This space is due for an update... but in the meantime, I'll just tell you what happened at the finale of the Malaysian International Fireworks Competition.
Well, I got there at 9:45PM. I thought I would be late, since the show on the opening night started at 9:30. Anyway, a kind soul with hot wheels offered to drive to Putrajaya while I navigated. We left Amcorp Mall at 9:10PM and thanks to the wonders of modern toll highways and Malaysian speed limits, we were at the foot of Putrajaya Convention Centre in half an hour. If you're wondering which way we went, it was the NPE and KL-Putrajaya Highway combo. One way toll = RM1.60 + RM2.50.
We got to the Putrajaya Convention Centre through the back route at the southern end of Putrajaya. People were still milling around, which was a good sign that the fireworks wasn't about to start just yet.
We had to park a distance away from the vantage point at the lakeside. As I walked there, I switched on the camera... and the battery meter started blinking. In other words, dead battery. It couldn't even display the menu on the LCD screen. OK, I have another battery. So I switched the batteries... and whaddaya know, the other battery was gone too. Arrrggghhhh! I had forgotten to recharge the battery after running it dry during the World Vision 30 Hour Famine event last weekend.
I went around asking the other photographers nearby if they had an extra battery to lend me. There were only three other photographers in the vicinity. One guy was using Canon, so, too bad. Another guy offered me his spare battery, but it was for a different model (I think a D70) so it couldn't fit my D80. Another girl didn't have an extra battery. I was stuck with a camera, tripod, remote control and two dead batteries.
So I just stood there and watched the fireworks, for the first time without having to tinker with a camera. Then I realized that my mobile phone could take video! And so I recorded the last 11 minutes of the pyrotechnics on video. It's very low resolution, but better than nothing.
The fireworks were really good. Me thinks it was better than last year's finale. The profusion of colours and lovely patterns filled the night sky. It was a dazzling display of artistic chemistry and creative explosions. The musical accompaniment was heart-moving, or perhaps that was because I was standing just a few feet from the booming, oversized speakers.
In the end, I had zero photos to show, but I went home with videos! 10.9MB worth of low res video.
Moral of the story: Always recharge your batteries immediately after they run flat. But even if your camera batteries are dead, life goes on.
The real moral of the story: There are other more important things in life. So, this Merdeka, let's pray for justice and righteousness to prevail in the land. Pray for God-fearing leaders who will do right. May our nation be recharged with life and passion. Right now, too many people are jaded by the political machiavellianisms, perversion of justice and suppression of truth. It's time to change (repent). God bless Malaysia. :)
Pictures of the MIFC 2008 opening night here.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Mimpi Obama
I had another weird dream two nights ago.
I dreamed that Barack Obama was visiting one kampung (village) somewhere in Malaysia, and I happened to be there too. So I shook his hand.
Later on, my mom showed up too, and I told her I shook hands with Obama but she didn't believe me. Just then, Obama, who was mingling at a house across the road, turned around and my mom was surprised to see him there (yup, just like I told her).
Suddenly, Obama's bodyguards started rushing around. There was a commotion, and people were running down the street. I heard some sirens, and saw Malaysian policemen on their white police bikes coming down the road. Obama and his bodyguards were walking briskly in single file along the side of the road, in my direction.
Amidst the commotion, it appeared that the police were there to arrest Obama. I'm not sure if there were 15 police bikes, but the scene was getting too weird, so I woke up.
I dreamed that Barack Obama was visiting one kampung (village) somewhere in Malaysia, and I happened to be there too. So I shook his hand.
Later on, my mom showed up too, and I told her I shook hands with Obama but she didn't believe me. Just then, Obama, who was mingling at a house across the road, turned around and my mom was surprised to see him there (yup, just like I told her).
Suddenly, Obama's bodyguards started rushing around. There was a commotion, and people were running down the street. I heard some sirens, and saw Malaysian policemen on their white police bikes coming down the road. Obama and his bodyguards were walking briskly in single file along the side of the road, in my direction.
