Opps-Hunt…

Try giving a fancy or catchy name to “spent 2-hours yesterday evening going through every possible magazines in SACC Mall for writing opportunities”; hence “Opps-Hunt”.

It all began with money. Yeah… Those little “RMs” and dollar signs. The laptop needs really high maintenance and I find it high time to change it. Considering I got it around the Chinese New Year 2007, less than a year. The screen gives weird “images” and “graphics” including one which looks like an ancient treasure map and strips/columns. The laptop is sensitive to any movement on the ground which would change the display all together to got knows what. During start-ups, the eerie green glow comes up - as if trying to haunt me. Not from a wealthy background who can afford a laptop every other year (this is my second laptop), I needed to look for extra income and sources other than my Mom and Stepdad or any relatives. Some might ask, how about your dad? I’d rather spend the energy and time talking to an Auto-Teller Machine instead. Loans are out of the question: there are other people who need it more than I do.

MONEY-MAKING IDEA

I knew I needed money and I needed money fast: laptop destruction set as count down. Since I enjoy writing and have a fair command of English, I was thinking “why not write?” The train of thought began with providing translation and copy-writing services. English-Malay-Iban translations. Copy-writing? I still need to read up further on the subject but from what I got, it’s basically writing things clients need but could not do. What projects can I attempt? Brochures, feature articles, manuals, reports and the like I guess. I couldn’t do website (design) as I lack any skills in that area and I am not creative enough for posters.

I also contemplated the idea for proofreading services for students. The logic: dissertations and final year papers are mostly done in English. Other than the jargon, the basics of grammar comes to play.

Besides this, as “side income”, I decided to write to magazines, periodicals and journals. From there and thanks to problematic WiFi, the hunt for writing opportunities begin.

OPPS-HUNTING WE WILL GO…

Since the WiFi services around SACC Mall was down, the other alternative I had was MPH Bookstore. That’s where I opened up all the “popular” magazines and journals, looking for opportunities to write. From Dewan Siswa, Dewan Pelajar, Dewan Ekonomi to Cosmopolitan and FHM to BusinessManagement, Off the Edgeand the like. The genre I’m interested in is unavailable. I did not open the sports mags which would just be a “job” for me. Mastika, Manga and the liek just turn me off: if I’m going to be a freelance writer, I’m going to need to build a credible background.

Personally I enjoy reading and writing academic skills and personal financefor teens and higher education/IPT students. Students perception on current issues thrills me! I gain satisfaction in writing articles on complex and “far-fetched” topics which would be comprehensible for those around my age. Youths, in my view, just needs something to help them relate with issues surrounding them. Common problems faced by university students are virtually untouched.

As a Law student in UiTM, like my peers, I enjoy access to a large collection of resources and expertise. Learning the law is one thing but to not apply it is just wasting the knowledge. Business and accountancy students learn about contract law but cannot relate. Guys, when you rent a room or a house, you sign a “contract“. You buy something from a store, it’s a basic contract. Sharing information is the best gift a friend can give another. Why not use the resources I have and share it through writing?

THE OUTCOME

Taking a big-step is always scary; after that would be easier. I’ve laid the plans before two of my friends - a form of “vetting” if you may. Seems to me that there is no reason not to try. Relatively low cost, flexible and viable. The hunt continues…

Thank God for IPaddress.com!!

I was looking for a way to discover my IP address when I stumbled upon this IP Address website. On my own, here’s the info:

IP address location & IP address info:
My IP address [?]:	202.56.81.153 Copy
IP address country:	Malaysia
IP address state:	Wilayah Persekutuan
IP address city:	Kuala Lumpur
IP address latitude:	3.1667
IP address longitude:	101.7000
Your ISP [?]:	Airzed Networks Sdn Bhd
Organization:	Airzed Networks Sdn Bhd
More about you and your system:
My Speed:	Cable/DSL >>Speedtest
My Browser:	Mozilla Firefox 2.0
My Operating System:	WinXP
Referer:	Unknown

It also comes with a map… Now I get to track where the comments were made!!!

When it comes to Kesatria Negara or Co-Curricular Activities…

I just approved a comment to my last entry at my older blog address by one Arcane. Before I proceed further, I must explain that I neither support nor oppose the comment. For those who are into debating the issue, don’t use my blog as a platform: I will not hesitate to deny any subsequent comment.

