The End... Hopefully

"Beasts" - the word used in the beginning of the report regarding how a businessman and his family treated their maid/domestic helper. Stringing her to a ceiling fan? Just stop all these nonsense and treat people with respect. Over the years, we've had reports of abuse in the most unimaginable way. "Incensed" - the word to describe my feelings.

What do these people (the employer of course) think they (themselves) are? How could one human treat another human in such manner? Do they think that they pay for the service as well as for extra services like a pinata? I've seen how these maids (most of whom are mothers coming here to earn money to send home) are treated. Sadists.

So, calling all bosses: Put your money to better use and if you really need a domestic helper by all means hire one. I said hire and not buy. You don't own them. They have their dignity. They didn't sell their soul and body for your money. They have mouths to feed back home. Apart from these people, there's another group - the foreign workers.

Why is it that these workers are treated contemptibly? Don't they deserve more than what they're currently paid? It is the employers that are suppose to look after their welfare; especially at the work place. Promoting and enhancing occupational safety and health doesn't cover higher-paid employees only but also these workers.

Am not here to denigrate the rich here but I refuse see the half-filled cup. It's true that there are foreigners committing crime but aren't we practicing what we shun - stereotype? Don't we despise people who stereotype based on skin colours? You there, at the top, please stop putting your feet on the heads of those below you. I, for one, would be condemned by my conscience day and night for living off the hardship of others.

So, as blind and deaf as you will be, give them what they deserve for they aren't hired to entertain you and be on the receiving end of your wrath - or the twisted entertainment you have in mind. Keep your fetishes to yourselves and don't find joy in the suffering of others - your hired workers or your subordinates. Don't be deceived; nobody ever buy their way out of a punishment. Never.

With that, I bid everyone a Happy New Year and let's hope we hear less of such things. Personally, I hope to hear more lobbying for laws to protect foreign workers. So elected reps, stop bickering on which car to use for official purposes.

Observe and behold...

Picture an old man (Gandalf if you like), halfway through 70 years of age, sitting in a small hut overlooking a lake and surrounded by weathered rocks. From that somewhat vantage point, he'd see the mountains miles to the north. Here, he'd be lulled by the chirps of a flock of swiftlets and the faint sound of a crashing waterfall. The walking stick lay nearby, the carvings on the handle nearly smoothed - a parallel of the man's journey in life. Long and hard with valuable experience.

He sipped his tea. The hot water stung his mouth, it was good. He recalled the parting almost a decade ago. But they promised to be back to see him. Today is the day. He picked up a stack of papers, crudely fashioned into a book by stringing the pages together. It contained many things the old man saw all his life. He noticed the pages are fast running out.

He began grinding the ink stick on the ink stone. I have the Four Treasures of the Study ready, he said to himself whilst shifting his focus from the ink stick and the ink stone to the brush and the stack of papers.

He began writing, from the top down, on one of the pages to test the consistency of the ink:

文
房
四
寶

(Four Treasures of the Study)

Good. Old habit of the man to try out newly-prepared ink. Now, he'll write what he observed since he came here a week ago. The various trees and especially the bamboo gave him a very good idea. The leaves falling from the branches are the most gracious - spiralling down gently. The mirror of my life, thought the old man. This one's about my sons, for my sons. He wrote:

落
葉
歸
根

(Falling leaves return to their roots)

He let down his ivory-stalked brush and finished the tea. I'll lie down for a while. The boatman will ferry my sons here soon and I'll be able to see them again, to pass them the book. He closed his eyes, smiling. The breeze continues to blow gently; swirling and gathering the leaves...

Someone shared the "falling leaves" phrase with me but like all non-Mandarin speaking Chinese, they're like ancient runes to me until she elucidated the meaning to me. Well, it sounded meaningful and great to me. Which got me thinking: These sayings are derived from observations; be it nature or otherwise and often, it's profound and exude some "wise-full-of-wisdom" aura to me. Idioms we call them and though I may not understand them at first, once the explanations follow then these four-character idioms or Chengyu really applies.

