Mortar & Pestle...

(WEEK 6)
   'insert welcoming greeting here'. To another blog by MZbS about creative studies! Yay!

   This week, a certain object is used to become a base of an idea... It is 'the title of this blog'. So what can 'the title of this blog' become? Well let's find out.

   The images are Hi-Def Drawing. the original will not be available due to the being scanner too small and taking the picture via camera reduces it glorious resolution.

Mortar & Pestle in Hi-Def Drawing

   Now, there was a mind map stating of what the Mortar & Pestle can become but of course I forget to take the picture. Oh well... What we're suppose to is to take at least three of the words and create and something based upon the word. What I've choose is Devil, Fashion and Married. So let see what I did in Hi-Def Drawing shall we...

1. WORD: Devil
PRODUCT: The Devil Repellant~!

   Tired of Devil messing around with you? Want to take them out, permanently? Well here's a product for you!

   The Devil Repellant will take care of those pesky devil in a second. Stone made to ensure durability and effectiveness. Light a quite portable. Who wouldn't want such item?

   Buy now for 15... easy payment of 29.90 $! Order now, or get possesses by devils!

   Our company does not held responsible if the product refuses to work and you become the medium of the devil's possession.








2. WORD: Fashion
PRODUCT: Bulky Style~!

   Fashion these day is same old same old... But, we the 'insert company name here' have invented or rather design a new style in clothing. The Bulky Style~!

   With The Bulky Style~! You may not ever need to be afraid anymore. Not only will you look stylish, you will also be protected from any harm. Needless to say, you'll be the SWAG of the society with these.

   It is only available for purchase for 50% of your life savings if the individual buys the Devil Repellant. Adding another 50% will get you the head expansion set.

   Now available in store near you.~!








3. WORD: Married
PRODUCT: Nag Blocker~! / Nag Repellant~!

   How long is your marriage? 10, 15 years? By now you should be experiencing NAGGING from your wife. Well it's no surprise, that's why we created The Nag Blocker / The Nag Repellant.

   Just put one on your left ear and the other one on your right ear. Then enjoy the period of your wife's NAGNESS. You can barely hear her complaining! You can even use this when dealing with your children, friends and everyone that can't shut the 'full cup'! And if they are persistence and able to break trough The Nag Blocker, use the Pastle add-on to beat the The Nag Blocker, making shock-waves inside in and silencing the noise.

   Only for 399.99$ for one of the piece of The Nag Blocker. And if you're a married man whom bought both The Devil Repellant and Bulky Style, we will give a generous offer and give you a discount of 1%. Because we feel for you...

Deaf and other illness occur when using the product is not held responsible by the company.


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   This was a good post for me to do is a long time. Not that I don't like preparing the other post it's just that I prefer doing post like this rather that the other stuff.

   Oh well, I actually have more idea for the other word but they didn't made the cut due to not enough SWAG to be posted here. Maybe someday...

   'insert goodbye quote here'. My name is Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, MZbS, 1122700285 and I am out of here~! BLA... BLA... BLA...

Invention-Innovation (The one with all the inventions that never really made it) ft. Japan

(WEEK 5)
   Dia duit arís~! To again another MZbS Creative bolg tales!

   This week topic is about Invention and Innovation. But the subject matter is about the inventions that never made it. And what better way to talk about this topic with one of the best and at the same time worst and sometime just plain weird inventions of the land of the rising sun, Japan.

   Let's begin the quest, shall we? 

   In this world, there are invention and innovation that made a difference in changing the way we live. And some don't. Japan has probably this highest percentage that created these 'life changing' gizmos and gadget.

   Well, that does sound true, but that fact is the present fact. Did you ever wonder on how they got there? Well, that's why we're going on another journey to the memory lane of one of the most influential country, Japan.

   Before Japan became the 'Cool Japan' we know and love today, they were the 'Uncool Japan' so to speak, Japan created inventions that was taught to be the glimpse of the future. Well, it didn't...

   One reason is, well...

 

“Walking Type Toaster WT-2” (left) and “Snack-3” cooking machine... What...?

   Well, this is an example of what Japan is capable of... Making a 'walking toaster'... That never really caught on though... Still, it was something what no other dared to try and for that a little credit is given, I guess...

