How do you define a masterpiece? By the test of time of course!
I remember watching Tempting Heart by Sylvia Chang when it first came out in 1999. I just loved every minute of it, although I can't really put in words why. I just like the feeling it gave me.
Fast forward to 2012, 13 years later, I watched it again and wow, the same feeling came back and like good old friend, how amazing. The only thing I can think of doing is giving Sylvia Chang a BIG hug if we ever meet in person :)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Smoking football buddies
Wayne: Yo Div, hand me a stick will ya
Div: I'm out mate, but I've called Zizou to get me a pack on his way here
Wayne: Hell no! You trust that bugger? He might finish your pack by the time he gets here!
Div: Then I better call him to buy one more
Wayne: Look, here comes the legendary Johann Cruyff, I'm sure he has a least 2 packs on him
Div: I'm out mate, but I've called Zizou to get me a pack on his way here
Wayne: Hell no! You trust that bugger? He might finish your pack by the time he gets here!
Div: Then I better call him to buy one more
Wayne: Look, here comes the legendary Johann Cruyff, I'm sure he has a least 2 packs on him
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The people vs politicians
Politicians go to an event in grand cars, activists either walk, take public transport or carpool. Who do you think is in it for real?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Accidental heroes?
It really baffles me why the government seems to be stepping on the people's toes at every single opporunity given. The latest Jalan Sultan issue is another no-brainer for most Malaysians, why on earth do you want to tear down another piece of history in the heart of the city? Not too long ago it was the Pudu prison and after that they even threaten the Dataran Merdeka, all in exchange for some multi-storey complexes. Tak cukup ke?
It is such a shame to know that some parties are happy to make some quick buck rather than preserve what can't be bought with any amount of money. It is evident that they just don't share the same interest as the rakyat, so how do we expect them to 'serve' us? In the name of progress, that's what they say. It seems that to them, the higher the buildings the better we are as a country, the more developed la konon. Well that's true, to a certain extend. But what is apparent here is what they are doing is just inflating their own egos, and their pockets, of course. Sambil menyelam minum air. Gulp.
The saddest part is they think the rakyat will just sit there and buy all the bullshit they lay out. In the name of unity la, progression la, bla bla bla. It seems that the more they utter, the more they upset the rakyat. Sometimes I wonder what kind of advisors they have to write their speeches, sure enough they are not smart enough to write their own. And the fact that they don't realise the speeches are bad, and are shooting themselves in the foot, just notches up the ignorance meter, which is already pushing the threshold. Maybe, just maybe, the advisors are the real heroes in this chapter of the country, if you catch my drift.
It is such a shame to know that some parties are happy to make some quick buck rather than preserve what can't be bought with any amount of money. It is evident that they just don't share the same interest as the rakyat, so how do we expect them to 'serve' us? In the name of progress, that's what they say. It seems that to them, the higher the buildings the better we are as a country, the more developed la konon. Well that's true, to a certain extend. But what is apparent here is what they are doing is just inflating their own egos, and their pockets, of course. Sambil menyelam minum air. Gulp.
The saddest part is they think the rakyat will just sit there and buy all the bullshit they lay out. In the name of unity la, progression la, bla bla bla. It seems that the more they utter, the more they upset the rakyat. Sometimes I wonder what kind of advisors they have to write their speeches, sure enough they are not smart enough to write their own. And the fact that they don't realise the speeches are bad, and are shooting themselves in the foot, just notches up the ignorance meter, which is already pushing the threshold. Maybe, just maybe, the advisors are the real heroes in this chapter of the country, if you catch my drift.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The old lady
5 years ago, Nurse Jackson who works at the home was walking an elderly woman in the garden. The old lady must have easily been 90 years old. She couldn't even move much, but her eyes were always bright. In fact, she used her eyes to communicate with the people around her mostly. In her bed, she glanced over to the wheelchair, and got to the garden, because Nurse Jackson understood her.
The old lady is Nurse Jackson's favourite at the home. She seemed to have a special gift. She could feel if someone is unhappy, then signal to Nurse Jackson to wheel her to that person, and just sat next to him/her. There would be no contact at all, be it physical or verbal. But after 10 minutes or so, that unhappy person would somehow managed a smile.
At the garden, the lady signaled to Nurse Jackson to park her under a tree. At the roots of the tree, Nurse Jackson saw a dying kitten the size of her palm. It was barely breathing. In fact Nurse Jackson thought it had died for some time before touching it to make sure. She looked at the old lady, who took a long look at the kitten. The old lady signaled to Nurse Jackson to place the kitten on her lap. She then signaled to Nurse Jackson to leave. Nurse Jackson hesitated for a while. The lady's eyes convinced her that she would be okay.
Nurse Jackson returned to the old lady after 5 minutes. She found the old lady has passed on. She didn't panic at all. She checked the old lady's pulse and noted the time of death. She somehow knew it would happen, when the old lady asked her to leave her. She knew that the old lady also would have prepared herself. Somehow she just knew. And there was nothing she could do, even if she wanted to. Suddenly she heard a very soft purr. She looked at the kitten on the old lady's lap, and it slowly moved its head. meow.
'Goodbye Mrs. Oscar...', Nurse Jackson whispered in the old lady's ear.
The old lady is Nurse Jackson's favourite at the home. She seemed to have a special gift. She could feel if someone is unhappy, then signal to Nurse Jackson to wheel her to that person, and just sat next to him/her. There would be no contact at all, be it physical or verbal. But after 10 minutes or so, that unhappy person would somehow managed a smile.
