A little passage I happened to chance upon by provenance.
"Joshua son of Nun... Remember how he held back the sun and made one day as long as two? When his enemies were threatening him from every side, he prayed to the mighty Lord Most High, and his prayer was answered with a hailstorm of devastating force..."
- Sirach 46
Yes, when you need strength, it will come. One way or another.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama forever
OMG.
There, I can't think of a better way to describe Obama's 2009 inauguration speech. I am completely baffled, stunned, astonished, amazed and surprised that any man had the ability to rouse a nation the way he does. He's eloquence is one unmatched by any other politician living in this galaxy and his charisma is like a hook to the very inside of your heart. It pulls you to him, you thirst to follow him, your heart follows the rhythm of his words. As much as you try to stay objective and question his abilities, you can't.
What kind of man is this? His speech is so imaginative and colourful, abound with hope and certainty in this day of uncertainty. For that 20mins, I was uplifted, filled with intense excitement and anticipation at what this man could do, will do. To hell with all the naysayers. The fact that this "untested" man could, despite his origin, stand up against the clinton/mccain machines and push through successfully, bringing the most powerful nation to its knees in wonderment is testament to his gift.
This man is not a politician. He is a leader. An American god.
I say, never in my life have I been so spell-bound, so enchanted by any man than the salient Barack Hussein Obama. The way the crowd reacted to his every cue, excited by his every gesture, it was just so child-like, as if a father was reading a fairy tale to a mesmerised child... There was Bush sitting in a corner like the insignificant fool that he is, and here was Obama, teasing and stirring the crowd so easily and naturally. Unlike Mr B. who had to try so hard, yet still failing, to defend what little ounce of self-respect he has now.
The atmosphere was drunken, heady with Obamania. Seeing America so open and vulnerable to this man, I really wish and hope with all my soul that he does not disappoint. To do so would be downright cruel. When the world has placed her heart with him, let Obama take his responsibility with good stead.
God Bless America at last.
There, I can't think of a better way to describe Obama's 2009 inauguration speech. I am completely baffled, stunned, astonished, amazed and surprised that any man had the ability to rouse a nation the way he does. He's eloquence is one unmatched by any other politician living in this galaxy and his charisma is like a hook to the very inside of your heart. It pulls you to him, you thirst to follow him, your heart follows the rhythm of his words. As much as you try to stay objective and question his abilities, you can't.
What kind of man is this? His speech is so imaginative and colourful, abound with hope and certainty in this day of uncertainty. For that 20mins, I was uplifted, filled with intense excitement and anticipation at what this man could do, will do. To hell with all the naysayers. The fact that this "untested" man could, despite his origin, stand up against the clinton/mccain machines and push through successfully, bringing the most powerful nation to its knees in wonderment is testament to his gift.
This man is not a politician. He is a leader. An American god.
I say, never in my life have I been so spell-bound, so enchanted by any man than the salient Barack Hussein Obama. The way the crowd reacted to his every cue, excited by his every gesture, it was just so child-like, as if a father was reading a fairy tale to a mesmerised child... There was Bush sitting in a corner like the insignificant fool that he is, and here was Obama, teasing and stirring the crowd so easily and naturally. Unlike Mr B. who had to try so hard, yet still failing, to defend what little ounce of self-respect he has now.
The atmosphere was drunken, heady with Obamania. Seeing America so open and vulnerable to this man, I really wish and hope with all my soul that he does not disappoint. To do so would be downright cruel. When the world has placed her heart with him, let Obama take his responsibility with good stead.
God Bless America at last.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Te te te
You know, after Wednesday's relationship talk, club music seems so fun all of a sudden. Our trainer, Bong, was quite hilarious. He and his adventures around Labrador Park haha.
"I could love you like this, I could love you like that" Haha wtf, he's singing is really one of a kind.
Oh yea, I was reading up on his Law of Requisite Variety and it's truly fascinating. To control the system of relationships, one must be flexible since only variety can destroy variety. It was derived from a mathematical law of the same name, something to do about sets. It's really takes a bit of thinking to grasp the concept behind it so I'll leave you to find out more about it, if you want. The course was really informative, and of course, anything beats having double GP and double chem.
Adam Khoo learning technologies group. Hmm it seems that the fastest way to become a millionaire is to start a learning center teaching people how to become millionaires. Teaching people how to use their common sense is the best idea ever. It's a niche market and the demand is not exhaustive since common sense is not common at all. Heard he was a Victorian too, haha. Who knows, maybe I can be as successful as him at that young age. Go Biz club.
Anyway let's dance.
"I'm out of time and all I got is 4 minutes, 4 minutes..." ta dadada hahaha
"I could love you like this, I could love you like that" Haha wtf, he's singing is really one of a kind.
Oh yea, I was reading up on his Law of Requisite Variety and it's truly fascinating. To control the system of relationships, one must be flexible since only variety can destroy variety. It was derived from a mathematical law of the same name, something to do about sets. It's really takes a bit of thinking to grasp the concept behind it so I'll leave you to find out more about it, if you want. The course was really informative, and of course, anything beats having double GP and double chem.
