Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Cause of Death
There was a dead baby monitor lizard (or gecko?) on our porch. It was turned upside down. And was missing its head and a few limbs (no pictures; too gruesome). We speculated as to the cause of death. Insects? Snakes? Other lizards? Our cat?
I theorized that it accidentally fell down and severed its head and limbs. I don't think it is highly probable, but it is possible.
Either way the lizard is dead.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Draft: 5
Prose need not be constrained by grammar, but it must always be comprehensible in which grammar is an aid in accomplishing such.
Of course, even if punctuation is non-existent but we can still see and understand the content, then that is acceptable writing already (cf. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey).
Of course, even if punctuation is non-existent but we can still see and understand the content, then that is acceptable writing already (cf. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey).
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Draft: 4
It's official: I am unable to write fiction unless it is on paper. Word processors dull my mind. I am unable to agree on a sentence; the backspace I use too liberally and as such I get stuck with nothing all too often.
Non-fiction, on the other hand, is suicide on anything other than an internet capable PC with Word.
Haha.
Young Journalists' Camp 2008
I knew it was coming the moment I heard "assignments". This was not about you writing because you want to, but you writing because you have to.
I had my fair share of assignments in college and if writing - just writing anything - made you a better writer I'd be better than Ernest Hemingway by now. Alas, one does not become better by writing alone.
One must read the right books and likewise write the right stories.
What follows will be an immensely subjective evaluation of the Scripture Union's Young Writers' Camp, 2008. It will be, in other words, my opinion.
Dividing into teams, each one of us had to write something to fill up our paper. Our word count was budgeted; our stories edited. By the end of the camp some of us may have mastered the fine art of writing what your editor wants.
Unfortunately such accommodation I did not find particularly amusing nor enlightening.
I ought to say that I have no qualms about journalistic writing. My experience at a New Straits Times journalism course taught me a lot - including the joys of writing newspaper articles. They can be fun. It was there I learned how to write the perfect bite size article for a reader with an excruciatingly short attention span. The nut graph? Check.
It was not because I knew all these things when I sat through the sessions that made it so unenjoyable. I think it was because from the start, we had to write something that had to come out a certain way, meet a certain expectation. Of course, writing is always about meeting expectations. But as you'll see below, I was troubled about what those "expectations" were.
I noticed fiction was almost non-existent here. Obviously. And that is the problem. Non-fiction is almost always more powerful than fiction (and indeed, I read more of the former than the latter) but in the recounting of facts and figures creativity is stunted.
A facilitator remarked to me that this was less a creative writing camp than a journalism one. Perhaps that was the organizer's intention, but he spoke to me as if he had expected something else. As if the end result was not quite satisfactory, not quite intended.
A brief digression: I must say that the camp was one of the more energetic and fun ones that I have been to (although that may have been because we were confined entirely to our mountain retreat in the previous year's camp).
The cave trip was different, and provided a respite. When I found myself back at Harvest Haven (run by the amazingly genial staff there) though, I found myself back into the expected, into the required. I vaguely remembered college.
We learned about writing alright. I just wonder that, in the process of editing pictures, transcribing interviews and meeting deadlines the real point of us going here - to learn how to write - was lost.
I also wonder, in our rush to admire our writing in our make believe newspapers, did we have the wrong conception as to what writing was?
The Writer's Slam, where our works are commented and criticized upon showed as much. Less than half of the campers actually came up to speak, which either shows that they were lazy or had nothing to write. If it was the latter, then that is troubling indeed.
I learned little about inspiration in writing, which for many is so so very important. Without inspiration our writing will be hollow. Or, as is the case most of the time, we end up writing nothing at all. And if your only inspiration happens to be deadlines, do not be surprised if you find your writing so uninspiring.
I suppose that has been my problem. Less with the program than the idea behind this camp. My issue was with its philosophy, which I don't like. But forgive me, I suppose my idea of writing is still so romanticized. Time, always the dependable teacher, will tell.
__________________________
I would like to thank the facilitators and other organizers (and subsidizers, hehe) who made this camp happen. Sorry, I had no other way to word it. I really, really appreciate what you guys have done and please, keep the Young Writer's Camp alive.
I had my fair share of assignments in college and if writing - just writing anything - made you a better writer I'd be better than Ernest Hemingway by now. Alas, one does not become better by writing alone.
One must read the right books and likewise write the right stories.
What follows will be an immensely subjective evaluation of the Scripture Union's Young Writers' Camp, 2008. It will be, in other words, my opinion.
Dividing into teams, each one of us had to write something to fill up our paper. Our word count was budgeted; our stories edited. By the end of the camp some of us may have mastered the fine art of writing what your editor wants.
Unfortunately such accommodation I did not find particularly amusing nor enlightening.
I ought to say that I have no qualms about journalistic writing. My experience at a New Straits Times journalism course taught me a lot - including the joys of writing newspaper articles. They can be fun. It was there I learned how to write the perfect bite size article for a reader with an excruciatingly short attention span. The nut graph? Check.
It was not because I knew all these things when I sat through the sessions that made it so unenjoyable. I think it was because from the start, we had to write something that had to come out a certain way, meet a certain expectation. Of course, writing is always about meeting expectations. But as you'll see below, I was troubled about what those "expectations" were.
I noticed fiction was almost non-existent here. Obviously. And that is the problem. Non-fiction is almost always more powerful than fiction (and indeed, I read more of the former than the latter) but in the recounting of facts and figures creativity is stunted.
A facilitator remarked to me that this was less a creative writing camp than a journalism one. Perhaps that was the organizer's intention, but he spoke to me as if he had expected something else. As if the end result was not quite satisfactory, not quite intended.
A brief digression: I must say that the camp was one of the more energetic and fun ones that I have been to (although that may have been because we were confined entirely to our mountain retreat in the previous year's camp).
The cave trip was different, and provided a respite. When I found myself back at Harvest Haven (run by the amazingly genial staff there) though, I found myself back into the expected, into the required. I vaguely remembered college.
We learned about writing alright. I just wonder that, in the process of editing pictures, transcribing interviews and meeting deadlines the real point of us going here - to learn how to write - was lost.
I also wonder, in our rush to admire our writing in our make believe newspapers, did we have the wrong conception as to what writing was?
The Writer's Slam, where our works are commented and criticized upon showed as much. Less than half of the campers actually came up to speak, which either shows that they were lazy or had nothing to write. If it was the latter, then that is troubling indeed.
I learned little about inspiration in writing, which for many is so so very important. Without inspiration our writing will be hollow. Or, as is the case most of the time, we end up writing nothing at all. And if your only inspiration happens to be deadlines, do not be surprised if you find your writing so uninspiring.
I suppose that has been my problem. Less with the program than the idea behind this camp. My issue was with its philosophy, which I don't like. But forgive me, I suppose my idea of writing is still so romanticized. Time, always the dependable teacher, will tell.
__________________________
I would like to thank the facilitators and other organizers (and subsidizers, hehe) who made this camp happen. Sorry, I had no other way to word it. I really, really appreciate what you guys have done and please, keep the Young Writer's Camp alive.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
I realize that while trying to stay as "free" as possible I have inadvertently made myself rather busy. I suppose in that thinking one has a lot of time, one thinks that there is more time to do more things. Hence my engagement in multiple commitments is slowly making me realize that hey, I have a heavy burden to carry once again.
Setting up the wireless network in my home was easier than I thought. Have to thank the techies for making it so simple, although I did sigh for wasting my time at Low Yat last night trying to get a piece of hardware to work (it didn't in the end).
Same thing with the security system, if you can call it that. The house is somewhat big, at least for me who has spent most of his life in condominiums. It also means that there are many place to secure. I hope I got the crucial points done.
I have a notebook which someone gave to me. I really did not need it, but then I realized that maybe it will be helpful. It's old. But it still has some life in it, thankfully.
I am applying for a job and am still labouring over my resume. I find it somewhat discomforting to put nothing more than "Homeschooling from 2001-2005" because it is so sparse on details. But it is intentional. I want my prospective employers to quiz me on the details. No doubt they will be curious. I do not have SPM, but I do have a Diploma and a Degree by next year. No SAT either. But then when one has a diploma/degree in the relevant field no questions are raised about SPM. The latter is too general and would be considered superseded.
My hair is too long and goes into my mouth too often. Ergh.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Draft: 3
Do not be surprised when you find that your novel idea had been scooped long ago. The world is a big place; there are many thinkers who follow similar paths.
So stories converge, that is without doubt. Books, plays, movies as original as they may claim to be are almost always derived from innumerable other sources. Everybody needs inspiration. And as such if there were nothing to "steal" from, we would have nothing to write.
Plagiarism, of course, is frowned upon. But as someone put it, plagiarism is copying from one source; research is copying from many.
I should start doing some research.
So stories converge, that is without doubt. Books, plays, movies as original as they may claim to be are almost always derived from innumerable other sources. Everybody needs inspiration. And as such if there were nothing to "steal" from, we would have nothing to write.
Plagiarism, of course, is frowned upon. But as someone put it, plagiarism is copying from one source; research is copying from many.
I should start doing some research.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Draft: 2
I realize that when writing a long story (and by long story I mean a piece in excess of 10K words) one cannot depend on spontaneity (which I rely on a lot) to drive the story on. It is not just you having an idea what to write (or for that matter, an entire outline of your story in hand). For me, I find that even with the framework set up it does get tedious for me to fill it in.
As such I stall, way too often. I have since discarded the "instinct" and outline approach to writing, and adopted a keyword approach wherein I build up my story based on certain key sentences (much like how some filmmakers who adapt comics base their storyboard on select panels).
I have yet to see if this will work, considering that I am working on a few stories that are progressing too slowly. I might just revert to writing 1K+ pieces and see how it goes. One good way to cheat is to write a serious of short stories and claim it as a novel. I find the end result too fragmentary and disjointed - obviously.
Ultimately, I realize I need inspiration. My usual sources are books - fiction and non-fiction (I find that both inspire me in different ways), movies, stories as told by other people etc.
I might need to travel a bit. It never hurts, yes?
As such I stall, way too often. I have since discarded the "instinct" and outline approach to writing, and adopted a keyword approach wherein I build up my story based on certain key sentences (much like how some filmmakers who adapt comics base their storyboard on select panels).
I have yet to see if this will work, considering that I am working on a few stories that are progressing too slowly. I might just revert to writing 1K+ pieces and see how it goes. One good way to cheat is to write a serious of short stories and claim it as a novel. I find the end result too fragmentary and disjointed - obviously.
Ultimately, I realize I need inspiration. My usual sources are books - fiction and non-fiction (I find that both inspire me in different ways), movies, stories as told by other people etc.
I might need to travel a bit. It never hurts, yes?
Burn After Reading
And so the Coens return to their usual fare, black comedy. Burn After Reading is funny both intentionally and unintentionally. Characters delve into slapstick - albeit well acted slapstick. Of course, many - like me - after watching this show may just want to say (as many of the characters do): What the f?
But then again most Coen movies are like that.
But then again most Coen movies are like that.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ah, again.
So much for my New Year's resolution which shall have to wait for next year. Obviously I won't be able to meet my 365 post deadline, but then I decided quality over quantity anyway and thought it a rather spurious effort anyway.
It has been a busy few weeks. Shifted house yet again, though of course I made it a point to call no place home until I am so sure. Certainty eludes me at the moment, sadly. I now live in Seremban, and while not exactly a small town, is enough of a demotion to make me value city living which I have taken for granted. But as they say, you gotta adapt.
I have two free months until the end of this year, and I am trying to use it wisely. Of course, top priority will be to get a job as my college downshifts to part-time for my final year. Which means they assume I'll be working. Ah.
Being a sampler of many things, I have yet to find one which delights me the most (although my recent voluntary work comes close, but alas, it's voluntary - albeit one that I would like to resume once I get a proper job).
Still searching, still searching.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Draft: 1
In which the author realizes that many of his original ideas were not original, that some sentences which he refined in thought turned out to have been written long (and not so long) ago.
