The Quarter Mile

Ah, life is synonymous with a dragstrip don't you think? Optimum tyre conditions, perfectly-timed gear changes, the many modifications to ensure a winning run. From start to finish, there's a constant... Or rather, two: Time and competitors. And I could never understand why life's got to have competitions. Safe me the preaching about competitions bringing out the best in an individual. It breeds selfishness and all the unnecessary paranoia... *fades away*


It’s one of those days when someone you’ve not spoken to suddenly appeared and greeted you. What happens next? You either return the greeting then find an excuse to leave or start a conversation. I chose the latter.

The last time I met Wong (or the Talking Llama) was during our friend’s wedding back in late 2009. So, what do two males talk about on a Sunday night? Girls you say? Let’s just say I’m not that kind of person (shameless self-praise!) It’s about what we’re up to so far and the dreaded reality of life. Well, he’s cool about the dreaded part though. And I’m still trying my best to go against the flow of a programmed lifetime: study, work, earn, spend, earn, retire, and then leave the world full of regrets.

We did talk about quarter life crisis. Say what? Taking our lifespan to be 100 years, our current age would be half of the midlife crisis hence quarter. This begs the question, what happens during quarter life crisis?

According to him, and I quote verbatim,

Quarter life crisis: the times when u wonder where the hell u are in terms of career and life... then, what the hell ur supposed to do next and then it hit u, u have absolutely idea....and whats worse, u realise, there's no motivation also...

Ah, that pretty much sums up what most people felt. That is if they do sit down and think. There’s some truth in that. You see, I always think what I’d do after finishing studies and whether it’s something I really wanted to do. One on hand I have to be practical and on the other, I should go with my desire to be useful instead of being like the selfish majority.

May 30, 2011. Time’s running out.

A Peculiar Pair of Itchy Feet

After much blood and bombs since the First World War, I’ve entered the Yugoslav Wars. Which got me thinking, how much does it take to start a conflagration fueled by ethnic dissensions? Not much when you have foul-mouthed bigots in the country. I shan’t afford them too much attention though. Spoils my day and wastes your bandwidth.

And as I trawled the net taking in as much as I could, I realized I’m “in Europe”. Every so often, I hear how many dream of (and many set foot on) Europe. The usual ones are England, Italy, Germany, and France. Nice places (see the background of the blog?) I must say. I find myself rather weird when it comes to my choice of places to go.

Whilst they screamed Paris, I chose Parnu. Others say Beijing and I looked at Baku. I have nothing against their choices but I prefer somewhere people don’t hear about everyday. I still want to see the aurora borealis one day and walk the streets of Bruges.

First on my list though, I’d love to visit Poland and Israel. I guess Auschwitz and Yad Vashem are the reason behind my choice; not because of any morbid fascination with death. The Smithsonian Institution will be next and then onboard a train on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Celebrity Apprentice: Giving All You Can Give

The show's just ended days ago (I know I'm late *smiles*) and I enjoyed the finale as much as I did the whole season. Finalists Marlee Matlin and John Rich played for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital respectively.

Have a look at their charities and the "world premiere" of For The Kids. Nice.

Edit: The processed videos aren't that crisp compared to the ones in AVI format I have in my computer. Too bad.

Marlee Matlin - Starkey Hearing Foundation




John Rich - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital




Marlee Matlin & John Rich - For The Kids

Julian Roderick Lambert: Stereotyping A Rich Kid

A conversation between Julian ‘Roderick’ Lambert and Elise Cavanaugh on a chat client. Remember that chat language was used. Some points were exaggerated for effect and greater clarity. A commentary will follow later on.

You have just sent a shake.

___________

EC: Hey sweetheart, ya there?

JL: Hi. Hang on a sec...

EC: Ok

A few minutes later...

JL: Hey! i’m here.

EC: Am i disturbin u? What were u doin?

JL: Had lunch yet? It’s raining over here.

EC: Yea, had pasta.

JL: Aww! That’s nice. How’s yr dya like? Good?

JL: day^

EC: Kinda. Was chatting with a guy. Yr namesake I'd say.

JL: Really? Like something-Lambert?

EC: nope, like Julian-something. Julian Caldwell I think...

JL: Oh... how's he like?

EC: Glad u asked! he's nothing like you

JL: *surprised* how so?

EC: well, he's smart...

JL: ..and I'm stupid ? :(

EC: no, ur a genius

JL: i think i am...

EC: ‘cz ur

JL: So, how u both knew each other?

EC: It’s a long story

JL: y d talk abt him suddenly?

EC: ‘cz i he keeps talking to me

JL: that's a pity... it shows ur attracting the guys.. Ha-ha!

EC: =.=

I hv a headache

JL: oh, go bang yr head against the wall.. i do that often when I have a headache.

EC: =.= maybe i shd... but JC asked me to have rest

JL: well, what does he know? Rber i did well for my MCAT? Else, how’d I be in med school 2day?

EC: i trust u more. i shall do a head-banger ...

JL: kewl~~

EC: JC likes cats

JL: cats r yr enemies

EC: i know... that's y he's like my enemy's fren which is my enemy

JL: so u hated him?

EC: I don't knw... i tot he hated me and he said he doesn't. What do u think?

JL: I think you hate him [does a jig and fell]

EC: Really?

JL: Ouch!

EC: what happened?

JL: i did a jig and fell..

EC: silly

JL: yeah, i am as silly as an egg with broken shells

EC: it's ok.. i like that. Humpty-dumpty

JL: muah!

EC: Hey, ever heard of the Kristallnacht?

JL: Nope. Some brand belonging to a beer?

EC: Err... Not really. What about the 38^th parallel?

JL: What’s that?

EC: D first's related to Nazi Germany and the second has to do with the Korean War.

JL: Germany. Beers! And Porsche. I know PDK though.

EC: Oh, the Porsche Doppelkupplung. Some dual-clutch thingamabob.

EC: U there???

JL: U even knw that?! Wow.

EC: JC told me. Heard of 'em?

JL: Well... of course! But all these irrelevance bore me. I’m a med student remember? We’re planning for a Halloween party to be held l8r tis week.

EC: Great! How’s life in med school?

JL: Good I guess? Can’t wait to get back home. I heard there’s a new pay schedule being announced for doctors. Oh yea! $.$ LOL

EC: yea, i heard... Ever thought of volunteering with the UN? Have a look at the UNDP site >> http://www.undp.org/

JL: I suppose JC sent u that too?

EC: As a matter of fact, yes.

JL: I think he should volunteer.

EC: He would if he could. I think you’d be a suitable candidate.

JL: Squatting toilets and mosquitoes? ;)

EC: Meanie... I think we’re real lucky to study medicine and pharmacy abroad. Giving back would be great.

Go and read the page I sent u.

JL: I dislike reading... LOL! Hey, all this talk’s making me hungry. Gonna go order some pizza. Want some?

EC: That’d be nice though I dun see how that’s possible. :)

JL: ttyl. Someone’s at the door. Party’s starting I think. *fingers crossed*

EC: Hey... Wait

JL: talk 2u tonite dear. Bye.

EC: Ok. Cu then.

JL: Oh... b4 I forget, I saw your piano clip on Utube. Nice. Bye.

EC: Hey! :) ur back..

ok, bye...

I'm Still in Love with You

Rigsby and Van Pelt's dialogue in The Mentalist. Aww! Poor Wayne. From the day they called it off to the day when Grace announced her engagement to Craig O'Loughlin, you can see the pain and sadness written all over his face.

Anyway, I find this one memorable. I'm into dialogues lately. I even have something planned. We'll see.

Rigsby: Wait, there's one more thing: I'm sorry but I'm not going to be at your wedding.

Van Pelt: Oh?
[Van Pelt sighs]

Van Pelt: That's too bad. You have something else planned for that day?

Rigsby: No,you see the problem is: I'm still in love with you.

Van Pelt: You can't-

Rigsby: Hold on. I'm not trying to win you back. You're marrying a good man. That's not gonna change. But neither am I. This whole thing where we pretend we're just friends, it doesn't work. I don't know what will work. But I know one thing: I can't watch you marry another man.

[Rigsby steps toward Van Pelt and lowers his voice]

Rigsby: You have a good day, and a good life.

[Rigsby kisses her and walks away]

Season 3, Episode 21 – Like A Redheaded Stepchild

Here's the scene. Sunday night and nothing much to do, hence, this post.

Getting Old?

Is it true that when a person hits a certain number in life, they begin doing things they've never done before? Not necessarily something drastic like... I don't even know what they do.

What I'm trying to say is I look back more now than I did years back. I miss my schooldays so much. The before- and after-school street soccer. The loud talking in a noisy canteen. The banters. The punishment — oh yes, we're the vibrant ones. And then there was the crooning behind the lecture theatre; not Backstreet Boys nor 'N Sync, just the hits from the times when we're still suckling. Also, who can forget the little crushes that comes when a five years (11 if you include primary school) of all-boys environment ended in sixth form (pre-U if you'd like). The fleeting glances. The smiles. The blushes and flushes.

Those were the things that raced (some floated gently) through my mind. It all seemed too fast. Yesterday I was 16 and today I'm 26. Besides the past, I always anticipate, cautiously, what the future holds. A lack of faith in the Lord? Really? Well, as much as I'd like, I do get swept into that wave of apprehension at the thought of things to come.

