Very BAD Blood Donation Campaign by Pusat Darah Negara

Recently, my company organised a blood donation campaign. I think it's done annually. Posters of the campaign by Pusat Darah Negara was stuck to the wall at the corridor of each level, if I'm not wrong. At one glance, I spotted so many errors in it, my eyes were burning in agony! I don't know what the PDN's Communications guys were doing or how they do their job. ATROCIOUS!

Let's see the poster...

I'm kind of new at this blood donation stuff because I've never donated my blood before. (don't ask me why). But:-

1. Who writes "You are adviced..."??? I thought it's "advised". How can a noun be converted to past tense? Basic English!
2. How do you spell "homosexual"? Yeap, it's "homosexual" and not "homosexsual". I think primary students can spell it correctly. Shame on you!
3. "Sexual Transmitted Diseases"? I think staff from PDN suffers from poor English syndrome. Isn't it supposed to be "Sexually Transmitted Diseases"? Sigh. It's ok to want to improve our English (or try to), but when you are supposed to publish or stick something for the public to view, please vet through the document before releasing it. It's horrendous.

What I've highlighted above were basic English that grown-ups are supposed to get it right, for their age, especially when they are supposed to produce something for the public. Now, let's see the following:-

1. So if one is homosexual/bisexual, one is prohibited from donating blood. Is that right? How discriminating is that? You tell me. I have always thought that if you're a healthy individual with clean blood, then you're good to go. By inference, PDN is implying that if one is homosexual, one is bound to die or contract HIV/AIDS. I know that it's risk mitigation but it can be worded much better than that. They could have written something like "Serologically deficient" or something to that effect, instead of indirectly condemning the entire population (minority) that partially powers the economy.
2. If one has multiple sexual partners, then one is also advised not to donate blood. So, that sort of rule out 50% of male population and a sizable population of our counterpart too. Oh, in case PDN doesn't understand that word, it means "female". So again, is that right? Or maybe, PDN is referring once more, to homosexuals. Yeah, the social stigma of being promiscuous is always linked to homosexuals. Is it?

In short, clean blood is no longer the only prerequisite. You must be pristine and be in accordance with the society's norm. That will qualify you as a donor. Go figure. It's doesn't have to be an ideally worded campaign but at least make an effort to be neutral and who knows, by doing that, the blood bank would see a surge in its blood supply.

Am I living in an ideal world??

I wonder if I need correction

I'm still as short fused as ever! Still gets frustrated easily. I don't know why. Hmm, perhaps I need to change. I don't know.

Is it me or is it others? Are my expectations overwhelming? Am I wanting too much? Too demanding?

Rock Climbing

ROCK CLIMBING FOR 2010

Men & Sex

Yeap, these 2 words come together and they shall never be separated as long as the Earth is round!

Men think of sex, 24/7. If we're not doing it, we're thinking about it!

In any grown-up relationships, sex is fundamental. Since (generally) men's sex drive is higher than women (we're programmed that way), women become the "determinant" on whether we will have sex or not. Also, foreplay is most important. Not only to women, but also to men. We don't just want to jump in and go to town. We want to enjoy the process. If we do jump straight into the wagon and go to town, highly likely, we don't enjoy it and voila, we'll still be frustrated. Why? It's no longer enjoyable but somewhat of a stress thing... Get ready, go, get it done, wrap up!!! Big No.

From what I've read online regarding statistics of successful relationships, couples who have sex more than 3 times a week tend to have longer, healthier relationships. I also recall reading an article about how men become frustrated and ultimately their relationships were affected:-

Man wanted to have sex...

Partner didn't want to have sex...

(asked a few times and was turned down)...

(man thought that it's ok. can tolerate. after all, relationship is not all about sex)..

(a few days have gone by)...

Finally, they had sex!

(the above repeats, albeit without the sex)...

(the above cycle, with sex, continued).

(after less than a year, the rock solid relationship tumbled.)

So was the tale that was told online by one of the anonymous guy in the States. (i'll get hold of the article on this story and/or the articles on the theory of men & sex once I find it again).

So there, we as the male species, builds relationships based on (partly) sex. We love you very much but we're still men.

Guys' Attractiveness in Relation to Their Spending Power

So, a man walks down a street, "sashaying" in his new outfit. However, his outfit is nothing but ordinary but he's proud of it. Let's assume the brand is "BUM" and he's wearing cargo pants. Now, somewhere nearby, another man striding in his office attire (shirt, coat and etc) to a nearby cafeteria to get his coffee. He looks neat and confident. Finally, just at a corner, another man, holding a ZEGNA bag, wearing Prada shoes, Armani suit and all those very "out there and up there" brands.

You are a girl. Ask yourself, in very general terms, which man would you go for? I can be quite certain that you would go for the Armani guy. You may like the BUM guy, but ultimately you'll settle for the Armani.