To the students of UiTM, especially those undergoing co-curriculum, my advice is report any abuse and any abuse of power to your Faculty or the Unit Kesatria Negara HEP or your Representative in the MPP/SRC or other relevant division in the University. For the Law Faculty, your representatives are Mr. Mohd Rafiezi Mohd Tahir and Ms. Syazwani Zawawi. You can try to approach the Law Society or even the Faculty officials. Just make sure you have concrete and valid evidence. Complaining to the press or in blogs may not necessarily achieve the desired end and may call for trouble.

As a friendly reminder to civilian office-holders in Uniformed Bodies, when a person is 18 years of age, they are legally an adult and of the age of majority (Age of Majority Act). This means that they can sue and be sued. The last thing anyone want is a civil suit. Discipline is necessary but medieval and archaic methods are not.

Blogging and more blogging…

Blogging can be regarded as the latest phenomenon which can effect the development of human civilizations. Clearly bloggers scare governments. We have laws governing newspaper, television and radio stations, and almost anything under the sun but blogging. The closest thing governing blogging would be a defamation suit under tort. This bandwagon is overflowing with passangers and they are increasing as the days pass by.

Yesterday while I was looking or price comparisions for the 3 telcos in Malaysia, I came across Kenny Sia’s Blog. Damn hilarious. I like the way he touches trivial but significant issues in life and how he made it all comprehensible. Don’t start about the graphics and images. A number of them are damn brilliant!!! A good blog to tickle your funny bones.

I would also like to mention the blog of my fellow Law Student, and former roommate, titled The Ideal Online Site. Aidil has tremendous insight and talent which I both envy and admire. What I respect is the way he does not condemn and insult others in his writing. I wish him all the best in his endeavours.

Joining the Blogging Realm recently is another ex-roommate of mine, Ahmad Soffian Shariff with his Soffian Ali’s World. Although I cannot say much about his 17 day old blog, I just hope he continues the effort.

If you visit my former blogging page, there are a list of blogs there which I couldn’t talk about as I am yet to properly read them myself. The blogs listed are either famous or family or friends.

The freedom to express one’s self is regarded as among the most sacred and basic rights inherent to Humankind from birth. Depending on your country, the limits may vary. If you do blog, be careful: your character will be deciphered & exposed, your credibility is at stake and your readers are global. I would like to quote a Proverb: the pen (in this case: the keyboard) is mightier than the sword. And swords work both to either serve the owner or kill them.

Political Simulations

Political simulations are interesting for those who are interested in politics in general. What exactly are political simulations? How do you participate? And why? I suggest reading two articles written by a good friend of mine from Politics UK. They are:

• Political Simulations: RPGs and Politics
• Political Simulations: Elections and Campaigns

Surviving Live After University.

SURVIVING LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY

Being a student, I have always heard people say this is the stage which prepares you for life. I have been constantly reminded to study hard to build my future: that I may one day get a good job and climb that corporate ladder. I never gave much thought of life after my studies until my biological Dad gave the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki back when I was in Form 3. Since 2001, I have been reading materials relating to personal finance, and I must admit that it is hard to put into practice. Like many, I am weak when it comes to executing the budget. Unlike many more, at least I have my own picture of life after colleges, as well as the idea of the nightmares which it would bring.

To many, graduate and get a good and secure job is the best way to go. Influenced by Kiyosaki, I cringe everytime I hear people say that. Don’t get me wrong: I would like to graduate with exceptional grades and land a good job after that. But to stay and work? For the rest of my life?

LIFE’S GROWING EXPENSES

Let’s put aside the Ferraris and Lamborghinis for the moment and think realistic: life ain’t cheap. We’re going to need to live somewhere after graduation. Commuting to work? Unless it’s within walking distance, you’ll still have to cash in some money. Oh right, food! Man, living in the Klang Valley is just CRAZY! For food alone I spend RM15.00 to RM20.00 a day! I wish I was eating in KFC or Pizza Hut, but that’s the cost of eating lunch and dinner at a normal store.

From living the single life, one day we must marry. Initially it would bear down on the guys. I can’t imagine the dowry I’m gonna have to pay. Urm… yeah, I know I’m neither Muslim nor Malay, but we do have our own dowry system. I may be ignorant of it, but there are customary obligations which I must discharge. The ceremony itself would cost at least RM30,000.00! After the ceremony, you gotta have that dream house. Then you need to go get that loan – let’s not get into that. Maybe you’re gonna rent a while. For how long? Rent prices remain the same but prices of real estate raises fast. Before we retire, think of the children! Diapers, books, toys, food, etc. etc. etc.

