Read part 3 of “centurion principles”, about alexander the great, nothing much to trigger my tots, but part 4 on “Joan of Arc” was something different.
Though she helped lifted the siege at Orleans from the english, to the surprise and embarassment of more experienced generals, and crowned the king, she was later captured and sold to the English, who later burned her. The french king did nothing to help rescue or ransom her back.
This got me to think of some things :
1.Never brag about your achievements – keep a low profile, by showing off, we only caused our colleagues to be jealous, and superior to be irked. Whatever good you did can never be erased, though ppl tend to remember our bloopers and mistakes.
2.Step down at your height – Make way for others, and retreat when the going is great (急流勇退). There is no lack of great generals throughout the history of China, but few of them survived being killed by the Emperor. This was because they dont know when to retire, and continue to flex their muscles, even after their usage has expired (eg peace in the country, no more war), which irritated the maharaja, who then executed them.
Well....nuff babbling, hope its meaningful :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
centurion principles - part 1
Heeding the call to read something substantial, i picked up a book titled “The Centurion Principles”, by Col. Jeff O' Leary, recommended by dad.
Its about leadership qualities, comprising of moral integrity, and doing what's right instead of what's easy, what's moral instead of what's legal. Historical examples of great leaders were given, with an analysis of their success, and failure.
Chapter one is about the Carthian general, Hannibal, who led a long and succesful campaign against the roman empire. His motto was “We'll either find a way, or make one.” He made a surprise attack by doing the impossible – crossing the Alps with his troops and elephants. Followed by tracking thru a swampland, and losing his eye in the next battle, and winning it. His peak achievement came when he routed the romans in Cannae, and sandwiched them and nearly annihilated the whole troop, with Scipio as one of the survivors.
But his pride and ego also caused his downfall.
Scipio, the survivor, rose thru the ranks, and learnt from the defeats under the hands of Hannibal. He then proposed a plan of attacking to defend (围魏救赵), by attacking the capital of Carthage, and thereby force Hannibal to retreat to defend his homeland in modern day Tunisia. Scipio managed to convinced the senate, and planned his attack with bold but pragmatic strategy.
He figured that supplies is the key to winning a war. And the first place he attacked in Carthage was the food supply depot. Hannibal was so sure of himself, that only a handful of soldiers were defending the supply port city. The city felled quickly, and Hannibal was in a defensive mode in a swift change of events.
Scipio then arranged for calvary reinforcements, and met Hannibal at a great battle. The reinforcements arrived in time, and Hannibal was defeated.
Moral of story :
1.dont brush away the impossible to hastily, as it might become a reality. In short, be prepared for anything.
2.Arrogance leads to complacency.
3.Learn from mistakes.
So far, i've only managed to cultivate point #1 occasionally, and points #2 and #3 are...well....something to be worked on continuously.
Chapter 3 is about alexander the great, which i've yet to read....
Its about leadership qualities, comprising of moral integrity, and doing what's right instead of what's easy, what's moral instead of what's legal. Historical examples of great leaders were given, with an analysis of their success, and failure.
Chapter one is about the Carthian general, Hannibal, who led a long and succesful campaign against the roman empire. His motto was “We'll either find a way, or make one.” He made a surprise attack by doing the impossible – crossing the Alps with his troops and elephants. Followed by tracking thru a swampland, and losing his eye in the next battle, and winning it. His peak achievement came when he routed the romans in Cannae, and sandwiched them and nearly annihilated the whole troop, with Scipio as one of the survivors.
But his pride and ego also caused his downfall.
Scipio, the survivor, rose thru the ranks, and learnt from the defeats under the hands of Hannibal. He then proposed a plan of attacking to defend (围魏救赵), by attacking the capital of Carthage, and thereby force Hannibal to retreat to defend his homeland in modern day Tunisia. Scipio managed to convinced the senate, and planned his attack with bold but pragmatic strategy.
He figured that supplies is the key to winning a war. And the first place he attacked in Carthage was the food supply depot. Hannibal was so sure of himself, that only a handful of soldiers were defending the supply port city. The city felled quickly, and Hannibal was in a defensive mode in a swift change of events.
Scipio then arranged for calvary reinforcements, and met Hannibal at a great battle. The reinforcements arrived in time, and Hannibal was defeated.
Moral of story :
1.dont brush away the impossible to hastily, as it might become a reality. In short, be prepared for anything.
2.Arrogance leads to complacency.
3.Learn from mistakes.
So far, i've only managed to cultivate point #1 occasionally, and points #2 and #3 are...well....something to be worked on continuously.
