Lex Petros

World Invasion:Battle Los Angeles (2011)

2011-03-20T15:48:00.003+08:00

I was a fan of ID4 (1996). The movie blew me away when I was still in college...

District 9 (2009) was remarkably brilliant and caught me off guard...

Skyline (2010) was promising but utterly ruined by bad acting and a poor ending....

So, understandably Battle LA trailers and sneak peaks did not peak my interest. Unless it was Roland Emmerich or Steven Spielberg at the helm and producing the movie, I was skeptical to say the least. As Forrest Gump would say, "life is like a box of chocolates..."; you know the rest...it takes guts and lots of imagination to make an earth-invasion movie to suit the palate of audiences. Cliched scenes and predictable outcomes always make it an uphill task.

Jonathan Liebesman directed this 116-minute flick with Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez starring. Liebesman, I remember from Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A New Beginning. The theme was laid on the USMC (United States Marine Corp). For me, that was a good way to do things. After all, most situations calling for the defence of the nation would befall the USMC. Regular army will pound, but the USMC are designated for special operations and specific mission parameters. Think about this movie as a sci-fi version of Blackhawk Down (2001).

Needless to say, the premise was not original - CNN reports imminent meteor strikes, but turns out that the projectiles coming from the heavens appears to have mechanical structures and moving at slower speeds as they near - it's always the eastern seaboard which gets it- you see loads of terrified citizen being evacuated but which good invasion movie won't see the brutal deaths of a few dozens or hundreds to make a point? Aliens? Well, what else? Immense ships, superior firepower and ugly forms. Action and ammo always sell. These things crashes into the water just off the coast of 16-17 countries and make their way inland, blasting all and sundry in their wake.

The movie progressed to focus on a unit led by Lt. Willam Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez) with the more senior Staff Seargent Michael Nanz (Eckhart) shadowing and counselling the young Lieutenant. Their mission was to secure an overrun police prescient, rescue any civilians and get out before an aerial bombing commences to "drive the infestation back to the ocean". Along their way, they pick up Rincon and his children at the police prescient and a separated USAF Tech Sergeant Elena Santos (Michelle Rodriguez). The suspense ala Blackhawk Down starts from here- fighting out of alien territory to make it to an FOB (forward operating base), the next safest place to be when the Air Force commences their assault.

The entourage knows how to kill the aliens more effectively when they dissected one alive to find out where its heart is. The aliens incidentally run on water and so, they bleed water. They invasion force has come to drink us dry. The engagement of a freeway between the Marines and an alien party seems to mirror the final show down in Saving Private Ryan. The aliens in this movie control un-manned drones to kill and maim humans from command ships placed in major cities and locations.

Just the luck they needed when the Marines come across an RF distortion which hints the presence of a command ship. It was underground. I liked this part of the movie - the infiltration battle scene and the final show down when they laser-in guided missiles into the command ships. Much like how they do it in ID4 after they discover how to down a mother ship effectively. Once the command units are down, all drones drop like flies and the foot soldiers retreat.

The action packed movie certainly was worth the time and money. After being disappointed by Skyline, Battle LA is certainly a refreshing invasion movie.

I'd give this one a 7.5 out of a possible 10.

After the great quake...

2011-03-20T09:36:00.004+08:00

I remember only a few weeks before the 9.0 Richter scale Tohoku quake just off the east coast of the Oshika Peninsula, Christchurch, New Zealand was shook by a big one, although paling in comparison with the recent quake in Japan.

It seems like the Pacific Ring of Fire's tempest is brewing deep within the bowels of the earth and with greater frequency than ever observed. Japan always had to be wary of quakes. In 1923, the Great Kanto quake almost levelled most of Tokyo and was the impetus for developing advance warning sensors and quake-resistant buildings and technologies.

The death toll now is between 2,000 to 5,000 with the number growing as many bodies are discovered in rubbles and hard-hit areas near the epicentre.

It was not so long ago when great Indonesian quake resulted in a tsunami which hit Indonesia, and ripple all over the Indian Ocean striking Sri Lanka, India and even Malaysia on December 26, 2004, Thank God my friends in the Maldives were spared of any serious damage or worse, injury or death. Ironically, the salvation was through an immense sea-wall system which the Japanese had built for the Maldivians in 2002 as a gesture of bilateral goodwill- probably anticipated the off chance a giant quake off the Indonesia coasts could be powerful enough to send waves of destruction to the Maldivian archipelago.

What's unnerving for me about these disasters is that the fact my mum can sense what she describes as "a sort of uncomfortable buzzing in my head" just days before the quake. Perhaps she has the gift of clairvoyance or perhaps some sort of premonition. For me, sometimes I perceive momentary lapses into what I can describe it as "spinning around" before something happens. The Friday quake however was not caught by any "psychic senses" (if any).

The Japanese are struggling to prevent a nuclear event at the Fukushima Daishi reactor facilities, tirelessly attacking the burning or overheated nuclear rods with sea water from air and land. The ionizing radiation has probably sealed some of the workers' doom despite what local news agencies say about the radiation levels. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster comes to mind. Many were exposed to radiation doses which were 100 times more than Fukushima and many died to prevent radioactive particles from reaching the nearby towns and cities in Russia and parts of Europe.

Back in Japan, news agencies reported recently that radiation has been found in food, and the mostly likely iodine-131 which is absorbed by your thyroid glands. Having done some reading on the subject, apparently the best way to avoid its absorption is to ingest iodine pills (the one with the non-lethal isotopes) to saturate your thyroid glands so that the radioactive iodine will just pass through your system with minimal retention.

I admire the people and governments whose relief efforts are pouring in to Japan.

What I find completely revolting is some first lady making mindless statements; implying that the recent quake was a result of Japan's lack of studies in environmental factors and go-green technologies. Just days after our local news agency Berita Harian apologizes for publishing an-insensitive caricature of Ultraman running away from Tokyo with a giant wave closing in, our premier's wife had to embarrass the lights of the nation.

Libyan conflict intensifies

2011-03-09T23:00:00.008+08:00

Security forces have tried to retake the eastern town of Al-Zawiyah where the oil refineries are situated. Right now, Libyan authorities are said to be assuming that they have control of the West. Rebel fighters are armed no less.

Whilst the world superpowers condemn the use of force by Libyan security forces on civilians, Gaddafi has some allies who will not take a hard stand against the embattled leader.

Former Cuban president, Fidel Castro opines that there will be a US-backed invasion lead by NATO to take the country's oil. Venezuela and Zimbabwe has not publicly criticized Libya. Venezuela in particular, has close links to Iran and have made somewhat a tepid offer to mediate. Last week, the UN Security unanimously passed a resolution to impose several embargoes to Gaddafi, his family and assets.

The Libyan Transitional Council chair and spokesperson are contradicting each other on talks with the current regime in what appears to be a framework to waive criminal prosecution in exchange for stepping down and making a departure. Liberty for relinquishing power. Somehow the proposed trade off probably would not sit well for a lot of people. The war crimes against his people, against humanity will not blow away with the wind.

Security forces are stepping up the assaults and the casualties are mounting by the day. Benghazi correspondents have reported sporadic gun fire whilst the eastern Libya is raining bullets. Looks like a civil war is inevitable, or rather, this is a civil war in infancy. The east is in the grasp of the opposition and some western parts are reported to be under rebel controls. Intense fighting is reported in Zuwiyah and there is practically no way in, even a communications blackout.

Anti-rebel forces have amassed and surrounded Ras Lanuf which was taken by anti-Gaddafi rebels a few days ago. It only stands to reason that this is a matter of time. The rebel forces will not be able to hold out for long without aid. They are close to being outgunned and out numbered.

What the UN Security Council has to do is decide on the no-fly zone which was been talked about. Military force would be hard to push up with Russian and China possessing veto power in the Council. The no-fly zone may not be feasable as current tactical assessment places Gaddafi ground forces as the real threat and jets would have difficult targeting Libya's fleet of attack choppers at low altitudes. Of course, imposing a no-fly zone may tantamount to an act of war.

More than three quarters of a million civilians have sought asylum from neighbor Tunisia and Egypt. More are still leaving the country for fear of a full blow civil war so long as Gaddafi refuses to relent and continues his onslaught.

A weekend at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

2011-03-06T20:44:00.012+08:00

Whether really worth it or not, I decided to sign up for MO's Elite Club membership for a year. The salesperson really had a good telephone voice who sounds like a middle-aged mother with a few kids. I reckon she's doing this part time. First thing she told me about the package was a complimentary deluxe room with a view of the city or KLCC Park, vouchers for hi-tea and dinner free; in my mind, nothing comes free, but she was candid about the package.

What really convinced me was her motherly persistence. She was a nice lady, calling me even after I had signed up to make sure everything was in order. Thinking about my own mother, I thought perhaps she would deserve a weekend with her best friends, having hi-tea and to the SPA. Rooms would be 50% off, 20-30% ff on dining, 23% off on SPA (I still have one voucher for a complimentary hour at the SPA). What's more, my friends can enjoy the same privileges- the membership is transferable, but only valid up to March 2012. All they have to do is pick up the membership card from me.

I checked in about 2pm on Saturday and went straight to the lounge of the 1st floor. The hi-tea was a delightful fulfillment of palates. A delectable selection of pastries and sweets. Devonshire tea (citrus infused early grey with scones, served with cream, marmalade and jam), cheesecakes, mini-chocolate cakes, sandwiches, mini-burgers and turkish delights! All brought to you in a decked-tray. Tea is kept hot by a pot-sleeve.

I spent an hour plus; taking my time savoring the spread and reading a graphic-version of Isaac Newton, Copernicus, Decartes and the greatest astronomers, physicists and scientists humanity has ever seen. For once, i can understand how the Pythagoras theorem came about and how it was Copernicus, not Einstein who first described (although he didn't realise it), the theory of relativity...

After hi-tea, I relegated to my weekend crib, complete with a workstation, Internet connection and a nice hi-back chair for me to catch up on some work. I got a deluxe suite facing the city with a king-sized bed and a 2-seater couch, over and above the workstation. The sun was glistening, but I was comfortably nestled in my huge bed, with a pile of pillows, tea or coffee and fresh pears. The room comes with a 42-inch plasma TV, complete with 30 channels and a DVD player!

Most important of all is my bath tub! Next to it, a shower stall and a separate compartment for the toilet. The bathroom is almost fully-mirror giving the illusion of size and grandeur. The doors are folding as opposed to conventional-hinged door and from the bathtub, I can still watch TV (with speakers routed to the bathroom; adjustable volume) and read my novel at the same time. When I spend time at hotels, it's no less than 3 times per day in the bath tub! Morning, after lunch and after dinner!

I got up this morning and went to KLCC Park for a stroll. The restaurants rimming the park were mostly opened. I was thinking of some Eggs Benedict at Dome, but decided to get a Sausage McMuffin at McDs. I went down to Cold Storage to get some springrolls and onion rings after breakfast for a TV snack after that. Yes, I headed to the bath tub again to finish my book and to watch TV. I checked out at 2pm after a long, well deserved break.

What a treat after a long week. I shall look forward to coming back here again from some "Peter time". Next time, I'll certainly try the SPA and use the gym. Since it's 50% off for rooms and suites, I'll take 2 nights for the price of 1...

Getting Killed For Having An Opinion

2011-03-02T23:18:00.004+08:00

Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian cabinet minister was shot for taking a stance against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. He had prepared to die for his principles against what he perceived as a law which is subject to abuse and purely to protect Islamic authority. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.

What sort of religion would prescribed killing to go to heaven? I guess the Taliban can tell us the answer to that. I am fed up with hearing of persecutions of Christians across the world, especially by the ones who would do it for the sake of their faith. The price to pay for freedom of religion is getting far too much for Christians.

Everything has its place in time. After all, observe the turmoil happening on the Arab nations and the Muslim world. Some say it's the demise of an old regime consisting of dictators, cronies and Islamist fundamentalist, thralled with destruction at the hands of self-fulfilling events. Others will say is the hands of God rebuking the ones who profess everything in the name of god to loot, plunder and murder.

It is foretold that the end is near. Christians must ever be more vigilant and look out for signs of the Second Coming. The rife in the Middle East was prophesied. The uncanny development of events lend so much credence that biblical events are unfolding throughout the world. The weather shifts, the rising seas and even the rise of China and Russia. It is undeniably true.

Have a Break, Have a...

2011-02-27T21:11:00.003+08:00

one of the world's most favorite foods....the famous KitKat tag line came to mind whilst having tea with Ezral and Cheryl at Mano's Mega Curry House in Kota Damansara...

God knows, I have the most insatiable lust for a sinful brown. As a matter of fact, my favorite treat is a bar of "Crunchie", a Cadbury made, chocolate-covered honeycomb bar...the first bite is heavenly. The trick about enjoying a Crunchie bar is not to have more than one bar at any one time. Too much of a good thing dilutes the satisfaction, hence why I call it a 'treat'. But the coat on the Crunchie bar is milk chocolate. Studies have shown that dark chocolates are beneficial once eaten.

Chocolate is not necessarily bad for your teeth or health. Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids which acts as antioxidants- protecting your body from aging caused by free radicals - which can cause damage leading up to heart diseases. A study in Holland shows that dark chocolates have 4 times the amount of antioxidants than green tea...

Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure via the production of nitric oxide and can balance hormonal fluxes in your body.

Of course, like the adage goes, "everything in moderation". We are all concerned about the calories and saturated fats in chocolate products...

While both cocoa and chocolate contain sugar, they also have properties that work against sugar's tendency to produce the oral bacteria that eventually leads to dental decay. Ironically, studies have shown that milk chocolates is least likely to contribute to tooth decay, since it contains phosphate, vitamins B1, B2, D and E as well as potassium and magnesium.

The level of saturated fat in chocolate is due to the presence of cocoa butter, which increases blood cholesterol levels. On the other hand, it also contains a high level of phenolen and that lowers the risk of heart disease. A regular cup of coffee contains 130-150 mg of caffeine whereas a one ounce piece of chocolate contains only 60mg.

At this rate, it's better to give up coffee than chocolate, don't you think?

15-0 Majority Passes Resolution Against Libya & Ghadafi

2011-02-27T13:37:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution to impose arms, asset-freeze and travel embargoes on Libya, her embattled leader and several of his key associates. The resolution seems to give carte blanc for "all necessary measures to enable the return to Libya of humanitarian agencies and to secure the prompt and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need." This seems to suggests military action. I think Russia and China might have something to say about it. Their stake in pipelines means they have their own interests to protect.

This certainly won't be the first time Libya had been imposed sanctions on. After the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, it took Libya almost 15 years to claim responsibility. The bombing of the Boeing 747-121 also known as "the Clipper of the Maiden Seas" were probably as a result of confrontations with the US Navy in the 1980s in the Gulf of Sidra, a body of water was under dispute on which Libya claimed territory. Suffice to say, despite the then sanctions, Libya could still muster up a USD2.7 billion compensation for the victims' families. Probably the first time sponsored terrorism had offered compensation to terror victims.

In Bahrain, her King has reorganized the cabinet and cut government housing loans by 25% in what is supposed to be a bargaining chip to entertain reforms and start dialogues for its implementation. This is probably in reacting to the return of Hassan Mushaiman, the opposition leader of the Haq Movement, a major Shite group to deliver his speech on regime change. So far, the casualties are far less compared to Libya. The dialogue proposing sovereignty has issued orders for the mortal harm of civilians; not just, but its people.

The clashes in Yemen have apparently has no effect on President Salleh's resolute. His security forces are starting to show brazen disregard for safety and life and the anti-government protesters were hit by gunfire when they shot into crowds, just like Libya. These demonstrators, mostly students have lined the streets outside Sanna University and are still taking flack from pro-government supporters. Yemen is probably "knackered", wracked by Shite Muslims, an American aided crackdown of Al-Qaeda operatives and shortage of water.

Mostly, cries for the ouster of the current government and the end of political and economical woes and the end of corrupt government officials rings through-out the Arab nations in these recent times. I am utterly perplexed by the apparent inequality of the distribution of wealth. At one time, deposed Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak's total wealth was said to have exceeeded USD70billion.

An interesting book I came across scouring the Internet for more reading material on Middle East socio-economical related problems. A Duke University professor of Islamic studies, economics and political science by the name of Timur Kuran authored this book, titled "The Long Divergence: How Islamic Law Held Back the Middle East"- which is essentially the decline of the Arab nations and the Middle Eastern economies at the hands of Muslim based economies which are incompatible with capitalism. Various laws in Islamic societies were not conducive to large-scale economic structures, at precisely the time when such structures were becoming profitable and are drivers of economic growth - whether it is on inheritance law, contracts, forming corporations, etc. I reckon a book by a Muslim and an insider will be a good read, lest a non-Muslim writer would probably be accused of being biased and western in thought.

