I started my new job some two weeks ago at a network security firm in KL Sentral and had been taking the KTM Komuter to work instead of driving downtown as my job doesn't require me to go out and meet or service customers. This comes as a good thing as I stand to save as much as RM10 per day from commuting to work, allowing for some buildup in the bank accounts. Modest as it sounds, every little bit counts for that little bit of security I'm afforded.
Timing, Watson, Timing
I must commend however on KTM Berhad's ability to keep time despite being a public funded transportation network although it leaves much to be desired. The trains are normally in within 5 minutes of the scheduled timing, which is fine with me since I am often early to the station anyway.
What is complainable (if there is such a thing as 'complainable') however is the problem of delays or cancellations. Being that the public commuter network is so well utilised by the city folks, any such disruptions are definitely going to be a problem to those who needs to be in time for whatsoever. Good thing my parents taught me well, telling me to be early for every thing - wait instead of being waited. (In practice that's easier said than done).
Oh, don't forget about the crowd - one missed train means more people will try to board the next train, making it the proverbial sardine can. God knows how much I 'enjoy' getting squeezed from all directions inside the car, with smells ranging from dry sweat to fading perfumes filling the air. And that is if the air-conditioner is strong enough to help cool the temperature a little.
Aye, you win some you lose some I suppose - you're as cheapskate as everybody else so share their space. Get in line kidda!
Roses Amongst Thorns
If there's something that I should try to be more adventurous about nowadays is to see if I could chat people up on the train. Right, with everybody being rocked left, right and centre in a train full of people who can't wait to jump off at the next station, they would love to talk to strangers and share a laugh. *rolleyes*
Well, maybe since there are always a fair share of fair maidens in the car within speaking distance, why not eh? I'm single so I'm in the market.
For instance last Friday I stood in front of a young woman who caught my attention for the whole of the trip back home in the evening. Like all normal males would, I looked at her reflection on the train window to pass away time as she struggled to keep awake throughout the journey.
The funny thing was that throughout half of the journey I felt a certain bit of familiarity as I looked at her in such surreptitious manner (yeah kid, as if she doesn't know eh?). I thought, "I don't think I've met her before, but she seems familiar for some reason?".
As the train halted at the Seri Setia station, it came to mind like a slap in the face. It was no wonder I thought she looked familiar; anybody around Subang would know too if they saw Hannah Yeoh's campaign poster throughout the General Election's campaigning period ...
Anyway, it's quite unlikely that she's our Subang Jaya's own MP as she did not disembark at the station when I did and besides, they have travel allowances as MPs. I mean, it doesn't even connect all the way to the Parliament and she's a busy woman.
Samaritans too, some of them women. One of them tapped my shoulder this morning to tell me that my bag's zipper is open. Bless. There were backup tapes that I wanted to return to my ex-colleague as well as a few items used to keep notes and losing them might not be a good idea. I thanked her and pulled the bag's zipper up, wondering if I should whip out the phone and ask for her number when we came to stop outside the Sentral station awaiting the exit of a train to Singapore.
As the old Chinese saying goes, there goes another flower on my horse ride.
Miscellaneous Amusements
Speaking of good people, we often get cynical in such a big and impersonal city. Everybody's rushing to where they want to and pushing their way against the tide of more people, racing like rats to the top. Paints such a poor picture, this urbanisation lark.
Of course it's easy to be such a cynic - city dwellers lack the kind of genuine warmth found in towns and villages, but it is most unfair however to dub everybody a witch/warlock-in-waiting. It's not really completely absent, just that not many people feel like showing it to complete strangers all the time.
Of course at times we do get something that puts a smile on those weary heads on the way home from work and they normally come in small packages ie. children. The trip home last Wednesday was all right except for the delay that caused a sardination (I coined another non-existing word again) but it was Labour Day holiday the next day so nobody complained. Too much.
As usual the ride home was as uneventful as it normally is as people are either downcast or eyes out the window or at other people but some colour came into the train when two kids, no more than five or six alighted with their mother. They stood one person ahead of me with sling bags bigger than their torso and hands holding a lunch basket. Being that the train was crowded, the people suddenly backed off and opened up a small space around them and their mother.
With all this Sharlinie and Ooi Ying Ying horror stories in the papers no one could be blamed for feeling pity to their mother, a little woman who had to keep an eye on the both of them in a crowded car filled with strangers. As more people hopped on for the ride, the little girl was separated by one person from her mother but a Good Samaritan held her free arm to make sure that the girl doesn't fall when the train rocks. The lady who held her arm looked with such a smile that said, "Careful little one, hold on". Her mother asked for her often and she replied with a little worry in her tone.
It was small thing this, but to many around the little spot where we were all crammed in the careless laughter between the siblings and their mother had our attention and brought a bit of a change to the normally monotonous and boring ride home - almost all lips were curled up into a smile, looking at them.
