Taiwan Vacation

I’ll be on the flight to Taiwan in 5 hour’s time and its the 1st proper vacation (as in crossing the sea and Singapore not counted hehe) in 2 years and i’m looking forward to it.

After watching so much about Taiwanese culture, its fairy tale sceneries and famous hawker food, i finally have the chance to see them, feel them and yes….taste them! I have even brought along my cholesterol control pills with me in case i over indulge myself…so i’m expecting my self to feast and fatten my self with no limit bound!

I also wonder if i have the chance to watch their stage play which they are famous for their articulate artistry and cultural feel. Sum it all…and i wait to hop into the plane and explore this mysterious cultured island of Taiwan…

Precious Lives

2 separate news caught my attention today. Palestenian protesting Mideast Peace talk and NFL rising star gunned down in a home invasion.

Its clear..the discolored back ground of sand and building merging together, dust kicked while thousands are marching and screaming slogans in unison…some burning effigies and flags of western leaders and middle eastern alike – Israel to be precise while the talk is held. Usually gun shots will be heard, weather its from the security forces or someone who wants to make a point and the injured carried by fellow protestors while some shown throwing stones and running helter skelter. Isn’t that what normally shown to the world? For the good or bad, I guess live will not be much different for the dissenter.

On the other hand, moarners lay flowers and offer tribute to the future megastar of NFL- a player they will miss watching at the Super Bowl series playing his best for his team and fans. His face will be flashed over and  over again over American television news, his high flying days and glory…from a highschool spot-on to one of the famous team he is playing today, interviews of his team mates, families and friends. I hope the perpetrator(s) will be caught and my condolence to his family.

World is changing fast so are the price tags on things. Over demand, under supply or mere market speculations- the things people rely on and thought as necessities are becoming more and more of a luxury- some nations afford to waste while some scramble for crumbs. Things are getting apparent..very apparent.

The scenario of the 2 societies are different but lives…are still precious. 

What is the value of friendship?

I always believe that being friends are suppose to be sincere because thats what we want our friends to treat us the same. I never believe in forcing or troubling my friends unless i’m absolutely desperate and run out of choices…sometimes bullets. What happened last week wasn’t something very pleasant but i’m not in the position to divulge the detail because its highly sensitive and it is out of what we can do…sometimes we have to admit we can only do so much.

Before we help anyone, we have to always evaluate the risk and look at our own capability wether we could help or not. In this particular case, i have to decline but i was accused of being “mo yi hei” (emm..to say translate it losely, not being a friend enough?) and i’m absolutely saddened with the remark. Here is a friend, a buddy whom we go out often and being accused like that is not something very nice to swallow. I would have done anything for him (legally) but not this one… not this time and he prefer to think i’m being selfish and not being friend enough rather to think what kind of risk i’m thinking and that i have to turn it down with a very heavy heart? Its disappointing…Big time!

I have consulted some close friends and non said i have acted selfishly and agreed that i shouldnt do it as the possible price to pay may be so high I would regret doing it in the first place later. Do i still call him a friend? Despite being hurt by his absolute unjust remark, i have to say..yes, he is still my friend. May be he will take a long time to “forgive” me for not helping out…but i hope he will not take as long as that to understand my reason for not helping. May be things between us will never be the same anymore…but this time, I would be making a big mistake for saying “yes”. I hope things will run smoothly for him nevertheless but if he would ask me..i will be telling him not to do it either. Its not worth the chance of doing it or he will regret the repurcussion and suffer the consequence….he has a choice too.     

The Begining of the End is The End

I have lost the touch of writting this blog for a while. May be its because of some unsettling emotions or depression or whatever that has been the stumbling block. Today, like everyday else i would and suppose to wake up later than most working people (cannot tell what time i’m waking up because its sinful and i may be stoned to death with the big word “Injustice” inscripted on my naked, bloodied chest…told you i was depressed)

