Cloak of Power

My intense aversion towards rape notwithstanding, I'm of the opinion that the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty be extended to suspects remanded to "assist" in investigations.

Yes, we know sometimes that such buggers got off the hook when we know full well he did it. But for the Enforcers to play the role of Executioner isn't appropriate to say the least. For anyone who has watched the anime Death Note, I'm sure some of you, throughout the series, may tend to side with Light. I did too. Back in the real world, I don't condone the act of taking the law into one's hand.

It's true these officers may know that this guy is guilty but they're bound to act within the provisions of the law. The only thing that separates them from the street thugs are badges and uniforms.

Speaking of uniforms and authority, I've met with uniformed personnel almost daily and I've got to say this: This pathetic men think the world is beneath their soles and you only need at most 30 seconds to experience how patronizing they are towards the supposed "inferior" students.

Oh, how envious I am towards my fellow students of Middle Eastern descent. And I have, for the past 3 years, asked what is it that I've done wrong to warrant such behaviour from the men in blue. I'm not stupid to just blare things without unsubstantiated, err, proof. I observe things in the lab and I bring that with me outside the lab. I've seen enough: the partiality, the unfairness, the reserved-politeness, and whatnot.

There must be some sort of complex in them that causes them to think that the uniform brings with it power and authority. If the university academics take pride in their prefix, then the guards their uniform. Again, I'm stereotyping and bundling the good ones together with the bad apples but what choice do I have? If nine out of ten cars in Penang are black, what are the chances you'd find a black car when you cross the road?

The uniform doesn't mean anything. If any, it only means that you're bound by law and code of conduct. And you wouldn't need a uniform or a manual to learn courtesy, respect, and fair treatment. You're very much flesh and blood beneath; and let not your nakedness show further.

Life In Motion: Symphonic Resonance

Symphonic Resonance - the theme of the night at Dewan Sri Pinang. Never mind the picture of the Austrian Parliament in Vienna below; I was carried away. Back home, it was full house and the audience was feted to an excellent repertory of music pieces, both classical and contemporary. I wonder until the end why didn't they include the themes from the anime Blood+. Oh well...


The boys and girls of the Jit Sin Philharmonic Orchestra (the Chinese Orchestra is on its way) did very well and I will not compare them to the pros. All in unison, perfectly timed and synchronized. A joy to watch them. These guys (and gals) are a bunch of talented people and - I may add - bright.

Like I've mentioned earlier (here), those on stage tonight will one day travel down the road least taken; one which will lead to their desire and passion being made a reality. How many make music their profession? And I'm not talking about being a part-time music teacher; much less to make music a hobby.

My only complain of the night besides some unruly behaviour of some students (how I miss school life) are the seats in the hall. High time somebody do something about it. On the whole, it was a good experience. I best start out here before splashing on the MPO in KLCC. After all, I'm no musician but one learning to appreciate them.

My respect is ever that high for these fellas on the stage. Each with their instruments and however loud (or soft), each contributes to the piece being performed. The theme from Pirates of the Caribbean (oh, here's Hans Zimmer) was great and I love the energy of it. Gum-Suckers March and the Blue Danube were other wonderful ones.

To the JSPO and to them who dream and dare make music a goal, I say to you all, "Bravo!"

Danube so blue, so bright and blue,
through vale and field you flow so calm,
our Vienna greets you, you silver stream
through all the lands you merry the heart
with your beautiful shores...

Life in Motion: The Types of People I Love

The flight took off after a 30-minute delay. With each passing seconds, the white tension fabric roof of the airport shrink into a mass without definable shapes. I could no longer make out each of the pointed cone-like structures. A moment ago, it was a unique architecture to behold. The golden rays cast an orangey hue to what appears like a snow-capped mountain peaks at dawn and dusk.

"I'd visit the Rockies next time", I thought to myself.


Time to plug the earphones in. The in-flight entertainment in this craft doesn't come with the AVOD, just a simple music selection when you plug the airline-issued headphone into the jack at the armrest. My own list of music would sound better and definitely more entertaining than the movie being shown now, the one I've seen for a few times now. Though not the noise-cancelling type, the rather costly earphone plugged into my ears is serving me well. The cabin sound quickly become a white noise. First two on the list are scores from the anime Blood+, composed by Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. Next comes the song Diva by Elin Carlson, written and produced by Mancina. Piano, guitar, and drum form the majority of intruments heard in the songs played. Some slow and some fast, with an addictive beat. Eyes closed but I'm enjoying every moment of it. The melodies and sound made by traditional instruments did transport me back in time too.

These people, the musicians, especially those who make a living but may not necessarily make it big, are those I hold in high regards and with utmost respect. These folks create some of the best tunes and melodies we've heard all our lives. To pass a slighting remark on musicians is unforgivable. I will not turn away or lose interest just because musicians don't earn four to five figures a month. I remembered how these gifted individuals serenaded the guests at my convocation barely a year ago. The ensemble may not be the best of the world but it certainly is a level above everyone in that hall. Without such people, wouldn't life be a boring and mundane affair? Living each day void of music would be unimaginably difficult. Since I don't play any instruments, I'd take the role of an audience, appreciating the music. The music continues and the voices of K, Kanon, Angela Aki, Watanabe Manami of Jyukai, as well as the noteworthy voice of Hajime Chitose, one with a falsetto effect, continues to lull me. The faster ones like Mai Mirai and Kyuukei Jikan Juppun by Saeka Uura add a vibrant touch and provided an uplifting mood to an otherwise dull and somewhat turbulent journey. Then comes the ballads, in Mandarin, Malay, English, and even Spanish. Wonderfully composed; meaningful words structured to blend harmoniously with the message of the song. Gosh, creative people!

"Excuse me, Miss", I called out to the air hostess after she attended to the passenger in front. "Could I have a slice of lemon please?"

"A moment, sir."

I looked out through the arcylic glass and it's already dark, occasionally lighted by flashes of lightning.

She returned with two slices of lemon, "Here you go".

Her face resembled that of Kitahara Aiko, the girl singing Sekaijuu doko wo sagashitemo, now playing halfway through the 3:22 duration.

"Anything else, sir?"

Realizing I've been staring at her, smiling. "Err, no. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. We'd serve you ginger tea for dinner later", she said before walking away.

Another 16 hours of flying and I have about twice the playing time, well, as claimed by Apple. For now, I'd continue sucking the lemon slices and let the music do its wonders. Fantastic people, creative and gifted. I was envious but now, I'm full of admiration and occasionally, I'd perform with them, imaginarily that is.

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.

Tick Tock

Mundane world, ordinary days
Extraordinarily simple, simply unfazed
Seek solace in an unreal world
Worldly cares start to dwindle

When it ends, antsy I become
Coming out, I yearn for more
More of magic, magically plotted
Fantasy, history, and slice of life all procreated

What has become of life; lively nothings?
Nothingness abound, abundance of vanities
Only a count to life, the choice of empty or fulfilling
I shall choose the latter
Living out this mundane, simple, logic-based life to the brim

Creatively absurd

Ever come across ghostly entities destroyed by a mere bullet? Or be destroyed when a cube surrounding them implodes? What about the summoning or superhuman strength and the appearance of a weapon out of thin air?

These are the kinds of story and intriguing plots that keep many glued to anime. But what else besides the near-perfect artist rendition of a character that causes us, myself included, to be stuck to them? I'd say it's a fact that there's no two anime alike, although some may bear similarity to another, and that there are myriads of settings which runs the gamut from an extraterrestrial environment, to the Renaissance period, and to the seemingly timelessness in some.

With a dash of absurdity, we'd have talking and thinking animals (in my case a raccoon), a mobile castle-like structure consolidated by pots, pans, and pipes as it's building material, air-travel, and every other things imaginable. What we thought isn't possible were brought to life by these creative Japanese. Impressive. Perhaps we're happy someone out there is finally able to project our child-like thinking of "if the world is like this... and that...". Absurd as they may be, how many weren't the least affected by some of Studio Ghibli's productions? Or didn't anyone hummed to some of the themes whilst growing up?

Result-oriented as they are, sometimes it's best to be creative, and take things less seriously. Effort yes, but then don't get stuck by only a method. Like they say, there is more than a way to skin a cat. I'm sure they have a fair share of critics as well but then, I was told that if I know what I'm doing, and like what I'm doing, then I'd be fine (emphasis mine). It's disheartening sometimes, to be discouraged from doing anything else other than the right and correct things. To do things logically and in a stoical manner. Get it done, correctly.

There you have it, my newfound love, one that's creatively absurd.

N.B. Post not inclusive of H anime *wink*