Alright, maybe you decide not to get married – possibly freaked out by the last paragraph – but you will still have to pay for healthcare. No, botox treatments and facelifts does not count. Medications don’t come by cheap. My own bill costs RM50 per month. Thank God UiTM has a Clinic of it’s own to shift a bit of the burden.

Let’s face the facts: there are some who should be retired but continue to work. The aged security guards and cleaners. While some of my friends may say: “their time is different. They don’t have a degree or diploma like we do.” True; in their time the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) is sufficient but remember that eventually everyone has SPM. In the past, diplomas and degrees are extremely rare, but today almost every other person you meet is a graduate or will be soon. Many are enrolling in MBA programmes. By our time, Diplomas and Degrees would virtually be common.

LEARNING FROM THE DEVELOPED NATIONS

The scenario in the United States and the European Union is fast spreading to our country. Why should we look at them? After all Malaysia is a developing country. Malaysia intends to reach the first world status in 2020. How old will we be by then? It’s already 2007. The cycle will happen here as well. When it happens, will we be prepared for it? As technology moves ever faster, acquisition of knowledge becomes easier and the scope becomes wider.

Before the invention of the printing machine, religion in Europe was the exclusive monopoly of the Church. Only important clergymen could read and a selected few could write. When books became more popular with the increase of literacy, the aristocrats and the middle classes could read. Eventually the whole population was able to. By then the society was exposed to many more information, and the development of knowledge and mental revolutions were frequent and rapid.

In the past, senior employees were guaranteed the top positions. Today, unless you’re either very good or very well connected, it’s impossible for you to report directly to the C.E.O. Chances are it would take a while before you leave that “entry-level” mentality. Shocking truth: the older directors of IBM were replaced by younger executives who were adapted for the information age.

Some will say that we should just cross the bridge when we get there. What happens if global warming caused the small stream to expand into the Yangtze? What bridge is there to cross? How do you build a boat or swim when you have no basic knowledge?

BRINGING IT HOME

Instead of waiting out the tide, we should learn and learn how to learn. Prepare and prepare that preparation before we embark on this lifelong journey. We have the option to learn at our own initiative and survive or we can die drowning and blaming the Government, the Americans, God, Luck and about everyone else for our own misfortune. Think “you being responsible for my hunger”.

In a globalised era and under the capitalist system, we are responsible for our survival. Trust Napoleon who said “if you want something done, do it yourself” in this case.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

The end may be scary when we look now. Life after university can be fun – when we are prepared. Read up personal finances books. Search for materials on the internet. Use common sense. Don’t rush for the first get-rich-schemes you find. No one, I mean no one got rich through this schemes other than the perpetrators. Whatever you do, make sure it is legitimate.

And to make life a journey worth dying for, set goals for life: What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to be? When? Why? Make life exciting by planning and taking charge. Don’t just go with the flow because you only live once.

Stand My Ground, I Won’t Give In

I was going through YouTube, just to kill time when I stumbled upon a video clip made with the song from Within Temptations. Very interesting and upbeat. Considering the things that we have to face in life, I find it a very interesting song, incorporated with a wonderful collection of Christian-themed graphics. Funny, where life chooses to lead you. It opens up many doors which we never knew existed.

LEARNING FROM THE 2007 STUDENT ELECTIONS

Beginning with the dissolution of the 2006/07 Student Representative Council on September 23rd, 2007 until polling day and the announcement of the victorious candidates on October 2nd, 2007 was my brief life in campus politics. The four of us: Syazwani bt Zawawi, Mohd Rafiezi Mohd Tahir, Ezhan b. Mohamad and I stood as candidates vouching for the 2 faculty seats. At the end of the day, the voters spoke: Syazwani and Rafiezi shall be their representatives. I had a great time and treasure all the memories. Somehow many are upset that I didn’t win. As I told my Campaign Manager, I stand because I believe in what ought to be done, not for the sake of the office. I see the office as a platform where one, when given the honour to hold it, try their best to help as many people under their care as possible. Personally I’m not interested in any “student rights” argument where no substance is given. Then again, I never did campaign properly. At the end of the day, the common perception stands: losers say what they say to lick up their own wounds. *Smiles* Office of leadership does not guarantee leadership in a person. As John C. Maxwell stated: leaders not only know where they are going; they know how to get there. To this I hold true. Whatever the outcome has been, I am proud to say that for once in my life, I stood up for something I genuinely believe in rather than following what my fears convinced me to do. I am proud and honoured to have stand with and against my fellow candidates: though you were my adversaries, you were never my enemies.