I, for one was glad that they finally got off the crowded train at the SB station. I took a glance as I passed by after touching my TnG card at the exit aisles, asking the heavens for a safe passage for the rest of their trip home.
5 May 2008
20 April 2008
It's a jungle out there
That's what I'd describe politics in general.
In my previous post I spoke about being a supporter of the present government with reasons on why, and I stand by that declaration. Before you go 'How could you, they are all (insert expletives here)', let me just mention that I am also a guy who don't believe in perfections, unless we're talking about God Himself.
I had my cousin whom is an avid supporter of the opposition party who'd like to compare what they are fighting for to the present managements (or mismanagements) of the government. He highlights why there must be change, that we need to fight for our rights, demand transparency in governance and neutral judiciaries.
Well, at least his referrals of URLs to the blogs of prominent political bloggers such as Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Jeff Ooi.
All good and sundry because I do agree with some of their views.
'Huh?' was one of the responses I get when, including a young friend of mine whom had just finished her examinations, also one who is full of ideals and enamoured by the fervour of the opposition, I told them that.
Yes, I do agree with the likes of Raja Petra and Jeff on some of their opinions.
One of the first reason to that statement is that the governance of the country is not dependent on who rules. Sounds fallacious? Not really. I'm just citing this on the grounds of the responsibilities of the Executive branch of the government - not the effectiveness of it. Who said anything about the report cards of the present government? If anything the people have the right to express their anger if all is not going well. After all it's the voters who got them into office in the first place.
'Transparent, fair and credible governance' - tell me something I don't already know.
The second reason is that all of them - be it ex-MBs, new MPs, this and that Minister, the Opposition etc - are all politicians.
I coined a sentence regarding the bickering between politicians that applies to both sides of the equation(don't know if it's original but Ive never read it anywhere else), "The election is fair and just if you win".
Politics is a game of power - to stay where you are, you will have to toe the party line, compromise to get what you need, appeal for support sometimes against your principles, accommodate ideas that you don't subscribe to and ultimately influence the people to vote for you.
To paraphrase an analogy I once read in the transcript to a popular political TV show The West Wing, nobody gets into politics wearing a white shirt and come out spotless. Fictional show I hear you say but there's a much truth in that statement than what the boisterous voices from the camp of 'Change' would like you to believe.
Anybody, the opposition and the present ruling party can tell me that they are this this and that - if making promises and repeating the same old phrases over and over can make you an MP, we'd all be representatives. Idealism is high and they're still on triumphant that a change is happening but things will come thumping back to Earth real soon.
The new CMs at Opposition-ruled states should stop talking about the transparency, fairness, equitable etc etc and start doing them - the campaigning is over, for chrissake. And the rest of the MPs in the Parliament should start behaving themselves in the august house and be more professional with their work as the people did not elect them there to engage in 'bodoh', 'kayu', 'bocor' and 'monyet' shout-fests.
I, for one, welcome the C-SPAN-like channel that is being mooted by Ministry of Information and the Parliament to let the people see for themselves the proceedings and make up their own minds on issues and let the MPs earn their salary. Saw a few of the sittings on terrestrial television in the past - I was (and still am) deeply embarrassed.
Try watching the US Congress in session or the British Parliament in session - if anything their questions and answers (however political) makes sense most of the time with supporting data and research to justify them. Rebuttals are themselves good and raises relevant questions.
In short, they know what they're talking about.
And that includes the opposition who claim themselves the champion of equal rights, credibility and fairness. There's a difference between promising things and doing them. For the moment I'd agree with a friend that they haven't had the chance to put the money where their mouth is since the Federal Government remained the same but five key States are now under Opposition rule. Start doing something and don't start talking about the Feds not allocating money - that's reserved for campaign runs.
It's only been more than a month since the previous General Elections that shook the foundations of the ruling coalition, so the dust had only begun to settle as the real politicking begins. With a slightly more balanced Parliament for this term, things are bound to be get more interesting ever since 1999 when the Reformasi movement were born.
As with the many of us outside of the corridor of power, we'll just sit back and watch with great interest.
And stop it with this Singapore comparison thingy. I have an acquaintance from the island republic who messaged me after following a little spat I have with a certain anti-government wind-up merchant on an Internet forum, saying that we're lucky to be able to actually oppose and speak up on our disagreements. Try that in Singapore and you'd be writing postcards from the lockup.
If anything, the true sign of political maturity is to be able to take both sides of the story and arrive at an informed decision of your own.
(In my case it might include "don't believe everything you hear in politics").
"Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time".
- Winston Churchill -
Probably my last post on politics before I get labeled a political blogger - I'll leave that to the professionals at Malaysia Today and their counterparts.
In my previous post I spoke about being a supporter of the present government with reasons on why, and I stand by that declaration. Before you go 'How could you, they are all (insert expletives here)
I had my cousin whom is an avid supporter of the opposition party who'd like to compare what they are fighting for to the present managements (or mismanagements) of the government. He highlights why there must be change, that we need to fight for our rights, demand transparency in governance and neutral judiciaries.