Adam Khoo learning technologies group. Hmm it seems that the fastest way to become a millionaire is to start a learning center teaching people how to become millionaires. Teaching people how to use their common sense is the best idea ever. It's a niche market and the demand is not exhaustive since common sense is not common at all. Heard he was a Victorian too, haha. Who knows, maybe I can be as successful as him at that young age. Go Biz club.
Anyway let's dance.
"I'm out of time and all I got is 4 minutes, 4 minutes..." ta dadada hahaha
Monday, January 12, 2009
First Lego League at NLB
I think I'm mad,
because I love doing CIP.
FLL was a great success, the kids had fun, we had fun, the teachers had fun, everyone had fun. Just so you didn't know, FLL seeks to cultivate the love of engineering amongst youths from 8 to 16 through, you guessed it, lego robotics.
The theme was Climate Connection, although I couldn't see the link between picking balls up with toy robots and climate change, it was still really cool. You have these super small 8 yr olds, eyebrows furrowed in concentration, assembling their massive robots in under 4.83s without breaking a sweat. Imagine F1 pit crews, just way way tinier.
It was all fun and laughter, despite me waking up at 5.30 and sleeping at 2 'cause of a retarded re-assessment the next day, which I might as well not take. Absent looks better that Ungraded. Ok so here we have some super blur pics, courtesy of my co-team usher, Vincent.
Alright, Vincent's the dude on my right. He's got the coolest CCA, youth flying club. I didn't know they actually flew real planes. Dang, I'd have joined if I knew.. Beside me is Stanley, and the uber short girl, oops, in front is Jolene, our IC.
One of the teams under us won the stylo-mylo award for best costume. Whew, who'd knew handling a bunch of young girls was so tiring? Not this team though, another, this was a good team.
And that's the sneak preview for you.
The volunteers were mostly from JCs and polys. Filbert, Jonathan and I were there together. I'm going to try pump as many more CIP events as I can from now onwards, the leadership opportunities and camaraderie, it really makes you an even more all-rounded person.
because I love doing CIP.
FLL was a great success, the kids had fun, we had fun, the teachers had fun, everyone had fun. Just so you didn't know, FLL seeks to cultivate the love of engineering amongst youths from 8 to 16 through, you guessed it, lego robotics.
The theme was Climate Connection, although I couldn't see the link between picking balls up with toy robots and climate change, it was still really cool. You have these super small 8 yr olds, eyebrows furrowed in concentration, assembling their massive robots in under 4.83s without breaking a sweat. Imagine F1 pit crews, just way way tinier.
It was all fun and laughter, despite me waking up at 5.30 and sleeping at 2 'cause of a retarded re-assessment the next day, which I might as well not take. Absent looks better that Ungraded. Ok so here we have some super blur pics, courtesy of my co-team usher, Vincent.
Alright, Vincent's the dude on my right. He's got the coolest CCA, youth flying club. I didn't know they actually flew real planes. Dang, I'd have joined if I knew.. Beside me is Stanley, and the uber short girl, oops, in front is Jolene, our IC.
One of the teams under us won the stylo-mylo award for best costume. Whew, who'd knew handling a bunch of young girls was so tiring? Not this team though, another, this was a good team.
And that's the sneak preview for you.
The volunteers were mostly from JCs and polys. Filbert, Jonathan and I were there together. I'm going to try pump as many more CIP events as I can from now onwards, the leadership opportunities and camaraderie, it really makes you an even more all-rounded person.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Right brain, left brain
may not spin here so go here --> http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22535838-5012895,00.htmlI came across this last year and found it truly delightful to know =)
"The Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?
If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.
Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it"
It seems that the dancer turns clockwise direction for me. Although I can change her turning fairly easily.
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking
Monday, January 5, 2009
How now?
"Israel's tough choices in zero-sum game"
by Fania Oz-Salberger, Prof and chair of Modern Israel studies at Monash University.
I quote, "Imagine your next-door neighbour - with whom you have had a long and bloody feud - pulling out a gun and shooting into your windows, from his own living room, which is densely packed with women and children. In fact, he's holding his daughter on his lap as he tries to target your kids. He claims he will not stop until your family is dead. Police are unavailable. What should you do?"
An article in the Straits times which matches my sentiments exactly. With the Israeli-Gaza conflict robbing the headlines since 27 dec, two global camps have been aroused. Pro and anti Israeli. Yet from what I see, Israel is getting heavy flak for its actions.
On one side, it is argued that this is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis which could shift the status quo in the middle east towards more bloodshed than is needed. On the other side, the view is that Israel is fighting a just war against an unreasonable enemy which only goal is to see the destruction of her. Thus Israel's actions are justified and acceptable.