Amidst the commotion, it appeared that the police were there to arrest Obama. I'm not sure if there were 15 police bikes, but the scene was getting too weird, so I woke up.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
How rich are you?
I got this forwarded in my email. I don't know how accurate it is, but it's an interesting exercise. Try it. You might actually be richer than you think. So count your blessings.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
U.S.A.
This mighty nation evokes all sorts of feelings... I both like it and dislike it... a love-hate relationship.
I seem to have a lot of links with the US of A. My mom and dad both did their graduate studies there. My sister did her degree there. My two brothers are studying there now. I went to school there for two years when I was 11 and 12, when my whole family moved over to join my late dad who was in seminary there. I can still recite the Pledge of Allegiance, their version of the Rukunegara.
Why I like the USA
1. It's the land of the free... except in the airports.
2. It's probably the only country in the world where a citizen born of a foreign (Kenyan) father and local (American) mother, and growing up in another country (Indonesia) with a stepfather, can run for presidency. Yup, Obama, you have my vote.
3. The nation was founded on fundamental principles of liberty and justice. Whether or not the Constitution was based on Christian values is now being debated, but I'd say yes, it is. The founding fathers separated church from state, but they wisely did not separate God from state (see this).
4. It's where I learned the English (or American) language properly. I was taught pretty technical linguistic stuff even in elementary school. I read the dictionary for fun. I also lost most of my Mandarin there. Pity.
5. You don't have to fill in your "race" in official forms. Within two generations, most immigrants are effectively assimilated Americans regardless of their origin. Oh well, to some people this is a problem.
6. Innovation flourishes in the climate of freedom and openness. Americans have given us the Internet, Facebook, Google, Intel, Windows, etc. Oh wait, you have to pay for Intel and Windows.
7. They develop technology that changes the world... thanks partly to the thousands of other nationalities that conduct research in American universities and labs.
8. They are so patriotic.
Why I dislike the USA
1. They are the biggest debtors in the universe, yet live the most lavish lifestyle. The world economic system is overly dependent on this one nation. When they go down, everyone goes down. The US owes China trillions of dollars. It's mind-boggling.
2. George W. Bush... Many Americans think the universe revolves around them. They go round picking fights on other hapless nations.
3. Too many guns everywhere. But to their credit, it's still a relatively peaceful country even with all the guns. I can't imagine the chaos if guns were available over here.
4. Racism still exists albeit not officially nor overtly. African Americans got their right to vote only about 50 years ago. The legacy of slavery still haunts Americans.
5. The US is the biggest energy and resource consumer on the planet. It's obscene how much Americans use and throw away. Unfortunately the rest of the developing world aspires to attain that same standard of living. It's impossible. There's not enough resources on this planet to sustain the American dream for everyone. The European or Japanese model of development would be more sustainable.
6. Freedom is being stretched to its limits. With such freedom there is bound to exist both the good and the bad. Fundamental core values are being challenged. The definition of family and marriage is under siege by liberalists. But of course, there are Americans who are defending their core values and traditions.
7. They are overly reliant on technology. And remember, lots of that technology came from the military. You may not agree with military spending, but it's part of our technological and economic system. Everyone who uses GPS must thank the US Department of Defense for their satellites.
8. They are so patriotic.
The USA is paradoxical. So perhaps I shouldn't judge on the basis of "like vs dislike", for we all fall short at one point or another. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. But I still believe in absolute principles and standards. On this note, I think the fundamentals of the USA are solid, but the implementation is getting shaky.
I must qualify myself by stating that I am commenting as an outsider, and I'm not an "expert" on American affairs. I must also say that I personally know some very friendly Americans. It's such a diverse nation that you are bound to find very nice as well as nasty people. But overall, they're nice. :)
This post was supposed to come out on the 4th of July... belated happy birthday to Uncle Sam. God bless America.