Well, at least his referrals of URLs to the blogs of prominent political bloggers such as Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Jeff Ooi.
All good and sundry because I do agree with some of their views.
'Huh?' was one of the responses I get when, including a young friend of mine whom had just finished her examinations, also one who is full of ideals and enamoured by the fervour of the opposition, I told them that.
Yes, I do agree with the likes of Raja Petra and Jeff on some of their opinions.
One of the first reason to that statement is that the governance of the country is not dependent on who rules. Sounds fallacious? Not really. I'm just citing this on the grounds of the responsibilities of the Executive branch of the government - not the effectiveness of it. Who said anything about the report cards of the present government? If anything the people have the right to express their anger if all is not going well. After all it's the voters who got them into office in the first place.
'Transparent, fair and credible governance' - tell me something I don't already know.
The second reason is that all of them - be it ex-MBs, new MPs, this and that Minister, the Opposition etc - are all politicians.
I coined a sentence regarding the bickering between politicians that applies to both sides of the equation(don't know if it's original but Ive never read it anywhere else), "The election is fair and just if you win".
Politics is a game of power - to stay where you are, you will have to toe the party line, compromise to get what you need, appeal for support sometimes against your principles, accommodate ideas that you don't subscribe to and ultimately influence the people to vote for you.
To paraphrase an analogy I once read in the transcript to a popular political TV show The West Wing, nobody gets into politics wearing a white shirt and come out spotless. Fictional show I hear you say but there's a much truth in that statement than what the boisterous voices from the camp of 'Change' would like you to believe.
Anybody, the opposition and the present ruling party can tell me that they are this this and that - if making promises and repeating the same old phrases over and over can make you an MP, we'd all be representatives. Idealism is high and they're still on triumphant that a change is happening but things will come thumping back to Earth real soon.
The new CMs at Opposition-ruled states should stop talking about the transparency, fairness, equitable etc etc and start doing them - the campaigning is over, for chrissake. And the rest of the MPs in the Parliament should start behaving themselves in the august house and be more professional with their work as the people did not elect them there to engage in 'bodoh', 'kayu', 'bocor' and 'monyet' shout-fests.
I, for one, welcome the C-SPAN-like channel that is being mooted by Ministry of Information and the Parliament to let the people see for themselves the proceedings and make up their own minds on issues and let the MPs earn their salary. Saw a few of the sittings on terrestrial television in the past - I was (and still am) deeply embarrassed.
Try watching the US Congress in session or the British Parliament in session - if anything their questions and answers (however political) makes sense most of the time with supporting data and research to justify them. Rebuttals are themselves good and raises relevant questions.
In short, they know what they're talking about.
And that includes the opposition who claim themselves the champion of equal rights, credibility and fairness. There's a difference between promising things and doing them. For the moment I'd agree with a friend that they haven't had the chance to put the money where their mouth is since the Federal Government remained the same but five key States are now under Opposition rule. Start doing something and don't start talking about the Feds not allocating money - that's reserved for campaign runs.
It's only been more than a month since the previous General Elections that shook the foundations of the ruling coalition, so the dust had only begun to settle as the real politicking begins. With a slightly more balanced Parliament for this term, things are bound to be get more interesting ever since 1999 when the Reformasi movement were born.
As with the many of us outside of the corridor of power, we'll just sit back and watch with great interest.
And stop it with this Singapore comparison thingy. I have an acquaintance from the island republic who messaged me after following a little spat I have with a certain anti-government wind-up merchant on an Internet forum, saying that we're lucky to be able to actually oppose and speak up on our disagreements. Try that in Singapore and you'd be writing postcards from the lockup.
If anything, the true sign of political maturity is to be able to take both sides of the story and arrive at an informed decision of your own.
(In my case it might include "don't believe everything you hear in politics").
"Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time".
- Winston Churchill -
Probably my last post on politics before I get labeled a political blogger - I'll leave that to the professionals at Malaysia Today and their counterparts.
The news today
After the recent General Elections on the 8th of March, I have returned to reading the national news all thanks to the 'political tsunami' that swept across the nation. I had always been an avid reader regardless of how biased the mainstream media had been accused of (with some truth of course), but mostly for the sports, entertainment & lifestyle, technology and international news.
Why not the local front?
I for one have no problems reading about a 'biased' paper, because I have always been a supporter of the present government. I grew up under the administration of the visionaryTun Dr Mahathir whom I still look upon with respect thanks to the years of unprecedented wealth, progress and development enjoyed by the country throughout his time as the Premier of the country.
As a normal rakyat, I don't care what bones the Opposition has to pick regarding his flaws and accused malpractices as the CEO of Malaysia Inc., I got everything I should - accomodation, food, education, job and entertainment under his rule. Of course he's not perfect but he's been a good servant to the country, regardless of the controversies.