An episode which I cannot forget is the time I requested our Dean’s endorsement on my application form. She graciously gave me time to think about my decision for the final time before we actually began. Whatever my decision, she said she will support it. Being normal in politics, the others tried to comfort me. The principal factor causing the bump was my CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average), which I must admit I am not that proud of. Why? 2.72. Just above the minimum requirement mark.

My Campaign team did their best: Ain & the Asasi Gang, Kharulnizam the Campaign Manager. Dianne, Fiona (whom, by divine intervention I refer to as Sharon) and my other friends whom wished not be mentioned. The posters were raised at my request: keep it minimal. It was my decision and mine alone to rely on the manifesto/platforms. I’d like to thank LWB2A-c for allowing me into their Constitutional Law II class. And all who have helped.

What saddens is when I was told that someone played the “Aldric is an apostate” issue. Frankly I am unmoved by the claim and rumour. I have my eye on the perpetrator but I believe that God is fair. As the late Rev’d Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: my obligation is to do the right thing. The rest is in God’s hands. This individual may spread it around and about for all I care. Allow him to abuse his freedom to expression because though I disagree with how he uses it, right to expression is his fundamental right. Indifferent from him I would be if I stopped him or did anything against him.

KNOWING YOUR FRIENDS

I thank God for all the opportunities He has given me to meet the various people I have had the chance to encounter in my soon-to-be-21 years of existence. For better or for worse, all the things I’ve been through have made me into the person that I am today. I would like to focus on from November 21st, 2004 up to today.

Beginning November 21st, 2004 until the middle of 2006, I had the opportunity to do the Law Foundation in Universiti Teknologi MARA Kedah. There were about 60 of us back then when we began. Two of our friends left us for their own reasons. I had the pleasure to meet many where some are still with me doing our Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons.) in Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia at Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Back then, confined to among the smallest UiTM campus, friends were “limited” but friendships are the commitment to be friends. When we managed to reach Shah Alam, things began to change. From a campus of 3k to one with 44 to 45 thousand students. When I found that rare good friend, it was unusual for those from Kedah. They saw a part of me which they never knew existed - the impression they gave me of the reaction that had towards me. In fact, a roommate got so threatened by the fact that I was spending more time with a Diploma in Microbiology roommate instead of himself!

When I resigned the SRC Secretariat in the third quarter, some were astounded. My reasons, my resignation letter, was posted up in my older blog. I was confronted by that (ex-)roomie and it resulted in him challenging me to a religious debate. The later never happened. By the way, this same friend began a personal crusade to disprove the teachings of Christianity. It is his life, time, money and right which I would not dispute. The personal crusade is becoming too personal. I guess the warning for me is Proverbs 12:23.

Dude, friends respect each other as they are. Friends don’t impose onto others their will. Friends have boundaries which each has to respect and that friends are commitment to being friends. You claim to have experience, especially with age and all; frankly, dude, you are so immature! Instead of resolving your personality problems, don’t go out attacking people using the face of religion! You may not be Buddhist or Hindu but the principles of karma applies universally: what goes round, comes round - and when it does, nothing in the world can help you. THAT, my friend, is divine intervention.

STANDING MY GROUND, I WON’T GIVE IN

I guess this is all I have to write for now. This is Aldric Tinker, fondly called Alic/Lalic by family members and close friends. And I will always stand my ground, I wont give in and wont give up - so help me God.

Wow: Malaysian Politics and YouTube

I began my internet session today with my usual roundups at Politics UK. Going through the posts like usual, I posted two questions for the Leader of the House of Commons whom I shadow. From the political game, I went to YouTube, just for the fun of it. Bored, I typed in Malaysia and searched. What surprised me were the clips available regarding Malaysian politics and our Parliament.

As I watched the clip involving Parliamentarians in the “august House”, I begin to wonder: “what has happened to this institution?!” Many issues have been resolved: the leaks issue, the auditor-general’s report etc. But one fundamental issue has yet to change: attitude.

The Government tries to promote the Visit Malaysia 2007 with all sorts of adverts and campaign strategies but one look in YouTube is more than enough. It would have not mattered should the behaviour was seen at a stall somewhere in the midst of the city by some unknown old people. Sorry to say, it was done in the House of Representative (Dewan Rakyat) by elected members of Parliament. There are members who deserve respect but the rotten apples gives the most impression. What has happen to our legislative institution?