At the garden, the lady signaled to Nurse Jackson to park her under a tree. At the roots of the tree, Nurse Jackson saw a dying kitten the size of her palm. It was barely breathing. In fact Nurse Jackson thought it had died for some time before touching it to make sure. She looked at the old lady, who took a long look at the kitten. The old lady signaled to Nurse Jackson to place the kitten on her lap. She then signaled to Nurse Jackson to leave. Nurse Jackson hesitated for a while. The lady's eyes convinced her that she would be okay.
Nurse Jackson returned to the old lady after 5 minutes. She found the old lady has passed on. She didn't panic at all. She checked the old lady's pulse and noted the time of death. She somehow knew it would happen, when the old lady asked her to leave her. She knew that the old lady also would have prepared herself. Somehow she just knew. And there was nothing she could do, even if she wanted to. Suddenly she heard a very soft purr. She looked at the kitten on the old lady's lap, and it slowly moved its head. meow.
'Goodbye Mrs. Oscar...', Nurse Jackson whispered in the old lady's ear.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Oscar can tell
It's 1139pm. As usual, the corridor of the home is empty and silent. All the doors of the wards are closed. In paces Oscar. He sniffs the bottom of the door of ward 24, then makes its way to 25. A quick sniff and he's off to the next ward. Nurse Jackson is quietly observing from the corner of the corridor. She is calm and alert at the same time. She has a small walkie talkie in her right grip, ready for action. Oscar has a small golden bell attached to its collar, making it easier for the her to track him.
Oscar takes a longer time sniffing at ward 29. He turns and look around, as if looking for Nurse Jackson. He spots her in a distance, and turns to face the ward again. He purrs and scratches the door gently. Nurse Jackson takes a deep breath and hurries to ward 29.
From outside the ward, Nurse Jackson could see Mr. Toole, a 79-year-old widow who has been at the home for more than 10 years, sleeping soundly. She looks down at Oscar, who looks back at her and purrs again. Nurse Jackson gently opens the door and Oscar hurries inside. He paces around Mr. Toole's bed and sniffs thoroughly, alternating between the bed posts and the air. Nurse Jackson rises the walkie talkie to her mouth, ready to push the button, but she needs to be very sure. She nears Mr. Toole's bed and takes the health chart from the bed frame. She studies it for a while. She turns and look for Oscar.
Oscar is walking slowly around the bed, and finally stops and curls up underneath it. This is a signal for Nurse Jackson. She quickly pushes the button on the walkie talkie and speaks into it.
'Come in Miranda. It's Mr. Toole at ward 29. Call his family now!'
'Copy that!'
It's 1223am. Oscar leaves ward 29 and paces down the corridor. Nurse Jackson steps out of the ward and follows the ring of Oscar's bell. She hopes Oscar would not stop at any ward again, at least for the night.
Oscar takes a longer time sniffing at ward 29. He turns and look around, as if looking for Nurse Jackson. He spots her in a distance, and turns to face the ward again. He purrs and scratches the door gently. Nurse Jackson takes a deep breath and hurries to ward 29.
From outside the ward, Nurse Jackson could see Mr. Toole, a 79-year-old widow who has been at the home for more than 10 years, sleeping soundly. She looks down at Oscar, who looks back at her and purrs again. Nurse Jackson gently opens the door and Oscar hurries inside. He paces around Mr. Toole's bed and sniffs thoroughly, alternating between the bed posts and the air. Nurse Jackson rises the walkie talkie to her mouth, ready to push the button, but she needs to be very sure. She nears Mr. Toole's bed and takes the health chart from the bed frame. She studies it for a while. She turns and look for Oscar.
Oscar is walking slowly around the bed, and finally stops and curls up underneath it. This is a signal for Nurse Jackson. She quickly pushes the button on the walkie talkie and speaks into it.
'Come in Miranda. It's Mr. Toole at ward 29. Call his family now!'
'Copy that!'
It's 1223am. Oscar leaves ward 29 and paces down the corridor. Nurse Jackson steps out of the ward and follows the ring of Oscar's bell. She hopes Oscar would not stop at any ward again, at least for the night.
Friday, January 27, 2012
First of Spring
Checking into the office for the first time in the new year,
Turning on lights, modem, fax and computer,
May the light shines brightly throughout the year,
Guiding us with awareness, keeping our conscious clear
Turning on lights, modem, fax and computer,
May the light shines brightly throughout the year,
Guiding us with awareness, keeping our conscious clear
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Entourage
So Entourage has come to an end at season 8.
I breezed through season 5,6 and 7 in one go last year over a few days and loved the experience. But coming to season 8, knowing it will be the last, I really savor the episodes. I limited myself to only a maximum of 2 episodes a day, still, it was way too fast to reach the end. But the way they ended it was smart, leaving an open ending after the credits roll. Maybe this is how the movie will open.
Fav character : Ari Gold, though hated him in the beginning, but he really grows on you, testimony of a good character development in script.
Fav episode : The one where Vince was struggling to get a gig and got turned down by Gus Van Sant or something, then got a call from Martin Scorsese in the end. Miracles.
Fav line : 'Lloyd!'
Fav chick : Sloan
Fav cameo : Bob Saget , Martin Landau
Least fav character : Scott (Johny Bravo lookalike)
Why I dig it : The never-ending cameo surprises and the dialogues
...and a cool theme song!
I breezed through season 5,6 and 7 in one go last year over a few days and loved the experience. But coming to season 8, knowing it will be the last, I really savor the episodes. I limited myself to only a maximum of 2 episodes a day, still, it was way too fast to reach the end. But the way they ended it was smart, leaving an open ending after the credits roll. Maybe this is how the movie will open.