The necessity of reading a lot of literature - fiction and non-fiction is recognized and appreciated. Those who write but do not read are playing but not training; both of which are important to the mastery of any art or skill.
The necessity of reading a lot of literature - fiction and non-fiction is recognized and appreciated. Those who write but do not read are playing but not training; both of which are important to the mastery of any art or skill.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Home
Well, I'm back. Most of us made it to the top of Mount Kinabalu. Then we were stricken by various infirmities on the way down. Not the best of trips, but still worth it in the end. Oh, and due to an unfortunate error in ticketing, some of us are still stuck in Sabah. I was one of the lucky few who got home on time. Poor them.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
All my bags are packed...
Though I'm not that ready to go. Hmm...
Anyway, tomorrow I head to Kota Kinabalu to climb this mountain. It will certainly be fun for the masochists. Sigh. Apparently the experience is worth-it.
So I'll be away for the next week. In the meanwhile, familiarize yourself with some of the people I'll be traveling with:
Anyway, tomorrow I head to Kota Kinabalu to climb this mountain. It will certainly be fun for the masochists. Sigh. Apparently the experience is worth-it.
So I'll be away for the next week. In the meanwhile, familiarize yourself with some of the people I'll be traveling with:
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Work, play, change etc.
Have been rather busy as of late. Ended my short work stint, and now am looking for a more permanent job while refining my entrepreneurial plan. Oh, and study.
Mt. Kinabalu is slightly more than a week away. Have to train, although I'm satisfied with my stamina. Still, am keeping my fingers crossed. Altitude sickness strikes randomly.
I said that I have been busy, but now I have somehow found more time for play. Am trying to clear my huge backlog of PS2 games, and the fact that almost all of them are RPGs do not help. Require lots of time, something I cannot invest too much of on such things. Sigh.
I came across this quote from F.F. Bruce (NT Documents - Are They Reliable?) that pretty much sums up my philosophy of apologetics (if I may phrase it that way):
Mt. Kinabalu is slightly more than a week away. Have to train, although I'm satisfied with my stamina. Still, am keeping my fingers crossed. Altitude sickness strikes randomly.
I said that I have been busy, but now I have somehow found more time for play. Am trying to clear my huge backlog of PS2 games, and the fact that almost all of them are RPGs do not help. Require lots of time, something I cannot invest too much of on such things. Sigh.
I came across this quote from F.F. Bruce (NT Documents - Are They Reliable?) that pretty much sums up my philosophy of apologetics (if I may phrase it that way):
"...history and theology are inextricably intertwined in the gospel of our salvation, which owes its eternal and universal validity to certain events which happened in Palestine when Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire."
And that is the assertion of Paul and by extension of Christianity. And that is the exact statement I keep in mind if I ever were to defend my faith. Not to offer theodicies or to prove the existence of God, but to say that sometime 2000 years ago, a certain person who claimed to be the Son of God died on the cross and rose again after three days. Now what do you think of that?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Megaprojects are:
Underestimated costs + Overestimated revenues + Undervalued environmental impacts + Overvalued economic developmental effects = Project approval
Something from an old college paper of mine. The authors of the work I cited were certainly sardonic with this statement. But that's a sadly (un)reasonable formula that seems to work all the time.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
By Candlelight
A candlelight vigil in support of Teresa Kok and other ISA detainees at DAP Subang Jaya.
Video coming soon.
I was more of an observer than participant. But...what's that word? Yes, solidarity was there.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Reminding myself...
Have work to do; reading, exercise, prayer.
To develop more patience; self-control.
Talk to my brothers more often.
To develop more patience; self-control.
Lucifer isn't Satan's real name*. But it does sound cool.
Talk to my brothers more often.
Learn more skills. Have been focussing a little too much on history and uh...geography, to crudely simplify it. But they're phases, I suppose.
I notice that this is a transition period for myself. Will have to work hard and be vigilant, identify my competitive advantage(s). Network.
____________________________________
*A long semantic/literary/theological/historical story behind this. Wikipedia is a good starting point.
I notice that this is a transition period for myself. Will have to work hard and be vigilant, identify my competitive advantage(s). Network.
____________________________________
*A long semantic/literary/theological/historical story behind this. Wikipedia is a good starting point.
Hmm... - Part 2
Our Home Minister outdoes our former Information Minister with that and of course, this truly well thought out statement:
Asked on the detention of Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok, Syed Hamid said she was arrested due to her comments on mosques and the Azan recently.
Asked on the detention of Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok, Syed Hamid said she was arrested due to her comments on mosques and the Azan recently.
”Her comments have created public disorder and problems,” he said.
Oh, oh. Once again some people are unable to see the planks in their own eyes (c.f. Ahmad Ismail et. al.)
Hmm...
All I can say is, detaining a politician who won with the biggest majority in the entire elections isn't the wisest of ideas.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Brain Drain - A Matter of Perspective
While we Malaysians complain about brain drain of our finest students to countries like the U.S. (and even say we deserve to be compensated for it, says Dr. Mahathir "Bumiputera empowerment at the expense of others" Muhammad), some people in United States are complaining about the brain drain of their finest to Europe.
One commentator blamed it on the US' poor education system. Ah, perspective.
One commentator blamed it on the US' poor education system. Ah, perspective.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Only in Thailand.
And so the current Thai administration, and its Prime Minister falls (for now) not because of some protesters calling for "democracy", but because of a cooking show.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The usual.
Have resumed work at a local state assemblymen's office. Same old things to do, but you learn new things while you're at it. Probably the environment that I enjoy.
Am practicing sentence forming. Forming the most aesthetically pleasing ones, mind you. Right now I'm still trying to figure out how Ondaatje did it with "The English Patient". Then I'll move on to studying Coetzee (Cormac McCarthy is KIV). You never learn unless you start copying. I remember how in art class my teacher made me copy pictures again and again. I never got around to drawing my own. Heh.
Training for Kinabalu is on schedule. I found myself fatiguing faster today. Pitiful stamina, pitiful. :(
Am practicing sentence forming. Forming the most aesthetically pleasing ones, mind you. Right now I'm still trying to figure out how Ondaatje did it with "The English Patient". Then I'll move on to studying Coetzee (Cormac McCarthy is KIV). You never learn unless you start copying. I remember how in art class my teacher made me copy pictures again and again. I never got around to drawing my own. Heh.
Training for Kinabalu is on schedule. I found myself fatiguing faster today. Pitiful stamina, pitiful. :(
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thieves in the Parliament
Let this be an allegory of what is happening to this country. If there are thieves in the Parliament, what more elsewhere?
Friday, August 29, 2008
The State, Power, Study, Others.
My friend asked me why anyone would want power and not relinquish it. Obviously he has not been or spoken with a politician. Anyone who has a certain amount of power eventually gets addicted to it. Relinquishing an addiction is not easy, of course.
I've been thumbing through Johnson's Wild Grass as light reading, and the stories in there are certainly thought provoking and tear jerking. How could the government - even in a so called progressive nation - be that bad?
If there's one thing we can deduce, it's that not everyone has a good nature. Or perhaps it's just that people are afraid, afraid of change. Afraid of losing something they've always had for a long, long time. I need to read more. There's no other way for me to find out; armchair reasoning can only get you so far, after all.
Currently working my way through a history of SEA. Made up of two volumes, but then the 1400s don't really interest me. But of course, history never bores me. =)
By the way, Swinburne's Existence of God is unintentionally hilarious; I had to reread each sentence thrice. But clearly its not quite layman level reading, so yes, I must grant that. Interesting nonetheless. My background in logic is unfortunately pitiful (I never got beyond an education in informal logic), which certainly doesn't help.
One and a half months to go before we climb Mount Kinabalu. I'm quite excited; although I'm sadly still trying to fine-tune my fitness plan. *Sigh* Give me self-discipline, but not yet!
I've been thumbing through Johnson's Wild Grass as light reading, and the stories in there are certainly thought provoking and tear jerking. How could the government - even in a so called progressive nation - be that bad?
If there's one thing we can deduce, it's that not everyone has a good nature. Or perhaps it's just that people are afraid, afraid of change. Afraid of losing something they've always had for a long, long time. I need to read more. There's no other way for me to find out; armchair reasoning can only get you so far, after all.
Currently working my way through a history of SEA. Made up of two volumes, but then the 1400s don't really interest me. But of course, history never bores me. =)
By the way, Swinburne's Existence of God is unintentionally hilarious; I had to reread each sentence thrice. But clearly its not quite layman level reading, so yes, I must grant that. Interesting nonetheless. My background in logic is unfortunately pitiful (I never got beyond an education in informal logic), which certainly doesn't help.
One and a half months to go before we climb Mount Kinabalu. I'm quite excited; although I'm sadly still trying to fine-tune my fitness plan. *Sigh* Give me self-discipline, but not yet!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Perspective.
These articles, one by the President of Russia and the other by Georgia are good examples of starkly different perspectives; with each one believing he is right. Worth reading.
Medvedev's opening:
Saakashvili's opening:
Medvedev's opening:
On Tuesday Russia recognised the independence of the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It was not a step taken lightly, or without full consideration of the consequences. But all possible outcomes had to be weighed against a sober understanding of the situation – the histories of the Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples, their freely expressed desire for independence, the tragic events of the past weeks and international precedents for such a move.
Saakashvili's opening:
Any doubts about why Russia invaded Georgia have now been erased. By illegally recognising the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s president, made clear that Moscow’s goal is to redraw the map of Europe using force.
This war was never about South Ossetia or Georgia. Moscow is using its invasion, prepared over years, to rebuild its empire, seize greater control of Europe’s energy supplies and punish those who believed democracy could flourish on its borders.
So. Who's right?
Monday, August 25, 2008
In Progress - Part One
- Overhaul blog layout.
- Draw up study curriculum for next 3 months - to clear backlogs of psychology and history (including the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire, bleh) material.
- Pray.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Slowing Down
I love it when life slows down. The tedium of routine (is that a redundant phrase?) is removed and one can practically do whatsoever he or she desires. This I enjoy.
So then, what am I doing? Or rather, what should I be doing? Some say I should start working. So far, I have not been wholly satisfied with most of my jobs - paid and unpaid, although my most recent one turned out to be the one I enjoyed the most. I don't mind office work but I can't certainly imagine doing it forever. Perhaps as a springboard to another one, but isn't that what those 50 year old white-collar workers always say?
Bleh. As one person stated the obvious to me, the entry level salaries in Malaysia is very low. Still, me being me, I don't mind. I may not like to slug out 5 days a week for a 20,000 a year job but sometimes you just got to do it.*
And politics continues to amuse me as much as it makes me feel fed up and indifferent. Haha, delight I derive from it. From the looks of it, we need a three party system.
Olympics is over, and we come out with a silver. No gold yet, sadly. Something has to change surely, if we're going to seriously compete. I just wonder what that might be.
I've also started writing again. Let's see how far I can get into my novel, or maybe I would just throw in the towel and call it a short story, haha.
As I always love to say, we shall see. Because some things I just hate to speculate on.
S.D.G.
So then, what am I doing? Or rather, what should I be doing? Some say I should start working. So far, I have not been wholly satisfied with most of my jobs - paid and unpaid, although my most recent one turned out to be the one I enjoyed the most. I don't mind office work but I can't certainly imagine doing it forever. Perhaps as a springboard to another one, but isn't that what those 50 year old white-collar workers always say?
Bleh. As one person stated the obvious to me, the entry level salaries in Malaysia is very low. Still, me being me, I don't mind. I may not like to slug out 5 days a week for a 20,000 a year job but sometimes you just got to do it.*
And politics continues to amuse me as much as it makes me feel fed up and indifferent. Haha, delight I derive from it. From the looks of it, we need a three party system.
4Chan inspired pics never cease to amuse me.
Olympics is over, and we come out with a silver. No gold yet, sadly. Something has to change surely, if we're going to seriously compete. I just wonder what that might be.
I've also started writing again. Let's see how far I can get into my novel, or maybe I would just throw in the towel and call it a short story, haha.
As I always love to say, we shall see. Because some things I just hate to speculate on.
