Change

I switched my blog template to something lighter (and definitely whiter than usual which was black yahh) for a change of mood. Well, of course I'm not that bad-tempered these days. I just happened to be thinking on a lot of things lately, and white is a great color to calm the mind.

And one would also notice the great gap in between at which I update my blog, something I must apologize for being unable to do. Time has not been an understanding entity, and its many facets on life's course prevented me from updating regularly. Nevertheless, things have calmed down, somewhat, and I can start writing again.

Arguments and Debates

Thank you for helping me notice.

I know what it is now. Why do I keep arguing no matter how groundless some comments are? Why is it I can think "Wow this guy is an idiot for saying this," but still, talk and try to convince that person why I feel he/she is wrong? Most importantly, as a personal question, why do I get riled up by the stupidest comments?!

Because, I've come to notice, I believe it's a chess game.

-

1. The right to dismiss - Just because a person made the most ridiculous move on the chessboard does not give me the right to say "hah you're an idiot, I don't want to waste time playing with you". This is the equivalent of "this is a pointless discussion because you're an idiot, I'm not talking about this anymore" in an argument.

2. The game is between the two people playing - If 99.99% of the world agree that there is a particular piece you should be moving but you think otherwise, it's probably better for your game if you followed what you believe, the equivalent of how what others think do not directly affect the people in the argument.

3. Don't bring your personal feelings / emotion in the game - Your emotions have nothing to do with how well your pieces are played. Neither does it have anything to do with how well you argue or debate an issue. Be especially sure to take note of this in an argument between friends.

4. Stay focused to the purpose - You have certain small goals throughout a chess game, for instance exposing your opponent's King, or forcing trades when you have an advantage over them in terms of quantity; but your ultimate purpose to win is always there. Just as you will have different purposes of arguing or debating, stay focused and never sidetrack. The ultimate purpose of arguing or debating is also always there, but it may not always be to win. Whatever it is, just relate each statement you make throughout the course of your argument/debate to this question: "Would making this statement help me achieve that purpose?"

5. The endgame - Incoming cliche - The real winner at the end of the day is one who understands and works on fixing his flaws, not the winner of the actual game. You may have played the same strategy for every chess game (equivalent of having a certain stand on something your whole life) but it is never too late to alter or change your strategies (equivalent of changing your mind regarding an issue).

~

This used to bother me ALL the damn time since like x years ago. I couldn't help but to argue with people even though (or especially when) I think they're bringing up bad arguments. I envied people (especially my brother) who were able to just dismiss silly comments. But I see being like this has its benefits too.

Seriously, thanks for helping me answer the question. There's this satisfaction in me, both for discovering it and for being able to write about it. And I really haven't written anything particularly Brandon-ish for a really long time, until now. Ahh, welcome back, me.

I feel like..

For some reason,

I dreamt of this joke (actually I saw it before somewhere, but it was recalled!). Anyway, it went like this:

Two Ah Bengs were walking along a street, when suddenly they encountered this pile of cowdung, complete with flies and a stinky aroma.

The first Ah Beng shouted "WOI! Don't step wei - looks like shit le!".

The other one replied "Confirm shit meh?"

Then Ah Beng 1 said "Eh, I dunno wor, come see closer a bit lah".

So they went closer to the pile....

Ah Beng 1 dipped his index finger into the cowdung and then said profoundly "Fuyoh! Feels like shit!".

Then Ah Beng 2, feeling fired up that his friend had touched the cowdung, then picked up a bit of the brown stuff and smelled it "WAHLIAO, smells like shit man!"

Then Ah Beng 1, now, feeling even more fired up, picked up a bit and took a taste and said "Fucker, taste like shit also"...

They both then looked at each other...



And then stood up and started laughing...



"Hahahhaha - damn lucky never step on it right?"

Walking

How many persons in this world, when he/she dies right at this instant and can say out loud, "I've walked this earth?"

I'm not one of them. Heck, I bet that most of the people can't say.

Somethings cannot be explained. Sometimes things that happen, occurs by a faith, a belief, even in a non-entity.

God perhaps? Maybe.

Maybe it's the imaginary rope where you cling on when you fall off climbing the steep cliffs of life.

Or even just by the bond, be it one or many.

Note that I am NOT challanging the existantance of God. I am just merely saying that sometimes, you have to take control of your life. Get it in control. You are no robot to anybody, anyone.

There is a quote from the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". Yes Happyness, watch the movie to find out about the intentional typo.

Anyway the quote goes, "Don't ever let somebody tell you "You can't do something"; not even me. You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period. " Will Smith (Chris Gardner) to his son, Jaden Smith (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith).

I always wanted to be strong. I put my faith in myself and everybody around me along with my beliefs.

I've tried hard enough, but sometimes it's just not good enough.

No, I'm not doubting anyone or myself.

I'm just tired of playing this game.

Don't worry. I ain't quitting. It's just merely a pause.

On a lighter note: Life has been hectic.

i found a Shi Tzu

i parked my car in my living area(Sungai Long) just back from college when little puppy was roaming around my condo lobby. With a very joyous feeling, I was approaching it just feel wanna to touch it. Guess what. It is injured. It's right eye is bleeding badly.

Without second thought, what i did, i brought it to vet(pet clinic) at Cheras Mahkota. It's a he. The doctor intimated that the dog was infected by maggot(worms) which is potentially susceptible by minor wound(s). Semantically, *please allow me to do this assumption - the maggots were there due to owner' ignorance(it shouldn't be unnoticeable because the wound wasn't small, it's colossally surrounding his-dog right eye) to cure the wound. Maybe he/she thought it will cured by itself? And whats now? Eye started bleeding and scared of bacteria, virus and etc etc, so oppressively abandon him(dog)? What kind of human you are man.. damn u.

First the doctor asked me "Are you going to keep the dog?" and i answered "I'm planning to" and he replied "thats good" then he started preparing 3 set of liquids(substance to cure?) and injected into his(dog) eye, butt and shoulder. The panaceas costs me rm100. sigh..

The dog is placed there for the moment when the treatment is in progress. I believe he will hospitably treated. Once he's officially cured, i will fetch him to my place. At this moment, i will be looking in advance if there's anyone(my friends or relatives) wishes to adopt this little puppy. Actually, i wish to have him because it's just too cute but haplessly i cant, because right, my place disallowed pet adoption and my parents at Tanjong Malim refused to :( He(dog)'s actually a Shi Tzu, a lion Chinese dog. Here's image of a Shi Tzu(not him), i found in website, but the color, shapes, species are exactly same.

For more http://www.puppypoopy.com/sh12.html

Still wondering which churlish on earth dumped this little puppy by the road side and let it walks around carrying a brand dog species title? This is what we call, human? duhh...

Anyway, if you are interested to adopt him, call me 012-3735339, email me KLbret_711@hotmail.com, or comment in this post.

thx q

Brandon Chen