Anyway, back to the story at hand.
I remarked to my friends that there has been a marked change of tone in the previously pro-government press. If anything, it's slowly moved slightly to the centre, allowing for more opposing views from the Opposition with all interviews, insights and news coverage for functions, talks et al.
I find this to be quite interesting rather than what got me to skip the home news sections in the past. The present government still make the headlines being that they're still the ruling administration of the nation, but by having feedback from the other corridor of power meant that things are no longer so simple.
With an almost 50-50 split in the highest lawmaking institution in the country, this is when the real politicking begins.
In 2004, it was just one voice talking, a bit of a mumble here and there, some sideshows in the form of 'bocor' and leaking Parliament House, otherwise it was pretty much a one man/party show.
Now in 2008, the voices numerous and are louder in the form of a larger Opposition and delightfully, from the other end as well.
I'd imagine this to be a good change towards a system closer to democracy where everybody speaks within their rights and not afraid to tackle the really difficult issues of judiciary reforms and administrative feedback with more watchdogs scrutinizing the implementation of Executive decisions from both sides.
This can only be a good thing.
As mentioned above I'm a supporter of the present government, yet I too am one who thinks absolute power is a big no-no. Checks and balances, the phrase of the month since the 8th of March, is a good thing. Petrol hikes, increase in food prices, crime, transportation etc, all are things that affect the average Ali, Ah Kau and Muthu on the streets, so having plenty of inputs from differing angles is a good thing.
And like it or not, the present government would need to buckle up and improve or have someone else come in and take their seats.
It's still not perfect though (nothing ever is), but it's a good start.
Why not the local front?
I for one have no problems reading about a 'biased' paper, because I have always been a supporter of the present government. I grew up under the administration of the visionaryTun Dr Mahathir whom I still look upon with respect thanks to the years of unprecedented wealth, progress and development enjoyed by the country throughout his time as the Premier of the country.
As a normal rakyat, I don't care what bones the Opposition has to pick regarding his flaws and accused malpractices as the CEO of Malaysia Inc., I got everything I should - accomodation, food, education, job and entertainment under his rule. Of course he's not perfect but he's been a good servant to the country, regardless of the controversies.
Anyway, back to the story at hand.
I remarked to my friends that there has been a marked change of tone in the previously pro-government press. If anything, it's slowly moved slightly to the centre, allowing for more opposing views from the Opposition with all interviews, insights and news coverage for functions, talks et al.
I find this to be quite interesting rather than what got me to skip the home news sections in the past. The present government still make the headlines being that they're still the ruling administration of the nation, but by having feedback from the other corridor of power meant that things are no longer so simple.
With an almost 50-50 split in the highest lawmaking institution in the country, this is when the real politicking begins.
In 2004, it was just one voice talking, a bit of a mumble here and there, some sideshows in the form of 'bocor' and leaking Parliament House, otherwise it was pretty much a one man/party show.
Now in 2008, the voices numerous and are louder in the form of a larger Opposition and delightfully, from the other end as well.
I'd imagine this to be a good change towards a system closer to democracy where everybody speaks within their rights and not afraid to tackle the really difficult issues of judiciary reforms and administrative feedback with more watchdogs scrutinizing the implementation of Executive decisions from both sides.
This can only be a good thing.
As mentioned above I'm a supporter of the present government, yet I too am one who thinks absolute power is a big no-no. Checks and balances, the phrase of the month since the 8th of March, is a good thing. Petrol hikes, increase in food prices, crime, transportation etc, all are things that affect the average Ali, Ah Kau and Muthu on the streets, so having plenty of inputs from differing angles is a good thing.
And like it or not, the present government would need to buckle up and improve or have someone else come in and take their seats.
It's still not perfect though (nothing ever is), but it's a good start.
Poor in wealth, rich in heart
If anything, the story of the 10-year old who captured the imagination of the country certainly had me with mixed feelings.
At last the proper welfare had been secured for Yeap Jia Hui as his childless great aunt and uncle are awaiting the legal papers on taking him under the their care.
Before this he had to live by himself in a rubbish-filled apartment in Penang, living on the weekly money that his money banked for him in RM20 - 30 amounts whilst having to sleep in a space big enough for just his mattress, inhaling the stench of the place. When the money stopped, a Good Samaritan by the name of Lau gave him food when he was hungry although that had never stopped him from attending school, doing his homework and going out to play with his friends at a kampung behind the flat.
Part of me had tears welling in the eyes and lump in the throat thinking about the hardship that he had to go through with nobody to call for if trouble comes - fortunately enough the only problems he's had were dirty uniforms and cockroaches.
Children shouldn't have to live like this.
Part of me was proud of him as he's missed school understandably because nobody took care of him and yet absenteeism wasn't done because he felt like it. He was a winner of a few ping pong tourneys, a competitor in singing contests and a Boy Scout. He also consistently scored 90% and above in class although the grades dropped ever since his mother left him alone.