With all the poignant and heart-wrenching photos and videos captured and put to good propaganda use by media machines worldwide, there seems to be a global consensus that Israel is the aggressor and it should stop. The death toll now hovers around 530 with over 80 children dead as compared to a handful of Israelis. People all over the world have come up in arms baying for Israel's punishment for causing so many deaths and suffering. But who sympathises with the Israeli cause? George Bush definitely, but that doesn't really count as helping things does it?
I'm worried about this war too, outbreaks in the middle east never amount to anything good, yet I'm starting to feel indignant that few, if any, are helping Israel find a solution to its problem. All call for her to stop. None give her a reason to stop.
The humanitarian crisis is caused by a bunch of uncaring gunmen who fire rockets all day to spite their enemy from the midst of its civilians. "Try as Israel might to target militants alone, civilian bodies are being pulled from the rubble, because militants and civilians inhabit the same urban space in Gaza... no regime has ever used its citizens so deliberately as tools to arouse world sympathy, as hostages to modern sensitivities." How can an army defeat an enemy rooted between its people without killing anyone else? What kind of government brings war to its peoples' doorstep so that their deaths can be used as a media weapon against its enemy?
Israel just wants to protect her people from daily rocket fire by crushing Hamas. Yet I fear they may again pull themselves into the losing end of the war. If they pull out before completing their goal, their enemy will gain recognition and standing in defeating her. Of course, Israel can just level out Gaza with its bombs. Like Stalin once famously said during the purges, "Death is the solution to all problems. No man, no problem." But Israel doesn't want that, hence the ground offensive. For those who say that Israel is reacting disproportionately, should they then fight fire with fire by "firing 10 to 80 rockets, indiscriminately aimed against Gazan homes and schools, every day for the next few years?"
Instead of being an unreasonable, short-sighted bunch by calling for yet another temporary ceasefire, the world should start looking for long term peace plans, otherwise Israel has to start taking things into her own hands. Stop getting swayed by pitiful pictures, that is not the issue here. The issue is how do we stop this from reoccurring? Either send in an UN peacekeeping force with a strong mandate of stopping Hamas militants from firing rockets, or somehow broker peace for the long run.
Let not history repeat itself. Truces made, truces broken, fighting restarts. George Santayana puts it succinctly, "Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them." Stop fighting and do something now. Stop protesting like a bunch of infantile monkeys and get down to the crux of the problem.
Work towards peace, not inflame it further. If the world truly was matured enough, they'd find ways to stop things instead of jumping up and down on Israeli's flag.. If people around the world truly cared about others, why not start protesting against crimes in Darfur or deteriorating health conditions in Senegal? That would be much more purposeful..
I'm unsure how this will turn out. Chances are, it will end up like the Lebanon crisis last year, problem still unsolved. So, how now?
by Fania Oz-Salberger, Prof and chair of Modern Israel studies at Monash University.
I quote, "Imagine your next-door neighbour - with whom you have had a long and bloody feud - pulling out a gun and shooting into your windows, from his own living room, which is densely packed with women and children. In fact, he's holding his daughter on his lap as he tries to target your kids. He claims he will not stop until your family is dead. Police are unavailable. What should you do?"
An article in the Straits times which matches my sentiments exactly. With the Israeli-Gaza conflict robbing the headlines since 27 dec, two global camps have been aroused. Pro and anti Israeli. Yet from what I see, Israel is getting heavy flak for its actions.
On one side, it is argued that this is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis which could shift the status quo in the middle east towards more bloodshed than is needed. On the other side, the view is that Israel is fighting a just war against an unreasonable enemy which only goal is to see the destruction of her. Thus Israel's actions are justified and acceptable.
With all the poignant and heart-wrenching photos and videos captured and put to good propaganda use by media machines worldwide, there seems to be a global consensus that Israel is the aggressor and it should stop. The death toll now hovers around 530 with over 80 children dead as compared to a handful of Israelis. People all over the world have come up in arms baying for Israel's punishment for causing so many deaths and suffering. But who sympathises with the Israeli cause? George Bush definitely, but that doesn't really count as helping things does it?
I'm worried about this war too, outbreaks in the middle east never amount to anything good, yet I'm starting to feel indignant that few, if any, are helping Israel find a solution to its problem. All call for her to stop. None give her a reason to stop.
The humanitarian crisis is caused by a bunch of uncaring gunmen who fire rockets all day to spite their enemy from the midst of its civilians. "Try as Israel might to target militants alone, civilian bodies are being pulled from the rubble, because militants and civilians inhabit the same urban space in Gaza... no regime has ever used its citizens so deliberately as tools to arouse world sympathy, as hostages to modern sensitivities." How can an army defeat an enemy rooted between its people without killing anyone else? What kind of government brings war to its peoples' doorstep so that their deaths can be used as a media weapon against its enemy?
Israel just wants to protect her people from daily rocket fire by crushing Hamas. Yet I fear they may again pull themselves into the losing end of the war. If they pull out before completing their goal, their enemy will gain recognition and standing in defeating her. Of course, Israel can just level out Gaza with its bombs. Like Stalin once famously said during the purges, "Death is the solution to all problems. No man, no problem." But Israel doesn't want that, hence the ground offensive. For those who say that Israel is reacting disproportionately, should they then fight fire with fire by "firing 10 to 80 rockets, indiscriminately aimed against Gazan homes and schools, every day for the next few years?"
