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Stuff that matters
“In the situations I have witnessed, there is no divine intervention. All we have is each other. We create our own problems, and it us up to us to solve them.”
James Nachtwey, anti-war documentary photographer (1999: 469)
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(updated: February 8, 2008)
Publications
Forthcoming
David, M. K., Ngeow, Y. M, Yoong, D. (fc). Gender Stereotypes in Malaysian Parliamentary Sittings: Stereotypes and Their Implications.
Yoong, D. (2008). Mixing Them Together: Interdiscursive Elements in Contemporary Animes and Mangas. La Trobe Linguistics Working Paper.
Yoong, D. (2008). Framing Poverty in Indonesia. Journal of Poverty.
Yoong, D. (2008). Standard English and Singlish: The Clash of Language Values in Contemporary Singapore. [pending]
2007
David, M. K. and Yoong, D. (2007). Elderspeak: Deprivation of Linguistic Human Rights?. In M. K. David (ed.) Language and Human Rights. Serdang: Universiti Putra Press.
David, M. K. and Yoong, D. (2007). Code-Switching in Eldercare. In S. I. Harnisch (ed.) In Memorium Rudolfo Jacobson.
Yoong, D. (2007). Rapport Building between an Uncle and Niece in a Malaysian Chinese Family. In David, M. K. (ed.). Politeness in Malaysian Family Talk. (In press).
2006
David, M. K., Jariah Mohd Jan, Kow, Y. C. and Yoong, S. C. (2006). Function and Role of Laughter in Malaysian Women’s and Men’s Talk. Multilingua 25. ISSN 0167-8507
Yoong, D. (2006). Accommodating to the Elderly in a Malaysian Geriatric Day-Care Centre: A Discourse Analysis. Unpublished Master Dissertation. Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya.
Yoong, D. (2006). Boycotting an International Tourism Company: A Critical Discourse Perspectives. In M. K. David, H. Burhanudeen, A. N. Abdullah (eds.). The Power of Language and the Media (146-161). Frankfurt: Peter Lang.
Yoong, D. and David, M. K. (2006). Talking to Older Malaysians: A Case Study. Multilingua 25, 165-182. ISSN 0167-8507
Paper Presentations
2006
David, M. K. and Yoong, D. (2006). Applying Knowledge of Psycholinguistics in Language Teaching. Paper presented at the Universiti Sains Malaysia International Language Learning Conference (November 23-25, 2006: Batu Feringgi, Penang).
David, M. K. and Yoong, D. (2006). Constructive Communication in Marriage and the Family. Paper presented at the Marriage Philosophy Seminar (29-30 Mac 2006), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Vol.2 Paper 39 (12p.)
Yoong, D. (2007). Framing Poverty in Indonesia. Paper presented at the Discourse of Poverty Conference (July 19, 2007) at the Faculty of Sociology, La Trobe University, Australia.
In progress
Yoong, D. (in progress). Orders and Disorders of Discourse in the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time. Unpublished PhD Thesis. La Trobe University, Australia.
Academic activities
An abstract reviewer for the Eleventh Conference of the Foundation for Endangered Languages: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, "Working Together for Endangered Languages: Research Challenges and Social Impacts." University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 26-28 October 2007
For the past week, I indulged myself in film watching and here's a quickie review of some new and old films:
#1. Rewatching the first three Indiana Jones films from the 1980s made me realise how cheesy the films all are.
#2. Groundhog Day is my all time favourite. I especially like the theme very much: The transformation of a hedonistic man into a man of virtue. Kinda Buddhism in a way (think: karma and finally nirvana).
#3. The Kingdom was pretty draggy UNTIL the last bit. Pretty intense action scenes.
#4. The Bourne Ultimatum was so uber cool. Must rewatch the first two films! XD
#5. Be Kind Rewind was quite alright. Jack Black was somewhat annoying. But it's a fun film.
#6. The Interpreter was unbelievable. The plot was simply too far fetched, complicated and non-credible. BUT... Nicole Kidman is hot. That saved the film.
#7. Kung Fu Panda was jaw-dropping... i.e. ridiculous. WTF. I still can't believe the panda managed to acquire mastery of Kung Fu in such a brief time.
#8. Harold and Kumar is a highly recommended watch. Damn frickin' hilarious... some might find it offensive though.