Big nose, one of my partners in my animal cremation business called to ask me to handle this case because it involve 2 “lao wai” Aussie women as non of my partners speaks English. I reluctantly agreed because i do not want to be accused for not contributing to the business. Woke up at 8am and rushed to the animal hospital to take a look at the carcass and waited for the owner to come…”hmm…Jack Russell…no relation with Kurt Russell” was all stiffed when i got there apparently died of renal failure and the decay process is underway as the smell become “mildly” corrupting the air otherwise filled with the stronger smell of antiseptic. The owner and her companion came and and i led them to our cremation site, i bought some colourful chrysanthemum and the owner are pleased with my gesture as they decorated their beloved dog lying motionless in the cardbox comfortably and sadness filled the air. In between sobs, i have to break the ice with this one emm…phrase coming to mind..i dont remember where i read it or may be i made it up but i said to them..”Well, dog seems to have a guarenteed passage to heaven because there’s no such thing as evil dog…only naughty ones and your’s will definitely be in good hands in heaven” ahemm…the owner thank me for consoling them…if they were chinese, i would probably have said to the dead dog…”You have had a very good life with owner like that and hope you have lived up and repaid all your bad karma and when you start your new journey, make sure you walk to the light and be a good human being next life and not have to suffer on 4 legged again”.

After explaining how long it takes to cremate the dog to ashes and all, they decided to leave the site and i led them back to the city with routes they are familiar with. Sometimes i would love to think that out simple gesture or words can ease the pain for those who have lost their favourite pet but the truth is, when the pet dies it has also nipped a small part of their heart away. These 2 “lao wai” will be fine because they still have 3 other surviving dogs to care for but some may already decide never to own a pet anymore. Point is, death is imminent. As much as i hate it, like tax…it is something we can not avoid. So, the best way is to accept death graciously whether it is ourselves or our pets.

Right now…i’m waiting to accept the payment for the service rendered when my man send them back the ashes of their beloved pet. May God bless Jack’s soul….        

Born Loser

I was invited to play in a badminton competition today and i oblighed because i thought i badly needed some extra exercises other than my weekly games…after all, i dont place too much hope in playing in the final but that does not mean i’m not going to give my best. However, playing with a partner whom i have not played before competitively narrows the chances of going far but heck, who knows we may hit the jackpot.

The first game was smooth sailing as we faced a relatively easy competition cruising 21-9, 21-14 in 25 minutes. I was quite exhausted covering for my partner as he is well over 40 and i have been running all over the court. After more than an hour of wait while other matches are proceeding, we passed the 2nd acid test with another easy pair in round 2 hitting 21-12, 21-15 and waited another hour for the 3rd round. I have already expect stiffer competition as the competition progresses and are prepared for some fierce competition. True enough, the 3rd round pair are 2 hard smashing youngsters in their early 20’s who are both quick and skillful. 

3rd round however, was destined to lose even before playing. “this game sure lose wan lah…” snort my partner while my blood was boiling hearing his remark. How can he throw in the towel like that even before playing? Where is his sportmanship? Why is he passing such a demoral remark even before the game? I never like hanging around pessimist like that ever and he can be rest assured i will not be in contact with him after the game. I have been a sportsman throughout my secondary years and the game thought me to fight till the end no matter what. Thats what competition is all about. Although some said winning and losing is not important but when theres a competition, we should give in 100% and the best we could to win and compete even when we face competitors more superior than us. I apply the same principle in my work and life. This person gave me a very bad impression today and most of all, my respect for him because he let his partner down when it matters most.

We went down tamely in the first game 9-21 and all hope seems lost but i still push him a little and he gave me the same answer. I was never so hardworking before because in my weekly games, i usually get equal or better partners who covers for me but today i have to be the better one although my stamina seems to tell a different story. the 2nd game offers a faint glimpse of hope but still we went down 15-21. Its a very disappointing 3rd round not because we lost but for not going down fighting and virtually handing our opponents the victory in silver plater.

Anyway, its an opportunity for me to know another loser and thought me how to avoid playing with him again in future.    

   

Stupid, Stupid Fools

Stupid, stupid fools

Fighting a course that claims their own

A divine course that kills and burn and blast to the glory end

“Salvation it is” they thought they bring

Oh, how stupid, stupid fools they are.

 

Stupid, stupid fools

Killing it seems are their divine rights

A fight they thought would bring them matyrship

Oh they know not in hell they burnt for the depictable act

Oh such stupid, stupid fools they are.

 

Stupid, stupid fools

Is killing the only way to to draw the line?

The smells of blood to wake ones up

To a seemingless endless nightmare of hardship

The work of stupid, stupid fools….?

 

Stupid, stupid fools

When will they open their eyes and willing to see?

the lives taken by them stemed from their evilness

that they are not heeding God

To realise that they are stupid, stupid fools?