Instead of being an unreasonable, short-sighted bunch by calling for yet another temporary ceasefire, the world should start looking for long term peace plans, otherwise Israel has to start taking things into her own hands. Stop getting swayed by pitiful pictures, that is not the issue here. The issue is how do we stop this from reoccurring? Either send in an UN peacekeeping force with a strong mandate of stopping Hamas militants from firing rockets, or somehow broker peace for the long run.
Let not history repeat itself. Truces made, truces broken, fighting restarts. George Santayana puts it succinctly, "Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them." Stop fighting and do something now. Stop protesting like a bunch of infantile monkeys and get down to the crux of the problem.
Work towards peace, not inflame it further. If the world truly was matured enough, they'd find ways to stop things instead of jumping up and down on Israeli's flag.. If people around the world truly cared about others, why not start protesting against crimes in Darfur or deteriorating health conditions in Senegal? That would be much more purposeful..
I'm unsure how this will turn out. Chances are, it will end up like the Lebanon crisis last year, problem still unsolved. So, how now?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Here comes 2009
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Last night was strangely really.. Normal. It seems after 17 years, you somewhat lose the boyish anticipation for the new year. Not like in P6 and in sec 4..
Had a dinner party at Amanda's house last night and it really felt as it should be - your average dinner party. There no longer was this kick and excitement you get when you count down to the very last second and burst into "auld luang sy".
Hopefully this is not part of growing up. To lose certain emotions and perceptions as we mature. I know it happens. Look at your parents and you'd have a clear picture of it.. Well anyway, I don't want to ponder over anything that's to do with 2008 now. It's 2009.
So I guess I'll have to predictably state my new year resolutions.
2009
- Shit happens. (Brilliant advice from a good buddy) maintain this mindset and you'll never go into clinical depression.
- Get organised. My files are bursting, my papers strewn across my keyboard, my mum is yelling that I should clear my drawers. I'm feeling that this are signs. And oh it makes mugging this year loads simpler.
- Grow up. Seriously I have to start maturing and taking my future into my hands. That means less fooling around. This is A level year bro. But hey, boys will be boys so we'll see haha.
- Maintain a good work-play relationship. I like staying actively involved in things. Be it organising projects (ironic), doing CIP and reading up and musing over current events, sort of like a mini-debate in my mind on germane issues. I know it's weird but hey, Obama did that too in uni and see where that thinking has brought him.
- Stay healthy. I like this best 'cause it means more tennis for me yes!
- Continue with my music. Pretty wasted if I just lay off on the piano after grade 8. Especially since I have a huge one sitting in my living room.
- Have a clear mind. This is the key to leadership. The quality of judgment. I find some decisions I made were impulsive. Like Randy Putsch said. Do not make a decision till the last minute. Well said.
- Get my 4As. Self-explanatory.
And last but not least get a girlfriend. Haha ok that was just me bull-shiting again. I'm seeing this resolution so many times in so many places. Loads of lonely desperate men and women out there this new year, I feel sad for them. But dammit I ain't jeopardising my A levels now, so stay focused Joshua.
So there you have it. Pretty boring stuff but there seems to be a corelation between mediocre resolutions and success in maintaining them.
Cheers this 2009! I do hope you achieve whatever goals and aspirations you set for yourself this new year! Above all, enjoy life the way you want it!
Had a dinner party at Amanda's house last night and it really felt as it should be - your average dinner party. There no longer was this kick and excitement you get when you count down to the very last second and burst into "auld luang sy".
Hopefully this is not part of growing up. To lose certain emotions and perceptions as we mature. I know it happens. Look at your parents and you'd have a clear picture of it.. Well anyway, I don't want to ponder over anything that's to do with 2008 now. It's 2009.
So I guess I'll have to predictably state my new year resolutions.
2009
- Shit happens. (Brilliant advice from a good buddy) maintain this mindset and you'll never go into clinical depression.
- Get organised. My files are bursting, my papers strewn across my keyboard, my mum is yelling that I should clear my drawers. I'm feeling that this are signs. And oh it makes mugging this year loads simpler.
- Grow up. Seriously I have to start maturing and taking my future into my hands. That means less fooling around. This is A level year bro. But hey, boys will be boys so we'll see haha.
- Maintain a good work-play relationship. I like staying actively involved in things. Be it organising projects (ironic), doing CIP and reading up and musing over current events, sort of like a mini-debate in my mind on germane issues. I know it's weird but hey, Obama did that too in uni and see where that thinking has brought him.
- Stay healthy. I like this best 'cause it means more tennis for me yes!
- Continue with my music. Pretty wasted if I just lay off on the piano after grade 8. Especially since I have a huge one sitting in my living room.