I've got another 3 films to watch. *cracking neck*
In the eighteenth century, corporations had very few of the powers that we now associate with them. They did not have limited liability. They did not have an unlimited life span. They were chartered for a limited period of time, say 10 or 20 years, and for a specific public purpose, such as building a bridge. Often a charter would require that, after a certain amount of time, the bridge or road be turned over to the state or the town in which it was built. Corporations were viewed differently in early America. They were required to serve the public good...
...Corporations had been looking for a way to control the process of state regulation and taxation. Now they were able to control it by having the federal government say you can't discriminate, when discrimination meant any rule that applied just to corporations, such as railroads...
There's a legitimate reason to be concerned about the ethics of corporatism. Sure, the article addresses corportate concerns in America, but this can also be applied elsewhere, like the Bandar Mahkota Cheras highway issue.
On a drastic scale, giving too much power to corporate entities will inevitably allow them to rob the public of their essential liberty, thus rendering the public helpless to counter the oppressive forces and hegemonic powers of corporate entities.
So really, the danger is real when people are apathetic and apolitical, and allow others to think for them.
Also related:
Fascist governments don't put troops in the streets...they work with corporations to make sure 'the wrong sort of people' do not have any economic power, and do not have anywhere to peddle their ideas.
Modern fascist states don't even bother to kill those people, and pretending they're going to show up in some stormtrooper outfit and start a gun battle with you is insane. They'll show up with a court order to evict you from your home because you failed to pay your mortgage, because pressure came from the top at your company to let you go. Or they'll just sue you and ruin your finances.
He nodded and pursed his lips before saying, "You're doing pretty damn good. For someone who has written about five and a half chapters in one and the half years, you're ahead of the game. I know of third year students still struggling with their first chapter."
He spent about an hour pointing out and correcting some of the current misconceptions in my thesis, and introduced me to some terms (e.g. "filibuster") and theories (e.g. "relevance theory").
Thereafter, he leaned back and started talking about stuff, philosophy, religion, politics, linguistics, the accidents of life (think: butterfly effect), etc. It was mostly a monologue-lecture style discussion, but one which can really keep you in your seat literally, for hours.
And you know, today I realised that my supervisor really has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. And when he talks, he doesn't talk shit (like a lot of people whom I know).
I seriously want to be like him... a damn well read, respectful down-to-earth guy.
Anyway, before we ended our discussion, he said, "well... we have to keep ourselves busy... because life really has no meaning." XD
I went for an orientation program at the NGO at Clifton Hill today... and must note: the lady was sooooo sweet and attractive. She's such an angel to be doing social work. *heart melts*
Here's the sad part.. (no, she's not married). Unfortunately I cannot dedicate myself to the NGO because it requires dedication and long term commitment. Not sure if I will be staying that long in Australia... but I told her that I'd definitely engage myself in the organisation back home in Malaysia.
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Clifton Hill is such a nice place to live in. Cozy and warm... unlike Bundoora. If I have the money, or someone wants to stay with me over there, I won't hesitate at all to move over.
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Assoc Prof Dr Karen from FBL, UM was actually here in Australia, in my uni for 3 months! And no one informed me about her presence... -.-'
I got to know about this from my-to-be UM colleague. She dropped by my office yesterday with her kids.
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Yesterday I missed Aikido. Damn shit! SHIT! All because the bus was crowded and there was a jam. >:(
Missing class makes me sad.
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Spent AUD100 for a Lowepro camera bag that would be arriving from China in two weeks time.
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On the brighter side of things, I'm finally able to play a couple of segments of Tommy Emmanuel's Guitar Boogie.
He took a couple of the segments from SRV's rude mood.
25.2 Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak informed Abdul Razak Baginda that he had a sexual relationship with Aminah and that she was susceptible to anal intercourse.
Damn disgusting leh... The anus is so full of bacteria and poking that area is so...
Epic gross. Period.
And you know, I get turned off by porn featuring anal sex, including anal-oral sex.
*VOMIT*
And for guys having their members covered with shit after their moment of estacy is up is even more disgusting.
25. The US Dollar is not backed by anything. It sustains its value because it is used as a trading currency. When countries start using other currencies for trading and quickly dispose off the US Dollar in favour of Euro or Yen; when the US Dollar is no longer used for the reserves of the rich countries, then the US Dollar will not be worth the paper on which it is printed.
26. The United States already suffers from twin deficits. When the dollar becomes useless the United States will go into deep recession. Printing more money by the Federal Reserve Bank (which incidentally is not owned by the Government but by other banks) will only result in its devaluation and inflation in the United States.