 

Under the Eyes of Generals

 

When i read in disbelief about the military oppression in Myanmar, it sounded surreal that while many of us have approached the 21st century unfortunately, some have not. Its like one of those B-grade movies where you have squads of out-cast military men in green uniforms running over villages and monastries killing anyone and dogs in ther path and burning down any infrastructure which deem eye-sore to them…lower ranking soldiers smoking self rolled cigarettes, some chewing raw tobacco and holding their AK47 with pride herding villagers like pigs. Though it wasn’t exactly what depicted in those low-class movies but the chaos in Myanmar now are enough to raise serious question of basic human rights.   

 Democracy originated from ancient Greeks with the word demos– the people and krate meaning to rule, so the basic definition of democrasy is rule by the people. Although many have been preaching democracy hypocritically but it has somehow proven as system to govern effectively practised by many countries around the world. Opposition are allowed to dessent appropriately because it is the right for every citizen to have a voice unless they have cross the line to contempt or incite hatred then they will be dealt by the law drawn in the constitution. Like children, we can discipline them and be unreasonable but children can think too. May be they are not old enough to rebel but when they can, they will cease the chance and be disobedient. The military junta has a long history of practising oppression and force and the generals will obviously not going to give up their godly given powers easily…and that is the cause of concern for the people of Myanmar. Many have protest around the world to the brutal crackdown of the military but will the present military government give a damn? I guess not. The United Nation envoy’s presence will be in vain and as a Swedish diplomat puts it plainly- “the peaceful uprising has failed”. How can a nation develope under arms rule where the people have to sit when they say sit and stand when they say stand? When the movement of its own citizen are restricted like a child, dissentment are expected.

The brave monks have intiated the protest because they believe in truth and righteousness and now are paying a heavy price. Some are reportedly executed and thrown in the jungle while many are detained and defrocked to humuliate them for having the courage to uprise against the rule of the powerful generals. Peaceful demonstrators are clubbed and shot at by the army troops and some are killed including the famed japanese photographer, Kenji Nagai with camera still clutching in his hand. The new Japanese Prime Minister is right when he said sanctions is not appropriate now plainly because it made no difference to the junta and people. The cause of uprising is because of the sudden surge of prices over utilities and consuming goods and the long regression that the people have endured. With the little they make to barely survive and simple things becoming a luxuries, these folks are forced to stand up against the brutal regime although  they know the price to pay, may be their lives.

 No one can help Myanmar except for the people and the mighty generals to come to their conscience that ruling the country by bullets will only fill the fields with more dead bodies. A civilise nation need a civilise government to lead not feared. Although Myanmar can not be likens to the evil of Khmer Rougue that kills millions in their quest to rule the country and that their ideology are very much different but the relevance is between military and civilians. Pol Pot was the head of all evils when he is strong and mighty but died a disgraceful death when he is old and weak. The military should be respected instead of being feared, as the protector of the country and the people. We hope and pray that the military for once will listen to the rational and pleas of its people, for the good of their nation and people. For the advancement and be a part of the growing development of ASEAN. 

If…it is that simple…  

mending fences

Someone plucked the courage to call and it made a huge difference. I thought i have lost a very wonderful, special  friend due to some misunderstanding and my stupid ego but i’m glad that she called….i really do.    

Goofing Golfing

Tried something i wanted to do for a long time yesterday with Fai who owns 2 sets of golf clubs. We were doing swings at the driving range not very far from where i work and i have never imagine golf to be this tough. Before the game, Fai already warned me swinging the club for beginners can be tiring but i dont believe him…look at Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose (nevermind Tiger Woods- he is already a legend)…they can swing 500balls with one hand holding a tuna sandwish and the other a glass of martinee. That makes both hands…ahehe.  Ok, just the tuna sandwish.

  I have not plan to invest in a golf set yet and i got a free glove from my dear friend, Jade…so all i’m paying now are the balls. Being a right hander means while grabbing the club my left hand has to be straight at all times while my eyes focus on the golf ball. With legs slightly stretched, i lifted my left and swung real hard…20 balls and 5 cigarettes later…i found out that golf is acually hazardous to health. See..if i have to complete the 100 balls i bought, i would have smoked a pack…so i gave up for the day by the time i hit 50. Everyone else including Fai are canoning their clubs at ease..mine just poop over the edge and i kinda worry it may hit someone down there as i was swinging at the second tier of the building.