Fav character : Ari Gold, though hated him in the beginning, but he really grows on you, testimony of a good character development in script.
Fav episode : The one where Vince was struggling to get a gig and got turned down by Gus Van Sant or something, then got a call from Martin Scorsese in the end. Miracles.
Fav line : 'Lloyd!'
Fav chick : Sloan
Fav cameo : Bob Saget , Martin Landau
Least fav character : Scott (Johny Bravo lookalike)
Why I dig it : The never-ending cameo surprises and the dialogues
...and a cool theme song!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Back Soon
You know you have moved on to another stage of life when you rather spend more time with family whenever you are back home. I can still remember vividly how my friends and I used to meet up immediately after reunion dinner. We would usually gamble or hang out till almost dawn. Sometimes we even had breakfast before going back to sleep. When we wake up after few hours of sleep, we would meet up again for drinks or another session. Then we'd head back home for dinner, and meet up again after that. Basically we were seeing each other more than our families.
But in the recent years the pattern seemed to have changed drastically. I for one, would rather sit at home and do nothing (something I used to complain a lot about), just to spend time with the family. Perhaps we have more topics to talk about now, somehow. Yes I think 'old' is the word here. But there is also an alternative word, 'mature' I can use here, haha. Maybe mortality has crept into my mind slowly over the years, and we have to make use of what is left prudently.
So if there's any parent out there somehow reading this, don't be upset if your children seem to be rebellious or not wanting to stay home much. It's just a phase. They will be home soon enough.
But in the recent years the pattern seemed to have changed drastically. I for one, would rather sit at home and do nothing (something I used to complain a lot about), just to spend time with the family. Perhaps we have more topics to talk about now, somehow. Yes I think 'old' is the word here. But there is also an alternative word, 'mature' I can use here, haha. Maybe mortality has crept into my mind slowly over the years, and we have to make use of what is left prudently.
So if there's any parent out there somehow reading this, don't be upset if your children seem to be rebellious or not wanting to stay home much. It's just a phase. They will be home soon enough.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Bitter coffee
She is sitting at their favourite spot in the cafe. It has been 2 months since she last went. She didn't want to bump into him there, and after some rational argument with herself she is sure he would never go there again. It was her that brought him there, therefore she has the rights to the place first.
She just had her second cup of coffee. The 'coffee of the day' is Sumatera. It's bitter even for a coffee lover like her. Usually she would put enough sugar to nullify the bitter taste. But somehow today she feels she deserves it. She is drinking it black. With every sip of the bitter coffee she reminds herself not fall for sweet talks anymore.
She just had her second cup of coffee. The 'coffee of the day' is Sumatera. It's bitter even for a coffee lover like her. Usually she would put enough sugar to nullify the bitter taste. But somehow today she feels she deserves it. She is drinking it black. With every sip of the bitter coffee she reminds herself not fall for sweet talks anymore.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The magic of music
Just reached home. I left KL around 8pm, and now is 140am. So it was like a 5-hour journey this time, as opposed to 6 hours 2-3 years ago. Mind you, a trip from Kl to Ipoh takes only about 2 hours max during non holidays. I spent like 1.5 hours just to reach Batang Berjuntai, which was really ridiculous. Then I exited the highway and followed the trunk road. It was much better. At least I can stop for breaks whenever I want to, and the traffic was really not that bad.
To most people, caught in the annual CNY jam is like the worst thing that could happen to them. I on the other hand, kind of look forward to it. It gives me the perfect time to listen to my collection of songs which I often neglected when I'm in KL, cause I always listen to the radio. I had a great time picking the songs for this trip, a CD pouch and 8Gb worth of music! I actually drove slower than the other drivers so that I could listen for a longer time.
It never fails to amaze me how music brings you back in time. Every single song brings back a specific memory, be it location, people you were with, movies you watched, anything. One song brought tears to my eyes, cause I remembered the scene of the movie when the song was played. It's a very sad Eason Chan song. It was a scene at the wake of the main actor (Eason). His brother/best friend read his eulogy and he told a story of how a man was hanging onto his friend's arm at the cliff. He realised the friend won't be able to pull him up and was losing strength fast. So as he was about to fall to his death, he made a silly face to his friend. He didn't want the friend to have a sad last memory of him, so he tried to make his friend smile.
His brother/friend then ask everyone to make a silly face to Eason (in the coffin) as they pay their last respect. The lyrics of the song says something like 'If everyone feels like crying, tell a joke instead, to remember me'. I know it's lame but the scene really worked with the song. And every time I hear the first note of the song, it will just transport me back to that scene. I love it!
To most people, caught in the annual CNY jam is like the worst thing that could happen to them. I on the other hand, kind of look forward to it. It gives me the perfect time to listen to my collection of songs which I often neglected when I'm in KL, cause I always listen to the radio. I had a great time picking the songs for this trip, a CD pouch and 8Gb worth of music! I actually drove slower than the other drivers so that I could listen for a longer time.
It never fails to amaze me how music brings you back in time. Every single song brings back a specific memory, be it location, people you were with, movies you watched, anything. One song brought tears to my eyes, cause I remembered the scene of the movie when the song was played. It's a very sad Eason Chan song. It was a scene at the wake of the main actor (Eason). His brother/best friend read his eulogy and he told a story of how a man was hanging onto his friend's arm at the cliff. He realised the friend won't be able to pull him up and was losing strength fast. So as he was about to fall to his death, he made a silly face to his friend. He didn't want the friend to have a sad last memory of him, so he tried to make his friend smile.