27. The United States must surely go into severe recession (I am sure the United States will do something illegal in order to prevent this from happening). But whatever, United States recession will affect the whole world.
... photoshooting events I've ever conducted. Today the sky was like shit (although sunny) and prior to today, my model had no experience in posing. But I'm glad I managed to shoot a number of decent-to-good pictures. I also learnt something today... sometimes people do look good when they don't smile. No, seriously.
Now... behold! Some of my favourite pics of the day! :P
Yes, we do live in a relatively free and secular country - just ask any young Afghani woman studying at a college here for her opinion. But there is also evidence around us that the British government is engaging in repression. And not just in Iraq or Afghanistan, but here in Britain. Perhaps those of us who have lived for a time under dictatorships can spot some of the warning signs:
• Inconvenient elections are avoided in the name of getting on with the job. • Leaders of the opposition are character-assassinated by the state media. • Institutions like the legislature begin to lose their independence and traditional role. • Citizens are increasingly afraid to speak openly on certain issues. • Citizens are observed and monitored on cameras and the government can tap into their conversations at will. • Governments can snatch anyone from their homes or off the street and detain them without trial on charges of treason or terrorism. • Ethnic and religious minorities are persecuted and are made into scapegoats. • The state increasingly intervenes in family and community life in an attempt to control citizens' behaviour. • The focus of discussion moves away from the issues and into a narrative of political rivalries and gossip spreads. • Governments use bread and circuses to shut people up and distract attention away from their increasing political impotence. • Public spaces for demonstrations are closed down and restricted. • Large and ridiculous monuments are built to impress the citizens. • Individuals have to carry ID with them at all times and the government holds large amounts of information on every citizen.
Hmm... a couple of points came to mind, chiefly, the ISA, OSA, Patriot Act, the NST amongst others.
Throwing out of the window: Politeness and respect
Interesting commentary by Max Hastings. Excerpts via the Guardian.
...What has changed today, of course, is that the F-word is perceived as no big deal, to the point that somebody like Ramsay says it on air all the time. It has become a trademark, like Naomi Campbell's tantrums or Kate Moss's illegal substances. Yet how can one possibly hope to convince an unemployed kid on the streets of Stoke or Sunderland that shouting "fuck" at people is not clever, that to possess a chance of a decent life he must learn politeness, if he sees a career yob adorning half the billboards and television screens in Britain?
I often feel sorry for kids who shout obscenities. They do it because they lack the intelligence and education to use language coherently. Many people are frustrated by their own inarticulacy. Those of us who can use words know how lucky we are. Thus it hurts to see a man with the gifts to have become a successful cook and restaurateur propagating the language of the voiceless...
...Restraint and discipline are basic ingredients of self-respect as well as respect for others. Every time Ramsay says "fuck" on television, he kicks civilised values between the legs. Every time television executives chortle at the ratings and raise his tariff for doing this, they flaunt their own abdication of responsibility.
Whilst the author may be a conservative in some ways, I agree with his notions of politeness and respect.
Surprising? Not really. It's emotionally devastating to be rejected...
BUT!
One way of overcoming this problem (not part of the article), according to my method (and a few other notable individuals), is to channel the negative 'energy' of rejection into creativity and self-improvement. Then one day, when you have finally reached the peak of success through self-determination and self-will, you can turn around and surprisingly find the ones who rejected you, longing for your attention. At that point, turn away and politely (optional) remind them that you're merely reciprocating to the way they have treated you.
Speaking of which... :P I was talking to one of my buddies last night, and we did talk about the matter... excerpts as follow:
David: I'LL BE FAMOUS!! XD Brandon: yeah yeah.. Brandon: and pls dont forget bout me after you're famous Brandon: wahahaha David: yah yah David: no problemos David: but when they come up to me and say, "hi david" David: "remember me?" David: "you had a crush on me" Brandon: then you just say "who are you?" David: Nah... I'll say ..."please make an appointment, i'm busy" Brandon: hahaha.. Brandon: you're so terrible David: revenge can be sweet Brandon: hahaha David: oh so damn sweet
it has worked with other people. as for me, i'm getting there. it's much better than telling them to, "piss off!"
why? because once you reach the pinnacle of success and turn around, you'd realise that you're what they could only dream to be OR never could be. when they want to bask in your halo, you need not treat them with importance. so instead of letting the negative emotions destroy you, use them to your advantage and better yourself in any possible way.
after all, it's imperative to note that they've never been there for you whenever you needed them and they only succeeded in adding injury to your emotional well-being.
haha... some might say this is arrogant or conceited, but really... so fucking what? as long as you work hard to get where you are today and did so without having any support from them, you deserve your status. as for them, they can whine and complain forever and really... and no one gives a shit.
