, brief intro. It depicts the story of Jem Finch along with Scout and Atticus over a few years growing up and countering racist event along the way. Set up in the 1950's when America is still bounded by the Jim Crow Law, Laws that gives the short end of the stick to the blacks. in the novel, events regarding Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and their housekeeper Calpurnia among others has helped shape Jem and Scout to be neutral,and more accepting towards the back people.

What i found interesting in the novel was the "Tom Robinson Saga" when Atticus decided to defend Tom Robinson, a black guy being charged of rape. As a neutral (neither black or white) i looked at the trial objectively, trying to find out who is guilty. As the court hearing was vividly represent in the novel (one of the features i like), i could say that there is not circumstantial or solid evidence that could apprehend Tom Robinson. But still, he was charged guilty. This highlight the imbalance of the social structure back then. Anyone reading this know would not want to go back to the days. Also, few weeks later came news that Tom is shot while trying to flee. I wondered if he ever tried to flee or is it just to muster up his murder.

This novel serves a painful reminder of when we are segregated, divided through colour, a time where social injustice is real, a time where racial inequality, economic inequality is real. As George Santayana said, "Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat them". This literature marvel will have us bless for living in an era of unity, democracy and individuality, a conract that we should appreciate and keep prosper for many years to come.

Animal Farm, : A commentary

Animal Farm, a literary classic written by George Orwell, describing how animals chased away their human owners to gain control over their farm. When i first read the synopsis i wasn't sure of its genre. A "Narnia" like fantasy ? or is it just a reenactment or a message using the embodiment of animals. Anyway,upon reading (and research) i can say that this novel is a masterpiece in its own category.

The depicts how Manor Farm, a farm owned by Mr Jones, was overthrown by the animals of the Manor Farm. Led by the pigs (Napoleon) they seize control over Manor Farm and chased away their human owners. They idealise of a country (a farm) where everyone is equal and that no one is ever at the top end of anything. equality is what they fought for. Ironically, the pigs that led the "revolution" started to relish the leader role and soon became the "human owner" for the other animals.

Its is known to the public that this was a mockery towards the Tsar Revolution, where Joseph Stalin led the people of Russia to overthrow the Tsar monarchy and became Socialist Russia.George Orwell was not keeping this a secret. although he used animal embodiment in the work, we can directly refer Napoleon to Stalin in Old Major to Lenin and Squealer as the propaganda officer.

Although the novel is more than half a century old, and it is meant for WW II Russia, i believe that it is still relevant in the modern context. We seen various uprising of the people in recent history. Syria, Iraq just to name a few. And the country has been in shambles caused by the power struggle. Also, the replacement that were forced into power by the people was not competent and in the end the revolution did not bring the results that they heaved

Not all revolution will turn bad. But through the novel we could see and identify what made the Manor Farm revolution a turn for the worse. An incompetent leader, media propaganda, among others. Revolution is to demand a change, a positive change

Gaming, Good or Bad ?

Gaming,good or bad ?

Ive only started gaming the past 4 months and I can say I have been addicted to it. I play DotA 2 mostly and sometimes Fifa, Pro Evolution Soccer and many more. Now im 18 and have no (i mean less) restrictions on playing games but back when i was a child, i am only allowed 30 minutes on the computer and 30 minutes on my console per week. I believe many parents have the same kind of "house rules" and i wondered why, is gaming really that detrimental ?

First of all, lets concede that playing games consumes kids time to do their homework. But is it time wasted ? i believe not as gaming continously evoke your cognitive ability including hand eye coordination, problem solving, creativity, reaction time that may be useful in life further ahead. Lets examplify DotA2, a game that has 112 characters to choice from with 4 or more skillset at you aresnal with the ultimate goal of destroying the opponents base, called "Ancient". You can see that there are more than 1 way to win the game and different strategies can be used by the player. Each characters have they "friend" which will be a really good teammate and "foe" your worse enemy to put inconsideration. This may help you in the future as in overcoming obstacles or reaching a goal we must consider our options, and by practicing thinking critically like ths from a a young age it may help you become better

Also, in gaming in general, key pressing and timing is important that induce your hand eye coordination and improve your reaction time. we have seen multiple instances where hand eye coordination is important such as during driving.

Now is gaming as bad as it seems ? Gaming can even become a career right now, Esports is very widespread and it can offer millions of dollars of prize money. Dota 2, Fifa, CS GO are the more commercialized gaming competition but you could also include LoL, Hearthstone, and they pay very large money,comparable to professional athletes.

Dont be so negative towards gaming, it may pay your bills

Things Fall Apart : Commentary

Things Fall Apart : Commentary

I have just finished reading "Things Fall Apart" through recommendation (and force) by my English lecturer and i have to say i did find the piece interesting

The story underlines the life of a noble warrior in Umofia named Okonkwo. Okonkwo was the exact opposite of his father, a poor nobody. he made his way to the top despite started from the bottom, he then defeated the best wrestler of the 9 villages and made himself the best wrestler in the 9 villages.

The story highlights the daily norm of the Ibo people by vividly explaining traditions in the Ibo culture including the week of peace, where no one are allowed to hit another, and the incarnation of elderly spirits through the masked Egwugwu. It is said that the author, Chinua Achebe, highlights the culture of Ibo people to rebutt the opinion that they were uncivilized and primitive that is the common stigma of Europeans towards the Africa, not just the people but the continent as a whole. Cannibalism, are often related with them and by writing this piece Chinua Achebe offers an insight of her own clan, Ibo, which obviously are civilized; they have their own customs, judiciary, social structure, currency, economy.

The climax of the story is when English settlers, bringing Christianity, first set foot on the land. Many conflicts occur between the two factions. The fact that the settlers managed to live at the Evil Forest beyond 4 market weeks made the Ibo people turn head and eventually convert to Christianity and leaving behind Ibo culture. After a series of event, Okonkwo has had enough and gather the people to fight. The commisioner that went there to disperse the crowd were killed by Okonkwo. Few days later when the englishmen, along with soldiers went to Okonkwo's house to arrest him, he is found dead, hanging by the tree.

WHY DID OKONKWO KILL HIMSELF ?
The ending was very different of the warrior Okonkwo we knew and its spark the question of why did he do that ? well most probably he wants to save himself from being under the white people custody,
that he rather be secluded by his village (suicide is prohibited in Ibo culture). or maybe he was trying to avoid a larger calamity as if he were still alive, he would be the one to rally people for war . well all is up to your own interpretation as you read the novel. I highly recommend everyone to read it though, you will understand that they are no different than us.