I seem to have a lot of links with the US of A. My mom and dad both did their graduate studies there. My sister did her degree there. My two brothers are studying there now. I went to school there for two years when I was 11 and 12, when my whole family moved over to join my late dad who was in seminary there. I can still recite the Pledge of Allegiance, their version of the Rukunegara.
Why I like the USA
1. It's the land of the free... except in the airports.
2. It's probably the only country in the world where a citizen born of a foreign (Kenyan) father and local (American) mother, and growing up in another country (Indonesia) with a stepfather, can run for presidency. Yup, Obama, you have my vote.
3. The nation was founded on fundamental principles of liberty and justice. Whether or not the Constitution was based on Christian values is now being debated, but I'd say yes, it is. The founding fathers separated church from state, but they wisely did not separate God from state (see this).
4. It's where I learned the English (or American) language properly. I was taught pretty technical linguistic stuff even in elementary school. I read the dictionary for fun. I also lost most of my Mandarin there. Pity.
5. You don't have to fill in your "race" in official forms. Within two generations, most immigrants are effectively assimilated Americans regardless of their origin. Oh well, to some people this is a problem.
6. Innovation flourishes in the climate of freedom and openness. Americans have given us the Internet, Facebook, Google, Intel, Windows, etc. Oh wait, you have to pay for Intel and Windows.
7. They develop technology that changes the world... thanks partly to the thousands of other nationalities that conduct research in American universities and labs.
8. They are so patriotic.
Why I dislike the USA
1. They are the biggest debtors in the universe, yet live the most lavish lifestyle. The world economic system is overly dependent on this one nation. When they go down, everyone goes down. The US owes China trillions of dollars. It's mind-boggling.
2. George W. Bush... Many Americans think the universe revolves around them. They go round picking fights on other hapless nations.
3. Too many guns everywhere. But to their credit, it's still a relatively peaceful country even with all the guns. I can't imagine the chaos if guns were available over here.
4. Racism still exists albeit not officially nor overtly. African Americans got their right to vote only about 50 years ago. The legacy of slavery still haunts Americans.
5. The US is the biggest energy and resource consumer on the planet. It's obscene how much Americans use and throw away. Unfortunately the rest of the developing world aspires to attain that same standard of living. It's impossible. There's not enough resources on this planet to sustain the American dream for everyone. The European or Japanese model of development would be more sustainable.
6. Freedom is being stretched to its limits. With such freedom there is bound to exist both the good and the bad. Fundamental core values are being challenged. The definition of family and marriage is under siege by liberalists. But of course, there are Americans who are defending their core values and traditions.
7. They are overly reliant on technology. And remember, lots of that technology came from the military. You may not agree with military spending, but it's part of our technological and economic system. Everyone who uses GPS must thank the US Department of Defense for their satellites.
8. They are so patriotic.
The USA is paradoxical. So perhaps I shouldn't judge on the basis of "like vs dislike", for we all fall short at one point or another. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. But I still believe in absolute principles and standards. On this note, I think the fundamentals of the USA are solid, but the implementation is getting shaky.
I must qualify myself by stating that I am commenting as an outsider, and I'm not an "expert" on American affairs. I must also say that I personally know some very friendly Americans. It's such a diverse nation that you are bound to find very nice as well as nasty people. But overall, they're nice. :)
This post was supposed to come out on the 4th of July... belated happy birthday to Uncle Sam. God bless America.
Friday, July 04, 2008
does not, but was
I found the following statement in today's Malaysiakini report:
However, the lawyer’s office clarified that "Arulampalam does not represent Balasubramaniam, but was just his representative."
OK, I'm not so good at the Legalese language, but this one left me befuddled... A does not represent B but was just his representative... ??? Perhaps they mean that A is not the official legal counsel/representative, but just a stand-in representative. Or it was another misquotation by the press.
Maybe they'll clarify tomorrow. Or maybe they'll issue another statutory declaration. Commissioners of oaths must be making good money these days.