He lived like how a child should even when the odds were against him.
The more I read about it, the more I worry for the kids in my previous workplace who need not worry about pocket money and presents for birthdays. I don't blame them for being born into a fortunate family or implying that all are spoilt brats, but I do wish they can learn to be like this little soldier - humility and perseverance.
The story doesn't end here though as another family of children abandoned by their parents in Seremban had an 18-year old named Toh Chee How scraping to feed and house his siblings in a room no bigger than an average classroom. He insisted that he does not want to part with his five siblings and would continue to provide for them as the eldest. Again, another Good Samaritan helped by not collecting rent for their house when he found out about their plight.
Talk about being responsible. He's the unsung hero in a world dominated with Britney Spears gossip and more deaths in Iraq.
To the two good people, Lau and the owner of the rented house in Seremban, God never forget those who showed mercy to His children.
At last the proper welfare had been secured for Yeap Jia Hui as his childless great aunt and uncle are awaiting the legal papers on taking him under the their care.
Before this he had to live by himself in a rubbish-filled apartment in Penang, living on the weekly money that his money banked for him in RM20 - 30 amounts whilst having to sleep in a space big enough for just his mattress, inhaling the stench of the place. When the money stopped, a Good Samaritan by the name of Lau gave him food when he was hungry although that had never stopped him from attending school, doing his homework and going out to play with his friends at a kampung behind the flat.
Part of me had tears welling in the eyes and lump in the throat thinking about the hardship that he had to go through with nobody to call for if trouble comes - fortunately enough the only problems he's had were dirty uniforms and cockroaches.
Children shouldn't have to live like this.
Part of me was proud of him as he's missed school understandably because nobody took care of him and yet absenteeism wasn't done because he felt like it. He was a winner of a few ping pong tourneys, a competitor in singing contests and a Boy Scout. He also consistently scored 90% and above in class although the grades dropped ever since his mother left him alone.
He lived like how a child should even when the odds were against him.
The more I read about it, the more I worry for the kids in my previous workplace who need not worry about pocket money and presents for birthdays. I don't blame them for being born into a fortunate family or implying that all are spoilt brats, but I do wish they can learn to be like this little soldier - humility and perseverance.
The story doesn't end here though as another family of children abandoned by their parents in Seremban had an 18-year old named Toh Chee How scraping to feed and house his siblings in a room no bigger than an average classroom. He insisted that he does not want to part with his five siblings and would continue to provide for them as the eldest. Again, another Good Samaritan helped by not collecting rent for their house when he found out about their plight.
Talk about being responsible. He's the unsung hero in a world dominated with Britney Spears gossip and more deaths in Iraq.
To the two good people, Lau and the owner of the rented house in Seremban, God never forget those who showed mercy to His children.
25 December 2007
Season Of Peace & Goodwill
Bethlehem & Abbas
I'm not at all interested to go theological or historical on this entry of mine - I'm aware of the 'alternatives' to Christmas, the reason, practice, what used to be - instead I'd like to just sit back and enjoy the feeling of peace and calm on what was a celebration of the birth of peace in the form of a child in a manger.
Woke up this morning and the first thing I googled were news of celebrations in Bethlehem, the place where it all began. It was uplifting to read about the accident-free celebration there and was especially taken in by the Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' act of attending midnight mass in the Church of Nativity. I'm sure he wasn't there to celebrate the religion, rather as a brother of those around him who seek for peace and friendship in that land of strife and conflict.
He wasn't the first who did it though. I'm not sure who else did but the late Yasser Arafat attended mass on midnights as long as I can remember until the Israelis put him under house arrest, all the way until his death in 2004.
Both Arafat and Abbas could be seen by cynicals as to appeal to the demographics of Palestinian Christians as well as the international community by putting on a face of solidarity but let them have their column inches.
I am more interested in the idealistic idea of them being there to celebrate the miraculous birth of a child that is revered in both Christianity and Islam. The passages in both holy books were similar in speaking of Yeshua or Isa as the child born of virgin Mary or Mariam, hence I suppose the kind bond shared between the Palestinians of both sides.
I sincerely hope he continues doing so, and his predecessors and their predecessors, in a sincere heart of wanting to come together with the people and have a peaceful day of strengthening the brotherhood of citizens living on the same piece of land.
Tracking Santa
Apparently you can track Santa's trip across the world on the Internet nowadays, thanks to the folks at NORAD. If the acronyms sound familiar or even weird, then you should be because I was puzzled by it at first when a member of a UK-based forum posted topic about it, thinking what the heck is the North American Aerospace Defense Command would be doing with Santa.
Apparently, a typo on a Sear's advertisement of a phone call to Santa led children to call up NORAD, reading their lists of gifts of the Christmas to the unknowing military person in charge at the other end. They went "What the-" at first but thought it was a novel idea to do something that might be of good fun to children by starting to 'track Santa' on his trips from the North Pole across the world. It became a tradition that lived until today.