   That's not the only thing. Oh no... there are many more ridiculous invention and innovation that Japan did that never caught on. Here are some more

Women's Lap Pillow?

Lipstick Something?

Shoe Sweeper? What?

   Well, that's those are some of many million invention that fail and fail hard. But still Japan bacame one of the most recognizable inventive country. Why? Well it's simple... They are not afraid to invent whatever they thought up. Like my previous blog post of Ken Robinson, he said...

 "...if you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original"

   And Japan was being wrong back before Sir Ken stated this. They're not afraid to be wrong and prepare on what's to come. And even if you say it that's dumb. Well, look at Japan now. There are at where there are right now because of just being wrong and just do it. These example of invention may have not become the future that happen, but it did became the concept of what's wrong so they invent something that is right. For me it the...

The PlayStation (PS2). The gaming console of awesomeness!

Walkman. iPod wouldn't exist if it weren't for this.

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   Let Japan become of an example of atrocious and just plain ridiculous invention. If it weren't for their mistake, we wouldn't have things that we have right now technically speaking.

   Being wrong may make you look like a fool, but it does help one to explore the mistake and correct them and in the process creating something very original or innovative.

   That's all for this post then. Until the next post, I'm Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, MZbS, 1122700285 and I will see you later...

Mind Map (A map in our mind?)

(WEEK 5)
    Γεια σας και πάλι~! To another edition of the MZbS Creative Studies Blog.

   During week 5, the topic that was given was about Mind Map. So what's this post all about? Well, it's to talk about mind mapping of course.

   But wait, before we get into detail on how to do or what does a mind map actually helps you on, let's go on a history ride on Mind Mapping shall we.

Portrait of Tony Buzan by MZbS

   The proponent of the Mind Map or mental lite is non-other than Anthony "Tony" Peter Buzan. He is an English author and educational consultant. And that's all I guess...

   Now on to the Mind Map. So what is a Mind Map?

'A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color and spatial awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite expanses of your brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance.'

 So that is the insight of Mind Map. Simple, no? Now, we go on steps to make a Mind Map.

1- Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways. Why? Because starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally. 

2- Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central idea. Why? Because an image is worth a thousand words and helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed,
helps you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz!

3- Use COLOURS throughout. Why? Because colours are as exciting to your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind Map, adds tremendous energy to your Creative Thinking, and is fun!

4- CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc. Why? Because your Brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.

5- Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your Brain.

6- Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility.

7- Use IMAGES throughout. Why Because each image, like the central image, is also worth a thousand words. So if you have only 10 images in your Mind Map, it’s already the equal of 10,000 words of notes!

   These are the step-by-step of making a great Mind Map.

   To put it simple about Mind Map is like an image of your mind or rather your brain. It translate the ideas and thought from your head onto a piece of paper. And like the earlier statement, it harness the full range of your cortical skills and thus enables you find the creativity power hidden in your mind.

Here is the main site of Tony Buzan Mind Map

Tony Buzan's Mind Map 

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   If you remember, we were already using Mind Map since elementary school and why not? This technique is so good that it may even help children to tap in the brains true potential in an earlier stage of life giving them advantage in absorbing information better.

It good to apply this technique on an earlier stage in life.

   Hence, go start making a Mind Map now! Think of the benefits you're going to get in doing so.

   This has been another post by Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, MZbS, 1122700285. And I'll see you later.

Historical Examination of Creativity (Serious Mode Activate)

(WEEK 4)
   Hej igen~! To another creative blog session with MZbS.

   Today is a little history class. No... It won't be history like the WEEK 3 PC and Tablet. It far much worst.

   Just kidding, today is a history of creativity in the world. More like this blog tells of the examination of creativity though the times from the beginning of man stepping on the land to the present of where man weights more than 300 pounds and are too lazy to walk.

   Let's begin the history class!

1. The First Ever Invention of Creativeness!

   Did you know that the first ever invention was...

-Stone tool
-Wheels
-Hammer
-etc.

   Actually, no one knows what the real actual first invention in the world. It could be Stone Tools which was discover to be million years old or the Wheel which was also discover to be a million years ago.