However, the lawyer’s office clarified that "Arulampalam does not represent Balasubramaniam, but was just his representative."
OK, I'm not so good at the Legalese language, but this one left me befuddled... A does not represent B but was just his representative... ??? Perhaps they mean that A is not the official legal counsel/representative, but just a stand-in representative. Or it was another misquotation by the press.
Maybe they'll clarify tomorrow. Or maybe they'll issue another statutory declaration. Commissioners of oaths must be making good money these days.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Gajah vs pelanduk
There is a Malay saying that goes something like "gajah sama gajah bertempur, pelanduk mati di tengah" which, translated, means "when elephants fight, the mousedeer that is caught in the middle gets killed."
The way I see it, the present unfolding drama that is gripping the nation is a four-cornered fight between four big elephants:
1. PM/SIL
2. PM wannabe #1/Najib
3. PM wannabe #2/Anwar
4. PM wannabe #4/Ex-PM/Mahathir
And, ladies and gentlemen, we are the mousedeer.
But mousedeer are known to be smart, as portrayed in Malay folklore. Even Parameswara was impressed.
So, still got hope la. :)
*I refer to pelanduk and kancil both as mousedeer, though some people might argue that the two are not the same.
The way I see it, the present unfolding drama that is gripping the nation is a four-cornered fight between four big elephants:
1. PM/SIL
2. PM wannabe #1/Najib
3. PM wannabe #2/Anwar
4. PM wannabe #4/Ex-PM/Mahathir
And, ladies and gentlemen, we are the mousedeer.
But mousedeer are known to be smart, as portrayed in Malay folklore. Even Parameswara was impressed.
So, still got hope la. :)
*I refer to pelanduk and kancil both as mousedeer, though some people might argue that the two are not the same.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Up up and away
I was amazed at the long queues of cars radiating from every petrol station that I passed by this evening. Obviously the drivers were rushing to fill up their tanks while the petrol price still remained at RM1.92 per litre. In true Malaysian fashion, the news/rumours of the price increase of petrol was spread via email and sms since early afternoon. It later transpired that the PM had made an announcement in the evening that the petrol price would increase to RM2.70 at midnight. That's a 40% jump.
What I don't understand is why people would go through all the hassle just to save a few bucks. I mean, it looked like some of those drivers would have to wait at least half an hour before they could even enter the petrol station. My tank was 90% full so I didn't bother to top up the last 10% just to save a few Ringgit.
I figured that even if I filled up a tankful of petrol, I would save about RM30, and just for this one time only. From tomorrow onwards every full tank of petrol would cost me at least RM100. It would be a slightly different story if I were a truck driver with a 200 litre tank. But still, I would save only this one time.
I really don't mind paying market prices for petrol. Let it be RM4.00 per litre. If it's market price, it could go up, and it could go down. What I have a problem with is paying an artificially inflated price for my car, just because the entire auto industry in Malaysia is subsidizing Proton. I don't have any personal vendetta against Proton but I do have objections to our gomen's policies.
In Thailand the petrol is more expensive, but the cars are relatively cheaper. That means that consumers have a real choice of vehicle ownership and usage. It's good, because people can afford to buy a car and not feel bad if they don't use it everyday. Lower cost of ownership, higher cost of operation. That's OK, because then it encourages the use of public transport during weekday commuter rush hours, but still leaves the car owner the choice to drive during off-peak hours.
In Malaysia cars are ridiculously expensive, and public transport is inadequate, so the car owner feels compelled to maximize the utility of their car. In the past, the subsidized petrol offset the high price of car ownership. High cost of ownership, low cost of operation. But now with the fuel subsidies being gradually lifted, we are hit on both sides. High cost of ownership, and high cost of operation. It sucks. Here I am paying RM80,000 for a Toyota Vios when it should only cost RM60,000. And now the petrol price is going up to match market rates. On top of that, the public transport is still unsatisfactory.