Who said the military guys were humourless and without heart?
What It's All About
Santa is, quite rightly, the most marketable trademark in the world - the portly old man with long white beard, gold rimmed glasses, red uniform, big bag of gifts and a reindeer sleigh - is known worldwide as Father Christmas. He is synonymous with giving gifts and spreading of goodwill, proclaiming his presence with a hearty "HO HO HO".
It's nice with all the snow, trees and all that but Christmas is really not about Santa.
Shocking? Well, not at all, seeing that he's a rather neutral character whose only crime were breaching international airspace agreements without a passport, as well as a symbol of cheer for the children, hence classic image of him climbing down chimneys of houses to deposit a gift into oversized socks at the fireplace, or pieces of coal for naughty kids.
Rather, Santa was what came from Christmas - the birth of the Saviour. His birth brought about hope to a world that was under thrall of sin, hence 'joy to the world'.
That joy isn't Santa, it's Christ.
Still, who am I to spoil the mood for the festivities eh? After all, I enjoy walking about the gingerbread houses setup at shopping malls, looking at children playing and laughing amongst the Christmas tree, artificial snowflakes and having their photos taken with Santa and his reindeer.
Let children be children, I'd say.
If asked what sort of Christmas would be the most perfect for me, I'd say the chance to travel back some 2000+ years into the past, to the barn where a little child is sleeping in heavenly peace in a crib beside his mother and foster father amongst the sheep and donkeys.
Nothing in the modern era will ever surpass this experience.
I'm not at all interested to go theological or historical on this entry of mine - I'm aware of the 'alternatives' to Christmas, the reason, practice, what used to be - instead I'd like to just sit back and enjoy the feeling of peace and calm on what was a celebration of the birth of peace in the form of a child in a manger.
Woke up this morning and the first thing I googled were news of celebrations in Bethlehem, the place where it all began. It was uplifting to read about the accident-free celebration there and was especially taken in by the Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' act of attending midnight mass in the Church of Nativity. I'm sure he wasn't there to celebrate the religion, rather as a brother of those around him who seek for peace and friendship in that land of strife and conflict.
He wasn't the first who did it though. I'm not sure who else did but the late Yasser Arafat attended mass on midnights as long as I can remember until the Israelis put him under house arrest, all the way until his death in 2004.
Both Arafat and Abbas could be seen by cynicals as to appeal to the demographics of Palestinian Christians as well as the international community by putting on a face of solidarity but let them have their column inches.
I am more interested in the idealistic idea of them being there to celebrate the miraculous birth of a child that is revered in both Christianity and Islam. The passages in both holy books were similar in speaking of Yeshua or Isa as the child born of virgin Mary or Mariam, hence I suppose the kind bond shared between the Palestinians of both sides.
I sincerely hope he continues doing so, and his predecessors and their predecessors, in a sincere heart of wanting to come together with the people and have a peaceful day of strengthening the brotherhood of citizens living on the same piece of land.
Tracking Santa
Apparently you can track Santa's trip across the world on the Internet nowadays, thanks to the folks at NORAD. If the acronyms sound familiar or even weird, then you should be because I was puzzled by it at first when a member of a UK-based forum posted topic about it, thinking what the heck is the North American Aerospace Defense Command would be doing with Santa.
Apparently, a typo on a Sear's advertisement of a phone call to Santa led children to call up NORAD, reading their lists of gifts of the Christmas to the unknowing military person in charge at the other end. They went "What the-" at first but thought it was a novel idea to do something that might be of good fun to children by starting to 'track Santa' on his trips from the North Pole across the world. It became a tradition that lived until today.
Who said the military guys were humourless and without heart?
What It's All About
Santa is, quite rightly, the most marketable trademark in the world - the portly old man with long white beard, gold rimmed glasses, red uniform, big bag of gifts and a reindeer sleigh - is known worldwide as Father Christmas. He is synonymous with giving gifts and spreading of goodwill, proclaiming his presence with a hearty "HO HO HO".
It's nice with all the snow, trees and all that but Christmas is really not about Santa.
Shocking? Well, not at all, seeing that he's a rather neutral character whose only crime were breaching international airspace agreements without a passport, as well as a symbol of cheer for the children, hence classic image of him climbing down chimneys of houses to deposit a gift into oversized socks at the fireplace, or pieces of coal for naughty kids.
Rather, Santa was what came from Christmas - the birth of the Saviour. His birth brought about hope to a world that was under thrall of sin, hence 'joy to the world'.
That joy isn't Santa, it's Christ.
Still, who am I to spoil the mood for the festivities eh? After all, I enjoy walking about the gingerbread houses setup at shopping malls, looking at children playing and laughing amongst the Christmas tree, artificial snowflakes and having their photos taken with Santa and his reindeer.
Let children be children, I'd say.