His brother/friend then ask everyone to make a silly face to Eason (in the coffin) as they pay their last respect. The lyrics of the song says something like 'If everyone feels like crying, tell a joke instead, to remember me'. I know it's lame but the scene really worked with the song. And every time I hear the first note of the song, it will just transport me back to that scene. I love it!
Friday, January 20, 2012
My first ride
I think I was around 5 or 6, when my dad said he was going to buy me a bicycle. All of my brothers had their own bicycles, so I was naturally excited of the prospect of getting one for myself. We took a trishaw and headed towards old town. The bicycle shop was located on the right of the main road, a few shop lots away from the junction that turns to my school.
As we reached the shop, I jumped down of the trishaw and headed straight for the row of bicycles my size. There weren't too many choices, and I eventually picked the one with red and yellow sticker. Part of the reason I picked that particular one was because it came with those small supporting wheels attached to the rear tyre. I didn't know to ride a bicycle, so it was just natural to picked that one. My dad asked if I wanted that one, and I nodded. He asked for the boss. I took the opportunity to check out the other bicycles as my dad negotiated the price.
When I returned to my dad, I saw the boss holding a spanner and loosening the screws of the supporting wheels. My heart raced, and asked my dad what is the boss doing. He confirmed my fear when he said the boss is removing the supporting wheels. I asked why. He told me if I really want to ride the bicycle, I should learn it the right way.
On the way back home, with my new bicycle resting on the foot rest of the trishaw, my initial joy had turned into anxiety. Why is life so unfair? Why other kids get to learn to ride with the supporting wheels?
My mom and brothers were excited to see us return with the new bicycle. My brothers offered to teach me, but I was so scared I just went to sit down. After some reassurance form my mom, I decided to give it a try. My brother held the handle and asked me to paddle. As I was gaining speed, he let go of the handle and I fell on my side straightaway, hurting my knees. They laughed and says it is normal to fall. I hated them at that moment. I cried. My mom came to help me up and rubbed my knees. She too said it is normal to fall.
That evening was really an intensive training for me. My brothers took turns to teach me, with my mom and dad watching by the side. The next day I was able to ride by myself and soon after was doing all sorts of daredevil stunts. That red and yellow bicycle became my best friend for a long time, and new frontiers were discovered almost by the day. I am so glad my dad asked the boss to remove the supporting wheels the other day.
As we reached the shop, I jumped down of the trishaw and headed straight for the row of bicycles my size. There weren't too many choices, and I eventually picked the one with red and yellow sticker. Part of the reason I picked that particular one was because it came with those small supporting wheels attached to the rear tyre. I didn't know to ride a bicycle, so it was just natural to picked that one. My dad asked if I wanted that one, and I nodded. He asked for the boss. I took the opportunity to check out the other bicycles as my dad negotiated the price.
When I returned to my dad, I saw the boss holding a spanner and loosening the screws of the supporting wheels. My heart raced, and asked my dad what is the boss doing. He confirmed my fear when he said the boss is removing the supporting wheels. I asked why. He told me if I really want to ride the bicycle, I should learn it the right way.
On the way back home, with my new bicycle resting on the foot rest of the trishaw, my initial joy had turned into anxiety. Why is life so unfair? Why other kids get to learn to ride with the supporting wheels?
My mom and brothers were excited to see us return with the new bicycle. My brothers offered to teach me, but I was so scared I just went to sit down. After some reassurance form my mom, I decided to give it a try. My brother held the handle and asked me to paddle. As I was gaining speed, he let go of the handle and I fell on my side straightaway, hurting my knees. They laughed and says it is normal to fall. I hated them at that moment. I cried. My mom came to help me up and rubbed my knees. She too said it is normal to fall.
That evening was really an intensive training for me. My brothers took turns to teach me, with my mom and dad watching by the side. The next day I was able to ride by myself and soon after was doing all sorts of daredevil stunts. That red and yellow bicycle became my best friend for a long time, and new frontiers were discovered almost by the day. I am so glad my dad asked the boss to remove the supporting wheels the other day.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Sewage diver in India
Job Description : Unclog sewage lines under the city
Method : Stuff ears, nose and mouth with strong filtration material. Wear goggles to protect eyes. Cover full body with tar to prevent infection and protect skin. Men lower down diver from manhole into sewage line. Diver swims and detect clogged parts and unclog them in sea of waste. Make way back to the manhole. Men help diver up, hose him down with water.
Remuneration : A plate of rice and a cup of tea
Method : Stuff ears, nose and mouth with strong filtration material. Wear goggles to protect eyes. Cover full body with tar to prevent infection and protect skin. Men lower down diver from manhole into sewage line. Diver swims and detect clogged parts and unclog them in sea of waste. Make way back to the manhole. Men help diver up, hose him down with water.
Remuneration : A plate of rice and a cup of tea
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Cheeky Sam
The night was over when she said to him, 'Please, for the love of God, stop following me!'
In the most natural way he answered. ' It is for the love of God that I HAVE to follow you! I can't just leave you here alone.' But she just walked away, didn't even bother to turn and look at him,
That was 3 years ago. Now, for most of the time, he pretends that he is alright, especially if he's with company. When he's alone, he would let himself drift back to the memories he had with her, although they had only been together for 3 months. All the movies and pop corns they shared, the coffee sessions at their favourite cafe, and all their sweet moments together. But what good does it do? Nothing.