My bottomline is: If the government wants to remove the petrol subsidies, it should also remove the Proton and local auto industry subsidies. If the government wants to help the lower income group, it should tax the expensive cars and subsidize the public transport, motorbikes and small cars regardless of the make or model, i.e. not only Proton.
I blame Dr Mahathir for much of this mess. Firstly, his grandiose vision of industrialization has led us up this dead end road called Proton. Secondly, his handpicked successor seems to be unable or unwilling to tackle the root problems of the economy. And don't forget that it was under Dr M and Dr Ling Liong Sik that KL's Light Rail Transit system was established -- a system consisting of three different companies operating totally different and mutually incompatible hardware, separate ticketing and train stations that do not integrate. So you can see now why we're stuck, since these disparate LRT systems are literally cast in concrete.
The Malaysian economy is riddled with systemic inefficiencies. Many of these stem from abuses and misuses of the NEP. Which means that overcoming our handicaps will be doubly or triply difficult. Not impossible, just more difficult. Don't we all love challenges? We also take heart in the fact that there is no perfect economic system on Earth, since we humans are inherently imperfect. Since I am part of the problem, I should then be part of the solution. Forget about saving a few Ringgit worth of petrol tonight. Look at the bigger picture.
What I don't understand is why people would go through all the hassle just to save a few bucks. I mean, it looked like some of those drivers would have to wait at least half an hour before they could even enter the petrol station. My tank was 90% full so I didn't bother to top up the last 10% just to save a few Ringgit.
I figured that even if I filled up a tankful of petrol, I would save about RM30, and just for this one time only. From tomorrow onwards every full tank of petrol would cost me at least RM100. It would be a slightly different story if I were a truck driver with a 200 litre tank. But still, I would save only this one time.
I really don't mind paying market prices for petrol. Let it be RM4.00 per litre. If it's market price, it could go up, and it could go down. What I have a problem with is paying an artificially inflated price for my car, just because the entire auto industry in Malaysia is subsidizing Proton. I don't have any personal vendetta against Proton but I do have objections to our gomen's policies.
In Thailand the petrol is more expensive, but the cars are relatively cheaper. That means that consumers have a real choice of vehicle ownership and usage. It's good, because people can afford to buy a car and not feel bad if they don't use it everyday. Lower cost of ownership, higher cost of operation. That's OK, because then it encourages the use of public transport during weekday commuter rush hours, but still leaves the car owner the choice to drive during off-peak hours.
In Malaysia cars are ridiculously expensive, and public transport is inadequate, so the car owner feels compelled to maximize the utility of their car. In the past, the subsidized petrol offset the high price of car ownership. High cost of ownership, low cost of operation. But now with the fuel subsidies being gradually lifted, we are hit on both sides. High cost of ownership, and high cost of operation. It sucks. Here I am paying RM80,000 for a Toyota Vios when it should only cost RM60,000. And now the petrol price is going up to match market rates. On top of that, the public transport is still unsatisfactory.
My bottomline is: If the government wants to remove the petrol subsidies, it should also remove the Proton and local auto industry subsidies. If the government wants to help the lower income group, it should tax the expensive cars and subsidize the public transport, motorbikes and small cars regardless of the make or model, i.e. not only Proton.
I blame Dr Mahathir for much of this mess. Firstly, his grandiose vision of industrialization has led us up this dead end road called Proton. Secondly, his handpicked successor seems to be unable or unwilling to tackle the root problems of the economy. And don't forget that it was under Dr M and Dr Ling Liong Sik that KL's Light Rail Transit system was established -- a system consisting of three different companies operating totally different and mutually incompatible hardware, separate ticketing and train stations that do not integrate. So you can see now why we're stuck, since these disparate LRT systems are literally cast in concrete.
The Malaysian economy is riddled with systemic inefficiencies. Many of these stem from abuses and misuses of the NEP. Which means that overcoming our handicaps will be doubly or triply difficult. Not impossible, just more difficult. Don't we all love challenges? We also take heart in the fact that there is no perfect economic system on Earth, since we humans are inherently imperfect. Since I am part of the problem, I should then be part of the solution. Forget about saving a few Ringgit worth of petrol tonight. Look at the bigger picture.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Tagged again
Aduh, aku dah kena tag lagi. This time by Charis.
I'm a *ahem* nice guy, so I shall play along. :)
1. What time do you usually wake up?
Depends on what time I go to sleep and for what purpose I have to wake up. It can be any time between 4:45AM and 11:30AM. Usually around 8.
2. What’s the first thing you do?
Hit the snooze button, unless there's a gorgeous sunrise photo opportunity.
3. Breakfast?
My breakfast tends to coincide with lunch.
4. Do you go to work/school?
I try to...
5. Do you like it?
Yes, sort of, more or less.
6. If you stay at home, what do you do all day?
Review my photos, view other people's photos, nap, mop the floor, sort my credit card statements, try to read, think about washing the car, stare at guppies in the basin, play a CD, etc.
7. When’s lunch and what are you eating?
Any one-hour block between 12PM and 2PM. I eat anything as long as it is not an endangered species.
8. What time do you get home from work/school?
Between 6:30PM and 8:30PM depending on atmospheric precipitation conditions and road traffic.
9. What do you do?
I help people comply with environmental legislation and not destroy the Earth.
10. Dinner: When and what?
Why so many questions about food? I'm not a fussy eater. I just eat. Any time between 6PM and 12AM.
11. What do you do to unwind?
Reply tags on my blog.
I used to climb some mountains. Now I climb hills.
Jump into the sea.
Listen to music.
Play the piano, although that might stress out people around me.
Sleep/nap.
Read other people's blogs.
Read/browse through books.
Review photos.
Take photos.
Wander around.
12. What's your favourite part of the day?
Sunset. And sunrise when I happen to get up early.
13. Who's your favourite person(s) to interact with?
You.
14. When's bedtime?
Usually later than I would like it to be. A good indication is after I brush my teeth.
15. Who's bedtime with?
Er, my pillow?
I'm a *ahem* nice guy, so I shall play along. :)
1. What time do you usually wake up?
Depends on what time I go to sleep and for what purpose I have to wake up. It can be any time between 4:45AM and 11:30AM. Usually around 8.
2. What’s the first thing you do?
Hit the snooze button, unless there's a gorgeous sunrise photo opportunity.
3. Breakfast?
My breakfast tends to coincide with lunch.
4. Do you go to work/school?
I try to...
5. Do you like it?
Yes, sort of, more or less.
6. If you stay at home, what do you do all day?
Review my photos, view other people's photos, nap, mop the floor, sort my credit card statements, try to read, think about washing the car, stare at guppies in the basin, play a CD, etc.
7. When’s lunch and what are you eating?
Any one-hour block between 12PM and 2PM. I eat anything as long as it is not an endangered species.
8. What time do you get home from work/school?
Between 6:30PM and 8:30PM depending on atmospheric precipitation conditions and road traffic.
9. What do you do?
I help people comply with environmental legislation and not destroy the Earth.
10. Dinner: When and what?
Why so many questions about food? I'm not a fussy eater. I just eat. Any time between 6PM and 12AM.
11. What do you do to unwind?
Reply tags on my blog.
I used to climb some mountains. Now I climb hills.
Jump into the sea.
Listen to music.
Play the piano, although that might stress out people around me.
Sleep/nap.
Read other people's blogs.
Read/browse through books.
Review photos.
Take photos.
Wander around.
12. What's your favourite part of the day?
Sunset. And sunrise when I happen to get up early.
13. Who's your favourite person(s) to interact with?
You.
14. When's bedtime?
Usually later than I would like it to be. A good indication is after I brush my teeth.
15. Who's bedtime with?
Er, my pillow?