Libyan Bloodshed

2011-02-26T14:07:00.003+08:00

The clashes have not escalated to Tripoli where embattled Ghaddafi is situated. His interior minister has resigned and members of the armed forces and air force have defected in defiance to orders to open fire on civilians. Benghazi and smaller eastern towns are no longer under Ghadaffi's control. The plan is now to take down the western bloc.

Forty over years is a long time to hold the reigns, history has taught us that the declaration of "long live the king" does not hold for long in less than a Utopian administration. Power and money corrupts and resounding Lord Herschell, "absolute power corrupts absolutely". In a world of capitalism-fueled economies, it is almost impossible to find equal or seeming equal distribution of wealth. Cheap loans and good tax levies are justifications of the now challenged leader, but the cry for reforms go beyond these very fringe benefits.

The military is under the control of the executive, unlike Egypt where they have a stake in the economy and their interests underscores the preservation of a government who would be willing to allow these policies to remain. The brutal tactics of using military and security forces to quell civilian uprising has drawn tremendous flack from international communities, especially the Western bloc.

The Libyan ambassador in the USA even has called for Moammar Ghaddafi & sons end to the senseless rampage which has so far resulted in more than a thousand deaths. Perceivable act of heinous crimes against his own people.

So now the opposition is growing in force from defections which borders on treason I am sure. A civil war, so it seems. On state tv, the Ghaddafi has threatened to escalate the violence: ""We can destroy any assault with the people's will, with the armed people," he said. "And when it is necessary, the weapons depots will be open to all the Libyan people to be armed."

The Al-Qaeda has been one of those blamed, to wit, supplying the youths with hallucinogenic drugs. An offer has been made to increase state salaries by 150% and the premier's son assuring that things will get better BUT making it clear that the embattled leader will not step down.

The UN Supreme Council has proposed a resolution to impose new sanctions to Libya; arms, assets and travel. But military intervention is unlikely to accompany if Russia and China does not back the use of force.

These unfolding events frightfully points to Biblical prophecies coming to life. It is foretold that there will be unrest in the Middle East and later, Libya, Iran, Turkey, the Arab world generally, will eventually descend upon Israel to destroy the nation of God's chosen people but just before she falls, it is also foretold that Christ (God) and his army will descend and wipe out the "unholy army"off the face of the earth.

Angry Birds Peace Treaty

2011-02-20T22:17:00.000+08:00

Middle East Unrest Continues...

2011-02-19T12:01:00.004+08:00

The developments of the last two weeks have been prolific.

Yemen student protests turned anti-government. Clashes between pro-government and pro-democracy demonstrators. Thousands took to the streets (mostly youths) chanting "time for change" and referring to the popular uprising in Tunisia that ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali earlier this month.

Demonstrators want President Saleh who ruled North in 1978, North and South when they merged in 1990 and was relected in 2006. With a population of about 2 million, many whom a illiterate, which economy depends of some oil and with a 35% unemployment rate, it's not wonder the ones protesting have a bone to pick. Yemeni protests are taking a turn for the worse.

Yesterday, a grenade was hurled into the crowd. Rival forces taken on anti-government protesters near Sanaa Univerisity. Pro-democracy demonstrators demand the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

In Libya- President Muammar Gadaffi's rule of 41 years is challenged as protesters organized their rallies, one of them infamously known as "The Day of Rage" last week. Up to yesterday, at least 20 people are reported killed. News correspondents say that the police are using lethal force against the crowd. News agencies cannot say more as the government has prohibited any reporting within. Demonstrations erupted on Tuesday after a human rights lawyer was detained by the police.

On the Persian Gulf - Bahrain saw strong confrontations since Monday, with anti-government protesters pushing their way on Pearl Roundabout. Many of the protesters are Shite Muslims making up 70% of the residents and have been long under the rule of a Sunni royal family.

Deep political and economical grievances have harboured over 40 years and cries for reforms and change are pouring from the opponents. Authorities have reportedly stepped in with force and now, the tone is to bring down the regime and dissolve parliament. al-Wifaq, a major Shite opposition party says there can be no dialogue with the government whilst the military controls the streets.

Minor injuries are reported in Baghdad and Amman, Jordan. King Abdullah had about a week plus ago fired his entire cabinet. The Jordanians are demanding reform and the abolishing the peace treaty with Israel (Wadi Araba Treaty) in 1994, among other articles- Jordan has preference concerning the status of Muslim holy places in the city (as a guardian or keeper of the holy places) in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Iran is not seeing any respite, with a civil war looming ahead. There is separation of politics and religious leaders.

The opposition's intentions are unknown: whether they want a regime change or more freedom from the regime? These are answers Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karubbi can provide, the two leaders of Iran's opposition movement. Just like ElBaradei in Egypt, a protagonist is behind the upstage.

One thing is for sure - many Iranians will not support a religious figure for a leader given their experience for the past 30 years. The Tunisia and Egypt experience has no doubt catapulted the protests against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed reelection. The fiasco which started in 2009 has now erupted into a full-blown battle.

Iranian warships have been given the green light to cross the Suez Canal, leading to more uncertainty in the region and Israel is sweating more profusely. The canal is an internal body of water, and as such, Egypt has sovereignty over it. But Egypt also is bound by the 1978 Camp David Accords, which guarantee the right of free passage by ships belonging to Israel and all other nations on the basis of the Constantinople Convention of 1888.

Before that, Egypt did not allow Israeli ships to sail through the canal. Some have called this a typical "Syrian-Iranian opportunism". Israeli's Foreign Ministry has spoken to its allies to pay close attention and to act speedily against "any Iranian provocations".

Back in Egypt- the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces have so far declared they will honor the peace treaties signed with Israel. When Egypt’s opposition leaders began talking of “revolution,” they wanted not only to end the Mubarak presidency but also to sweep aside the 1971 constitution (as amended as so recent as 2007) which made it impossible for the Muslim Brotherhood to form a political party and undermined judicial supervision in the hands of commissions.

The result was a bias regime: promising a little bit to everyone but more to the president. For the time being, the best case is the interim government honoring its transitional role and providing a framework for fair elections and reforms as committed within the next 2 months.

The USA whilst condemning violence and urging stakeholders to resolve the feuds are no less lead by them intention to retain air and naval superiority over the Persian Gulf. The US's 5th Naval Fleet's base is housed in Bahrain.

If the base is unwelcome by a new government, US will be loosing a very strategic location, from where they launched their attacks into Taliban territory and keeping their policing over Iran. A possible move to Saudi Arabia is any one's guess.

A Prayer of Serenity

2011-02-17T00:21:00.003+08:00

A buddy of mine recites this all the time. I only knew the first few lines before this, so I am penning it here so that I don't forget this beautiful prayer:-

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful worldas it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

The next change in Egypt and the Arab world

2011-02-14T12:39:00.005+08:00

First it was the government of Tunisia, then followed by Egypt. Now a wake of change ripples across the Arab word.

Jordan entire cabinet has been sacked by King Abdullah.

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Yemeni announced he will not be running re-election in 2013.

In Sudan, daily protests are happening in Khartoum over the economy and corruption.

Old governments are stale and corrupt in the eyes of the people. Revolutions are unfolding all cross the Middle East for the sake of democracy and economical reforms.

The Egyptian parliament is dissolved and the constitution is suspended yesterday for the transition process to civilian rule, but this will not be happening until the elections in September which is another 6 months away. The "caretaker" cabinet appointed shortly after the January 25 protests will hold the reigns, but no one really knows whether the military will allow number 2, Omar Suleiman to play any role in Egypt's transition. A suspended constitution means an uncharted jurisprudential land.

The economy needs to recover. Banks will only open in 2 days and trading will continue this Wednesday. But the military's stake in Egypt which was held tightly under Mubarak's rule will unlikely be given up, hence the question of what is the next move of the Armed Forces Supreme Council.

The Armed Forces Supreme Council will hold the interim government whilst every stakeholder will strive for clear demarcations and referendum for general acceptance. The military is the ruler of Egpyt after Mubarak handed it power. Commanders of each branch, chief of staff and Defence Minister Hussein Tantawi sits on the Council. A day after the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, the military announced that they will keep the nation's peace until the transition and to uphold the peace treaty signed with Israel; whether that is comforting.

Power now rests entirely with the military under the Supreme Council. Omar Suleiman and the caretaker cabinet ministers no doubt will have to do their bidding.

What of the pro-syaria establishment Muslim Brotherhood? Its assertion that their understanding of Islam is the 'true one'. It called on Egyptians to unite to confront the forces of Zionism and imperialism and pursue economic development and social justice. But, will there by space for democracy, human rights and women's liberation if they become the ruling party is anyone's guess.

The concerns have been highlighted.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:56:00.003+08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

A short video to make the heart grow fonder!

Kill the cupids! They are a scourge!

Facts Revealed of Star Trek 2009/ J.J. Abrams' USS Enterprise NCC 1701

2011-02-13T22:16:00.024+08:00

Kenny and I was invited to Richard Chua's house warming cum chinese new year party yesterday. Richard is also a fellow Trekker and the proprietor of sci-fi movie memorabilia and toy store, "The Outpost" at e @theCurve, formerly known as Cinneleisure, Mutiara Damansara. That means one thing: topic of conversation - Star Trek.

It started raining about 4pm, just as Kenny and I were about the leave, so we decided to stay for a while to check out a blu-ray version of Star Trek 2009 with interesting technical specs of JJ Abrams' famed reincarnated USS Enterprise NCC 1701. The blu-ray set comes with 2 DVDs, the movie and the bonus materials.

The bonus materials DVD contains, among others, a layout of and simulation of almost the entire starship with superb CGI and details.It's confirmed- the official length of the 2009 starship is 725 meters/ 2,380 feet compared with the classic Enterprise spanning only 288 meters/ 948 feet. In my September 2010 (click here)posting on the subject, I remarked:

Maybe this time ILM will get the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 sizing right! For the uninitiated, the size of the new starship has been subject of debate. The design size was 366m according to Alex Jaeger of ILM, and this still makes sense, considering that in this case the shuttle bay door and the torpedo launcher would be the same size as on the TMP refit. Also, the hatches would be reasonably tall compared to just 1.8m on a 302m ship. The VFX team at ILM, however, purportedly scaled up the ship to as much as 725m (200%!), the main intention apparently being to be able to squeeze in all the big shuttles.

So the debate is settled, as I found out.

Since the images on film can be too fast to pick up, I never knew that the 2009 Enterprise's hangar bay doors had a indented Starfleet Delta Shield design when closed.

Phasers on the 2009 Enterprise are for once utilized in the way they should. The ventral primary hull phasers has a 3-point axis configuration. Naturally, the tactical officer should be able to discharge all 3 emitters simultaneously or in succession and on multiple vectors to the limits of the tageting range. Prior to the TNG, DS9 and Voyager, all audience saw was one or two single continuous beams.

Back then , phaser emitters were in pod configurations and it seems from the close-up above, a single emitter has a swivelling mechanism giving it the most line-of-sight from the target subject. With CGI, these details can be seen. On a movie prop, these details can only be made out if the prop makers actually built a scale version of individual components.

And for the first time (for me at least), the Enterprise's aft photon torpedo launcher. Located on the belly of the ship, on the stardrive section.

My Iphone Experience

2011-02-13T11:27:00.004+08:00

You can hardly walk the streets these days without noticing someone poking away at their mobile devices or reading the news on a smart phone. Ipads and tablet computers included.

The age of the personal communication devices is here and the possibilities are endless. We now can stay connected with our loved ones and friends with a touch of a button or the stroke of a keypad. The world became smaller with latest reports from news agencies globally. Our daily schedule and activities can be diarised with ease.

For me, I chose to acquire the latest Iphone for the fact I travel to work via train these days. The half hour journey becomes mundane. So, what a better way to break that monotony than staying in touch with my friends and keeping updated with world events.

The apps (applications) made available enriches the experience. I have apps to tell me places to go for food, clothes, accessories and other needs. Apps to book cinema tickets and flights. Apps to help you navigate through major malls in the city. Also a pocket bible. Only the tip of the iceberg when you look at a world of 100,000+ apps available now.

On the way to and from work, I read the news of CNN, AlJazeera, BBC and Fox. Discovery and the Star is optional. A quick glance at facebook and a verse or two from the pocket KJV bible. There's also food for thought apps and humour at the push of a button. Quick references are available: an app for financial terms, a law lexicon, a currency converter, an online dictionary and thesaurus. Useful apps.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to games, entertainment apps and fun apps. I have a myriad of games, from shoot-em-ups, strategies, IQ oriented and childish ones. They keep you and your friends entertained.

When necessary, I can check my personal emails. Of course, pushing mails on an Iphone pales in comparison to what a Blackberry can do. I don't push mails, so I don't have the need for one yet.

Just the other day, a bunch of Pakistanis were looking for Thai Airways. Retrieving the address and phone numbers took less than 2 minutes. Imagine the days when all these wireless devices were non-existent and no one knew what 'Google' is.

Of course, there are some disadvantages. Obvious one would be at meet ups and functions, where you will almost certain notice that friend of yours looking down at his device and behaving very anti-social. The facebook update addiction and the text messaging marathons can somewhat disconnect a person from the 'real' world.

Whatever the arguments for or against, I am very fulfilled by a smart phone which I think have helped enriched my thoughts.

Is Christ the Son Of God?

2011-02-12T13:06:00.015+08:00

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. (Matthew 24:24-25)

The gospel of Matthew was written circa 70-100 A.D. and some scholars have even put it as early as 63A.D. Some 700 years after the cruxifiction and resurrection of Christ, this warning was forgotten to wit, a new revelation was conceived and the dawn of the 'perfected religion'. If one believes in the words of Christ, it stands to reason that after his ascension, no one can claim to be a messenger of God, much less declare the be the final messenger.

The irreconcilable differences regarding the deity of Jesus Christ will always be the divide. God is one. No one is disputing that, but the rejection of the Trinity which can be illustrated like this:-

GOD = The Father = Jesus Christ = Holy Spirit

Here is a short article I reproduce from the internet:-

The phrase “only begotten Son” occurs in John 3:16 which reads in the King James Version as, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The phrase "only begotten" translates the Greek word monogenes. This word is variously translated into English as "only," "one and only," and "only begotten." It's this last phrase ("only begotten" used in the KJV, NASB and the NKJV) that causes problems.

False teachers [and prophets] have latched onto this phrase to try to prove their false teaching that Jesus Christ isn't God; i.e., that Jesus isn't equal in essence to God as the Second Person of the Trinity. They see the word "begotten" and say that Jesus is a created being because only someone who had a beginning in time can be "begotten." What this fails to note is that "begotten" is an English translation of a Greek word. As such, we have to look at the original meaning of the Greek word, not transfer English meanings into the text. So what does monogenes mean? According to the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BAGD, 3rd Edition), monogenes has two primary definitions.

The first definition is "pertaining to being the only one of its kind within a specific relationship." This is the meaning attached to its use in Hebrews 11:17 when the writer refers to Isaac as Abraham's "only begotten son." Abraham had more than one son, but Isaac was the only son he had by Sarah and the only son of the covenant.

The second definition is "pertaining to being the only one of its kind or class, unique in kind." This is the meaning that is implied in John 3:16. In fact, John is the only New Testament writer who uses this word in reference to Jesus (see John 1:14, 18, 3:16, 1 John 4:9). John was primarily concerned with demonstrating that Jesus was the Son of God (John 20:31), and he uses this word to highlight Jesus as uniquely God's Son—sharing the same divine nature as God—as opposed to believers who are God's sons and daughters through faith.

The bottom line is that terms such as "Father" and "Son," that are descriptive of God and Jesus, are human terms used to help us understand the relationship between the different Persons of the Trinity. If you can understand the relationship between a human father and a human son, then you can understand, in part, the relationship between the First and Second Persons of the Trinity.

[Emphasis mine]

1) Definitely not physical but spiritual

"Son of God" is a term of honour in the Holy Bible. King David, Hazrat Daoud, and King Solomon, Hazrat Suliman, are each specifically referred to as a "son" of God in the Holy Bible (Psalms 2 and 1 Chronicles 17:13).

It is clear to see that "son" meant one who was loved, chosen and given authority and power through the Spirit of God. "Spirit" here does not refer to an angel or even the breath of God, but the very being, nature and essence of God.

Jesus was not just a grown human being upon whom the Spirit of God came. He was the very nature and essence of God who came in human flesh (John 1:1,14, Micah 5:2, Luke 1:35, John 4:24, Philippians 2:5-8)

2) Comparing an apple and an orange.

The Bible does not refers to Christ as a physical son of God and it is clear that the other book is not addressing what the scriptures are saying.

3) Why didn't Jesus ever say clearly, "I am God. Worship Me!"?