We're so busy now. No time for all these. No time to observe things in life and to write them down. If I were lazy, I wouldn't know that some names like Beijing, Nanjing, and Yunnan are derived from their location and geography. Or that Heilongqiang is derived from the mythical dragon. Funny or ridiculous you may think of these folks but I find them interesting.

So, take time and look around. You may well come up with a saying of yours. No, no prize for What goes up must come down. Good day!

Christmas Today

Everyone knows it's Christmas today but I meant to say Christmas today. So, time change huh? Everyone accepts a celebration but not the essence of it. They embrace it as a way of life but not the meaning behind it. My Christmas day was a very ordinary one since mom was hospitalized two days before so it's home and hospital.

Among the many headlines in today's copy of The Star, this one is relevant "Revelers turn rowdy in Penang; at least three arrested by 1am" - kind of. Along with that report are the pictures below, juxtaposed to show the different events held last night. Note the shiny props in the picture on the right are not Santa's hats nor are they reindeer antlers but horns.

No, not being judgemental here since I detest sanctimony too but churches should do more to share the real meaning of Christmas. I laud the move by some to hold dramas and presentations for the public. Guess I need to do more myself too. So, different interpretation of the meaning of Christmas. One commemorates the birth of Christ (of course it isn't on the 25th of December) and another calls for booze and party on the streets.

For a good read, head on over to here.

Be blessed with love and peace, people! Blessed Christmas!

Reassess and Strengthen

The the gist of the Prime Minister's Christmas message to all Malaysians is to reassess and strengthen racial understanding. Good one sir. We'd have to ensure that happens not only during the festivities but at all times.

Elected representatives, pay heed. You're put there in Parliament not to be communal heroes by bringing up matters aiming to heat up the House. Be responsible for your words and for those with unbridled tongues, do consider changing and put it at the top of your New Year's resolution. Know, too, that criticism doesn't kill you. Don't put on suits but speak like an uneducated person.

For those out of touch, I hope the words poverty and corruption do light up the unlit bulbs up there. Also, it isn't the type of cars nor the engine capacities that determine if you'd do your job so stop the bickering and get down to work. You don't need big cars to move around. Some roads are too narrow too you see.

Lastly, Christmas wish to the leaders of the country. Remember that love and peace are the essence so have a blessed one. New Year is another week so time flies and there might be another general election coming our way.

Reassess your policies and goal as well as strengthen your mental faculties so that debates in the august house are first class. Cheerio!

Ghostbusters

It's a bit unusual that I post a lyric here from the unmistakable song of the Ghostbusters. Got a call a while ago and the caller on the other side of the line was kind of worried and all. After all, who wouldn't after moving to a foreign place. So, this one goes out to those away from home.

On a more serious note, when you're afraid call out to God. Jesus promised to be with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:20). So pray and stick to Him.

The following, by Ray Parker Jr., was taken from here.

If there's something strange
in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

If there's something weird
and it don't look good
Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

I ain't afraid of no ghosts
I ain't afraid of no ghosts

If you're seeing things
running through your head
Who can ya call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

An invisible man
sleeping in your bed
Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

I ain't afraid of no ghosts
I ain't afraid of no ghosts

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

If ya all alone
pick up the phone
and call
GHOSTBUSTERS

I ain't afraid of no ghosts
I here it likes the ghost
I ain't afraid of no ghost
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

If you've had a dose of a
freaky ghost baby
Ya better call
GHOSTBUSTERS

Lemme tell ya something
Bustin' makes me feel good!

I ain't afraid of no ghosts
I ain't afraid of no ghosts

Don't get caught alone no no

GHOSTBUSTERS

When it comes through your door
Unless you just want some more
I think you better call
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

I think you better call
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

I can't hear you
Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

Louder
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who can ya call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS

Blessed Christmas

Christmas greetings to Narumiya-san in Tokyo, friends and family. Have a great one and be blessed in the New Year too. The following piece is taken from The Obnoxious 5xmom's post, 1 Corinthians 13 at Christmas. Figured that it may be an apt reminder with five days to go:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure.

Scrumptious Lunch and Dinner

What was served during lunch and that same to be served for dinner...

"Let not anyone rob you of your rights. Your right to love and the right of joy"

-JCynic

"Return what was done to you tenfold; be swift and severe so that the end is
injurious and desolate"

-JCynic

"Take what you need and bow to no one; for gone were the days when meekness pays"

-JCynic

"Smile if you must, but never let your guard down. Play the game of pretence
and perfect it by bringing a major destruction - a conflagration."

-JCynic

Ah, four wonderful courses that are sure to satiate even the most demanding of tastebuds. Pardon the ranting but excess energy needs to be channelled away.

No Artificial Colouring. Preservatives Needed.

First off, one needs to be blind (figuratively) so that the first part of the sentence qualifies as true. Let's look at the second part. Not much are being done/planned to preserve what we have today and to forge ahead to achieve what there is to achieve.

One would say, "See? We have this bill (or here) and that Act." But are these being carefully and fairly debated? Are there loopholes or missing aims? Is the soon-to-be-set-up commission really an independent one? Quoting a minister: "...absolute power corrupts absolutely". I can't help but think that phrase reflected the events of March 8. Then there's the Race Relations Act which, on conjecture, may be used to prevent any open and mature dialogues as well as to shut up blog posts deemed inflammatory. If that is so, we already have (existing) laws against such a thing.

Remember that punishments are never meted out fairly and as Azmi Sharom aptly summarizes:

"...my main concerns are three-fold: an equal opportunities law will not work in a legal system with an institutionalised system of discrimination; the application of laws in this country does not appear to be fair; and there is always the possibility that a Malaysian Race Relations Act will serve only to chip away the few chances we have at any sort of mature public dialogue.
We have problems in this country. Perhaps the way forward is to openly debate such matters in an intelligent fashion.
It is not speech which causes problems after all; it is the irresponsible few who threaten people with violence and fire bombs who are the real threat.
And we have laws aplenty to deal with such elements.
That is, if those laws are ever used against the real
perpetrators."

My friend Paul from The Philippines said of his country:

"I'm really hoping that in our presidential­ elections on 2010, there will be a soul who would be a caring father/mothe­r to our country. What we need now is a parent figure who will see this country's best interests.

I hope things are better there in Malaysia. After all, I've always seen your country as a good example of a country that has transcended through time and has rapidly improved in many years.

I've had the privilege of touring your country several times
and i can't tell you enough how lucky you really are to have such a good
countrysure there are also skirmishes on the side but the things you call bad in
there are already some of the good points of the situation here.

Sigh, I really hope change would happen soon."

Others are still able to make the good out of the current situation in Malaysia and I surely hope that the remnants of good feelings and the muhibbah dan perpaduan which we proudly preach and try to uphold these years be well preserved. Now, let me tell you that I'm sick of the kettle calling the pot black - putting the blamea on the other group, thinking one is so clean and sincere. Like in Paul's case, people do get sick of rhetorics and here, we show them the door - the corrupts, bigots, racists, sexists and the like.

So, add preservatives if you want but do it with a sincere heart. We welcome all things beneficial for the country. After all, there's no place like home. And by home I meant Malaysia.

Silver Screen of Life

We were in Paris where Ratatouille cooks
And then across 16 Blocks to evade crooks
We then jumped upon Jack Bauer in Mirrors
And thence partaking in a Coffin ritual that gave us shivers

All is well and we travelled to Madagascar too
Many more were planned but now flushed down the loo
It'd be some time before we travel
Or maybe never will - time unravel

Before anyone Bolt-ed into conclusion
And call this a packed Body of Lies
Let's not give in to recrimination
Rather, cherish what we once had in the good times

The Day the Earth Stood Still
Happens not because of my will
Rather, I just never will be perfect
For your love for me to be a fact

I thought I know All About Women
Not making the distinction between Angels and Demons
To The Uninvited aboard the ship
Hire Watchmen; an advice you should heed
For I'm all Fired Up for retribution, it ain't spurious
Make no mistake, it'll come Fast and Furious

Formidable weaponry

Words,
Piercing or edifying
To consolidate or to destroy
To sadden or to comfort
To humiliate or to make proud

Actions,
Hurting or nursing
Depressing or uplifting
Court enemies or make friends
Definitely speak louder than words

Words and actions,
Could send you to the sky's limit
Or down to the bottomless pit
Be careful of every decisions made
And take thou, responsibility in their wake

Irrashaimase: A Note to Visitors

You know who you are *winks*

Just a quick one. Thank you very much for the comments, read private message, that was sent to me. Appreciate the thoughts and of course the valuble input to certain things. To the many Anonymous-es out there, thank you for sharing your feelings on certain things close to my heart i.e. my school.

It's difficult to reply and explain certain things since in the first place, the comments are actually private messages so I'd respect that they weren't sent with the intention to be published. It'd be nice to leave a nom de plume or even an e-mail - the latter seemed to much to ask for. And yes, you write well so it's sort of a waste to have rejected it.

A big thank you to you guys/gals. Now, back to watching Death Note.

Human Rights Day

It's the 60th anniversary since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. I'm afraid that all these fanfare and enlightenment applies only to the West. Ever wondered why Westerners/colonial masters treated us with much inferiority? Five thousand years of civilization amounted to nothing today. How many heed or abide by what's right and fair? Don't mention Zimbabwe. The situation here at home isn't too nice.

Don't we dare to compare with Singapore or Japan or any other countries (it's shameful what we did weeks ago regarding the crime rate).

We often hear leaders say: Democracy is alive and well. Who gives a damn about basic rights? Nobody - as far as the powers that be are concerned.

Lastly, Happy 60th Anniversary to the UNDHR and Happy 51st to Malaysia. More needs to be done, no?

Nankurunaisa

Sudden twitching of the eyelids
A momentary lapse of concentration
In that short time span I was freed
From criticism, judgment, and humiliation

As if like you, a deep sleep beckons me
To shut out everything, everyone; all and sundry
For the path is long, the end blurred
I have not your resolve, vision obscured

It all began in Okinawa
And thence to the world wide and far
Good and bad times in Vietnam, London, and Russia
To observing sunset aboard a San Francisco cable car

Has it been three years or thirty years?
Since you came and allay my fears
Of snakes and of the unknown
“Tatakae!”, you’d say and all doubts are gone

Till the very end you smiled
Warm embrace along the coastal road
The moonshine and sea breeze seemed to have you lulled
The imposing sea stack and cloud; ominousness forebode

Nay, like you I’d be firm
Be calm, collected and focused
I’ll fight and live – with a smile – for a better morrow
Holding to my, our’s, watchword: Nankurunaisa

Inspired by the life of Otonashi Saya. My gratitudes to the Miyagusuku family: George, Kai, and Riku.

Christmas Greeting from a Malaysian

Look what I found on the My Little Scrapbook section of Malaysia Today:

Tonight
I bought my daughter
A Christmas tree

It was indeed
Her first Christmas tree
Her eyes went shining
Smiled happily
Felt she was lucky

To all our friends
Our Christian friends
It’s a joy we are sharing

We don’t know how
To decorate the tree
But surely enjoy
Such festivity

Merry Christmas
From another
Muslim family

By: Sisa Fajar

Lesson Umpteenth: Here we go again

See what I said? Now tragedy struck (fortunately not in Penang) but haven't we heard this phrase before: "Enough is enough, no more permits. Immediate stop-work order." What's next? Everyone quieten down and the bulldozers are alive again. Come to think of it, I still hear rock-blasting nearby my place.

Lessons are painful aren't they? But it hurts more when similar tragedies repeat and show us how little we, or rather, the ones giving out permits learnt from the past. Then the developers come; having dollar signs all over the place but refusing to accept that they're killing the environment and the balance thereof. Not to mention, majority of hillside/seaside projects doesn't undergo the Environmental Impact Assessment.

It's belated, overdue, "expiry-dated" that any developments by the hills/seas/or anywhere else that threatens the environment and ecosystem be stopped and future ones flushed down the toilet.

We'll see this time if all these are no-action-talk-only.

Don't

Speak not, to me, with judgemental tongue
Look not, at me, with skewed visions
Think not, of me, with dirty thoughts
Treat me not, with a cold demeanor
   befitting a criminal
For that isn't what parent and friends are
   made for.

Speak not, hurtful vindictive words, to me
Look not, for destructive schemes, aimed at me
Think not, of sowing discord and dissension, around me
Treat me not, falsely, for you aren't
   Dr Jekyll or My Hyde
These aren't reasons parents and friends are
   around for.

Rather,

Speak to me, directly, out of care and concern
Look at me, as a person that I am
Think of me, as one entity having exclusive space
Treat me, like how you ought to treat me
For in that way, I'd feel appreciated
   and you're worth my time and attention.

Sanctimony ga dai-kirai desu. Corrections anyone?

Friends: Some are, the rest are fiends

The oft-repeated phrase "you need friends, they're important" came up around me recently. After some deliberation, I come to a conclusory resolve that I don't need anymore than I already have right now. I'd like to keep it at a manageable number so that none would be left out. I'd remember their birthdays and remembered to text them or call them up every now and then; a sign of a good friend eh? The rest? They're merely colleagues, coursemates, and lab mates whom, upon meeting them, I greeted with much respect. Like how I'd like others to treat me, I'd do what I want others to do unto me.

Many times, I've experienced that a large group of people in one place laughing over food doesn't equals to a lasting bond. It was pointed out by one friend, Jiwan, to me on our way home. "Empty", he said. "What's after that? Are they available when truly needed?" he added. I concurred; quality being my preference over quantity. I have one classmate pointing out to me just how many friends she has. Wow! I thought to myself. I'm no longer that naive person now. I've met with countless scenarios showing just how fake and superficial the ones called friends are. They're people who'd lie to us between their teeth without batting the eyelids. They're people who JUDGE you. People who CONDEMN you in the most delicate manner but it's condemning all the same. People who'd come to you when in need; and being the nice person we'd never put them down. They're people who'd come to you proposing a meal but you know why they aren't doing it then but only doing it now - motives.

This isn't just a random ranting out of sheer boredom. We don't just meet over coffee alfresco for the sake of meeting up. We don't just hang out just for the sake of filling up the monthly quota of did-I-bond-with-my-friends? Bonding doesn't just come from there. It's not something we'd achieve in 6 months or so. What's after that? Graduation and the trail grows cold. Good friends now became Hi-Bye friends later. These are mockery and an insult to the word friend and friendship. It's so overrated nowadays. The phrase "I have a friend" seems to be an overstatement without true understanding or the reliving thereof.

Having a large quantity of friends doesn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Rather, I see most people who 1) say I needed more friends and 2) has lots of friends; lonely people desperate to find that true friend. To live and experience that bond between two person.

Next, the signs of a superficial friend is one who thinks that he/she doesn't want to "disturb" a couple. In other words, when he/she is romantically attached the next time, be sure that this person would just shut others out of his/her relationship. So much for being a friend eh? I have a friend who doesn't mind that but she does show some signs of "I-don't-want-to-be-a-lamp-post" every now and then. Well, I call her cockroach (out of affection that is; and I know she's reading this).