Small Planet, Big Problems

It was Earth Day a week ago... - a nice little initiative for me to get a new post up on this blog after a while. On a similar occurrence of lateness, I'd usually say better late than never, but in this case - Earth Day - I think every day seems late, thus one can't be late...

The bleak outlook comes from looking at the problems outlined in this nice-must-see little presentation titled Miniature Earth.

Also, today I watched the movie from 1980, The Secret of Nikola Tesla given to me back when I first started work as a teacher at NP by an ex colleague, Weelian. It's disturbing to see that 100 years ago Tesla was concerned about pollution and the lack of sustainability of then current - and sadly still current - energy resources. He also seem to had been dreaming of transmitting 'everything' - what we call today (wireless) Internet -, and wireless power transmission - what we're still dreaming of...!

Ps: Credit to Murray for pointing to the presentation.

- Bill Clinton's promo for his foundation is another nice presentation on issues.

- Also my posts on water and e-cars.

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Obama the Saviour

If it wasn't already clear from previous posts, like a big majority around the world, I am a fan and believer of the hopeful change that the 44th US president will bring about from this day onwards.

Many things have been said about the man in the past year leading towards the inauguration, but in particular I like what NY Times had to say describing his character: 

"It’s not willpower or self-discipline he shows as much as an organized unconscious. Through some deep, bottom-up process, he has developed strategies for equanimity, and now he’s become a homeostasis machine. 

...At every challenging moment, his instinct was to self-remove and establish an observer’s perspective. 

...He doesn’t seem to need the audience’s love. But they need his. The audiences hunger for his affection, while he is calm, appreciative and didactic.

...And it is easy to sketch out a scenario in which he could be a great president. He would be untroubled by self-destructive demons or indiscipline. With that cool manner, he would see reality unfiltered. He could gather — already has gathered — some of the smartest minds in public policy, and, untroubled by intellectual insecurity, he could give them free rein. Though he is young, it is easy to imagine him at the cabinet table, leading a subtle discussion of some long-term problem."

Wouldn't it be nice, if the only negative that the article had to say about Obama - "Far from a celebrity fad, he is self-contained, self-controlled and maybe even a little dull." - stays as the only true negiative remark eight years from now as well, when the 45th commander-in-chief is sworn in.

To the tune of the presently predominant theme, let's

hope...!

Ps:
And the man is a baller :)



Worth reading is the Time's Person of the Year interview, and the list of 50 facts, where you can also find the interview with his wife, Michelle.

PPs: SuperObama image source. 

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New Year, old tune

While back in Melbourne, enjoying the time with the family, I also tried to resurrect my degree from the ashes. There is some hope it might happen. It's very slim, but worth a shot. During the meeting with the representatives from the UniMelb's Science Faculty, I was told that they will take my request into consideration...

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Dear A and D,

Thank you for seeing me on the last Friday.

As discussed, I was able to successfully complete the two out of the three subjects listed below, and hence humbly request approval to enroll into one more subject in order to finalize my degree.

As you will know, during my time in Singapore I had full time employment lasting all the way through till the last quarter of the semester. Since my residential visa, apartment and the laptop were tied up to the job, I had to invest time and effort to sort those logistical issues. In addition, I looked for a new job and went to three interviews. Lastly, out of the three subjects, I was most unsure of receiving the approval for the 'Mapping Global Economic Change', leaving it's major assignment the last. This resulted with the submission that was one week overdue. The assignment was heavily penalized for lateness, resulting in the failure.

Also, please take into consideration that though my leave of absence has been prolonged, I have initially requested to enroll in two NUS modules (one per semester) after one year of leave of absence.

The next semester at NUS runs from January till May, with deadline for adding subjects on the 19th of January. With your kind approval, I would like to enroll into one more subject from the NUS's School of Computing.

Please find attached the page from NUS admin system showing the results. I will send you the original transcript as soon as I receive it.

Thank you,

Z
(student Id)

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I am asking myself, will I ever learn... Doing the same mistake over and over again... and again... Thinking of the lessons I 'learned' - or I should say: taken with me - from the previous failure, and yet failing to act upon them - stupid...!

Happy 09

Wishing you all the best in the new year! For all of us I hope we can enjoy some extra luck, as this seems to be something that we could use more so then usually in the following, what is expected to be, (economically) though year.

Cheers...!

Ps: thanks for all the warm wishes!

Unexpected holiday

The extension for my Singapore Social Pass (tourist visa) was declined, and I had 2 days to pick the destination outside the boundaries of this paradise island to disappear to for a while. Taking the current circumstances, cost and timing into the consideration, I got the ticket to Dubai, and Roza got me the one from Dubai to Iran - Thanks! Unlike my 1st time in Iran, this was the very lazy two weeks - for me, Roza had to continue her workaholic lifestyle, pardon the day and a half of annual leave she managed to organise. With no (workable) Internet connection - mobile roaming did not work either - I watched DVDs (two seasons of CSI Miami and few movies) and lots of CNN. Also, I read two books. Still, I had too much time to think about how the ever slowing economy and failed degree will effect my job search, and thus, the decision making process in the months to come. The winter is white over there, so I did not get to use my running gear, as I diligently intended to. It was nice seeing the snow again for the first time since my 2004 skiing trip in Christchurch (NZ), though this time enjoying it only from inside the warm apartment through the closed window. Apart from catching up with Roza after three months, the highlights were: Iranian dinner, Iranian wedding, and playing tennis for the 1st time ever.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be on my way to Melbourne for 10 days.

...!

What a difference a day makes...

The job interview, arranged by the Director of the school where I used to work, has received the new lifeline. Apparently, they want to see me again. The email correspondence is included below. Also this morning, I received the resolution that I can stay in my apartment till the end of the year. The stars have been nicely aligned today. Some seemingly good news, amidst all the BS that I've put myself in lately, come as the breath of fresh air.

cheers...! 

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Sent: Friday, 5 December, 2008 9:13 AM

To: ZB

Subject: RE: My passion to join HC

Hi Z,

Good to hear that you have now completed your program.  Time flies, our meeting seemed like they had just happened yesterday.

Then again, so much has taken place in the past few months.  Would you like to come over for an updated discussion so that both parties can come up to speed.  S will contact you to make arrangements.

Best regards,

OT

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Sent: Thursday, 4 December, 2008 3:05 PM

To: OT

Subject: My passion to join HC

Dear O,

I hope this email finds you in good spirits. 

I am happy to say that as of now, all my university tasks are completed, and I am ready, and genuinely keen to contribute to HC as soon as possible. I can start tomorrow.

Having had the opportunity for extensive conversations with K [the founder] and yourself, I am impressed with the leadership of the company and its potential for the future. I have the firm belief that HC will continue its growth amidst the tough competition in the industry, and currently slow economic times.   

While initially I was looking to join HC in a role of System Analyst as advertised on the website, it was flattering to find out that you see my potential and skills being aligned with numerous roles at HC. This being said, I am very keen to prove my hard work and intellect at any of these exciting opportunities as required by the immediate business needs.

I am motivated to join the team, 'role up my sleeves' and work hard, learn and grow with HC while contributing my passion for the people, IT and knowledge as a valuable asset to the company.

Enthusiastically looking forward to hear from you. 

Sincerely,

Z

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Big credit goes to Babber, a.k.a ZhiqiTao, without whom 'the passion email' would not have happened.  

MIS R.I.P.

...and the runner was jumping over countless hurdles and through many hoops since the journey started in the early months of 2002. Along the way, he would occasionally trip and sometimes even fall, but he would always get back up - usually with a help of a helping hand. Then at last, after long 7 years, the runner sow the bright finish line. It was just inches behind the very last hurdle. Though, being tired and very exhausted, he stumbled again and fell over this very last hurdle. He wanted to get up and finally finish the journey, but this time, instead of a helping hand, he got shot in the head.

theEnd...!