Christ did say it in, among others:

John 6:41 -42:

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

John 8:58:

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I
am.

John 17:4-5:

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest
me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory
which I had with thee before the world was.

4) He was there before the world was and who is 'He'? God of course. Christ is God humbling himself to take the form of man and die for our sins.

Philippians 2:5-11:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is
above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and
[things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;
And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.

It is a message of humility, of obedience and instructions to mirror that which of God's quality. He chose to take the likeness of man.

When Christ cried out " Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani," meaning, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:45-50), those who corrupts the gospel message has taken it more evidence that Christ is not the son of God. Whereas, they fail to realise that Christ quoted the beginning of Psalm 22:1 , "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?". Jesus quoted this Psalm in order to draw attention to it and the fact that He was fulfilling it there on the cross. Consider verses 11-18:

Be not far from me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help.12 Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. 13 They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And Thou dost lay me in the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.

When He said, "It is finished" it refers ONLY to the old sacrificial system and nothing else, also, the rending of the Temple Veil (that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place) reinforced this unselfish act of our living God. God meant the process for which he died for everyone's sins so that believers could spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Mubarak Resigns

2011-02-12T08:51:00.004+08:00

After 19 days, Hosni Mubarak resigns, news of which was delivered on air by Omar Suleiman in a one minute sombre appearance. Tahrir Square erupted with cries of "Freedom" and "Allahu akbar" accompanies by detonation of fireworks and all sorts of activity. This development came a day after Hosni Mubarak's broadcast so brazenly declaring his refusal to bow down to "foreign demands" to step down amidst the cries of his own people willing to shed blood to see him out!

The people's demands seemingly met after 19 days of unrelenting protests...

Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei says Egypt for a first time has a chance "to be democratic, to be free, to have a sense of dignity, of freedom". A time of elation for the Egyptian people and probably a time of suspense for Israel, USA, the rest of the Arab World.

Hosni Mubarak handed over power to the Egyptian Army's Supreme Council who is supposed to ensure a smooth transition of his departure from office. It's strange that the military's infinite patience (or seemingly so) has for the entire duration of the riots, been sidelined and merely scratched on the surface during media coverage. The attention was drawn to the premier, the nation, the people and the rest of the world having a stake in the outcome.

The army presents a neutral arbiter between contending opponents, but it has significant interests of its own to defend. The basic structure of the Egyptian state as it now exists has benefited the military. The practical demands of the protesters were fairly simple: end the state of emergency, hold new elections, and grant the freedom to form parties without state interference. But these demands would amount to opening up the political space to everyone across Egypt's social and political structure. That would involve constitutional and statutory changes- e.g. reforming Egypt as a parliamentary rather than a presidential system, in which a freely elected majority selects the prime minister (who is now appointed by the president). These changes would do away with power structure the Egyptian army created in 1952's coup.

We must bear in mind that the military has access to the ruling party (NDP) and owns industries which controls 5-20% of Egypt's economy. A military coup is always remotely possible if their interests would be undermined by the interim government.

We are now witnessing history unfolding and the rise of a new regime or at least, a harbinger of one.

Of course, there's the Muslim Brotherhood- it must be remembered that they were target of arrests during Hosni Mubarak's time and all of a sudden, the power realisation seems to be a lot more realistic. Their goal is to institute an Islamic state by political means, not violence.

The West will be worried if democracy comes to quickly in the form of speedy empowerment of the Muslim Brotherhood whom USA does not know how they will react to American influence. USA had expanded billions of dollars to back Egypt during Hosni Mubarak's time which he had very little to show for. Under Hosni Mubarak's rule, Egypt kept peace with Israel and close ties with the West. His government was an important ally of the United States in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He also earned Western support for his efforts to suppress Islamic extremism- in the 1990s he waged a war against Islamist fundamentalism and extremism from which, the military's role evolved further.

But, a spokesperson for the Muslim Brotherhood (or so I've read) has told CNN that MB has vowed not to field a presidential candidate as they only desire representation via seats in parliament but does not want a majority. In the Egyptian political arena for the last 3 weeks, we all know things can seemingly take a turn without a moment's notice, so this will be left to be seen. If the military's interests is guaranteed and their industries protected, we will see if this will still be the case when they have the army's backing.

As If Things Were Not Bad Enough...

2011-02-10T20:38:00.005+08:00

workers in vital industries and professionals alike have taken to the streets and protesting their causes in the midst of the political and social-economical turmoil in Egypt. An undesired (for the current Government at least) new pressure mounting.

My question is how are they going to get themselves heard. After all, a new government is a more pressing concern than wages and labour welfare under the circumstances.

I cannot begin to imagine the paralysis. A complete breakdown of civil order, a grinding halt to the banking industry and total chaos displacing peace and order. I sympathise with the rest of the civilians keeping themselves cocooned inside their homes and whatever shelters they can find against the mob, escaped criminals, police and the military.

Journalists and field correspondents are not spared. Just a few days ago, journalists, foreign no doubt, found themselves fighting for their lives emerging battered with bruises, lacerations and broken bones. They live to tell the tale.

Lawyers, professionals and workmen marched to the palace. Fazed by the tight guard of the army, they valiantly marched to Tahrir Square in the 17th day of the protests, joining a host of civilians and political rallies calling for the immediate departure of President Hosni Mubarak. The embattled government is not going to be able to do much about their plight. Restoring order and stability if at all will top of the list, or perhaps the fight for survival.

Then, there's the spotlight on Wael Gnonim, widely credited for the protests which began on January 25th has come back to his home soil after resigning from Google, pledging his life for his country and leaving his estate to his wife. He is definitely a face to be hero-worshipped and an inspiration to the band of protesters. This uplift of spirits will be hard to quell.

The octogenarian premier is refusing to step down, lest (allegedly) the military will take over to enforce marshall law. The military is standing on the sidelines, who may become the show stopper and an intervener in this nationwide chaos. The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit has for one demonstrated the recognition of such a concern.

Rumour has it that the Egyptian military is secretly detaining thousands of civilians and political opponents and employing torture.

The Muslims had encircled the Christians during the mass a few days ago, held for the slain ones and for the cause. At least, in that far away land in the middle east, both Kitaabians are unified, unfazed by their prejudice toward each other in these revolutionary times, unlike the petty hypocrites in this supposedly tolerant soil, directing the taking down of crucifixes and banning Christian prayers and religious songs during an official visit from the prime minister to the archbishop's abode last Christmas.

Saudi Arabia's government has told USA to bug off and not force swift change to Egypt. King Abdullah apparently told Obama not to "humiliate" Mubarak and warned that he would step in to bankroll Cairo if US were to cut off its aids worth USD1.5million annually. Riyadh sources says the Kingdom will be Washington's only ally in the Arab world and the Saudis want US to keep that in mind. I am not surprised. But then again, Saudi is hinging on the "overrated" oil reserves which was recently reported to last only a mere 15 years unless new technologies are employed to mine oil in deeper waters. One black oil is gone, so will the Kingdom.

'Disrespectful to the People'?

2011-02-09T21:00:00.003+08:00

...after 16 days, Omar Suleiman had this to say? Is this Egypt's Vice President's idea of a joke, expressing self-denial or just a desperate attempt at reverse psychology?

Apparently, "departure" is an insulting word and if this is an attempt to appease the angry mob, the VP is in for a shock. There can only be two things or outcomes:-

One, Hosni Mubarak steps down and the Muslim Brotherhood takes over or decrees a coalition with the opposition to form the interim government, possibly with help from the US and Iran; or two, the Egyptian constitution is amended before September and again, the Muslim Brotherhood takes over and the same order of things will come to past.

The MB, was just an outreach which have since become an influential organization and a powerful catalyst for change, which incidentally does not sit well with the country's laws against having religious based political parties.

The reality of warfare in any form, the aggressive will subdue the weak or the outnumbered. Look at so many Middle Eastern states which were once thriving Christian states and later overrun by the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire, not to mention the many Caliphs who let slip dogs of war in the name of religion.

Then the Palestinians will ally with MB... Tel Aviv is uneasy. The Israelis will be thinking, who will be their new tenants (the current one has been given more than mere easements and estates) and whether Iran will march in from the south which have for some time been deceptively quiet. Benjamin Netanyahu has express these fears in public.

Oh but wait...the Russians are now behind closed doors with the Egyptian premier...of what is discussed, no one knows.

My friends, or some of them at least observed that no one is keeping their eyes on Israel who is said to be capable of taking over Gaza. I humbly beg to differ...

The Palestinian presence since the 6th Day War is a mark of compromise for the Israelis. Israel displays a copious amount of attention, waiting for the outcome of the revolution happening in Egypt now.

Mubarak has always kept his distance from Israel a contrast to his predecessor Anwar Sadat who paid a visit to Yizhak Rabin to discuss efforts for peace in both lands.

Mubarak and his police state were barriers to chaos that, if removed, would likely be succeeded by an Iranian-style Islamic Republic, one directly neighboring Israel and armed with U.S. weaponry.

Arab nations have been hostile toward Israel with Egypt and Jordan mostly ignoring the peace treaties signed with the Jewish state. Most Israelis viewed the peace process as a means for bettering relations with Europe and the United States and not as a channel to regional forced acceptance of the Arabic language and Islamic values. Revolting prospect.

Israeli clerics and priets will have to remain steadfast and keep the prayer chains going for deliverance out of this dark and sinister religious threat.

Sleepless in....

2011-02-08T18:08:00.003+08:00

There is no respite from this life...I think... sometimes...

Last night, I was talking to a friend of mine who has since gone back to the Far East having celebrated the lunar new year back here. We both were awake chatting via Whatsapp and later via Viber. She had just gotten back, unpacked. Every year, for the past 6 years now, it has been customary for us to visit each others' houses when her parents are down from up north. To some extent, she's like the sister I never had.

She told me she had just said goodbye to her ex who came back to take his belongings from her place. What a situation to return to.

My heart turns weary listening to her life of unsustainable relationships. She describes her ordeals as frequent as "annual dinners" for which she has grown numb and mired to the downs in her personal life. I can imagine her misery being surrounded by the four walls and the constant memories of happier times.

She says "it's lucky if one could just be alone and not lonely".

Poor girl. Nice girl. I suppose it's not her time yet. He was there after her break up but he could not stay for long too. He was not able to commit and eventually had to break it to her. He could not be there for her as she wanted to. He had tried but circumstances prevented a happy, long-term relationship and for that, parting ways was the only option to be fair to both of them.

Despite so, she does blame him for pursuing her.

She told me that the very many memories and good times of being together must be cherished and in a corner of one's heart, that special one will always have a place. That cannot be taken away and it remains a sacred aspect of your life. The very fact that the affection is real surpasses anything else.

There is a reason for everything and she alluded her realization that her very special one before him (and incidentally, was there when it all happened) not that long ago whom she still loves will constantly be in her contemplation and no matter who else comes in the way, they may have been there in her life to give her that much reminder to hold on to that love for love is a precious and priceless gift.

They are there to remind them to love and also a revelation of who she lives for; her parents, her loved one and most of all, herself.

We are indeed disappointed with people and sometimes, ourselves, but it is the human propensity to forgive and look on the good side of people which leads to our happiness and continued emotional well being. After all, to err is human but to forgive is divine.

Of course, our relationship with God is important in all respects. She meditates, I pray. We find peace in our own ways. But one thing is for sure, and I do completely agree with her; is that we must never regret our actions or decisions. We may in our heart want to live for something or someone but that may not be the case by His permissive will.

We take the blessings and live with the consequences, but there must never be any regrets, for everything has a reason and everything or anyone we so badly pine for has their place in time.

Israel Facing an Egyptian-Iranian Alliance?

2011-02-08T09:33:00.009+08:00

Protests in Egypt are going on to the 15th day, a little over 2 weeks now, since January 25, 2011.

The Muslim Brotherhood seems to be gaining foothold, leaving the inevitable question of how much more Islamist fundamentalism does Israel have to put up with. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Israel has for decades maintained its position against the establishment of potential bases of Islamist terrorists on its borders until 2000 when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon (and the Golan Heights/ Syrian Heights) which led to the formation of a Hezbollah-dominated region and in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza which led to the rise of the Hamas. North and South Israel were taken by and controlled by Islamist movement and Iran has since pressed for attacks on Israel's borders.

It's a two-edged sword: the Muslim Brotherhood is a sworn enemy in the Mubarak regime and has its relations with the Palestinian movement. If the MB takes control, their descendants within Palestine, the Hamas will have a foothold in Cairo and the Palestinians will have an ally in Egypt. In such an event, it is speculated there will be an Egypt-Iranian alliance which would almost certainly end the security in Israel's southern border. Israel will certainly not give up the West Bank so easily then.

The current turmoil in Egypt certainly has kept Israel on its toes.

If the West Bank falls to the Hamas, it would be sharing Jerusalem with an Islamist government, turning the city into a war zone and rocket fire is likely to rain on Tel Aviv and the holy city.

It is an existential and political paradox: on one hand, a democratic Palestinian state would save the Jewish state from the threat of Palestinian majority which would force Israel to chose between a Jewish state or their version of democracy but on the other hand, an unstable Palestinian state in the West Bank may likely fall to the Hamas.

However, it is said that Arab leaders are much more concern about the Iran nuclear program rather than ending the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. A matter of time before the diversion is lost.

Israel will ever be more vigilant. Despite "conventional" Western thought that a Palestinian state must be created to contain the Islamist threat, Israel believes the converse to be true.

Only if Iran is contained can Israel can allow it's east borders to be controlled by Palestinian rule. Now with the possible encirclement of Israel, this remains to be seen.

Running...

2011-02-07T21:02:00.004+08:00

I have been running for the past 3 months with a short 2 week hiatus due to the shoddy maintenance of the gym facilities (Yes! ...do something about it MC!).

I never actually took up running as an exercise until recently... it makes the heart pump harder, I catch the goings on in the neighborhood and it increases my energy levels. There's also keeping aware of stray dogs giving chase and avoiding being run over!..

Rain halted my progress today... I only ran half of the 3km run scheduled...had to seek shelter at Kanna Curry House and relent to calling mum to pick me up... embarrassing...but then again, the prospect of catching pneumonia or worst....getting my beloved IPhone wet did not appeal to me ...:)

Not too long ago I ran for a different sort of reason...one which was too much to bear. Sometimes running is being cowardly but sometimes it's necessary to avoid a future which may spell despair and resentment... granted, I had not done it with full dignity but I am willing to make it up... it was unavoidable...my conscience was hurting me more than my affection ... I suspect life has a cruel way of unraveling, but every action has its consequences...

Yes, I will continue to run for myself and for the right reasons... I shan't want to hurt another soul and anger the Almighty...

Thanks, my friend...

2011-02-06T16:44:00.004+08:00

True friends are hard to come by....

Having followed my blog for the last couple of months, from all the way in Hong Kong, my dear friend from Hong Kong called me up. My posts have somewhat been sombre and depressing...some of them anyway... I am touched by his gesture...he's back for CNY this year, but time constraints have prevented us from meeting up... He didn't know about the break up ...

He assured me that I had a friend to talk to and that he was sorry he wasn't there for me... He needn't be... I am ever more grateful to have a listening ear...

Until very recently...it was one episode in my life I phased out almost completely for months...like a nightmare I didn't want to revisit...and in it, I was consumed by rife, anger and to some extent, hatred...more to myself for being foolhardy in my ways...causing unnecessary hurt and probably ruining a friendship which was forged all these years...

It took me a while to start grieving... as I said, I somehow phased it out of my mind for months! Maybe an instinctive reaction...self-denial? ... or perhaps my faith was conflicting with my heart... a very tough battle indeed... although we know the obvious winner, the outcome did result in a casualty... well, both actually...

I had no contact or discussion with anyone about the end of my relationship and somehow, moving to a new job makes it easier as I was disconnected with the then current crowd...or at least, be able to conjure up excuses ...

things will never be the same and the guilt that I will have to live with will be a painful reminder of not doing things before thinking things through...but then again, matters of the heart have always discarded logic on most occasions... what was a good idea then became seemingly harder to sustain as the days went on...

My dear friend's encouragement lifted evermore so much a part of the burden...he's had his fair share of depression...things happened for a reason and they had to happen, despite what we say what we "should or should not have done"... maybe for the worse at first but as he opines, the reason for which will be known later... God's will ...

Thank you, my friend, for your words of encouragement and for your friendship...

...you knew this CNY would be a hard one for me to get through and your call couldn't have come at a better time... for that, I am grateful...

Returning to Routine

2011-02-06T09:05:00.002+08:00

I spent the last few hours yesterday night with a dear friend of mine whose going back to Hong Kong this morning... she was back for the CNY celebrations...