- Have a clear mind. This is the key to leadership. The quality of judgment. I find some decisions I made were impulsive. Like Randy Putsch said. Do not make a decision till the last minute. Well said.
- Get my 4As. Self-explanatory.
And last but not least get a girlfriend. Haha ok that was just me bull-shiting again. I'm seeing this resolution so many times in so many places. Loads of lonely desperate men and women out there this new year, I feel sad for them. But dammit I ain't jeopardising my A levels now, so stay focused Joshua.
So there you have it. Pretty boring stuff but there seems to be a corelation between mediocre resolutions and success in maintaining them.
Cheers this 2009! I do hope you achieve whatever goals and aspirations you set for yourself this new year! Above all, enjoy life the way you want it!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Current affairs
Well, I've been catching up on a bit of reading over the past few days since I came back and it really is impressive how this tiny planet of ours can churn up so much activity and changes in just a few days.
For example. The thais have been exchanging their PMs like nobody's business. The opposition efforts have paid off, Wongsawat stepped down and Abhisit has taken over the reins. Now thaksin-loyalists are using the PAD's very own methods in seeking yet another regime change! I wonder when will this stop? Don't they realise the damages they've done to their country? The millions lost in the airport saga? The taxpayers money lost when the police are unnecessarily deployed and pulled from their rightful posts of preventing real crime?
Is the fight for so-called "democracy" really that important? So much so that it outweighs the general welfare of public as a whole? I mean who really gives a damn about legitimacy of a government if it proves to be good for the people. You only protest if this illegitimate government abuses its power. Sure you can argue about setting the wrong precedents but would you rather live in peace, regardless the leader, or under a chaotic democracy?
Another would be Israeli bombings on Gaza. For one thing, I try not to side with either parties. It is through you-versus-me mentality that such conflagrations arise. I must really marvel at both sides. Their fight has persisted all the way from biblical times!
From how I see it, both sides have their justifiable reasons for war, and many more reasons for peace. Palestinians are sick and tired of the Israelis infringing on their sovereign rights (if you can put it that way). Their pain and suffering is immense and cannot be calculated in mere arbitrary terms. Theirs is a heavily-populated, malnourished city constantly fraught with unthinkable dangers. Militants firing on one side of the road, Israeli tanks bull-dozing in from the other side and the deep drone of war planes looming above.
Woe is the innocent child who craddles in hopeful safety of his father's bossom...
On the other hand, the Israelis are also stretched to their limits with Hama's rockets. In their mind, Hamas is akin to a thorn in the flesh of a lion. Imagine having irritating rockets slamming into border defenceless towns all day, would any government stand this? They have tried peaceful options, but the rockets still persist. They are paying Hamas back in their own medicine, albeit a more bitter one.
Sometimes, I really feel for them. Theirs is a nation scorned on all sides, their neighbours sing to their early deaths and you can really sense the wall slowly closing in. To the north is Lebonon and the Hizbollah. To their south, Hamas, to their east, Syria and a could be nuclear armed Iran. All want her death. Internally, there are 1.3 million Arab-Israelis out of 5.5 million and many are slowly sympathising with radicals! They feel threaten on all sides and can turn to no one to broker peace. The world condemns their actions, yet do little to stop Hamas rockets.
During the ceasefires, there have been occasional rocket attacks and Israel has responded by opening up humanitarian lines for its enemy. If there is no other peaceful option, can you really fault them for behaving as such? Global citizens, Koreans, Americans, Europeans all deride Israel for "genocide" and call for them to stop bombing civilians, but do the militants want to come out of residential districts and fight? No. How can you kill the enemy firing from the midst of innocent civilians without expecting other casualties. It's unrealistic.
I say that instead of protesting, the world should ramp up efforts to mediate. If not it will be the same old pattern. Israel bombs, militants fight back, civilians overwhelmed and another temporary truce is formed.
Still, they are not without sin. Torture and rampant espionage, indiscriminate bombings and hidden nukes? Some even say this recent outbreak is another form of PR for the upcoming elections. But in any war, there is no sinless party. You fight fire with fire.
Both have their difficulties and have responded in similar manners - bloodshed. Alas peace cannot be obtained through senseless violence. Hate is festered in little ones and the battle scene is set for the next generation. As the old bard laments, "Violence ultimately begets violence.."
I fear this dispute can never be settled till Israel's neighbours accept and tolerate her as she is. Till then, we can only pray for the innocent that they hold fast..
I read an interesting article. The future of global health. Millions of Africans lie sick and dying today, they cannot even find morphine in hospitals to ease their pain. Old, once thought eradicated diseases like polio are resurfacing quickly and to desire proper water sanitation is like believing in Santa. Pure fantasy.
Children bathe in polluted waste water in Jakarta slums and Chinese babies are still suffering from the effects of the Sanlu milk scandal. Obesity is on the rise and clinical depression is becoming more rampant.
