The Malaysian

On the 10th of October (10/10), we witnessed the beginning of a new era for Malaysia. We have our very own astronaut (space traveler) soaring into and beyond cloud nine. As a patriotic Malaysian, I stand-by our Nation in recognising Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha as our first "Angkasawan" a.k.a. Cosmonaut a.k.a. Astronaut!

Writing as a guest writer in this website that is accessible to anyone in this globalised world, I have very little choice but to practice the established Internet etiquette of being fair and unbiased. For that, I cannot ignore the rumbling noise of the controversial term "spaceflight participant" which was labeled onto Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar by "other" parties. Whether we can fend off this "insulting" labeling is a different matter and best leave it to the experts. My shallow knowledge in this subject matter means I will do what most Netizens will commit themselves into and that is to google the online dictionary and to wiki the two conflicting terms.

Plainly, the dictionary describe astronaut as a space traveler. Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar is definitely traveling in space at this moment. On further reading, I had decided to conclude (my opinion) that there is two distinct area of disagreement. They are: (1) A case of differences in terminology usage and (2) A shifting goal post where criteria that set astronauts apart from other humanly beings are being added or taken off as new challenges arise.

We must agree that tremendous amount of changes in technology and society's expectations have taken place since the first human in space (a Russian, Yuri Gagarin, launched into space on April 12, 1961 aboard Vostok 1). Where cost has skyrocketed (pun not intended), the space industry has to adapt to a more socially acceptable venture whereupon "Commercial

Astronaut" and "Specialist Educator Astronaut" come forth into the picture to soothe the demanding taxpayers. From there on, the lines blurred into "Space Tourism" and "Spaceflight Participant" and had actually further the cause of the "Purists!" Instead of accommodating the generally acceptable term in the common dictionary, more complex descriptive nouns are used. In the end, it had ignited the fire of patriotism and frustration.

More down to earth is the fact that I am writing in this chess website and also promoting my innovative Launch Pad Method in teaching chess. During the Soyuz TMA-11 launch, from the customary countdown leading onto the lift-off, I had stayed “eyes-glued” for the full NINE minutes in sharing the “feel” of the escape velocity. If only I had known it takes NINE minutes to get into "space", I would have expanded my Launch Pad Method to NINE Keystones!! Well, it shall remains at Seven as I had envisaged. Let it be in the "low orbit" and get hit by chess purists…

At this juncture, you may be feeling that I am playing the number games again and get the numbers wrong. You would have recalled my mentioning of the existence of an eighth Keystones and yet, I repeatedly say it is The SEVEN Keystones to competitive chess. We are both right! The eighth Keystone is of such a classy-act on its own that it actually stands alone in our complex world. It is both the insider and the outsider of chess, and yet very much within our "down-at-Earth" society! In other words, this eighth Keystone is both friendly and intimidating!

In this issue, I shall reveal the contents of this eighth Keystone. Before we come into its proper, let me read you another RIOT ACT!

You are NOT expected to follow through with the contents of the eighth Keystone. You are at liberty to adopt it in full or in parts. You may also modify its contents to suit your specific needs. Lastly, you can reject it in total! All these actions you can do before it goes onto the notice board. You are strongly advised not to change the “goal post” there after lest you lose credence.

Let me also gives you a word of caution. The Transparent 6M is very startling! It is filled with integrity and yet it can be so very pragmatic.

I offer it here in its bared-all form. Whatever conclusion you want to make, I leave it to your own "possibilities" and "probabilities!” Will there be a loss in sponsorship money? Will the organisers be sweating and feeling the heat under their collars? Or could the chess players feel its powerful fairness and enjoy the level playing field? Will it be a competitive strikeout? Or become a case of another walkout? Could we live it out positively and showcase a "out-perform" transparent message!

Note: A Bahasa Malaysia version is also offered. And I could not resist in offering two common Malay sayings: (Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi) (Siapa yang makan chili, dia rasa pedas)

The fundamental purpose of this 6M Keystone is of integrity in organizational practices. Added on is the expectation and trust in forming the basis of performance reward in its untainted and unbiased pact. The civil part would be the character development of respect to one’s parents, teachers, mentors and fellow teammates. The word “Measures” signified a more than determined intention and the use of the word “Pact” is obviously a showcase of an absolute promise on the assurance of an immovable (Secured) goal post!

I will not be explaining too much into this 6M Keystone. It is best left to each and everyone to feel it on their own understanding and experiences. Incidentally, the term M SSPP is deliberate! (However, any offence arise is not intended.) For administrators, teachers and students from Penang, it has something to do with their State’s schools yearly sports activities. And the first school to use the Seven Keystones to develop their school chess activities is from their own backyard!

In the context of the Malaysian chess scene, Penang had always boosted of having a strong base in chess development (first Malaysian IM Jimmy Liew is a Penangnite). The Seven Keystones will bring in another distinctive dimension of chess development in the state for the simple reason that a character training aspect is incorporated. The format entrusted here is unique. It emphasizes the educational aspect more than the actual game play. The goal has been set and we will be looking forward to the participation of this Penang school team in the 28^th edition of the Merdeka Championship in 2008. Sponsorship affirmation for their participation is in the final stage. Players selected to represent their school may not necessary be the best players available. The one that step foot in Kuala Lumpur would be the one that had successfully balance the need to improve in their classroom learning, participated in the school activities, shown desire to enhance bonding at home and lastly, paid diligence in the struggles across the 64-squares.

More news will be provided once the chess activities are up and running. My immediate concern is how to integrate the selection data and correlate it with the improving scholastic performance of the chess players. Any universities would like to latch on this golden opportunity to develop their academic research? Hypothesis: Chess makes the child smart!?

		Quote of the month: Chess is a game of bad moves. - Andrew Soltis
		Issue 14 (17 Oct. 2007)
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