She leaves with a heavy heart, not because of anything she misses here but because she will be going back to her hectic job and more than anything, the loneliness which had come to be not too long ago when she broke up with her special someone. Seems like an annual dinner, she says- referring to the almost yearly routine she has to suffer a broken heart. But still she is determined to go back there to get over things and start over again. Perhaps she should come back to Malaysia to settle down instead of pining for it over there. It also helps if the guys she dated weren't expats.

By no means has my personal life been fulfilled. I am still distraught over the last one. So many lessons to be learned about sacrifices and loving each other. Honestly, I don't think I can forgive myself for ruining a perfectly good friendship. But the choice was made and there is no point regretting. It was most likely short-sighted but life is full of risks isn't it. If you asked me how I would have done it better if I could turn back time, I would say "I'd probably tell her to live for her precious little one and no one else" . Being impartial would have been the best and would have probably saved us all from the pain. Adult relationships are so complicated sometimes. It may have been just better to keep our feelings in check.

Who knows, none of the hardship may had to arise and I may not have even seen the darker and miserable side of me. My resentment has made me miserable and unhappy for a long time. To some extent, I took it out on her. I've never had to deal with having almost perfect happiness ripped away and that it was my choice to rip away from it. The conflict between doing the right thing and doing what your heart tells you is often the most embittered battle of all.

Second Hectic Day!

2011-02-05T07:42:00.005+08:00

Chinese New Year celebration for me is nowadays a culmination of social meets and catching up...

I had breakfast with Siu whom I've not seen in a while. Soon after, fellow lawyer, Greg Ling smsed for coffee w at Starbucks, Tropicana City Mall. Amanda, his significant half (also a lawyer). After coffee, we decided to check out the latest Iphone accessories and the best place for that at TC Mall is Mybites.

No sooner after we started to look around, Ning Shin (my ex-colleague at Khaw & Partners whose back from Hong Kong for CNY) called telling me she's visiting my place, for which I had to rush off. Fortunately, my condo is 4 minutes away, foot speed.

When I home, Ning Shin came over not much later and my mum then tells me her friend and daughter were coming over! ... Aunty Ai Gim and Candy ...

After all that, only then I managed to slip out to join James, Olivia, Kevin and gang for drinks and karaoke at The Curve. They had started out at the Redbox for a couple of hours before I joined. After a short stay (for me at least), we adjourned to Malones (Irish Pub opposite Ying Ker Lou Chinese Restaurant) for some German sausages and mashed potatoes, cod with muscles and drinks. Oli has an Audi A4 (B8) whom she has given my rights of first refusal if she decides to sell...except now she tells me the air conditioning releases a funny smell; apparently this was recently discussed in the relevant Audi forums... *grin...I see an opportunity to wrangle her for a lower price!!

That's us at Malones:

Nick, me, James Khong, Olivia Loh, Kevin Wong and another James (Nick's cousin)

More visiting later today... There's my father's aunt and a few more friends of mine I haven't gone to visit. On Sunday there's my colleague's open house (lion dance included) and a small get together at my old friend's place in SS5. I had meant to recharge during the holiday season, but it looks like it will have to wait for next weekend.

Eyptian Military Standing Aside in Ensuing Gunfire

2011-02-03T14:47:00.004+08:00

After 9 days of demonstration, "peaceful" has broken its streak.

Despite the president's assurance that he would not be running in the September elections and pledged his commitment to bring stability and security back to the embattled country, pro-Mubarak and pro-democracy supporters set against each other still. Last I heard, 6 people have died with more than 700 injured. Fundamentalist and leftist quarters are seeking to exert their own leverage.

The day this Muslim state becomes free of Hosni Mubarak's rule may be a harbinger to a new sort of totalitarian regime. ElBaradei seems to be the best bet. But the rest will not see to him coming to power. Available candidates but different ideologies about the rule of law. Interesting dilemma. Again, I emphasis, the problem with annexing religion into law.

The military is not doing anything to quell the violence. Throngs of gunfire and small arms discharge ring near Tahrir Square. With social networking and emails cut off, news is slowly reaching the rest of the world.

Whilst China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other Chinese states celebrate the new lunar new year round the world with fireworks and firecrackers, the intimidating sound of weapons discharge echoed in the streets in Cairo. Food and rations are still in place and I can only imagine the fear and stress levels subduing the local economy and social psyche of the Egyptians right now.

The US is of course worried about the unrest in its bigger Middle Eastern ally. The Obama administration despite expressing its concern is not going to interfere. Troops can be deployed but only as a humanitarian aid, or would this change soon? The 'international police 'is toothless in light of a civil unrest rather than an elemental concern to its security.

So, the White House now can only 'condemn street violence' whist speculating what Hosni Mubarak's inner circle is discussing to meet protester demands.

Jurisprudential-wise, the old government is facing a coup on multiple throngs and the winner or elected successor will form the de facto head of state, assuming the former is deposed. Still, the extreme range of secularism and fundamentalism might prove to be difficult to produce a favorable outcome beneficial to the masses.

Hop-Along in 2011

2011-02-03T09:57:00.006+08:00

CNY is always an exciting time for me. I was up by 5.00am, rolled around till 7 nish and went for a 3-km run at 8am, stopping by Kanna Curry House for some roti canai. Ever since the gym in my condo went into disrepair, I have to risk getting run over or chased by dogs! (although, that ironically be very good exercise, save as I don't get rabies!) I hope the building management does conduct repairs soon after the CNY break! I'm dying to get my stamina back!

After getting home and taking a shower, I decided to read up on what the Chinese zodiac experts had to say about people born in the year of the Rabbit:-

Rabbits, like their animal counterparts, are quite calm people who do not exhibit aggressive behavior and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, a Rabbit will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising his voice or becoming visibly annoyed. Because of their serenity, Rabbits seem to miss things, whether they are confrontational in nature or not. However, the Rabbit is quite keen and pays close attention to the situations developing around him. He is intelligent and quick and can talk himself in or out of most situations with no problem.

The Chinese Rabbit is one of the most stylish creatures of the Chinese Animal Signs and finds interest in different cultures. He is classy and sophisticated, and can be found adorning one of the latest fashion magazine cover looks. Rabbits also like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They love top express themselves, which is evident when joining them at home for a function or a cup of coffee.

Of course, I was born in the year of the Dragon and here's my zodiac predictions:-

Most dragons found 2010 about as much fun as chewing on icicles, and while 2011 won’t be a banner year you’ll find fewer white knights prancing around with your name on the end of their lance. Leadership and passion are typical traits of the dragon and while the year of the Rabbit will reward your natural creativity, outbursts and anger will upset workmates and friends and you could still find yourself on the business end of a lance. Instead, be patient and try and fly with the more relaxed pace of the year. If you do, you should find your cavern stuffed with goblets, trinkets and treasure chests, and, more importantly, someone scaly to share them with.

Hmmm. Strikingly true, although it mirrors any average cycle of life. This year i look forward to striving hard, making amends and strengthening my faith in Christ our Saviour. Every year that passes by brings about new lessons and experiences. The cavern stuffed with goblets, trinkets and treasure chests is a nice thought but I DOUBT I'd want to share them with someone 'scaly' ???

To my dear family, friends and loved ones: Here's wishing you a happy Chinese new year and happy holidays! God bless and keep you all in his arms!

CNY Eve Reunion Dinnner 2011

2011-02-02T20:09:00.005+08:00

The time of the year is here again. Tradition is followed. The evening before Chinese new year. The reunion dinner. My grandmother (dad's mum) and my father's aunt graced us with their presence.

Ever since my parents' divorce, we have two reunion dinners, well...one lunch and one dinner. Earlier in the day, the dinner was preceded by lunch with the old man.

My mum outdid herself today with 'loh hon chai' (pure vegetarian dish), mixed stir-fried vegetables, fried chicken, a turnip surprise and the bonus, pork knuckle, courtesy of my grand aunt. I led the the table in saying of grace before savoring the palatable variety that laid before us.

It feels nice to be seriously connected with family once a while. Our lifelong pursuits often times leave us too occupied to pay attention to certain values. The reunion dinner is that yearly reminder to us.

Almost half way through, my mum remembered one more dish still in the kitchen, the arrowhead (ngaku) dish with sausages, a typical Chinese preparation during the auspicious season. This tuberous vege from China makes excellent chips too!

Stuffed silly.

I'm looking forward to New Year's day tomorrow.

Oh, I got my first ang pow!

Change Must Happen Now

2011-02-02T10:07:00.005+08:00

Tahrir Square was unfazed by Mubarak's promise to step down in September for an elected successor. The Arab nation is demanding for the man's immediate relinquishing of power. I must admit being in admiration of the protesters who has proven their conviction to bring an end to a 3-decade long dictatorship. The last 8 days is a visceral reminder of many iron-fist governments who were overthrown or ousted.

The divide of religion is bridged, albeit temporarily for the sake of their homeland. With the peaking of civil upheaval, the bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria 2 months ago seems to be a thing of the past in light of more pertinent concerns.

In looking prospectively, the sectarian Muslim Brotherhood is aware of the negative connotations surrounding Islamist branding and hopes to rally Nobel laureate and opposition ElBaradei in an attempt to connect with the secular aspects of politics and governance. I opined in the last posting that laws should always be secular and not religious. Fundamentalism and all the nonsense about strife and spiritual warfare should be left out of governance of man.

Yet, the question remains, who will lead Egypt after the old regime has passed on? Some say it's going to be the military and not ElBaradei or any of the opposition groups.

Some say the military may be the best bet to nudge Mubarak out of power. Such as the bloodless coup in Thailand years ago resulting in Sinawatra's 'exile'. The Egyptian military has become the seat of power over the years and who knows what they will do if the present administration collapses.

But militarise might can be unpredictable and once someone has savored the taste of power, they may not want to give it up themselves. Look at Myanmar and the military junta. Look at Iraq during Saddam Hussein. Look at France during Napoleon Bonaparte.

In biblical context, God instituted human government (Romans 14 and Proverbs 8). Christ himself recognizes human government (Matthew 22, 26, 27 and John 19). Their function: administration of justice, protector of social welfare and upholding the law. A system of law in place with one proviso, any human government is answerable to God (Psalms 2, Romans 13, Revelations 17-20).

In blatant disregard of this charter, many have defied and distorted the truth, putting themselves as the arbiter on God's behalf and performing acts in the name of God and taking arms to fight a holy war. Again, which is why laws are supposed to be secular.

The outcome of this political quagmire depends on whether governments to be will continue branding government with religious undertones. The moment man stops to play mini prophets and just submit, only then peace will come. If not, the Arab nations and any sovereignty after the Byzantine realm will continue to suffer under God's hands.

Egypt: God be with you?

2011-02-01T19:56:00.007+08:00

Arab nations would lose somehow lose their solidarity and would eventually see their imminent fall. The most populous country in the Middle East and the Islamic world is being driven to its knees in political upheaval and the call for democracy. The ousting of its strongman in Tunisia earlier this year has only been catalytic to current events. Millions are demanding the stepping down of the 30-year prime minister.

Tensions will escalate to the brink of destruction whilst politicians rally and pander up to the people with reforms and promise of expeditious decisions.

Egypt now brace for the "march of millions". I am following these torrid events closely via the media and Internet.

The police are rendered ineffective, the streets have become the grounds for nearly 5000 escaped criminals, food and water are being rationed and citizens are taking arms and setting up check points to defend their family and property. It's anarchy plain and simple. Our foreign office has dispatched a contingent to "assess the security" of about 25,000 students in Egypt. Pardon me, but I do believe the outcome of their "assessment" would be a forgone conclusion.

Egypt historically was evangelized by St. Mark during the 1st century A.D. Egypt was also the land where Moses liberated God's people from, if you do recall, from prosecution by the Pharaohs. Nearly 6 centuries down the line and after the birth of Islam, Egypt was annexed to the Byzantine realm where Christians were persecuted by Muslim Arabs during the 7th century A.D.

After a brief tussle with the Persians , the Ottoman Empire pushed the land of the Pharaohs into decline. Annexation through invasion and religious prosecution was the modus operandi in the Middle East it seems.

Al-Jazeera reports that Egypt could bring about "a seismic shift in regional politics - and some worry that this might upend the uneasy peace between Israel and Egypt". In the 1960s, Israel managed to enlarged it's borders after taking the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza strip, the West Bank and the Golan Heights. Later, the Palestinians, Egyptians and Syrians launched a wave of attacks on Israel until the peace treaties. Don't forget about the 1978 peace treaty which Israel had to pay a heavy price for- giving up oil and and land for peace. It must be remembered that before that, it was the Egypt-led Arab nationalists who first called for the destruction of Israel having refused to recognize it.

Rulers are God-inspired and God-led and not to become interpreters or what law is in the eyes of God.

One learned friend of mine has opined that God is punishing the Arab nations for their ways. He simply puts it "they think they can make God proud with their fundamentalism and extremists ways and persecution of who they refer to as 'infidels" and look what's happening to the Arab nations. The harder they try, the more they will fail because it is not the will of God they so interpret".

Conveying their political beliefs, some more extreme the others through religious indoctrination and fundamentalism. Human law is secular and should remain secular. No one is above the law: yes. But no one is fit to decide what God wants or not.

Personally, I revel in the developments as they arise.

Egypt may very well give reason for a new war for Israel and this time, the spear of truth will pierce through the veil of deception which has cloaked that part of the world far too long!

The Searing Sun...

2011-02-01T16:27:00.003+08:00

has emerged from many rainy and overcast days over the last 2-3 months... a sign that Chinese Lunar New Year is just round the corner

... one more day in fact...

The routine cleaning and preparations have been completed... my room feels 'fresh' ... only more thing to do... new clothes!

I had breakfast at Blue Cow Restaurant at Plaza Damas with Ravin and fellow lawyers Ken Kandaiah & Abi Durai, Samuel Tan and Ranjeeta Kaur. Choice of the breakfast of champions... 2 poached eggs, 2 foot-long sausages and toast on the side and finally a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to wash it all down....

We missed Aaron Matthews' presence who is sadly down with a cold. He almost never fails to join us... Seems the flu bug is getting more virulent and unforgiving these days... so many have been infected as of late... I pray that I don't fall sick these few days...

I somehow missed the old firm from which my career was built upon prior to in-house... I decided to call on my ex-colleague and good friend, Sankar for a bite in the afternoon... Driving into KL was a breeze, as expected and the empty streets somewhat feels surreal...

I learned that my former boss was in the office, so I decided to drop in to say hello to the man whom I've served for 8 years... still toiling away on the eve of the eve of the lunar new year... unfortunately, the flu bug caught on to him too...

Tomorrow, new year's eve is when the customary reunion dinner with family is held...almost mandatory , a time of fellowship and most of all, a time for renewal of my faith which has been tested over the last couple of years...

I am certainly looking forward for a 'recharge' to take on the challenges which lies ahead of me this year...

To all my family, relatives, friends and loved ones... Here's wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!

Google Mobile App

2011-01-31T00:01:00.005+08:00

I use the 'seat of the pants' philosophy when it comes to the Iphone... no instructions, not tutorials just tapping on the trans-reflective capacitance touch-screen opens a world of wonders, interests and social networking for me...

Still, nothing surpasses the intrigue of the human mind...we ask plenty in our lives and Google is almost now the default search engine for all and sundry....

Google's Mobile App is the most ideal app for me, employing visual and audio search parameters... take a picture and the app will launch a search on the description, location and origins...although, the potential is not exactly known yet...literally speak and you shall find, ask and you shall receive...

"Hachiko" was my first vocalised search...and wall-a!! The loyal Akita canine who waited unceasingly for his master at the train station to which master and dog would walk to before and after his untimely death... that is now a Richard Gere flick...a tear-jerker I reckon...I am digressing...

GMP uses essentially intuitive searches...you ask a question and the parameters will be displayed...usual disambiguation ... text and contextual ...as well as pictures and videos... this app is also available for Android phones and Blackberry devices...the limitation...well, if you had a prominent Russian accent or a heavy southern slang...the app may have trouble analysing ...I tried... it was hilarious when I said "Pizza" ...which sounded like "Pisa"... the leaning tower populated the web page...

The app also recognizes pictures, photos, landmarks, books, artwork and logos...and I anticipate the categories to increase and more sophisticated search parameters...

It's free and it's real fun... but I'd be damn if you won't have some bystander looking at you funny talking to your mobile device...and wonders....is the caller deaf or is the delivery man hard of hearing...

Logic and Love

2011-01-30T16:50:00.006+08:00

A friend of mine recently got out of a love triangle involving a married person and another party. The person in question could not choose and ultimately made my friend leave instead of choosing between them. On top of that, the person in question was married and divorced by the same fidelity issues. What's more, the other party was mired with the delusion that all they be good friends despite being conflicted in their interests. ...

What a tangled web we weave...

I had a chat with my friend recently...Since we were both on the subject of love and relationships, I expressed beating myself for being able to make so many mistakes in the past and was shortsighted...not only to the one but moreso, I owed it to myself first to be the discerning one...

I have always pride myself for being able to make the right decisions and own my emotional faculties without exception...till the one came along...again... I asked... "

What happened to logic in all of this...for the both of us....if I couldn't see it....why didn't she?"

"Was both of us fooling ourselves and each other when the commitment issues on the outset were not certain?"

My friend's reply ..when a person is in love, all logic flies out the window... what's more...having the awareness of potential escalations and obstacles and plunging into it nonetheless... both of us were to live with the consequences of our actions... there should be no regrets ....it is futile to regret ... the choice was made and we only reap what we sow...

Then I asked... "So, I guess "love conquers all" is not true then"... To which my friend replied, " It's a lie"

I guess so... It's not enough and 'she' said it before...

My friend's counsel is no doubt harsh but true. We all live for each other but sometimes, we all have our own selfish reasons... whether it be to have someone to be a silver lining on a cloudy day or a companion to fill in the void, they may have been selfish to some extent... Why must we all long for someone so badly sometimes that we cast ourselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty...

What's sick about the entire thing... the realization of the illusion of happiness which beguiled ... completely overshadowed the probably downside and hurt which was to become... if only I were Vulcan... More than anything else, I look at myself these days and wonder what got into me... yes, I knew the circumstances and was dead sure I had all the solutions and the fortitude to overcome then... I was never a gambling man...and the stakes for this bet is way too high....

The past was one excruciating lesson I had to learn and is life changing, to say the least. I knew myself to be too idealistic at times... Many a times, I would listen to my heart and ignore my head... regardless of what everyone else tells me to do...and then suddenly ... reality abruptly violates that contentment ...

I suppose everyone is selfish in their own ways...'she' has no choice but to be selfish and so was I...unfortunately... our beliefs were unshakeable...and I believe this was the uprising of resentment.. too mired in our pain and loneliness of past relationships so much so, the first opportunity of filling the void...we took it...so much so I failed to realized or ignored the risk that we were setting ourselves up for sake of momentary bliss...

But looking at this from an outsider... I feel disgusted by the harsh realities but after dissecting the entire scenario...it's about how selfish we are or how much we are willing to sacrifice.... I can sacrifice my life but not my soul...the price of which was bought by the Prince of Peace ...it's too high of a price to sacrifice... I hate being torn in between but ultimately, love is nothing if it was not God led... for God is Love...

The week before CNY

2011-01-25T21:58:00.002+08:00

The week before the Chinese New Year celebrations for 2011 is really hectic...

Many of us at Citi Malaysiaare scurrying up and down, trying to get loose ends tied and assignments completed before the 'auspicious' season during which, no one would carry the fortitude for work until the traditions, reunions and dinners are over and done with.... which is probably the only time I get to enjoy the traffic or lack thereof...

By the end of this week, the exodus would be reaching the peak... and I hope that people will drive safely to avoid turning a holiday into tragedy....

I am looking forward to reuniting with my friends from far and near, some flying in to be reunited with their family domiciled here...a time for fellowship, renewal of friendship and the joy of seasonal celebrations across the nation...

I sure miss the good ol' days when firecrackers and fireworks were not banned...the times when my friends and I would plague the playgrounds to let off a myriad of pyro-oriented incendiaries...

Derezzed (Daft Punk)

2011-01-22T08:36:00.004+08:00

"Derezzed" by Daft Punk

Tron Legacy was below my expectation...but the score was great.... this one here is one of my favorites~

Being "single" a social stigma?...

2011-01-20T13:52:00.006+08:00

yes and no?

A friend described being single as having "small blessings" ... constituting small adjustments in life... and I can only speculate what it means...

...the problem with the heart lies in the nature of its inability to keep still... our lives are in perpetual motion and it stands to reason that a statistic state can never last for long... for the pleasures of being single are apparent and yet, being with someone too much could sometimes invoke likeness of the idiom, "familiarity breeds contempt"... and yet, in between togetherness, the rest of that idiom, "distance makes the heart grow fonder"... is also true...

Life is in a constant state of flux...

I shun small talk resonating like "You should settle down...you're 30+ ...it's about time you tied the knot... why are you not getting hitched yet?... don't you want to wake up next to someone who would make your mornings worthwhile"... Why? ... because you now have your mate and children gives you the moral right to lecture whom you perceive to be "incomplete" or "unfulfilled"... let's not forget who were once single; are now extolling the virtues of relationships and marriages? spare me...

I do not desire to be a citizen of this state... but I my time has not come yet...

Why we do the things we do....

2011-01-19T02:16:00.003+08:00

A close friend of mine says "we are only human"...

We are sometimes immensely altruistic in our deeds...which can be a good thing and at times, lead to short-sighted and selfish decisions...which in turn leads to disappointment and suffering... this attribute is one which I possess...

Some people would describe me as "having a good heart"...whilst others would describe me as "reckless, unreliable and unaccountable"...

Over the course of a year, I've learned that both qualities are true about me...as recent events have proved...the more I wanted to do good, the more harm it begat...the irony of it all was that the confidence I had was what I thought would be enough...having little regard, and I think this was the watershed moment...the permissive will of God in my decisions... I may have wanted, but He says no...I am mortified by my actions...I am no devil but I am no angel too...

decisions I've made are life-changing ones...of the wisdom which I have so flippantly overlooked...perhaps it's the most important lesson in life that I must know how much of me I am willing to give before giving...

I dare not profess to be above anyone...I can only try to be a better person everyday and learn from the painful lessons in the past...

I may never see the benevolence or engender the same trust again...but nothing will prevail over my will to try...for to err is human and to forgive is divine...

I hope the hand of acceptance and forgiveness will reach out ... for I have no more desire to be impetuous and inconsistent...

As you sleep, I offer my prayers for His angels to watch over you and your precious one...

Why alone....

2011-01-18T07:49:00.005+08:00

Retiring to and waking up alone can be a therapeutic and peaceful activity when one craves "alone time" and yet the heart years for the warmth and comfort of another...

The daily sojourn into a dream-state has somewhat become a constant and unwelcome reminder that waiting for the right person is not an easy suffering, especially after so many of your friends have found their significant halves to settle down with.

That makes the heart feel desolate at times ...

The irony of it all and the supreme being who condones it... some tell me it's the sins of the father for which we are suffering now (I don't think so)...some tell me it's just not my time yet (which irritates the blazes out of me because that has become so generic now)...

Finding a suitable companion is no easy task... amongst others, one drove me up the wall, another couldn't keep them out of her pants (yes, read it carefully) ...and the one whom I thought was for me turned out to be a test of my resolve and faith...one which I barely scrapped through...

What does the prefix "NCC" on a starship mean?

2011-01-16T21:32:00.003+08:00

Interesting question...there are several answers found on the internet:

Star Trek Wikia says: The Starfleet starship registry prefix "NCC" doesn't officially mean anything other than it is the standard prefix for starships in service. There have been other prefixes, notably "NX," denoting a prototype, or experimental vessel- Captain Archer's Warp 5 flagship was designated the NX-01, and its sister ship, the Columbia, was NX-02. Archer once referred to that style of starship as "NX-class." Whether or not "NX" was intended to indicate prototype status in the 22nd century is unclear- this is pretty consistent with Gene Roddenberry's answer (below).

When Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was asked this question, he replied that there was no significance to the letters and numbers comprising the registry of the U.S.S. Enterprise. At the time Star Trek first aired, airplanes commonly had "NC" on them, and adding the extra "C" updated the look.

The Star Trek Encyclopedia says: Original series art director (and avid pilot) Matt Jefferies commented that he chose the "1701" combination of numbers because it was legible from a distance and the numbers wouldn't be confused. Other numbers, like 3, 2 and 5, were not used for this very reason. Also, the extra "C" in "NCC" was a nod to the Russian abbreviation for the old Soviet Union, "CCCP." According to Jefferies, "If we do anything in space, we (Americans and Russians) have to do it together."

According to non-cannon sources: "NCC" is short for "Naval Construction Code", "Navigational Contact Code" or "Naval Construction Contract" (Star Trek Starfleet Technical Manual. New York: Ballantine Books (1975). ISBN 0-345-34074).

Another possible explanation for the "NCC" registry code comes from 20th century US Navy Hull classifications. "CC" was the classification for a Heavy Cruiser during Gene Roddenberry's stint in the Navy. The "N" would imply that the Cruiser is nuclear powered. This explanation would account for the Enterprise, but is unacceptable for explaining many of the other ships shown in the motion pictures and subsequent series, which would have used other designations (CV=Aircraft Carrier, BB=battleship, etc.)

Never Ending Story (1984) (Limahl)

2011-01-16T15:23:00.003+08:00

Probably the most memorable song for a fantasy movie... as a kid, my mind sauntered the infinite corridors of possibilities...and in the world where the lines between fantasy and reality are thin...

Bastian Bux, an unbelieving a boy who picks up the book with the intertwined serpents who spends the rest of his reading time being pricked and evoked by a world like never before seen.... The book describes the fantasy world of Fantasia which is being threatened by a force called "The Nothing," a void of darkness that consumes everything...

The character Atreyu sought long and hard to find the Ivory Tower ...the Empress reveals that he in fact succeeded: the quest Atreyu went on was the only way to get in touch with a human child and Bastian is listening to their conversation at that very moment... where the Empress reveals to Bastian that the only way to save Fantasia was for him to say her new name...to believe...

I believed...

Turn around
Look at what you see....
In her face
The mirror of your dreams....
Make believe I'm everywhere
Given in the light
Written on the pages
Is the answer to a never ending story...

Reach the stars
Fly a fantasy....
Dream a dream
And what you see will be....
Rhymes that keep their secrets
Will unfold behind the clouds
And there upon a rainbow
Is the answer to a never ending story...

Show no fear
For she may fade away...
In your hand
The birth of a new day...
Rhymes that keep their secrets
Will unfold behind the clouds
And there upon a rainbow
Is the answer to a never ending story

Legal's first birthday celebration in 2011

2011-01-13T21:39:00.005+08:00

hApPY BiRtHDay EliA!

...the youngest member of our team getting the privilege of the first birthday celebration this year.... Elia is a PS3 aficionado and a big fan of sleep....she's been an asset to the team, handling the administrative part of our work and now under the tutelage of Mew San in the nitty gritty task of reviewing ICSA / asset custodising...

Where? ...Delicious, Dua Residency

...the salads are awesome and the burgers are succulent. Not to mention their cakes and pastries downstairs... A personal recommendation...the macadamia nut cheese cake...the macadamias are caramelized, glistening over the top with a thin layer of biscuits for the base and the middle is just heavenly cheese... not baked, but heavenly!

It was great that Jen Pink could join us in the midst of her 1.5 glorious week of sleeping-in late pending her transition to Citi Singapore...feels like the team is together again... nothing like a good get together ...

F.A.B.: Thunderbirds Are Go!!

2011-01-13T07:56:00.012+08:00

"F.A.B."

The British Royal Post issued six stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds, at Claycots Primary School.

It's evocative and nostalgic recalling the rainy Saturday mornings when as a kid, I would tear my sheets away, rush down to the living room and turn on the TV to watch the marionette puppets, calling "International Rescue, International Rescue, come in..."

Here is a Youtube presentation of the unveiling of the commemorative stamps.

The stamps are split between 1st Class and 97p value and feature 6 of Anderson's most popular vehicles and characters: Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. The countdown begins with Thunderbird 5, International Rescue's orbiting space station keeping a watchful eye over the Tracy's rescue operations. Remember Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John Tracy.

What's great about these stamps? They're LENTICULAR!!...yes, you can see Thunderbird 1 blasting off by tilting the stamp on angle...F.A.B.

My favorite Thunderbird vehicle...Thunderbird 2 carries the value of 88p. It always played in my mind back then that TB2 was a cute, green, flying guppy fish in the air. TB 2 was piloted by Virgil Tracy. My second choice is TB 1, the flying hot-rod, hypersonic rocket flow nby Scott Tracy..

These memorabilia will be great for collectors and fans of the 1965-1966 series. A reboot was done in 2004, starring Bill Paxton, among others, albeit with lukewarm success...

I suppose it's time to call in a favor from my friends in the UK to bring some back on their next visit...

Thunderbirds are go!

Rest in Peace

2011-01-12T07:39:00.005+08:00

I was in a somber mood yesterday after paying my respects to an old friend...

Pravin was AirAsia's Senior First Officer and a father-to-be...

Pravin's funeral ended 3.30pm thereabouts...

The most unbearable moment was Yvonne gentle laid down his pilot's uniform (with a full compliment bearing insignias and epaulets) on Pravin's peacefully resting body together with his pilot's hat. Her final act of love for her beloved husband. Her saying goodbye to him.
I could not stop my tears...
knowing that this is the last time his loving wife is ever going to prepare his clothes for him....
knowing that his son or daughter would have never had the chance to know his/her father...
knowing that Yvonne will have to deliver the baby next month without him around...

My prayers will go out to Pravin's family: Mr. Chandra Tilaka, Mdm Santha, Monsieur Tilaka, Yvonne Wong Tilaka...

As one life ends, another will come to exist soon...live for him/her and Pravin's memory will always be preserved...

Pravin Tilaka (1981- 2011)

2011-01-10T19:35:00.003+08:00

I am shocked to hear of the passing of a friend.

He was a kind person, a filial son and was a soon to be father. His untimely death is unfathomable...

Now, you are committed to God.

I will pray for Yvonne and your unborn child. That in the midst of this
sorrow, God's hands of providence will bless and
keep them safe and well...

May you rest in peace.

To Pravin's family: Uncle, Aunty and Monsieur, my deepest condolences for your loss. My prayers are with you...

Jen Pink's Farewell

2011-01-07T21:18:00.006+08:00

Jen Pink and Elia

Parting is such sweet sorrow....

Yesterday was Jen Pink's last day with Citi Malaysia...In her almost 5 years of service, she handled equity and derivatives.... Though only 6 months in Citi, I have gotten to know Jen Pink and enjoyed her company. There were quite some good times all of us had in 2010...

I remember Jen Pink during Citi's Treasure Hunt (with our boss and Country Legal Counsel - Lee Chee Ming and our colleague, Stantley James Tan- Head of Markets, Treasury) in July 2010, exasperated when we did not win anything despite our confidence we came in top 10 (we discovered thereafter that our results went missing) ...

I remember Jen Pink when both of us made the theme flag for our team, aptly named "Legally Treasured" for the treasure hunt... (which we won nothing out off too...Sanjeev (CEO) liked it though...)

I remember Jen Pink during Citi's Global Community Day in October 2010, planting tree saplings with Elia and I in our bid to help Mother Earth...

I remember Jen Pink scolding the Relationship Managers over the phone....

I remember Jen Pink saving "sun credits"...

Only a mere 2 months have gone by since we learned of her departure to Citi Singapore...the day came too quickly...

We had her farewell lunch at Benkay Japanese Restaurant, Nikko Hotel.... Before we left, I twisted her into giving a parting speech and the coy "Thank you for the wonder lunch...bla bla bla" routine was given... and back at the office...things became more relaxed .... spending just that little bit more time with our fellow comrade...as a matter of fact.... we had a rather long coffee break with JP just today...

Citi Malaysia's Legal Team- Yvonne, Mew San, me, Pui San,
Jen Pink (now Citi Singapore) , Elia, Chee Ming

Our team of Legal Counsels is now one less....
It has been too short of a time to have known a fun colleague, only to know that her days were numbered at Citi Malaysia. I hope Citi Singapore's Private Banking will treat her well.

Farewell Jen Pink... All the best in the undertakings on which you are about to engage.

God speed!

Silence Is Golden...

2011-01-06T06:52:00.009+08:00

At San Francisco Coffee (Menara Citibank)...Andrew Chong (Treasury), Jen Pink (Legal) and I having a drink talking about Iphones and Jen Pink's last day today with Country Legal. Among the topics...

Peter: Andrew, how do create folders on the desktop ?

Andrew: You drag, say a game into Angry Birds. It would automatically create a folder called "Games" and then, just drag the rest of your games in there. I noticed you've got quite a number of apps already...in just a few days.

Jen Pink: Peter got used to the Iphone very fast. Yea, these techie nerds are like that.

Peter: Hey! It's just user friendly, that's all...

(Then I showed them my Tricorder app)

Jen Pink (to Andrew): Yeah, he's probably a member of www.nerd.com. In the office, you will hear beeps and sounds from his cubicle occasionally... phasers and scanning sounds. He's quite a techie kinda-guy.

Peter: Hello!

(I couldn't figure one thing out on the Iphone, so...)

