Life without Astro and Streamyx

I recently decided not to renew my ASTRO account and left it suspended for a while. We have gotten by with ASTRO for almost 2 months now. 2 months earlier I got my Streamyx terminated - not on purpose. One fine day Streamyx decided to go down - I call the usual 1-800--xxxx number and got the usual report number. After one week, no progress. Called again - they never heard of my report number or my complain - never mind, got another report number. After 2 weeks no progress. I was promised a technical would show-up, but he never did. Called again - no such report again, went through the process..... etc. To cut the long story short - I received a payment reminder and my line would be terminated if I did not pay. Pay for what?? Anyway, no difference - no Streamyx non of my fault! Anyway, that's besides the point.

The interesting thing is that - we got by! No major problems (so far), some grumbling from the kids though. For internet access - we shuttled to the nearest Starbucks or the nearby Petronas station what offered free wi-fi.

The good thing was that - we had more family time. Our kids are reading more. Even our youngest one is pestering us with "reading time" almost evening.

This got me thinking, I am not sure if I want to get that subscription up again. Life seems pretty good without these electronic feed. If I need connectivity really urgent, I have my 3G phone.

Heard recent Buddhist talk in KL recently. A member of the audience asked how to manage his children... family problems, etc... The monk replied, "kill the TV". I guess there is some wisdom in that thought and this killing I suppose if not "panatipata"....

If you the kids are restless not enough family time..... trying turning off the TV - really turning it off.

Good luck!

When we cane, we have FAILED (2)

This is comment on my blog published on FamilyPlace though it would be good to share  this

- Comments : First of all, these people seriously believe they are sincere in addressing the indiscipline in school. What a frightful thought, because they of course think they are clever people. And clever people do not like to reason much because well, they are already very much clever. These 700 (most probably handpicked as those 'most likely to say aye') would recommend just about anything that DEFLECTS from the FACT that it is them, parents and teachers as a collective whole, who have been unthinking in supporting a system and way of life which created an entire generation of dysfunctional youth. It is these same people who have chosen, unthinkingly or knowingly, to place their priorities in life in such a way that has caused the erosion of all values worth living for in a civilised society. They would recommend any measure which will not make them stick their noses into the plain truth; that they were the ones responsible for bearing these children / choosing this prof

Anyway, if you think about it, the more blunders he collective society and the government makes when it comes to the development and learning of our youth, the better it is for fence-sitters and pro-learning people; it will force people to make a choice how much is enough. Nothing short of a critical mass of people who have awakened to the failings of this post-dated form of 'learning'will create real change.

As for my personal experience with caning, 2 years ago my daugher was caned until her little Std.1 palm swelled up so much she couldn't hold her spoon properly. She forgot one page of writing. I wasn't aghast so much at the physical action of the caning, but her meek acceptance that someone could use authority to inflict a form of violence on her. Being a single mom raising a daughter, the last thing I want her to accept is that a person who has supposed authority over you can hit you. She's going to get married some day and I don't want her to be with anyone which will hit her!

Of course some people will say, 'Gosh you're so extreme. You think too far.' But I guess it's the 'not thinking far' kind of mentality which has given us a regressive progress in the past few decades. And then there are those who will say, 'Ahh! It's just a little caning....' but that sounds exactly like an abuser saying, 'Ah, it's just a few bruises and cuts' and a rapist justifying, 'Ah, it's just some skanky w****' and SHE DESERVES IT.' How many teachers will actually say, 'The kid didn't deserve it?' The fact that you use force as a means cannot justify the 'He/She deserves this....' mentality.

Seriously, the reprobation of caning isn't about forsaking discipline. It's about waking up to think about what values you're going to own as a society. Be aware that violence isn't a sudden overturn of emotions gone wild. Violence is conditioning over time, a numbness to compassion, a justification of terror.

It's understandable that some well-meaning parents and teachers are ignorant of the repercussions of violence in teaching a child. The previous generation used to argue that they were caned and they turned out alright. I say to them, back then, education was so valuable that seldom a child wanted to get caned for the novelty of it. Furthermore, children learned in an environment which made them feel the learning is so precious,teachers were generally more knowledgeable and well-trained than the students and their parents and knowledge was not just something they could pick up outside. Back then, they wouldn't risk expulsion because learning was an asset to some degree. If times have changed and the objectives and environment for learning has changed, do we expect to apply the same methods to instil discipline? The causes for indiscipline today is far from identical to the causes of rare cases of indiscipline 'back then when you were young.'

Schools shouldn't be burdened with disciplining students - they should focus on the core of imparting knowledge and nurturing learning. There wasn't even proof to begin with that the Dark Ages practise of punitive measures to subdue learners was effective in creating learning. Schools were never centres for discipline. Learning happened under trees during Socrates time. Neither Alexander the Great nor Buddha would've achieved what they had if schooling for them was all about punishment.