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sermons for my soul
This verse has been darting in and out of my mind over the past months...
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21
The meaning has only recently been sinking in really deep, despite the fact that I've heard it repeated countless times over the years. Maybe it's because I wasn't really fully alive, and I wasn't 100% switched on to life. My body was here, but I was stuck somewhere else. But that's another story for another day. :)
The key to unlocking my heart, mind and soul to this verse was when I heard Stuart Briscoe speak at PJEFC one evening in April.
Stuart said that this verse is talking about is a win-win situation in life. What Stuart said somehow rang a bell in me. No matter what happens, I will only stand to gain since my life is lived in and for Christ. If I live, I live for Christ. If I die, I go to be with Christ. Now, what a positive dilemma, isn't it?
Contrast that with the oft quoted dilemma by Shakespeare's Hamlet, "To be or not to be, that is the Question."
Stuart explained that what Shakespeare was referring to was the despair and hopelessness of someone who didn't want to continue living because life was dreadful, and yet couldn't bear to kill himself because he didn't know where he would end up on that one-way journey to the next life. He wanted to escape this life, yet could not bear the risk of the unknown. What a sad state of affairs.
But we don't have to despair. Just think about it. What is the worst that could happen to you? Even if you dropped dead tonight?
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (read Phil 1:20-26 for context)
Life is worth living, because there is something worth dying for.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21
The meaning has only recently been sinking in really deep, despite the fact that I've heard it repeated countless times over the years. Maybe it's because I wasn't really fully alive, and I wasn't 100% switched on to life. My body was here, but I was stuck somewhere else. But that's another story for another day. :)
The key to unlocking my heart, mind and soul to this verse was when I heard Stuart Briscoe speak at PJEFC one evening in April.
Stuart said that this verse is talking about is a win-win situation in life. What Stuart said somehow rang a bell in me. No matter what happens, I will only stand to gain since my life is lived in and for Christ. If I live, I live for Christ. If I die, I go to be with Christ. Now, what a positive dilemma, isn't it?
Contrast that with the oft quoted dilemma by Shakespeare's Hamlet, "To be or not to be, that is the Question."
Stuart explained that what Shakespeare was referring to was the despair and hopelessness of someone who didn't want to continue living because life was dreadful, and yet couldn't bear to kill himself because he didn't know where he would end up on that one-way journey to the next life. He wanted to escape this life, yet could not bear the risk of the unknown. What a sad state of affairs.
But we don't have to despair. Just think about it. What is the worst that could happen to you? Even if you dropped dead tonight?
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (read Phil 1:20-26 for context)
Life is worth living, because there is something worth dying for.
Woohoo! I'm famous!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Big C
There is one thing many Malaysian politicians lack: Credibility.
Too many of our politicians have told outright lies or stuck their foot in their mouth one time too many, to the point that I don't know who's telling the truth anymore.
Like the boy who cried wolf, we don't believe them anymore. The only reason they are in leadership is because of their position, not their character. We follow their lead because we have to, not because we want to.
It's a sad situation when you can't trust a person's word, because there's nothing left in the relationship but the shell.
Which is why the ninth commandment says, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour."
Too many of our politicians have told outright lies or stuck their foot in their mouth one time too many, to the point that I don't know who's telling the truth anymore.
Like the boy who cried wolf, we don't believe them anymore. The only reason they are in leadership is because of their position, not their character. We follow their lead because we have to, not because we want to.
It's a sad situation when you can't trust a person's word, because there's nothing left in the relationship but the shell.
Which is why the ninth commandment says, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour."
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah
Something very significant happened in KL on this day 39 years ago... that changed the course of history.
What really happened? Who was involved? When? Where? How? Why?
Time heals, but only if we treat the injury properly.
What we need is truth, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Question is, Who will make the first move?
What really happened? Who was involved? When? Where? How? Why?
Time heals, but only if we treat the injury properly.
What we need is truth, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Question is, Who will make the first move?
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