One day, he decides to go their favourite cafe and asked for the same drink whenever they went there. He was hoping to catch some of the familiar faces who worked there for old times sake. But it is all different now. They even changed the name of the cafe, probably changed management too. A young waitress came to take his order, 'Sir what can I get you today?'
'What about a new start over?'
'Sir, that is our special today. Whenever you want it.'
For the first time in 3 years, he smiles a smile that he really means.
In the most natural way he answered. ' It is for the love of God that I HAVE to follow you! I can't just leave you here alone.' But she just walked away, didn't even bother to turn and look at him,
That was 3 years ago. Now, for most of the time, he pretends that he is alright, especially if he's with company. When he's alone, he would let himself drift back to the memories he had with her, although they had only been together for 3 months. All the movies and pop corns they shared, the coffee sessions at their favourite cafe, and all their sweet moments together. But what good does it do? Nothing.
One day, he decides to go their favourite cafe and asked for the same drink whenever they went there. He was hoping to catch some of the familiar faces who worked there for old times sake. But it is all different now. They even changed the name of the cafe, probably changed management too. A young waitress came to take his order, 'Sir what can I get you today?'
'What about a new start over?'
'Sir, that is our special today. Whenever you want it.'
For the first time in 3 years, he smiles a smile that he really means.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Incident at the queue
S:Sir, I think you should step aside from the line.
M: Why? What did I do?
S: Sir, can you just please cooperate Sir? Let's not make a scene here. Would you please step aside and let the others proceed?
M: No, not if you don't tell me what is this about.
S: Sir, I am going to say this one more time, can you please step out of the line?
M: I am going to say this one last time! Tell me what this is about or let me through. You're wasting my time, I'm going to be late for the boarding!
S: Sir, I'm sorry to inform you this, but there won't be any boarding for you I'm afraid.
M: What? What do you mean? This is my boarding pass.
S: Sir please, kindly step out of the line.
M: Not until you tell me why!
Granny at the back of M: This is going nowhere...
M: Why? What did I do?
S: Sir, can you just please cooperate Sir? Let's not make a scene here. Would you please step aside and let the others proceed?
M: No, not if you don't tell me what is this about.
S: Sir, I am going to say this one more time, can you please step out of the line?
M: I am going to say this one last time! Tell me what this is about or let me through. You're wasting my time, I'm going to be late for the boarding!
S: Sir, I'm sorry to inform you this, but there won't be any boarding for you I'm afraid.
M: What? What do you mean? This is my boarding pass.
S: Sir please, kindly step out of the line.
M: Not until you tell me why!
Granny at the back of M: This is going nowhere...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Stay calm, very calm
Ram waits patiently in the humid room, the fan is spinning slowly on the ceiling. He thought of setting the fan to a higher speed, but couldn't locate the switch from where he is sitting. Helping yourself to stuffs like that may not look good if the interviewer walks in on him too, he thinks to himself. What gives you the rights to change my fan speed? You think you own this place?
He feels he is beginning to sweat now. Maybe it was a bad idea to go the gym before the interview after all, hyping his system up now. He searches his pockets for his hankie. Damn, must have left it in the other trousers. He looks around for the tissue box. There must be one somewhere in the room, how can anyone not have tissue boxes in this day and age, he thinks to himself, just as a drop of his sweat drips from his forehead. He wipes it off with his hands, then wipes his hands on the back on his trousers.
Stay calm. Do not move too much. Lower the metabolism, and you'll feel cooler. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. All he is hearing now is the beat of his heart starting to slow down, and the ceiling fan in the background. He has always been good at focusing, so since there is nothing much for him to do, he decides to see if he can zone out the fan's sound. His heart is beating slower but louder now, in between the beats he could hear his own breathing. Slow and steady. Within a few minutes, all he could hear is his own breathing, follow by the faint beating of his heart. It's working! Damn I am good! Let's see how far I can go.
The ceiling fan comes to a halt. The forensic team and the police have left the room. The janitor picks up the fallen chair and pushes it against the table. He wipes the chair for a bit, pushes his cleaning cart out of the room, switches off the lights and closes the door behind him.
He feels he is beginning to sweat now. Maybe it was a bad idea to go the gym before the interview after all, hyping his system up now. He searches his pockets for his hankie. Damn, must have left it in the other trousers. He looks around for the tissue box. There must be one somewhere in the room, how can anyone not have tissue boxes in this day and age, he thinks to himself, just as a drop of his sweat drips from his forehead. He wipes it off with his hands, then wipes his hands on the back on his trousers.
Stay calm. Do not move too much. Lower the metabolism, and you'll feel cooler. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. All he is hearing now is the beat of his heart starting to slow down, and the ceiling fan in the background. He has always been good at focusing, so since there is nothing much for him to do, he decides to see if he can zone out the fan's sound. His heart is beating slower but louder now, in between the beats he could hear his own breathing. Slow and steady. Within a few minutes, all he could hear is his own breathing, follow by the faint beating of his heart. It's working! Damn I am good! Let's see how far I can go.
The ceiling fan comes to a halt. The forensic team and the police have left the room. The janitor picks up the fallen chair and pushes it against the table. He wipes the chair for a bit, pushes his cleaning cart out of the room, switches off the lights and closes the door behind him.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Nothing is pure anymore but solitude
He is sitting at the regular bench at the hilly side of the park. He takes one last puff of his ciggy, breathes it in real hard, and exhales slowly. He likes to watch how the smoke form different shapes as they vanish into the air, especially when it's a ring. He rubs the ciggy butt onto the ground, and takes out his phone. Nothing. He is still waiting for her. He is not going to message or call her again. He goes to his playlist and un-pauses the song on loop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PvSbj22ZQY (continue reading as the song plays)
This must be the 29th or 32nd time he is listening to this song today . He likes the slow build up. He can start his thinking process from the top again. Although each time it doesn't lead to any new breakthrough, he can be quite a stubborn guy. His thoughts wander to her status yesterday. 'So she has finally acknowledge me!' The simple 5 words had garnered 35 'like's before he saw it. He was puzzled. What does she mean? Who is 'she'?
He then points his mouse to the chat box and opens it up. She is not online. Then he picks up his phone and texts her. 'Hey, wanna meet up later today?', he keeps it simple. He puts the phone down, and feels an odd sensation in his tummy. He is not feeling alright.
Following that text message, he rereads all her postings that night, looking for clues. Although not officially together, he feels he has the rights to know everything about her, especially if something that is threatening to him. Most of the time he only finds mundane stuffs, from random people. Then he finds a pattern. Well it was pretty obvious cause the same person always be the first who comments on her posts. Kim lee. Kim Lee? Who the hell is this Kim Lee? He clicks on Kim Lee.
Kim Lee is a female. Kim Lee only shares some information publicly. If you know Kim Lee, add her as a friend or send her a message. That is all he could find. He doesn't know her and he is not going to send her a message.
No reply from her yet. He sends her another message, 'Busy? Let me know if u can meet today, if not we can meet tmr or stg'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PvSbj22ZQY (continue reading as the song plays)
This must be the 29th or 32nd time he is listening to this song today . He likes the slow build up. He can start his thinking process from the top again. Although each time it doesn't lead to any new breakthrough, he can be quite a stubborn guy. His thoughts wander to her status yesterday. 'So she has finally acknowledge me!' The simple 5 words had garnered 35 'like's before he saw it. He was puzzled. What does she mean? Who is 'she'?
He then points his mouse to the chat box and opens it up. She is not online. Then he picks up his phone and texts her. 'Hey, wanna meet up later today?', he keeps it simple. He puts the phone down, and feels an odd sensation in his tummy. He is not feeling alright.
Following that text message, he rereads all her postings that night, looking for clues. Although not officially together, he feels he has the rights to know everything about her, especially if something that is threatening to him. Most of the time he only finds mundane stuffs, from random people. Then he finds a pattern. Well it was pretty obvious cause the same person always be the first who comments on her posts. Kim lee. Kim Lee? Who the hell is this Kim Lee? He clicks on Kim Lee.
Kim Lee is a female. Kim Lee only shares some information publicly. If you know Kim Lee, add her as a friend or send her a message. That is all he could find. He doesn't know her and he is not going to send her a message.
No reply from her yet. He sends her another message, 'Busy? Let me know if u can meet today, if not we can meet tmr or stg'.
He didn't sleep a wink that night, partly because of the strong Oolong tea latte he had from Chatime in the evening. But given a choice, he would've stayed up as well, such important moment of truth requires full attention. No compromise.Watching the sunlight slowly creeping through his messy room's window, he feels good. He feels at least he has done his part. If something unpleasant really happens, at least he has done his part being miserable. It is his way of proving he has a role to play in this love story. Honestly, he is not sure if what they have is love. He is not sure if she really likes him or just being friendly. He is not sure if she actually reads all his statuses referring to her, cause he never mentions her name. But she has been liking some of his posts and statuses. That means something, right? He feels a slight pull in his tummy, feels like gastric. Nice, he thinks to himself, make it more miserable. He closes his eyes hoping the pain will go away.
When he wakes up it's already 5pm, sharp. How often do you get that, waking up on the strike of the hour? This must means something. He reaches for his phone. No calls, only one text message. He quickly opens it.
'Hey sorry was really bz. Can meet at the park for a while, but have to be fast. Got dinner plan :)'
He gets up from the bench, looks at his watch. It's 730 and it's getting really dark. Everyone has gone. What left are the trees, the dry leaves on the ground, the mosquitoes, the flight of birds, the buzzing street lamps that have just come on, the ciggy butt on the ground and him. And him alone. He takes out another ciggy and lights it up. He inhales deeply again, feeling a slight pull in his lungs. He is trying to get used to it. He exhales and watches the smoke. No ring this time. He tries again. No luck. He looks around the park, human-less. All of a sudden it's silent. Complete silence. The song is now taking over. Slowly but surely, he is drowning into the hypnotic rhythm and the haunting strings. In a strange way, he is beginning to feel himself again. A feeling he has forgotten for a long time, a feeling only he can 'give' to himself. He throws his ciggy away and starts to run, and run, and run...
...and run...
...and run....
..and run...
...and run....
..and run...
..and run...
...and run...
...and run....
Saturday, January 7, 2012
K is K pt1
M: You know, I think it's time for Malaysia to have a superhero la
K: We have what, Cicakman, Papayaman, Kapten Boleh
M: Those are fictional, I mean real ones. I want like V for Vendetta
K: That is also fictional what
M: No! Check out these pix. There are hundreds of them at Dataran Merdeka on new year's day.
K: Those are just people wearing the mask only, what's the big deal? Not that they can do anything
M: Hey, they represent an idea ok! And ideas are bulletproof!
K: Yeah but the people wearing the mask are not! Lucky the law didn't whack them that day, if not kecoh another issue
M: Well yeah, we have enough unnecessary violence already.... Hey how would you like to die? Old age? cancer? Accident?
K: Well... never really thought about it la...hmm....I prefer accident. I don't want to be bedridden or go senile. No point. Why ar?
M: Looks like you prefer instant death huh. And how would you define your life? As in...are you happy? Anything you haven't accomplished yet?
K: Nope! I always live for the day! If something has not happened, then it's not meant to be. Simple.
M: What about your job? You happy with it?
K: What job? I'm a freelance la. Today don't know what's gonna happened tomorrow. I'm fine with that. Eh why are you asking so many questions la?
M: I'm doing a job interview on your behalf. They have this posting on FB, so I am just answering the questionnaires for you.
K: What? I'm not looking for a job.
M: But they are looking for a superhero
K: What?! Let me see...looking for a local superhero to serve and protect the nation and its people. Volunteers only?! Wah, have to risk life then no pay some more ar? Who wants to join la?
M: Eh, what so different from your freelance life ar? Pay not consistent, don't know when will starve to death, also very high risks what
K: ....
M: Right?! Just go for the interview la, you have nothing to lose what
K: But I don't get it. What's the incentive here? I'm sure they must have something, let me see.... a very rewarding experience guaranteed?! That's it?! Experience?! What can I do with experience?
M: Wait, it says food and lodging provided, petrol and toll can claim... Not bad what. Wait, got free training some more! Sounds like a good deal man
K: What sort of training?...Computer hacking, martial arts, electronics and ethics. Ethics?
Show IPA
K: Oh ethics...
M: See? Looks like a really happening gig man, you should go for it. To be honest man, I really think you have something different, something special all this while
K: I'll think about it....is there a deadline?
M: Today is the last day la, quickly go shower and change. Go!
...while K is showering
Q: M? Did he buy it?
M: Of course! I am always worth every single sen... hahaa...talk to you later, bye
( to be continued...)
K: We have what, Cicakman, Papayaman, Kapten Boleh
M: Those are fictional, I mean real ones. I want like V for Vendetta
K: That is also fictional what
M: No! Check out these pix. There are hundreds of them at Dataran Merdeka on new year's day.
K: Those are just people wearing the mask only, what's the big deal? Not that they can do anything
M: Hey, they represent an idea ok! And ideas are bulletproof!
K: Yeah but the people wearing the mask are not! Lucky the law didn't whack them that day, if not kecoh another issue
M: Well yeah, we have enough unnecessary violence already.... Hey how would you like to die? Old age? cancer? Accident?
K: Well... never really thought about it la...hmm....I prefer accident. I don't want to be bedridden or go senile. No point. Why ar?
M: Looks like you prefer instant death huh. And how would you define your life? As in...are you happy? Anything you haven't accomplished yet?
K: Nope! I always live for the day! If something has not happened, then it's not meant to be. Simple.
M: What about your job? You happy with it?
K: What job? I'm a freelance la. Today don't know what's gonna happened tomorrow. I'm fine with that. Eh why are you asking so many questions la?
M: I'm doing a job interview on your behalf. They have this posting on FB, so I am just answering the questionnaires for you.
K: What? I'm not looking for a job.
M: But they are looking for a superhero
K: What?! Let me see...looking for a local superhero to serve and protect the nation and its people. Volunteers only?! Wah, have to risk life then no pay some more ar? Who wants to join la?
M: Eh, what so different from your freelance life ar? Pay not consistent, don't know when will starve to death, also very high risks what
K: ....
M: Right?! Just go for the interview la, you have nothing to lose what
K: But I don't get it. What's the incentive here? I'm sure they must have something, let me see.... a very rewarding experience guaranteed?! That's it?! Experience?! What can I do with experience?
M: Wait, it says food and lodging provided, petrol and toll can claim... Not bad what. Wait, got free training some more! Sounds like a good deal man
K: What sort of training?...Computer hacking, martial arts, electronics and ethics. Ethics?
eth·ics
[eth-iks] Show IPA
plural noun
1.
( used with a singular or plural verb 
) a system of moralprinciples: the ethics of a culture.
) a system of moralprinciples: the ethics of a culture.
2.
the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particularclass of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.:medical ethics; Christian ethics.
3.
moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbadebetrayal of a confidence.
4.
( usually used with a singular verb ) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct,with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certainactions and to the goodness and badness of the motivesand ends of such actions.
) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct,with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certainactions and to the goodness and badness of the motivesand ends of such actions.M: See? Looks like a really happening gig man, you should go for it. To be honest man, I really think you have something different, something special all this while
K: I'll think about it....is there a deadline?
M: Today is the last day la, quickly go shower and change. Go!
...while K is showering
Q: M? Did he buy it?
M: Of course! I am always worth every single sen... hahaa...talk to you later, bye
( to be continued...)
Lousy Night
Man: It's cold. What's your air con setting?
Woman: 21
Man: 21! That's cold! No wonder
Woman: What do you usually set?
Man: Around 25-26
Woman: That's hot!
Silence
Woman: So you want me to change it?
Man: No, it's ok. We can cuddle up.
He spoons her.
Woman: Can you please not touch me?
Man: What?
Woman: I can't sleep when someone is touching me.
Man: Why?!
Woman: I don't know. Always been like that.
Man: That's strange. So no one has ever touched you when you sleep?
Woman: Nope. Can we just go to sleep?
Silence
Man: I think I'd better leave.
Woman:Ok. Oh do you mind taking the rubbish with you on your way down? And don't slam the door, I'm a light sleeper.
Woman: 21
Man: 21! That's cold! No wonder
Woman: What do you usually set?