Punitive measures in schools were a thoughtless and careless extension from the Dark Ages when priests caned boys in the believe that it would 'beat the devil out of them'. When schooling became 'large-scale', they borrowed these practices as a quick fix. Punitive measurement has never been proven to be either effective nor constructive. So much research has been made on the effects of physical punishment but we choose to forsake ALL THAT WISDOM in favour of a practise from the Dark Ages that had neither value nor reason except in gratifying egomaniacal priests.

Perhaps the next time they pick '700 people', they should pick those who are doing a good job as teachers and parents and instead ask these people how they've managed to instil learning and discipline WITHOUT the cane. I would've thought that would be an obvious fact.

- Submitted By  : Sloane
- Submitted On  : 06:05,  11/30/2007

When we cane, we have FAILED

PARENT WHO CARE: STOP THE CANING

Caning in schools is NOT RIGHT! Infact, CANING IS NOT RIGHT! It should be abolish if we can are serious about making schools learning and knowledge centers. It is a place where children learn or at least be provided the opportunity to learn. It is a platform for the young to be nurtured to be better people. By caning students, we have gone against our educational policy of "...developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonic....". How can you teach people as you beat them up? How will their self-esteem be after caning? How do other students see them? More importantly how will teachers see them?

Instead we are preparing children who are fearful, unthinking in an environment which is unforgiving and at times heartless. If we cane (and expel, practised today) what message are we telling our children? One message is clear is that: "It's the child's fault!" They cannot change, they have committed a mistake. Where did children their behavior from? From the moment they are born or from us adults? Are we conveying the message that we it is okay to hurt another person if they cannot change or do not agree with you - no fault of theirs?

Let us think about why we cane? Is it because nothing else works? Or is that we have given up trying and take the easy way out by pulling out the cane? Is is because teachers have no time, to counsel, talk and to the students and/or their parents? Counseling surely takes time - people cannot change overnight. Does school teachers/counselors have the time? Some teachers will say, the kids are rotten, bully and break every rule in the school. My message to the school authorities is: " In that case, just shoot them! It will save the country a lot of money and the police will surely not have to deal with it 10-20 years down the road".

I see it as a failure on the school (and to a great extent) the parents as well. As teachers and parents we have failed to listen when we decided to use the cane. Sure some will turn out good but most will not.

Most importantly, the message given to the younger children is that "violence is okay" - this is a scary thought.

In this aspect, schools have failed.

Schools need to find the solutions to the problem of the young, not pass it on to the future and lets others (police) handle it. As difficult as it may be, it has to be done. Stakeholders need to come together and work out the solutions. The Minister need to drive change and bring commitment to educate the children with that same fervent energy as he raises the kris (and defends it). It would be really refreshing if out Minister defend children - give them the due respect and recognition they deserve.

The path is difficult but can be done. if we put our minds and hearts to it and focus on our children. They do not deserve this at all.

Time to make a change.

Something for our minister to think about:
Kenya Outlaws Caning in School

More news on this topic in
Malaysiakini
New Straits Times

Detained children to be 'rehabilitated'???

For those who just woke-up, on November 10,2007 Malaysia witnessed its first major peaceful "demonstration"/march/walk (whatever it is called) to drive electoral reform. The event was organized by BERSIH (http://www.bersih.org)

I can understand what the police locked down the entire city on that and had to spray acid laced water and shoot tear gas at the people (not that I agree) but I CANNOT UNDERSTAND why the children (as young as 6) had to be detained and have their statement taken! Now these children will have to be rehabilitated. See Detained children to be 'rehabilitated'. Is this desperate or a stupid move? Who are are real people who needs to be detained (if they really need to)? The police have summoned the four key political leaders involved in the event for statements to be recorded - why the children?

For photos click here. For more information, click on BERSIH above or check this out for tons of links and photos.

FREE THE CHILDREN AND LEAVE THEM ALONE! GO CATCH THE BAD GUYS!

Mental Litercy in Schools?

Malaysian National News Agency :: BERNAMA

Do really need this or does somebody else need this more? Mental Literacy. Mental literacy is a pseudoscientific and popular psychological term coined by Tony Buzan. First thing that came to my mind was "Mind Map" - I think he made a lot of money selling this. Interesting, Hishamuddin had nothing to say, to busy waving this kris elsewhere?

I wonder when can we stop introducing piece-meal initiatives (aka half-baked) and start looking a the bigger picture and vision of our education system and process? Do our leaders have such a vision, any vision for the future of education?

