Beauideals' knick knacks

Xmas 2008

2008-12-26T13:54:00.002+08:00

Christmas...isn't christmas...till it happens in your heart....
That's a line from one of the christmas songs that I just can't get off my head. Probably because it rings the truth in my present moment.This year Christmas has a special meaning to my heart and life. A lesson of being THANKFUL for what I have is something I have learnt as the year comes to a close.
Suffice to say that recent developments in my personal life has thrown me off my comfort zone per say ( those closest to me would know this).
Broken hearted, shocked, immense amount of anger and cheated is how I feel about it.
Amazingly, God has been my strength and my sanity during this trying time.
Sitting down alone during MASS yesterday in Assumption PJ , my thoughts were carried away to how alone I was during this joyous occasion. There were people surrounding me.Complete strangers. However, the loneliness of the heart and self was rather overwhelming. Fr. Simon's homily struck a chord in my heart when he spoke about allowing for "healing" to happen to a broken heart. Ironically, that message hit home run with me. Tears rolled down my face and I tried very hard to control myself from breaking into an ugly cry.
Walking back alone to my car ,after MASS, I thanked the Lord for my health, the love from my pets, the warmth and care from the people I know for keeping me sane. Yet , I looked around at the families which were hugging each other and wishing each other warm Christmas wishes. I had none around me. " This must be how it feels like being an orphan", I thought to myself. Don't get me wrong. My "creators" are alive and well but they are living in their own delusions.
This year the only gifts I could give people I cared about were either home made or came from the heart. Those faraway received a call or a electronically made cards ( ok...that's not very creative, but its the thought that counts right?) .
Its not a fancy expensive gift but that's all I can afford. Whether they appreciate it or realise the amount of love and effort I put in for each one of them, I would never know.I sincerely hope they do....
Do you know what I would really want for Christmas? Its rather priceless actually. Just a simple "Hello Angie. How are you?" on the phone or an sms (if you are outside of Malaysia), a warm hug , joining me in simple dinners, just calling me out for a cup of coffee or plain nothing, things which you can easily do which would melt my heart. Hey...m just a simple girl with simple wants in life.

Anyways, to those who are reading this....Thanks for being there in my life. Each one of you have transformed my life in one way or another. I am truly grateful for having met such "angels" (ok..some in devil's attire :-P) . I pray that our relationship with each other will continue to the end of our life.

God Bless!

Power handover ?

2008-10-09T00:24:00.002+08:00

PM announced today that he is stepping down on March 2009. His successor will be Najib ( if he wins the UMNO presidency). This news is something already speculated and waited upon for sometime now. As far as Najib winning the seat in UMNO, it might not be that easy. His closest and stiffest competition would be KU LI.
Whatever said and done, may the BEST Man win. Now, what does that mean to the regular Joe on the street? Probably nothing much ( since Malaysians live in a TIDAK APA attitude). But on a serious note, what this would bring to the country is a political stabil nation, more money to the country ( since we need to bring business into the country) and an end ( wishful hope) to racial politics.
My biggest fear is Khairy's possible win of the Umno Youth Head position. He may be young but he really lives up to the Malay saying, " kecil-kecil cili api".
Let's see what happens next...so folks, prepare your popcorn and have a seat! The show is about to begin!

Selamat Hari Raya!

2008-10-01T21:15:00.003+08:00

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all of my Muslim friends and extended family!
What is beautiful in Malaysia is the concept of Open House. Its indeed a customary ritual which binds all together as Malaysians. This is one Malaysian culture that may not be common in other countries. Let this time of festivities, bring us all together as Malaysians ( stop the politics for once!)
Happy Holidays!

Please don't waste your invitation card

2008-09-22T22:11:00.005+08:00

Please don't waste your invitation card. Really....
I don't attend weddings ...PERIOD!!!! ( except for very, very,very,very,very special persons in my life).
Today, I received 2 invitations ( one online and another via snail mail). Both of them are from my young guy friends. I had to kindly decline it since thankfully I am not free on those dates.
Imagine how much I would feel attending weddings , sitting there alone, eating alone, meeting up with friends and their own batalion of kids ( Gosh! Either they are having loads of sex or they are one baby making machine! ) and faking my happiness in meeting them (such a politician, I am!). Making small talk ain't my thing.I would end up leaving early, driving my car like KIMI and screaming in the car with disgust with myself. After all that, I would be moody for the next 2 -3 days in the privacy of my room with Frisky staring at her weird Master.
Please save my sanity....DON'T WASTE YOUR INVITATION CARD!

Living up to expectations

2008-09-22T18:33:00.001+08:00

People always have a point of view of another. Its most of the time based on physical aspects. From the so called first impressions, they will decide whether they want to know you or not. If they choose to not know you, all of their judgements are based on what they see on your outward appearance.
For those who chooses otherwise, it would be a wonderful journey of getting to know one another and embracing each other's differences.
I have spent most of my life living up to expectations of others. When I was a child, I had to live up to my parent's expectations of hitting the straight As ( Not that I had a choice la). I was forced to work hard as I was made to believe that straight A students would make it big in life! Jokes on me....
What did I miss in the process? Playtime, trips, other normal things in life like picnicking, spending time in the beach, wading in the pool and whatever not. I spent my time reading ( apart from books), watching cartoons and documentaries only, playing video games ( gameboy) and with my pets ( had a range of them- variety of dogs and cats). Always had this connection with animals ...( maybe I was an animal in my past life?)
As a teenager, I was still a nerd but the difference is I was discovering womanhood as well. Hormones everywhere but very much controlled by my strict daddy. That would explain why I was in a girls school. My friends in school were all dressed up and going to parties and such. I was never ever allowed to go for any. I had to learn to be independent and made to study even more in order to get to the university. I wanted to please my friends so much that I went against my folks ( those were the days!)
Then I did very well for SPM and went on to FORM 6 ( thanks to papa who had no money). I had to do it in a boy's school. Imagine my horror of entering a boy's school!!! I couldn't sleep at all. It wasn't that bad after all. I discovered boys and their mentality. I actually ended up having more guys as friends than girls. I found love and also discovered myself to a certain level, which I didn't like. Trying to fit in with a crowd was always a fear in my life as I am very much a communist! ( I dont like talking and always having a temper!)
The expectations of me was to be a doctor. I couldn't stand the sight of blood at all.
When STPM results came the 1st time around ( yes you read right, that would mean I did it twice!), it only gave me an entry for Computer Science in UKM. Folks at home were horrified in my "failure" !
The second time , gave me an entry to USM for engineering. :-)
My time in USM was a real eye opener to a whole new world. For one thing, living on my own and realising all my actions are my own responsibility was a scary event for me. I trust people easily and very guillable. I believed black was black and white was white. I just found it hard to be flexible. Living up to certain expectations in campus was something I just couldn't do.
My expectations of students doing a prof degree was that they should have an open mind and be street smart. Alas! How wrong I was!! Racism in the form of association or where you sit and who you talk to was the name of the game. A few of us couldnt fit in and found each other. We normally sit together as Malaysians. I could easily sit with any race as I believe we are all people. Time to get to know each other.
I had heated verbal statements with narrow minded people over my refusal to conform to their expectations. It didnt matter to me if the person was homosexual as well. Hey, where they like sticking their genitalia aint my business!
After graduation, going into the workplace, you got to live to company's expectation, your boss ( who may be a nut!), your collegues and your customers. If you think about it, you can really lose your soul entertaining everyone's whims and fancies only to realise they are not living up to yours!
What I know for sure is , life is too short and people will always have their opinions.What's important is to live your life to the best you can! Its a motto for me and I keep reminding myself day in and day out.
Its difficult but you have to do it for YOU!

Christians attacked in India

2008-09-20T17:46:00.002+08:00

Today a 150 year old cathedral in Madya Pradesh was burned down by 2 Hindu Fanatics. This is the latest in a string of attacks against Christians ( which only make 3% of India's 1.1billion people).
It started from Orrisa and now is spreading all over India. This is a country where everybody are Indians but multireligious. India is definitely a land of extremes when is comes to wealth ( hardcore poor to filthy rich), religions( basic religions to new found spirituality practices), the ultra modern beings to ultra conservative. Yet , with all this extremity, brutality is the name of the game for a country which gave us greats like Gandhi and Mother Theresa.
As Malaysians, aren't we blessed?
Pls read the article below...

Vatican: The Persecution in Orissa, India

By Giorgio Bernardelli
5/19/2008

Chiesa

"Why does no one in the West raise his voice about what is happening in Orissa?"

ROMA (Chiesa) - "In the village, the climate between us and the Hindus had always been good. We invited them to our celebrations, and we participated in theirs. But now we are all afraid." Fr. Santosh Kumar Singh, a young priest of the archdiocese of Chuttack and Bhubaneswar, is talking about his Baminigam.
He is talking about a village like so many others in this area of eastern India. A group of houses in the forest that, all of a sudden, has been turned into the epicenter of the strongest wave of anti-Christian violence in recent years.
It is the story of what happened here in Orissa at Christmas. With the raids by the Hindu fanatics of the RSS, who left behind seven dead and hundreds of homes, churches, schools, and clinics burned in the district of Kandhamal. And in a climate of intimidation that – several months later – is still palpable.
Again at Palm Sunday, for example, in the village of Tyiangia, a crowd incited by the usual characters gathered shouting anti-Christian slogans. Violence was avoided only because the pastor decided to cancel the procession.
Everything began in Baminigam on December 24, Christmas Eve. "Do you want to know how it really happened?" Fr. Santosh asks immediately. Telling the story is important to him, because there are several reconstructions of the events.
And the one that appeared in the Indian newspapers identifies the spark in the aggression against the swami Laxmananda Saraswati, a Hindu holy man linked to the RSS who travels around Orissa to " bring back to their origins" the tribals who have converted to Christianity.
"That's not what happened," rebuts Fr. Santosh. "It all started when, on the morning of December 24, our permission to celebrate Christmas in the town square was revoked. Our stallkeepers arrived and were told that they had to go back home. There must have been some tension as well. But two hundred men armed with clubs suddenly emerged from the forest, and began to destroy and burn everything."
The violence continued for four days. It was fostered by the inexplicable delay in the intervention of the security forces. The Christians were forced to flee into the forest in order to survive, while their homes continued to burn. There remained in the forest for days and nights, in the cold, eating what they were able to find. Until, finally, the local authorities set up tent encampments. And in the district of Kandhamal, a calm returned full of tension and of serious doubts.
"We had realized what was about to happen," recounts Raphael Cheenath, the archbishop of Chuttack-Bhubaneswar, whose territory includes the district of Kandhamal. " On December 22, we had clearly told the authorities that we were afraid of suffering violence at Christmas. They had promised us protection. Instead, they did absolutely nothing."
I met Archbishop Cheenath in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. The district of Kandhamal is about five or six hours away by car, in the forest. And yet during those days, the violence had arrived all the way to the archbishop's residence, with a Molotov cocktail thrown against the entrance.
And it is no mystery to anyone that the meetings of the RSS in which Christians are identified as the enemy are also held in that city of 800,000 inhabitants. But, more than the clandestine secrets, it is the public decisions that worry the archbishop, and the ambiguous attitude of the local government, headed by prime minister Naveen Patnaik, an ally of the BJP, the Hindu nationalist party.
"In February," the archbishop continues, "right here in Orissa there was an attack on the part of Maoist guerrillas. They attacked a police barracks and killed some of the officers. A state of emergency was declared immediately: the military arrived en masse in a few hours. At Christmas, instead – when it was the Christians who were suffering violence in the district of Kandhamal – It took four days. Why this difference in the reaction? ".
But there is also the problem of assistance for the victims, which is still unresolved. "They do not allow our organizations to bring assistance," Archbishop Cheenath charges. "There are people there who have lost everything: their homes were burned, and they were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The government has promised to take care of them, but the help does not come. And the population continues to suffer."
Together with the houses, in the district of Kandhamal, the work of 30 years has been completely destroyed: schools, clinics, centers of assistance. Even the house of the Missionaries of Charity, the male branch of the order of Mother Teresa of Calcutta – which shelters lepers and tuberculosis patients – was attacked. Everything was left to burn for hours, while the Christians were fleeing into the forest. And now school is held under the tents.
"Misereor" – the international solidarity organization of the German Church – has come forward to help with reconstruction. But the government of Orissa is not giving them permission. For 42 days, the archbishop himself was refused permission to visit the stricken communities.
"Officially, " comments Archbishop Cheenath, "they tell us that this is for security reasons. But the truth is that they want to block the presence of Christian organizations. The Hindu extremists accuse us of carrying out conversions through aid operations. But this is a false accusation: everyone saw this in Orissa in 1999, when there was a tremendous cyclone. Two thousand of our volunteers were mobilized. And they helped everyone, without distinction." In order to resolve the situation, the Indian Supreme Court had to intervene on April 8, with a judgment that declared the ban illegitimate.
In looking at this big city, so much like so many others, it is difficult to believe that it is a haven for fanatics. "We know that many Hindus are against the violence, " the archbishop confirms." Privately, they have even expressed solidarity with us. But they are afraid of speaking out. And so this campaign of hatred conducted by the fanatics is producing results. They are depicting us as enemies, and saying openly that they want to destroy us."
"But where do you think that all this hatred against Christians comes from?", I ask him.
"I am convinced," the archbishop replies, "that there is a hidden cause behind the religious extremism, one of a social nature. The real problem is not the conversions, but the work that the Christians in Orissa have done over the past 140 years on behalf of the tribals and the Dalits, the lowest in the caste system. Before, there were like slaves. Now, at least some of them study in our schools, start enterprises in the villages, assert their rights. And those – even in the India of the economic boom – who want to keep intact the ancient caste divisions, are afraid that they will become too strong. The Orissa of today is a laboratory. At stake is the future of millions of Dalits and tribals living all over the country."
Orissa is like the new laboratory for the fundamentalists: so many say this over and over again in the Christian community. Because it is true that this is one of the poorest states in the subcontinent. But also here in Bhubaneswar, something is starting to happen. You leave the archbishop's residence and plunge into the Big Bazar, the brand new American-style shopping center. The airport – like all of the Indian airports – is in expansion. And in the city, office buildings are multiplying.
"It seems incredible, but when we opened twenty years ago, it was still jungle around here," recounts Fr. E. A. Augustine, director of the Xavier Institute of Management, one of the city's most respected institutions. It is an economics faculty with an interesting history: it is the result of an agreement between the government of Orissa and the local Jesuit province.
So even in a state like Orissa, where an anti- conversion law is in effect, there is no difficulty in naming a public entity after Saint Francis Xavier. Because in India, the Xavier School is synonymous with quality everywhere. "Everyone wants to imitate our structures, " continues Fr. Augustine, " they acknowledge their quality. Apart from some fanatics, they respect us. But we do not want to be a center for elites. For example, and we also organize courses in rural management, specifically designed for the development of villages."
And then – also here in Bhubaneswar – there is the other face of the Jesuit presence. It is that of the Human Life Center, with its popular courses in spoken English to help those who have emigrated to the city from rural areas. Or the courses in tailoring, typing, computers, to provide opportunities for those who otherwise would have none. And then there are the seven schools opened right in the slums of Bhubaneswar. Because change must arrive there as well.
The impression is that in the end, the real problem lies here. The violence in Orissa is not simply the inheritance of a past that India is struggling to leave behind it. The clash concerns the present, and above all the future of the country. It concerns a social situation in which those who for centuries have remained at the margins are beginning to come forward. And so those who – on the contrary – want to maintain the status quo are playing the card of the threat to identity.
There is an important electoral appointment in view: in May of 2009, general elections will be held in India. The BJP – the Hindu nationalist party, defeated in 2004 by the alliance of the Congress Party and the left – is aiming at a comeback. And – as the violence against the Muslims in Gujarat demonstrated in 2002 – inciting tension among religious groups is the most effective way to consolidate the ranks.
"It is no accident," maintains Fr. Jimmy Dhabby, director of the Indian Social Institute in New Delhi, "that this violence against Christians erupted a few weeks after the reconfirmation of Narendra Modi, a leading member of the BJP, as head of the state of Gujarat. And that it happened in Orissa, a state where voting for the local government will be held in 2009."
It is a game that – despite the events of Christmas – is moving forward in Bhubaneswar. It's enough to open the local edition of the newspaper "The Indian Express" on any day of the week to find statements like this, from the leader of the RSS K.S Sudar-shan: "There are many threats hanging over the nation: the violence of the Maoists, the Islamic jihad, the conversions of the Christian missionaries. We must be united in order to react. Do not wait for someone else to do it for you."
Even the investigation opened by the government of Orissa to shed light on what happened at Christmas is proceeding according to rather questionable methods. "After months without any news whatsoever," John Dayal, secretary general of the All India Christian Council, charged on his blog, "the judge handling the case arrived without warning in the district of Kandhamal. He questioned the sisters and the priests. They were astounded when they were asked: Have you converted anyone here?" As if the object of the investigation were the activity of the Christians, and not the violence committed by the Hindu fanatics.
Another worrying chapter is that of compensation. "So far no official indications have been provided," Dayal continues, "but we have read in the newspapers that while schools, hostels, and clinics will be able to receive a contribution of 200 thousand rupees (about 5 thousand dollars), the churches and convents will be excluded from anycompensation. If this were true, it would be not only surprising, but also offensive. The main targets of the attacks were precisely the churches and convents. Excluding them makes no sense."
This is the atmosphere now in Orissa. "An explosive situation is lurking beneath the ashes," says Hemanl Naik, of the Orissa Dalit Adivasi Action Net. "For some time the Hindu nationalists have been campaigning to 'reconvert' the tribal Christians. Are these not violations of the anti-conversion laws? Why do they not apply to them?"
After so many people were killed, so many homes and Christian churches burned, one question must be asked. What is the difference with respect to the Islamic violence in other regions, for which – rightly – so much space is reserved in the media? And why does no one in the West raise his voice about what is happening in Orissa? The protest of the Christians in front of parliament in New Delhi at Easter did not appear in our newspapers.
The reply of Archbishop Cheenath is a bitter one: "The India of today is a market sought after by everyone," he explains. "There are strong economic interests, and everyone wants to have good relations with us. In this kind of situation, no one cares about what is happening to the minorities."
It is an unsettling cry of pain that is coming from the Christians of Orissa today.

Theresa Freed!

2008-09-19T18:46:00.003+08:00

Theresa Kok is free from ISA detention today at 1pm. This is indeed wonderful news as personally, I feel she was wrongfully detained. The power of prayer really has shown its due effect in comparison to the so called "people power". Vigils were held over the weekend in several areas of worship for the release of ISA detainees.

She was detained in the pretext of causing religious tension ( asking the azan volume to be lowered and questioning on the signboard written in Jawi). What's amazing is, for the past one week, officials from the Mosques concerned have come out and given statements to the police on Theresa's innocence. The now freed Theresa has given out a statement stating that she is going to sue the individuals concerned that caused her to be detained unlawfully. Rightfully so! That's one week of her life that she can't get back.
Theresa , to me, is the epitome of a Malay saying, " BERANI KERANA BENAR"
Now, the police has to investigate Khir Toyo and Utusan on the false news and reports that they have given out. Hopefully justice will prevail in this matter!

KJ contesting for UMNO Youth Head post

2008-09-18T18:42:00.003+08:00

God have mercy! KJ announced his decision to contest for the UMNO Youth Head. Below are my thoughts in red about the article below taken from Star.

Khairy announces candidacy for Umno Youth chief post
By SARBAN SINGH
REMBAU: Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday officially announced his candidacy for the top post in the movement, adding that “friendship and unity” would be his platform to win delegates’ support. (you got to be kidding ....unity? you?)
The Rembau MP said he would be contesting the post not only as a Malay but as a Malaysian who wished to have the voice of the multi-racial youth heard and acted upon. ( voice of multi-racial youth? The same person who question on per capita income of the Chinaman compared to the Malay man...from last year's UMNO meeting)
He made the announcement at his service centre near here at about 4.20pm before a packed press conference. Also present were several state Umno Youth leaders, several exco members and supporters from several states.
He did not name his running mate, saying that anyone was free to contest for the post of deputy.
Khairy said he took time to announce his candidacy as he wanted to meet the youth grassroot members first.
“I could not have made this decision unilaterally. I wanted to gauge the support I had. After traversing the country and talking to the grassroots, I believe I have enough support to go for the top post,” he said.
To date, three others have announced their bid for the top post in the movement. They are former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo, Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who is son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former exco Datuk Zahid Zainal Abidin.
Asked why he picked Sept 17 to announce his candidacy, Khairy said the date was special to Muslims as it was the day the Quran was revealed. ( How Symbolic! )
Khairy said he also hoped to reach out more to young people, including the non-Malays, and find new ways to explain issues deemed sensitive such as Malay rights and the social contract. (Really? the damage was done , thanks to him, when he was just the Umno youth deputy)
“I not only hope to make Umno Youth more vibrant but want to get all youth wings in the component parties to speak in one voice.
“We need a new way of articulating ourselves. I am not contesting as a leader of a Malay youth movement alone but a youth leader for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that the Barisan youth movement should not be exclusive but “inclusive”.
Khairy said although Umno Youth formed the backbone of the Barisan Nasional youth movement, it would continue to engage the component parties in decision-making.
Asked to rate his chances against the three others who had voiced their intention to go for the top post, Khairy said all three are credible and experienced.
“They are all my seniors and I respect their intention to bid for the top post. They have their strengths and good points.
“But the delegates will decide on this and I hope that my friendship and unity platform will win them over,” he said.
Asked if he had the support from the majority of the state Umno youth chiefs and exco members, Khairy said he had a fair chance of winning.
“All of us have a good chance. I think overall I have 30% support. With four people in the fray, I think 30% is okay,” he said in jest.
Khairy said if elected, he would inherit a united Umno Youth from Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who led the wing for 10 years.
“Datuk Seri Hishammuddin took over the helm of a decimated Umno Youth in 1998 (when several leaders left following the sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and has built a strong foundation.
“I am privileged to have served four years as an exco and another four years as his deputy. I hope to continue the great job he has done,” he said.
Khairy said he also hoped to engage more young people including professionals, members of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and civil servants who have remained apolitical to ensure the voice of the young people is heard.