If asked what sort of Christmas would be the most perfect for me, I'd say the chance to travel back some 2000+ years into the past, to the barn where a little child is sleeping in heavenly peace in a crib beside his mother and foster father amongst the sheep and donkeys.
Nothing in the modern era will ever surpass this experience.
3 December 2007
What was that?
It was the second visit in which my cousin had made back to Malaysia ever since taking up a job with a software firm in Singapore. He had much to pack and move out of his room so had to make several visits before it's all over.
As usual I picked him up from Puduraya at the ungodly hour of 3.00 am on Saturday morning and there goes, our crazy sleepless hours all the way until noon or so. The usual programme is to make a trip to Klang for bah kut teh or the laksa shop as my cousin regain the taste that is 'food' after the ordeal of some rather ... 'tasteless' and 'crappy' food in the island republic.
Don't ask me why or spam me for writing this but having first hand accounts of cuisine from both sides of the Causeway allow him the freedom to judge on something that is close to his heart (or stomach), concluding that 'the food sucks'.
The nasi lemak in SS25 (26? I can't ever get the Sections in PJ right) were a godsend, I'd imagine to him. I had two good cups of teh tarik in an effort to stay awake. Sufficed to say it helped kept me up for the entire day!
Still, the most unusual thing to happen on what was a routine pack and move day(s) occurred at 6:30am when we were both talking in his rented room in Kelana Jaya. As usual we do the usual rubbish and exchanged stories (mostly from him) while the packing was done, when suddenly we stopped.
Our heads turned sharply to the direction outside his door and towards the staircase.
It was clear enough that he and I both noticed the same thing - the rather feminine or childish voice of a giggle as if laughing together with him and I about a joke.
Our conversation carried on with me looking at him pretending that nothing had happened while he looked for a while there, before continuing. I was already feeling somewhat uneasy (compounded by the ... motion passing that I was holding back for a bit), so I left to look for a petrol station to relief myself.
Why the petrol station? Many reasons, one being that there aren't any toilet paper left and the second being that I don't want to stay in the room by myself behind a closed door.
And that wasn't the first time, he said...
As usual I picked him up from Puduraya at the ungodly hour of 3.00 am on Saturday morning and there goes, our crazy sleepless hours all the way until noon or so. The usual programme is to make a trip to Klang for bah kut teh or the laksa shop as my cousin regain the taste that is 'food' after the ordeal of some rather ... 'tasteless' and 'crappy' food in the island republic.
Don't ask me why or spam me for writing this but having first hand accounts of cuisine from both sides of the Causeway allow him the freedom to judge on something that is close to his heart (or stomach), concluding that 'the food sucks'.
The nasi lemak in SS25 (26? I can't ever get the Sections in PJ right) were a godsend, I'd imagine to him. I had two good cups of teh tarik in an effort to stay awake. Sufficed to say it helped kept me up for the entire day!
Still, the most unusual thing to happen on what was a routine pack and move day(s) occurred at 6:30am when we were both talking in his rented room in Kelana Jaya. As usual we do the usual rubbish and exchanged stories (mostly from him) while the packing was done, when suddenly we stopped.
Our heads turned sharply to the direction outside his door and towards the staircase.
It was clear enough that he and I both noticed the same thing - the rather feminine or childish voice of a giggle as if laughing together with him and I about a joke.
Our conversation carried on with me looking at him pretending that nothing had happened while he looked for a while there, before continuing. I was already feeling somewhat uneasy (compounded by the ... motion passing that I was holding back for a bit), so I left to look for a petrol station to relief myself.
Why the petrol station? Many reasons, one being that there aren't any toilet paper left and the second being that I don't want to stay in the room by myself behind a closed door.
And that wasn't the first time, he said...
25 November 2007
Full Of Pride
I really am.
Watching our lil' Wong Mew Choo defeat former world champion and current #1 ranked woman's badminton player, at their own home was a feeling that I've not felt for so long.
The last time I cheered like crazy after a nail-biting sporting match was when Liverpool sent Chelsea out in the semifinals of the 2006 Champions League competition. I remember jumping the same way up and down when Dirk Kuyt put in the winner as I did when Mew Choo hit the winner.
She worked hard and patiently built her game. At times all hope was down as she trailed 2 - 12 in the second set and lost badly. I thought it might be one Chinese too far but I was glad she didn't agree.
Go on and make us prouder, WMC.
8 November 2007
Wind of Change
Ever go wake up in the morning and think, "Gosh, I need a change" ?
I'm quite the creature of routine and freedom (what a contradiction), meaning that I like to have the days and the week pass by without changing too much, in which that I then get to have lots of time to whatever I want. I'm simply one of those people who looks to have time to himself to do whatever he feels like doing, be it hibernate in bed, pick up a book, do gardening, learn a foreign language etc.
I could get upset if this freedom is somewhat blocked or taken away, but usually it's due to unavoidable circumstances such as work. Well, it's normally work. But that's beside the point.