Peter: Andrew, how do you put the phone on silent mode. Do you do this?

(That's when I flipped the phone the other way around on the coffee table)

Andrew + Jen Pink: ............................

(followed by implacable laughter)

Peter: ???

...after a few minutes when the laughing stopped...

Andrew: For a guy who can figure out stuff so quick, I'm surprised you didn't figure this one out...(then he showed me this little slide switch on the top left corner of the phone)

Peter: *silence*

You

2011-01-05T07:14:00.004+08:00

You are angry for my inability to be honest, as you say,
I am not angry for your inability to love me anymore.

I love you but I cannot be with you,
I could never leave you without making you hate me.

Perhaps it was easier for you to let go,
Perhaps it was harder for me to hold on.

I sometimes ask what supreme being would condone this irony,
You have renewed your faith since then.

I embrace whatever joy and hope future that holds,
I will neglect the prejudice and contempt in my heart.

One day you might find the grace to forgive me,
And one day I might find your love and friendship again.

The first few days in the new year...

2011-01-03T22:50:00.006+08:00

It's been a great opening for the new year...

Yesterday-

I met up with Pat Lee and Cheryl Lim, my schoolmates whom I haven't seen in ages. Pat is now in Singapore and is probably the most energetic, out-doorish and active individual in our high school batch. She has run Boston, NY marathons, scaled the heights of Kilimanjaro and dove in waters around the world. Cheryl is now the creative director of Redfm and had always had the flare for all things philosophical and existential...

...in many ways, lost friends found recently...

We satisfied our palette with vegetarian and all Indian delights at Annalakshimi, at the Temple of Fine Arts in Brickfields, which was short-lived as Pat needed to rush for rock climbing classes. After her class, we congregated for a cuppa. As we made it up as we went along, Ezral came to presence at Sari Ratu (Indon food) at Kota Damansara after Pat's departure... As usual, the 2 ex-debating teammates bore no less wit and satire than they possessed back in hey-days in SMDU.

Yes, those 2 were my sources of vocabulary, language and linguistic appreciation...

Monday-

I got my Iphone 4, a device with which I have become quite enamored over the last few months- I kid you not, queuing up at 7 something on a Monday morning for a 40-a-day quota is not for the impatient...
My upcoming assignments has in store a plethora of issues and challenges, which I am gladly to take by the horns...probably something about becoming accustomed with the job

My colleagues are back in full swing, as is our ever zealous business units... after all, its business as usual.

Though I felt I have left a big part of me in some other temporal plain, this year, I suspect has started to unfold in the most ubiquitous of ways....

Perhaps this year, I might meet a mate whose life would I share with God... I was chess understudy once from which many important lessons are thought..... this time, avoidance of a stalemate is going to be the mainstay in my pursuit...

It feels like...

2011-01-02T11:39:00.005+08:00

coming home after a long and uncertain voyage...

The final days of 2010 were momentous and benevolent...

I have restored and renewed my faith in Christ Jesus...
I have found inner peace and the strength to remain steadfast under His permissive will...
I have wonderful colleagues whose guidance and tolerance have made my transition into Citi Malaysia less awkward...
I received a WOW Service Winner Award from my colleagues (undeservingly, of course) for my contributions to the franchise at Citi Malaysia...

My prayer for serenity, courage and wisdom will not cease, for I lacked two of these qualities in the past...leading to much suffering...

God willing, my loneliness will be filled by someone who trully loves God and me unconditionally...

Happy New Year 2011!!!!!

2011-01-01T04:25:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! It's 2011...
the year before 2012, the supposed end of the world
the year after the first decade in the 21 century
the year I am hoping is filled with new challenges and new happiness

I ushered the new year at the local joint in Damansara Kim...Online. It was moderate compared to the years before. After the countdown, I picked up the check and joined my ex-colleague Sankat at Finnegans (an Irish pub) in Sri Hartmas...man, was the new year quiet...first time in my life, parking could be found within the first five minutes of me reaching the neighbourhood!

I am sober for the most of it... a fellowship of lawyers and friends....

To all my beloved family and friends, I urge everyone to waste not any time to make this year a phenomenal one!

This is my prayer as the year ends...

2010-12-31T20:22:00.005+08:00

I looked out from the balcony this evening... seems so calm and surreal at the same time...

The glistening red on the horizon invokes the setting sun... surely as it rises. As with all things on God's green earth, there is a beginning and the end...

I reflect upon the life and times of 2010 and ponder on the possible future looming just a few clock cycles ahead...

I am looking forward to a new year in which to set new goals and plot new journeys and yet I cannot wonder about the things and people I have left behind...in person and in memory... I have come to terms that our sojourn on this earth and the very moments we lived in had come to past for a reason or reasons which may at the time, be beyond our comprehension...

This is my prayer....

GOD, Grant me
the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change,
the COURAGE to what I can, and
the WISDOM to know the difference...

...this year has been life-changing and one which I shall not leave in distant memories as a constant reminder that we must become better than who we are and that all things are possible if you have faith in Him...

I will pray for 'you' and your precious one...that in that far away land , you will find the happiness and fulfillment that you have for so long yearned for...

Chronicles of Narnia 3: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

2010-12-31T15:45:00.004+08:00

"Chicken", that's what Kenny called me when I refused to watch Chronicles of Narnia 3 with him last week...

Frankly, I treated the 3rd adaptation of C.S. Lewis' book with great circumspect, having been disappointed by CON1: Prince Caspian. I never did like a series starting off great like CON2: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, only to be sorely let down by a sequel undeserving of the epic-ness of "Narniaism".

This 3rd installment focuses of the youngest 2 of the Pevensies, Edmund 'The Just' and Lucy "The Valiant" Pevensie, both coming of age and exploring their adolescent life. The story starts with the siblings in England amidst the war, sepearated from Peter "The Magnificent" and Susan "The Gentle Pevensie, both who took flight to the United States whilst waiting for their parents' return.

I've always enjoyed the translocation scene to Narnia, the first being, well, self-explanatory ...a wardrobe cupboard, the 2nd, a train station and the latest, a painting the Dawn Treader coming to life, flooding a room where Edmund, Lucy and their obnoxious cousin, Eustace Scrubb surfaces onto the Great Eastern Sea in Narnia, surprisingly to be rescued by King Caspian (now) who commands the valiant ship...

From there, old friend united...the swashbuckling, pure-hearted mouse Reepicheep and Tavros, the light-hearted minotaur who serves as the Dawn Treader's 2nd mate...

Of course, no Narnia sequel would be complete without the wise and courageous Aslan the Lion, who reigned over Narnia for a century in winter's dead during the White Witch's dominance in CON1.. the White Witch was defeated by the Pevensie siblings after which a Golden Era was established for posterity...

The plot is simple, an evil power lurks, casting men and women into oblivion was it consumes all goodness and the 7 Lost Lords of Narnia whose swords must be united at Aslan's table to defeat the evil which looms... this is the exact formula needed for a movie of fantasy bearing good vs. evil...a "Never Ending Story" somewhat... coupled with high sea adventures, crossing swords and of course, the climatically triumph of good vs. evil, interspersed with bouts of self-doubt and temptations...

Eustace, an unbeliever of Narnian tales and an unwilling participant in this new quest, seen often times penning cynical entries of the days in Narnia was the right blokey, British comic relief...the chap literally went through a baptism of fire (being transformed into a fire-breathing dragon) after which, his bravery and courage tested. His doubting heart would soon be soften by the unlikely friendship with Reepicheep...both forging a friendship which could not be undone...

Courage, friendship and love...the indispensable values...

Suffice to say, I was glad watching this movie with lowered expectations and uplifted by the significant improvement over the last sequel which left me in disdain...

Pity Peter and Susan were not in this epic...the camaraderie of the last 2 adventures were legendary in their own respect...the battles in this one are no less watershed... I'd crave for more and wait for the 4th installment in anticipation, now that my hope has been restored... I think that C.S. Lewis' novels must not be undertaken unless you understand it takes more than good directorship to make the movie magic work....this time round, it was redemption...

I'll give The Voyage of the Dawn Treader a 6.5 out of a possible 10.

Football Holiday?!?! Hijacked! ... I tell ya

2010-12-31T10:54:00.007+08:00

You know, it's as if our ten gazetted public holidays are not enough...now apparently kicking Indonesia' butt in the Suzuki Cup is justification enough to declare a last minute holiday on New Years Eve!

Yeah sure...we say everyone's taking it easy and clearing their mandates, but bear in mind the wheels of the economy doesn't stop spinning. It could not have come at a worse time as some of my fellow comrades in the legal fraternity found themselves hijacked and compelled to push forward deadlines leaving some of with a bitter after taste... kinda spoils the mood to usher the new year when you have your plans set out for last minute execution....a choice we sometimes have to take....

I am still working today...good thing I have a Citibank issued notebook computer in which all my work and precious notes are stored, for which I am using to complete all tasks for delivery on the 3rd of January 2011... after all, the Citi never sleeps...

Digressing, I did have a swell time catching up with my mate, Deanaharan Nair whose return from Perth could not have been better timing...the chap is one of the most intellectual fellow I've known...when Dean comes back from Sabah this Sunday, we plan to pay a visit to Suria KLCC to hunt for his Omega timepiece whilst I am likely to succumb to the lure of the Iphone 4 ...the force is strong with that one....

Goodbye 2010, you've been a bitter sweet year

2010-12-28T00:43:00.003+08:00

It's the dawn of a new year, one I hope is a harbinger of better times and renewal of faith for me....

Being an avid Trekker, Captain Janeway's words resonate in my mind, constantly reminding me of the requirement to be use better judgment. She confided to her first officer, Chakotay:

"I made an error in judgment, Chakotay. It was shortsighted and it was
selfish, and now, all of us are paying for my mistake"

The underlying cause of wrong decisions and hurt is sometimes due to our immense altruistic nature as a human being revelling in self-indulgent, blind judgments which often at times bring about suffering... a lesson I am still learning...a lesson which should not have come to past, if not for my shortsightedness and failing to restrain....for an alternate reality would have been which could have brought a more favourable outcome...

I spend my days now seeking forgiveness and redemption... trying to undo the damage I have done and desperately salvaging a friendship which could have remained intact had I not acted on impulse and unconscionability...

..and yet I cannot help wonder about the life that might have been...

I am seemingly close to finding an absolution...though if I did...some things will remain unchanged in my heart...

I will leave it in the Hands of Providence to decide...for I shall relent and submit to His will...

Tron Legacy

2010-12-26T16:44:00.003+08:00

...is sheer pointlessness personified and it's lacklustre character development left me tasting the eleven bucks I spent on this alleged highly anticipated sequel...

The vivid computer generated imagery is but a momentary sensory allure, only to be surpassed by the realization that the theme of father-son reunion coupled with the need for retribution has not revealed anything beyond expectation...a closure in that respect but that was all which beckoned its continuity...

... and what a waste to a beautiful score...the soundtrack is something I reckon I'd appreciate more.... for that, money would be well spent....

Go see the movie in 3D for its awe and wonder, so-called....

A 4.0 out of a possible 10 from me...

A time for love and peace....

2010-12-25T07:49:00.003+08:00

I dedicate this message to my family, my friends and my loved one...

I pray the Lord God Almighty will show his light and mercy until all. This is the time commemorating God humbling himself with descending upon us and taking form of man, to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah...

...Jesus was to die for our sins so that we may have everlasting life...a remission of our sins once and for all...there is no other love than this one... all anyone has to do is to just believe... not by deeds...just believe....

For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Not too long ago, I embarked on a journey which would proved perilous to me and the person whom I cared so much about. The conflict between right and wrong was implacable .... the one true person I owe my life to, I did not seek blessing from and hence the revelation of a lifetime... the experience is life-changing and I shall reflect upon it always to keep myself steadfast and faithful to Him.

When desires of the heart spurns our dereliction, it is the time when we have to go to Him to seek his permissive will... I too take comfort following my heart and I feel contented for the time being but soon after...

He spoke to me and told me it was not time...

I meant well but words proceeded unjudiciously... I was reaching out but ended up slashing out

...I only pray for your time to know...

Blessed Christmas to all... I pray that He will touch your heart as He has touched mine...

Appraisal Day......

2010-12-14T22:46:00.003+08:00

I was starting to think my boss was too busy to appraise me...he had been swamped for the last month or more...

...my boss, Chee Ming, a 20-year veteran Citibank and our Country Legal Counsel...

my appraisal was scheduled last Friday and he told me in the evening that he was leaving for the day and said Monday was better....he was supposed to have been off last Friday but due to the impetuous nature of the job as Citibank's Country Counsel, he needed a couple more days....

Monday came....I had been stuck with the boys from Compliance & Control (C&C) and Wealth Management trying to draft and tweak up the most appropriate new-to-bank client's on-boarding letters and existing client risk disclosures in view of new investment policies by APAC Legal with direct orders from Citigroup NY....by the time I knew it, it was night and my boss had left..... :( *perplexed and worried....

I remember my ex-boss postponing appraisals on several occasions, only keeping me in suspense ...so I couldn't help but ask whether history was repeating itself?

...but I knew my current boss is very different....no matter what the tasks beckons....he will deliver....

and so...he called me into his room today...

my heart skipped a beat although, I was confident I could maintain a composed disposition in the presence of "the man behind the DESK" ....

A sigh of relief....my boss says he is happy that all business units I have serviced were all positive about me....save for him noticing a few silly, careless mistakes in drafting.... which called for the conventional assurance of exercising more vigilance ....

So, that was the impetus to push on pass my impending confirmation with "the Citi which never sleeps"......someone from IBIS told me if HSBC is "the world's local bank", then Citibank is "the world's GLOBAL bank"....*proud beaming smile!!

... it is indeed a new beginning..... God has seen me through...yet another year....

...my boss has taken the rest of year off, but not before posting an organizational-wide email informing that in his absence, my colleague, Mew San would be acting Country Counsel and in her absence, my other colleague whom I belong in the same team with, Yvonne Chin would be acting Country Counsel...

This means a little teasing....I went up to Yvonne and cheekily told her " since you are 2nd acting country counsel (at which point I mock-handed over my drawer keys to her) I am under instructions to hand over to you, the keys to our nuclear silos and the launch codes".....

Yvonne: ....

...the monotony of the day was abruptly interrupted by virulent laughter, suffice to say.....

Next target.....Mew San.... before I left, I wished her "good night",....took two steps and then back and said, "Oh ... I meant, good night BOSS!"....amused and by her impression, I could read that she had been the butt of every one's teasing when she said "You all are terrible!!!".... *grin

All in a days work and back home....straight to the gym....

Tron Legacy...

2010-12-12T16:54:00.003+08:00

Another father-son drama, this time, 22 years after the original Tron, Legacy tells of a tale of Sam Flynn who is very much still haunted by his father (Kevin Flynn)'s disappearance finds himself transported to the same digital realm 20 years ago in which Flynn senior now resides.

Legacy will be in 3-D and I hear it boasts superior sight and perception. The trailers gives me the impression that the movie is too sanitized, but I will hold my reservations till movie day.

I've enjoyed watching a few father-son movies over the years:

Star Wars (Empire and ROTJ). Luke and Anakin Skywalker has etched deeply in popular cult. Good vs evil and the retribution of a man once championing the dark side.

Frequency. Dennis Quaid and James Caviesel in a temporal phenomenon of a sort enabling father and son to get to know each other when dad had passed on more than a decade ago. Remember the final scene when dad and son finally gets reunited when the timeline is altered. Funny how temporal paradoxes work.

Pursuit of Happyness (deliberately misspelled). If you recall that word on the daycare centre in which Will Smith sends Jayden Smith whilst struggling with poverty and homelessness. Based on a true story, this touching tale of how a father's sacrifice and tireless efforts pays off.

Tron Legacy hits the theaters on December 16. I doubt this will be a tear jerker, but I expect to be awed by the new range of CGI and 3-D technologies.

2010-12-10T20:47:00.007+08:00

Life seems to be good to me. I have a new job at Citibank which I have settled in. The hours are almost the same as the previous one, but very manageable....they pay me well ...I don't have to drive to work anymore as the train station is literally a stone throw away....and yet....

My previous posts are but a shroud, hiding away the shame I faced, the truth about me and the one person I told I would not hurt ...

....the love who stood steadfast and unconditional for me.... the one that I failed ...again...

I do not want to put on this masquerade any longer.

I found in her all the happiness that I ever wanted ...and again.... I lost the very foundation of my life for the past year...

She has loved me, hated me and forgiven me but I have lost the most truthful and loving person I had ever met. What she said is undeniably true....she has done nothing but love me...

I constantly read and re-read her letters and emails...written from the heart ....there is no doubt about of the immeasurable pain I had caused....for someone whose every word are carved out of love, sincerity and selflessness...every letter I read drives the nail even deeper into my heart...