In our globalised world, our geographical lines are blurred. 2 billion people travel about by air yearly and new diseases are sprouting at an unprecedented 1 a year. The SARS outbreak shows only ominously how a plague outbreak could happen in such an era. I shudder to think of such an event occurring in the little bubble of ours - Singapore.
The food we eat have traveled hundreds of miles made with ingredients from all over the world. The Sanlu milk scare displayed this clearly with so many products being pulled from the shelves. Food is genetically modified, its effects are too early to tell but one thing we can learn from recent history is this - don't fool around with mother nature.
Who can save us? Ironically ourselves, but do we want to? Heck life is just too good here, why should we care about the events in Africa or China? Because we must as a fellow human being. It is morally and ethically right to do so, it is our god-given duty to do so. God did not bless us with our bounty just to sit back and enjoy its fruits. Ability to choose to show compassion and act on it separates us from animals and to fight for human rights - the right to life, liberty, education, healthcare - all these are the very foundations of what it means to live as Man. Our human rights are derived from natural law - how would a rational human being seeking to survive and prosper act - and thus we should not ignore the cries of others for we are all the same.
What can I do as a simple student? I can start by being thankful for what I have. Awareness of our fruits and consciousness of the needs of others is the first step to greater action. And awareness only comes from wanting to read and learn about this very fascinating world =)
For example. The thais have been exchanging their PMs like nobody's business. The opposition efforts have paid off, Wongsawat stepped down and Abhisit has taken over the reins. Now thaksin-loyalists are using the PAD's very own methods in seeking yet another regime change! I wonder when will this stop? Don't they realise the damages they've done to their country? The millions lost in the airport saga? The taxpayers money lost when the police are unnecessarily deployed and pulled from their rightful posts of preventing real crime?
Is the fight for so-called "democracy" really that important? So much so that it outweighs the general welfare of public as a whole? I mean who really gives a damn about legitimacy of a government if it proves to be good for the people. You only protest if this illegitimate government abuses its power. Sure you can argue about setting the wrong precedents but would you rather live in peace, regardless the leader, or under a chaotic democracy?
Another would be Israeli bombings on Gaza. For one thing, I try not to side with either parties. It is through you-versus-me mentality that such conflagrations arise. I must really marvel at both sides. Their fight has persisted all the way from biblical times!
From how I see it, both sides have their justifiable reasons for war, and many more reasons for peace. Palestinians are sick and tired of the Israelis infringing on their sovereign rights (if you can put it that way). Their pain and suffering is immense and cannot be calculated in mere arbitrary terms. Theirs is a heavily-populated, malnourished city constantly fraught with unthinkable dangers. Militants firing on one side of the road, Israeli tanks bull-dozing in from the other side and the deep drone of war planes looming above.
Woe is the innocent child who craddles in hopeful safety of his father's bossom...
On the other hand, the Israelis are also stretched to their limits with Hama's rockets. In their mind, Hamas is akin to a thorn in the flesh of a lion. Imagine having irritating rockets slamming into border defenceless towns all day, would any government stand this? They have tried peaceful options, but the rockets still persist. They are paying Hamas back in their own medicine, albeit a more bitter one.
Sometimes, I really feel for them. Theirs is a nation scorned on all sides, their neighbours sing to their early deaths and you can really sense the wall slowly closing in. To the north is Lebonon and the Hizbollah. To their south, Hamas, to their east, Syria and a could be nuclear armed Iran. All want her death. Internally, there are 1.3 million Arab-Israelis out of 5.5 million and many are slowly sympathising with radicals! They feel threaten on all sides and can turn to no one to broker peace. The world condemns their actions, yet do little to stop Hamas rockets.
During the ceasefires, there have been occasional rocket attacks and Israel has responded by opening up humanitarian lines for its enemy. If there is no other peaceful option, can you really fault them for behaving as such? Global citizens, Koreans, Americans, Europeans all deride Israel for "genocide" and call for them to stop bombing civilians, but do the militants want to come out of residential districts and fight? No. How can you kill the enemy firing from the midst of innocent civilians without expecting other casualties. It's unrealistic.
I say that instead of protesting, the world should ramp up efforts to mediate. If not it will be the same old pattern. Israel bombs, militants fight back, civilians overwhelmed and another temporary truce is formed.
Still, they are not without sin. Torture and rampant espionage, indiscriminate bombings and hidden nukes? Some even say this recent outbreak is another form of PR for the upcoming elections. But in any war, there is no sinless party. You fight fire with fire.
Both have their difficulties and have responded in similar manners - bloodshed. Alas peace cannot be obtained through senseless violence. Hate is festered in little ones and the battle scene is set for the next generation. As the old bard laments, "Violence ultimately begets violence.."
I fear this dispute can never be settled till Israel's neighbours accept and tolerate her as she is. Till then, we can only pray for the innocent that they hold fast..
I read an interesting article. The future of global health. Millions of Africans lie sick and dying today, they cannot even find morphine in hospitals to ease their pain. Old, once thought eradicated diseases like polio are resurfacing quickly and to desire proper water sanitation is like believing in Santa. Pure fantasy.
Children bathe in polluted waste water in Jakarta slums and Chinese babies are still suffering from the effects of the Sanlu milk scandal. Obesity is on the rise and clinical depression is becoming more rampant.
In our globalised world, our geographical lines are blurred. 2 billion people travel about by air yearly and new diseases are sprouting at an unprecedented 1 a year. The SARS outbreak shows only ominously how a plague outbreak could happen in such an era. I shudder to think of such an event occurring in the little bubble of ours - Singapore.
The food we eat have traveled hundreds of miles made with ingredients from all over the world. The Sanlu milk scare displayed this clearly with so many products being pulled from the shelves. Food is genetically modified, its effects are too early to tell but one thing we can learn from recent history is this - don't fool around with mother nature.
Who can save us? Ironically ourselves, but do we want to? Heck life is just too good here, why should we care about the events in Africa or China? Because we must as a fellow human being. It is morally and ethically right to do so, it is our god-given duty to do so. God did not bless us with our bounty just to sit back and enjoy its fruits. Ability to choose to show compassion and act on it separates us from animals and to fight for human rights - the right to life, liberty, education, healthcare - all these are the very foundations of what it means to live as Man. Our human rights are derived from natural law - how would a rational human being seeking to survive and prosper act - and thus we should not ignore the cries of others for we are all the same.
What can I do as a simple student? I can start by being thankful for what I have. Awareness of our fruits and consciousness of the needs of others is the first step to greater action. And awareness only comes from wanting to read and learn about this very fascinating world =)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Europe
I'm back. Yes, after 2 long weeks in Europe, I'm finally back. I guess the post is really predictable, I mean who wouldn't wanna blog about their vacation to some exotic place?
I don't have any pics with me just yet, just flew back in this morning. Interestingly, I'm starting to really like flying about, 12 hrs, 24hr flights? No worries. The world is really worth seeing.
So let me recollect if I can.
London
Amsterdam
Heideberg
Innsbruck
Verona
Venice
Lucern
Paris
All over a course of 2 weeks. Wow indeed. But seriously I'd rather we concentrated on just a specific region. This way, we didn't have to stay cooped up on a freaking coach.
Alright. Where should I begin? You can't possibly put Europe into words, it's just so amazing. The mindset, attitudes, cultures, languages.. Singapore is really lacking indeed. But perhaps this is your case of "the grass may seem to be greener on the other side". One thing for sure, I can somehow feel this strong sense of freedom of expression and lassier fair outake on life. They really enjoy life, no father authority, just life. You know there are parts in Paris without road lanes, cars just zoom about without care!
And damn, the rich history and culture. One can easily be drawn in and intoxicated by all of its past. I'm still feeling heady, and no it's not the bottles of wine that I downed there. Darn they have good wine for sure.
London is cosmopolitan, so is Paris. But if you asked me, I'd loved to stay in Paris. The people are friendlier and more fun. From what I see, Londoners are pretty stuck up (no offence). And aha, Amsterdam. You know what it's famous for, yep, it's critically aclaimed international red-light districts. They have these cubicles lined along the street with social escorts modelling in their barely-there lingeries. The kids in our group were all squirming, haha it was really an eye opener although the way these women made bussiness was really uncomfortable to fathom. It's utterly self-degrading, posing in the windows like some sex toy and not a fellow human being.
Oh yea, speaking of which. I had the opportunity to watch the Moulin Rouge. For the uninitiated, it's your watered down Crazy Horse. Topless dancers, but done very tastefully. Not overtly sexual and definitely very professional. Damn its PG over there in Paris. Whoa, I was red-hot after that, with my thick sweater, 2 bottles of wine and their uber, over-powered, made-in-france-not-china heater. Hehe, I guess the French dancers did contribute too. Oh, and I was called up by a ventriloquist. Really cool, he squeezed my hand and I had to open my mouth. Yes, viva la france! You gotta love that country =)
My only bad experience there was getting scammed by this old faggot artist. I went to this place near a church, you should see the churches there, and probably it was a tourisy place. Loads of sovenior shops. At the fork of the road were many artists. I, being fucking stupid, actually posed. I mean, how much could it be.
In 5 min, he passed me the sketch, which looked nothing like me, and asked for 50 euros. I was like fuck? Go sell your butt or something, 50 euros for this shit. So I wouldn't buy it till he dropped till 20 euros. Still really expensive, but he was literally begging. There was this other female who sketched my bro, also didn't look like him, ha that I didn't pay at all, like who requested her to draw? Not me. So she gave me the sketch and went off cursing me aloud in french. Quite funny. We went in and saw more artists. These were good. 25 euros, 1 hr, best quality sketches. I was really pissed after that.
My mum was nagging, like how I wasn't business minded enough, how cost-ineffective I was and for once I agreed. If I could reach it, I'd kicked myself in the ass that day. But it's scams and experiences like these which teach you business. Next time, it won't happen again.