Working like a bee during weekdays make it difficult to find time for oneself as I am one of those who needs lots of 'recovery time' ie. some quiet moments in the evening to cool down before it starts all over again in the next day.
Hence my unwillingness to fill up most of this time with itineraries that would take up too much time to travel, too much noise, too many people etc. I save all that for the weekends when there's more time.
Sometimes I wonder why do I look forward so much to this free time? I mean it's a normal thing to want time off after work but I am the happiest when I get the time to do what I want.
Still, sometimes I feel that this must change - I must want to do many things during this free time and yet not dread it when it ends. I mean the weekends do come as they are without fail unless the world ends before then, but the feeling of it ending is almost always that of looking forward to the next one.
I mean what's wrong with the weekdays?
I seriously don't know why.
I just want to go to sleep knowing that I have enjoyed the day, but the thought of tomorrow stays in the head always.
I have always - in fact, just an hour earlier to my friend's dad - told people to take things one day at a time. Nobody knows what will happen next.
Perhaps some change will be good. What sort? Let's just see.
I'm quite the creature of routine and freedom (what a contradiction), meaning that I like to have the days and the week pass by without changing too much, in which that I then get to have lots of time to whatever I want. I'm simply one of those people who looks to have time to himself to do whatever he feels like doing, be it hibernate in bed, pick up a book, do gardening, learn a foreign language etc.
I could get upset if this freedom is somewhat blocked or taken away, but usually it's due to unavoidable circumstances such as work. Well, it's normally work. But that's beside the point.
Working like a bee during weekdays make it difficult to find time for oneself as I am one of those who needs lots of 'recovery time' ie. some quiet moments in the evening to cool down before it starts all over again in the next day.
Hence my unwillingness to fill up most of this time with itineraries that would take up too much time to travel, too much noise, too many people etc. I save all that for the weekends when there's more time.
Sometimes I wonder why do I look forward so much to this free time? I mean it's a normal thing to want time off after work but I am the happiest when I get the time to do what I want.
Still, sometimes I feel that this must change - I must want to do many things during this free time and yet not dread it when it ends. I mean the weekends do come as they are without fail unless the world ends before then, but the feeling of it ending is almost always that of looking forward to the next one.
I mean what's wrong with the weekdays?
I seriously don't know why.
I just want to go to sleep knowing that I have enjoyed the day, but the thought of tomorrow stays in the head always.
I have always - in fact, just an hour earlier to my friend's dad - told people to take things one day at a time. Nobody knows what will happen next.
Perhaps some change will be good. What sort? Let's just see.
6 November 2007
Feeling Lighter
"You're thinner!".
I've heard that more often than not ever since I was discharged from the hospital in September for a mild attack of dengue. That six days from which I endured cold and hot fever, aching muscles and crappy food tastes saw me drop a whopping 9kg!
I didn't quite regain my appetite until about a month later and even that didn't quite restore me to my *akhem* normal weight.
I've just started on my new job at the HQ in a personnel transfer practice and had been eating less, not feeling much of an appetite during lunch and dinner.
That could be a good sign though - I should keep maintaining the habit of just eating enough and not too much to let it drop until a good level.
The problem though, all the flab from the skin ain't gonna disappear just like that.
Can't wait to do badminton again next year.
I've heard that more often than not ever since I was discharged from the hospital in September for a mild attack of dengue. That six days from which I endured cold and hot fever, aching muscles and crappy food tastes saw me drop a whopping 9kg!
I didn't quite regain my appetite until about a month later and even that didn't quite restore me to my *akhem* normal weight.
I've just started on my new job at the HQ in a personnel transfer practice and had been eating less, not feeling much of an appetite during lunch and dinner.
That could be a good sign though - I should keep maintaining the habit of just eating enough and not too much to let it drop until a good level.
The problem though, all the flab from the skin ain't gonna disappear just like that.
Can't wait to do badminton again next year.
1 November 2007
Battery Water
I was possibly too blurred to know better then, about two hours after I came home from starting my first day at the new office*, that I pumped RM40 worth of petrol at the Mobil station in SS14. In the process I bought a banana shortcake and a bottle of battery water.
It might not sound any weird or so, but the fact goes that the eagerness to go home must have overwhelmed me. Or the possibility that I was too tired from the journey to Cheras from Subang, to and fro?
Indeed, so much so until I actually forgotten that my car battery was maintenance-free.
Yeah.
* Transferred to the HQ and was on the first day at work. Met quite a lot of new people, especially some whom I have heard of but have never actually met during my stint at the subsidiary.
It might not sound any weird or so, but the fact goes that the eagerness to go home must have overwhelmed me. Or the possibility that I was too tired from the journey to Cheras from Subang, to and fro?
Indeed, so much so until I actually forgotten that my car battery was maintenance-free.
Yeah.
* Transferred to the HQ and was on the first day at work. Met quite a lot of new people, especially some whom I have heard of but have never actually met during my stint at the subsidiary.
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