Man: Around 25-26
Woman: That's hot!
Silence
Woman: So you want me to change it?
Man: No, it's ok. We can cuddle up.
He spoons her.
Woman: Can you please not touch me?
Man: What?
Woman: I can't sleep when someone is touching me.
Man: Why?!
Woman: I don't know. Always been like that.
Man: That's strange. So no one has ever touched you when you sleep?
Woman: Nope. Can we just go to sleep?
Silence
Man: I think I'd better leave.
Woman:Ok. Oh do you mind taking the rubbish with you on your way down? And don't slam the door, I'm a light sleeper.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Dear Sir
Dear Sir,
It has come to my attention that it seems that you, as a leader, supposedly, has done a pretty lousy job so far. People are getting angrier as time goes on, and as a leader you should sort things out quickly, but instead you seem to be making them worse.
There is a saying in Chinese, 'Bear with the thirst if you want to eat salted fish' which means if you have to deal with the circumstances for the actions you take. Take firm actions, not rhetoric speeches that lead to nowhere. You can say your hands are tied, and you can't simply monitor what each and everyone under you do all te time. But Sir, I'm afraid that is part of your job description.
We are all well aware corruption is not new here, but things are getting out of hand. It seems like everyone is stacking up their retirement funds for themselves, or should I say for their generations to come as well. But the thing is, nobody owes you people anything. The wealth belongs to all of us, not just those under you. Gone are the days where you guys can do things in the dark. Gone are the days where people can close one eye. Why? Because you guys have crossed the line! Even those who support you in the past are blowing the whistle. Why? Because you have crossed the damn line!
Yes, you can go ahead and threaten us, make you-help-me-I-help-you kind of deals, but it won't work anymore. Why? Because the world as a whole has changed. Awareness and consciousness have taken over. There are countless examples of this making news for us to witness regularly. We as human beings have moved forward, have evolved to another stage. Don't bother blaming whichever culture that influnces this. This is by nature's design.
It must be hard to swallow that everything is falling under your tenure. Be brave and deal with it Sir, it just has to happened. Can't say it's not your fault, cause by and far, it is. As a leader who so-called wants to reform, you have successfully fooled yourself and your crew for achieving that, and pat yourselves on the back. You don't listen to the people cause you don't care for them, only for yourselves. It's such a shame Sir, it really is. You have everything you need to make things better, but you did not. In fact you made them worse.
I am sure you are making heavy preparations for the events to come. One thing I am sure of, that you and your crew would be using our funds to make sure you have the results that you want, again. In fact, this would be the most you'd spend on. And yes, I won't be surprised if you really win by a landslide. You'd go and make a big ho ha about the support you get.
But aren't you tired Sir? Aren't you tired of making empty promises? Lying with eyes wide opened? Lying to millions of people every single day? This is not something you HAVE to do as part of your job Sir, it is something you CHOOSE to do. A new word for you Sir, G-R-A-C-E. I know you're not familiar with it, well we learn new things everyday.
I don't know how you do it Sir, but you can obviously sleep well at night. Maybe you can write a book about that.
Yours truly,
Not Your Crew
It has come to my attention that it seems that you, as a leader, supposedly, has done a pretty lousy job so far. People are getting angrier as time goes on, and as a leader you should sort things out quickly, but instead you seem to be making them worse.
There is a saying in Chinese, 'Bear with the thirst if you want to eat salted fish' which means if you have to deal with the circumstances for the actions you take. Take firm actions, not rhetoric speeches that lead to nowhere. You can say your hands are tied, and you can't simply monitor what each and everyone under you do all te time. But Sir, I'm afraid that is part of your job description.
We are all well aware corruption is not new here, but things are getting out of hand. It seems like everyone is stacking up their retirement funds for themselves, or should I say for their generations to come as well. But the thing is, nobody owes you people anything. The wealth belongs to all of us, not just those under you. Gone are the days where you guys can do things in the dark. Gone are the days where people can close one eye. Why? Because you guys have crossed the line! Even those who support you in the past are blowing the whistle. Why? Because you have crossed the damn line!
Yes, you can go ahead and threaten us, make you-help-me-I-help-you kind of deals, but it won't work anymore. Why? Because the world as a whole has changed. Awareness and consciousness have taken over. There are countless examples of this making news for us to witness regularly. We as human beings have moved forward, have evolved to another stage. Don't bother blaming whichever culture that influnces this. This is by nature's design.
It must be hard to swallow that everything is falling under your tenure. Be brave and deal with it Sir, it just has to happened. Can't say it's not your fault, cause by and far, it is. As a leader who so-called wants to reform, you have successfully fooled yourself and your crew for achieving that, and pat yourselves on the back. You don't listen to the people cause you don't care for them, only for yourselves. It's such a shame Sir, it really is. You have everything you need to make things better, but you did not. In fact you made them worse.
I am sure you are making heavy preparations for the events to come. One thing I am sure of, that you and your crew would be using our funds to make sure you have the results that you want, again. In fact, this would be the most you'd spend on. And yes, I won't be surprised if you really win by a landslide. You'd go and make a big ho ha about the support you get.
But aren't you tired Sir? Aren't you tired of making empty promises? Lying with eyes wide opened? Lying to millions of people every single day? This is not something you HAVE to do as part of your job Sir, it is something you CHOOSE to do. A new word for you Sir, G-R-A-C-E. I know you're not familiar with it, well we learn new things everyday.
I don't know how you do it Sir, but you can obviously sleep well at night. Maybe you can write a book about that.
Yours truly,
Not Your Crew
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