I am forgiven as I am told, but somehow, that leaves me with a deeper cut.... it drives into the very core....what grieves me more than my own failing is the inescapable truth that ...

she has let me go and there is nothing I can do about it now.... because I first let her go...again....forced her away....ran away... in any permutation, the same result.... she hurt because of me.... for which I hope to atone for someday...

I have hoped for our future together and in my doing so, the consequences from which now I must shoulder....

Origin of the word "starship"

2010-12-04T20:49:00.007+08:00

This topic came up when a certain egotistical, Indian ex-colleague of mine brought up the word in the context of the 70's rock band who brought us unforgettable hits like "We built this city" and "Nothing's gonna stop us now". I could not resist but incite a debate on the origin of the word with me remarking "deep down, everyone is a Trekkie".

Now, a "starship" is a fictional (which may not be true in the near future) space fairing vehicle capable of tremendous speeds for interstellar travel, an indispensable nomenclature in a plethora of science fiction works.

We all know the most famous one of all, the Starship Enterprise.

In the realm of science fiction, certain quarters claimed it was Jules Verne (1828-1905) and who can forget "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" (1864) which has appeared in many remakes and renditions, "From Earth to the Moon" (1865) and of course, the adventures of Captain Nemo in "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" (1875). Nonetheless, it was quickly dismissed at the closest reference contextually is "extra-terrestrial".

Robert A. Heinlen (1907-1988) was also traced back as one of the first sci-fi authors who may have coined the word in "Starship Troopers" first published in 1959. Heinlen was one of the "Big Three" in science fiction with Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov.

The honor however goes to Harl Vincent (1893-1968) under the publication name of Harold Vincent Schoepflin, an American mechanical engineer and of course, science fiction author who was published regularly in science fiction "pulp"-quality magazine "Amazing Stories". The year was 1934.

It would have been almost inconceivable, even back in the late 19th and early 20th century to fathom interstellar travel. The closest star system that we know of is Alpha Centauri, located roughly 4.37 light years (4.51 trillion km) and probably visible with unaided eye (if you live in the Southern Hemisphere). It's astounding to know that the light we see originated 4.37 years in the past.

To give some perspective, the Cochrane warp chart will give you an idea of time vs distance against velocity.

Leslie Nielsen (1926-2010)

2010-11-29T22:19:00.005+08:00

I remember the man in Airplane (1980) as the hapless, bumbling doctor slapping a delirious passenger about to calm her down. Then there's the Naked Gun (1988), Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991) and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994). Detective Frank Drebin, the slapstick humor and the satire.

A part of me phased out when I learnt of the legend's death.

I suggested to one of my buddies that the most appropriate way (if we so wished) to commemorate his contribution to comedy and entertainment is to have a Leslie Nielsen marathon. Airplane would be a good choice seeing that was Nielsen's first comedy. The outlandish spoof 2001: A Space Travesty (2001) would be a good seconder, followed by the Naked Gun trilogy. A good laugh out loud session I reckon

Leslie Nielsen, God bless his soul. He brought us lots of comedy and kept us in stitches. He is irreplaceable.

Books or eBooks

2010-11-28T23:33:00.002+08:00

Another milestone in the media world has started to replace traditional book reading. Go to a local Starbucks or just stroll though a mall and you'd bound to see some tech-avid reader nestling an iPad or a Kindle or whatever digital reader or multimedia devices pervading the consumers' world these days.

Textviewers is just another name for a book replacement. I really cannot fathom the sense in spending close to $200=$400 (RM800 to RM1200) for a device to enjoy one of the most basic pleasures in life, reading! Granted, eBooks go for anywhere between $1.99 to $10.99 or more, depending on the product. You can even "bookmark" the pages and write notes on the marginal notes or whatever configuration is designed, but for me, nothing surpasses the tactile feel to wood pulp and the smell of ink on good ol' flippable books.

Try bring your Kindle or Iriver near a pool or into your bath.

Reading in the dark? Backlights and LEDs a good way to do it? Or simply just nesting in a cozy corner in your room with your book, a cup of your favourite beverage and a book. One which you can choose to fall asleep to and NOT risk cracking the LCD screen.

Reading just goes beyond text. It's the feel of the pages as you flip them forward or back and the satisfaction of occupying your self space with rows of paperbacks and hardcovers. You know the illustrations and print on the covers can be a collector's item? Not to mention to presence of colour, form and characters to draw perspective from which the contents derive it's substance from.

Not Eco-friendly to print books? Well, don't drive to work and stop using electricity then. Being immensely naive and altruistic about eco-conservation certainly will not spell the demise of books.

I doubt I'll be prepared to switch over to a textviewer device in the near future. As it is, the job requires my attention to a computer screen almost half the day. I would rather read from paper after a long and tiring day. Besides, I am still entitled to $265 (RM1,000) tax relief for book purchases. I don't think the Malaysian IRB recognize eBooks as a tax relief item in the meantime.

For these simple reasons, I don't believe that Borders or MPH will phase out anytime soon.

Rittenhouse Star Trek 2009 Movie Costume Cards

2010-11-26T23:24:00.009+08:00

Over the years embarking on collecting Trek merchandise and collectibles, little is done about actually owning a part of movie history until now. I've always been a great fan of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Now, I have a piece of costume by Spock and an autographed photo of Bill Shatner is being dispatched to me as I blog. Of course, that would probably be in the next few postings in which the rest of the captains' autographs will be subject of discussion.

Back to the issue at hand...I ordered almost a dozen costume cards, made by Rittenhouse Archives. They come layered in gloss-coated cards which houses the vaunted fabric...those worn by the very people who portrayed the legendary crew of the USS Enterprise.

These fantastic non-sporting cards are affordable now and most can be found on eBay. If not for the sentimental value, they'd make a great investment. In years to come, I'd probably be able to ask for 2-3 times the value, possibly more on the rarer ones.

But I noticed prices going up. Released end 2009, they were between USD15-20, but now easily goes for USD25 and above, depending on which cast member or character. They're the next best thing to autographs, which incidentally Rittenhouse carries also. Naturally, they come at a premium now and are scarce. I would however, love to come into possession of a JJ Abrams autograph. The man behind the alternate reality in Trekkers' lives.

The other reason for expanding into these collectibles is the uniform material pattern. Trekkers have always known and been sharing that they're tiny delta shields in a repeated motive. If I so wish, I could do some more research to acquire the correct uniform replica to be added to my personal collection. Having these costume cards now gives me the perfect excuse.

Last I read, all cast members of ST09 has signed up for ST XII (2012) and JJ Abrams has been very very tight-lip about the whole thing. No one knows for sure the plot that awaits intrepid Trekkers worldwide, but I suspect that the sequel to the alternate reality franchise will not be a let down. The suspense kills me everyday with speculations flaring in my mind. But as one great captain once said...all things have their place in time.

Skyline (2010)

2010-11-23T08:14:00.002+08:00

I am partial to alien invasion flicks even if they were alleged ripoffs from successful predecessors. In Skyline, a Brothers Strausse winter release, an alien invasion (with no attempt to test audience's guessing) nothing so original as War of the Worlds (the original one) or Independence Day (1994) (ID4).

The visitors' modus operandi? An irresistible light which burns your veins and draws you helplessly into the tractor beams of mammoth mother ships, harvesting homo sapiens to extract their brain (stem included), presumably as a source of energy, nourishment. My theory: neural energy amplified, explaining the apparent regenerative abilities of a mother ship having been taken down by a deployed nuclear bomb.

The airborne jellyfish-like extractors reminds of the drones in the Matrix trilogy, tentacles trailing and the behemoths roaming the grounds bears a striking resemblance to the ghostly aliens appearing in Final Fantasy.

The aliens' hostile intentions? Harvest all human life, much like the theory which unfolded in M. Night Shyamalan's (not so box office material) Signs. The harvesting mother ships look like an inverted version of Nero's dreadnought, Narada in Star Trek 2009 and particle weapons in the likes of the alien fighter crafts in ID4.

I actually enjoyed the movie despite it's blatant similarities with so many alien invasion movies. I can only try to justify the liking as a result of a long-time affair with science fiction, but this movie is no "sleeper" like District 9 (2009).

If one is critical, a DVD review would suffice if parting with money offends the economies of scale in entertainment enjoyment.

I'd give this a 5.0 out of a possible 10.

Unstoppable

2010-11-20T14:16:00.008+08:00

Click on the poster for the official website

Based on true events, this 1 hr 40 mins flick relives the tale of a 28-year train engineer on the brink of retirement, Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) and newly paired with Will Colson (Chris Pine), a train conduct fresh out of training and trying to win back his wife on an ordinary route hauling cargo in Pennsylvania whose day turns out to be a test of heroism and valor.
Locomotive no. 777 whose engineer fails to implement air brake connections during a routine taxi results in a coaster-turned-runaway train which takes the 39-car load ploughing through the main line to Stanton, a town housing hundreds of thousands in what experts predicted a 25 to 40 mile event radius. The unmanned half-a-mile long behemoth and notching 70-80 mph had in its compliment, cars of toxic chemicals which would certainly wreck havoc of unimaginable proportions.

Colson and Barnes were the town's last hope of avoiding certain catastrophe after a daring attempt involving another locomotive, a helicopter and derailers went awry.

It's no easy task keeping the audience glued in a contained environment but director Tony Scott takes keeps the suspense levels up in this high speed drama. Reminds me of Speed in 1994. Oddly enough, this is probably one of the noticeable films with Denzel Washington out of uniform.

Unstoppable is inspired by the "Crazy Eights" locomotive accident in 2001 during which a train left its Walbridge, Ohio yard and began a 66-mile journey through northwest Ohio with no one at the controls, after the engineer got out of the originally slow-moving train to correctly line a switch, mistakenly believing he had properly set the train's dynamic braking system, just as his counterpart in the movie did.

I'll give this one a 7.0 out of a possible 10.

Harry Potter 7

2010-11-17T23:44:00.006+08:00

Click on the poster to the official website

The first of 2 parts of the latest rendition of J.K. Rowling's tales of the boy who lived opened just last week with fans apparating at cinemas nationwide... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

With Albus Dumbledore dead, the plot continues with Harry, Hermione and Ron running from Voldermort's minions who is after Potter and at the same time, the trio goes hunting for the 3rd Horcrux and the rest of the Horcruxes to destroy them believing that would diminish Voldermort's powers and give them a fighting chance to defeat the evil wizard once for all. Right now, the Ministry of Magic has been taken over by Voldermort's kind and the world beckons to see the life of a muggle or mudblood spared from the relentless prosecution of the new regime.

The movie is enchanted with spells and wizardry closer to the books as I am told and the mood certainly bears closer to winter in London; certainly a diametrical contrast to the innocent and brighter days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As a matter of fact, audiences hardly saw much of Hogwarts. Much of the storyline moved across the country-side, with the trio operating in subterfuge to evade the Snatchers to Harry's home town in Godric's Hollow which is incidentally the place of his parents' murder also, the Ministry of Magic in which the 3rd Horcrux was stolen from Umbridge (the traitorous Defence against the Dark Arts teacher in HP: Order of the Phoenix).

As usual and expected, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint's performance surpasses their previous mark. Radcliffe appears on several Broadway production whilst Emma recently appeared in Burberry's new Spring/Summer 2010 campaign. Grint has lent his voice for several BBC radio series and voice overs The young lads have done well for themselves, raking millions of pounds at such a tender age.

For die-hard and not so die-hard audiences, this film is the 2nd last installment to the silver screen rendition.

I'll give this one a 7.5 out of a possible 10.

Part 2 of HP7 opens in July 2011.

Peter:1, Tooth Fairy: 0...for now...

2010-11-16T21:33:00.003+08:00

Looks like I won't be needing an extraction after all...
I had 3 options from the dentist:-

Option 1: Do filling @RM320 but may last only 2-3 years
Option 2: Root canal with crowning @ RM4,000 which lasts 15-20 years
Option 3: Extraction @ RM300 but with a redundant top molar

I guess I like it cheap and will take the risk...
Option 1

The Tooth Fairy is Waiting...

2010-11-08T02:08:00.003+08:00

Must lay off the Deepavali sweets...this is the second time my molar
cracks. The nerves are now exposed...hot, cold and sweet drives
shivers down my spine

It's a good thing Citibank has a decent dental plan...ouch!

RED: Retired and Extremely Dangerous

2010-11-06T08:43:00.013+08:00

Warning: May contain spoilers

A refreshing action-comedy flick worth every penny in a long time. Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Dame Helen Mirren leads this top heavy cast in this Robert Schwentke film. Alongside are Richard Dreyfuss, Mary-Louise Parker, Karl Urban, James Lemar, Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck) and Brian Cox.

RED tells the story of a retired CIA Analyst, Frank Moses (Willis) who after 2 years away from the field, spends his time getting to know Sarah Ross (Parker) on the phone from the pension office everytime he receives his cheque. She dreams of a life away from her mundane desk-bound job and he seeks to revel in her penchant for romance in novels. All is well up until a unit of "wetworks" operatives storms Moses' humble abode.

They naturally ended up dead ...

Moses' makes his way to Atlanta and abducts Sarah for her safety knowing that their conversations were monitored and suspected her life would be in danger as well. From there, they team up with retired intel operative, Marvin Boggs (Malkovich), Moses' old time friend and ex-colleauge, Joe Matheson (Freeman) and former assassin, Victoria (Mirren) to seek out the people behind the plot to wipe out the men who were behind the cleaning-up operation after a massacre in Guatemala in 1981.Agent William Cooper (Urban) who is makes his appearance as a resolute agent with no less determination to carry out CIA orders without question pursues the uncanny team until his loyalties are questioned by facts and evidence Moses' managed to retrieve from the CIA's "non-existent" archive, manned by Records Keeper, Henry (Ernest Borgnine). Moses et all sought out the government contractor, Alex Dunning (Dreyfuss) who has dealt with the US' most implacable enemies and he seems to hold information to reveal the real plot behind the attempted murders of ex-CIA and Special Forces personnel in Guatemala.

As the movie unravels, the conspiracy leading up to the White House underscores the story with Vice President, John Stanton (McMahon) having a minor role. The highlight of this movie is Moses and Sarah breaking into CIA headquarters at Langley which is the watershed event. The next question is whether loyalties will be changed and whether the truth be made known. Keep your eyes on Malkovich. He is the comic relief in this action comedy.

Firepower, stunts and action will keep you thrilled whilst the slap-stick humor and interplay between this star studded movie will keep you in stitches. Certainly a fantastic summer addition to this year's selection of silver screen entertainment.

I give RED a 8.5/ 10

Les Aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec...

2010-11-05T17:30:00.006+08:00

or "The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec" and Luc Besson's latest film, Adèle: Rise of the Mummy is the start of a trilogy of Adèle's adventures.

Who says only British humor is blokey?

The tales of a young, investigative reporter setting across the globe in search of myths and new discoveries with which to revolutionize the world; which one of us who were once "Adventures of Tintin" readers would resist this.

Rise of the Mummy stars Louise Bourgoin who, as you would have guess, plays the title character.

This film sets it's pace in the early 20th century, where a pterodactyl flies over Paris one fateful night and starts a chain reaction of events that lead to our heroine, a hot tempered and cynical headstrong Gallic cross between Lois Lane and Gertrude Bell, with a taste for high adventure, with the knack of finding herself in the strangest scrapes possible.

The film kicks into high gear we first see our heroine goes on a tomb raid in Egypt like a turn of the century Lara Croft and seeking out a centuries-old Mummy to take back to France, where she meets her rival, the evil Professor Dieuneveult (Mathieu Amalric) and invents a daring escape on the level of any feat Indiana Jones has ever attempted. Evil Arabs, avaricious fellow Europeans, a headstrong heroine ahead of her time...it looks like we’re set for a good colonial adventure along the lines of Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I can imagine that the books and comics written and illustrated by Jacques Tardi would be imaginative reading, just as Tintin books and comics were. This is as close as I can get to a female Tintin. The difference? Adèle is about 70 years after Tintin, lacks a side-kick dog and fewer action scenes and car chases.

From my reading further, there are several more titles in Tardi's collection:-

Le démon de la tour Eiffel (The Demon of the Eiffel Tower) (1976)
Le savant fou (The Mad Scientist) (1977)
Momies en folie (Mummies on Parade) (1978)
Le secret de la salamandre (The Secret of the Salamander) (1981)
Le noyé à deux têtes (The Drowned Man with Two Heads) (1985)
Tous des monstres! (Monsters All!) (1994)
Le mystère des profondeurs (The Mystery of the Abyss) (1998)
Le labyrinthe infernal (2007)

I can only hope to see more of Luc Besson's work on a sequel. A refreshing change for once as I've seen enough of a lone, buffed-up ex-marine courier-for-hire wrecking nice German cards and imitating Jet-Li's moves on the silver screen.