S.D.G.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Great Unknown
Change never was so fun. I noticed that when your usual routine starts fading away - and you haven't replaced it with something else - then there's a subtle excitement about what is to come. Of course, it may very well be wishful thinking. When you have not much that you are required to do, then comes all the things that you want to do. My routine will start building up again, inevitably.
But by then you already know what to do and how you're going to do it. At least, I hope. =)
P.S. I turn 18 today. Woo.
But by then you already know what to do and how you're going to do it. At least, I hope. =)
P.S. I turn 18 today. Woo.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Olympic Hope.
So for once I'm not going to go all cynical and recite whatever version of the (in)famous abused child and the Malaysian football/hockey/etc. team joke.
I actually think Malaysia is going to get a gold. Okay, judging from our past record, it is more like a hope. But we have a shot, at least judging from our badminton team's performance (which is - for better or worse - our only chance at Olympic glory).
Most of the other athletes competing - so far - have only given lacklustre performances. But our shuttlers are exciting. They are actually...good.
Hope. Ah, we shall see. =)
I actually think Malaysia is going to get a gold. Okay, judging from our past record, it is more like a hope. But we have a shot, at least judging from our badminton team's performance (which is - for better or worse - our only chance at Olympic glory).
Most of the other athletes competing - so far - have only given lacklustre performances. But our shuttlers are exciting. They are actually...good.
Hope. Ah, we shall see. =)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Why Muslims Can't Convert In Malaysia etc. etc.
Here's a sample of why.
You tak suka? You keluar negara.
I keep thinking of that when I was reading it. But I don't think we should follow that option. Engage, engage. We learn when we discuss, not by shutting up. Bar should hold a debate with the protesters. But yes, I am extremely disappointed.
You tak suka? You keluar negara.
I keep thinking of that when I was reading it. But I don't think we should follow that option. Engage, engage. We learn when we discuss, not by shutting up. Bar should hold a debate with the protesters. But yes, I am extremely disappointed.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Re-alignment.
Hey, it doesn't hurt to get your priorities straight. I face many months of virtual idleness (with the exception of a few side activities) before me. I expect that time to be thoroughly filled up with my research projects as well as several long-term, 'dream' ones.
Speaking of which, its not that hard to achieve dreams. I plan to achieve mine in less than 5 years time. That is, if everything goes to plan. It should, it should. =)
S.D.G.
Speaking of which, its not that hard to achieve dreams. I plan to achieve mine in less than 5 years time. That is, if everything goes to plan. It should, it should. =)
S.D.G.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Dark Knight
Choices, choices.
That just about sums the movie up. The choices that we have to make. Suppose we had a choice between two people - one of them lives and the other dies. TDK takes this scenario and plays it over and over again.
In Batman Forever, our protagonist had to make that "choice". Ah, but we knew that no one was going to die anyway, except maybe the bad guys. The Dark Knight, however, is much darker. A few people will die. It's supposed to be a "dark" movie after all.
This dark movie as it so happens is the best superhero/comic book movie ever made (Spiderman 2, in my opinion, follows very closely behind). But let's hope - for the sake of entertainment -it gets overtaken eventually. Most of the drama comes from the suspense and as such suspense here constitutes this movie's "drama". Maggie Gyllenhaal, for example, may have more acting chops than her predecessor but even so, she is woefully underutilized.
And ah yes, The Joker. Ledger certainly makes this his memorable role (not that there will be anymore more memorable ones). An Oscar? Well, the Academy seems to like people who create a whole new character. Think Whitaker with Idi Amin and, more recently, Day-Lewis with Daniel Planview. We'll see.
As it so happens this movie is nowhere near as flashy as Spiderman or Superman. Yes, we have the clumsy punching and the usual car crashes, but everyone here are ordinary humans after all - and the whole movie bangs on that fact again and again. That is, indeed, a breath of fresh air. Heroes become villains and there is not always a happy ending.
(Spoiler ahead along with morality discussion; highlight with mouse to view)
We are then left with the impression, at the end, that Harvey Dent a.k.a. Two Face needs to be the light for the people of Gotham no matter if he killed a few people in his rage.
Batman makes the choice of being the fall guy for someone who did wrong in order that people would not become disillusioned. Here then is the irony. Most would say that Batman did the right thing, in covering up someone's guilt for the greater good. But if choices define us (the previous movie's tagline) then, well, our Dark Knight has chosen to defend evil. So what does that make him? Perhaps that is what the writers may be hinting at, or perhaps they missed that.
Either way, in the end, no one is spotless.
That just about sums the movie up. The choices that we have to make. Suppose we had a choice between two people - one of them lives and the other dies. TDK takes this scenario and plays it over and over again.
In Batman Forever, our protagonist had to make that "choice". Ah, but we knew that no one was going to die anyway, except maybe the bad guys. The Dark Knight, however, is much darker. A few people will die. It's supposed to be a "dark" movie after all.
This dark movie as it so happens is the best superhero/comic book movie ever made (Spiderman 2, in my opinion, follows very closely behind). But let's hope - for the sake of entertainment -it gets overtaken eventually. Most of the drama comes from the suspense and as such suspense here constitutes this movie's "drama". Maggie Gyllenhaal, for example, may have more acting chops than her predecessor but even so, she is woefully underutilized.
And ah yes, The Joker. Ledger certainly makes this his memorable role (not that there will be anymore more memorable ones). An Oscar? Well, the Academy seems to like people who create a whole new character. Think Whitaker with Idi Amin and, more recently, Day-Lewis with Daniel Planview. We'll see.
As it so happens this movie is nowhere near as flashy as Spiderman or Superman. Yes, we have the clumsy punching and the usual car crashes, but everyone here are ordinary humans after all - and the whole movie bangs on that fact again and again. That is, indeed, a breath of fresh air. Heroes become villains and there is not always a happy ending.
(Spoiler ahead along with morality discussion; highlight with mouse to view)
We are then left with the impression, at the end, that Harvey Dent a.k.a. Two Face needs to be the light for the people of Gotham no matter if he killed a few people in his rage.
Batman makes the choice of being the fall guy for someone who did wrong in order that people would not become disillusioned. Here then is the irony. Most would say that Batman did the right thing, in covering up someone's guilt for the greater good. But if choices define us (the previous movie's tagline) then, well, our Dark Knight has chosen to defend evil. So what does that make him? Perhaps that is what the writers may be hinting at, or perhaps they missed that.
Either way, in the end, no one is spotless.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wow.
I got my payment for the volunteer work I did. How very nice. Honestly, I never expected them to pay volunteers, hehe. But it's really nice, however.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
A quick review...
Interesting title, a time worn premise and a good story decently executed. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time as a standalone feature length anime may not be as good as its better peers (such as the recent Paprika) but is still a noteworthy effort. Released quite some time ago, but only now getting more publicised.
By the way, GSC will be screening it at 1U in a few weeks time.
Interesting title, a time worn premise and a good story decently executed. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time as a standalone feature length anime may not be as good as its better peers (such as the recent Paprika) but is still a noteworthy effort. Released quite some time ago, but only now getting more publicised.
By the way, GSC will be screening it at 1U in a few weeks time.
Movie Notes
The Day The Earth Stood Still! I have not seen the old one, but the general rule of remaking a decent cult movie is that the new version will always be unfavourably compared to the original. The "don't fix it if it ain't broke" rule applies, strictly so. There are two Oscar winners here, so presumably this film has a good enough script. Then again, there's such a thing as making a quick buck, too.
Anyway, looks like Keanu Reeves is getting back into character again. The guy from Speed is no more, I suppose. It's Mr. Wooden now.
Anyway, looks like Keanu Reeves is getting back into character again. The guy from Speed is no more, I suppose. It's Mr. Wooden now.
Oh yes, and I'm sure the biggest movie this month will be Batman No. 6 a.k.a. The Dark Knight. Can't wait, haha! Oh, and take a look at this old trailer (notice the lack of dialogue and sound effects) which shows a lot more than the later ones. And yes, we get to see Two Face.
Friday, July 4, 2008
No End In Sight
This is a somewhat generic opinion piece I wrote. It's light, fluffy and well, something I would not normally write. But hey, this blog needs filler. Enjoy.
_____________________________________________
There’s everything else and then there’s Sodomy Reloaded. It does begin to make one think that history is a cycle. For the less interested – and the cynical – the whole saga is nothing more than a tremendous waste of time called politicking. For those who love a juicy story (like me), we just can’t wait to see what’s the next twist in the plot. Like a Bollywood movie, said a certain prominent politician. Curious.
But really, shouldn’t we be focusing on managing the country (and maintaining our hard disks) and maybe preparing for the coming recession as well? Then again, a little drama won’t hurt. We are humans, after all: humans who casts more votes for their Idol than for their country.
News will be news and then it will be forgotten. Maybe, one day, these events (if it turns out to be as explosive as we are all secretly hoping it to be) will end up in our history books. As someone noted, history classes won’t be boring for quite some time after this.
Meanwhile – in other news – people are still feeling the pain of expensive (yet cheap) petrol and at the same time, can do little but maybe find ways to save – or earn more – money. Ubah gaya hidup? For some, okay, maybe only Kopi O at the mamak instead of Starbucks from now on. But others (like a single mother I know) can’t even afford to pay their electric bills (which are, whaddya know, getting more expensive too!). They certainly will be saying “Ubah Apa?!”
Subsidies can never last forever, however, and yet one must say that it is unfair to pull support for someone who has nothing else to lean on. Singaporeans, for example, don’t organize mass rallies about their amazing fuel price but that’s because they earn in dollars instead of ringgit. And of course, they have a public transportation system that, for many, renders cars redundant.
But while Klang Valley has a passable PT system (tell that, though, to all those driving their cars to work on Monday morning), people in many other cities still rely on, eh, old taxis and minibuses.
Granted, we Malaysians are not a specially sad case – people are feeling the pinch all over the world (yes, even in Europe, utopia for many). Our dear government should not forget that we are a developing nation. As such, there are going to be rich creeps and poor sods. The latter are arguably in more abundance here.
Sometimes it just doesn’t help when we compare ourselves to others and point out we are better in this or that way. Great, but how about benchmarking ourselves to, say, Canada? Let’s see how we do then. Use that as a reference to start improving and innovating. Twin Towers and SMART tunnels are all fine and dandy, but a more idealistic person might suggest that, perhaps, this country should first prove that it deserves “first world” infrastructure.
I’m talking about improving the quality of living actively. Doing such need not necessarily mean we quit it with the Second Bridges, but how about diverting some resources to microcredit ventures, for instance?
I personally find microcredit financing to be sorely lacking or perhaps poorly promoted. Nobody likes begging; most want to start a business. The Government – yes, even corporations – know what to do. Most of us know a certain Mohammad Yunus. Well, just do it then.
Let me end with a short comment about politics. I tend to say very little about these areas despite my enthusiasm for the subject because, like Survivor or Fear Factor, it is much more fun to watch than to participate.
March 8 (already as history a date as May 16) witnessed a massing swing away from BN. Not too massive, mind you – the ruling coalition still has a powerful majority (by Western standards). While the opposition (may I call them the Left?) celebrated the beginning of a revolution, I merely saw on that day a Malaysia more divided than ever with the popular vote being split almost 50-50.
This might be good or bad. I’m not entirely satisfied with BN or, to be more accurate, UMNO’s policies and ideology, but I sure do respect the other half of Malaysia who disagrees with me (rigged polls notwithstanding).
Which is why trying to topple the Government so soon after the elections is (I think) not a good idea. I’m sure PKR-DAP-PAS have the patience to wait four more years. Then we shall see whether March 8 was an anomaly or the beginning of something new. If the Opposition has enough confidence in the credibility of our electoral system to participate in it, then let us then see the score settled democratically.
Only then will we see whether March 8 was an anomaly or a start of something new. Until then, everyone should calm down. Or, as they say, relaks lah.
But really, shouldn’t we be focusing on managing the country (and maintaining our hard disks) and maybe preparing for the coming recession as well? Then again, a little drama won’t hurt. We are humans, after all: humans who casts more votes for their Idol than for their country.
News will be news and then it will be forgotten. Maybe, one day, these events (if it turns out to be as explosive as we are all secretly hoping it to be) will end up in our history books. As someone noted, history classes won’t be boring for quite some time after this.
Meanwhile – in other news – people are still feeling the pain of expensive (yet cheap) petrol and at the same time, can do little but maybe find ways to save – or earn more – money. Ubah gaya hidup? For some, okay, maybe only Kopi O at the mamak instead of Starbucks from now on. But others (like a single mother I know) can’t even afford to pay their electric bills (which are, whaddya know, getting more expensive too!). They certainly will be saying “Ubah Apa?!”
Subsidies can never last forever, however, and yet one must say that it is unfair to pull support for someone who has nothing else to lean on. Singaporeans, for example, don’t organize mass rallies about their amazing fuel price but that’s because they earn in dollars instead of ringgit. And of course, they have a public transportation system that, for many, renders cars redundant.
But while Klang Valley has a passable PT system (tell that, though, to all those driving their cars to work on Monday morning), people in many other cities still rely on, eh, old taxis and minibuses.
Granted, we Malaysians are not a specially sad case – people are feeling the pinch all over the world (yes, even in Europe, utopia for many). Our dear government should not forget that we are a developing nation. As such, there are going to be rich creeps and poor sods. The latter are arguably in more abundance here.
Sometimes it just doesn’t help when we compare ourselves to others and point out we are better in this or that way. Great, but how about benchmarking ourselves to, say, Canada? Let’s see how we do then. Use that as a reference to start improving and innovating. Twin Towers and SMART tunnels are all fine and dandy, but a more idealistic person might suggest that, perhaps, this country should first prove that it deserves “first world” infrastructure.
I’m talking about improving the quality of living actively. Doing such need not necessarily mean we quit it with the Second Bridges, but how about diverting some resources to microcredit ventures, for instance?
I personally find microcredit financing to be sorely lacking or perhaps poorly promoted. Nobody likes begging; most want to start a business. The Government – yes, even corporations – know what to do. Most of us know a certain Mohammad Yunus. Well, just do it then.
Let me end with a short comment about politics. I tend to say very little about these areas despite my enthusiasm for the subject because, like Survivor or Fear Factor, it is much more fun to watch than to participate.
March 8 (already as history a date as May 16) witnessed a massing swing away from BN. Not too massive, mind you – the ruling coalition still has a powerful majority (by Western standards). While the opposition (may I call them the Left?) celebrated the beginning of a revolution, I merely saw on that day a Malaysia more divided than ever with the popular vote being split almost 50-50.
This might be good or bad. I’m not entirely satisfied with BN or, to be more accurate, UMNO’s policies and ideology, but I sure do respect the other half of Malaysia who disagrees with me (rigged polls notwithstanding).
Which is why trying to topple the Government so soon after the elections is (I think) not a good idea. I’m sure PKR-DAP-PAS have the patience to wait four more years. Then we shall see whether March 8 was an anomaly or the beginning of something new. If the Opposition has enough confidence in the credibility of our electoral system to participate in it, then let us then see the score settled democratically.
Only then will we see whether March 8 was an anomaly or a start of something new. Until then, everyone should calm down. Or, as they say, relaks lah.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Work In Progress.
Couldn't be bothered to update my blog lately. It's become a chore at the moment so yeah, I won't bother. Working on a sparkling new template. Hopefully that will add some style. Woohoo.
P.S. - Nevermind.
P.S. - Nevermind.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Diversifying.
I'm pretty sure History is now the "in" thing for me. I've always loved Ancient history (Specifically Greco-Roman) but I'm getting the hang of anything related to it. Perhaps that's not very wise. I ought to specialize in something. Know everything, know nothing. Hmm...
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Incredible Hulk
Those who liked Ang Lee's one might dislike this. Those who hated it will certainly love this one. If the first Hulk was at one end of the spectrum, then The Incredible Hulk is right at the other end. As such- for someone who liked the first one- it is cheesy, tired, overblown, tiring and the remarkably stilted dialogue (contrast Iron Man's) does no help. When a certain person cameos for a few brief seconds, he certainly sticks out...in a good way. Which just goes to show how dull the cast were.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Always an exception.
Making absolute claims may be quite fun, but there's always an exception.
Hence the phrase "exception to the rule". Which can tend to become a way of explaining away evidence that contradicts the rule. So which is which?
As Kuhn long ago noted, we tend to fit everything into our paradigms which are - once enough contradictory evidence is cumulated - is overhauled. So how much is much?
Hence the phrase "exception to the rule". Which can tend to become a way of explaining away evidence that contradicts the rule. So which is which?
As Kuhn long ago noted, we tend to fit everything into our paradigms which are - once enough contradictory evidence is cumulated - is overhauled. So how much is much?
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Yes, I've sneaked a peek at Coldplay's latest thanks to something called...well, you know what. Anyway, I'm very pleased. Those who thought Coldplay would do a near 360 in terms of style would be wrong. It's still quite the same, albeit their style has been augmented into what many reviewers like to call (disparagingly) U2ism.
Coldplay has had their fair share of anthemic, "stadium rock" tunes, but now they've turned up the notch and apparently landed in Bono territory. They've even chided its "Joshua Tree"ness as if that's a bad thing. I guess it's up to you to determine whether the resemblance is bad or good.
It opens with the now somewhat mandatory instrumental (required for any band to be seen as cutting-edge nowadays) which happens to be quite catchy. The rest are pretty much standard, but the mellow and bombastic tunes tend to be few and far between. Instead, we are treated with neat rockish
As for me, I like it anyway. All hail nice music!
P.S. This interview gives a good insight on the shaping of the album. It's funny to hear Martin say things like "The best bands in the world today are probably Arcade Fire and Sigur Rós. I think Coldplay is only the seventh best in the world." You can't get more self-deprecating than that, for a band that has sold 30 million albums and won 4 Grammys.
Coldplay has had their fair share of anthemic, "stadium rock" tunes, but now they've turned up the notch and apparently landed in Bono territory. They've even chided its "Joshua Tree"ness as if that's a bad thing. I guess it's up to you to determine whether the resemblance is bad or good.
It opens with the now somewhat mandatory instrumental (required for any band to be seen as cutting-edge nowadays) which happens to be quite catchy. The rest are pretty much standard, but the mellow and bombastic tunes tend to be few and far between. Instead, we are treated with neat rockish
As for me, I like it anyway. All hail nice music!
P.S. This interview gives a good insight on the shaping of the album. It's funny to hear Martin say things like "The best bands in the world today are probably Arcade Fire and Sigur Rós. I think Coldplay is only the seventh best in the world." You can't get more self-deprecating than that, for a band that has sold 30 million albums and won 4 Grammys.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
While Malaysia cried, he stood there smiling.
I'm sure those who pay for their petrol are crying. Which means a whole lot of people. Anyway, one of the most funniest moments today while working at KLCC (besides seeing the tagline "Opening new possibilities" above a paper shredder) was seeing our dear Pak Lah checking the booths of the SMIDEX convention. Expectedly, we all whipped out our camera(phones) to capture a picture of his smiling mug. Yes, he was smiling. Wide and beaming.
Sure, everyone has to smile on such occasions. But I find it ironic. :P
Sure, everyone has to smile on such occasions. But I find it ironic. :P
Friday, May 30, 2008
Two Summer Movies
Prince Caspian and Indiana Jones. Both let me down. Or maybe its me who should be letting down some standards, heh. Still, if you're riding on a big budget (Caspian was made for somewhere around $200 million, Indiana for $185 million) one ought to expect something...big.
Still, they were decent enough movies, but I suppose if we were to follow last year's example, it wasn't really that good either (even though the budgets for the last year's trio of trilogy-completers were much much bigger).
But enough talk about finances.
The Second Installment of The Chronicles of Narnia was, on comparison, surprisingly more exciting than Indy. Or maybe it was just more eye candy, and Jones was more story oriented. And I guess that's the problem with Caspian- it's too thin a story. Come to Narnia, meet people, fight, fight, fight and go back. I found The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe much more entertaining for the simple reason that it had many more layers to it. But perhaps, as some noted, it's the source material. Still, Prince Caspian isn't all that bad and wouldn't bore the little ones as much as, say, Indiana Jones. I'm waiting for the Voyage of the Dawn Treader now, and then we'll have people start pointing out how it's so similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, heh.
As for Indiana Jones...there's not much I can say. I enjoyed the three movies (although I can barely remember The Last Crusade) but then again, they're not all that great. It's simple, kooky fun at best and I suppose this installment delivers. Still, for a movie so many years in the making, the final product is a bit of a let down. But then again, expectations tend to rise above what a movie has to offer, ultimately.
Still, good try from Spielberg and Lucas.
And now I wait for the next summer wave: Hulk, Hancock, Hellboy and...The Dark Knight. ALL of them Superhero movies. Let's hope at least half of them (especially the latter) deliver.
Still, they were decent enough movies, but I suppose if we were to follow last year's example, it wasn't really that good either (even though the budgets for the last year's trio of trilogy-completers were much much bigger).
But enough talk about finances.
The Second Installment of The Chronicles of Narnia was, on comparison, surprisingly more exciting than Indy. Or maybe it was just more eye candy, and Jones was more story oriented. And I guess that's the problem with Caspian- it's too thin a story. Come to Narnia, meet people, fight, fight, fight and go back. I found The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe much more entertaining for the simple reason that it had many more layers to it. But perhaps, as some noted, it's the source material. Still, Prince Caspian isn't all that bad and wouldn't bore the little ones as much as, say, Indiana Jones. I'm waiting for the Voyage of the Dawn Treader now, and then we'll have people start pointing out how it's so similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, heh.
As for Indiana Jones...there's not much I can say. I enjoyed the three movies (although I can barely remember The Last Crusade) but then again, they're not all that great. It's simple, kooky fun at best and I suppose this installment delivers. Still, for a movie so many years in the making, the final product is a bit of a let down. But then again, expectations tend to rise above what a movie has to offer, ultimately.
Still, good try from Spielberg and Lucas.
And now I wait for the next summer wave: Hulk, Hancock, Hellboy and...The Dark Knight. ALL of them Superhero movies. Let's hope at least half of them (especially the latter) deliver.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Yay! It's holiday!
Gosh, there are just too many things for me to do. Books, movies, games, etc. Yes, they may be the usual stuff, but the possibilities are endless. Haven't watched the summer tentpoles of Prince Caspian and Indiana Jones yet (something I will have to do ASAP).
Oh yes, and maybe along the way, I could do some writing. =)
Oh yes, and maybe along the way, I could do some writing. =)
[Rec]
Rec doesn't quite end up as yet-another-horror-movie (as those seemingly endless supply of Asian movies do). Instead it borrows clearly from Blair Witch, but lacks the subtle psychological tension/horror and opts instead to adopt a Cloverfield-esque intensity in many of its scenes. And it works. Did I mention it's also in Spanish?
Hollywood is also rushing out an English remake ("Quarantine") due to be released in a few months time. I find this amusing, as Rec was just only premiered a few months back. As I noted in in my review of "The Orphanage", even if the remake were to copy it shot-for-shot (and judging from the trailer, that seems to be the case), the press will inevitably chide it as being inferior and such.
This is not to say that Rec is anywhere close to ground-breaking. It borrows heavily, so much so that it can even be considered a "prequel" to 28 Days Later. The ending is cliched, and somewhat ridiculous, but it underscores the point that this is a film that is anything but original. But originality is not a prerequisite to good entertainment, after all.
Hollywood is also rushing out an English remake ("Quarantine") due to be released in a few months time. I find this amusing, as Rec was just only premiered a few months back. As I noted in in my review of "The Orphanage", even if the remake were to copy it shot-for-shot (and judging from the trailer, that seems to be the case), the press will inevitably chide it as being inferior and such.
This is not to say that Rec is anywhere close to ground-breaking. It borrows heavily, so much so that it can even be considered a "prequel" to 28 Days Later. The ending is cliched, and somewhat ridiculous, but it underscores the point that this is a film that is anything but original. But originality is not a prerequisite to good entertainment, after all.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Hall of the People: Observations/Thoughts
I remember one question we were asked in our Kajian Tempatan exams. It was something like "Apakah bangunan yang melambangkan demokrasi negara kita?" (What building is the symbol of our country's democracy?)
Without much thought, I wrote: Bangunan UMNO. It wasn't actually a Freudian slip, but rather, that was because it was the big "political" building I always passed by and stared at. The answer was of course "Parlimen Negara" and I hadn't though of that for the simple reason that I only looked at that odd building from a distance, and was simply told that "that is the parliament".
TV cameras make people fat, and they also make small rooms look big. My first thought when I entered the Dewan Rakyat: "Eh, that's small!" Yes, in the TV you look at this huge room with nicely arranged tables in a horseshoe formation. And so reality wasn't so glamorous after all.
But ah, it was worth the experience (Parliament for the observer is an experience after all). We were lucky enough to catch a "fight" but I suppose that happens regularly. Still, we had to wade through the dull and dreary bits (Agricultural subsidies) to get to the nice, drama-drama stuff. I notice that MPs tend to drum/bang the tables whenever they are in agreement. Maybe the comparisons to animals are...er, nevermind.
It was mostly civilized stuff, actually. Most of the time the MPs are well behaved. I saw Jeff Ooi typing away at his laptop,Charles Santiago Manickavasingam (Santiago doesn't sit there!!!) busy shouting "duduk!" to any BN MPs trying to speak when the Opposition was speaking, good ol' Lim Kit Siang staring rather closely at his notebook screen and ah, Khairy Jamaluddin sitting demurely in his corner. Couldn't spot any other BN notables (besides the infamous Bung Mokhtar). The BN section was surprisingly empty. I wonder why. Not sure how BN MPs typically act, but they don't seem fazed much by Mahathir's resignation.
The drama came when Tourism Minister Azalina Othman was asked a question about the five Pakatan Rakyat states and how their tourism programs were cancelled. Then the Opposition MPs started hentam-ing her for "lying" (when she replied they were going on as scheduled). It was curious (and of course entertaining) to watch it. (Malaysiakini report here.)
So we homeschoolers got a glimpse of the inner workings of our nations "democracy". We came, we saw, we went and for me, I was left both enlightened and puzzled. Enlightened by seeing for myself what they actually talked about in Parliament, puzzled by the fact that some questions were somewhat pointless (Stewardess' skirts? Come on.) and while others were obviously asked in the name of transparency, one can't helped but wonder whether our MPs were doing their bit for the rakyat or only forwarding their own political agendas.
But ah, for all we know, the both will always go hand in hand and will always be inseparable.
Without much thought, I wrote: Bangunan UMNO. It wasn't actually a Freudian slip, but rather, that was because it was the big "political" building I always passed by and stared at. The answer was of course "Parlimen Negara" and I hadn't though of that for the simple reason that I only looked at that odd building from a distance, and was simply told that "that is the parliament".
TV cameras make people fat, and they also make small rooms look big. My first thought when I entered the Dewan Rakyat: "Eh, that's small!" Yes, in the TV you look at this huge room with nicely arranged tables in a horseshoe formation. And so reality wasn't so glamorous after all.
But ah, it was worth the experience (Parliament for the observer is an experience after all). We were lucky enough to catch a "fight" but I suppose that happens regularly. Still, we had to wade through the dull and dreary bits (Agricultural subsidies) to get to the nice, drama-drama stuff. I notice that MPs tend to drum/bang the tables whenever they are in agreement. Maybe the comparisons to animals are...er, nevermind.
It was mostly civilized stuff, actually. Most of the time the MPs are well behaved. I saw Jeff Ooi typing away at his laptop,
The drama came when Tourism Minister Azalina Othman was asked a question about the five Pakatan Rakyat states and how their tourism programs were cancelled. Then the Opposition MPs started hentam-ing her for "lying" (when she replied they were going on as scheduled). It was curious (and of course entertaining) to watch it. (Malaysiakini report here.)
So we homeschoolers got a glimpse of the inner workings of our nations "democracy". We came, we saw, we went and for me, I was left both enlightened and puzzled. Enlightened by seeing for myself what they actually talked about in Parliament, puzzled by the fact that some questions were somewhat pointless (Stewardess' skirts? Come on.) and while others were obviously asked in the name of transparency, one can't helped but wonder whether our MPs were doing their bit for the rakyat or only forwarding their own political agendas.
But ah, for all we know, the both will always go hand in hand and will always be inseparable.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Gameplan.
This should get interesting. Let's see what happens. Perhaps nothing will. But after March 8, it's quite clear anything can happen.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Lovely.
Once again, It's That Time Again®.
In the space of the next few days, I must
In the space of the next few days, I must
- Complete my Human Resource assignment.
- Read up, research and prepare for my Human Resource examination.
- Read up, research and prepare for my Human Resource presentation.
- Find the most rhetorically incisive arguments for our JPS Mock Trial.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The need for holiness.
Holiness is as much an objective state of being as that of a feeling. I take comfort in that fact, because I've never felt holy. If I did, then I have long forgotten that feeling.
One need not feel holy, but it is arguable that one should at least be reckoned holy.
And how does one do that? I venture that holiness (or its twin, righteousness) is impossible to achieve. If it were, then being "holy" is not what it's held up to be. When I say that, I take a rather dull view of human standards and morality. But why not?
So why should we all be considered holy?
Because I suspect that in the end, nothing less than that will mark us out as good human beings.
No wonder we loathe high standards.
One need not feel holy, but it is arguable that one should at least be reckoned holy.
And how does one do that? I venture that holiness (or its twin, righteousness) is impossible to achieve. If it were, then being "holy" is not what it's held up to be. When I say that, I take a rather dull view of human standards and morality. But why not?
So why should we all be considered holy?
Because I suspect that in the end, nothing less than that will mark us out as good human beings.
No wonder we loathe high standards.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Music, music, hmm...
Had a listen to Coldplay's Violet Hill. Sounds different. Or perhaps something else. For the first line or two Martin sounds like Dylan. Vocally, of course. Then we are treated to a somewhat dissonant tune. Coldplay's music has been generally nice. They are a nice band.
Arcade Fire - which incidentally, is one of the bands who influenced Martin's style, is recording a movie soundtrack. For a horror movie. Now this is interesting.
Arcade Fire - which incidentally, is one of the bands who influenced Martin's style, is recording a movie soundtrack. For a horror movie. Now this is interesting.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Insert Poetic Title Here...
Think Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The Sea or Kelman's How late it was, how late (both Booker Prize winners, incidentally). Yes, such titles are poetic. Repetition can be poetic. But repetition can be boring too.
Breaking grammatical and punctuational laws can make your work look poetic. Think Cormac McCarthy. Either that, or make you look like a pretentious guy or a Kindergarten kid just learning how to write. Of course, there's a time and place for everything. Don't expect to get high marks for your English essay if you're gonna write like McCarthy or like Peter Carey's The True History of the Kelly Gang (which, excluding some sections, happens to be completely devoid of commas).
Which, incidentally, the latter won the Booker Prize, too.
Moral of the story: Experiment. Don't let every story be churned out like an English essay foran MPH Young Writer's competitions.
I haven't written a much, unfortunately. I've been doing more reading than writing. Eventually, I'll have to balance the sheets. We'll see.
Breaking grammatical and punctuational laws can make your work look poetic. Think Cormac McCarthy. Either that, or make you look like a pretentious guy or a Kindergarten kid just learning how to write. Of course, there's a time and place for everything. Don't expect to get high marks for your English essay if you're gonna write like McCarthy or like Peter Carey's The True History of the Kelly Gang (which, excluding some sections, happens to be completely devoid of commas).
Which, incidentally, the latter won the Booker Prize, too.
Moral of the story: Experiment. Don't let every story be churned out like an English essay for
I haven't written a much, unfortunately. I've been doing more reading than writing. Eventually, I'll have to balance the sheets. We'll see.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Yay!
Hollywood is starting to take video game adaptations seriously. Not that they have all been good. But this is no Uwe Boll movie, after all. It's a big screen version of Bioshock! (Probably one of the best "cinematical" games ever made)
Most fans have been skeptical; I'm not. Perhaps you can't quite capture the spirit of it (video games and movies involve you somewhat differently) but if the story is compelling, why not?
Most fans have been skeptical; I'm not. Perhaps you can't quite capture the spirit of it (video games and movies involve you somewhat differently) but if the story is compelling, why not?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Iron Man
It's that time again. The time where movies made for the masses, filled with wonderful special effects and hilarious LOL! moments bombard us en masse. This is the first wave.
And a slightly disappointing one.
Iron Man, is another typical origins movie. Which means that it is made with a sequel in mind (in this case an entire trilogy).
The cast is filled with a few Oscar nominees, including an Oscar winner. Only one seems to be at home in this movie.
And you would've expected something more. Still, it's not quite "run of the mill" nor is it clearly a intentionally or unintentionally a B-Grade Marvel Movie (such as, say, Daredevil or Ghost Rider). It has its entertaining moments, but they are too popcorn-ish (But hey, wasn't Spiderman popcorn fare- albeit a good one- all the way?).
As much as some would like it to be, I strongly suspect there is no such thing as a "serious" superhero movie. Which isn't exactly a bad thing.
Ah, but I May has never let me down. Yet. So, I'm waiting. Speed Racer is next week. Prince Caspian after that, and then Indy 4. We'll see.
And a slightly disappointing one.
Iron Man, is another typical origins movie. Which means that it is made with a sequel in mind (in this case an entire trilogy).
The cast is filled with a few Oscar nominees, including an Oscar winner. Only one seems to be at home in this movie.
And you would've expected something more. Still, it's not quite "run of the mill" nor is it clearly a intentionally or unintentionally a B-Grade Marvel Movie (such as, say, Daredevil or Ghost Rider). It has its entertaining moments, but they are too popcorn-ish (But hey, wasn't Spiderman popcorn fare- albeit a good one- all the way?).
As much as some would like it to be, I strongly suspect there is no such thing as a "serious" superhero movie. Which isn't exactly a bad thing.
Ah, but I May has never let me down. Yet. So, I'm waiting. Speed Racer is next week. Prince Caspian after that, and then Indy 4. We'll see.
Monday, April 28, 2008
If you thought RapidKL LRTs are crowded...
Those folks are actually paid to do that. Gotta love the Japanese.
The Orphanage
Take a woman, who lives in an old house where children have died, with an adopted son who sees dead people and subsequently disappears. Then, have her go on a wild goose chase (unsuccessfully) for him.
Flash forward a few months later, where she becomes convinced the house is haunted. She hires a medium who fills in some additional details. Then leave her alone to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Twist the plot in the end, and then twist the plot again to obtain an anti-happy ending.
Make sure it's in Spanish, and have Guillermo Del Toro to produce/present it for you for added cred.
Voila! You got yourself a critically acclaimed horror movie.
You can be quite certain that the English version remake will not be as critically acclaimed, because all American horror movies with haunted houses and twist endings are so passé, right?
Unless it's in Spanish.
Flash forward a few months later, where she becomes convinced the house is haunted. She hires a medium who fills in some additional details. Then leave her alone to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Twist the plot in the end, and then twist the plot again to obtain an anti-happy ending.
Make sure it's in Spanish, and have Guillermo Del Toro to produce/present it for you for added cred.
Voila! You got yourself a critically acclaimed horror movie.
You can be quite certain that the English version remake will not be as critically acclaimed, because all American horror movies with haunted houses and twist endings are so passé, right?
Unless it's in Spanish.
Rating: B-
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Rectangular Table: Some Thoughts
As you can see, there wasn't a roundtable in sight but there certainly was one in principle. It was interesting to hear the speakers wax eloquent about esoteric relevant subjects in Malaysia today. As the moderator, I frankly didn't do much.
The speakers on the other hand, sure took their time. But they did make it sound as fun as possible. And yes, I should have been a little more...strict. But why would I want to when we were obviously having so much fun?
Hehe, okay. I do know some of the audience members found it an absolute bore. The nature of the subject will make it such to quite a number of young people. The speakers sure did not do any dumbing dumb on their subjects, and that's a good thing. Jargon, unfortunately, inevitably alienates some people. Take for example, zoology and stuff like that. National Geographic made it palatable to the masses. But it was folks like Steve Irwin that made in involving- to the young and the old.
No, I'm not gonna say we need a Steve Irwin of politics here to interest the young and old. I'm saying we just need to make it more involving, and not just talk about it and hope people will get interested.
Still, I'm really happy with the organizers for getting this together and for offering me the role of moderator. I might not have done much, but I have certainly learned a lot. As for the rest, I'm quite certain there were quite a few who learned a thing or two from this event.
Anyway, you can find the pictures here. Lots of thanks to Ethan; they turned out better than I expected. :P
(From left to right) Lee Swee Seng, Edward Ling, Me, Bob Kee & KJ John
The speakers on the other hand, sure took their time. But they did make it sound as fun as possible. And yes, I should have been a little more...strict. But why would I want to when we were obviously having so much fun?
Hehe, okay. I do know some of the audience members found it an absolute bore. The nature of the subject will make it such to quite a number of young people. The speakers sure did not do any dumbing dumb on their subjects, and that's a good thing. Jargon, unfortunately, inevitably alienates some people. Take for example, zoology and stuff like that. National Geographic made it palatable to the masses. But it was folks like Steve Irwin that made in involving- to the young and the old.
No, I'm not gonna say we need a Steve Irwin of politics here to interest the young and old. I'm saying we just need to make it more involving, and not just talk about it and hope people will get interested.
Still, I'm really happy with the organizers for getting this together and for offering me the role of moderator. I might not have done much, but I have certainly learned a lot. As for the rest, I'm quite certain there were quite a few who learned a thing or two from this event.
Anyway, you can find the pictures here. Lots of thanks to Ethan; they turned out better than I expected. :P
(From left to right) Lee Swee Seng, Edward Ling, Me, Bob Kee & KJ John
Yes, I know, I look enthusiastic. My friends can attest that this is a somewhat biased representation of my demeanor throughout the event.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Malaysia: How It Works
The Junior Public Speaking Club (JPSC) cordially invites you to its second round table discussion entitled:
MALAYSIA: HOW IT WORKS
Objective: To encourage and nurture young people to be responsible, caring and fully participative citizens of Malaysia.
This special event is open to all ages - everyone who wants to know more about the supreme law of the land, how the govenment and its various branches work, our rights and responsibilities as citizens and how we can together help make a better Malaysia.
Our target audience is the youth/teens, but the speakers will definitely make it an interesting and worthwhile time for all the rest of us too.
There will be time for interaction during a tea-break and for questions from the floor.
Topics to be discussed:
1. *The Federal Constitution:* What is it and some salient points.
2. *Democracy:* How this works? Electoral Process, Free Speech etc
3. *The Government:* How this works? 3 Branches of Government and their roles etc
4. *Justice:* How this works? The importance of an independent judiciary
5. *Rakyat Malaysia:* How this works? What are my rights and responsibilities as a Malaysian
Distinguished Guest Speakers:
1. Nathaniel Tan, Blogger & Activist
2. Bob Kee, Concerned Citizen
3. Lee Swee Seng, Advocate & Solicitor
4. KJ John, Executive Director, OMHSI
5. Edward Ling, Campaign Manager (to Hannah Yeoh ADUN Subang Jaya)
WHEN: 25th April, 2008
TIME: 2:30-5.00pm
VENUE: No 16 SS19/5B 47500 Subang Jaya (courtesy of Subang Jaya Gospel Centre)
See maps below on how to get there.
Please take note that the Q & A session is reserved for youths under 21, but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
We are grateful to Subang Jaya Gospel Centre for the use of their hall for the event. However we wish to note that neither the meeting nor the Club is religious in nature.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Prayer: Keep it simple.
"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.
For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
(Matthew 6:5-8, ESV)
Is Jesus saying that we should not pray long prayers? Some might say that it is the intention that's important (i.e. one prays long prayers merely to look spiritually good). That said, it's clear that one should not "heap up empty phrases".
What do you think constitutes "empty phrases"?
Remember: "For your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Carson (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Matthew), I think, helps flesh out the various thoughts contained here:
Suffice to say, I've heard my fair share of pastors who are capable of praying an entire sermon. That's not necessarily bad. The good intentions are certainly there. But ah, we must remember the model prayer:For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
(Matthew 6:5-8, ESV)
Is Jesus saying that we should not pray long prayers? Some might say that it is the intention that's important (i.e. one prays long prayers merely to look spiritually good). That said, it's clear that one should not "heap up empty phrases".
What do you think constitutes "empty phrases"?
Remember: "For your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Carson (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Matthew), I think, helps flesh out the various thoughts contained here:
Jesus is not condemning prayer any more than he is condemning almsgiving (v. 2) or fasting (v. 16). Nor is he forbidding all long prayers or all repetition.
He himself prayed at length (Luke 6:12), repeated himself in prayer (Matt 26:44; unlike Ecclesiasticus 7:14!), and told a parable to show his disciples that "they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1).
His point is that his disciples should avoid meaningless, repetitive prayers offered under the misconception that mere length will make prayers efficacious.
Such thoughtless babble can occur in liturgical and extemporaneous prayers alike. Essentially it is thoroughly pagan, for pagan gods allegedly thrive on incantation and repetition.
But the personal Father God to whom believers pray does not require information about our needs (v. 8). "As a father knows the needs of his family, yet teaches them to ask in confidence and trust, so does God treat his children" (Hill, Matthew )
Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Simple enough, yes? Again, no one's stopping us from expanding on that model. But there's no need to add so many things, as if leaving them out will make prayers lesser in quality and less effective. God knows and will meet all our needs (Matthew 6:30).
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tis the time, once again.
I've yet to finish an epic college assignment (epic in quantity and difficulty) due this Thursday and I've also got to brush up on my politics and history as I'm due to moderate the 2nd JPS Round Table Forum, alongside (among other people) bloggers Bob Kee and Nathaniel Tan, Hannah Yeoh's campaign manager Edward Ling, KJ John of Malaysiakini and OHMSI and Lee Swee Seng, lawyer and toastmaster.
Pressure lah.
Pressure lah.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Does life begin at conception?
Hilary Clinton: Potential for life begins at conception. . . I am a Methodist, as you know. My church has struggled with this issue. In fact, you can look at the Methodist Book of Discipline and see the contradiction and the challenge of trying to sort that very profound question out. But for me, it is also not only about a potential life — it is about the other lives involved. And, therefore, I have concluded, after great concern and searching my own mind and heart over many years, that our task should be in this pluralistic, diverse life of ours in this nation that individuals must be entrusted to make this profound decision, because the alternative would be such an intrusion of government authority that it would be very difficult to sustain in our kind of open society.
Obama: This is something that I have not come to a firm resolution on. I think it’s very hard to know what that means — when life begins. Is it when a cell separates? Is it when the soul stirs? So I don’t presume to know the answer to that question. What I know, as I’ve said before, is that there is something extraordinarily powerful about potential life and that that has a moral weight to it that we take into consideration when we’re having these debates.
At least Clinton gave an answer; Obama's is either avoiding the issue or he doesn't know for sure.
Either way, it's ironic that people are willing to commit to a stand (like Obama) even though they "don't presume to know the answer to that question".
And as for Clinton, it's curious how "profound" decisions are mostly left to teenage kids and the like.
In the end, shirking this issue does not demonstrate understanding and wisdom, but a lack of it.
Either way, it's ironic that people are willing to commit to a stand (like Obama) even though they "don't presume to know the answer to that question".
And as for Clinton, it's curious how "profound" decisions are mostly left to teenage kids and the like.
In the end, shirking this issue does not demonstrate understanding and wisdom, but a lack of it.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I try to appreciate movies.
I don't get why the critics fawn over movies like Citizen Kane or The Godfather. They are entertaining, but by no accounts did they blow me away. Perhaps I need to grow older.
Question time though: Why then do I actually find 2001: A Space Odyssey mind blowing, Vertigo thrilling and Casablanca brilliant? I usually put it down to subjectivity; preference.
But it is still hard to figure why the same critic can call all those movies "great". True, some are. But ah, not all.
I've been recently following a formula I followed to improve my writing. That is, by immersing myself into the cream of the crop of said art. Which means I've been watching a lot of what people call "great movies". Yes, by watching lots of good movies, perhaps I myself can improve my movie making skillz. Yup yup.
It's hard to distill a formula though. I've always been taken aback at how similar some Booker prize winning books are stylistically that I suspect there must be some algorithmic formula you could draw up that will ensure you will definitely win the Man Booker.
It's just that visual storytelling is an incredible rich and diverse art. True, most would say that literature has explored an ever vaster world (it has been around for a lot longer than movies) and that books can afford to be rambling and long (think Tolstoy or Proust!) while movies must always be short and succinct (no more than 3 hours, please, unless it's an art film or The Lord of the Rings).
It's even worse if you're trying to make a short film. Perhaps I should start watching more of them. Some of them -prize winning shorts, mind you- are so dull and unstimulating that you have to laugh.
I haven't made a lot of short films. What I've made are all, well, not so serious stuff (check out my Youtube link and you'll know why). I'm still looking for something serious to film. Even if it's a comedy, it still has to be serious.
I've in fact hashed out a rough screenplay for "Wirawan", where a motley group of young Bumiputera students gain incredible powers, and fight (among other villians) Makkal Sakti (a big, brawling Indian man) and homeless dogs. Subtle political commentary included.
Those who are interested, do e-mail me (you can find it in my profile). Malaysians of all races are welcome. I'm trying to get Chinese people to play the Wirawan, in fact.
Yeah, something along those lines.
Question time though: Why then do I actually find 2001: A Space Odyssey mind blowing, Vertigo thrilling and Casablanca brilliant? I usually put it down to subjectivity; preference.
But it is still hard to figure why the same critic can call all those movies "great". True, some are. But ah, not all.
I've been recently following a formula I followed to improve my writing. That is, by immersing myself into the cream of the crop of said art. Which means I've been watching a lot of what people call "great movies". Yes, by watching lots of good movies, perhaps I myself can improve my movie making skillz. Yup yup.
It's hard to distill a formula though. I've always been taken aback at how similar some Booker prize winning books are stylistically that I suspect there must be some algorithmic formula you could draw up that will ensure you will definitely win the Man Booker.
It's just that visual storytelling is an incredible rich and diverse art. True, most would say that literature has explored an ever vaster world (it has been around for a lot longer than movies) and that books can afford to be rambling and long (think Tolstoy or Proust!) while movies must always be short and succinct (no more than 3 hours, please, unless it's an art film or The Lord of the Rings).
It's even worse if you're trying to make a short film. Perhaps I should start watching more of them. Some of them -prize winning shorts, mind you- are so dull and unstimulating that you have to laugh.
I haven't made a lot of short films. What I've made are all, well, not so serious stuff (check out my Youtube link and you'll know why). I'm still looking for something serious to film. Even if it's a comedy, it still has to be serious.
I've in fact hashed out a rough screenplay for "Wirawan", where a motley group of young Bumiputera students gain incredible powers, and fight (among other villians) Makkal Sakti (a big, brawling Indian man) and homeless dogs. Subtle political commentary included.
Those who are interested, do e-mail me (you can find it in my profile). Malaysians of all races are welcome. I'm trying to get Chinese people to play the Wirawan, in fact.
WIRAWAN BOLEH!
Yeah, something along those lines.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I'm Notta Heretic
Are you a heretic?
created with QuizFarm.com
You scored as Chalcedon compliant
You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.
Chalcedon compliant | 92% | ||
Nestorianism | 58% | ||
Modalism | 50% | ||
Apollanarian | 50% | ||
Adoptionist | 42% | ||
Pelagianism | 33% | ||
Monophysitism | 25% | ||
Monarchianism | 17% | ||
Albigensianism | 0% | ||
Donatism | 0% | ||
Gnosticism | 0% | ||
Arianism | 0% | ||
Docetism | 0% | ||
Socinianism | 0% |
Overall, good questions- goes straight to the important, essential stuff. Sure, it might all be "merely words" for the less pedantic, but there's no denying that acceptance of such propositions have been considered the make or break issue by many Christians throughout the centuries. Some questions could do with some brushing up on semantics (perspicuity is important, seriously!)
Worldly music? Or eh...
So, American Idols sang "Shout to the Lord" that song we usually sing in (some) churches. Darlene Zschech & Hillsongs must be proud. Or should they be? Sure, Idol (PC, PC) dumped "Jesus". But it got chosen nonetheless as a song worth singing. The Christian fundies will be hopping mad at this, for a variety of reasons. ("Hah! Song that gets sung by worldly people! Must be an unbiblical song!")
Maybe, but then again how many trillions of times have Amazing Grace been belted out by pagans and believers alike? And that song is a staple in many congregations whose liturgies are still printed in books.
Either way, Americans got an earful of Christian music, and I am left bemused at the irony of it all. See if you can guess why. Ah, America, America.
Maybe, but then again how many trillions of times have Amazing Grace been belted out by pagans and believers alike? And that song is a staple in many congregations whose liturgies are still printed in books.
Either way, Americans got an earful of Christian music, and I am left bemused at the irony of it all. See if you can guess why. Ah, America, America.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Weird places to stay...
Such as my condominium, where the manager (a grown man) shouts straight into the face of a tenant for no reason whatsoever, except maybe that he's just pissed off with people, life and etc.
People are weird. But people are people, and that, of course, explains a lot of things.
People are weird. But people are people, and that, of course, explains a lot of things.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Aguirre: The Wrath of God
Werner Herzog has presented, in all its glory, the Amazonian jungle. Oh, and human nature as well.
There is relatively little dialogue; the visuals tell it all. Aguirre is best described as raw narrative: there are no stylistic pretensions and what we have left is an ambitious independent film. Read the Wiki page and you'd find out that how the movie was made is profoundly interesting in itself.
It certainly was a pioneering movie: and any movie after that will undoubtedly draw comparisons (which some critics did with recent films like Malick's "The New World").
Of course, the reason for such is that Aguirre excels. Some might be left bored at the drifting plot, which progresses at a leisurely pace. Either way, when one thinks of what the cast and crew had to go through to film this movie, you come to appreciate it more.
As the story progresses, you get to see how the titular character- Fernando Aguirre - comes from the background and into the foreground. Kinski portrays him as an ambitious madman with no small amount swagger.
The ending is filled with clear irony, and at only this stage some might be convinced of its greatness. But great movie or not, it certainly is innovative. And as a movie that sets out to tell a story, it works- compellingly.
There is relatively little dialogue; the visuals tell it all. Aguirre is best described as raw narrative: there are no stylistic pretensions and what we have left is an ambitious independent film. Read the Wiki page and you'd find out that how the movie was made is profoundly interesting in itself.
It certainly was a pioneering movie: and any movie after that will undoubtedly draw comparisons (which some critics did with recent films like Malick's "The New World").
Of course, the reason for such is that Aguirre excels. Some might be left bored at the drifting plot, which progresses at a leisurely pace. Either way, when one thinks of what the cast and crew had to go through to film this movie, you come to appreciate it more.
As the story progresses, you get to see how the titular character- Fernando Aguirre - comes from the background and into the foreground. Kinski portrays him as an ambitious madman with no small amount swagger.
The ending is filled with clear irony, and at only this stage some might be convinced of its greatness. But great movie or not, it certainly is innovative. And as a movie that sets out to tell a story, it works- compellingly.
In that old classic phrase: What an (mis)adventure!
So we college students set out to an FGA Planet Shakers concert to sell some t-shirts. Yes, college project. Tralalala, no harm trying right?
So we got there, and had no idea what to do. The crowd was intimidating, and we were clueless and obviously, embarassed. I lost count of how many familiar faces I saw.
Seriously, I don't make a good direct salesman. It's...ah. It's a deep, gloomy feeling everytime you even think of approaching someone. Unless I somehow get high, or something. Which is, incidentally, what happens if you somehow manage to sell something. Then you feel almost invincible. :P
Ah well, sometimes you're not up to these sort of things. Some times it's just a bad idea. Suffice to say, the product we're selling does not really have a mass appeal. More like something targeted towards a select group of people.
I'm gonna try selling it to my relatives again...
So we got there, and had no idea what to do. The crowd was intimidating, and we were clueless and obviously, embarassed. I lost count of how many familiar faces I saw.
Seriously, I don't make a good direct salesman. It's...ah. It's a deep, gloomy feeling everytime you even think of approaching someone. Unless I somehow get high, or something. Which is, incidentally, what happens if you somehow manage to sell something. Then you feel almost invincible. :P
Ah well, sometimes you're not up to these sort of things. Some times it's just a bad idea. Suffice to say, the product we're selling does not really have a mass appeal. More like something targeted towards a select group of people.
I'm gonna try selling it to my relatives again...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wisdom, Knowledge or Information?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
T.S. Elliot, The Rock
Sometimes we put things like wisdom and knowledge as opposites: the former usually the one more desirable. But wisdom without knowledge is nonsensical; one must first derive knowledge from information, wisdom from knowledge.
They all go hand in hand. The problem though, is that sometimes we stop at one stage: Some of us are content to not go beyond collecting information, others smug with their knowledge and only few go on to distill wisdom from those things.
In the end though, wisdom (I believe) comes with age; it takes a time to become mature, just as it takes time to distill wisdom.
They all go hand in hand. The problem though, is that sometimes we stop at one stage: Some of us are content to not go beyond collecting information, others smug with their knowledge and only few go on to distill wisdom from those things.
In the end though, wisdom (I believe) comes with age; it takes a time to become mature, just as it takes time to distill wisdom.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
China, Tibet and all that.
As the joke goes, pity the Muslims if a Chinese politician insults Islam, because nobody can afford to boycott Chinese goods. And so the situation is in this case. The Tibet crackdown has had many NGOs all over the world huffing, but with China in mind, they can do nothing but belch air.
The EU are already talking about boycotting the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It is, of course, questionable to take the Olympics into account. The Olympics held in Nazi Germany wasn't boycotted (except for some Jewish athletes who refused to participate), and there's no reason why the one in China should be.
Some might say though, that targeting the Chinese Olympics would be where it hurts the most- which is questionable. But still, there is little doubt that it attracts the most attention.
China, of course, know that they can't act freely and cover things up anymore. Thanks to none other than globalization (that evil thing), the world can easily watch what happens. Their reputation is at stake, along with maybe some foreign investments. But ah, that's if this thing gets out of hand. Looking at them, they've been efficient enough. The monetary compensation for each person killed is a nice touch.
Still, there's no doubt some- if not most- Tibetans want China out of there. The Chinese would say that Tibetans are better off with them (China does, after all, have a pretty nifty economy).
Those wanting independence would state that Tibet by right (which is the truth, since it was invaded and conquered) belongs to Tibetans. The Dalai Lama, with his good ol' Middle Way philosophy suggests that China keeps Tibet minus the religious and cultural aspects (of which Tibet will get the autonomy). The hardcores might want more than that, of course. Full independence or...
Either way, China has to address the psychological tension. If propaganda doesn't work then "cleansing" is necessary. Hehe. Just kidding. Well, I'm amateur in these areas, so I'm probably off mark with most of my comments. But ah, in the words of Quintus from Gladiator, "People should know when they are conquered."
Sometimes resistance is futile. And the West, guardians of freedom and democracy, can only flail in vain. That would be one dark outcome indeed. But truth be told, I see no other option. The decision lies with the People's Republic. Let's hope the people know what's the right thing.
The EU are already talking about boycotting the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It is, of course, questionable to take the Olympics into account. The Olympics held in Nazi Germany wasn't boycotted (except for some Jewish athletes who refused to participate), and there's no reason why the one in China should be.
Some might say though, that targeting the Chinese Olympics would be where it hurts the most- which is questionable. But still, there is little doubt that it attracts the most attention.
China, of course, know that they can't act freely and cover things up anymore. Thanks to none other than globalization (that evil thing), the world can easily watch what happens. Their reputation is at stake, along with maybe some foreign investments. But ah, that's if this thing gets out of hand. Looking at them, they've been efficient enough. The monetary compensation for each person killed is a nice touch.
Still, there's no doubt some- if not most- Tibetans want China out of there. The Chinese would say that Tibetans are better off with them (China does, after all, have a pretty nifty economy).
Those wanting independence would state that Tibet by right (which is the truth, since it was invaded and conquered) belongs to Tibetans. The Dalai Lama, with his good ol' Middle Way philosophy suggests that China keeps Tibet minus the religious and cultural aspects (of which Tibet will get the autonomy). The hardcores might want more than that, of course. Full independence or...
Either way, China has to address the psychological tension. If propaganda doesn't work then "cleansing" is necessary. Hehe. Just kidding. Well, I'm amateur in these areas, so I'm probably off mark with most of my comments. But ah, in the words of Quintus from Gladiator, "People should know when they are conquered."
Sometimes resistance is futile. And the West, guardians of freedom and democracy, can only flail in vain. That would be one dark outcome indeed. But truth be told, I see no other option. The decision lies with the People's Republic. Let's hope the people know what's the right thing.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Poetry need not rhyme.
The Measure is English Heroic Verse without rhyme, as that of Homer in Greek, and Virgil in Latin; rhyme being no necessary Adjunct or true Ornament of Poem or good Verse, in longer Works especially, but the Invention of a barbarous Age, to set off wretched matter and lame meter; grac't indeed since by the use of some famous modern Poets, carried away by Custom, but much to thir own vexation, hindrance, and constraint to express many things otherwise, and for the most part worse then else they would have exprest them.
Not without cause therefore some both Italian, and Spanish Poets of prime note have rejected rhyme both in longer and shorter Works, as have also long since our best English Tragedies, as a thing of itself, to all judicious ears, trivial, and of no true musical delight; which consists only in apt Numbers, fit quantity of Syllables, and the sense variously drawn out from one Verse into another, not in the jingling sound of like endings, a fault avoided by the learned Ancients both in Poetry and all good Oratory.
This neglect then of rhyme so little is to be taken for a defect, though it may seem so perhaps to vulgar readers, that it rather is to be esteem'd an example set, the first in English, of ancient liberty recover'd to heroic poem from the troublesome and modern bondage of rhyming. - John Milton (Intro to Paradise Lost)
Not without cause therefore some both Italian, and Spanish Poets of prime note have rejected rhyme both in longer and shorter Works, as have also long since our best English Tragedies, as a thing of itself, to all judicious ears, trivial, and of no true musical delight; which consists only in apt Numbers, fit quantity of Syllables, and the sense variously drawn out from one Verse into another, not in the jingling sound of like endings, a fault avoided by the learned Ancients both in Poetry and all good Oratory.
This neglect then of rhyme so little is to be taken for a defect, though it may seem so perhaps to vulgar readers, that it rather is to be esteem'd an example set, the first in English, of ancient liberty recover'd to heroic poem from the troublesome and modern bondage of rhyming. - John Milton (Intro to Paradise Lost)
Convincing a person to believe in God
Is ultimately contingent upon said person's willingness to believe. Thus, an argument for theism must also be supplemented by a solid understanding of psychology: which is in the end the key to everything. Environmental influence is almost everything.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The formation of a novel - Pt. 1
In attempting to write a truly long story (as in a work of fiction breaching 2,000 words), I've always encountered a major roadblock in that after that point, I lose all motivation and purpose completely. I certainly don't lack ideas; far from it, there's just too many that can't be written out.
So I realized that having clear, well defined ideas alone does not mean that you'd have no trouble writing out a complete story. I've been able to type out (usually in a single sitting) works of short, short fiction for the simple reason that I could focus that long. After that, I falter.
Nor is it the wordcount alone that is an obstacle (I've written numerous assignments that of lengths sometimes twice as much). I manage to reach that word count level simply because I leverage on other people's work. But when it comes to writing something by myself, it's another story.
Perhaps a solution could be to draw elements from others' work. I've done that on multiple occasions, but still, I only have the heart to imitate style and not content (copying the latter isn't a very noble thing, and it bespeaks of laziness on the author's part).
So what is the solution then to my so called writer's block. I'm still finding out. Willing to write alone is not enough. But it would be a shame to not write down the words to my thoughts and fantasies, even as I moan about my problems here.
So I realized that having clear, well defined ideas alone does not mean that you'd have no trouble writing out a complete story. I've been able to type out (usually in a single sitting) works of short, short fiction for the simple reason that I could focus that long. After that, I falter.
Nor is it the wordcount alone that is an obstacle (I've written numerous assignments that of lengths sometimes twice as much). I manage to reach that word count level simply because I leverage on other people's work. But when it comes to writing something by myself, it's another story.
Perhaps a solution could be to draw elements from others' work. I've done that on multiple occasions, but still, I only have the heart to imitate style and not content (copying the latter isn't a very noble thing, and it bespeaks of laziness on the author's part).
So what is the solution then to my so called writer's block. I'm still finding out. Willing to write alone is not enough. But it would be a shame to not write down the words to my thoughts and fantasies, even as I moan about my problems here.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Tis the time for revolution.
Zimbabwe, the land where a single two ply toilet paper costs more than Z$500 (hence why some are saying the latter is cheaper), has shunned its failed government and embraced...change. At least, that's what the opposition offers. But seeing how this nation's economy is in tatters no thanks to its corrupt dictatorship, surely there is nowhere to go but up. Read this article and note some similarities with our current situation (note especially the description of some of the defeated politicians).
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Why skepticism is sometimes good.
Nevermind about faith, with its contemporary definition that has so far diverged from the traditional ANE (Biblical) one that the two have become almost exact opposites. Skepticism is sometimes quite healthy
Remember those pesky e-mails circulating in Hotmail/Yahoo about sending this e-mail to X number of persons else your account gets deleted. Well, a lot of people either fell for it or decided to play it safe. As for me, I laughed and deleted it. E-mail accounts are still fine.
There are other ones too, like the unproven "Don't drink cold water after a meal else you'll get cancer etc."
But people do fall for that, the main reason is because its convincing, and it computes quite well in the mind (well, I fell for some of that for those reasons and nothing more). But a glance at serious, mainstream scientific studies (think journal articles and the like) usually disproves that. Entertain yourself by seeing how many of these Cancer Myths you hold to. Especially interesting is Myth 9, which is basically the big, secret, medical conspiracy theory. I actually know a few people who believe in that. A note on Myth 8 though: studies are still ongoing, and WHO recommends a play it safe approach.
Healthy skepticism is not about playing Doubting Thomas 24/7, which is as stupid as playing Mr. Gullible. No, it's something more like being a good Berean. Check, check, and check it thoroughly.
Which is why Popper is so important to me. Falsifiability is a prerequisite for sanity.
Remember those pesky e-mails circulating in Hotmail/Yahoo about sending this e-mail to X number of persons else your account gets deleted. Well, a lot of people either fell for it or decided to play it safe. As for me, I laughed and deleted it. E-mail accounts are still fine.
There are other ones too, like the unproven "Don't drink cold water after a meal else you'll get cancer etc."
But people do fall for that, the main reason is because its convincing, and it computes quite well in the mind (well, I fell for some of that for those reasons and nothing more). But a glance at serious, mainstream scientific studies (think journal articles and the like) usually disproves that. Entertain yourself by seeing how many of these Cancer Myths you hold to. Especially interesting is Myth 9, which is basically the big, secret, medical conspiracy theory. I actually know a few people who believe in that. A note on Myth 8 though: studies are still ongoing, and WHO recommends a play it safe approach.
Healthy skepticism is not about playing Doubting Thomas 24/7, which is as stupid as playing Mr. Gullible. No, it's something more like being a good Berean. Check, check, and check it thoroughly.
Which is why Popper is so important to me. Falsifiability is a prerequisite for sanity.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I was humbled.
I tend to get very proud; happy about myself, my achievements, etc.
I was even happier when I met someone who was smarter than me and made me look like an idiot. For that, I was really grateful. Much to learn, I have.
I was even happier when I met someone who was smarter than me and made me look like an idiot. For that, I was really grateful. Much to learn, I have.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Boycott? What boycott? *Rant* *Rant* (Skip reading if necessary)
Local supermarket chain Mydin wins hands down the Sad Waste of Perfectly Good Stuff Award for wasting perfectly good red stickers. Meh; don't they know any better? Such things are nothing but an emotive response, since boycotting products have absolutely no impact on Geert Wilders and his political party who made that damned video (they barely have any presence in the parliament anyway).
Sure, some people are saying that the Dutch companies who lose their business would sue him. But if the Netherlands are anything resembling what I've been taught about, then the "liberal" courts will throw it out on the grounds of good ol' freedom of speech.
Thinking about it, maybe it'd be better if Al-Q or sumthing just offed him (Wilders). Deterrents make good preventions.
And for the last time, yelling out how much you hate that Dutch b'tard will only bring him millions of dollars worth of free publicity, and maybe a few more seats in parliament. Noobs.
Sure, some people are saying that the Dutch companies who lose their business would sue him. But if the Netherlands are anything resembling what I've been taught about, then the "liberal" courts will throw it out on the grounds of good ol' freedom of speech.
Thinking about it, maybe it'd be better if Al-Q or sumthing just offed him (Wilders). Deterrents make good preventions.
And for the last time, yelling out how much you hate that Dutch b'tard will only bring him millions of dollars worth of free publicity, and maybe a few more seats in parliament. Noobs.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Fitna.
Responses like this only prove Geert Wilders point. Fitna, although redundant (see th, could be said to be a brilliant bait tactic. They- the extremists- have bitten it; bitten hard. And in the process, they are making Islam look like a religion for third world monkeys. Which is, oh, is exactly what Wilders is trying to point out. Ah...
Some Muslims need to learn a thing or two about the Christian response to stuff like the Da Vinci Code.
Some Muslims need to learn a thing or two about the Christian response to stuff like the Da Vinci Code.
Why I Want This DSLR
Casio does not make exactly drool-worthy DSLRs, but their latest offering, the EX-F1 has features to die for. For example, it takes videos at 1200fps. Yep. That's as close to bullet time as you're gonna get on prosumer gear without CGI. Yes, I guess I so so want it because of that alone (of course, it's equally quick at taking pictures). And looking at how cool videos look already at 300fps, who needs a camcorder?
Days of Heaven
I've been an admirer of Malick's films ever since I saw The Thin Red Line at the age of 12 and felt I was watching something special. Some might say that if you've seen one of his films, you've seen them all.
Still, there's no denying that they are good. He has made four feature films (another in production) and I've watched three. Days of Heaven is the third. It was the last movie he made for nearly 20 years. Cormac McCarthy called it "an awfully good movie."
As a movie it has been regarded as "great" by many reviewers. I don't quite share their opinion; I would say it's not as matured as the later Malick films. It contains some flaws, such as establishing the rhythm of a scene and dropping it so soon after you got the mood. But even for that, I'm not sure if that wasn't intentional.
I sure did enjoy it. It's meditative, it's poetic. But there is a thin line between pretty pictures and meaningful imagery; stale dialogue and verbal contemplation, and Days of Heaven awkwardly treads in between.
See some screenshots of the movie here (it won an Oscar for Best Cinematography).
P.S. This is is my 200th post. Whooo!!!
Still, there's no denying that they are good. He has made four feature films (another in production) and I've watched three. Days of Heaven is the third. It was the last movie he made for nearly 20 years. Cormac McCarthy called it "an awfully good movie."
As a movie it has been regarded as "great" by many reviewers. I don't quite share their opinion; I would say it's not as matured as the later Malick films. It contains some flaws, such as establishing the rhythm of a scene and dropping it so soon after you got the mood. But even for that, I'm not sure if that wasn't intentional.
I sure did enjoy it. It's meditative, it's poetic. But there is a thin line between pretty pictures and meaningful imagery; stale dialogue and verbal contemplation, and Days of Heaven awkwardly treads in between.
See some screenshots of the movie here (it won an Oscar for Best Cinematography).
P.S. This is is my 200th post. Whooo!!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I wouldn't mind living here, you know...
Either the condo behind me, or that house overlooking the lake. XD
Finally, they start blogging.
Khir Toyo has started blogging. Yup. Of course, he's surely not one of those low, base, opposition supporting scum of a blogger.
It's about time though. I would like to see more BN politicians/spokespeople blogging. While Malaysia's most popular blogs are almost always slanted towards the opposition, I don't see any famous BN supporting blogs out there. Come to think of it, it's about time the Government employed cyber-apologists to voice out their views (in America, there are outspoken Democrat bloggers and outspoken Republican bloggers; both sides have their vocal advocates).
The Malaysian "debate" is pretty one sided on the Internet.
It's about time though. I would like to see more BN politicians/spokespeople blogging. While Malaysia's most popular blogs are almost always slanted towards the opposition, I don't see any famous BN supporting blogs out there. Come to think of it, it's about time the Government employed cyber-apologists to voice out their views (in America, there are outspoken Democrat bloggers and outspoken Republican bloggers; both sides have their vocal advocates).
The Malaysian "debate" is pretty one sided on the Internet.
The city, the city.
Where we live, where we look too. I took this picture on a clear, clear day. But it seems to be that that veil of grey is here to stay. Muahaha, me rhyme!
Macs & PCs: Pots calling Kettles black...
Hahaha...Mac OS X hacked in 2 minutes; Vista and Ubuntu still unscathed...rofl.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Criticism, pointless.
My brother and his schoolmates have a project: they're writing a critique of The Golden Compass entitled, oddly enough, "The Silver Compass". I find that particularly bizarre; a bunch of fifteen year olds critiquing a children's fantasy book for admirable but undoubtedly ideological purposes. I'm not sure how well versed they are in theology, which is always a prerequisite before engaging in apologetics.
Of course, since becoming a rather self-effacing Christian, I tend to keep as quiet as possible about such matters. But ah, being approached for help on their project, I didn't quite mind after all (it's gonna get published...if it's good). Either way, I don't lose anything (I'm gonna hide behind a pseudonym, hehehe) and it helps if someone who actually knows what to do is involved.
Apparently it's going to be a serious book. I suggested something more funny. But I would suppose they want it to be serious.
But remember, most people (except those convinced) balked at critiques of, say, The Da Vinci Code. Someone commented that those books made a good doorstop (then again, most litcrit tomes make good ones as well). In a sense, they're kinda pointless to people who are wise enough to not take such works of fiction seriously.
But of course, there's always the not so privileged minority.
I would say that writing such a book is pointless. You're just preaching to the choir. Maybe a few children might better informed, and some might think that that is worthwhile.
Methinks 50,000 words are better spent on a pure presentation of the Gospel, and not wasted on attacking a book about golden compasses, young heroines and talking polar bears.
Oh, if you still don't understand why I want to use a pseudonym, check out the "official" website here.
Of course, since becoming a rather self-effacing Christian, I tend to keep as quiet as possible about such matters. But ah, being approached for help on their project, I didn't quite mind after all (it's gonna get published...if it's good). Either way, I don't lose anything (I'm gonna hide behind a pseudonym, hehehe) and it helps if someone who actually knows what to do is involved.
Apparently it's going to be a serious book. I suggested something more funny. But I would suppose they want it to be serious.
But remember, most people (except those convinced) balked at critiques of, say, The Da Vinci Code. Someone commented that those books made a good doorstop (then again, most litcrit tomes make good ones as well). In a sense, they're kinda pointless to people who are wise enough to not take such works of fiction seriously.
But of course, there's always the not so privileged minority.
I would say that writing such a book is pointless. You're just preaching to the choir. Maybe a few children might better informed, and some might think that that is worthwhile.
Methinks 50,000 words are better spent on a pure presentation of the Gospel, and not wasted on attacking a book about golden compasses, young heroines and talking polar bears.
Oh, if you still don't understand why I want to use a pseudonym, check out the "official" website here.
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