It made me think, what other worse situation could possibly result?

Among the numerous possibilities, one which I beliee to have significant importance: Loss in confidence with the gah-men.

And what could make one feel worse is the fact that the cause of this perception, is not because of the real (which is hard to measure and compare on its own) decline in the ability of them to deliver (on their promises), but because of the way in which their efforts and well-intentions are not effectively communicated and understood by the masses.

I get an increasingly nagging impression that they can no longer connect as well with Singaporeans anymore – this is especially to the younger generation, who, unlike their parents, have gone through thick and thin, and toiled blood and sweat together, and hence are more understanding and connected to the Government, are only most aware of the problems which they experience now, in an economical climate where rate of growth slows (our economy now being considered ‘developed’)*, and improvement to living standards is felt even much less.

The pragmatic, measured responses in which to deal with those real concerns raised by citizens and the many widespread problems in society occurring now, may sometimes do less good than hoped, and instead bring about more unhappiness and discontent… Past tried and tested methods may now be insufficient. The Gvt has to be careful with the way they handle ‘political PR’, lest initially harmless dissatisfaction becomes entrenched, and festers into something much worse, with serious consequences. Because while policies can be most effectively and elaborately planned, ultimately what I believe matters to the man on the street is the effect on the ground which he is able to take notice. And many a times, what stands in to fill the time gap (or lag) between the point of implementation and the final desired impact, would be the constant assurance by the policymakers themselves – most crucially, this done with the human touch and connection – such that the wait is patient, is understanding.

On the other hand, this could well be the opportune time for alternative opinions to be voiced, but most certainly with all good intents, for the improvement of society as well as the country, and not simply for the advancement of one’s own selfish and shallow beliefs. And definitely, not at the cost of social, and economical and governing stability.

Because of the circumstances in which I am in, and till I no longer have my current responsibilities to fulfill as a child and student, I may only stay at the sidelines and remain an observer. But the least I could do is to raise the interest of others, for better or for worse../

*Note: It should be noted however, that growth forecasts for the economy for the full-year is expected to be above 10%; various economists estimate between a 9% – even as high as 15% for GDP growth. But, experts say that this is an exceptional year, where production is only returning to pre-crisis levels, and where producers gearing up to prepare for future increase in demand by replenshing their stock and building more warehouses and reserving spare capacity. Hence, most expect growth in subsequent years to be lower. (Don’t worry, given these bullish growth, they also assured that inflation is not likely to be serious; hyperinflation most likely would not occur since import inflation and domestic demand inflation are effectively kept in check by MAS policies)

It’s been a while since I’ve stayed up so late; and yet be able to resist the feelings of tiredness, to be wide awake, alert;-

Thinking.

What does it take to groom a leader?

A lot of things. Many factors, many reasons, many aspects to cover. Among the hundreds, the common few which the majority will utter: chance. opportunity. talent? environment, encouragement, support? Quality; determination, perseverance, willingness to learn? Skill; communication, verbal or non-verbal, EQ… IQ? A common consensus, and understanding? Acceptance. The ultimate direction to head towards.

What does it take to groom a great leader?

Define: leader, Great. Leading; Managing. Everything is relative; so where does the benchmark lie? WHAT defines the benchmark, WHO sets the benchmark; WHO decides? And WHO acknowledges?

How do you tell a leader?

From success? Achievement? Failure? Ability; capability? He or she? Young or old? State of mind; spirit, soul – passion? Promises; and deliverance? Charisma? Earnesty, sense of responsibility? Common agreement?

And who has the right to judge?

-

Everything is imperfect in some way or the other; some more imperfect than others, some more perfect than others. Sometimes it is because of the blatant fact that it has indeed been made this way; sometimes it is because the person perceives it so. All the time it is a combination of both. For the gift of being able to perceive for one is often the guillotine for others to follow. Very often, if fate may allow, there will be one who aims – lives; survives even - to mould imperfection to perfection. That in itself seen in the eyes of many is very often a reason to rejoice.

But even then, should one even dare try to attain such a perfection which is impossible?

Even then, even if the craftman’s gifted hands moulds the perfect clay; alas comes along another whose muffled voice calls to be another work of perfection. The call for perfection, so soft, so distant; is it heard from the voice itself, or the thoughts of the craftsman?

What then, should it be? For man to live with the many little imperfections, or to live for the sake of yearning for perfection? Otherwise, an attempt to be a balance of both?

And who has the say with regard to that?

Here’s an example:

Today, I woke up at about 10, had a simple breakfast, surpressed the urge to play Pokemon Red Version, and went to study. Study… Study… Study. I had dinner, and then went back to my notes, before going to bed at about 1am. Oh not to mention, have a quick chat with my friends.