Restoring Old Toys

2010-11-05T11:00:00.014+08:00

About 2 weeks ago, I picked up these two relics from eBay for just over GBP10.00. A real bargain in deed. They arrived early this week. The package came with a 1992 Playmates Star Trek Federation Type 5 Shuttle craft (No. 15, aka Goddard) and check this out...a 1989 Galoob Star Trek Federation Type 7 Shuttle craft Galileo.

For those of you who aren't really aware, these are amongst the USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-D's compliment of support and executive shuttle transport.

Goddard looked okay
I tested the electronics which works fine and
the hull and decal application was left more to be desired

Galileo on the other hand needed work
Notice the cellophane tape over the windows and warp nacelles?

The seller emailed me about the condition of these 2 shuttles...left in a loft too long and from the browning and discoloration, I'd say they had been exposed to UV rays at some point in time. There were signs of moisture damage on the decals, especially with Galileo. She was, amongst others, Cmdr. Riker's executive transport of choice for medium range destinations.

Galileo had what appears to be water damage

The roof needed a good cleaning

The first task was to wash them down. With Galileo, it was easy. Since it didn't contain any electronics, I brought the hippopotamus-looking craft into the kitchen sink and rinsed it out, followed by a good scrub with dish washing detergent and warm water. When that was done, Goddard was wiped down with a damp cloth and lather.

Later in the night, I applied lighter fluid to facial cotton and gave Galileo a good scrub! Zippo worked liked a charm as I noticed the shine on her hull began to show.

After a good clean-up and the painting detail, I added a couple of
black landing pad supports for Galileo's warp nacelles. Notice the
transporter annular confinement targeting scanners on
the front...

That's more like it.

Phase two involved restoring the details; bussard collectors and the field release grill on the warp nacelles. Aerosol spray cans and a paintbrush mostly. I did some masking and started repainting the details. It was actually quite therapeutic doing this after a long day's work. Nothing like spending some quality time indulging in my Trekker moods.

Galileo's blue field release grills warp nacelles
are actually automotive stickers cut-to-shape

For phase 3: decal replacement, I kept a decal sheet containing various Trek fonts with which to give Galileo her identity back. I also recycled some used automotive stickers to add the port and starboard navigational lights. Of course, no Federation shuttle craft is complete with Starfleet's delta shield logo and stripes!

After I was done with Galileo, I started work on Goddard. She didn't need much work. A simple clean-up job was required and some detailing. I added a gold tint to the warp nacelles and removed the cheesy decals. I replaced some of them with recycled automotive stickers.

There was however one thing that irked me. Enterprise's registry number on the bow was lobbed sided. I applied some Zippo magic and peeled it off slowly to correct the alignment. Thankfully, the sticker was salvageable. Much better.

After replacing some stickers with new ones and
giving a good polishing, she "rolled out" of
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards looking spic and spam.

The Type 6 shuttles are favorite away mission landing crafts during the first 2 seasons of Star Trek:Voyager and also their favorite shuttles to crash or destroy!

Finally, the two former derelict shuttles are restored to their proper glory

Soon to come: How to repaint a TOS classic Phaser.

Phasers for my Birthday

2010-10-06T06:22:00.013+08:00

On the eve of my birthday, I received an sms from Chow F.C. which read "Just received a message. Don't know who to turn to for legal. Can you drop by 10.30 now? We are scared". I had to go see what's wrong and after all, I've known Chow before I graduated from law school. As I was parking in front, I noticed Chow's anxious demeanor as he stood near the cul-de-sac waiting for me. Parked and worried, I brisked down the driveway with him.

As we sat down and he feigned a mumbling desperation, the cheeky fellow brought out my old Playmates ST:First Contact Type II Phaser and exclaimed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" :)

The fiend! :) He duped me!!... and I was getting a little worried there! Turns out, he'd finally finished the modifications!!...after about 1 1/2 years... (time is a luxury most of us do not have these days...)

He's done up the electronics; added an LED bar, replacing the plastic, fake power level gauge, installed a micro-switch at the bottom....

The "emitter" krypton bulb has been replaced with 3-super bright micro LEDs.

but mostly, as I've been pestering Chow, a screen saver mode...after about 5 seconds untouched, the LED display starts a sweeping motion, as if on a starship viewscreen. Cool!

Then, as if that was not enough, I met up with Kenny G. later who had completed my ST:Nemesis Type II "Dolphin" Phaser kit ("Dolphin" because of it's uncanny resemblance to the porpoise's snout).

The paintwork is just fanstastic. Kenny's talent with the airbrush is undisputable. The finishing mirrors automotive clear coats and the silver shimmers under the light. In the day...

the body of the "Dolphin" phaser shows it's blue and green hues from the myriad of paint mixtures used, giving it a more unique feature...

but what I really like about this piece is the slide open cowling which reveals the power cells behind the pre-fire chamber. On a working prop, these cells would be glowing.

Thanks guys.... I really appreciate your work. "Arm phasers"....

Now, I'm waiting for the video of my little celebration with Asther, Francis and Mike...

Cortical Stimulator: My interpretation

2010-09-19T17:47:00.002+08:00

After watching countless episodes of Star Trek Voyager on Youtube, I decided to embark on making a prop which exists not in my collection. The life-saving cortical stimulator, a 24th century medical equipment which induces neural activity in the brain by electric shocks, much like a defibrillator except it channels pulses straight into the cerebral cortex instead of via your torso.

Parts needed:

An old calculator, flip-flop circuitry, glue,
paints, parts you can scrounge out from your
tool box and a vivid imagination

The "On" button is in gray and as you may have
noticed, is a recycled calculator key pad. Also notice the
now exposed circuit board of the deceased
calculator.

3 hours later, something to add to my ever growing
prop collection.

Gift Of Love Charity Bazaar: 24th to 26th September 2010

2010-09-18T18:46:00.005+08:00

The Gift of Love Charity Bazaar is the brainchild of 3 individuals who decided to come together to play a part in supporting all women.

Aims and Objectives:

The promotion of Breastfeeding in observance of the World Breastfeeding Week in August 2010, to create better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
To help raise awareness for the need to end violence against women in Malaysia.
To help and support 'Enterprising Mothers' in the promotion of their home-based business.

This event is open to all "Mommy-preneurs" and other Advocates to step onto the stage with us by getting a table (for a minimum donation) to promote and sell your products and services.

All proceeds will go towards an organization who will support our aims and objectives. WABA will be the main beneficiary this 2010.

This year's charity event will be held in Tropicana City Mall in Petaling Jaya.

eFX Star Trek Prop Prototypes for 2011: Tricorder Mark VII TR-580, EM-33 Pistol, Laser Pistol & Communicator and TOS Type 1 Phaser

2010-09-14T05:58:00.013+08:00

As Trekkers are eagerly anticipating Star Trek XII set for release in 2012, eFX Collectibles showcased their prototype props about 2 months ago making the wait even more anxious. The Trek fever is starting to brew as many are left guessing what's left in store for the forthcoming year leading up to the latest J.J. Abrams' Trek film.

The spy photos of the TNG Mark VII TR-580 Tricorder reveals the prop-maker's appreciation for nostalgia. Observe the tricorder's casing. The glossed over light dull gray is reminiscent of the screen used prop on many TNG episodes. The prop has really curvy corners; staying true to form. The 80's creation was said to be a box of flickering lights, but I believe I speak for most Trekkers when I say, who cares? For one, this design was one serious attempt to imagine a future hand-held multi-purpose scanner.

A first look at the fully-deployed TR-580. The LCARS display is true to it's screen-used prop having more blue and reds compared to the yellows and orange in Star Trek Voyager and Star Trek Deep Space 9 (DS9).

The sensor array hints that this would be the version set after the 3rd season of TNG, with sweeping LEDs and the lower assembly...

... as opposed to the earlier version; Mark VI TR-580 which incorporates a small hand-held sensor at the bottom of the unit.

Following behind the tricorder is the Star Trek Enterprise EM-33 Pistol, a pre-cursor to the newer Phase Pistol which you will see Captain Archer brandishing in many episodes of Enterprise. The latter was introduced circa 2151. According to canon sources, one of the disadvantages of the EM-33 was the need to compensate for particle drift, making the transition to the next generation, point-and-shoot phased pulse weapons difficult for some Starfleet personnel.

Next, the TOS Laser Pistol and communicator set. These were seen in the episode "The Cage". Crude but effective. The laser pistol was introduced circa 2250s but this seem to contradict the Enterprise timeline during which the Phase Pistol had been around since 2151. It makes little sense that Starfleet would issue lesser-yield handheld weapons.

Then, a little teaser for the TOS die-hard fans. A prototype cast of the Type I Phaser is shown here. This hand-held weapon was normally seen incorporated into the the Type II Phaser circa 2260. I've always personally liked this one, equipped with a targeting sight and is always considered a "back-up" weapon for Starfleet personnel.

If eFX is consistent, these things will be announced on their website a pre-orders and fans could lock in one with a payment of a small deposit and the balance upon completion of the prop. Usually, eFX limits these things to no more than 1,000 units in a run, possibly less.

If eFX is planning to replicate all the tricorders in range...well, let's just say it'll be a long way to go...

Cheap Display Cases @ Daiso, One Utama (New Wing)

2010-09-13T20:52:00.008+08:00

Fellow collectors...If you're looking for small dimension display cases, you should pay a visit to the RM5 shop Daiso Japan located at LG308e, One Utama Shopping Centre (new wing). If you're coming up the escalator from the Reebok store, it's only your left, right at the end near Cold Storage.

This store has approximately 200,000 items for consumers of all ages. Don't expect electronic wares in here, but you'll find a myriad of useful wares, tools, receptacles, toys and even Japanese snacks and munchies.

These plastic display cases are found on the second last aisle from the back of the store near the other plastic ware and opposite the gardening section.

The one shown here is a 69 x 69 x 59mm (Width x Depth X Height) plastic display case with my Star Trek:TNG comm badge in it. This gives me incentive to bid for a screen-used comm badge going on eBay now. :)

Next, we have a 8.7 x 9.3 x 9.3 cm display case with a flat base. Ideal for porcelain figurines and 1:64 scale die cast cars. I house my 2008 Hallmark Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan diorama Ornament which makes a snug fit. Now it's free of dust and actually enhances the "dramatic" moment of the USS Reliant ambush on the bridge of the Enterprise..."on screen Mr. Sulu..."

This one has the same dimensions as the former, save as it comes with 2-semi circular mounts on the base designed to raise flat items to give it some character like this TNG Type 1 hand Phaser.

The other variant I purchased is a 21 x 7 x 8cm plastic case in which my Type II hand Phaser rests. In fact, the fit is so perfect, the phaser hardly jostles when I move it around. This variant has somewhat a octagonal design which frankly, I think they could do without but instead have smoothen, rounded corners. I think the design was deliberate to make these versions for stacking as depicted by the pictogram on the packaging instructions. I can't have my cake and eat it too...

One thing to bear in mind though, there is no refund policy. I suggest visual checking your merchandise before checking out.

Star Trek XII: Charting the Future

2010-09-10T20:50:00.011+08:00

To continue to go where no one has gone before...

The 2009 Star Trek movie was not a let down. I almost always walk into the movies with high expectations. It was nominated for 4 Oscars at the 82nd Academy Awards and won the Academy Award for Best Make-up, making it the first Star Trek film to win an Oscar. Midway through the shoot, Paramount Studios chose to delay the release date from December 25, 2008 to May 2009, believing the film could reach a wider audience...which evidently turned out to be true!

Now that the slate has been wiped clean and the new franchise dubbed "the alternate time line" has taken flight, I greatly anticipate the 2nd installment to be another heart-stopper.

For that, I know that Roberto Orci (Screenwriter), Alex Kurtzman (Screenwriter), Damon Lindelof (Screenwriter), J.J. Abrams (Producer), Bryan Burk (Producer) are involved. It's almost for sure that the drama, character development and action will be present. Still, one has to wonder the premise now for the 12th movie in the Star Trek franchise. Star Trek 2009 took me by surprise. Even non-Trekkies (for lack of a better word) were astounded and I do believe most of the closet cases have revealed themselves after the awesome debut of the new cast. J.J. Abrams' direction was superb, to say the least.

Apart from the sometimes annoying lens-flare, his work takes the audience into a plateau of dynamism and movement. If anything which he can't do is make it less remarkable. I would not render my vote J.J. Abrams polls with vacillation. He's the man for the job. From what I've been reading, the cast in the 2009 movie has signed on.

Word has it that Bruce Greenwood has been husting it for Admiral Christopher Pike. Lest he be strapped to a life-support machine and warps into oblivion as in the Original Series, his reprisal will ever-so guarantee the brass behind Kirk's success. After all, since George Kirk does not live to see James T. Kirk grow up in this time line, Pike is the catalyst in the young captain's career. I really loved his character in the 2009 movie.

Almost nothing has slipped out about the new plot, save as Abrams indication that past stories would not be rejected to form the substratum of the alternate time line sequel. I'm sure fans around the world like me are just dying in speculating the next installment. Could there be a Wrath of Khan tie-in? Who knows? Or does Kirk finds his love interest in Dr. Carol Marcus?

Maybe this time ILM will get the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 sizing right! For the uninitiated, the size of the new starship has been subject of debate. The design size was 366m according to Alex Jaeger of ILM, and this still makes sense, considering that in this case the shuttlebay door and the torpedo launcher would be the same size as on the TMP refit. Also, the hatches would be reasonably tall compared to just 1.8m on a 302m ship. The VFX team at ILM, however, purportedly scaled up the ship to as much as 725m (200%!), the main intention apparently being to be able to squeeze in all the big shuttles.

Shooting is said to start in January 2011, which makes a summer blockbuster release in May 2012 (or thereabouts) a very real possibility, failing which, Christmas 2012 would be a nice present for Trekkers.

Evidently, the Star Trek 2009 movie replica market is not letting up yet. Playmates came out with a few waves of figures and play-sets and of course, the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 starship. Just the other day, I came a across a superbly molded resin core Phaser with chrome and steel plating on eBay. It's 1:1 and the mirror finish does it justice. A nice little, advance birthday present for me I suppose.

USS Enterprise Workshop Manual

2010-09-07T21:54:00.003+08:00

(click on the picture to read m0re)

Coming October 2010

Basic reading for Starship Engineering 101

Small enough to fit in the captain's chair arm compartment

Good bedtime reading after a long duty shift

Pakistan Flood Victims Aid: Help Please!

2010-08-19T06:39:00.004+08:00

The flood ravaged nation of Pakistan has called for help. It's government says it cannot cope and is beyond capacity to send aid. International aid is coming in very slowly...too slowly. Many countries have pledged but has yet to convert them into cash and aid. As you all know, starvation and diseases are the most prone after floods.

Over and above that, some "fake camps" have been set up to divert the much precious aid and supplies to non-essential groups. Many are going hungry everyday. Hospitals are overcrowded. Triage systems have been set up to pay attention to the ones which half-a-chance to survive. Many of those sick are children stricken with water-born diseases such as cholera. Malnutrition rates are going up.

UNICEF is currently providing enough clean water for 1.3 million people every day, but millions more need the same services.
The Government of Pakistan estimates 20 million people overall have been hit by the flood crises, and according to the United Nations, at least 15 million people have been seriously affected, half of whom are children.
UNICEF is concerned that the floods have hit "the poorest of the poor", those least able to survive the present harsh conditions

Ways you can help:

Pakistani High Commission through Affin Bank account 20-002063910-9 (titled "PRIME MINISTER'S FLOOD RELIEF FUND 2010"). For more information, call 03-2161 4985 or email floodreliefkl@gmail.com.

The Malaysian Red Crescent Society's efforts are currently being directed to Pakistan, to help with relief work. Cheques should be made out to the MRCS International Relief Fund and banked into Maybank Account No 5144-2210-2657.

MERCY Malaysia has a Pakistan Relief Fund up and running. Donate via the following bank accounts (make checks payable to MERCY MALAYSIA):

Maybank (account name: MERCY HUMANITARIAN FUND, account number : 5621-7950-4126, ABA Swift Code: MBBEMYKLA) or
CIMB Bank (account name: MERCY Malaysia, account number: 1424-000-6561053, ABA Swift Code: CIBBMYKL)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

YouTube: Ultimate Free Advertisement

2010-08-09T22:25:00.006+08:00

The gargantuan numbers who visit YouTube has become a phenomenon. The Voca People is one recent example. An ensemble of vocal talents ranging tenor, soprano and alto have become an overnight success, conducting tours from Brazil to TelAviv. These expletive eight were something else altogether. No instruments, no synthesizer, just pure vocals.

The power of visuals have always been the cornerstone of the television and media ads. