June Book Sales Are Better-Than-Expected

June book sales are in the books, and our public speaking line-up has delivered a better-than-expected performance. 

Indeed, sales of both books, i.e., "The Diamond in Your Speech" (2022) and "The Pearls of Your Speech" (2025), have been encouraging. In fact, we sold 28 copies each this month.  

And therefore, our accumulated sales numbers for the said books are as indicated above ☝

If you've not got your hands on our books, c'mon get them today! 

Both these books will transform your next speech!

No Choice: Iran's IRGC Pushes for Nuclear Deterrent

An Iranian media outlet linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have argued that Tehran has "no choice" but to develop a nuclear bomb. 

The comments were published on Sunday in an article by Iranian state-affiliated news agency Fars, titled "No choice but to build the atomic bomb", amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over an interim peace agreement. 

The article argued that Iran must acquire nuclear deterrence to negotiate with its adversaries from a position of strength. It further claimed that nuclear capability was necessary to secure peace and strengthen Iran's negotiating position. 

The commentary pointed to China's nuclear programme as an example, arguing that Beijing was able to negotiate with the United States only after becoming a nuclear power. 

The article further added that nuclear weapons would provide Iran with strategic balance against its regional adversaries. 

The publication's comments stand in contrast to commitments made under the interim Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran earlier this month. [Read my post "Iran Wins, USA Loses" published June 21, 2026]. 

And according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, on Wednesday, he affirmed that the MOU agreement explicitly requires international oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities. 

Iran quickly challenged Grossi’s assertion, underscoring ongoing tensions surrounding implementation of the agreement. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said any discussion of inspections at enrichment facilities would only occur as part of a final, comprehensive accord. 

Still, Tehran had confirmed in the MOU that it would not develop a nuclear weapon. 

Although the article reflects the views of an IRGC-linked media outlet rather than an official government policy announcement, their publication is likely to fuel fresh concerns about Iran's long-term nuclear intentions.

I support the IRGC to want Iran to have nuclear weapons!

Animals And Places Reimagined As Human Characters

It’s often said that people and their pets start to resemble each other over time, and artist Connie Kang became fascinated by this idea. 

Inspired by a memory game called “Do You Look Like Your Dog?” and “Do You Look Like Your Cat?” by photographer Gerrard Gethings, she began exploring this concept in her own novel way. 

In this selection of illustrations, you’ll find some of Connie’s most recent animal-inspired illustrations, where she transforms animals into human characters, reflecting their personalities, quirks, and energy through expressive artwork. She also expands beyond animals, including creative portraits inspired by real-world places and locations captured in photographs, reimagined in her unique artistic style.

A SAL Look At Your Audience Speech

It’s that time again for the Speakers and Leaders club meeting. The 53rd meeting.

On Thursday, I delivered my CSL1(6) "Look At Your Audience" speech, titled "I Can See Clearly Now".

The said topic refers to a Johnny Nash song from 1972. It is an uplifting anthem of hope and perseverance. The song's central meaning is about overcoming adversity, letting go of past pain, and finding the courage to move forward into a brighter, more positive future. 

I spoke about embracing it because I too, could totally relate to it. There was a time when I lacked self-assurance, and I was insecure and couldn't speak if my life depended on it. 

But I knew very well I had to speak up and speak out. I had to orate. That was when I resolutely stepped out of my comfort zone, learned to smother my nerves and braved myself to speak. Not just speak but speak with cogency, confidence and conviction. Hope was my anchor.

For at least six years, I spoke habitually, regularly and persistently. Truth be told, at one point in time, I presented six speeches a week without fail.

Truly, I had found the courage to move forward and become a polished speaker. I mastered the art of expression, eloquence and elegance, delivering speeches that have clarity, connection and charm.

Rohijas MD Sharif, the Language Observer, highlighted the rhythmic use of triads as a standout feature of my 5-8-minute speech.

And so, I was voted Best Speaker. There were four project speakers this time around. 

As for the "That's One Minute" session, the chosen one-word topic was 'enlightening'. Five speakers stepped forward. 

Me, I shared a little anecdote about bird poop! 😂😂😂

Significantly, I delivered three presentations at the meeting: a prepared project speech, a one-minute address, and an evaluation of my own project.

Photos of the June 25th meeting:

Mehdi Taremi Talks of Shit Treatment @ World Cup USA

Mehdi Taremi (left) lashed out at FIFA in an explosive post-match interview on Friday, following Iran's 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran's national team captain spoke candidly and didn't mince words. 💩💩💩

He called this World Cup exactly what it is: A disaster. A sham. A calculated campaign to break the Iranian team before they ever step on the pitch. 

Taremi described the Iranian nightmare: "We can't stay in the country ...treated like criminals in the "land of the free". Immigration checks EVERY TIME they want to play ...psychological warfare disguised as bureaucracy. Forced to flee Seattle, return to Tijuana ...ping-ponging across borders while other teams sleep in luxury. They've done everything they can to eliminate us". 

And FIFA? WORTHLESS! Gianni Infantino ...that political prostitute who licks the boots of power ...strolled into Iran's locker room after the New Zealand match, promised to fix everything, then vanished. Did nothing. Said nothing. Let the abuse continue. 

When he was asked the question: "Do you feel the organizers would prefer Iran to be eliminated?" 

His answer? "YES. I think that's what they want. They want us out".

Plainly put, this is SPORTING TERRORISM. Not fair play. Not competition. Systemic sabotage. While European teams enjoy five-star treatment, Iran's players are trapped in a travel nightmare, exhausted before kickoff, harassed by immigration, denied basic dignity. 

Infantino promised solutions. Delivered LIES. The US organizers ...the same regime that bomb Iranian civilians ...now wage war on Iranian athletes. FIFA enable it. 

The "beautiful game" is reduced to ugly politics. 

There is an angry anguish in Taremi's defiance: "We have to fight against absolutely everything". 

And fight they must. Against FIFA corruption. Against US hostility. Against a system rigged to break them. The world is watching. And the world sees the conspiracy.

At the ongoing World Cup, the group fixtures all concluded yesterday, finalizing the 32-team bracket for the knockout rounds.

And Iran and Scotland are ranked the ninth and eleventh best third-place teams overall. Meaning, both teams finished outside the qualification spots and fail to advance to the ⁠2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland’s head coach, with the decision announced within an hour of confirmation the country had been eliminated from the World Cup. 

As for me, I'm done following this World Cup! 

Iran Draws With Egypt @ World Cup

Yesterday's final Group G matches concluded with Iran drawing 1-1 against Egypt, and Belgium thumping New Zealand 5-1. These results left Team Melli in third place with 3 points, causing them to narrowly miss out on automatic knockout qualification. 

There are now two possible scenarios for Iran: either they go through to the next round with three points and three draws, or they leave the tournament unbeaten. 

According to ⁠Opta's supercomputer's calculations, Iran has a 92% chance of progressing. [Note: Under the expanded 48-team format, the 12 groups will narrow down to a Round of 32. This structure allows the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, to advance via a wildcard tiebreaker system]. 

As it currently stands, Iran sits in sixth place in the third-placed teams rankings.  

Concurrently, Scotland dropped to tenth place in the third-place rankings. Over the last 48 hours, their chances of reaching the World Cup knockouts for the first time plummeted from 42% to a microscopic 0.07%, making elimination practically certain.

The remaining matches in Groups J, K, and L will conclusively determine the tournament fates of both Iran and Scotland.  

We should know by Saturday (local time)/Sunday (Malaysian time).