Chapter 3 is about alexander the great, which i've yet to read....
case 2 part 7 (end)
Part 7 – Finale
I arranged for “Big Dog” James, Michelle to come over my place that night. Setting up my webcam, I was able to get Miss Purple and Miss Tomato to join in. Unfortunately, Countess Yvonne cant join us. Her authority and professional testament as a physician will be helpful in lending weight on the evidences.
After serving beer to my guests, I presented them with my findings, explaining to them my gathering of facts, and the information I uncovered.
“Equagesic, from the phenazepine family, was used for the treatment of conditions where both pain and anxiety are present.” I made the concluding statements.
“It was the best-selling minor tranquilizer for a time, but has largely been replaced by the benzodiazepines, and banned in the UK since 2002.” With that I wrapped up my presentation.
Turning to the sobbing Michelle, I told her “Sorry, dear friend, but it seems your boyfriend died of a misadventure, due to overdosage of drugs.”
“ As no trace of alcohol or other sedatives are found in his blood, he cant be made drunk by Lydia. And the absence of physical marks on his body shows that no one tried to force the drugs on him.” I finished.
“Ok, bro, I’ll take over from here. Lydia will be released immediately.” With that, James escorted the sobbing Michelle out.
End of case #2.
Man, this story sucks, and I was forcing myself to finish it. We all already knew the cause of death early in the story, and no suspense at all. Guess I have no talent in this line, haha…
I arranged for “Big Dog” James, Michelle to come over my place that night. Setting up my webcam, I was able to get Miss Purple and Miss Tomato to join in. Unfortunately, Countess Yvonne cant join us. Her authority and professional testament as a physician will be helpful in lending weight on the evidences.
After serving beer to my guests, I presented them with my findings, explaining to them my gathering of facts, and the information I uncovered.
“Equagesic, from the phenazepine family, was used for the treatment of conditions where both pain and anxiety are present.” I made the concluding statements.
“It was the best-selling minor tranquilizer for a time, but has largely been replaced by the benzodiazepines, and banned in the UK since 2002.” With that I wrapped up my presentation.
Turning to the sobbing Michelle, I told her “Sorry, dear friend, but it seems your boyfriend died of a misadventure, due to overdosage of drugs.”
“ As no trace of alcohol or other sedatives are found in his blood, he cant be made drunk by Lydia. And the absence of physical marks on his body shows that no one tried to force the drugs on him.” I finished.
“Ok, bro, I’ll take over from here. Lydia will be released immediately.” With that, James escorted the sobbing Michelle out.
End of case #2.
Man, this story sucks, and I was forcing myself to finish it. We all already knew the cause of death early in the story, and no suspense at all. Guess I have no talent in this line, haha…
case 2 part 6
Part 6 – Blood
The next morning, I met up “Big Dog” James to get a blood sample of Brulee for testing. Stopping at the International Hospital, I called up my lab technician friend, Cik Aishah, and asked her to help analyse the blood for levels of meprobamate present.
Finishing my donut and coffee 2 hours later, I met up Cik Aishah to get the blood test results.
“Sticky” she started. “Whose sample is this? Its loaded with more than 25mg percent of meprobamate !”
“Huh? Can you explain it in lay man’s terms?” I requested politely.
“Ok. 0.5 to 2.0 mg percent represents the usual blood-level range of meprobamate after therapeutic doses. The level may occasionally be as high as 3.0 mg percent. “
“Ok. Noted. Please continue” I scribbled it down in my notes.
“A 3 to 10 mg percent usually corresponds to findings of mild-to-moderate symptoms of overdosage, such as stupor or light coma.”she continued.
“Uh-huh.”
“And 10 to 20 mg percent usually corresponds to deeper coma, requiring more intensive treatment Some fatalities may occur at this stage. “
“And?”
“At levels greater than 20 mg percent, more fatalities than survivals can be expected. What happened to this person? Your friend?” She asked.
“Well…he WAS my idol.” I replied.
“Terima kasih.” I thanked her and left.
To be continued…
The next morning, I met up “Big Dog” James to get a blood sample of Brulee for testing. Stopping at the International Hospital, I called up my lab technician friend, Cik Aishah, and asked her to help analyse the blood for levels of meprobamate present.
Finishing my donut and coffee 2 hours later, I met up Cik Aishah to get the blood test results.
“Sticky” she started. “Whose sample is this? Its loaded with more than 25mg percent of meprobamate !”
“Huh? Can you explain it in lay man’s terms?” I requested politely.
“Ok. 0.5 to 2.0 mg percent represents the usual blood-level range of meprobamate after therapeutic doses. The level may occasionally be as high as 3.0 mg percent. “
“Ok. Noted. Please continue” I scribbled it down in my notes.
“A 3 to 10 mg percent usually corresponds to findings of mild-to-moderate symptoms of overdosage, such as stupor or light coma.”she continued.
“Uh-huh.”
“And 10 to 20 mg percent usually corresponds to deeper coma, requiring more intensive treatment Some fatalities may occur at this stage. “
“And?”
“At levels greater than 20 mg percent, more fatalities than survivals can be expected. What happened to this person? Your friend?” She asked.
“Well…he WAS my idol.” I replied.
“Terima kasih.” I thanked her and left.
To be continued…
case 2 part 5
this is the only part which made senior laffed...and she even wanted to claim royalty from me ! cos she said i plagiarised her conversations with me..man..i cant even earn a decent living thru writing..and have to pay out royalties some more, kekeke... :P
Part 5 – Drugs
Later that night, i was lucky to meet a few of my medical field friends online.
A quick check with Miss Purple and Miss Tomato of the Federal Regulation Bureau confirms that the drug Equagesic contains meprobamate. Miss Purple added that overdosage of meprobamate results in hemorrhagic manifestations, which in lay man terms means profuse internal bleeding. The internal bleeding may then overflow, causing the patient to appear like external bleeding, with blood all over the patients' face.
Miss Tomato also added that suicidal attempts with meprobamate have resulted in drowsiness, lethargy, stupor, coma, shock and respiratory collapse. Some suicidal attempts have been fatal.
Meeting high school crush Countess Yvonne online, i asked her the details of the drug effects.
“Aiyo, why you so ignorant? Which planet have you been living on? Wake up !” she typed dynamically before proceeding to explain the details.
I counter checked on some points which eluded my limited intelligence with her again.
“Jia lat ! You are so cacat ! “ she scolded, and again repeated the details patiently.
“If no more questions, i gotta go and prepare for a presentation tomorrow. Bye and take care.”she ended the session.
I think its tough for her staying at Translyvania, and i am always warmed by her style of fiery outset, but friendly inside.
Tired out, but feeling great that i've made good progress, i slumped on the thin mattress and was asleep before i hit the pillow....zzzz....
to be continued...
Part 5 – Drugs
Later that night, i was lucky to meet a few of my medical field friends online.
A quick check with Miss Purple and Miss Tomato of the Federal Regulation Bureau confirms that the drug Equagesic contains meprobamate. Miss Purple added that overdosage of meprobamate results in hemorrhagic manifestations, which in lay man terms means profuse internal bleeding. The internal bleeding may then overflow, causing the patient to appear like external bleeding, with blood all over the patients' face.
Miss Tomato also added that suicidal attempts with meprobamate have resulted in drowsiness, lethargy, stupor, coma, shock and respiratory collapse. Some suicidal attempts have been fatal.
Meeting high school crush Countess Yvonne online, i asked her the details of the drug effects.
“Aiyo, why you so ignorant? Which planet have you been living on? Wake up !” she typed dynamically before proceeding to explain the details.
I counter checked on some points which eluded my limited intelligence with her again.
“Jia lat ! You are so cacat ! “ she scolded, and again repeated the details patiently.
“If no more questions, i gotta go and prepare for a presentation tomorrow. Bye and take care.”she ended the session.
I think its tough for her staying at Translyvania, and i am always warmed by her style of fiery outset, but friendly inside.
Tired out, but feeling great that i've made good progress, i slumped on the thin mattress and was asleep before i hit the pillow....zzzz....
to be continued...
case 2 part 4
Part 4 - Another P.I.
I called up another like minded P.I., Miss Win for assistance. She shares the same passion for writing with me, and even featured me in a few of her blogs. Hope i can return the favor to her one of these days, after I retired.
Miss Win will help me to dig up the past of Lydia, and her connections with Vanila Brulee. I needed to be sure of Lydia’s credentials, and Win is the gal for the job. Its gonna be a win-win situation for all.
“Teet, Teet” my handphone rang. Expecting it to be Win, I answered it. Turns out to be my friendly banker, Miss Eve.
“M. Sticky, I might have a solution for your financial woes.”answered the sweet voice at the other end.
“Ya? “ I replied enthusiastically. For a man who’s ear deep in debts, any news is good news.
“You can contact my friend, Mr. Sam , and just tell her I referred you. You’ll get “special” rates from him.”she giggled.
“Right. Thanks. And…”never giving up, I tried asking her for lunch again.
“Have a nice day !” Tuuut, tuuut, tuuut, the handphone screamed. Better luck next time, I mumbled.
Having a long day, I drove back to my shabby den at 222 A, Oven Street. As I was opening the door, Win called, and confirmed that all Lydia told me was true. Guess that closed the lead on Lydia.
“Psst”, I opened a can of beer, and tried to figure things out, before dozing off.
To be continued..
I called up another like minded P.I., Miss Win for assistance. She shares the same passion for writing with me, and even featured me in a few of her blogs. Hope i can return the favor to her one of these days, after I retired.
Miss Win will help me to dig up the past of Lydia, and her connections with Vanila Brulee. I needed to be sure of Lydia’s credentials, and Win is the gal for the job. Its gonna be a win-win situation for all.
“Teet, Teet” my handphone rang. Expecting it to be Win, I answered it. Turns out to be my friendly banker, Miss Eve.
“M. Sticky, I might have a solution for your financial woes.”answered the sweet voice at the other end.
“Ya? “ I replied enthusiastically. For a man who’s ear deep in debts, any news is good news.
“You can contact my friend, Mr. Sam , and just tell her I referred you. You’ll get “special” rates from him.”she giggled.
“Right. Thanks. And…”never giving up, I tried asking her for lunch again.
“Have a nice day !” Tuuut, tuuut, tuuut, the handphone screamed. Better luck next time, I mumbled.
Having a long day, I drove back to my shabby den at 222 A, Oven Street. As I was opening the door, Win called, and confirmed that all Lydia told me was true. Guess that closed the lead on Lydia.
“Psst”, I opened a can of beer, and tried to figure things out, before dozing off.
To be continued..
case 2 part 3
Part 3 – Lydia
The police lockup reeked of overnight faeces's stench, and i braced myself and held my breath before walking in.
“Anything i can help you, tuan?” a constable blocked my entrance.
“Ah, selamat pagi, tuan, i'm Anjing Besar James punya kawan, nak jumpa cik Lydia...” i explained.
“Oh, like that lar, come on in.”and he led me in, and sat me before leading Lydia out to meet me in the lockup room, bare except for a long table and 2 chairs.
Lydia looked haggard for a blonde of her age. The tears on her face have not dried up, leaving streaks along her pretty cheek. Her big blue eyes seemed so innocent, and oh, so so pitiful. I cleared my mind, and remembered Detective handbook rule #3 : No emotions.
“Miss Lydia,” i began as she sat opposite me.
“Y-yes?” she stammered.
“Tell me something about Equagesic.”i went straight to the point.
“Oh...it's used by Brulee as a treatment for his anxiety and stress.” she began. “As an actor, he faces lots of stress, from all sides. Director, producer, fans, even his girlfriend Michelle. That's why sometimes he meets me up, to confide his problems to me.”
“Your relation to him..?”i queried as she paused.
“Oh...we're good friends since university days. He would teach me kung-fu, and we would talk about philosophy, the course we're doing at that time. That was before he met Michelle during one of her yoga classes, and won her heart with his Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon moves.”
After some more note taking, i left and picked up my phone to dial a number.
To be continued....
The police lockup reeked of overnight faeces's stench, and i braced myself and held my breath before walking in.
“Anything i can help you, tuan?” a constable blocked my entrance.
“Ah, selamat pagi, tuan, i'm Anjing Besar James punya kawan, nak jumpa cik Lydia...” i explained.
“Oh, like that lar, come on in.”and he led me in, and sat me before leading Lydia out to meet me in the lockup room, bare except for a long table and 2 chairs.
Lydia looked haggard for a blonde of her age. The tears on her face have not dried up, leaving streaks along her pretty cheek. Her big blue eyes seemed so innocent, and oh, so so pitiful. I cleared my mind, and remembered Detective handbook rule #3 : No emotions.
“Miss Lydia,” i began as she sat opposite me.
“Y-yes?” she stammered.
“Tell me something about Equagesic.”i went straight to the point.
“Oh...it's used by Brulee as a treatment for his anxiety and stress.” she began. “As an actor, he faces lots of stress, from all sides. Director, producer, fans, even his girlfriend Michelle. That's why sometimes he meets me up, to confide his problems to me.”
“Your relation to him..?”i queried as she paused.
“Oh...we're good friends since university days. He would teach me kung-fu, and we would talk about philosophy, the course we're doing at that time. That was before he met Michelle during one of her yoga classes, and won her heart with his Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon moves.”
After some more note taking, i left and picked up my phone to dial a number.
To be continued....
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