A Breath of Fresh Air, but can there be real changes

Education articles usually catch my attention in the local papers. On the October 16th New Straits Times, it featured an interview with the Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom (Director General of the Ministry of Education) on the topic of cluster schools. For the still uninitiated the cluster schools was one of the main trust of Education Blueprint unveiled by our education minister. What caught my interest was not the the interview but a commentary by Professor Emeritus Datuk Khoo Kay Kim. Professor Khoo is a member of the Cluster of Excellence Advisory Board.





Chappell School is a World Language Magnet Cluster School located in the north side of Chicago


Several things he said caught my attention. First, the need to create creative and bilingual students, not students who follow rules. This is interesting as rules and its adherence has always be a pillar of schools today. Secondly, Professor Khoo stressed that schools must not operate in isolation, they must involve parents. Third, facilities are not important, its the teacher. He gave the example of Plato and Socrates produced some of the best students under a tree. It seems to be an acknowledgment that a "school" is not as important. It's the teacher and the learning process.

Perhaps it is time for a shift in paradigm and move away from schools. True creativity and thinking our of the box of our education system, not necessarily build bigger boxes.

When will we can break out from the walls schools?



Read the NST articles here and and Prof Khoo's piece here.

FREE BURMA

DEAR DPM........

It pains and hurts me to read the DPM say that "since the NS Training Programme was introduced in 2004, only 14 trainees had died and not 20 as reported by a local daily" (emphasis the author's). Read full story in Bernama here.

The extract of the story is produced below before Bernama decides to "update the content".


Meanwhile, he clarified that since the NS Training Programme was introduced in 2004, only 14 trainees had died and not 20 as reported by a local daily.

Of the 14, six deaths were due to illnesses suffered by the trainees themselves such as heart disease, asthma and liver infection. Meanwhile, he said four deaths occurred during training, two died as a result of accidents, one trainee died while on vacation and one died three days after the completion of training. Of the remaining two cases, one drowned while on holiday and the latest case at the Cheneh Cemerlang Camp in Kemaman was being investigated, he said.

"ONLY 14"???????? - How cold and heartless can you be dear DPM?!!!??? Not only are you heartless, your statement implies that the NS is not responsible for the death!

How more many more death will it take for you to know that parents celebrate and jump with joy when they realize their children do not picked for national service?

How many more death will it be enough to for you realize that each one of these persons were somebody's child - a Malaysia and that the suffer greatly?

How many more death will it take to realize that we you, as DPM need to stand up and take the courage to STOP the national service program and make radical changes, report the changes publicly and make the process transparent to the us the Rakyat.

How many more death will it take for you to know that most people have LOST confidence in the National Service program?

Will you just issue another statement the next day to say you were misquoted or the press reported out of context?

I dedicate this song to you, "Blowing in the Wind" by Bob Dylan. The most relevent lines are:

Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

May you continue to hear this in your all your dreams and quiet times in the day, everyday. We will pray you realize that 14 death is ENOUGH!

I am upset.

ANOTHER NATIONAL SEARVICE DEATH

This time its Mohd Rafi Ameer, 18. Died after suffering from fever and having a fall. It seems that the NS camp took too long to send the him to the hospital. It was alleged that his aunt was denied access to see him or take him to the hospital.

Bob Dylan asked:
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Here in Malaysia, it seems that it not blowing in the wind, its blowing in HOT AIR!

National Service (NS) Training Department Director-General Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil:
"We're waiting for the outcome of the post-mortem for the cause of death,"
" A committee headed by the deputy Training Operations Sector director-general, Jamaluddin Masrin, would be set up to investigate the case including the complaint.."
[Bernama]

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak:
"an inquiry into the incident would be thorough and any responsible party found to have been negligent would be punished
[NST]

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye is STILL the Chairman of NS Program. No action, no responsibility, not bothered. Refuse to take resign or take any responsibility. This time no pictures in the the local press of him crying and sobbing, maybe waiting for the next death?

Perhaps Tan Sri might like to look at this post by TECheah in the Malaysian Medical Resource site for some answers.

If you missed those whole news while busy celebrating out Merdeka Celebration, check out the following news and blog sites:
Bernama
New Straits Times
e-sinchew-i.com
The Star
3540 Jalan Sudin
Rocky' Bru
English Section.com

A Breath of Fresh Air.....MERDEKA is meaningful again.

It was heartening to know that there is yet hope for our country. It was refreshing to hear what Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said in his recent speech in a public lecture to inaugurate the Khazanah National Development Seminar in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 2, 2007.


Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin

In a time when I turned the pages of our local press it was for laughthers (or cry) depending how we want to react to sometimes nonsensical statements by our local politicians (note: NOT leaders) who pretend to be leaders. The lack the depth and maturity to go beyond the murky waters of politics and shine in the sunlight of statesmanship is sometimes too obvious. Just watch the going-ons in our Parliment and you will understand. If the Parliment is a place from which key policies are debated and changes are initiated, think again. I posted something here, click on it to have your laughs.