In the meantime, all these jokers ( opposition and ruling government) are oblivious to the fact that the financial markets has been rattled by the recent developments in the US. The Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the bailout of MerrilLynch and AIG will definitely send shockwaves to our shores. I am not a financial expert ( will be when I study it next year) but I gather that our leaders should get their act together and save our nation from a financial crisis! We really cannot afford a 1998-99 situation right now!!!

Kickdefella arrested!

2008-09-18T00:02:00.004+08:00

Today another fellow blogger has been arrested.

The difference is he is arrested under the Sedition Act. No further details (as of now ) about the arrest. The police came by (in plain clothes) to the Kelantan MB's office and took him away in a dark tinted Pajero.
What I understand ( from Rocky's Bru) is that he was aware about this arrest and he was waiting for them.

Kickdefella or his real name Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz ,is the Kelantan MB's public relations officer.

Please do check out the news on the latest of this arrest

Vigil For ISA Detainees

2008-09-17T17:27:00.001+08:00

Received an email from a friend of mine in Melaka. For those of you in Melaka, pls do attend this.

You are kindly invited to Good Shepherds Seminary (Lorong Panjang), behind Malacca School and IJC for a Vigil for the ISA detainees this Thursday at 8pm in a show of solidarity by the MCCBCHST (Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
This is a personal invitation.
Desmond Ho

A Message from Father JOJO Fung

2008-09-15T23:43:00.003+08:00

I am taking this message from Father JOJO from my friend's website. Father Jojo is indeed an unique individual with a mind of his own. Read on...

Malaysians of the civil society movement for democratic space, who anticipated the desparate government of the day to resort to few high-handed tactics to defend their hegemonic powers, were nevertheless appalled by the arrest of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoon Cheng under the ISA, the most draconian legal institution, a legacy of the British Administration against the communist insurgency that a post-colonial nation like Malaysia should have abolished.
The government has abused its mandate of a simple majority by arbitrarily arresting Teresa Kok, Seputeh MP and Selangor executive councilor and Raja Petra Kamarrudin, editor of Malaysia Today and blogger-Pahlawan. The critical-minided populace, resisting the imposed “idiotic culture of bodoh-ism,” has unmasked such an arrest as yet another deluding political ploy, only to demonstrate a desperate attempt of a floundering power, sinking under the weight and filth of its own corrupt practices and the resultant fragmentation, to simulate and display its fast deflating and hollowing might in the use of the ISA.
Raja Petra Kamuarrudin has been hailed by many civil-minded Malaysians as the symbolic voice of a new dawn in Malaysia, a suara kenabian zaman modern, equivalent of a prophetic voice of our times, whose voice has become the conscience of the people, and the representational voice of the populace whose cries are: “after 50:45 years of governance, cukup lah !!” Fed-up lah kita!!” “Time for change, either from within or change from without !!”
Contradictions of contradictions. How is it that a journalist of integrity is arrested when a bigoted politician of UMNO is sacked but at large, getting away with such inflammatory racist remarks? How is it that a reporter has to be purportedly protected under the ISA of all laws, but is released the next day, under pressure from BN Components and pressure from the civil society? Is she any safer? The contradictions has besieged the ruling party, contradicted by all sides, including its component parties, betraying an growing political disarray within the party and cabinet, leading to the very question of its legitimacy to govern with consistency and integrity.
The hideous crime committed against the rakyat is not “outside” as it is “inside,” within its own fold. It is known widely that the same hegemonic power has eroded the rule of law, crushed the independence of the judiciary, prostituted the sanctity of Article 11 and the Federal Constitution, violated the fundamental liberties of Malaysians to the freedom of worship, equal access of the marginal communities, freedom of association and speech, desecrated the environment, debased the police, the Immigration, and the politicians on the altar of insatiable greed and lust for power. These hideous crimes are the scourges of our nation, the plagues of the rakyat ! These crimes have made a real mockery of the religions of our nations, Islam no less.
The muffling of voices dissident does not mean the decimation of the dispirited. A crushed spirit never prevent the unleashing of the insurmountable surge of the energy breaking forth from below for a dawning of a clean, just and violent-free Malaysia. Onward with the democratic struggle in Malaysia !!!
Jojo M. Fung, SJ
September 16, 2008.

Free Teresa, Abolish ISA! Petition

2008-09-14T21:17:00.001+08:00

Theresa Kok is still under ISA. If you feel that her arrest under ISA is unjust, please sign the petition below to voice your own dissatisfaction.

Free Teresa, Abolish ISA! Petition

ISA blitz or sheer nonsensical move?

2008-09-13T23:00:00.004+08:00

12th of September 2008 is going to be rather memorable with an ISA blitz of individuals deemed to be a threat to national security. RPK, Theresa KOK and Ms. Tan ( SIn CHew journalist). As of today, Ms. Tan was released after 16 hours under ISA detention. WHy was Ms Tan detained? For doing her job? All she did was to report what Mr. "pendatang" Ahmad had to say. According to Syed Albar, she was detained for her own safety as police intelligence states that her life is in danger be "certain" quarters. Using ISA as a protective shield huh? Interesting...( still makes no sense to me)
Theresa Kok, was detained as she was accused of putting up a petition to the mosque to lower down the volume of the azan. Funny thing is the mosque in question states that Theresa didnt step foot into the mosque.
Masjid Kinrara, the mosque which is embroiled in an azan controversy, said DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok was not involved in the petition to lower the volume of its loudspeakers
So, whats the deal here? Overzealous officers who decided to entertain themselves by using the ISA on these individuals? For me personally, the explaination from the Home Ministry just doesnt hold water. The only question in everyone's mind is, " Why wasn't Ahmad taken to ISA ? He's the one to uttered the racist statement"
If you want to use ISA, please use it for appropriate reasons ( a real threat to national security) and please don't misuse it for your own personal gains or to even instill fear for the general public.

Breaking News :Sin Chew Journalist in ISA!

2008-09-12T23:42:00.002+08:00

This just in...Sin Chew journalist, Tan Hoon Cheng , has been detained from her home at 11.30pm (B.Mertajam, Penang) under ISA. She is the reporter who reported on Ahmad's controversial statement on the Chinese in the papers.

What's going on? Something is not right...she was just doing her job as a journalist.

The person who said those sensitive statements is out there, scot-free and the rest in ISA? Something just doesn't click...

Happy Onam!

2008-09-12T22:25:00.006+08:00

Today is the festival of ONAM for the Malayalees ( Indians who hail from Kerala). Now what in the world is ONAM?
ONAM is a harvest festival celebrated in honour of MAHABALI (a mythical King from ancient Kerala). Legend has it that the spirit of King Mahabali returns every year to visit the Keralites during this harvest festival. What is unique about this celebration is the fact that all Keralites celebrate Onam irregardless of religion (inter-religious event?Definitely, a good showcase of unity.
The celebration of Onam last for a good 10 days. In the state of Kerala, this festival is a major festival starting with a boat race and it also ends with a boat race as well. On the 1st day ( Atham) which is considered a holy day, Keralites will have an early morning bath before heading for early morning prayers. The main feature of this day is the Attha Poo ( arrangement of a floral carpet). This is normally done by the young girls in household.
Food items for the day will be vegetarian meals. Normally , the ladies will cook up to 20 different vegetarian dishes ( of course papadums would be abundant during this festival) as well as sweets.

Apart from the boat races ( also known as snake boat race), there will also be a procession of decked elephants . Tiger dances (pulikali) would be one of the must see dances during this festivals. Performers (MEN) paint themselves yellow with black stripes (tiger prints) and will depict the movements of tigers when its hunting of goats or when humans attack them.
Games and dances would also be performed during this 10 day festival.

Kaikottikali is an elegant clap dance performed on the occasion of Onam. In this women sing songs praising the legendary King Mahabali and dance around the pookalam. At the centre of this is placed a lit bronze lamp called nilavilakku. It is a captivating sight to watch troupe of female dancers performing in their traditional Kerala attire consisting of gold bordered off-white mundu-neriyathu and decked with a fragrant gajra in their hair.
Women also perform Thumbi Thullal as a custom in Onam. It is a folk dance performed by a group of women who sit in the formation of circle. The lead performer sits inside the circle who initiates the song which is taken up by other singers. Clap dance is also performed by the women dressed in their best clothes and ethnic jewelery.
This is a collective name for all the games played on the occasion of Onam. Traditional games of Onam constitute rigorous sports like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam. Archery is also a part of Onakalikal.

Although the full range of the festival is not celebrated in Malaysia, the Malayalees do gather together for the ritual makan-makan and keep to the 1st day celebrations. Its good to know ones culture and embrace it as much as possible. After all,celebrations should bring everyone together and create a better understanding of one another.

The 3 yr suspension

2008-09-10T21:56:00.003+08:00

So Ahmad is suspended for 3 years from UMNO and his position. Interesting how easily he is just suspended and not thrown into ISA. HINDRAF did a rally and 5 of their members were thrown into ISA ( national security purposes). AHmad is not a national security risk? I was watching NTV7 news today and saw what one of Ahmad's supporters said, " Kami akan terus berjuang...Kami cukup bersabar dengan Cina and India, sekarang kita akan berjuang untuk hak kita"

What kind of legacy Ahmad brings upon the his mindless lambs!

The thought that Ahmad is going on a road show to explain himself to every Umno Branch...is it necessary? What is he trying to do? Forgive me for bringing in a Past PM ( TUN DR. Mahathir). I really wished he was around, as jokers like this would be crawling in ISA. Whatever that is being sparked out here is not one chronic individual but there are mini AHmads that are sprouting around and this worries me.
DO they not see that we are all BANGSA MALAYSIA? Stop destroying this country for your own gains. Read up history back again please (dig up your old school books if you need to) and start thinking with your head for once!
These politicians will say and do anything they want for their own gains. But ,you and I, being MALAYSIANS, should do whatever we can do to maintain the harmony and peace in the country.

4kgs of Body fat gone!

2008-09-10T18:59:00.001+08:00

Yahoo!!! I lost 4kgs of body fat and gained 4kgs of muscle. All these months of cruel workouts by my trainer is bearing fruits for me. You have no idea how freaked out I was when I was going through my fitness test today. When Yuzy (my trainer) printed out the results and compared it to when I first started working out, she couldnt help herself smiling while showing me the results. She is so proud of me and so am I!!
I still have a long way to go but I am happy on how my body is forming itself. Now, to be more disciplined on the food part...Hmmmm...tough one!
I still remember , when I first started out, how I just couldnt run for a full minute without puffing in Ventolin ( doesnt help when I have asthma as well). Now I can run for 5 minutes straight. Previously I couldn't do a push up (even the ladies push up) but now I can do both the male and female push up routines.
Going to the gym has been a daily ritual for me, although I take 1 day in a week as my off day. I feel more energetic when I am done with my workout. My close friends has noticed the difference when they meet over the weekends. Confidence really hits the roof when your clothes feels looser and your body becomes smaller. Its really a breath of fresh air for me! :-)
I am geared up for my target date which is October 13th. Why this date? Its my 33rd Bday. This new body and health is a gift to myself ( the best thing that I can give myself anyways). You know what's the ironic thing? I am still the same person inside , its just my shell that's changing.
Makes you wonder why people are so cruel to others who are "different" outwardly ? Take time to GET TO KNOW the person before condenming them . Big People have feelings too...just in case you didn't know.

Ahmad oh Ahmad!

2008-09-09T23:26:00.001+08:00

Ahmad oh Ahmad, mana tatasusila Kemelayuan anda? Begini ke perangai seorang ketua parti politik Bukit Bendera? Hang lupa kah yang hang tu bukannya Melayu tulen? Yang bumiputera nya orang asli.

Tearing up Dr. Koh's picture, stomping it and asking GERAKAN to leave BN is very un Malaysian. What's amazing is that he is still in UMNO? SACK HIM and PLACE HIM IN ISA , PLEASE!!!!
He is a nuisance and a danger to society.
Malaysia is a multireligious and multiracial , brainless leaders like these are a menace to society. The peace and harmony will cease to exist with people like this. Is he really trying to swing this country to Anwar's camp by the 16th?

For all of you who love Malaysia , pls do stand up to "uneducated" leaders like this! We need to save this country!

Definitions

2008-09-09T23:06:00.003+08:00

I came upon this blog article and I just have to share this with everyone. Thank God there are TRUE BLUE MALAYSIANS who are quite fed-up with the recent nonsense that's been articulated by a certain moron in BN.

Monday, September 08, 2008
Antara pendatang dan penumpang

Pada mulanya saya agak keberatan nak ulas kekecohan yang berpunca ekoran daripada kenyataan ketua UMNO bahagian Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang bernama Ahmad bin Ismail. Sama ada benar atau tidak apa yang didakwa dikatakan olehnya mengenai rakyat Malaysia keturunan Cina bukan persoalannya kerana isu tersebut sudahpun merebak dan mengapi-apikan keadaan.

Jika tidak ditangani dengan cermat, teliti dan bijak, isu itu boleh ditangguk dalam air yang keruh oleh anasir-anasir yang ingin melihat negara ini hancur serta mengundang campur tangan kuasa asing. Dalam zaman dunia tanpa sempadan dan liputan meluas dan segera oleh media elektronik antarabangsa, apa yang berlaku di sesebuah negara itu tidak dapat disembunyi atau dinafikan.

Isu pokok yang dibangkitkan oleh Ahmad Ismail membabitkan persoalan "menumpang" iaitu rakyat Malaysia keturunan Cina adalah penumpang di negara ini. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa ia merujuk kepada zaman pra-Merdeka. Bagaimanapun, sensitiviti rakyat Malaysia keturunan Cina telah terguris.

Saya tidak mengenali secara peribadi Ahmad Ismail, tetapi kenal agak rapat dengan Allahyarham abangnya, Abdul Rahim Ismail, pemilik Syarikat Pembinaan Rahim yang pada satu ketika dahulu agak terkenal sebagai sebuah firma pembinaan Bumiputera yang unggul di Pulau Pinang. Saya tidak tahu apa dah jadi dengan syarikat itu selepas Abdul Rahim meninggal dunia.

Secara peribadi, saya tidak setuju dengan apa yang didakwa dikata oleh Ahmad Ismail atas beberapa sebab.

Bagi saya, hampir 90 peratus rakyat Malaysia, khususnya di Semenanjung, adalah pendatang dan kita semua sebenarnya menumpang hidup di bumi Allah. Kita bukan pemilik kekal tetapi hanya menumpang.

Sebagai contoh, saya sendiri adalah keturunan pendatang yang menumpang hidup di bumi bertuah ini. Datuk nenek di sebelah bapa saya berhijrah dari Makkah dan dari Brunei ke sini manakala di sebelah ibu pula dari Hadhramut, Yaman. Kami adalah pendatang dan penumpang sama seperti hampir semua penduduk negara ini khususnya di Pulau Pinang.

Bagi Ahmad Ismail, dia juga datang dari keluarga pendatang dan menumpang hidup di negara ini. Ahmad Ismail tidak boleh menafikan hakikat bahawa datuk neneknya adalah pendatang dari India untuk menerokai penghidupan yang lebih baik dan selesa di bumi bertuah ini.

Perdana Menteri Abdullah bin Ahmad juga tergolong dalam kategori yang sama. Datuknya di sebelah ibu adalah pendatang dari wilayah Guandong, China. Pendek kata, datuk Pak Lah iaitu bapa Allahyarhamah Kailan bernama Hassan Salleh atau Hah Su Chiang adalah seorang pendatang. Beliau berhijrah ke Tanah Melayu dari wilayah Guandong (Kwantung) pada pertengahan abad ke-19 dan menetap di Bayan Lepas sebagai pekebun getah, pesawah padi dan kemudian saudagar intan berlian.

Najib Tun Razak, Timbalan PM juga berasal daripada keluarga pendatang iaitu dari Sulawesi, Indonesia atau lebih senang disebut orang Bugis manakala sepupunya Hishamudin Hussein tidak terlepas daripada darah keturunan Turki.

Datuk nenek mantan PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad juga pendatang dari Kerala, India manakala ibu Almarhum Tunku Abul Rahman berasal dari negeri Siam (Thailand).

Kesultanan Melayu Melaka pun dibuka oleh orang pendatang dari Sumatra bernama Parameswara, seorang anak raja atau bangsawan beragama Hindu.

Dalam sejarah kesultanan Melayu, kita dapati ada yang ditubuh oleh pendatang dari Bugis dan ada pula dari Hadhramut selain dari Minangkabau.

Hampir semua orang Melayu di sini berasal dari luar Tanah Melayu tetapi diiktiraf sebagai "bangsa Melayu" oleh Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Kita adalah "Melayu mengikut takrifan Perlembagaan" iaitu beragama Islam, mengamalkan adat resam Melayu dan bertutur dalam bahasa Melayu. Malangnya, bahasa Melayu nampaknya dimatikan oleh orang Melayu (UMNO) sendiri apabila dinamakan sebagai bahasa Malaysia.

Oleh itu, orang Arab seperti Syed Hamid Albar dan saya, orang Aceh seperti Sanusi Junid, orang India seperti Kader Sheikh Fadzir dan Nor Mohamed Yakcop, orang Bugis seperti Najib, orang Minang seperti Rais Yatim, orang Jawa seperti Mohamad Rahmat dan yang lain seperti dari Madura, Pulau Boyan, Siam, Burma, Yunnan (China) dan selatan Filipina dengan mudah boleh diiktirf sebagai "Melayu".

Mereka diterima sebagai orang Melayu tidak kira sama ada mereka bertutur bahasa Melayu atau tidak di rumah umpamanya si Arab berbahasa Arab, si Jawa berbahasa Jawa dan si Minang berbahasa Minang atupun si Mamak berbahasa Tamil.

Bahasa-bahasa yang disebut itu bukan bahasa Melayu dan jika dilihat dari sudut Perlembagaan Persekutuan, tidak boleh diterima atau diiktiraf sebagai bangsa Melayu. Walau bagaimanapun, atas kepentingan dan faktor politik, semuanya diterima sebagai Melayu dan Bumiputera.

Oleh itu, adalah tidak adil untuk menuding jari kepada orang Cina yang juga kaum pendatang sama seperti orang Arab, India, Aceh, Minang, Batak, Mandailing, Jawa, Madura mahupun Bugis, sebagai menumpang di negeri ini. Kita tidak boleh menafikan bahawa sebilangan besar datuk nenek orang Cina telah berhijrah ke negeri ini semasa Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, bahkan kesultanan-kesultanan terdahulu di Kedah mahupun Terengganu dan Kelantan serta semasa Francis Light berjaya menipu Sultan Kedah untuk menduduki Pulau Pinang pada 1786.

Kita adalah kaum pendatang yang menumpang hidup di negeri ini. Golongan yang boleh diiktiraf sebagai orang asal atau anak bumi tulen adalah mereka yang kita kenali sebagai Negrito, Jakun, Semang, Jahut, Orang Laut, Orang Darat, Senoi dan suku kaum masyarakat Asli lain yang masih menjadi penghuni belantara.

Kita tidak harus lupa akan sumbangan dan pengorbanan semua kaum dan suku kaum untuk membangunkan Malaysia sama ada dari sudut ekonomi, kemasyarakatan, keselamatan dan yang paling penting kesepakatan dan perpaduan. Semua orang yang kena dan seharusnya membayar cukai, berbuat demikian tanpa mengira kaum atau asal keturunan, sama ada pendatang atau penumpang.

Kita semua adalah rakyat Malaysia.

The Joys of being Single

2008-09-09T00:56:00.001+08:00

I have lost count on how many times I have answered this particular question. The question comes in many different forms, such as :

1. Are you married? WHy notla?
2. You not married because you fussy ah?
3. You in sales, you meet so many people...why u got no one ah?
4. You so long got no one...you got something wrong is it? Gay ah?

The variations continues on a daily basis. My standard answer to everyone is always :

" What to do la?! Malaysian Men are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FUSSY!!!!"

Today, I was talking to a good friend of mine who is a Medical Specialist ( who is single like me). We were exchanging stories on how our parents tried helplessly in the past to find us a good mate, only to be dissapointed. Why dissapointed? The "mapillais" have conditions and criterias on how the girl they want must look like. Imagine this...these guys don't even have 10% of Hritik Roshan or even Arjun Rampal's looks and charisma , yet they have the cheek and audacity to have a "looks list". MEN!
Both of us agreed on 2 things...there's absolutely nothing wrong in being single and God will pair you up with the right partner when the time comes.
We do fear that one day when we are old, we will end up in some old folks home all alone ( although that is most likely to happen to me ), tackling old men who were dumped by their kids there. Hey, who ever said geriatrics can't have needs and pleasures in life ? :-P
So what are the joys of being single?
1. Able to do whatever I want and whenever I want
2. can date anyone I want ( this rule however I have yet to do this year at all...waiting for the man to ask me instead )
3. Need not entertain the "problems" that come along with marriage.
4. I can have "space" as much as I want

My friend did ask me what would turn me on in a guy ( in order to have a relationship of course) .
Well, no one has actually asked me to be in detail before , so here goes...
1. An open minded person
2.Has a positive mindset on things
3. believes in self improvement and encourages it in others
4. A self assured and secured MAN
5. A non sexist
6. A non racist
7. Well read person
8. A "doer" and not a talker
9. Loves intimacy ( with me only )
10. Can watch a chick flick and does not feel as if his manhood is being threatened.

Not too bad right? Quite reasonable right? Notice that I never mentioned race, religion, height, weight, colour and such physical attributes on the list.
SO HOT Blooded Malaysian Men , if you think you fit the bill...
ASK ME OUT LA!

Count your blessings!

2008-09-08T01:10:00.004+08:00

Today , in line with keeping the Sabaath holy,I went to Mass in Assumption PJ. I celebrated mass as usual at 830am but the only difference was that the church was unusually filled up to the brim today. I was just sitting there with my GF wondering what in the world was going on. Only then a short video clip from UNHCR was running on the Myanmar refugees and the programme that they hold for them. The video was on the Chin clan , who were there attending Mass as well ( hence the increase of head count!)
The video showed refugee children being taught to read and write. The smaller kids were busy colouring. As Deborah Henry ( yes...another thing that she has to be an ambassador for...) was narrating on what the children have and what they have experienced, it brought back memories of the East Timorese children whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in Melaka. These children have seen things, that is so horrific and tragic,something I wouldnt want anyone to witness. Imagine such young kids who have witness their father being decapitated, families shot, running away for safety in a church only to be hunted down like animals. What made me admire them the most is the strong faith in God that they have. They are not angry with anyone. They are sad that they are without much of a family. But they count their blessings that they have each other. They love each other as brothers and sisters ( unity in adversity perhaps?).
Coming back to the Chin Clan. After the final part of Mass, there was a sharing by one of the refugees. He explained that he had to run as there were discrimination by the Junta just because of his CHIN race and his religion. People there were killed for this purpose, women gang raped by the Junta. There's no future for him there and he with the rest of them came to Malaysia.
Life in Malaysia is not a bed of roses as well. As a refugee, he can't work here and has no means of making any money of his own. UNHCR and NGOs help them out as much as they can for them. But you know what? Although he mentioned about what he is facing here, he is grateful for the things that he has and the peace that they experience here ( minus RELA just catching them and getting confused between the term illegal imigrant and refugee...SIGH! ). They don't have much but what they do have , they share and for that they thank us for our generosity and GOD for giving them life!
What actually irked me during this particular sharing was the fact, some of the congregation started leaving the church to walk their kids to Sunday School ( which is behind the church). Its so rude of them to walk out when someone is presenting. The commentator also is part responsible of this as he did not mention to hang on for 5 minutes for this sharing. On the bright side 60% of the crowd sat down and listen to this refugee speak ( in his native language with English translation).When he was done, all of us clapped to show appreciation for this young man's bravery in facing the tribulation that he encountered in Myanmar and what he is facing here.
I left with a prayer for them and also thanksgiving to GOD that this beautiful nation Malaysia is peaceful and blessed.
If only others realised as well...

A request for Unity

2008-09-06T19:06:00.003+08:00

Found this humble request from my fellow Malaysian on Unity among us Malaysians. As I read the request , it screams out what most of us true blue Malaysians have been feeling in these recent times ( insecurity, disunity, fear of the unknown). Let me share this humble request for all of you. Let's continue to pray for peace and unity for this beautiful country , MALAYSIA!

Today 16th September 2008, Hari Malaysia,

Let us agree that …

There are thirteen states, and only one Malaysia
There are many parties, but we are one nation
While we may differ, we are not enemies
We can be critical, but not offensive
We shall seek and embrace truth, and reject deceit
We shall not take sides based on partisan views

Because wrong is wrong and right is right, no matter who does it

Let us all oppose corruption, racism and bigotry
Unite for one future, free from sleaze, discrimination and poverty;
Multiplicity is God’s creation; let us replace race with Unity
Let us see Unity in diversity, and learn to love all, because
When we dislike the other, we dislike part of God’s design,
We are One
We may greet each other in different ways, what we are all trying to say is:
I am pleased to meet you, my brother, my sister Malaysians

For there are

Many lamps, One Light
Many hearts, One Spirit
Many prayers, One God
Many Colors, One Race.

Have a meaningful Hari Malaysia

Let us add value,
Anas Zubedy
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com

The "Living" Saint-Mother Theresa

2008-09-05T22:57:00.003+08:00

This weekend marks the anniversary of the death of Mother Theresa. Who is Mother Theresa? A small sized Catholic nun from Yugoslavia, who came to India to be a teacher for the rich kids but it only took one event in her life to change her life! What happened? She saw a homeless leper dying on the streets alone and she saw his lonliness and grief and she held him on her lap and watched him die in her love.
Let me ask you this...How many of us would have done what she did? SERIOUSLY? I wouldn't! But she did...if that is not God's calling for her to be a Living Saint, I don't know what is.
What I can do, you cannot. What you can do, I cannot. But together we can do something beautiful for God.
The above were one of her wise words for us mere humans to learn from. She believes that everyone needs love. There's always lack of love not only for the sick but between us human beings with our race for monetary gain. We kill our soul!
What do I admire about this awesome human being? She , for being a small woman, is larger than life and gutsy. SHe does not say much but her sentences slides into your soul.
Holiness is not the luxury of the few; it is a simply duty, for you and for me.
When I watched her funeral on CNN many years back, I remember following the MASS on TV (very odd for me) and couldn't stop myself from crying. I felt as if I lost my own Mother.What made the funeral even more meaningful was not the powerful dignitaries who attended the funeral but the multireligious leaders who came and did they own prayers for her. THe Imam, the Buddist Monk, The Hindu Priest , and other religious leaders that I couldn't recognise. Even at death , she has something to teach us...We are all breathrens under the universal GOD.
Mother has always said this, she is not out to Christianise anyone ." if you are Hindu, be a good Hindu...if you are a Christian, be a good Christian" . Humanity for her transcended beyond religion and differing political views. She never lost her sight on the fundamental foundation of Life. Basic HUMANITY!
Beyond all that, she did have her doubts on GOD ( she is human after all!) especially when times were bad and trying for her. Time and time again, God managed to handle her doubts and fears every single time.
Will there be another Mother Theresa? I don't know ..but what I do know is that
To do ordinary things with extraordinary love

Project Malaysia

2008-09-03T00:32:00.003+08:00

Take a look at this:
http://www.projectmalaysia.org/collections/2008/08/theme/The_Politics_of_race_full.html

Fasting

2008-09-01T18:22:00.004+08:00

Today marks the first day of the fasting month (RAMADHAN) for our Muslim brothers and sisters. They will continue fasting till Aidilfitri ( SYAWAL). Someone asked me today about fasting in other religions.
"Is it the same as for the Muslims?"
The answer is Yes and No. I will explain it from the Christian Perspective.
What is fasting all about? Well you are right if you say you go without food and water. Fasting is more than that in the actual sense.It also means wholeheartedness to spiritual growth. When you fast, you seeking GOD with all of your heart. It brings things to perspective and keeps you grounded.
In the Christian sense, Jesus mentions when you fast and NOT if you fast. The irony is this one of the pillars or disciplines that we, as Christians, fail to adhere to.
Now the question in your mind is , when do I fast and how do I fast?
There are no hard and fast rules in this matter. For the Catholics, there's the Lent Season to practise fasting. For the rest of the Christians who do not observe Lent, fasting is a voluntary event. As for the length/period for fasting, even that is voluntary.You can fast for a day, a week or even a month.
What are the types of fasting?
There are a few types of fasting that you can follow:
1. TOTAL FAST /Dry Fast - This means you fast from food and water for a day. You only take one small meal in the end of the day. (This is what our Muslim brethren are following)
2. Juice Fast - You fast from food and stick to juices and broths.
3. Water Fast - this means you are allowed to drink water but no food till the breaking of fast
4.Partial Fast -This is where you place restrictions to your diet (eg :eating only vegetables only).
5. Radical Fast -Being without food and water continuosly for days without breaking the fast. You can only go to a max of 3 days on this type of fasting. Rather dangerous and not advisable.
Before you start a fast, it is advisable for you to eat light at least 2 days on commencement of the fast.This will help in a successful fast.
What can you expect when you fast?
First thing, you are going to feel hungry. This would last for the first few days of the fast. Apart from the physical hunger, you will feel irritable, weak, light headed, tired, nausea, headache/migraine, bad breath, constipation,body odour, diarrhea, body aches and pains in the joints. The reason being your body is removing toxins from your body.
You can easily overcome this by drinking lots of water (for flushing the toxins out) , taking in psyllium husk (for the constipation) and also eliminating any salt, caffeine and sugar prior to the fast ( the cause of headaches and pains)

But the most important thing of all is not the discipline of fasting alone. The main thing in ensuring a fast is successful is the prayer time or quiet time with GOD.
Always remember that the fast is to glorify GOD. For the spiritually hungry, this is the best time to quieten your spirit and get closer to god.
Spend the time that you would normally use to eat, in prayer with the LORD. GO for a walk and focus on the LORD. You can also spend your time reading the BIBLE.

I , personally do this during Lent Season ( although I havent finished a 40 day fast). The most difficult part of the fast is controlling my emotions and my tongue. I had to keep reminding myself to bite my tongue.The hunger pangs for at least the first 2 days was quite a challenge as my work entails me to travel quite a bit.Eventually, that can be conquered with sheer willpower.If I can go through a fast, anyone can! :-)
Fasting is not easy to do but in the end of it, you will feel better and stronger spiritually.

A tribute to Tun VT Sambanthan

2008-08-31T22:46:00.004+08:00

I was watching a drama by ST Bala, presented sometime back in Istana Budaya, on Astro Vanavil today on Tun VT Sambanthan. This triggered me to pay my tribute to this man who was part of the Independence Team to bring upon Independence to Malaya at that time. Below is the brief story of Tun Sambanthan (taken from WIKIPEDIA)

Sambanthan's father, M.S. Veerasamy, came to Malaya in the 1890s, was a pioneer rubber planter in Sungai Siput, Perak and owned several rubber plantations. Sambanthan was born in Sungai Siput in 1919. His siblings were V.M. Sundram, V. Krishnan and V. Saraswathy.

Sambanthan received his early education at Clifford High School in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. A keen sportsman, Sambanthan was an intelligent student who loved to chat and joke, said former Lord President Tun Mohamed Suffian.

Sambanthan continued his studies in economics at the highly respected Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. His interest in politics is said to have been triggered while studying in India as he closely followed the rise of the Indian nationalist movement.

He even took part in some of the protests led by the Quit India Movement against the British and was injured in one instance.

He subscribed to the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence in achieving independence and was attracted to the political ideas of independence fighter Subash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru who later became the first prime minister of independent India.

Not surprisingly, he become involved with the Youth Wing of the Indian National Congress. The ethnicity and sectionalism in Indian society troubled him and this was to influence his later advocacy of racial tolerance, harmony and cooperation in Malayan politics.(Amazingly, this problem still prevails among the 10% of Indians in this country!)

When his father died in 1942, Sambanthan was stuck in India as World War II raged. When the war ended, he returned to Malaya in 1946 and took over the management of the family business that included vast rubber plantations.

He took a keen interest in the welfare of the estate community, developing a close rapport with them. He was particularly concerned with the rate of illiteracy among Indians in the estates and devoted much time and energy to introduce schooling.

In 1954, he built the Mahatma Gandhi Tamil School in Sungai Siput with some assistance from the Senior Inspector of Schools, a British official.

His efforts to raise the education level of the Indians drew the attention of the authorities and he was appointed a member of the Board of Councillors by the Perak State Education Department.

Sambanthan, with the intention of creating a more cohesive and unified Indian community, organised the Perak United Indian Council in 1953, the same year he was elected Perak MIC chairman.

However, the event that helped catapult Sambanthan to the forefront of MIC politics was a visit by Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the younger sister of the then Indian prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Sambanthan had befriended her when he was involved with the Indian National Congress while studying at Annamalai University.

On his invitation, she visited Malaya in 1954 and despite the ongoing communist insurgency, visited Sungai Siput where she officially opened the Mahatma Gandhi Tamil School. The meeting between Sambanthan and Vijaya Lakshmi in 1954 helped push the former into the limelight and then on to the party president’s position in 1955.

In the same year, he was elected member of the legislative council for the Kinta Utara constituency. The constituency was renamed in 1959 as the Sungai Siput seat.

In the post World War II period, the Indian professional elite was largely held together by the unifying ideology of Indian nationalism. In 1946, the Indian elite in Malaya formed the MIC. For the first eight years, the MIC leaders were either North Indian or Malayalee, representing a minority among the Indians. The majority of Indians (90%) in Malaya at that time were South Indians, mainly from the labouring class.

The Emergency (declared by the British in 1948 to battle communist insurgency) regulations and new trade union legislation also led to the leadership of the trade union movement passing from the Chinese, who were much better organised, to the Indians. This dilution of the MIC's objectives impacted on the status of Indian plantation workers in the Malaysian economy then and its repercussions are still being felt today.

In 1954, there were serious debates within the MIC as to whether the party should join the UMNO-MCA Alliance that was emerging as the leading political movement in the country, following their successes in local elections. The MIC had aligned itself with Datuk Onn Jaafar’s Independence of Malaya Party and later Party Negara, and there was a rethink within the MIC leadership during this period.

According to Rajeswary Ampalavanar, author of The Indian Minority and Political Change in Malaya 1954-1957, the MIC leadership was quite eager to join the Alliance but there was some resistance within the party’s broader membership. They were willing to support the move if the party could secure some concessions from the Alliance on inter-communal issues, particularly on education.

Then MIC president K.L. Devaser came under heavy criticism from the Tamil media for not addressing the pressing issues facing the community. While he was quite outspoken, his influence was largely among the urban-based Indian elite and he lacked wider grassroots support.

Some in the party felt that there was a need for a leader with a stronger relationship with the party’s grassroots. In March 1955, reports in the local daily Tamil Murasu urged Tamils to boycott the MIC.

Sambanthan, then a state MIC leader, emerged during this period as an alternative candidate for the party leadership. Going by historical records, he was literally coerced into taking up the presidency. Another candidate, P.P. Narayanan, was approached by party leaders but turned down their invitation because he wanted to concentrate on union activities.

Sambanthan initially declined but following some pressure from the Tamil leaders agreed to take on the party leadership. He was duly elected the fifth president of the MIC in May 1955. Sambanthan was also acceptable to the Malay leadership because he played down political (and to some extent, economic) rights in favour of cultural and language rights.

The MIC's main challenge was to reconcile the political aspirations of the middle class with the poverty and needs of the labouring class, who in 1938 comprised 84% of the plantation labour force. Sambanthan started a recruitment campaign among plantation workers, relying on patronage of Hinduism in its popular South Indian form, increased use and fostering of the Tamil language, and Tamil cultural activities.

But the MIC under Sambanthan failed to reconcile the needs of labour with the political aspirations of the middle class. The traditionalists and the lower middle class strengthened their hold within the party, while the upper class professionals and the intelligentsia moved away from it. Subsequently, two paths to leadership emerged among the Indians - political and trade union - with very little interaction between them.

Under Sambanthan's leadership, the MIC effectively became a Tamil party. Sambanthan served as president of the MIC from 1955-71 and was largely responsible for the transformation of the party from an active, political organisation to a conservative, traditional one, emphasising Indian culture, religion and language.

It was also the weakest of the three main political parties. It had the smallest electorate - 7.4% in 1959; and it had little support from the Indian community at large. (Nothing much has changed in 51 years!)

Since the Indian community was geographically dispersed and divided, it comprised less than 25% in any constituency. Therefore, the MIC's overriding concern was to remain a partner in the Alliance (the UMNO-MCA-MIC Alliance that had won the first elections in 1955, and that was subsequently renamed Barisan Nasional) and obtain whatever concessions it could from the dominant UMNO. In the process, political and economic rights of workers were sacrificed.

Sambanthan, while as MIC president, helped strengthen the party economically by selling about half of his father’s 2.4 km² rubber estate to help the Indian community as well as to provide financial strength to the party coffers.

Sambanthan took over the mantle of the MIC during a period of turmoil in the party in 1955, barely months before the first federal elections, and over time strengthen the party and consolidated its position in the coalition. He did not always please his members, but was able to gradually unite a party that had considerable internal splits.

The year 1955 was a milestone for Malaya’s advance towards self-governance. The British colonial administration had agreed to hold the first federal elections in July 1955 and Sambanthan was instantly thrown into the cauldron of electoral politics.

He met the new challenge and following negotiations with the Alliance leaders the MIC was allocated two seats – in Batu Pahat, Johor, and Sungai Siput, Perak. Sambanthan contested the Sungai Siput seat and won comfortably.

The Alliance swept 51 of the 52 seats, the exception being a seat in Perak. Following the election win, Sambanthan was appointed to the Cabinet and sworn in as Labour Minister in the Alliance government.

The coalition decided to push for a quicker transfer of power and an Alliance delegation went to London in January 1956 to hold talks on a range of issues, including independence, with Secretary of State Alan Lennox-Boyd.

Sambanthan did not accompany the delegation to London. He declared that he was confident Tunku Abdul Rahman would be able to represent Malayan interests effectively. It was also a personal gesture of his confidence in Tunku’s leadership. Sambanthan was criticised for this decision by his party officials. Nevertheless, when the final constitutional negotiations were held in London in May 1957, Sambanthan was very involved.

Earlier, in 1956, Sambanthan led the MIC delegation in the negotiations between the Alliance parties in drawing up a memorandum to be presented to the Reid Commission.

Sambanthan was a pragmatic negotiator and worked hard to secure the interests of the Indian community, while at the same time being sensitive to the broader interests of the Alliance party’s diverse membership.

He was at times criticised by his party members for conceding on certain issues, but Sambanthan was faced with the need to find a suitable balance to the various sectoral demands and sought to take a middle path in the negotiations. For taking such as position, he was praised by the Tunku.

The final constitutional negotiations in London in May 1957 also saw a personal transformation in Sambanthan. While in London for the constitutional talks, Tunku Abdul Rahman decided that Sambanthan needed new attire.

Sambanthan had caused some controversy when he wore a dhoti upon being elected into the Federal Legislative Council – a practice deemed taboo during the British period. But Sambanthan defended his choice, arguing: “It makes the average man feel happier.” Even after the elections in 1955, when he was appointed Minister of Labour, his traditional Indian attire remained intact.

Thus when in London, Tunku decided that something must be done. As the Tunku describes in his book Looking Back: “When walking with me in London, he was always trailing behind because he could not step out far enough to keep pace with me; or perhaps I walked faster on purpose. One day when we were out for a walk, I led him into Simpson’s men’s store in Piccadilly. On reaching there, I said: ‘Come in; I want to choose a new suit’, so he followed me inside.

”I asked the tailor to fit Sambanthan with a good ready-made suit. He protested, but only briefly, accepting the inevitability, and came out a new man in a new suit – West-End tailored, new shirt, new tie, new shoes and socks.”

The Tunku noted that after that incident, Sambanthan was not satisfied with just one suit and secretly went out to buy several more.

During the debate on the draft Constitution at the Federal Legislative Council on July 10, 1957, Sambanthan urged greater co-operation between the communities, reminding them that Malaya was a plural society. He told the council:

“ We belong to a plural society, and we should always remember that in such a society we have to recognise that psychology has its own place. It is not enough if one’s own attitude towards a problem is good. It is necessary that he should see what reaction, what effect it would have on members of different communities. "

The MIC's success in the early years was due to the close personal friendship between Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, and Sambanthan. For his part, Sambanthan ran the MIC as a largely informal party, in deference to Umno, rather than as a political party with definite programmes.

In effect, it became a vehicle for distributing patronage (senate and legislative votes, nominations for decorations and awards, licences) to supporters, furnishing the Indian Malaysian vote, and an instrument for the leadership to entrench its role. But patronage was always in short supply and, eventually, rising dissatisfaction with Sambanthan led to a prolonged leadership crisis in the party.

When Tun Abdul Razak Hussein succeeded Tunku Abdul Rahman as Malaysia's prime minister, the MIC was forced to become much more responsive to the dictates of UMNO. This was following the May 13 Incident and Razak was more assertive than the Tunku to demonstrate Malay Supremacy or Ketuanan Melayu.

Sambanthan, by now bearing the title "Tun", was forced to retire in favour of V. Manickavasagam in 1973. This intervention is an indication of the inertia that had gripped the MIC following Sambanthan's rise to leadership in 1955.

As president of a party that was a component of the ruling Alliance Party, he was appointed Minister of Labour (1955-57), Health (1957-59), Works, Posts and Telecommunications (1959-71) and National Unity (1972-74).

During the time the Malaysian Government decided to ban the Chinese lion dance and racial tension was high after May 13, 1969, Tun Sambanthan as National Unity Minister in the early 1970s, took some Chinese leaders to Genting to talk things over. The discussions were successful and the lion dance ban was later lifted because the Government realised it was important to maintain each race’s culture.

Apart from ministerial duties, Tunku Abdul Rahman often assigned important tasks to Sambanthan. In 1968, the Tunku sent Sambanthan to Fiji as an emissary of peace; the Chief Minister of Fiji acknowledged Sambanthan’s contribution in a letter to Tunku thanking him for the “great success” of the delegation “under the superb leadership of Tun Sambanthan”.

Sambanthan also joined the delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia in 1966 to witness the signing of an agreement whereby diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Malaysia were normalised after the Indonesian Confrontation episode.

After resigning as president of MIC, he was appointed chairman of the National Unity Board (1974-78) that replaced the National Unity Ministry.

Throughout his political career, which spanned 25 years, he had preached and practised the doctrine of unity amidst diversity. Appropriately enough, in the Malaysian context, it was to national unity that he devoted the last few years of his life.

In his own way, Sambanthan instituted some reforms among Indian plantation workers. For example, he promoted education and thrift among Indian workers, lobbied for the introduction of English language instruction in Tamil schools in Perak and for the transformation of the South Indian Immigration Labour Fund into an education fund for the children of plantation workers.

The greatest challenge that MIC faced during his presidency was the fragmentation of estates, the livelihood of almost all Indian workers. In a bid to help the fragmentation, the party sponsored cooperative efforts to acquire estates and prevent displacement of the workers.

In 1960 Tun V.T. Sambanthan touted the idea of a social co-operative to help plantation workers during the British land sell off. Tun Sambanthan and K. R. Somasundram worked closely to purchase their first estate at Bukit Sidim in that same year. The co-operative was later called National Land and Finance Co-operative Society (NLFCS).

He toured rubber plantations to persuade workers to buy shares in the cooperative; a worker with a registration fee of $2 and a share costing $100 (payable in instalments) could buy a stake in a plantation.

At the time of his death in 1979, the cooperative had bought over 18 estates, totalling 120 km² and had a membership of 85,000 workers. The Malayan Plantation Agencies administered the estates on behalf of the cooperative.

His wife, Toh Puan Umasundari Sambanthan served as chairman and director of the National Land Finance Co- operative Society (NLFC) from 1980 to 1995 and its president in 1995 and 1996.

K. R. Somasundram has since taken over the Chairmanship of the company upon the death of Tun Sambanthan and is still actively involved in the co-operative. Today NLFCS has 19 estates totalling 35,000 acres (142 km2), as well as investments in Palm Oil, Property and Banking.

Tun Sambanthan is married to Toh Puan Umasundari Sambanthan and has a daughter, Deva Kunjari, who is a lawyer.

UJJWALA – AWAKENING THE INNER FLAME

2008-08-29T13:58:00.002+08:00

Ajith Bhaskaran Dass along with the Suvarna Dance Company will be presenting an Indian classical dance performance in the South Indian temple dance form of Bharatha Natyam.

Entitled “UJJWALA-AWAKENING THE INNER FLAME”, this is a dance feature which explores the element FIRE in its various representations. This dance work attempts to translate into movement and mood, not only the physical nature of fire but also explores the intrinsic nature of this element through human emotions and psychological states.

The myriad hues of the flaming fire are expressed through 5 evocative and vibrant dance segments:

1. Fire as the brilliant source of energy that emanates from the Sun and the prime element in ancient Vedic rituals.

2. Fire as the effulgent Goddess Jwalamukhi who is the inferno of cosmic energy.

3. The burning fire of passion and love through the immortal poetry of South India’s most celebrated poet, Subramania Bharathiar.

4. The wrath and flame of fury of the heroine of the epic Mahabharatha Draupadi as she establishes her vow of destruction of the Kauravas.

5. The final awakening of the inner flame; the inner light of spirituality through the mystic song of Sufi poets.

Ajith Bhaskaran Dass is one of today’s most brilliant Bharatha Natya dancers. He has performed extensively all over South East Asia, India, USA, Canada and Europe. He has performed in some of the most prestigious venues all over the world including the Lincoln Centre in New York, The Performing Arts Centre of New Jersey, The Music Academy, Chennai and Art House, Germany to name a few.

As artistic director of his own dance company, SUVARNA FINE ARTS, he has presented an impressive repertoire of professional productions and artistic collaborations both in Malaysia and abroad.

Ajith embodies dance virtuosity, speed, agility, elevation and precise placement. His sculpturesque poses and Bharatha Natya techniques are breathtaking. Hailed as the “ Nureyev” of Indian dance he has been celebrated for his skill in bringing out the technical glory of Bharatha Natya while evoking a remarkable depth of feeling transcending all boundaries of gender, space, style and form with spellbinding dexterity. (Los Angeles Times).

In this production Ajith will share the stage with 8 of his company dancers and will be accompanied by live musicians, to an original music score.

Ajith and his company dancers have been recognized for their vibrant dance renditions, striking choreography and innovative theatrical presentations and have toured and performed internationally.

This exclusive one-night performance will be staged at the Malaysia Tourist Centre (MTC), Auditorium Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 109, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on 30/8/2008 at 7.30pm.

For invitations please contact Mrs.Madasamy (019-3999418) or Ms Chelvi (012-7101900).

Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?

2008-08-29T12:35:00.000+08:00

WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?

Answers from Malaysians and Singaporeans
LEE KUAN YEW (Former Prime Minister Singapore):
We have installed crossing lights at all traffic junctions. All chickens should be able to cross safely to the other side.

LEE HSIEN LOONG (Current Prime Minister Singapore):
Gantry points have been set up. All chickens wanting to cross the road are advised to top up their cash cards first.

ABDULLAH BADAWI (Current Prime Minister Malaysia):
We have to be fair to all chickens. Some want to cross over the road, some do not. ........ Zzzzzz .......zzzzzz ....... Now what were we talking about? Ah yes, chickens. We will form a Royal Commission to decide whether it is right for them to cross the road.

MAHATHIR (Former Prime Minister Malaysia who MUST migrate now):
Now even the non-bumi chickens want to cross the road? How can they disrespect and disregard the bumi chickens? We must be allowed to crossover first. It is our right!

SAMY VELU (Former Minister of Works Malaysia):
After we have erected the toll booths, all chickens are free to cross the road.

ANWAR (Opposition party leader Malaysia – now PM-in-Waiting)):
We have enough chickens waiting to cross over in September.

Najib (DPM Malaysia – Now looking for eggs before they become more chickens)
Dead chickens can't cross the road. I blew them up with C4 !

Saiful (Najib;s Rear Intelligence)
Give me ten minutes with the chicken and I will find out.

SIL ( AIR Apparent – Apparently)
If you saw me coming, you'd cross the road too.

Syed Hamid Alba (Home Minister cum DNA Profiler wannabe)
Are you sure it was a chicken and not a duck?. Are you sure there is no sinister motive? Let's wait for the DNA results. (DNA- Does Not Apply)

ALL ANAK ANAK BANGSA of the NEW MALAYSIA !!
What chicken? This Rooster has come home to rule!!

Chef Wan : The chicken saw me coming… that's why she crossed!

Pak Lah : Err… did the chicken really cross? I didn't know about that. Let me check with my Agriculture Minister.

TDM : Dia tak seharusnya melintas, bahaya tu… ayam ni mudah lupa.

Chief of Police : It's alright for the chicken to cross. As long as they don't assemble more than 5, they are not breaking any laws.
Answers from the USA
BARACK OBAMA:
The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!

JOHN MC CAIN:
My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON:
When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......

DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I ' m going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...
JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN:
That chicken crossed the road to steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain. Alone.

JERRY FALWELL:
Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it the "other side". Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media white washes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side." That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.
ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book.
Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C%
.......... reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

ALGORE:
I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS:
Did I miss one?

DICK CHENEY:
Where's my gun?
AL SHARPTON:
Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens

Expected landslide win by DSAI!

2008-08-27T02:04:00.003+08:00

Well...the winning says it all! DSAI won the Permatang Pauh's seat. Rumour has it that he intends to topple the BN govt by Sept 16 by bringing over BN defectors over to PKR. Interesting but can that actually materialise? This is something I must see to believe.
What's good about Anwar Ibrahim ? Talented speaker, able to reach out to the common guy by playing with emotions and swindling the facts ( knowing the sheer fact of Malaysian ignorance and lack of knowledge of history)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amVTO6vrVv4

Check out his speech in Permatang Pauh . Anak Melayu, anak saya, Anak Cina, anak saya, Anak India , anak saya. Mengapa harus bezakan? Interesting statement dont you think? What is he trying to say? The current ruling govt is racist? Really? How so? In compared to what? Are not all races given education? I agree when it comes to tertiary education,scholarships, housing and loans, special rights are implemented.
If you really want to talk about Affirmative Action or special rights, pls read Tun Mahathir's writing about it for a clearer picture. That's something our forefather's worked out some 50 years ago. Understand also to differentiate race and religion. Its 2 different entities all together.
Who is the main guy who riled up HINDRAF? Was it the disgruntled Indians (who wanted the UK govt to compensate them, now that is easily swept under the carpet)? Its the same guy who just won the by elections. He is a strategist ( a very smart one) and he is all in for himself . Its all about power and control!
Mind you that when he was in BN, his move up the ladder was assisted by Dr. M himself . He was only thrown out when DSAI grew impatient with Dr. M in vacating his PM post.
The issues discussed during the campaign was the Mongolian murder, petrol price, Petronas , actually to come to think of it , the same issues as for the General Elections. By the way, in him becoming the MP, how is he going to bring change to the nation?
Is Petronas really the culprit as how he loves to claim?
Folks, please read in between the lines and judge for yourself on what is to come.
Personally,I have no issues with PAS,PKR and DAP. Heck , I love the MP of my area ( who is a PKR member). I voted for this particular MP because of what she stands and what she is capable of doing.But when it comes to someone that I certainly have doubts about, now that's another story...

Affirmative action

2008-08-26T23:29:00.002+08:00

Go to www.chedet.com to read Tun Mahathir's weblog on affirmative action.
I know I should be blogging about the landslide win on DSAI but I won't.
I rather have all of you to read Tun's blog and have an after thought about it.

The Colourful Finale!

2008-08-25T00:30:00.004+08:00

As the games draw to a close today, I can't help but be amazed by the resilience shown by each athlete in China. First, there was Michael Phelps. What's so great about him (aside from winning 8 golds in swimming)? Its his story or rather his personal journey to China which is amazing. He who just swam for fun (accompanying his sister) , had no direction in his life. He was caught with a DUI like any other young person. One fine day, he decided to make a change in his life and look where it got him!
Next, I don't know how many of you know this athelete (also in swimming), Natalie du Toit. She lost her leg after a car hit her as she was cycling home one day after her swimming practise. She wears a prostethic leg and she is the 1st amputee swimmer who qualified to the Olympics!She was the flag bearer for South Africa during the opening ceremony (if you still don't know who she is). If Natalie is not a story of sheer determination and resilience, I really don't know what is then. She may not have won anything but the fact she can compete with other able bodies is a fete in itself!
Athletics brought about the Jamaican sprinters. BOLT is definitely Jamaica's lightning! Superb running strides and unbelieveable speed from the whole team!
Last but not least, CHINA as the host for this sporting event. What an opening and a closing ceremony that China showcased! If you go back to early this year, the controversies surrounding the political situation of Tibet and the earthquake , would have put a dent into this whole event. Lots of doubts were cast on how China can pull this Olympics off? The Bird NEst stadium and WaterCube was impressive enough, but people were sceptical. Guess who is having the last laugh now?
They as a nation who went through doubts and personal tragedy, managed to pull it together as a nation and brought the greatest and largest sporting event to LIFE!
They have raised the bar to a much higher level . The question is ...can LONDON live up to the expectation?
Congratulations China for the wonderful show! You do us ASIANS proud! Your Can DO attitude and passion is something all Asian countries should emulate.
One World, One Dream

One World, One Dream

2008-08-21T22:02:00.001+08:00

The Olympics is coming to a close by this Sunday. All those who have been watching the events will notice one common thing with all nations participating. The Nationalisme and Patriotisme to fight for their nations' pride and glory.
For our own athletes, a pat on the back should be given to the archery team, the cyclist and to the Badminton team. Although we have only one medal in the Olympics but their fighting spirit is definitely commendable. Aside from the badminton team, the former 2 teams were not exposed or even talked about! But their skills in their respective events were really admirable. More exposure to international events and money should be spent on them to make them better atheles! Who knows in the next Olympics, we can finally hear the Negaraku being played as we grab our first gold!
Now that's a dream that we Malaysians should strive for!

Unity in Diversity

2008-08-17T15:45:00.001+08:00

There has been a lot of talk about unity recently. First , there's the Malay Unity (PAS and UMNO), then there's all this talk of unity within the races . When push comes to shove , however, the racial card is lifted up! Ironic ain't it?
I had this discussion with my best friend recently and she expressed her fears if one day this racial harmony that we have will one day demise and chopping each other is the way to go. She being a Malay may be a target of the Chinese or even the Indians. I joked half heartedly that I would jump in and save her (which I would do for her in a heartbeat). But the seriousness of this is very real. I see more racist comments coming through more and more. The misuse of religion and politics getting more and more rampant. Everyone fighting for their rights blaming a particular race or the current government. Time to hit your History Books people ! If you have anyone to blame, look back to the time when our forefathers signed the agreement. The same agreement that Lee Kuan Yew was against. The non-bumi forefathers gave up their rights for the benefit of the country. You cannot blame the current govt or the whole bumi race on what's going on now.
There are some things that can be looked into and changed. For instance, education (quota system in the university). That can be changed to one that is based on meritrocacy. We can change the system but only one small step at a time. Start with the education system and scholarship awards.
Just one change and unity in diversity is not a far fetched idea.

Questions to ponder upon

2008-07-30T00:47:00.003+08:00

I have been reading A NEW EARTH by Eckhart TOlle since last week. I must say that this a book that once you start you really can't put it down. Don't ever read this if you intend to read for pleasure. This is one of those books that set you thinking.
I came upon this set of questions in chapter 2 and I really can't move on from those questions as it is worth pondering upon.
What are the questions?
1.Do certain things induce a subtle feeling of importance and superiority?
2. Does the lack of them make you feel inferior to others who have more than you?
3. Do you casually mention things you own or show them off to increase your self worth in someone else's eyes and through them in your own?
4. Do you feel resentful or angry and somehow diminished in your sense of self when someone else has more than you or when you lose a prized possession?

Something to reflect on...

Back from a hiatus

2008-07-05T20:30:00.001+08:00

Finally getting my life in order after moving back from Melaka to KL. People always ask me , which place I like better ? My answer? Melaka. This really shocks them as the common assumption is, a young 30 something should be all about being in the in-crowd,partying ,drinking and doing whatever it takes to move up the ranks of life.
Maybe its my upbringing or my own point of view in life. I certainly don't believe in a relationship built on falsehood. Many a times I see people trying to live up to other people's expectations of them. Hey, I am guilty of that as well.Its only later I realised (my AHA moment) that you don't need to.No one really thinks about you 24 hrs a day. Just live your life as how you want it to be.
For me, weekends are all about being by myself. It could be just spending time reading, doing chores (this is a must when you are living with the folks!), pampering myself and Frisky or plain ol' nothing. 5 days a week of dealing with people from all walks of life can at times drain my soul! Only my best friends know that I am a natural introvert although to the world , it seems like I am an extrovert!What a lie that is!!
Now in KL, getting used to everything around me was not easy. From managing my finances to managing my travels did take some getting used to. Thank God, I have adapted to the lifestyle here.
Now for the future...what's in store for me? Firstly my Masters ( quite obvious choice - MBA), and also an Executive Diploma in Counselling from UM . The only thing that worries me is the funding for my MBA. If I take on a good business school, it will cause an arm and a leg! My company's education grant is only given for selected individuals and they will only pay after I am done with it.EPF can only pay part of it. Scholarships are only given for full timers. Such a predicament that I am in!!
Only God can lead me to an answer....

The new Cabinet Lineup

2008-03-18T23:36:00.002+08:00

PM has announced the new Cabinet. THe shocker is Rafidah totally out of the picture. PM is pretty intelligent not adding in his Son In-Law in the cabinet. Imagine the political suicide by doing that!!! Just having Khairy around the political arena is already bad enough for Pak Lah's reputation.
This year would be rather interesting with the loss of 5 states to the opposition and the revamp of the Cabinet.
I am looking forward to the next move by the various politicians. Are they going to make my beloved country a better place for my generation to live in?
Only time will tell...

The wind of change!!!

2008-03-16T23:25:00.002+08:00

This is probably the one moment that I am truly proud to say that I am a Malaysian! Finally, Malaysians have spoken up! For those "officials" who said that they don't need the Chinese and Indian votes to run the government....Well? What do you say now?
For those who said that the Indian's vote would make no difference in the general election...are you sure about that? The demise of MIC is proof of it all.
I have exercised my voting rights 3 times already and the 3rd time is sweet alright.
Losing 5 states to the oppoition is something I never ever imagined. Let's see what happens. The public has given you the mandate to rule these 5 states...don't blow it!
I hope that things would get better from now on.
Just a humble wish from a Malaysian...let's see what happens...

Taare Zameen Par - a tribute to all children

2008-02-04T23:48:00.000+08:00

Its 4 am now and I just can't sleep. Watched Taare Zameen Par by Aamir Khan just now . Aamir has certainly brought Indian cinema to another level. Kudos to you Aamir!
The story revolves around an 8 yr old boy, Ishaan Avasti. He is your normal, regular kid in the block who does everything any 8 yr old would do. However, he is dyslexic. No one in his family understands him neither do they know what dyxlexia is all about. Everyone treats him like a piece of nothing. What happens to him ? Watch this movie to find out.
This movie would definitely hit hard on parents who impose their standards on their children. Nurture them with rigid discipline and lack of love. It opens ones eyes to see the beauty in every child and how special they are. Encouragement in each child's special ability would spur them to be more than they could be.
When I was watching this, tears streamed down my cheeks remembering my own childhood days and meeting up with parental absurd expectation.Memories of Ben made me miss him even more. WIsh I was there with him.

Pls do watch this movie if you can get a chance or go to its website to check it out
www.taarezameenpar.com

My Dream Home -Ready to be rented out

2008-02-04T00:15:00.000+08:00

I went over to Melaka this weekend to settle all unfinished business before I set my HOME free to be rented. Thanks to my "angel" who was with me this week ( you know who you are....thanks darling!).
ANyways, to cut the long story short...MY HOME IS NOW READY TO BE RENTED!!!
If you have friends looking for a fully furnished condo to rent, please do let me know. If they are your friends , then the rental is pretty negiotable. If not, then its a fixed price of RM1200.
Whats available in my place for this price?
1. 4 airconds
2. water treatment system
3. vacumn cleaner
4. 2 water heaters
5. tv
6.fridge
7. semi-auto washing machine
8.stove ready with gas
9. ASTRO
10. Furniture in all rooms
11. A beautiful view of Melaka and the Straits

SO....any takers?

Annual Sales Meeting and Redeployment

2008-01-11T19:09:00.000+08:00

This week, I had to attend my employer's annual sales conference. This time the meeting was held at the same hotel it was based the last time, Saujana SUbang. GOSH! WHat surprised me even further was the fact that they made the outstation reps live 3 in a room! No leg space to move around let alone the time to use the loo! All this is due to their infamous "Rainbow" project ( cutting cost ). I think most of us would have understood if we didn't hit the year's sales and that's why they had to go to such extreme measures. But in the contrary, we did hit the so called "stretched budget". No reason, why we were given such a treatment in the hotel. What even made it worse was the fact each room was only given one key. Very inconvenient to go to your room unless you hunt your roomate down to get the key.
Anyways, the meeting proper was filled with office made music videos and actors. Made me really wonder if those were the secret desires of each one of those key management beings within the corporation. The time spent for such things could have been made use for better things like for instance....WORK?

The good news out of all of it is that WE HAVE LAUNCHED CERVARIX!!! It is a vaccine to fight cervical cancer and its age range is from 10 to 45 yrs old. Every female has got to take it. Cervical cancer is the number 2 killer in ladies in Malaysia after breast cancer. The virus acts upon sexual debut , therefore no femaleis guarded against it. SO, Vaccination is probably the only way to protect yourself.

As with all annual meetings, dinners are always grandly themed and this time its the Oscar Nite. Every state had to perform and everyone had to be dressed up. It was after all a BLACK TIE event. I for one was estatic that I can still fit in my black gown which I wore for my "Brother"'s wedding ( 3 yrs down the road , the wedding is now a separation).With every dinner, free flow of alcohol is always accompanied with unruly behaviour. Within the 1st 30 minutes, the men would be flushed red and behaving and talking loudly. They also become rather touchy feely if I do say so myself. I told myself that this year, I will refuse to consume any alcohol at any HQ function simply because I don't enjoy drinking with idiots. The dinner dragged a wee bit too long and I really couldn't be bothered to stay long to see all the awards that was being handed out. Left early to bed.
What was interesting during the meet was the reshuffling of area responsibility among the reps. I have been redeployed to KL!!!
My area of coverage as of 2008 will be Klang Valley, Kelantan and Trengganu.When I saw that, although I was happy to be back home, I was saddened by the fact that I am leaving my HOME in Melaka. I shed tears with my teammates from Melaka as I couldnt bear to leave my "family".
Now, I have to leave a place in which 3 years ago, when I came, I pledged that it will be the place that I meet my would be and settle down and within 3 yrs at least I would be expecting my 1st child. 3 years later, I have put on a lot of weight (look pregnant) but no would bes' ( although there's one...but he's too lost in his own world to notice anyone else except himself). Leaving Melaka still feels as if I am leaving my soul behind.Very painful! I have to rent out my dream home out in Melaka. I am not willing to let the home go as I still want to hold on to my "love".
Oh well! This is what happens to singletons like me. Nothing is ever permanent. How I wish my parents were in Melaka with me. Then I would never have to come back to KL.
For now, I am grateful for the resposibility given to be back and to take care of my folks. At times, being the only child make you loose your own independence and wishes.
Only the Lord knows what is in my heart...

My Maternal Grandparents

2008-01-06T20:16:00.000+08:00

This is my grandparents from my maternal side. Imagine how I felt when I saw this picture for the first time of my life! My mum's mum and dad!
WOW!
When I was born , both my grandfathers passed away. Never knew them but all my life I have seen all of my paternal grandfather's pictures of his life.Nothing of my maternal grandfather. In Kerala, my secret wish finally came true! My cousin Biji helped me take this pic for me with my digital camera. I only knew my maternal grandmum when I was in Kerala at 4 yrs old (not much of memories there). Now I know how she looked like.
Maybe most of you won't understand what all this means to me. These are things money can't buy. These are things that I have been longing to immerse myself in. Getting to know my roots and knowing my family. Some of my meetings with my family members were too overwhelming ( although I appeared cool) ,it did make me cry every night to sleep.
Why did I cry? Its very emotional and overwhelming for me and my mum. Imagine how much more for her. She gets to see her old school, her church, the river she used to bathe. I still remember the goats in my grandma's house. The cow which we milked for our consumption. The Alsation dog that used to sleep with me. Now, the family house is no longer a wooden house, its made of bricks. I walked around and remembered running around the house and being chased by my cousins.
I have had requests of writing my detailed itinerary of my trip to Kerala. But with all due respect friends, this trip is a very personal trip for me. If you really want to know the details, you got to ask me personally.

Ben - The apple of my eye

2007-12-31T15:30:00.000+08:00

This is my nephew ( cousins's son) , Ben. He is the apple of my eye. He's only 7 years old but he has a heart of gold ( underneath his mischieveous ways). He is a version of Dennis the Menace with a twist of Calvin and Hobbes in him.
In all of my days in Kerala, he has been my best friend and travelling partner. We kind of have a timetable of things to do together. It starts in the morning after breakfast, we watch TV for the latest Tom and Jerry and Ben10 series on Cartoon Network. After that, its off to Badminton, Cricket, and almost anything he can think of. I actually spend time making him a car pulley using old tyres, rope, a rattan stool and a bell as its accessory ( finally I use my pure Engineering skills to use). He had fun as I pulled him all around with a rope and he was trying to mimic a F1 driver. But my old bones could only have so much of energy. I had to split that to 30 mins ride each time. Taught him how to play Tic-Tac-Toe and Stones.
He always gets the brunt of the beating and scolding for his naugtiness but one thing unique about him is he doesnt go around lying. He has care and concern in his heart and he has the sweetest way of showing. Very possesive of me, he really doesnt allow any of my other nieces and nephews to come near me. He gets jealous easily.
I still remember when I was lying down due to an asthma attack, what he did was to lock my bedroom door ( so that the other kids don't disturb me) and sat there and played his toys by himself until I was much better. He switched on the fan for me, opened the windows and put up a blanket for me to rest.
Even yesterday, when I reached back to Malaysia, he actually picked up the phone and called my mobile to ask how I am and what am I doing. Such a sweet and thoughtful boy and he is only 7!
He has certainly won my heart with his boyish charms and love.

Nostalgic Trip to Kerala

2007-12-31T02:58:00.000+08:00

I am back from Kerala. How was it? Certainly nostalgic for me and my mum. It is more meaningful for my mom as she had the opportunity to meet her family after an absence of 30 yrs. Nearly every day, my mum shed tears of joy as she met and spoke to her loved ones. Her comment to me as we left from Kerala is " I am so happy that I have finally met my family". My mission is accomplished.
My dream has also been realised of meeting my maternal side of my family. Imagine growing up with only a selective few of my paternal side in my life. I have always imagined how it would be to have such a close knit family like my moms side. I have seen it and I am happy to be apart of it. At least I know now that I am not alone in this world. I have always felt alone so much so that I cry to bed every night. Some of you that know me would say that I have a lot of friends. I may appear to have many but how many truly love you just the way you are?
Through experiences in life, I have turned to a rather sceptical lady relationshipsof any sort. For once, I actually know what love in a family is with its pros and cons.
I am back with mixed feelings. Happy to be home to papa and Frisky ( miss my cat tremendously) but at the same time sad to be away from my extended family.
Technology has made the world smaller, hopefully, that would tighten the family bond already established from this trip.

XMAS IN KERALA

2007-12-18T19:24:00.000+08:00

Yahoo! FInally , I am going to meet one of my dreams ...to visit the land where my beloved mum came from. Meeting my relatives and getting to know them.Eating authentic Keralan food. Getting to know Kerala culture, arts and literature.Getting to know the denomination which my mother hails from Marthoma Syrian ( followers of St. Thomas).
For some, they have this impression I am going to get "lucky" over there. No one seems to understand that this is for my Mum. The best Xmas gift that I can give her. I might get into debts due to this but I really dont care about it. Her happiness and mental state of mind is more important to me than to save pennies.
I hope and pray that my mum's health is good enough on the day of travel. She has been rather unwell and have difficulty in walking. I am worried but with the Lord's help, I should be able to handle it.
So...to all of my friends...DO HAVE A BLESSED XMAS WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!

Rallying or mindless Lambs?

2007-11-25T14:14:00.001+08:00

Today, a group naming themselves as HINDRAF , has marched down the streets of KL (specifically to the British High Comission). What's their cause? To submit a petition with 100,000 signatures to QE II to appoint a Queen's Counsel to represent the Indian community in a class action suit against the British government for bringing Indians as labourers to the then Malaya and exploiting them. This suit filed at the ROyal Courts of Justice in London by Waythamoorthy in Sugust seeks compensation of up to $4 trillion pounds for every Indian in Malaysia.
What do I think about it? There is no basis for this march. I am totally against this baseless rally. THe so called RM 1 million ,can be shoved up their arse for all I care.
I am the 3rd generation of Indians in Malaysia. My great grandfather was brought down by the Britishes to work in the estates.Due to the fact he is good with his hands, he was given the opportunity to work as a plumber with the Waterworks Dept ( now known as JKR).My grandfather worked as a clerk with the British and then Malayan government in the Customs office. My dad is a pharmacist in his own biz. I am a qualified Chemical Engineer and working in sales with a prominent Pharma MNC. So, now tell me, in which way have WE the Indians being exploited by the Britishes?
THe Chinese were also brought in by the Britishes, so were they being exploited by them as well?
Think my fellow Malaysian Indians...pls don't fall prey to politicians and charismatic speakers. Stop being an ignorant lot, go read up your history books and learn about the truth of our history in Malaysia. Speak out on injustice by all means but pls don't rush out in sheer ignorance of the truth.
THere are other ways to voice out your dissatisfaction. FOllow the example of the Lawyers march. THey had truth with them . You want to fight for the demolition of temples, pls do it through your MIC representative or to the Prime Minister's office.
We are a souvereign nation for the past 50 years and a upcoming nation within the Commonwealth. We are not perfect but We are a peaceful nation which is a melting pot of rich culture and diversity.
Let's not put a black mark on our peaceful nation, the country that I am proud of, I am proud to say that I am MALAYSIAN!

Arrival to Bali

2007-09-26T10:36:00.000+08:00

Arrival to LCCT KL was similar to walking into Puduraya Bus Station. It was filled with people who were either on business or pleasure. Fortunately for us, the flight that we were on AK904 was not full and it was on time! 3 hours in a plane with no entertainment is definitely not a fun thing for me, personally.Just couldnt get used to sitting in a place for 3 hours.
Once we landed in Ngurah Rai International Airport( the airport is named after their war hero Ngurah Rai), the first thing that we noticed is the cleanliness of the airport. All the signs were in English and Bahasa Indonesia ( which is not very different to Bahasa Malaysia). We were greeted by our hotel transfer driver, a handsome man with shoulder length hair and a silver earring ( and horny angie is on the loose), named Wayan to Saphir Mabisa Inn which is in Legian.
After checking into our respective rooms, we were off to dinner in Jimbaran Bay for scrumptious Seafood dinner with Budiman (who is a guide from the hotel). It is the most romantic place ever. Imagine stuffing your face into crabs and having the sea breeze blowing into your hair and seeing the strong waves hitting the beach with the added advantage of having of group of cute balinese men singing with an ensemble of musical instruments all around the beach!The sky is filled with stars and moonlight which adds to the romanticism.
After that, we adjourned back to our rooms for a good night's rest for the next day. The actual day of seeing Bali in its wholeness ( with my friend and guide Putra)

going for a trip again...

2007-09-17T10:50:00.000+08:00

Finally...I am going on a trip again. The 1st for the year ( which does not involve working people). Where am I going to? To the wonderful island of Bali!!!!
Going to be there from the 22nd till the 25th of September 2007.
Will update everyone with the lovely pics and maybe some juicy surfer dude stories!
ARRRRGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!I NEED TO GET LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!

Why did you go?

2007-08-14T19:54:00.000+08:00

Why did you have to go?
When you came , you brought along the meaning of hope, desire, happiness,the search for the envitable.Venturing into the unknown with you was a joy when it used to be a blur...you have taken it all away.
WHy did you have to go?
The void left behind is unbearable. Nothing can fill your existance.Nothing can ever even come close to you.
Why did you have to go?
Couldn't you tell me what it was? Couldn't you share it with anyone? Why must I hear it from someone else?
Why did you have to go?
That is the only answer I seek.

Kidnapping Doggies?

2007-07-30T20:03:00.000+08:00

What's up with people nowadays? Why in the world steal dogs? I am refering to a disturbing article in the NST today. Its about these thieves that snatch prized doggies. DO they realise what kind of trauma that gives the owners and for the pooches?
Those poor doggies.
Humans are just the worst creatures in the world!!!! ( yes I am aware that I am one too)

frisky's antics

2007-07-29T20:21:00.000+08:00

something to entertain you...my darling frisky's antics

My GOD Daughter Bryna

2007-07-29T20:06:00.000+08:00

One of my dreams finally came true today...I am a godmother !!!
CHeck out Bryna Yap
SHe is soooooooooo cool! Quiet and didnt cry at all. So playful and she dances to music, hehehe, my kind of kid. My heart melted when she hanged on to me and gave me the sweetest smile. Cair...cair...
But as a friend of mine stated recently, its my maternal instincts oozing out ( I hate to admit it but I think that he is right)
In the meantime, I have Bryna to spoil with all my love, hugs and kisses.

Why create segregations?

2007-07-28T21:34:00.000+08:00

I just don't understand.Why create divisions and segretations among people?
Animals dont do it but we humans do. Aren't we supposed to be the ultimate brilliant beings? If it aint religion, its race , if its not that then its skin colour and the list goes on. Why dont you segregate by blood group? Better don't you think? You can just destroy each other that way.
What makes you the SUPREME RACE? What makes anyone a certain race apart from being born into one? If one does not know their own arts and culture, you have lost your right to declare that you are one up above everyone. You don't rot in a different way than the others.
HUMAN BEINGS...wake up!
We are all the same.Please embrace the differences and see the similarities.

synopsis of GOWRISWARA

2007-07-15T11:32:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I attended Gowrishwara (refer to my earlier blog about it) in the MATIC. The stage was a simple setting with a tinge of elaborate detailing. The moods of each dance session was beautifully choreographed by coloured lighting which fell on cue at the right moments.
The dance was divided to 6 sessions. They are as follows :
1.Shivaanjali - Manifestations of Shiva
2. Amma Ananda Daayini - Nourishing Mother
3.Sathyam Shivam Sundram -Alone with Spouse Divine
4.Mahishasura Mardhini - Avenging Goddness
5. Gowrishwara - Dancing with cosmic duality
6. Chit-Ambaram - The Sacred Space Within

The emotions showed by Ajith and his dancers were exquisite and mesmerising. They brought out emotions of anger, love, jelousy , happiness and erotism in each dance sequence which translated very well to the audience.
The after show kudos to Ajith and his team was tremendous! A lot of them have requested him to do another show in KL. When I met him yesterday, he was so humbled with the kudos from the approving audience.
Since Astro has bought the copyright to his Show yesterday, most likely they will show it during Deepavali this year. Pls do make sure you guys catch the show then ( but nothing beats a live showla!)

My Best Friend's Wedding

2007-07-15T11:10:00.000+08:00

Yesterday my Best Friend got married!
She looked so radiant as she walked down the staircase to the reception hall. I had a tear in my eye as I gazed at her flawless skin , her demenour and how much she looks like OSHIN (she was clad in a kimono).
The previous night (akad nikah) she looked like an angel which fell from heaven with her white clad baju kurung. Her partner Kei, looked so handsome with a tinge of machoism in his confidence as he did his lafaz on the akad nikah day. On the reception day, he was very much the Shogun as he walked down with her. There's a Malay saying that states "bagai pinang dibelah dua" and that saying befits them when anyone lays their eyes upon them.
I am so happy that God has brought Kei to Kasha's life as her partner. I pray that they will continue to live together till the end of their lifes together as a happy couple.
Congratulations Once Again Kasha and Kei!!!

Pope: Other Christians not true churches

2007-07-11T00:06:00.000+08:00

LORENZAGO DI CADORE, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI has reasserted the universal primacy of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday that says Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches.

Benedict approved a document from his old offices at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that restates church teaching on relations with other Christians. It was the second time in a week the pope has corrected what he says are erroneous interpretations of the Second Vatican Council, the 1962-65 meetings that modernized the church.

On Saturday, Benedict revisited another key aspect of Vatican II by reviving the old Latin Mass. Traditional Catholics cheered the move, but more liberal ones called it a step back from Vatican II.

Benedict, who attended Vatican II as a young theologian, has long complained about what he considers the erroneous interpretation of the council by liberals, saying it was not a break from the past but rather a renewal of church tradition.

In the latest document — formulated as five questions and answers — the Vatican seeks to set the record straight on Vatican II's ecumenical intent, saying some contemporary theological interpretation had been "erroneous or ambiguous" and had prompted confusion and doubt.

It restates key sections of a 2000 document the pope wrote when he was prefect of the congregation, "Dominus Iesus," which set off a firestorm of criticism among Protestant and other Christian denominations because it said they were not true churches but merely ecclesial communities and therefore did not have the "means of salvation."

In the new document and an accompanying commentary, which were released as the pope vacations here in Italy's Dolomite mountains, the Vatican repeated that position.

"Christ 'established here on earth' only one church," the document said. The other communities "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" because they do not have apostolic succession — the ability to trace their bishops back to Christ's original apostles.

The Rev. Sara MacVane of the Anglican Centre in Rome, said there was nothing new in the document.

"I don't know what motivated it at this time," she said. "But it's important always to point out that there's the official position and there's the huge amount of friendship and fellowship and worshipping together that goes on at all levels, certainly between Anglican and Catholics and all the other groups and Catholics."

The document said Orthodox churches were indeed "churches" because they have apostolic succession and that they enjoyed "many elements of sanctification and of truth." But it said they lack something because they do not recognize the primacy of the pope — a defect, or a "wound" that harmed them, it said.

"This is obviously not compatible with the doctrine of primacy which, according to the Catholic faith, is an 'internal constitutive principle' of the very existence of a particular church," the commentary said.

Despite the harsh tone of the document, it stresses that Benedict remains committed to ecumenical dialogue.

"However, if such dialogue is to be truly constructive, it must involve not just the mutual openness of the participants but also fidelity to the identity of the Catholic faith," the commentary said.

The document, signed by the congregation prefect, U.S. Cardinal William Levada, was approved by Benedict on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul — a major ecumenical feast day.

There was no indication about why the pope felt it necessary to release the document, particularly since his 2000 document summed up the same principles. Some analysts suggested it could be a question of internal church politics, or that it could simply be an indication of Benedict using his office as pope to again stress key doctrinal issues from his time at the congregation.

Things that make you go hmmm...

2007-07-02T12:05:00.000+08:00

Couldn't sleep last night, don't quite know the reason why. However, questions arised in my head that made my insomnia even worse.
Questions such as :
1. If Melaka has a BAT virus named after them, what kind of virus does Johor have?
2. How to get a picky pussy (Frisky lah...tsk tsk tsk perverts!) to eat properly?
3. If the world ended tomorrow, what would I do first? Have consensual intercourse with the man that I fancy or swim across Malacca Straits?
Such decisions....difficult to comprehend...

Back from the Tomb

2007-07-01T12:03:00.000+08:00

For those of you wondering where have I been in cyberspace? Been "dead" for a few months and now brought back to life.
"DEAD" juggling a dying career, studies, courses,travelling,interviews,workouts,church,family and Frisky. 3 months of travelling between Johor and NS with Melaka as a pitstop has taken a toll on my life so much , it feels as if I am dead.
Anyways, now I am finally living. Doing a proffesional exam this weekend so finally I can breath a little. 3 months and I have lost a total of 5kg. Well, it aint much but at least its something.
Among the perks from losing the bit of weight is the sudden entry into the dating game. Amazingly, from people who shoved me away due to my "voluptousness". Guess what was my answer to them? No...no...have to give my ladylike answers, "I am sorry, I have another engagement. Perhaps another time?" What I really wanted to say was..."M@F@𖂵^%$%#*@)" (bad language)
On another note of dating, I have finally met the man of my dreams. He is tall, dark and Handsome ( actually no...but not bad right my exaggeration?)Does he know I exist? Hmm...That's a mystery yet to be answered. He appears to be a soft spoken being, and a perfect gentleman.I need to get to know him better but we are geographically challenged. I know that I have work around this challenge...and his busy schedule ( not that I am not busyla).

As my bro always says..."you can sell difficult medication but you can't sell yourself?"
THat's something to think about....

Gowrishwara

2007-06-28T22:25:00.000+08:00

SYNOPSIS FOR GOWRISHVARA

Ajith Bhaskaran Dass along with the SUVARNA Dance Company will be presenting an Indian classical dance performance, in the South Indian temple dance form of Bharatha Natya.

Entitled “GOWRISHVARA - Dancing with the Cosmic Duality”, it is a dance feature exploring the various manifestations of Shiva and Shakti, the male and female supreme energies of Hindu mythology.

Inspired by the hymns, chants and mythological stories from ancient Hindu scriptures, this production extols the male and female principle that is central to creation, as embodied through ISHVARA (HIM) and GOWRI (HER).The equilibrium of universal harmony can only be preserved and nourished through the undivided unity of Purusha (male) and Prakruthi (female).

As in the concept of Ying and Yang, these cosmic polarities participate in unison in the creative tension of dualities that constitute the pattern of the universe.

The creation of “GOWRISHVARA” is not just to depict, describe and dance the stories of Hindu Gods; it also explores through subtle undertones, gender and sexuality in Indian artistic and spiritual endeavours. Far from being “unnecessary” or “provocative”, gender and sexuality have always been part of Indian dance and culture. These ideas are woven into the production through stunning dance visuals, lyrics, music and narrations. Thus, this production aims to reinvent and revitalize ancient Hindu concepts and at the same time provoke interest in Hindu philosophy and its brilliant abstractions.

Ajith Bhaskaran Dass is one of today’s most brilliant Bharatha Natya dancers. He has performed extensively all over South East Asia, India, USA, Canada and Europe. He has performed in some of the most prestigious venues all over the world including the Lincoln Centre in New York, The Performing Arts Centre of New Jersey, The Music Academy, Chennai and the Art House, Germany to name a few.

As artistic director of his own dance company, SUVARNA FINE ARTS, he has presented an impressive repertoire of professional productions and artistic collaborations both in Malaysia and abroad.

Ajith embodies dance virtuosity, speed, agility, elevation and precise placement. His sculpturesque poses and Bharatha Natya techniques are breathtaking. Hailed as the “ Nureyev” of Indian dance he has been celebrated for his skill in bringing out the technical glory of Bharatha Natya while evoking a remarkable depth of feeling transcending all boundaries of gender, space , style and form with spellbinding dexterity . (Los Angeles Times).

In this production Ajith will share the stage with 7 of his company dancers and will be accompanied by live musicians, to an original music score. Ajith and his dancers toured India last December with the sell-out production “Echoing Anklets” and received rave reviews from art critics and dance afficionados. Their artistry and creativity in infusing Bharatha Natya with a new zest was applauded by the dance community in India. (“Echoing Anklets” was nominated in 2005 by the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards for best choreography and costume design).

Ajith and his company dancers have been recognized for their vibrant dance renditions, striking choreography and innovative theatrical presentations.

This exclusive one-night performance will be staged at the Malaysia Tourist Centre (MTC), Auditorium Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 109, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on 14 /7/2007 at 7.30pm. Invitations are available for a donation of RM 30, RM 50 or RM 100.

If anyone needs an invite, just give me a call!

Freedom of speech

2007-04-09T20:35:00.000+08:00

I read a friends blog today...and boy am I flabbergasted. Here is an awesome person who speaks his mind and who is more MAN than most Male Homosapiens that I have encountered in my life, and he is now being more prudent in what he puts on his blog?
What happened to make this switch for him...I don't know but I feel so angry that I would like to give a piece of my mind to those individuals who apparently have no grey matter.
WHat is a blog? Really...please do tell me you senseless idiots? Let me tell you my own interpretation of what a Blog is. It is a global cyberspace for individuals who have something to say...well...basically to say whatever that comes to mind. The rest of the uncreative individuals are welcomed to read it...but if you are taken aback with what's written, TOUGH LUCK! Its an opinion, you have the right to agree to disagree. Let me give you another option...please dont read our blogslah if you can't take it.
Freedom of speech is simply that...freedom of speech! Learn to have respect for it people!

Argh! I am in PAIN!!!

2007-04-08T02:19:00.000+08:00

AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!! So painful! THis is the end of week 2 in phase 1. My whole body feels as if I have been beaten up or run down by a truck. PAINFUL! I definitely can't squat and I can't lift up my arms too much! The effects of a serious workout. THis week I had "help" from a fitness trainer...aka my best friends MUM ( who is a fitness trainer btw). I actually woke up early in the morning ( which surprised my housemate) and travelled to Seremban to workout. Unbelieveable right? But believe it honey....I did it. She gave me all the pointers that covers from food and exercise. Very practical and useful for me to practise , even if I am travelling all the time. This week, I am rather happy that at least I do try to drink water often enough ( I still hate it though). Now a few things that I have to impliment in my workout regiment...A cut-off time for eating. I have decided it to be at 7pm. After that time, nothing goes into my mouth except water. This is gonna be tough for me but I will have to try. Workouts are gonna be done in the morning and evening ( whenever possible). Cardio time is to be 1 hour followed by strength training( alternate days). I will still workout 6 days/week and SUNDAYS are my off days. Definitely need a day of rest to the "brutality" that I give my body.
Ironically, with all the pain and "torture" I went thru this week, I feel a whole lot better and I feel so much of energy in me. I have good sleep at nites as well and Frisky is enjoying it as well as we have much longer play times together.
Lets see how Week 3 goes....

End of week 1

2007-04-01T21:19:00.000+08:00

Yahoo!!!! Finished week 1 of my total health makeover. Well, I cheated...yesterday I had a cheese and chocolate cake. Met an old gal pal of mine and she wouldnt take NO for an answer. Ok..ok...my flesh was weak...hot Chai Latte and cheese cake is definitely better than sex anytime!
But overall, I am proud of myself because I stuck to the workout regime for 6 days/week alternating between strength training and cardio. I feel great and full of energy. My detox moments are very satisfying and I am more aware in what I put in my mouth (except yesterday).
Tomorrow starts week 2. Definitely have to work more in drinking more H20. The past week, drinking water is like drinking poison. I hate water! This week at least I need to have a glass of water after I wake up in the morning.Will continue with my workout and lets see how week 2 goes for me...

Phase1 : Taking control of my life

2007-03-28T13:13:00.000+08:00

Yes, finally I have decided to take charge of my life and stop pleasing idiots that appear in my life. A friend of mine has told me many times to stop it...and did I listen? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Now I have.
First things first, taking charge of my health. I have started a program in healthy eating (not that I havent done it before) and a strict exercise regime. I am seeking assistance from programmes that have helped others to achieve a better life in terms of health. In phase 1 of the programme which would last 4 weeks, I have taken my inital weight and will be on a 6 days exercise regime. I will have to add my water intake ( I hate water) as well as my fruit and veggie intake. I will be using this space to share my thoughts and feelings as I go through this process on a weekly basis.
So far I have been on it for the past 2 days. So far so good.My body however feels as if somebody has hit it with a big stick! PAINFUL!!!!!!!!! I do however feel thirsty all the time now and starting to feel cravings for food I normally dont crave for ( all the sweet stuff in the world....). One good thing however is that I sleep better at nite. Now, thats a relief to me. Its has been a norm for me not to sleep for a long time now. Actually having the joy of sleeping is a fantastic thing in my life.
I have finally decided to take up my studies again. Enough of holding my life for something that is non-existant. Who AM I trying to kid? Pleasing people brings no benefit to me, only heartache. Anyways, still doing my research on the Masters programme that I am looking into...so difficult to find one that is good and cost effective.

2007-03-28T12:54:00.000+08:00

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack,
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back"

Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos.
But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's Your Theme Song?

2007-03-22T21:21:00.000+08:00

Your Birthdate: October 13

You don't love lightly. For you, love is always a serious undertaking.
However, you are able to love many types of people. You can bring out the best in almost anyone.
Love surprises you often. You never know when or where you'll find it next.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 1

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 5

You are most compatible with people born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, and 31st of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

2007-03-16T18:36:00.000+08:00

You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog.
You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful.
And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Stumped

2007-03-08T12:18:00.000+08:00

What do you do when you are in "no man's land"?
Sometimes, I wonder why do I exist in this world.Is it just because I just do or is there a bigger purpose for me?
Looking back, I realised that I never had anything served on a silver platter. You would have assumed that since I am an only child. Papa always tells me, "Angeline, work for what you want and never rely on anyone for anything,so that you dont owe them anything". So far,I have worked on that principle all my life. But now, it scares me. Why? Scares me because the reality is that I am ALONE. My biggest fear in life is being ALONE.Yes, I know I have friends around me,but guess what? Which one of them will be with me to the end? Something to think about.
Things happened these past few weeks that SCARED me and brought me so close to a REALITY that I don't want to face. The few moments that I felt totally ALONE on that day has shook me so much that I havent slept or eaten much at all. It has been 2 weeks since I have slept properly. There are days that I just go on without a wink of sleep and I am so FRESH all day. I hardly eat anything nowadays...if I do, its because I am worried of my lack of appetite. Then I call people that I know for lunch or brekkie just to make sure I eat. Some have noticed my "reduced" weight and think that I am gonna be a BAYWAtCH babe soon. For those who know what is actually going on, they know that there is more to it than that.
I laugh and joke and go all nuts at times but unfortunately INSIDE ANGIE, its a whole different world.Personally, I would like to thank a few individuals who have given me support and literally allowed me to weep and SOB. Thanks VJ Ananth, Lilian,Samad and Rina.VJ for not giving up in calling me over and over again during that week and finally staying with me on the phone till wee hours of the morning letting me weep and sharing your stories with me to keep me stronger.Lilian, my buddy who has been with me thru almost everything, for praying and listening to my endless ramblings ,complaints and letting me just vomit my anger out. Abang Samad and RINA for checking on my sleeping patterns and my makan patterns. Thanks guys...it really means a lot to me.
I really feel lost and stumped...just feel like nothing matters anymore. Death is an easy answer but I am too chicken for it. What should I do? Family comes first....and I miss them terribly. Yet, I know that I am to be here, which is HOME to me as well and I love this place to bits.
My work dont excite me anymore.
People really bore me to tears.
I have all these things that I want to do and share with people. But, I am stumped as I can't split myself anymore. Someone told me that I am destined for bigger things due to my intellect and my heart/passion. I agree and I want so much to make a difference in this world......but how am I to do that when I feel EMPTY INSIDE?
I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO PLS HELP ME!!!!!! Anyone to just physically hug me and tell me that everything will be ok....All I wanna do right now at this moment is to lie on someones lap and sleep peacefully.
Hmm...funny how money cant "buy" the things which are intagible...FUNNY

Revolution of Hope : Part 2

2007-03-06T11:49:00.000+08:00

Session 3 : DISCIPLESHIP
This session starts at 8pm and it is heartening to note that the hall is still filled with people. Brian entitled his talk, “Spiritual Formation in Emerging Churches.”

Spiritual formation is defined by Brian as the development of people be, think, feel, work, relate, serve, play…in the way of Jesus. Brian made an emphasis on the play aspect. Living in the way of Jesus.

Brian then tells a story about making violin. BTW, Brian is an excellent story teller. Apparently great violin that produces the best music can only be made from certain wood. These are from trees that have survived a cold season at a certain time period. That is why master violin maker will visits houses built in that period and look for such wood in the attics. This will be the wood from these trees. A master violin maker will be able by touching, feeling and smelling the wood, to judge whether the wood will be suitable to make a violin. His apprentice will be following him and observing him for many years. One day, the master violin maker will turn to his apprentice and says, “You make the violin.” Spiritual formation is like that. We follow Jesus closely until one day we find that we are like Jesus. Like the violin maker’s apprentice, we “unconsciously pick up the art”. This is called “elbow knowledge”, that it has become instinctive. Brian mentioned that his understanding of spiritual formation as “elbow knowledge” is influenced by Michael Polanyi.

He also mentions that spiritual formation is the art of loving in Jesus. This is especially important in a community where must be constant exposure of modelling and exposure to loving in Jesus.

I am impressed by Brian’s stamina. After a 30 hours jetlag, he is still functioning coherently. At least I think he is. Either he is full of grace or he is zoned out. But the fact that he is coherent and still able to tell stories make me think that it is by grace.

Sivin is the facilitator and the conversation partners are Dr. Voon Choon Khing, Dr. Tan Soo Inn and yours truly. The range of conversation covers a large area of spiritual formation and discipleship. It started with an exploration of spiritual formation approaches in the modern context, postmodern, and Asian context. Confucius was included. Then one conversation partner shared about brokenness and formation and another shared about the “dark side” of the church.

This leads to an exploration of being in a church where one has been hurt. A written question about a person who has been hurt in or by a church wonders what he or she should do. The conversation partners were careful to point out that context is important and it is hard to give advice without knowing the context. However, they commented that the person should first talk with someone, talk to God, try to resolve the conflict, and only as the last resort leave the church. At this point, Brian mentions the value of confession in the church. It was an interesting session.

Father Jojo Fung, a Jesuit priest is invited to sum up the session. He gives an excellent summary with an interesting reflection, “I am because we are.”

Session 4 : WORLD
Session 4 on world starts at 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. Brian says that he is sharing materials from a book he will be publishing soon. He also mentions that he has been thinking about this issue about the world and the church for many years. Unlike previous sessions, there are no stories but a straight forward presentation.

Brian started with the many organisations and projects which are working hard to identify the problems of the world today. There are about a list of about 11 problems/issues that needed to be addressed.

However, Brian presents his view of the problems facing the world as he sees it. In his conceptual, societal structure, prosperity is an important factor. Equity is the way wealth is created and thus equity is another factor. Unfortunately prosperity and equity makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. This makes the poor discontent. They then either migrate, turn to crime or revolt. Security for the rich becomes the next factor. Brian shows a diagram where prosperity, equity and security are circles which intersections. The centre area where all three circles overlap is what he calls “framing story”. Often the framing story is religion. Religion is often used by the rich and powerful to keep the poor underfoot. Religion is used to justify why the rich are rich and the poor should remain poor.

Therefore, the framing story is a metanarrative. A metanarrative is a story that erase all other stories and replace it with its own. Brian gives Caesar’s framing narrative:

Equality, prosperity and security come from a powerful leader (Caesar) who concentrates the means of violence and imposes peace through domination. The empire of Caesar is at hand.

Jesus confronts the system by reframing Caesar’s narrative:

Equality, prosperity and security come from a sacrificial people who embody reconciliation and bring peace through justice and love. The kingdom of God is at hand.

Later, Brian makes a comment about narrative.

Metanarrative as mentioned above wipes out other stories and replace them with its own.

Local narratives are your story, my story, their story etc. Unfortunately they are easily wiped out by the metanarrative.

Brian mentions a redemptive narrative which calls people to live with one another in peace and not wipe out others’ narrative.

In conclusion, Brian mentions four possible responses to “my neighbour (of another religion)”
(1) convert and assimilate
(2) persecute and marginalise
(3) ignore or isolate
(4) love and know…serve and protect.

The last response should be our response.

The facilitator is Tricia Yeoh and the conversation partners are Father Jojo Fung S.J., Dr. Hermen Shastri, and Steven Wong. The discussion started with Hermen informing us of his work with the World Council of Churches, the national CCM, interfaith committees and dialogue with the government. He ended his introductory remarks with a poem and shows us a metal cross made out of a bullet cashing. He says that the artist used to be a boy soldier in Liberia who becomes a Christian and now works as an ambassador of peace for the UN.

Steven mentions NECF’s work and Father Jojo explained the Roman Catholic Church involvement in Malaysia. Father Jojo also shares about his work with the Orang Asli and the Muruts in Sabah. He also raises two important points in reflection on Brian’s presentation; one is where does the smaller religions fit into the framing narrative, and how does the ancient civilisations, like Confucianism and Brahmanism affects the framing narrative. After this reflection, he concluded by considering a pig, a lowly creature allowing itself to be consumed. He sees himself as a pig to be consumed by others so that others may live a better life. Father Jojo quotes Gandhi, “We have to live simply that others may simply live.”

Then the discussion went onto to politics in Malaysia and what should Christians do about it. Here the conversation partners were divided. One suggests that politics should be left to the “experts” while another calls for more Christians to be involved in vigil, protest, etc.

This is the last session and it concludes by all participants standing in a circle, breaking bread and passing around a lighted candle.

Much has been said, much reflection needs to be done.

A Revolution of HOPE : Part 1

2007-03-06T11:32:00.000+08:00

I attended a seminar over the weekend in KL. Its called Friends in Conversation and truly it was a gathering of FRIENDS in coversation. There were 4 different sessions for this event : GOSPEL, CHURCH, DISCIPLESHIP and WORLD. I am attaching the excerpts taken frm Pastor Sivin's blog on all the 4 sessions here.
Session 1: Gospel
Brian McLaren started the plenary session by sharing his thoughts about the different versions of the gospel. One version is "You can get saved and go to heaven and to hell with the rest." Another version is about the Kingdom of God coming to earth. He used his circle illustrations. One is of three separate circles; one for self, one for the world and one for church. That he says is one of the ways some people perceive doing church. The next illustration shows one large circle: the world, and two small circles inside the large circle: self and church. Brian has used these illustrations in the chapter on "Why I am Missional" in Generous Orthodoxy.

Brian then went on to explain the kingdom of God, based mainly on the gospel. In this talk, he drew on what he has written in his book, The Secret Message of Jesus. He concludes by illustrating that the way they proclaim Jesus as King is in the same format that the Romans proclaim Augustus Caesar as god.
After his presentation, the conversation partners, Sherman Kuek, Dr. Ng Kam Weng, and Elder Tan Kong Beng were invited to give their responses and views. Alwyn is a good faciliatator who kept the conversation going. Actually with Kam Weng and Kong Beng ( who is in his lecturer mode), he did not have any problem getting the conversation going! The emphasis is on the definition of the gospel and the kingdom of God. Kong Beng made a good point about compassion in sharing the gospel. Sherman raised a few eyebrows with his Eastern Orthodox view about theosis and continuing salvation.

The questions from the floor are good questions too. One person raised the statement that if the church is growing at 30% annually, why should they bother about anything else? This led to some responses about spiritual growth, gospel and more about kingdom of God.

Session 2 :CHURCH
Session two starts at 2pm in the afternoon after lunch. Again Brian gives the plenary talk followed by the conversation partners and conversation participants. People are beginning understand that the whole conference is a great big conversation.
Brian talks about the emerging church. He starts by using Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger's 9 points descriptors of emergent churches:
(1) Identifying with Jesus
(2) Transforming secular space
(3) Living as community
(4) Welcoming the stranger
(5) Serving with generosity
(6) Particpating as producers
(7) Creating as created beings
(8) Leading as a body
(9) Merging ancient and contemporary spiritualities.

He said that the main descriptor is number one and all the rest is built on it. He then goes onto to illustrate the emerging churches by three diagrams. The first is a box with four quardants and a red circle in the centre. The centre represent the emerging church and the four quardant represent evangelical, charismatic, social concern and liturgical. Brian said that people who are unhappy with thier tradition tend to try traditions in the other quadrant and end in the red circle in the middle.

The second illustration is of a tree trunk with concentric rings. The traditional churches are further in the trunk while the emerging churches represent the outermost ring.

The third illustration is of two circles. One represent the older paradigm while the other circle represents the church of tomorrow. He then put a link between the two and call it a transitional link. He also label it the emerging church. I am very mch taken by this third illustration that the emerging church is the transition to the church of tomorrow.

Then he went on to talk about deep ecclesiology.

The conversation partners for this session are Elder Chris Leong, Bishop Philip Lok and Rev. Wong Fong Yang. The partners did not engage directly on Brian's talk about the emerging church. Instead they shared on their own theology, perception and the way they do church. Bishop Lok shared about the Lutheran tradition. Pastor Wong shared about his past church experience and what type of church he wanted when he started his present church. Chris Leong shared on the novel way they are doing church. They also shared about evangelism in Malaysia.

There are a couple of questions from the conversation participants. One asked about syncretism. Brian shared a story about a Christian practicing Tai Chi but using the movements to represent Christian values

Dumpling Girl

2007-03-05T11:13:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday morning I was startled by an sms frm a very good friend of mine which read, "GO READ STAR SECTION 2. YOU HAVE TO READ IT". Knowing her, she won't simply send messages like this. Lots of thoughts raced through my head. Eventually I called her and found out that there's an article that reminded her of me. So, I read it online and understood why she messaged me.I am attaching that article. Read it and enjoy people!

Dumpling girl
By ALEXANDRA WONG

After a conversation with her best male buddy, our writer swears to kiss goodbye to her days as the archetypal girl next door.

The instant Mother disappeared into the kitchen and out of earshot, Carl leaned over and whispered: “So, how bad is the damage?”

“Terrible!” I shuddered. “Remember Confessions of a Single Guy, (Weekender, Feb 17) about the horrors of being single during Chinese New Year?”

Carl nodded. The moment I read the article, I had texted him excitedly: “At last! A fellow long-suffering soul speaks up on our behalf!”

“For females,” I continued to explain, “it’s hundredfold worse. I mimicked my third aunt’s squeaky voice and tickled Carl’s imaginary double chin. “Aiyo, so chubby now, how to find husband?

“One of my relatives even said, I resemble a prosperous Chinese dumpling, extra filling,” I continued glumly.

Carl hooted with laughter, but followed up with a sympathetic squeeze of my shoulder. Dear Carl, his empathetic nature was the reason we had remained best friends for more than 20 years.

I needed further validation. In a small voice, I asked: “Carl, tell me honestly. Do you think I resemble a Chinese dumpling?”

“No, no, no!” he cried dramatically. “Why, look at you now,” he declared, sweeping his hand like a theatrical magician over my cheongsam-clad physique and waist-length hair.

“My dear, you have transformed yourself from the bespectacled bookworm into a hot babe, most successfully!”

I beamed. Still, an obvious question begged to be asked.

“If I’m such a hot mamma,” I began carefully, “why do I have more hot guys who want to find me boyfriends . . .” I trailed off, unable to bring myself to finish it.

“. . . Than hot guys who want to be your boyfriend?” He completed my sentence.

“Yes!” I almost shouted. “I have a whole directory of phone numbers belonging to wonderful guys. I can confidently call on any of them, in the wee hours of the morning, to unload.

“So why,” I paused to find the right words, ”do I have this niggling feeling that if I were to show up on their doorstep wearing nothing but a ribbon, they would sooner swaddle me in a blanket rather than pounce on me?” I blushed hotly.

“Because, my friend,” Carl lowered his voice, “you still have the residual girl next door inside you.”

“And what’s wrong with a girl next door?” I railed. “Isn’t friendship the shortest way to a man’s heart?”

I had always assumed that most guys gravitated towards girl next door archetypes. Overtly sexy female types, like Scarlett Johansson, only served decorative purposes in locker-rooms, I thought, or did they?

“My dear, that’s the biggest misconception,” explained Carl. “A guy normally categorises a girl into ‘potentials’ and ‘friends’. Once you fall into the friend zone, you’re done for. He will not touch you with a 10-foot pole because it would be akin to . . . doing the horizontal hokey-pokey with his sister!”

He illustrated the theory with a real-life example: “You know Mr Male Slut? Now, you also know his best friend Doris, right? And Doris is a hottie. Have you ever wondered why he has never made a move on Doris?

“Let’s just use me and you as an example. We can talk all night. We’d go to the ends of the world for each other. And you are certainly no slouch in the looks department. So why haven’t we . . .” he gesticulated meaningfully.

I was stunned. “Because it would be like . . . incest?” I ventured slowly.

“Exactly!”

My heart was racing.

“OK, let’s change the scenario slightly. What if the sister is hot like, say, Monica Bellucci or Angelina Jolie? Would that be enough to lure him to the dark side?”

“Nope. Once the flip to friendship is made, it’s almost impossible to flip back.”

Carl finished with an air of finality. My shoulders sagged. Suddenly, I could empathise with Johansson and Ewan McGregor in the movie about false utopia, The Island.

If what Carl said was true, I had accumulated a whole library of shocking myths that I needed to unlearn. I alighted abruptly from the sofa.

“Carl, we’re going to Jaya Jusco. Right now.”

“So soon?” he frowned in puzzlement. “But the movie doesn’t start in two hours.’’

“I just remembered I need to get something urgent from the bookshop,” I said cryptically as I dashed into my car.

I tore down the highway like a hound on amphetamines. As soon as I entered Kinta City, I skidded violently into a parking lot, scaled the escalator in giant strides and made a beeline for the women’s magazine section. I breathed a sigh of relief. There was one copy left.

“10 surefire ways to exorcise that girl next door (and unleash your inner vamp),’’ the cover boasted confidently. Here’s looking at you, Scarlett.

WEll....I definitely aint a Chinese Dumplinglah....more a SAMOSA. Oh well, what to do...the curse of being the Gal Next Door....sigh....
OI!!!!REAL MALE HOMOSAPIENS OUT THERE!!!! ASK ME OUTLAH DEI!STOP KEEPING ME AS UR BESTFREN....THAT I HAVE MANY ALREADYLAH. NO INTENTION OF ANOTHER "BATANG" IN THE LIST OF MY BEST BUDDIES.

Thank You Friend

2007-02-11T22:34:00.000+08:00

Who you are n what you
mean to me
are expressions of what
life means to me

you've given me confidence
your faith in me has made me
feel as though i can do almost anything

you've given me friendship
and show me what it means
to be a true friend

Perfect Love Casts out FEAR

2007-02-05T08:57:00.000+08:00

This phrase hit my heart a few days back as I was browsing through the bible for some verses. I have heard this phrase before frm PS and it is his mantra in his blog. It never struck a core in me before until now. As I shrug this phrase away, I heard it again during a christian concert over the weekend. This time the vibe is even stronger. Yesterday, during bible sharing, this phrase came again into my head. I was pleasently delighted as it was an answer that D was looking for a question running through his mind.
Now the question is...what's it saying to me? Perfect love? what's perfect love? No fear in love? Well...is this to address my fear of rejection? There's much love in my heart to give out but personally the fear of impending rejection numbs me. The stirrings in my heart , my thoughts ,prayers, my dreams and my life , I lift it up to YOU. Open the eyes of the blind, clear the confusion, unlock the heart O LORD!

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Frisky's bollywood Saga

2007-02-03T02:57:00.000+08:00

A bollywood story has occured in my household in KL. No no...not with me but with Frisky my cat. The storyline is a typical boy meets girl. Girl is not fit for the family and boy's family is against it.
The characters are as follows :
BOY/Hero : FRISKY
GIRL/Heroine : some black and yellow cat with skin disease
Boy's folks aka the love villains : my folks
THe female cat has been coming by my place looking for Frisky. Frisky has yet to attack this particular cat. He seems to have a fondness to this cat which is rather sickly looking. My mum does not like Frisky's girlfriend at all. My dad on the other hand chased that cat away in front of Frisky. All these things happens when I am not at home! When I got back, all Frisky wants to do is to go out and look for his lady love. Now it is 3am and he is not allowing me to sleep. All he wants me to do is to open the front door so that he can sit there and await his one true love. Deep down, I sincerely wish she comes by soon to visit Frisky. Poor fella!
This certainly brightens this week which has been a rather hectic week for me. Running around between states, hanging with my close outstation buddies on a eating spree and closing of the week with the entry of a friend into a proffesional body as a committee member makes this a rather colourful week!
Only one thing is still pending. THE LEARNING EXPRESS KIT that I am supposed to be doing with the training team in my company. Still haven't completed this project. Only have tomorrow to get this done. I sincerely hope that I can finish it or else I have a lot of explaining to do. SIGH!

Racial Barriers- Fact or Myth?

2007-01-26T09:51:00.000+08:00

Read a 2 page article on racial barriers in public universities thru a local daily today. It was rather interesting to read on the viewpoint of the journalist and students alike on this situation. Hey...things really haven't changed much. A couple of days ago, I was sharing with a bunch of future catholic Drs frm Manipal on my experience of racial and religious intolerance in the uni that I studied in. There were a few who had a smile in their face, some seem to want to share their own experience but never did ( too shy perhaps?).
As I continue reading the article...same race groups huddle together. Language that they converse with is their own mother tongue. What has gone wrong? Blaming everything on an education system is simply wrong. It is also influence from their family and social circles. If you don't expose your kids to the beautiful multicultural environment that we have , how do you expect them to mingle around? Another excuse that the students have is the difference in language barrier.
LANGUAGE BARRIER??? Well, its the perfect time to start using our national language or the international language,ENGLISH, to converse to each other. This is the perfect platform to improve ones command of the language. I like what the journalist had to say, beyond the different racial grounds, WE ARE ALL HUMANS!
Each have the same fears of the future, emotions , tolerance to pain, etc.
Funny how this never stops in U....I experience this in my working life. In HQ, there's the UMNO gang, the MCA gang and the MIC gang. Where do I fit in? NO WHERE!!! (Probably why I love Melaka so much...evryone is ONE !!! )
Everytime there is a function or dinner...I am sitted at any table. The UMNO gang welcomes me all the time as they feel that I am one of them...(the fact I m more Melayu than a Melayu helps ). The MCA gang got 2 kinds....the ones that talk to other races and the ones who are crippled by only speaking in the chinese dialect. Both sides also I have no problem blending in...since I understand and speak broken cantonese ( gua IPOH mali mah). The MIC gang...ok here I have a major problem....just cannotlah. Why? Dunno...maybe cause too kepoh, envious, sarcastic and too closed up to open up to others. Oh yeah...accusing me of being a non Indian lover....HAIYO!!!Dey! you make up only 10 bloody percent of Malaysia...how to move forward in life if you don't mix aroundlah Macha? Forgot about the Borneo gang....They are the best! Love them the most. Quite cool guys. I love my holidays with them cause they know how to have fun. My Bruneian and borneo buddies are super cool when it comes to work. Very knowledgeable. My best friends come from here. My former BF in UNI was a sarawakian....heheheh...oh yeah the guys are hot!!!

In short....Stop the blaming game! You point a finger and 4 fingers point back at you!

Closure

2007-01-24T19:07:00.000+08:00

Finally on Monday evening, I received the closure that I needed. I didn't get the promotion that I have been trying for the past 2 years. This time it was a real close fight but I didn't manage to secure it. Ironically, I would be really sad. But this time, I don't feel anything. I am actually relieved that I now know where I am going to be. What would make it even more perfect is to have my family with me. I miss them, I miss my Frisky.
If I was promoted, I would be at home with my amma and appa n frisky darling. Would I be happy? Don't know. I am happy here but I am lonely here. Lonely in the sense of a lack of family. My mum keeps telling me to use this loneliness to find a companion (obviously a male companion). My darling amma....I wish it was so amma...I really wish it was so.
Friends I do have a plenty. Busy as I slowly am getting pulled into things I never ever imagined doing. I feel so ALIVE doing things not related to work.
LORD , What's my calling?

LIfestyle of the rich and famous in Langkawi

2007-01-19T23:43:00.000+08:00

I was in Langkawi frm Monday till Thursday (18/1) on a company R & R. Beautiful island paradise.....totally takes my breath away! WHat is even more breath taking are the rooms! I stayed in WESTIN LANGKAWI formerly known as SHeraton Perdana. Been there in 2002 for our companies R&R before....did not know that the renovation made a hell of a difference!The room was totally awesome.....talk about HEAVENLY BEDS...and the HEAVENLY SHOWERS! I even had a sofa bed in the balcony to lepak in and check out people using the pool.As I was mentioning to my roomie ( ok...pls pass a judgement on my statement....I am human u know)...A beautiful island, a heavenly room, heavenly shower and bath , a heavenly bed....a heavenly view......only thing missing is the HEAVENLY S**!!! Seriously A honeymooners paradise! But what I understand the room rates have gone up dramatically ever since the change of name and the renovation.
The only tragic thing in our so called R&R....quite a number of us contract URTI (UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION)...I lasted quite a while but had to fall ill on the day I wanted to go yachting. SIGH! The only thing I manage to do was WHEELS OF FUN which is basically reading the road maps and solving the riddles given! That was great fun!
Beyond that...the 5 star treatment we received in the hotel was really fantastic! Felt like a superstar! At nite, went over to a frens room to have the ASAHI , Heineken, and Sapporo. Too bad no KILKENNY....sigh...THe best joke is...the ones who were wasting away on liquor were not the guys who are supposed to be in the room...all the outsiders were the ones finishing it for them. hehehe...anyways, they had the best for last...SWING !!! (those who claim to be alcoholics will know this brand for sure)
Another first in my royal treatment in the hotel is....being served CHAMPAGNE during breakfast! No joke! Serious! I thought it was a decorative bottle placed in the counter till a workmate brought me a glass. There's enough for everyone to indulge. Mmmmmm Sweetness!
THIS IS DEFINITELY A HOLIDAY THAT I WILL REMEMBER. 4 days of living the life of the rich and famous.....(minus the fever bug). WOuld love to come back here again ....HINT HINT

Friends in Conversation 2007 (with Brian McLaren)

2007-01-13T00:41:00.000+08:00

For the first time in Malaysia, influential speaker and author Brian McLaren and Conversation Partners touch on challenges and opportunities facing the 21st Century Church. Join the conversations on:

Gospel - more than we imagined it to be

Church - ways forward beyond forms and technique

Discipleship - tired of shortcuts and superficiality

World - being ready for active engagement

Date & Time: March 3-4 (Saturday & Sunday)

Venue: Christian Life Gospel Centre, Petaling Jaya
3rd Floor, Kompleks Kemajuan,
2, Jalan 19/1B, 46300 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Cost: RM55 (Walk-in Registration RM65) - inclusive of handouts, tea and one lunch.

Organised by emergent Malaysia in collaboration with:

* Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) Faith & Order Committee
* Initiative for Theological Reflection in Asia (IN.T.R.A)
* Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM)
* Glad Sounds Sdn Bhd

Conversation Partners:

* Father Dr. Jojo Fung S.J (Coordinator, IN.T.R.A )

* Sherman YL Kuek, OSL (DTh Candidate, Adjunct Lecturer in Christian Theology at STM)

* Chris Leong (Elder, Bandar Utama Chapel)

* Dr. Ng Kam Weng (Director, Kairos Research Centre)

* The Rt. Rev. Philip Lok (Bishop, Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore)

* Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri (General Secretary of Council of Churches Malaysia)

* Dr. Tan Soo-Inn (Author, Speaker, Grace@Work)

* Dr. Alex Tang (Director, Spiritual Formation Institute)

* Tan Kong Beng (Elder, Subang Jaya Gospel Centre, Co-founding Director of Oriental Hearts & Minds Study Institute)

* Steven Wong (NECF Research Commission Chairman)

* Rev. Wong Fong Yang (Pastor of City Discipleship Presbyterian Church)

* Dr. Voon Choon Khing (Lecturer in Christian Spirituality & Pastoral Counseling at STM)

Conversation Facilitators
Rev. Sivin Kit (Pastor, Bangsar Lutheran Church & Coordinator of emergent Malaysia)

Pastor Raj Singh (Pastor, Christian Life Gospel Centre & Director, Soul Survivor Malaysia)

Alwyn Lau (Researcher & Teacher at Fairview International School)

Tricia Yeoh (Senior Research Analyst, Centre of Public Policy Studies)

About emergent Malaysia
emergent Malaysia is a group of friends and followers of Jesus who are committed to one another and to creating space for conversations in Malaysia and beyond. We regularly meet to converse on topics regarding gospel, theology, church, discipleship, and engagement with our world.

Free SEATs via Air ASia- great marketing catch!

2007-01-12T17:37:00.000+08:00

Hey folks....M sure that you know about the 1million seats offered by AirASia for a travel period between APril till 27th Oct. I can tell you one thinglah...this is probably the greatest marketing catch ever! A few tips when you wanna book the free tickets...

Make sure you have PATIENCE!!!!!
Be on broadband
Have a few windows opened
play soothing music when u surf the website
have a paper and pen ready to write down the price for each day of the month you wanna travel
find the flights which actually costs RM 0 and then call your buddies (hopefully they aint fickled) and book immediately

I spent my time or rather my youth on it. Sat down at 530pm....and finally booked it the next day at 9ish in the morning. Hours spent for sleeping ...3 hours. why? THe server is jammed....even at 3 in the morning.... Felt like taking my company's laptop and throwing it out of the balcony....but decided against it. A sister stayed up with me via phone to calm me down. Bless her kind soul!

ANyways...got the package....today I will be at it again....but only spending an hour of my time on it since my buddy is also doing it.

A proposal

2007-01-11T19:41:00.000+08:00

Today....someone asked my papa about me. Its a talk of an arranged marriage. WHat I know of this so called person.....ABsolutely nothing! THis is the funny thing....some old man who knows the family asked my papa everything about me. THe family he knows has a 35yr old son...a medical proffesional ( better known as a DR ) . THe guys mum is looking high and low for a gal for him. Its funny how my dad squirms in disgust when he has to ask me, " do you want me to pass these people your number?" My answer is always YES....and guess what? THey never call.

It is no different this time as well. He firmly believes that these kinda things should be discussed by the people who are to be married. I agree with him totally on that. But what breaks my heart is not so much the rejections that I get but the hurt that my amma feels everytime nothing happens. SHe was so happy today knowing someone wants to "enquire" about me, secretly hoping that I wont BLOW it. How to BLOW it lah....? Apparently MEN nowadays do not know the use of the phone....maybe they have yet to learn in school how to use their fingers to dial a number. Oh yeah...maybe all they know is MRS PALMer and her 5 daughters. Am I ANGRY? YES ! I BLOODY HELL AM!!! Why the fella has been around and cant get a Chinese Gal is it? THought that was the flavour for every "successful" INDIAN guy. So what does that leave me...the rest of the multicultural races ....Thank GOD for that! More choices rite? Heck, MEN in all colours are the same! Can never see a good thing even if it explodes in front of their face! DOnt get me wrong ....I do go for blind dates....dates setup by overly concerned friends who think if you are not getting legalised sex, therefore YOU are a LOSER! SO I AM lah!!! WHAT's EATING YOU? I have gone and done all this ....who knows rite, my so called knight in shining armour will rescue me ? lets see what have I got back in return......NOT MY PREFERENCE (mind you after spending time with me on the phone and enjoying my intelligence so much....only to be turned off by my HOT looks ), MY FOLKS ARE FORCING ME INTO IT...I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A NICE GAL (you have no bloody balls to face ur folks...how the f*** am I to look up at you as the HEAD of the family? ), YOU ARE JUST TOO GOOD FOR ME? (what the hell is that supposed to be? I already know you are craplah, ok....SHove it!). On my own accord, I have gone on my own to dating services and such....guess what? Its the same as the above as well.

My bestfriend ( older than me and happily single ) who knows everything that I have done in my quest of looking for a life partner has heard my tears time and time again. She's quite impressed with my tenacity of looking for a partner the whole of 2006. Its easy for her to understand my pain cause she knows for a fact that my biological clock is ticking....I want to be a mother and a wife. She has seen me cry in despair. She has seen my heart being crushed over and over again. SHe gets into a rage on my behalf , as I am too numb, to people that treat me as an insignificant being. Why does she do that? Cause she is the only one who knows the level I can go for a person....more than she can stomach at times. Everytime is the same sentence," He better appreciate you....". The last person that I wanted to be with....someone that I have known for a while.....can't even bloody hell decide whether he wants me or not. However, he wants to spent his time with me when I am around. Can't wait to see me it seems. WHyla? Cause during those weeks you can save your money for taxis is it? Do I look like your bloody driver ah? Not even concerned that I could be tired or its dangerous for me to be travelling alone in the highway. Can't even call me to find out where I am or to teman me while I am driving at night. I have told you many times that I am scared of driving alone in the car . Why? Cause want to save money....so what are you trying to say? I care for you it seems ......that's a funny way of showing it ! FUNNY! Maybe I should just bill you for my petrol and phone bill to show you what you are worth. Pls do me a favor .....if you are not sure about anything....don't get dip your feet in!

AM I ANGRY? YES I AM!!!!

Yr 2007....as I have declared to the world....is the year for me to get MARRIED! But I never said to what or who. I no longer am interested in looking in a partner anymore. Being married to projects and my job is good enough....and FRISKY's love completes me.

Message to all you REAL MALE HOMOSAPIENS.....I am just here, not going anywhere out of planet Earth for the moment....IF YOU WANT A REAL WOMAN , A WIFE AND THE MOTHER TO YOUR KIDS WHO WILL CARRY YOUR FREEKING NAME .....TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE ! BE A MAN AND COURT ME! If you are not up to it....plslah....dont give me your sad excuses to justify your sad existance in planet earth. Beyond my so called strong facade.....I am a person with feelings. Pls do remember that!

JUST LEAVE ME ALONE all you happily married people.....

Questions on self worth

2007-01-09T01:56:00.000+08:00

Self worth...what does that mean? To me, this is something I ask myself everyday. "Am I worthy for this?". I ask this in any situation that I am in or face. I have been humbled through my own journey in life so much that I enjoy having a low profiled life. But no matter what, the one thing that never fails to bring me down to the dumps are PEOPLE!!! Someone wise told me once, "People will fail you but GOD never will". How true it is!
Today is one such day that I question on my own self worth and on what or rather why do I allow people to keep treating me as an item? I often give the benefit of a doubt to a person even though deep down in my heart, I am aware that they are going to throw me away like a used tissue. My sincerity seems to be a joke or a platform to latch themselves on my "naivety". The scary part is when I can't react anymore. I have a deep sadness in my heart yet no one can see it as I have mastered the art of hiding it very well. I don't know how to scream out for help to anyone. The last thing I wanna hear is advise. Hearing Bro J's voice on the phone, somehow brought out the sadness from inside me. His anger and concern of the unfair predicament that I face made me realise how lucky I am that I have someone by my side. Am I worthy of this blessed relationship? Maybe yes....maybe no. Whatever it is, as he always says, "just enjoy the journey". Enjoy the journey I will...
Funny how this time when I face adversity, somehow or rather I am at peace with it. Something just says to me, whatever will be , will be ( sounds like a song right?). I think that I have finally found something that keeps me going. Helping out in church, starting a bible study group....these are probably something that I wouldn't imagine myself doing at all. Wanna know why? Because I AM NOT WORTHY. I am not some hot church throtting babe who dazzles in scriptures and quotes away ( though I am definitely a HOT BABE ). Definitely no ANGEL despite my name being formed around it. Despite that , when I reflect back on my journey...I was being prepared for this exact moment. All the exposure that I had is to prepare me for something like this.
I am in the right place and at the right time . Now the question is....AM I WORTHY ENOUGH to be part of the PLAN? Hmmm....

Indian Adventure - Jaipur-delhi(finale)

2007-01-08T17:55:00.000+08:00

Well....if you think 5 hours bus journey was bad....try 7 hours. My handphone batt was dying of as well....SHIT! Its Janice's bday and I can't seem to switch the damn phone on! Those were some of my thoughts that was really keeping me busy in our ride to Delhi. This time the ride was smooth because we were travelling on a highway which was done in partnership with IJM and India. MALAYSIA BOLEH!!!! Made a mental note to thank my buddy Vijay Ananth for doing a good job on this. Now I know what he was doing in Delhi for a year.

Well...traffic in Delhi is worse than KL. Have you seen how Indian drivers drive? I tell you, I respect the Malaysian drivers more! There's no way in hell I can drive there unless I have balls of steel. Anyways, we reached Delhi for a wonderful cultural dance show and good indian dinner. YUmmy! Tandoori, Naan, palak paneer...mmmmmmmmmmm (drool)

The next morning, we roamed Delhi and spent time taking pics. The weather was rather chilly and foggy that day.Felt a sadness in my heart in leaving the land of my ancestors. Maybe I am just being too jiwang, but its a feeling I just can't explain. Especially, when I was in Raj Ghat which is Gandhi's memorial Park.Seeing the eternal flame burning over there, a feeling of overwhelming gratitude came upon me on this tiny man. I bought a book written by this great man himself and I am still reading it (which is a blog on its own).

After a round of roaming around and shopping, we were sent off to the airport.Security in the airport was pretty tight ( had about 3-4 checks before we could enter the plane). Met alot of interesting people in the airport while I was charging my phone ( yes, they have phone charging service, HALLELUJAH!) . Where would that initial meeting lead to? Honestly, I don't know but lets see how it goes.

ANyways....now I am back to Malaysia. I am very grateful that I am a Malaysian. We are so blessed , at times we dont even know it. Just appreciate what you have even the smallest thing

Indian Adventure - Jaipur

2007-01-08T09:30:00.000+08:00

We left to Jaipur by bus and it was a very interesting 5 hour bus ride. Only one stop was made after 2.5 hours , so if you gotta go before that...you better hold it! For the male species, you guys can go anywherelah....but female a bit susah. Our tour guide said that for the ladies, the mustard field is natures toilet for us.Just go in and squat away. I can tell you one thinglah....THank GOD for PLUS highways and our lovely, stinky toilets!! Anyways, the trip was slow and bumpy. Bad and narrow roads but very scenic view. Of course the lovely sight of villagers crapping away in an open field is a normal sight in the morning. At least we know that they use natural fertilizers.

The midway stop was good ( not easy to hold for 2.5 hours and dahlah sejuk ) and guess who I ran into over there? Dato G. Palanivel and his family. Ada satu bodyguard oh....wah...very gempak!

Slept the rest of the journey and reached Jaipur. Jaipur is far more advanced than Agra. Lots of Universities and Colleges over there. Checked in the hotel for lunch and after that we were off to City Palace , Hawar Mahal and shopping.

The next day, we were taken to a few places to take beautiful snapshots of what used to be a great dynasty.

Cont....

Indian Adventure - AGRA part 2

2007-01-04T22:07:00.000+08:00

The Taj Mahal....one of the wonders of the world. Words are just not enough to describe the beauty and awe that you experience the moment your eyes set upon this marvel of love.The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz (his wife) as his token of love for her. Both of their tombs are inside this beautiful monument which by the way took approx 22 years to complete.

The best way to enjoy the TAJ is to just sit down and absorb the beauty that immerses your soul.

Shah Jahan wanted to build another monument like this but in Black instead for himself but his son stopped that idea by throwing his dad into house arrest. He placed him in AGRA FORT.

Agra Fort

The magnificent towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways of the Agra Fort symbolizes the stature and power of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Built between 1565 and 1571 AD, it is said that the emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The magnificent Agra fort, though started by Emperor Akbar, was completed by his grandson Shah Jahan.
The Agra fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone with several buildings inside. Part of the Agra fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public, but there's still enough left to get an insight on the way the Mughals lived in the 16th century.
As one enters from the Amar Singh Gate, you will get to see :

The Jahangiri Mahal
Khass Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal
The Musamman Burj
Diwan-i- Khaas
Diwan-i-Am

Beware of the street peddlars and hacklers that torment you as you walk out of each historical monument. The art of handling them is to walk fast and ignore them. When you buy one item from one person, there will be 20 others shouting their sales pitches to you.

After that experience and spending money shopping away, we retired to bed contented and physically tired.

...cont....

Indian Adventure - AGRA part 1

2007-01-04T16:28:00.000+08:00

27th Dec 2006- Agra.

Got a wake up call at 345am . we had to be down for a quick cup of coffee /tea and out by 430am. Boy....it was sooooooooooo cold that morning!

Where are we rushing to? To the Train Station .

We were going to catch the train from Delhi to Agra which approx a 2 hour train ride.

Reached the train station by 6am and our train was to arrive at 630am. While waiting for the train, there were a number of the homeless sleeping at the corridors of the station. Here I am with my extra lemak and sweater and there they are skinny , dirty and frail with just a blanket cover on them, covered like a dead body lying around the station ( if you wanna view a short video clip of it, I can show it to you personally). What really amazed me was this teenage beggar boy who has crippled legs. This boy can't walk , moves around with his hands. He crossed from one platform , across 2 railway tracks and tried to climb to the platform where I was standing. Someone actually helped this guy up to the platform for him to start his ritual of begging. I admire his persistance and determination in begging. He really keeps bugging you for loose change and quite loud in his quest ( I also have a short clip of him doing so...will show you personally). Non in our group gave him anything as our tour guide , Mr Ramani, chased him away. Finally, the train arrived. It is a very nice AC train. Seats are numbered and we had to be seated accordingly. We had 2 wonderful breakfast on the train. Simple yet fulfilling. Imagine drinking hot tea and looking out into the wheat and mustard fields. Just lushes green fields and yellow flowers ( from the mustard fields) everywhere surrounding the tiny villages that we passed by.

We reached Agra by 830am and went to the hotel Clarks Agra. Left our bags over there and left to the Marble Factory. There we had a fascinating view of how the TAJ was built and how they process these marbles. They are still maintaining their ways from the time of Shah Jahan till now. Everything hand made and meticulous! Beautiful artwork( see the attached pic )....total awesome!!! Managed to buy some marble items over there for a good discount. Mr. Ramani went to the guys there and said that I was related to him and received a 25% discount whereas the rest onl received 10%. So both of us benefited from this "unfairness" but hey, who careslah?

Asalkan murah sudah. After that, we left to the TAJ MAHAL.

Now that's a story of its on.......cont.

Indian adventure - day of arrival

2007-01-04T11:50:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone....I'm baaack! Ok...let me get the story started....as the song goes, Lets start from the very beginning , a very good place to start.

Day of departure, 26/12/06

Arrived in KLIA airport at 7am. Darn sleepy....dragged myself to counter M6 ( AIRLANKA counter) to meet up Lisa my tour manager from Reliance. Looked around and saw the rest of the people following us on the tour. Retirees and more of them kept appearing to the counter. Some were a family pack. There were however some single travellers along with us. Anyhow, I didn't check in until Lilian appeared. After she arrived, we checked in, made sure we had a proper seat in the plane ( must travel in comfort what...). It was a 3 hour flight to Colombo ( we had to transit for 4 hours over there). We had fun sleeping and watching inflight movies.

Upon arrival to Colombo airport ( which is pretty much like our very own Subang Airport), something definitely caught our attention. The huge nativity scene in the airport. Just had to take a picture with it. As we continued wandering aimlessly in the airport, both of us decided to make use of the time to go for an ayurvedic massage which was available there. I went for a head and shoulder massage and Lilian for a back massage. It was so good and soothing especially with the oils that they used. Both of us received a small gift pack of their pain balm and soap as well a brochure of the Health Resort in Colombo and this is something I would definitely consider going for cleansing internally and externally. I wonder...can it also cleanse the "crap" that exist in my life?

After that it was another 3 hours flight to Delhi. Arrived to a foggy chilled Indra Gandhi Airport. As you can noticed, I was garland...and was too tired to do anything else. I was excited that I was in the land which my mum came from. It is a kind of feeling that I can't explain. It felt as if I was coming home ( like balik kampung). The only thing that spoiled the whole thing was....our dinner was CHINESE FOOD. How dumb is that? Ok...Chinese food....in India....suck big time!

I on the other hand was busy blowing into the air.I was fascinated by my own air. It is so cold over there that you can see your own breath. I kept blowing and blowing....imagine my jakuness. But I don't care....that was what that kept me so happy that chilly night. After dinner, all of us retired to bed in the WEST INN Hotel , Delhi .

TO be continued.....

AN INDIAN ADVENTURE

2006-12-22T18:47:00.000+08:00

Hey dude and dudettes...I am going to India with Lilian.
Date : 26/12/06 to 31/12/06
Destination : Delhi-Jaipur-Agra
Temp : 8-24 degrees C ( I am gonna freeze...I hope my extra lemak will be helpful)
I am on roaming...so got anything....sms me lah. I will reply you when I am free.

MERRY XMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Random Thoughts During Carolling DAY 2

2006-12-21T01:04:00.000+08:00

Just got back from carolling today. Had an even more splendid day today than I did yesterday amidst the flash floods that hit certain areas in Melaka. I really wish that I did not have to go back tomorrow to KL. Honestly, I would prefer to stay here and join the kiddos for the final nite of carolling. Oh well!
However today was rather special to me in so many ways. I have always pondered whether I would be able to "minister" to anyone in my life. Always thought that it was for the spiritually priviledged few. I mean...I just don't swing into prayer and go balistic with tongues and such. Today, a really sweet sister needed to be ministered to and I had an opportunity to do so. I have not done this for a couple of years and I have never, ever done this on a personal level. I am more used to group prayers and such. TOday was a special night, standing in a moving bus, surrounded by teens and kids who are puzzled by the turn of events, getting the holy spirit prompting me to do certain prayers and getting into the holy spirit is a BIG 1st for me personally. Just allowing HIM to use me as a vessel to "talk" to this sister was and still is a blessing to me. Amazingly, I was not scared (like how I was in my previous experiences) and I just followed the prompting. The whisper (or rather a breath) that flew through my ears made me say alot of things which at first seemed queer to me but only to find out that it was very relevant to her. Her testimonial later to both my buddy and I (both of us were praying for her) personally, gave us a pleasant shock. All Praise Goes to HIM, the Heavenly Lord. He really does work in mysterious ways.

Another random thought that came to my head towards the end of the journey today were the kiddos. I neither know them personally nor close to anyone of them. Yet, I have a strong urge to teach them on building a strong christian foundation in their life. Desmond has suggested on starting up a faith formation for them. I totally agree with him not because it is the right thing to do but because there has been a nagging feeling in my heart of the longest of time on doing something here in Melaka for the young ones. I did not share this feeling with anyone as I was shy to confide in anyone ( yes...beneath the so called garangness, I am actually shy). So I kept putting it aside thinking, "How am I ever gonna do something like that when I don't know people here lah?" Looking at these young guys and gals, I know deep in my heart that we got to start with them. Nothing will stand firm without a strong foundation. The sentence that I keep hearing in my head is FORM MY PEOPLE. Who are they? I don't know and I ain't gonna segment them. As long they look like a manusia, it should be fine.

Looks like 2007 is going to be a interesting year for me. A new mission /calling for me to answer. Don't know whether I am ready or not but whatever it is....JC IS ALWAYS THERE !

Carolling....

2006-12-20T16:30:00.000+08:00

Guess what? Yesterday was the best night of my life. Why you ask? Because I went carolling...
The last I went carolling was in my Uni days...which was YEARS back. Going as a so called adult in a bus filled with kiddos brought so much of memories. Firstly the school bus that we went in, dah lama sungguh I havent been in one. Felt like a schoolkid again. 2nd, the carolling itself brought back memories of carolling in Klang under the BEC of Taman Sri Andalas.
We had Mr Rozario ( the person who taught us to sing in parts), me ( the so called musician who in the end was the coordinator and song arranger ), Melvin and his bunch of guitarists. Going house to house in cars and van ( this was only for the musicians...lucky me) in black skirts ( pants for the boy) and white top, all meeting in my house and me making the shouting and screaming to the kids who make too much of noise ( I was 17 then, must be the initial training in being a rude bitch). But you know what? It was fun...fun...fun....!!!!!
Same thing last nite (minus the drama), just joining and helping out for the carolling. It was really fun. Hearing the chaos of the kids and the contant teasing which Mr. Baba was getting was hilarious!
Anyways, I am glad I made the trip to Melaka during my leave, it has certainly made my day!

how do I split myself?

2006-12-18T17:35:00.000+08:00

Yesterday , I had the fright of my life seeing my beloved Amma gasping for air, like a fish out of water. She had an asthma attack. Its not her first time. What is more humiliating for me is when I rushed her to the clinic, the Dr doing locum ( who I covered many years ago in HKL ) there , said " hey ANGIE , why dont you give your mum Seretide? YOu promoted it so much years back". Malunya I......I have given my mum that, but degil, tak nak ambik. Yes, out of concern and fear of losing her, I screamed and nagged her to death. Why she aint interested in taking care of herself, I don't know.
How do I split myself into many parts? I want to give the best to her yet she does not want it. I don't care the cost...for she has given me more than that in my growing years. Money can't buy the sacrifice she made for me. When I am in KL, I am the driver, shopper (market or mall), cleaner, financier but thank GOd not a cook! If I was a cook....ceret beret lah semua orang. HEHEHHEHEH
I am so worried about both my folks....but they dont seem to care. WHat to do? DO they even know that if anything happens, I am the only one that they have?
Hmmmmmmmmmm........

Toll rise hikes and such...

2006-12-15T16:13:00.000+08:00

Pagi-pagi dah start dah. Rise in toll hikes? What's up Samy? Not enough ah? Haiyo .....
Thank God, 90% of my toll I claim back from the company that I work for. Imagine if I were like the rest of you....I would be boiling mad! That's the life. Earn the dough and spent it on highways in which you would be stuck for hours cause of the jam. Makes you wonder...you paying for the Jam or the convenience? For those of you who have worked in the dreaded place called KL, you would understand what I mean.
When will Samy boy stop collecting toll?

2006-12-14T15:58:00.000+08:00

My first hand knowledge in personal financial planning came from this book some years back, FINANCIAL FREEDOM. I don't know how many of you have read that book before. I just started work after graduating and that's my first book that I bought with my 1st paycheck (aside from the handphone). As I went through that book, I was determined to be smart with my money. Debt was a no no in my life.Everything was to be paid in full. Years later came the car (Proton Iswara)....debt started for me. I made sure I paid them on time. Of course by then I was dating and managing my financial portfolio became more important. Started getting Insurances, equity Funds,...you name it, I have it.Then due to my own stupidity (GASP! I AM CAPABLE OF DOING DUMB THINGS TOO!) , I spent my access cash on individuals who in the end never did appreciate it. Attained a charge card and a credit card and even that I paid in full. Talk about discipline!

One fine day, that discipline went awry due to personal failures in life. I just couldnt care less and got myself into a rut. The best part of it was that I was also managing my folks household as well. I hardly got anything for myself. Everything was for them.For me, they are everything in my life. During that time I also realised that having lots of money does not buy you happiness and all the intangible things in life.

After that AHA moment, things started getting better and financially I was getting a hang of managing it.I also had to learn the art of not loaning money to people who take years to pay back. SIGH! Masih belajar lagi . The one person I can't say no to is my DAD. His biz is in the downside and with his age, he can't get a biz loan. So guess who is managing it?

Now , I am in Melaka managing myself and I have people who owes me money and my folks to jaga with my DAD who constantly needs a loan. Its amazing that I can still seem calm and sane managing everything. GOd is truly working wonders for me.

Today, as I went to settle some cash advances that I took for my DAD and to cancel the cards, I looked around and saw so many people who paying credit card bills, loans and taking up new cards to roll their finances with. Rolling your credit cards is an interesting art form...but dangerous. Sometimes its more important to live within your means rather than living up to the Joneses or in the Malaysian context : the ahmads, ah chongs and ramasamys.

People say Money is not important. I say it is important for your daily living but MONEY isn't Everything in LIFE!

Is it wrong to be"fussy"?

2006-12-13T16:03:00.000+08:00

You know, there comes a point in my life where I am wondering why my private life seem to be an important aspect in another person's conversation. My singlehood is so intriguing to the unfortunate souls who are married and bored with their life. What am I talking about? The story goes something like this....

Today I start my annual Xmas vacation and as usual I have to "spoil market" by appearing in my HQ in PJ. The moment I meet the 1st person in the office...after the initial hellos, it goes straight to...SO GOT A GUY AH? WHEN ARE U GETTING MARRIED? WHY YOU SO FUSSY? GO TO CHURCH ,CAN FIND GUYS ONE.
Only one of them was smart enough to tell me....GIrl, take your time and enjoy the journey. When the Lord gives you the guy, you will know. Thank GOd she came to save my day.
ANother good friend of mine pulak (guy mind you) gave me advise not to go for Drs ( now why would I wanna do thatlah?), he was looking through my company's most eligible bachelors for a suitable one for me. He found one...and I certainly have no problem with him. THe only thing my poor friend does not know about him is that THAT BACHELOR is GAY!!!!!

Ok.....now let me just spill the beans to all of you. NO I am not gay!

Marriage to me is a very,very big deal. It is beyond legalised sex. Its a commitment between 2 beings in a relationship together till death do them part ( preferably). You can call me naive and I dont cotton pickin carelah. You can call me fussy as well. If I am, I dont think that its wrong either. When you are fussy from the type of underwear you buy to the home you live in, why shouldn't you be fussy about the person that you are gonna wakeup to everyday of your life?

WHat are my requirements? Here goes....( you be the judge if I am asking too much)

MUST BE MALE BY BIRTH (no female that did sexual change and became man thingie)
NEVER BEEN MARRIED BEFORE. IF YES, PREFERABLY, EX-WIFE DAH KO ALREADY
A FAMILY-ORIENTED PERSON
GOD FEARING PERSON WHO PRACTISES HIS CHOSEN RELIGION
RESPECT TO THE FAIRER SEX ( FEMALES). NOT A MCP OR SEXIST
SOMEONE THAT I CAN RESPECT
A PERSON WHO CAN TAKE MY FOLKS AS HIS OWN AS I WOULD DO HIS
WOULD GIVE ME THE OPTION OF QUITING MY JOB WHEN I BEAR HIS CHILDREN (DONT BELIEVE IN HIRING MAIDS TO JAGA MY KIDS!)
BELIEVES IN DISCUSSION WITH ME BEFORE MAKING FAMILY DECISIONS.
BELIEVES IN FIRM RELIGIOUS AND MORAL FOUNDATION FOR THE CHILDREN SO THAT THEY ARE FREE TO CHOOSE THEIR PATHWAY WHEN THEY ARE 18.
SHOULD NOT BE A RACIST PIG

Too much to ask? Too fussy? Did you notice that I did not say that he must be rich, sexy hot body,mr.perfect, must be giving me flowers and diamonds, drive a merc or beemer...must be of a certain race or religion or whatever jazz...?

I have been through certain life experiences that have taught and showed me what I need in my life. If what I have gone through makes me fussy...so be it!

What's Beauideal?

2006-12-12T20:21:00.000+08:00

It is rather ironic that I have used the handle, "BEAUIDEAL" for a number of years, yet this morning, someone actually asked me what it meant. Finally someone interested enough to know the meaning of it. Beauideal is actually 2 words, BEAU IDEAL. That should be a no brainer right? It simply means Ideal Beauty. There is a history of this nick in my life. This was given to me by my first love, Joseph Vijayraj Thangam, to me when we were in FORM 6. I still remember that he gave me an aluminium foil (the ones from a milk tin) engraved BI after physics tuition class. Well...nothing Physical happen ( pun intended). I tormented him for days for the meaning of BI until one day in the library, he showed me the meaning in a dictionary. Who ever said that Form 6 is boring?
Ever since then, I have kept the nick. It also gives life to the memory of young love and my own foolishness of not appreciating it. Well, that is life! When you have a gem in your hands, you don't realise it till its gone. Then you get rocks...hahahahah. Just kidding!

CINTA

2006-12-11T00:15:00.000+08:00

Last Friday, my housemate and I went to watch the latest Malay movie, "CINTA".Well, stereotyping this movie as another dumb Malay movie is a big mistake. I can honestly say that, after the great P.Ramlee, never have I ever enjoyed a local movie till I viewed CINTA. Now what's CINTA all about?
CINTA is a film of five modern-day love stories with the metropolitan skyline of Kuala Lumpur as the backdrop. While each story is independent, the characters are connected to each other by circumstance, coincidence or location.With love as its universal theme, the movie takes us through the lives of five couples who search, find and lost their love in the beautiful city. Through them, we experience five different facets of love.
THe above I copied from the movie synopsis but it really doesn't do justice to the movie. The love potrayed in the movie, right from the opening and ending credits is truly breathtaking. THe director Kabir Bhatia's style of directing reminds me of M.Night SHamalan's style minus the spookiness. The realism of the characters were brought to life by these actors. Kudos to them!
All in all, this movie makes you just stop and take a deep breath at life. Have we ever stopped to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones? How much do we actually appreciate each other's existance in our race of chasing money, status , a LIFE per say?
Watch it guys and gals...its different.

The week that has been...

2006-11-24T23:20:00.000+08:00

It has certainly been some time since I had anything to say. Reason simply being ...I had nothing to say. This week has been rather interesting though. Why? I actually went through a mix of moods. It ranges from extreme happiness, annoyance, anger, sadness, exasperation and the list goes on. These emotions are invoked by people's reaction and words.
I have and can never ever tolerate stupid people. But it's rather funny when I keep meeting them. It is equally amazing when I have to report to one!
Anyways, whatever said and done, a wise person shared with me in not so many words...LET IT BE. How true it is! Such simple words yet means so much....
One thing I am certainly sure of is....I NEED A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADOPT A HOMELESS ANIMAL

2006-11-12T17:12:00.000+08:00

Check out this site. For those who live in the Klang Valley and got lots of love and a space in their home for these homeless beings...do the right thing...ADOPT THEM! It would bring a world of difference in your life.

MOTHER THERESA- THE LIVING SAINT

2006-11-11T22:32:00.000+08:00

This week, I managed to gain a chance to view a movie on a living saint, Mother Theresa. I was moved to tears throughout 90% of the show. The reason being, I can't really be sure though, is the act of love that she showers to people who generally you and I wouldnt give 2 hoots for is so overwhelming that I really feel unworthy as a child of God. Her simple acts are so profound yet SIMPLE, that's the key word. To say that she had it easy is far from the truth. Her journey to answering "the call within a call" was a road which was bumpy as well as scenic. She never ever worried about money as her quote is....MONEY WILL COME! Her simple faith in the Lord blows my mind. She had depression, experienced lonliness, basically all human emotions that you and I would have. Don't get me wrong...I am not making her a God or anything like that. Just trying to bring about a realism that defies a common thought that people of GOD have it easier.
Lets all try to be like her to reach out to other's suffering with acts of love

check this out...cool christian site

2006-10-13T16:30:00.000+08:00

discovered this site from a pastor friend of mine....talk about using technology is spreading the WORD man! Awesome!
http://beta.hearthevoice.com/

13th October 1975 - the day I existed in the world

2006-10-12T23:02:00.000+08:00

One fine morning ,9.45am to be exact, an absolutely beautiful soul was brought to earth. It was a Monday the 13th of October 1975. This soul was named Angeline (since she is so angelic in appearance). She grew and blossomed into a fine young lady surrounded by lots of love and care.
As she approaches her 31st bday, she ponders of the years that have passed by. How lucky and blessed I am! , she thinks to herself. Looking at the road that she has taken, with all the bumps and rocky roads, she has emerged victorious. Though she has no idea whats GOD's plan for her, yet she knows deep down inside of her that HE will direct her to the right path.
And the story of her journey continues.....

something to share and ponder upon

2006-10-12T00:52:00.000+08:00

well...this may be a little heavy of a topic....but do read this article on the amish shootings...You will be "repented". See how the basic Christ like principles are practised in their daily living

Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

2006-10-12T00:15:00.000+08:00

Well, this thought came to my mind today out of a discussion with a buddy of mine over dinner. The conversation was loosely based on relationships and people who leave footprints in our hearts. Somehow or rather this word soulmate came up. My buddy , Manu, had a profound question ....WHAT IF U MEET UR SOULMATE AFTER U R MARRIED? Yes, what if that happens? What do you do? Do you act on that? Or do you just go sighing in despair? Both of us have met our soulmates and missed the boat. Since my buddy has already settled down with a wonderful lady (although she may not his soulmate), a thought came to mine....will I ever meet a person who is my 2nd soulmate? Is there such a thing as a 2nd soulmate? How many soulmates can a person actually have?
Hmmm........