Anyway, i’m not giving it up after just one try and i’ll still join Fai for more swings. Afterall, i still have 150balls in my card but i think if i can get hold of the basic of swinging, i will love the game. Afterall, its an addicted game for tens of millions world wide and a very small fraction becomes billionaire capitalising it be it golfer, green designer or golf club owner. I dont dream so much…just preparing myself for old age entertainment and not hog the green with my imcompetency when i get to golf with my old friends.

Quote Golf’un… 

In my hand I hold a ball,
White and dimpled, rather small
Oh, how bland it does appear,
This harmless looking little sphere.

By its size I could not guess
The awesome strength it does possess;
But since I fell beneath its spell
I’ve wandered through the fires of Hell.

My life has not been quite the same
Since I chose to play this game.
It rules my mind for hours on end.
A fortune it has made me spend.

It has made me curse and cry.
I hate myself and want to die.
It promises a thing called “par”.
If I can hit it straight and far.

To master such a tiny ball
Should not be very hard at all.
But my desires the ball refuses
And does exactly as it choses.

It hooks and slices..dribbles..dies
Or disappears before my eyes
Often it will have a whim
To hit a tree or take a swim.

With miles of grass on which to land
It finds a tiny patch of sand.
Then has me offering up my soul
If it will just drop in the hole.

It’s made me whimper like a pup,
And swear that I will give it up
And take a drink to ease my sorrow.
But “The Ball” knows… I’ll be back…tomorrow.

     

Tears in Heavan

 

The sound of children running out front, screaming, chasing each other and in some cases, crying for their mummy alledgely being bullied by the fatty boy next door are all stories of the yesteryears.

From snatch thieves to day light robbery and to the latest case which again saddens the whole nation- Nurin Jazlin Jazinin’s death brings condemnation to the killer. An 8 year old, abducted, sexually abused before she was killed after being confined for a month sickens anyone to the core. What of animal is this? Who would do anything like this to an adorable 8 year old girl? Some said do not distort the name of animal because even animals don’t do that. There are just not enough vocabulary to condemn this senseless living being. While the nation cried with the family who have lost this child of theirs, the police are contemplating of charging the parents for negligent. Some cried fouled that the police are being insensitive, some accused the parents for not looking after their child but the fact is this is no longer the safe place we know and live in anymore.  

I remember my mum would leave the front gate open while allowing me to run around playing football, kunci-kuntak or flying kites with friends in the neighbourhood when i was around 7-9. In fact, its a weekend routine where all the houses with kids would allow their children to join the fun while the mothers will cook in the kitchen with a peace of mind. We would ride the bicycle, climb trees, jumping into drains to play hide n seek or play picture cards and mum will yell for me around 7 o’clock when the sky gets dark and when dinner is ready. I’ll scramble in straight to the bathroom with dirty feet and all and get scolded for being such a dirty pig. Some parents will even come out with cane to shoo their children back to the house as some would refuse obey…all with the gate open wide. Can we do that today? The maid of my friend was merely taking out the rubbish to the dump next to the house and was approached by 2 parang wielding men. After a short commotion, my friend who is at the shower at that time, clad in a tower went straight out to investigate. Before he knew it, he was attacked and slashed while he blocked the blow without warning. The 8 stitches nevermind the money and jewelleries gone made him buy more locks and CCTV installed at the front gate of his house.

Some said the crime level is not what some quarters have ”exaggerated” and that the country is still very much peaceful and safe. They just dont get it don’t they? I’m not talking about a cowboy town where you see lawlessness everywhere…but crimes happening around for the past decades are enough to put the residence into their shell. Will i open my gate wide-wide and let my children play out like what my mother used to do to her children? NO. I’ll either get robbed or lose our children to some sick sex maniac and being accused for negligence. No one wants to take that chance when the possibilities are there.

Is this the price to pay for development? New housing concept these days are all about gated community, free burglar alarm and surveillance systems. When will we be able to walk around without having security guards and cameras wactching over us? When will we get to park our cars with the key in the ignition without anyone driving away with it? What is wrong with these people who commits crimes???

Tears will not dry for a long time for little Nurin’s parents and those who loved her and we can only pray that justice be served and the sick animal hanged. For now, Nurin is safe in the hand of her God while people like us who have young children and wives continue to worry of their safety everyday.