This year is our 50th anniversary of our nation's independence. Unfortunately, it is also this year that I wondered what the roles of the courts is to dispense justice or to please people. It is also thsi year that the entire Malaysian Cabinet decided took notice and punished a young man from Muar - for singing the Negara Ku in his own style (and much more), and more more stories. Raja Dr Nazrin Shah's speech on Sept 2 is indeed a breath of fresh air.

If you missed it, its here in The Sun. The full text can be downloaded here.

There's hope, let's cherish it!

Happy 50th MERDEKA Malaysia!

MERDEKA!

FINALLY! I am free from the MERDEKA programs, MERDEKA news and MERDEKA postings about what MERDEKA should and shouldn't be, MERDEKA messages, MERDEKA advertisements and MERDEKA whatever (7 times, right?) to focus and reflect on what i think the meaning of MERDEKA.



It is also time to look around, acknowledge that we are all different in many ways, and to give that respect and space to others who may not be like us. Even better, learn from them. I will try my best to be more tolerant and understanding with the hope that our society will be a happy one for ourselves, our children and future generations. Let's not argue about or fight abotu what state Malaysia is, and focus on building a peaceful and harmonious state.

Let's all look at out 50th Merdeka not to our past alone but make it a gift to our future generation!

Salam MERDEKA my friends and may we all be well and happy!

SHUT UP? NO WAY! HELPS ON THE WAY!

I must congratulate the Malaysian Cabinet. Yes the Cabinet who has taken valuable time away from pressing matters such as the state of sports in the country, the worst bus accident in Malaysian history, the failure of PKFZ and other minor things such as the rate crime in our country and the economy - just to help this creative student promote his music to the world!

How many world leaders and their Ministers really take the time to help creative local musicians onto the world stage, providing wide publicity to his works. A chap from Muar by the name of Namawee has been given this privillage - a privillage even stars like Siti Nurhaliza and Jac Victor did not get. Namawee now is world famous, his hit single now has exceeded over 1,000,000 hits (not counting the other sites hosting his song) and I can say probably many times more. I think there is not a single office in Malaysia that has not heard or circulated the URL to his hit single, Negarakuku. In the real world, it would have been a record - a platinum hit in days!

The Malaysian Cabinet Ministers deep understanding and appreciation of the internet technology has definitely helped in this effort. In singing praises to the Cabinet, we should not forget the local mass media for their kind generosity and magnanimity. I do not think Namawee spent a single sen on advertising to drive traffic to his song and his blogsite. Very rarely do we get this level of generosity from the press. I tried to get a discount to advertise a not-for-profit event some time back and of course, I did not get it. The wonderful thing is that ALL the local papers came together to give unprecedented mileage to this wonderful young man. The latest I have heard is the legal fraternity is jumping to do his bit starting to make this young man famous. Leading this initiative is the Attorney General himself! Great work!

All it takes now is for Namawee to go take the world by storm and make Malaysia proud. Go get a recording contract or start to sell you songs online via i-Tunes. You should not waste the efforts of our Nation's leader to working so hard to see you successful.

If you have just woken and missed the entire episode, here's the hit single below.



I personally like this on, Kawanku

Happy Birthday Malaysia!

SHUT UP!

Malaysiakini reported that The Internal Security Ministry has confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state.

The reason given was that it's sensitive and can cause tension. When are we going to grow-up as a nation? We will be celebrating 50 years of Independence as we are still being treated worse than kids. Imagine being to told to "shut up" every time you want to say something.

In parenting programs, psychologists and educationists expounds that parents and teachers allow children to speak their minds and express themselves. When they do that, we adults can understand the problems the kids face and address them accordingly. We are taught to LISTEN and to communicate - basic respect for our children. If our leaders do not have the wisdom to understand and appreciate this, how can we deal with bigger things, how can demonstrate leadership in the international arena. Forget the Nobel Prizes, go play "gasing" in space, make the world's first inter-galactic "roti canai", keep making and breaking ridiculous like the biggest dinner, the longest coin line. We are fifty years as an independent nation, on our social maturity level, in reality, we have regressed to the time before independence.

As long as we have blogs, keep the discussion going. Keep talking about it!

I wonder when the Internal Security Ministry will issue directives to ban the internet followed by kopi-tiams, and later ban the gathering of two or more persons. It we keep this up, it may not be long before we get a directive not to talk. There might come a time this directive will come - "DO NOT THINK".

This is our country, we are 50 this year.

What's the Role of Courts?

Picked this up in the NST on Saturday. Just wondering if the role if the Courts to dispense justice or to "appease everyone". This was quoted by Ahmad Jailani, Lawyer to Siti Fatimah who seek to renounce Islam. Instead she was asked by the courts to undergo counselling and "learn more about Islam". Read more about it here The New Straits Times Online.