Here's the thing: We're as attractive as our economic value (I quote a friend for this sentence). Without that, we're basically unattractive for long term relationship.

There was a tv show recently with a segment on guy's attractiveness to the opposite sex. 3 men were placed in front of the audience. One very good looking man, one ordinary man and another less than perfect man. The ladies were asked to rate which one they prefer as their partner. Needless to say:-

#1: Good looking guy

#2: Ordinary guy

#3: Less than perfect guy

Then the scenario changed. Annual income (AI) of these guys was disclosed. A re-rating of the above is requested once more of the ladies. The results as follows:-

#1: Less than perfect guy

#2: Ordinary guy

#3: Good looking guy

Why? Because:-

#1: Less than perfect guy (AI @USD300k)

#2: Ordinary guy (AI @USD100k)

#3: Good looking guy (AI @USD40k)

In short, good looking guys with just the good looking factor ONLY is as good as fucked. Male models especially. Their income is just a blimp compared to the female models. Not many male models out there with the equivalent income of their counter-part. Just google it and you'll know that it is a fact! (grin).

Ladies apparently need men to protect, provide and profess. These were the ladies requirements as shown on tv. But these (IMHO) only apply to ladies in general, that earn mid-range salary. Try asking a high-flying woman of the 3 requirements above and they would tell you to go to hell. "I can provide for myself, protect myself and I don't need people to profess their love for me. I'm independent". They have money and they can do whatever they want. Once more, guys without adequate income is once more, fucked.

This has to do with age too. Let's check our demographic for all these love "stuff":-

Younger ladies want older, more mature and capable man for security.

The older, more mature and capable men want younger ladies because THEY WANT YOUNGER LADIES.

Younger guys want older, more mature and capable ladies for security. They don't have to worry about sharing income to provide for household stuff or etc.

Older, more mature and capable ladies want younger guys as TOYBOYs. Why, because they want them and younger guys are more fun too, in bed, out of bed and etc. They are exciting! You get my drift.

So, where's the combination of young + young and mature + mature. I blame the ever changing social landscape (that is "materialism"). Due to the materialistic nature of people and the way we were brought up, we succumb to such environment. I know because I have a few friends that only target a select group of individuals with impeccable financial records. For what? I can only wonder.

So, us guys need to improve our credit rating and beef up our bank account(s) if we want to settle down nicely. I'm not saying that if we don't do the above, we're doomed for singlehood (which is not so bad, if you ask me). But if you want to be a sure fire winner in a long-term relationship, you need to do this because one of the pre-requisite out there is excellent financial records. It may not be from your potential partner, but it could be from her family.

One must not discount the fact that there are soul mates or etc that last forever based on just love. There're many successful relationships that weren't and aren't built solely on $$$. Love at first sight and etc. However, financial security is important. Without that or losing that, it could potentially strain your relationship, no matter how strong it is (was).

Again, if you find that the above is not true in general, please e-mail me. I want to know why. Convince me and I'll re-write the entire post. :). I like a good discussion.

World AIDS Day 2009

The intention of this post is not to lash out at anyone. What I want to do here is just to ignite a certain level of interest in you to find out further about the facts (not myths) of HIV/AIDS in conjunction with the World AIDS Day 2009.

Let me quote myself from an entry that I've posted in July 2009 (click here to see post):-

"Many minority groups albeit strong in will and perseverance, sometimes do not have the means to live a good life. Illnesses ravage their bodies. They are tormented by silence, rejection and ultimately depression. They live amongst us but they are not widely accepted by the society, despite all the promises/statements (false ones) by the public and government. They are also part of the people who contribute to our country's GDP, development, professional skills and etc but in spite of their contributions, social stigma takes precedence. They are HIV+. How many of us can truly say that we support and champion for the HIV cause? We don't really... because we simply don't care. To many of us, we think that this group of people deserve what they get. We're wrong. More often than not, we think we know, but we don't. More often than not, we think it's about prevention. The public never thought about the other end of the spectrum; those who are already infected. These people need our support; without a doubt, our acceptance and ultimately, love. I have decided to start (gradually) fighting for the HIV cause for men and women alike. I will start with donations and gradually perhaps, voluntary work."

World AIDS Day (WAD) falls on 1/12/09 (Tuesday) this year. Initially, I wanted to write about another subject but since this subject is close to my heart, I thought that I should give this priority since 1/12/09 is just another 2 days away.

The HIV/AIDS situation domestically did not improve. The increase in rate of HIV+ women in our country is alarming. I would bet with you that should the newspaper (today) did not have pages dedicated to this subject matter, many of us would be blissfully unaware of the current situation of this international pandemic. However, in my honest opinion, one shouldn't be at fault for being ignorant about the statistics. It is not as if in our leisure time, we "google" for such knowledge. Nevertheless, being ignorant doesn't mean that it gives you the right to shun these group of people.