It's awfully deceiving... when you compare the same images between the post-processing software (not Photoshop, but Digital Photo Professional) and the camera's LCD.
Anyway, I'm going RAW (CR2 files) all the wayyyy from now on, as I've finally purchased an 8gb CF card (for about AUD130).
Here are some pics of my beloved practice saxophone, shot in RAW, and edited with the DPP software.
Noise reduction feature is pretty cool.
I'm still waiting for Canon to release a more stable EOS Utility version as I really like the remote shooting feature.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR MY CANON 5D TO ARRIVEEEE!! COME TO MEEEEeeeeEE BABE!!! XD
I'd be posting advertisements once I get my baby. :P
"Looking for an event/documentary/portrait photographer? AUD300 per-session. Call..."
Secrets of James Bond's success with women unravelled By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent Last Updated: 8:17AM BST 19/06/2008
The secrets of what makes James Bond so irresistible to women have been unravelled by scientists.
According to a new study, men who are narcissistic, thrill-seeking liars and all round "bad boys" tend to have the greatest success finding more sexual partners.
Scientists believe that the root of their good fortune is simply that they try it on with more women, therefore by the law of averages are likely to ensnare more.
They say these type of men adopt a more predatory, scatter gun approach to conquests and have more of a desire to try new things which helps when it comes to meeting women, according to the study highlighted by New Scientist magazine...
...These are a tendency to lie and manipulate others, the selfishness associated with narcissism and impulsive behaviour that gives little thought to consequence...
...Mr Jonason believes that their link to a higher number of sexual partners could explain why these traits have survived over generations, despite their negative social connotations...
So yeah. Want to increase your chances with women? Be a narcissistic, thrill-seeking liar and all round "bad boy." No. Seriously.
Whilst women may initially (and verbally) reject such traits, they may be subconsciously prone to gravitate towards men with them (ironic? hypocritical?). Well, too bad if they get hurt in the long run and they should get slapped if they claimed, "there is no decent good man in this world!" because hey, they made those choices. :)
you being a student for many years ought to know that you shouldn't generalise right... are you saying that all women are like that? if that is sarcasm, i don't think it is appropriate since i am sure you have many female friends and relatives... just my two cents.
I've been thinking about this a couple of days ago, and was particularly surprised to discover that in Malaysia, there's an ant called the 'camponotus saundersi' that self-destructs when it perceives an external threat.
You'll be surprised to know that every cell in our body self-destructs as well. It's called apoptosis. When the cells feel like it can no longer defend the body's immune system due to foreign particles, it just self-destructs. Kaboom! But not to worry, we make up for the cells in no time.
Oh yeah... I think I read of apoptosis before. Interesting stuff really. Self-destruction for survival. Ironic and seemingly conflicting paradigm.
But you know, apoptosis is designed for the survival of the larger organism. But what about animals and humans' will and choice to end their existence? Not to preserve the self, but to terminate it? Surely, there must be something (bio)psychological about that... no?
In the earlier episodes of Full Metal Alchemist, the Elrics came across a village that practises a religion preached by a priest. Amazingly, this priest is able to perform miracles like reviving the dead, transmutating objects into gold and making inanimate objects move. They also met a villager by the name of Rose. Now, after being assured by the priest (as well as the religious institution and other believers) that the priest can revive her deceased fiancé, Rose became a pious lady and devoted herself to the religion.
When the Elrics shed the truth about the village's religion through the science of alchemy, Rose breaks down psychologically because her entire belief system has been proven to be nothing more but a lie. Feeling helpless and hopeless, she fell to her knees and desperately asked Edward...
WHAT AM I TO DO?
Edward turned around and said... "Get up. You have legs. Walk forward."
That, my dear readers... is the best advice on self-will and determination. The best pill is most times never sweet.
Life's tough, but having a strong self-will will allow you to face any obstacle and carry your head high.
In a way, I feel I've done the right thing by burying a ghost, and I am so ever determined to stand up and walk on.