Swizterland was pure, natural, unadulterated beauty. The mountains and lake lucern were absolutely breath-taking. Got me very own original swiss knife over there haha. It was shoe paradise, the swiss love their feet indeed.
Italy was good too, with all the pizzas and pastas, although Venice was quite a dissapointment. Honestly, it sucked. The weather, the prices, the hotel. The hotel was haunted. It had this barouqe 1700s interior. So you can imagine red drapings, chandeliers and mirrors, mirrors, mirrors. My friend's parents had this one really cold room. In the last night, all the chandeliers started to shake violently. I was like wtf? Damn, I was this fucking close to something? But the pastas made up for it yep =)
Man, there's just so much that happened and if I were to write everything, it would take the post months to load. I guess pics are the best way to convey everything. 1 pic = 1000 words. So if I get my pics soon from my friend and parents, maybe we'll see ya. Ciao xD
I don't have any pics with me just yet, just flew back in this morning. Interestingly, I'm starting to really like flying about, 12 hrs, 24hr flights? No worries. The world is really worth seeing.
So let me recollect if I can.
London
Amsterdam
Heideberg
Innsbruck
Verona
Venice
Lucern
Paris
All over a course of 2 weeks. Wow indeed. But seriously I'd rather we concentrated on just a specific region. This way, we didn't have to stay cooped up on a freaking coach.
Alright. Where should I begin? You can't possibly put Europe into words, it's just so amazing. The mindset, attitudes, cultures, languages.. Singapore is really lacking indeed. But perhaps this is your case of "the grass may seem to be greener on the other side". One thing for sure, I can somehow feel this strong sense of freedom of expression and lassier fair outake on life. They really enjoy life, no father authority, just life. You know there are parts in Paris without road lanes, cars just zoom about without care!
And damn, the rich history and culture. One can easily be drawn in and intoxicated by all of its past. I'm still feeling heady, and no it's not the bottles of wine that I downed there. Darn they have good wine for sure.
London is cosmopolitan, so is Paris. But if you asked me, I'd loved to stay in Paris. The people are friendlier and more fun. From what I see, Londoners are pretty stuck up (no offence). And aha, Amsterdam. You know what it's famous for, yep, it's critically aclaimed international red-light districts. They have these cubicles lined along the street with social escorts modelling in their barely-there lingeries. The kids in our group were all squirming, haha it was really an eye opener although the way these women made bussiness was really uncomfortable to fathom. It's utterly self-degrading, posing in the windows like some sex toy and not a fellow human being.
Oh yea, speaking of which. I had the opportunity to watch the Moulin Rouge. For the uninitiated, it's your watered down Crazy Horse. Topless dancers, but done very tastefully. Not overtly sexual and definitely very professional. Damn its PG over there in Paris. Whoa, I was red-hot after that, with my thick sweater, 2 bottles of wine and their uber, over-powered, made-in-france-not-china heater. Hehe, I guess the French dancers did contribute too. Oh, and I was called up by a ventriloquist. Really cool, he squeezed my hand and I had to open my mouth. Yes, viva la france! You gotta love that country =)
My only bad experience there was getting scammed by this old faggot artist. I went to this place near a church, you should see the churches there, and probably it was a tourisy place. Loads of sovenior shops. At the fork of the road were many artists. I, being fucking stupid, actually posed. I mean, how much could it be.
In 5 min, he passed me the sketch, which looked nothing like me, and asked for 50 euros. I was like fuck? Go sell your butt or something, 50 euros for this shit. So I wouldn't buy it till he dropped till 20 euros. Still really expensive, but he was literally begging. There was this other female who sketched my bro, also didn't look like him, ha that I didn't pay at all, like who requested her to draw? Not me. So she gave me the sketch and went off cursing me aloud in french. Quite funny. We went in and saw more artists. These were good. 25 euros, 1 hr, best quality sketches. I was really pissed after that.
My mum was nagging, like how I wasn't business minded enough, how cost-ineffective I was and for once I agreed. If I could reach it, I'd kicked myself in the ass that day. But it's scams and experiences like these which teach you business. Next time, it won't happen again.
Swizterland was pure, natural, unadulterated beauty. The mountains and lake lucern were absolutely breath-taking. Got me very own original swiss knife over there haha. It was shoe paradise, the swiss love their feet indeed.
Italy was good too, with all the pizzas and pastas, although Venice was quite a dissapointment. Honestly, it sucked. The weather, the prices, the hotel. The hotel was haunted. It had this barouqe 1700s interior. So you can imagine red drapings, chandeliers and mirrors, mirrors, mirrors. My friend's parents had this one really cold room. In the last night, all the chandeliers started to shake violently. I was like wtf? Damn, I was this fucking close to something? But the pastas made up for it yep =)
Man, there's just so much that happened and if I were to write everything, it would take the post months to load. I guess pics are the best way to convey everything. 1 pic = 1000 words. So if I get my pics soon from my friend and parents, maybe we'll see ya. Ciao xD
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