Here's a video I found in YouTube and the message is crystal: HIV+ people exist. Stop treating them like they don't.

I can almost hear many of you think this "Well, they asked for it themselves. Unprotected sex, unprotected random sex, needles, drugs and etc. They gay, you know. So it is something that would eventually happen. So, yeah, they asked for it."

If your thought is similar to the above, then I have no respect for you. Why should I have any respect for you? Yes, they did have unprotected sex and yeah, they may be drug addicts. BUT, they are people too. Things happen and we need to move on. A life is still a life. Theirs are no different from ours.

One perception of the public that REALLY irritates me is that they automatically link being gay with HIV infection and AIDS. What is that?? We need to move on and move away from such negative social stigma. Being gay doesn't give you the bullet train ticket to hell. Those who disagree, please drop a comment or just e-mail me. We can discuss your views.

Be it in Africa, or any parts of the world, people are suffering from this pandemic. How can we help?

Governments around the world are trying hard to eradicate this pandemic. While they know that it is impossible to bring it to 0%, they could at least control it. That's admirable. On the other hand, the public should give support to this group of people. They live amongst us. They are part of us. They need our understanding, care and ultimately love. It is easy for us to think "Hah, serves you right!". But how about them? The news of them being infected with the virus. I don't know how they feel, to be honest but I know it is a news that would make their world come crashing down on them. Suddenly, they fast forward their lives into the future and look at the grim possibility. It is at this very moment, they need all the support system that's available from their loved ones and the public.

They need love. They need to be loved. They need to know that they are still part of this functional world. The least we could do is to start by "listening" to them.

Hear this guy out:-

THEY NEED US TO CARE AND TO SUPPORT THEM.

So, let's accept them. In conjunction with the World AIDS Day, if you could get your hands on a red ribbon, wear it. Show your support to the group of people and in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

I can write so much more, but sometimes, it is better to talk or discuss about it. I would appreciate your views/opinions on this subject. Let us share!

________________________

In case you are wondering how this HIV virus proliferate in its host's body, please watch the video. It is a good animation. Very clear.

Websites of Interest:-

Malaysian AIDS Council

PT Foundation

World AIDS Day

The Body: Complete HIV/AIDS Resource

Baggage Handling Complaint in Australia

This is another priceless video. It's so good. I love it! So eloquently presented.

Death By TRAY

This is too good not to share. I laughed so heartily. I laughed till I cried watching this video. After a while, my sister was laughing at me for laughing at the video. LOL. Seriously, I was almost gasping for air. The words and the expressions. Genius.

Jibber Jabber

I woke up very early this morning. Now, I am suddenly in "reflective" mode. I am now looking at being 26 and the things that I could do and contribute when I'm 30, +10, +10 and so on (if God grants me the ticket to live that long).

For a boy that grew up with part of his childhood ravaged by domestic financial turmoil once upon a time, I'm doing hot now. (grin). Many don't know that I ate "roti canai" for 2 whole months everyday, for dinner when I was in University. First year! No wonder I was plump back then. Going further back, I ate rice with soy sauce only for dinner. Even my family members couldn't really remember that part but I do, vividly. Our condition is different now. The Teh family and many other families out there are walking proof that things do get better. Progress.

My sister touched down KL fr Oz on Thursday (26/11/09). She had a business trip in Sg and since we're practically neighbours, she decided to come up. We had fun. There were moments that I would just stand back and look at my family and how we've come. We can pay for food, expensive and not expensive ones. We go for movies. We do family stuff. Everyone seems to be happy and carefree. BUT I'm sure all of us inside, has burden that we carry. The only difference is how we carry it in comparison to the whole world. Perseverance and Perception.

Now, albeit having to save for emergency days, we are able to splurge from time to time. I can only see good times ahead.

of mom's birthday and my iPhone 3G(S)

Wow! The evening's steamboat was the bomb. We had so much food. A whole table of food. Bagus sekali (so good).

We celebrated my mom's birthday at home. Her actual birthday was yesterday but since yesterday's "attendance" wasn't complete and some of us had to work late, so she decided to have a small celebration today. It was cool. I just can't wait for the Cameron's Christmas dinner to take place. It'll be off the hook with champagne, wine, beer, juices, STEAMBOAT, dessert, grill and etc, all at an altitude of a hill under wonderful weather condition; COOL! How's that for a Christmas celebration? Haha.

Also, I got my iPhone 3G(S) yesterday. I had the chance to properly test it out today. I was so pleased with the gadget. No regrets at all. It looks so good. It feels so good and it certainly live up to its expectations. I am not an easy person to please, but this phone just swept me away at first touch. Yay Me!

After we (my friend and I) got the phone, we went to buy a leather pouch for it. The leather pouch is something different from those that many people has. :). I like! The flow of events was similar to when my friend got his iPhone. This time around, was my turn. Bliss.