I've intended for this piece to be short but I found this piece posted by my friend somewhere. It's about what I've just said up there; about our attempt to unseat the original singers of some well-known songs. *laughs*

Here goes (unabridged and in its entirety) . Links at the bottom:

Of singing at the back of lecture theatres

"Why do birds, suddenly appear? Everytime..You are near..
Just like me....They long to be...Close to you" -Close to you...by The Carpenters-

ahh...one of the classic songs that was sung at the back of lecture theatres throughout my 6th form years.
Actually...Why do we do it? Is it because we're seeking attention? Or is the 6th form syllabus taking a toll on us?Releasing study pressure perhaps? Whatever the reason, we always had fun when we're singing at the back of the class. Yes!! We do get stares from the other students(like they're gonna murder us or something).

And who are my partners in crime??
Drum roll please...jeng jeng jeng jeng...my brothers Chang Yan Wai, Julian Chin, Hor Zian Khang, Edwin Lee(chinese rapper), Jiwan, Woo Yuen Thern, Thopson Ooi
These guys deserve a special mention...I love all of them(not in a gayish way)..hahahahaha
Thanx brothers for all the good times....The below is a little something for u all....Cheers

"So I say....Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty....What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me"

-Thank You For The Music...by ABBA-

posted by slacker @ 7:40 PM
the slacker's hideout

Slowing Down for the Weekend

Ah, the much awaited weekend where I'd laze in bed at 11 am (Ha!) and writing this. It's been a good week for me although some days were rather gloomy. I tried to be positive and civil about a few issues; for what good is a blown top if all it does is make me look silly? I have so much on my mind needed to be put into words and I'm still stringing them together.

For now, I couldn't help but think how long this country would last if the current nonsensical governing continues. A lot of things no longer surprised me but I'm a little optimistic — maybe, just maybe, things would get better. So, these (and more, if you'd look) make for some good reading material:

• The migrant’s eye
• I am an unwanted step-child

Have a great weekend!

Stopping Lynas 2: The Walk

It's great to know the people did what they wanted to do today. Also, it's good to know the police didn't round people up and throw them into lorries. We all know that the men in blue aren't known to always remember their oath and answer their real call of duty.

Stop saying "Australia doesn't have the infrastructure..." Source: TheStar Online

Read more:
Rain fails to dampen anti-Lynas protest

Too bad, Australian hands are tied on Lynas don't you think?
Skip to 1:55 for the interview.

Wide Angle Lens

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

As I wait for my the day I own a camera, I thought to myself, "Should everything be about me?"

Many recount their misfortunes, their I-nearly-hit-the-jackpot lottery incident, and like me, looking at how pathetic I am to be broken time and again. I hit the net reading stories written about the early days of Malaysia. The recent threat of a crusade against Christians and other inflammatory statements spewed out by racists-cum-bigots did well to remind me that there are bigger things in life.

I love the stories of human relationships. And at the same time wonder to myself why is it that only during a bloodbath that we hear of people like Oskar Schindler? It's refreshing, nonetheless, to know that there are many who don't subscribe to extremism and that idea racial superiority.

• Harith Iskander’s “Race Malaysia”
• May 13 - The glue that binds us
• Malay volunteer saves Chinese man

Now, back to nursing my injuries. *lol*

As easy as A-B-C

It's easy to screw mess things up, innit?

I have so many songs to share here. From Cheap Trick's The Flame to Journey's Don't Stop Believin' (and I think both Steve Perry and Arnel Pineda are way more talented than me). Both songs are too err... I can't find the word for that. This one's milder. Somewhat soothing after what I've went through. First heard during my friend's wedding. She's the first from the group of schoolmates to tie the knot. Woot!

Please enjoy this one, people. It's very heart-warming and stimulates the lacrimal glands. True love and friendship do exist. Do read about this particular song here.

Tantalizing Chronicle of Friendship

VGhhbmtzIFNhbS4gSSd2ZSBmb3VuZCBhbnN3ZXJzIHRvIHRoZSBxdWVzdGlvbnMgaW4gdGhlc2Ugc3Rhbnphcy4gWW91J3JlIGFsd2F5cyBhIGZyaWVuZCBpbiBteSBoZWFydC4gTG92ZSB5b3UuIEkgaG9wZSBub2JvZHkgZGVjb2RlcyB0aGlzLg==

Pork belly fatty and soft

A coveted cut straight from the croft

Sit and enjoy the crispy pork belly roast

And lend your ears to the butcher, the host

An unlikely encounter, cold and befuddling

Quickly melted into a lively clavering

Off they went catching butterflies

Caught none but plenty of delightful cries

Beneath the Darnley Sycamore they meet henceforth

Tales of derring-do never fail to regale

The dame of Kelvingrove Manor in the north

By the simple lad from the Yorkshire Dales

Her words are likened to NSAIDs

Though imperfect some joy they create

Whether he weighs 9 or 19 stone

She wouldn’t mind even if he’s shorter than a scone

The dame’s unassuming

And the lad’s affectionate

Yet, is she temporal and evanescing?