   But, have you ever wonder on how they were able to make such crafts? Simple, creativity. Back when dinosaur was still hang around the water place, these primitive version of man (Caveman) was able to 'Process' creative ideas and invent things that helps them to survive in such dangerous 'Environment' due to the existence of dinosaur.

   Even though their language was just "UWAKGAGAURA" or "MIGUHUAWA" (p/s: these are real caveman language) that makes no sense and not what on how they actually sound like back then, they are still able to create something creatively. And such as these invention are, they possess 'Traits' in which that helps the mankind today.

Stone Tool. Believe to be more than 2.4 million years old.

   Give credit to them, if it wasn't for them we would not have the Wheel or Tools. Most probably not though but still it's something creative back then.

2.  Between the Past and Present

   This part is extremely long and time consuming to to type in. So to make it easier for me to do it and you to not be burden by the long text that actually I planned for this part, I only choose only one period which is the Islamic period.

   What makes this period an examination of creativity? Well first of all, why I choose this specific period is because that this one is not that known by the society today. And it's kind of unfair due to there were a lot of events during this time that deserve the a little bit attention when speaking of examining of creativity in history.
 
   There are a lot of individual you don't know such as Al-Jazari, Al-Khwarizmi, Abbas Ibn Firnas, and many more! These individual effected the modern society and a lot of people doesn't realize  about it.

Al-Jazari, the dude made an elephant clock! An elephant clock!

   

   The whole Islamic period is something worth in the history books. From their highly creativity in making a new culture to heir religion, art, architecture, science and literature. Too bad that the sole reason that this period was decline is because of their desire to recapture of the golden age of the earlier Islamic period which did not go so well.

Baghdad, one of the great city during that period

Part of a 15th century ceramic panel from Samarkand with arabesque background

Closeup of the Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran. Completed in 1618, it became the private mosque of the Safavid royalty.

   They are so many thing that no one knows during the Islamic period. There were many creative ideas and invention as well as uniqueness is their culture and etc.

3. Overview

   History has shown that the human creativity is unlimited. As the earlier days where mankind began to the highly cultured Islamic period and to the present and beyond. 


   These extraordinary times are the roots of how we live today. The 'Process' of generating idea during that time were all effected with the 'Environment' on which they have to adapt to. And to do so, they generate ideas and inventions to fulfill the 'Traits' by learning from others and use as a reference. needed to continue on with their lives


   That's how the Islamic period got it done creatively. Heck, that's how all the time periods did it.

Don't be ignorant, learn from others. Knowledge is infinite.

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   Look like we reach the end of this post.


   It was a very tiring topic but rewarding. Hope you, as the reader will learn a little more on the history of creativeness. Even if it's just a little, it still matters.


   This has been a Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, MZbS, 1122700285 post. And I will see you next time.

Places/Enviorement/Situation that gives birth to Creative/Inventive/Innovative to an Individual. Wow...

(WEEK 3)
   Bonjour les amis! Welcome back to the MZbS Creative Studies Blog!

   Another post of a creative studies related. So what is it this time? Well as the title stated, this post is about on what place/environment/situation that would make an individual to be more creative/inventive/innovative.

   There are probably many place/environment/situation that can do such to an individual. There are some for you and maybe for other. Each individual has their own little world that enables their creative glands to awaken.

   Lets get started then...

1- Home (Your own room or etc.)

   Now of course home would be the first thing that comes to mind. What better place to get that creative ability some exercise then non other at home. But, what must be inside of that home is something that is needed to be taken precaution. Otherwise, it would not work. Well, to some of course.

+Needs to be a colorful environment
+Clean and simple
+Lots of space

   These are the traits that most probably get you going on your creativity ability. But of course it won't appeal to all individual. Some may not be able to release their creative ability on these situation. So it's up to you to discover on what type of environment that enables your creative powers. Even the total opposite of the example environment in a house can be the key to help your creative ability to start up. You just got to try.

2- Cafe

   What better place to not only hang out with friends but to think of ideas. Some may not agree on this but I do get a little creative juice pumping in my head when I'm there. But of course, what kind of situation at that certain cafe that impulse the creative ability.

+A decent number of people
+Not too much loudness in the cafe
+Comfortable
+Better to have friends hanging out together

   Though the cafe seems like a good place to impulse your creative ability, there are times when it does not. Just like the house, the opposite would block the mind to turn on the creative plug or enhance the chances of creativity to exist. Again, depends on the individual.

3-  The Park (The good ones)

   Going outside in the evening. It's sunny day, there are children playing on the playground, birds chirping, flower blooming and etc. That sound nice right? It sounds nice that by just listening to it already you have imagine it in your head. See that? That is your creative section doing it's job. Now what is you are there? Boom, your the sight and peacefulness of the park gives your workers at the creative mind department in your head a fresh dose of enlightenment thus makes the creativity in you to start working.

+Peaceful environment
+Very colorful scenery
+Noise not much and annoyance

   Like the other two, if this doesn't do it, maybe in a different place and environment then.

   All in all, there are many places that help the build the creative/inventive/innovative of one self. It just takes for that individual to explore different places in order to help their creativity gland to start working. For me, as long as I can move around freely, my creative ability is working just awesomely.


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   It really good to start exploring these places earlier in an individuals life. The earlier, the better as in the future, that one individual will have a high level of creativity that others.

   Well then, end of the line... for this post...

   Until we meet again in the next post, Le me is Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, MZbS, 1122700285. Au revoir...

PC is DEAD!? Long Live The Tablet!? What!? (Process of Invention and Innovation)

(WEEK 3)
   환영받는, I hope you're feeling well today unlike me.

   ...

   Why did I even began with a Korean 'welcome'... I don't even like Korean not that I'm being a racist or anything like that... so I hope you're not offended, both Koreans and Koreans enthusiasts.

   Oppa Never-mind, HEEEYYY... we just finish on relatively talking on Sir Ken Robinson talks on TED about how school effects the creative capacity of children today. I have a feeling that this post will have connection upon this post. Guessing by the title of this post, some of you are probably saying "Yeah, that says it all" and probably some will say "That title is a lie". Quite frankly, I'm 50-50 on this subject of matter.

   "But MZbS, PC is useless now! Tablets is more powerful, mobile and awesome!" and or "Tablets is stupid, PC is way more powerful and almighty!"

   These quotes are probably from each side of the 'Almighty Tablet Clan' and the 'Grand PC Union'. And to me, that's just shallow. "Why you say that MZbS?" Post begins...

   Now, this is the first post that I'll actually use images from the internet rather then to draw the images myself because of me being slightly different on how I present my post... Heheh... So I hope no one is disappointed, which is less likely to happen.

   Let's start with something simple, shall we?

The left is a standard PC and the right is a basic tablet.

   SO what is the topic of this subject matter? Well, it is about invention and innovation by using the concept of PC against Tablet as a reference to the discussion.

   Before there was a tablet, there was a PC. Well to be more precise it started as general purpose computer using vacuum tubes and resistors. The war at that time gave it numerous development and started the computer age.

1st Generation PC (1941-1956)

   Then the INVENTION of transistor created the next generation which is of course the second. It created less noise, smaller, and less bulky. It also generated less heat due to the usage of the INVENTION of the transistor. It was used for more than what the 1st generation could do.

2nd Generation PC (1956-1963)

   Even though the transistor was more better than the vacuum tubes, it still generates heat which harm the sensitive areas of the computers. Then in 1958, the INVENTION of the Integrated Circuits (IC) replace the transistor. This INVENTION was so small that it allow advancement to fit it into small component on a small chip or semi conductor.

3rd Generation PC (1964-1971)

   And in the present time, the 4th Generation in which the whole world in majority is using. It way smaller than the first. Barely any malfunction, maintenance and etc. It took the Integrated Circuits of the 3rd Generation and compile it up into a minuscule chip. That INVENTION cause the PC to be cheaper and be able to be sold to the public more.

4th Generation (1971-Present)

   And the rest is history... There is a 5th Generation but it is only in the minds of advance research scientists and are only being tested in laboratories.

   So, comparing this to the tablet? Well, the tablet was born at the same time as the early generation of the PC. Surprised? You should be, as the concept of Tablet started way before first ever Microsoft stared the Tablet PC which didn't caught up until Apple made their own and boom the Tablet popularity in my opinion is kind of unfair.

   So, is the Tablet really deserved the long live or does the PC is still not dead? To me, that title is kind of shallow thinking of the the prowess of what the PC still can do better then what the Tablet still but possible someday can do.

   To me, the Tablet in nothing more of an INNOVATION of the PC to be more portable and mobile but a little step-backwards and more forward in what it can do than the PC.

   For such, the PC harness more processing power to unable it to do more task that requires to use such amount. For such is to create 3D animation, games and many more in a more quality form. Even though the Tablet can do those thing, it still lacks the raw power needed to do this things to be in a superb quality. So the outcome will be less. But of course, the tablet these days seem to be more and more advancing.

   Sooner or later, offices will not longer have PC, everyone does not have their own PC. All of them will have a Tablet. But as for now, I say 'NO' to PC being dead and Tablet rules everything. And probably 'YES' by 5-10 years later in the future.

Like what Sir Ken Robinson said, 

"One is the extraordinary evidence of human creativity in all of the presentations that we’ve had and in all of the people here. Just the variety of it and the range of it.

The second is, that it’s put us in a place where we have no idea what’s going to happen, in terms of the future, no idea how this may play out."

And with this, we don't know of what the next evolution after the Tablet PC but possible it will be replace with something more INNOVATIVE rather then a new INVENTION to replace it.


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   So that's all for this post I guess. Nothing more to add...

   I still believe on what the PC can do for now rather then the Tablet. I know that the tablet has more function and more mobile than that of a PC. But still, there are things that I prefer on the PC then on the Tablet. Maybe like I said, in 5-10 years time, I'll join in and say 'long live the Tablet.'

   Oh, another thing... This is what I think when the word 'Tablet' comes to mind. Rather than that Tablet by Apple. This TABLET is by Wacom and it does not function like Apple's or any other Tablet that everyone knows of.

It's called a Drawing TABLET.

   This has been Muhhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, 1122700285 and I am out of here... See ya.

TED Video : Ken Robinson

(WEEK 2)

   Warning, the following post of this blog is quite different than the other due to it being slightly serious than the other post. Reader's discretion is advised.

   Nah, just kidding...

   But seriously...

   Welcome back my minions, to another post of creative studies by MZbS. This post is related to the video TED by Ken Robinson on 'Does schools kills creativity?'. Before we get started, why don't we watch the video first. I promise your 20 minutes of life will not be wasted.

   If that was WAY to hard to understand and your being a total prick not wanting to understand his sexy British accent, play it again until you understand!

   And if you still a total douche after the second run-off of the video, read his blog instead... noob.

Sir Ken Robinson's Blog

   Now that's settle, let us get on with the post in which we ask ourselves, 'Do school really kills creativity?'. So this post is generally my own opinion but I believe that many that would read this blog would say the opposite thing. No.

   Now why say no? Why denied that school kills creativity? It's because school is a place you learn and get educated? Yes it does, but at the same time you didn't realize that it's also a place where you're creativity is being murder. You're being educated out of creativity. Now, how is this possible? Did you watch the video or read his blog?

Portrait of Ken Robinson drawn by MZbS

    

   Now then, Ken Robinson's presentation made me think a lot on how the school system works not only in Malaysia but the entire world. Never that I taught that much about school system on other country would be almost the same. Schools focuses on educating young minds of what is to their importance.

   And most school has the same hierarchy of subjects, Math is always given top priority. Then languages, and then humanity, art are at the bottom of the list. And some school hierarchy has art or music given priority and subject like dancing or acting is at the bottom of the list.

   Why is that? Is dance really not that important? Well that up to you to decide actually.

     Children are being persuaded on believing that they cannot achieve their dreams and aspirations on being a singer, artist or etc. Thus, school are educating children out of creativity.

   If we look today in the world, we realize that it was wrong to think so shallow on that matter. There's not much to argue over his presentation. Everything he said is quite agreeable and is filled with facts and logic that does boggle the mind.

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    That's it for this 'not actually serious' post on this creative studies blog.

   Hope you realize now that almost every school in the whole world is forcing children out of their incredible creative ability. I agree with Sir Ken Robinson, and I don't think it is wrong in anyway. But if you disagree, I want to know why.

   This is Muhammad Zulhilmi Shaharuddin, 1122700285 and I am out of here...