-chuckles-

Okay, not like my posts are any better than that.

I write as I wait for an email reply. The day today was spent with my cousin, who came over to play. We started off playing Wii, but we soon got bored; my brother suggested tennis, that which we did, after lunch, but not for long, before we went on to play some basketball. After that, we hit the pool. What a day. (I sense deja vu.)

Here’s something in the recent news:

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114%7D&newsid=6634291

A world record offer of £80million to have Christiano Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid. Apparently, it seems as though I have a particular interest in sport stars. Misunderstand me not; it just so happens that for many of such sports news, I get easily fascinated. Anyway, there isn’t much of such simple yet interesting and easy news (for me) to discuss about, unless you’re thinking about news such as there’s been nearly 30,000 H1N1 cases worldwide; or that we’ve got malaria cases spontanesouly popping up in Singapore, after 3 decades of being parasite-free.

Just how much would a club pay… for a human being? Just like you, and me. Oh boy, to imagine that I was worth a walking hefty 100billion is really stressful actually. But I believe perhaps it’s all just a vicious cycle.

They’ve got to make sure they get the best players possible (that they can afford), so as to be able to be the best club possible (if they can afford), so as to get more cups (as much as they can afford to get -limitless hah), so as to gain in popularity (it’s a herd effect; a significant proportion of fans/sponsors are ‘grasshoppers’), so as to get more $$$, more funding, more sponsorship, so as to uh, buy better players?

Whatever the case, the one who has to do the least mental calculation would be that lucky player. Well, the hardest calculation he’ll ever get to do will be to perhaps, calculate how to spend his weekly earnings. It’s rather easy actually; there isn’t much of a budget to speak of.

No wonder when money worries are out of the way, there’s more free time and energy to spend. On… other stuff. Of course whether the money worries are justifiable (or really needed) is relative; however human beings have limited time and physical/mental energy for lots of unlimited needs (ah, scarcity), so when this is out of the way, definitely there’s opportunity for more things to happen.

Gah, I’m just tired. I’m making no sense; being vague and going about in circles. Lol.

Cheers!

It is evil, I’m telling you. Because it wastes precious time, which otherwise could have been more wisely spent on studying; lol.

In fact, this is the second middies urge which I’ve succumbed to today. The first is to jump into the pool downstairs and start swimming. In normal circumstances this would’ve been perfectly normal. But not when you haven’t been swimming for 2+ years. Ahh…

Anyway, this could be the perfect opportunity for me to brush up on my English. (for as long as till I give up on this, and wait for another pre-Middies urge)

So, for those who have not yet heard the news, or who’s not really a tennis fan, here’s a short news article:

Roger Federer Wins French Open: http://www.sofiaecho.com/2009/06/08/732171_roger-federer-wins-french-open

Hmm, amazing how the world is. Any possibility that it was planned? I doubt so. Pure fate, luck (or the lack of), skill, and many more, is what resulted in this, imo. In case you don’t know, Rafael Nadal (he’s an arch-rival of Roger Federer, world No. 2 used to be No 1) was slated to be the one, yet again (x5) to win the French Open. The spaniard is amazing, he really is; but not like  Roger isn’t either! Roger never had the opportunity to win that cup, but now he has one. And one is enough.

I’m no tennis pro (I’m really bad at tennis, not really good even at pickle ball…) but I’d say that well done to Roger, congratulations – imo he had the same chance of Not winning the Open as much as Nadal had of Not winning the Open – and, well, tough luck, Nadal. You’re still a great player, and hey – you’re still Number 1.

I’ve always been fascinated by ball games. Table tennis… Golf… Basketball… Soccer and such. It’s amazing how some people are able to stay in their league, be so good at their game; but it becomes even more amazing how when a stroke of (unfortunate) luck defies the laws of predictability. I’ve personally always liked the unusual and rare, once-in-a-blue-moon moments where David slays Goliath.

Shows how determination, hard work, and well… luck and chance, can give even the most unassuming opponent the upper hand in the game. As I’ve always liked to put it; The ball is always round.

The same goes for anything else in fact. Though of course I won’t deny that life is unfair and brutal many a times, such as the fact that, the reason why we always see the same people play against each other in whatever whichever tennis tournament is because managers, sponsors have the power to decide who to groom and publicise (you know, be pretty, tall, uh, muscular, have real talent (or not?)); I’ll always believe that anyone will be able to get their lucky break – French Open champ or not.

It’s just a matter of whether the person sees it as an opportunity or otherwise.

Cheers!