Heart skipped a beat; unanswered questions filled his throbbing head

Days are gloomy and the nights’ frigid

Into the empty sky he stared, devoid of heat

Alone, with glassy eyes he beheld

Care, concern and mirth perfectly meld

Thus ended Part One of an uncertain journey

Peppered with some thorns but glees aplenty

Only the Lord knows if trust will be an issue

So stay tuned for more details to be served to you

Stopping Lynas

Will the issue of stopping Lynas pan out? With good money, filled pockets and a 12-year tax break, everything seems to favour Lynas. Greed is god for some.

The Save Malaysia Stop Lynas Group will hand over a memorandum to stop Lynas from exporting hazardous materials to Malaysia

Solidarity Walk (from KLCC to the Australian embassy)

May 20, 2011
Friday 2.30pm

Source: This post

I'm embedding a video providing an "all angle" to the whole affair here.

101 East - Toxic profits?

Beetle-browed Old Man

Every now and then, I’d see this old man doing some paint job or just making sure the door hinges are oiled. The handyman stopped short of doing the dirty job. Well you see, like any other Malaysians, we’re too superior to do the job meant for foreigners. And we always let that get to our heads.

Yesterday as I walked on the corridor towards him, I’d see his dark complexion. A result of years of labour in the hot sun maybe? His thin frame – not emaciated, just thin – wrapped in a faded T-shirt and the old fishing hat portrays a hardworking person not wanting to retire into a rocking chair. You know, some people just don’t stop working. I must say, I admire such fortitude.

As I neared, he chucked something to the ground.

On first thought, I went, “Uncle, why do you simply throw the bolt?”

A clang could be heard as it hit the ground and naturally, I tracked its path. It’s a key. He mumbled something intelligible.

Out of nowhere, a guy in checks appeared, hurried past me and picked up the key. More instructions followed and the old man scowled. Then the guy, also with a much darker complexion but not from baking in the sun, disappeared. I stared at the man.

So, this old man thinks a foreigner earning a living here is not worthy of a respectful treatment? The way I see it, he’s a striver. Rightly so these days but not in a degrading manner, right?

But would it be proper for me to tell him off? I’m not sure. I wished I’d do something at that moment. Perhaps, a consolation to my inaction would be that I acknowledged him with a nod and a hand gesture when we crossed path at the lift moments later.

To the old man I say... Years of hard work appears to make you a bitter person insensitive to another person’s honour. It’s wrong to think that the nature of your work, whilst admirable, has taught you the meaning of humility. I dare say, given the chance, you’d pack stale food for the guy in checks.

Plonker!

Holding On, Letting Go - Ross Copperman

Song featured in the seventh season finale of CSI:NY. There are things which we let go and others we hold on to, hence the labels applied to the post. As for me, I have made my choice. What about you?

It's everything you wanted, it's everything you don't
It's one door swinging open and one door swinging closed
Some prayers find an answer some prayers never know
We're holding on, and letting go

"The End is Nigh"

, they said.

Supposed to meet a friend at McD, Sungai Dua and I reached the place an hour and a half earlier. Then the sky opened. The rest - as they say - is history. And I must add: self explanatory. At least Sungai Dua lived to its namesake.

I suppose if nothing gets in the way of the rainwater then we wouldn't see this?

Jalan Sungai Dua heading towards USM

Car park of Sri Saujana apartment, TheStar Online

Reports elsewhere:
Floods cause traffic jams in Penang
Floods submerge parts of Penang

Psalm 73

You heard me. read correctly.

Untitled, yet again

May 10 should be a nice day, I should hope. And as I rummage through old documents, I came across this

It often starts with a kiss
The jester makes do with a song list
For the kingdom’s rightful heir
Ensnared by impish nightmares

Simple, short and sweet with the mime
Secrets wheedled with every dime
From her black mare to gorillas in their midst
To her dwelling in the village, Sanofi-Aventis

Try as he might in between hums
Thinking if he walked, would she run
Orange hues declare the impending might
Replacing a previously blue, blessed day –
ending the dark, purplish night.

So, another day passes in a manner not so grand
An era under the rule of Chloe the Tenth.

Huntly Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland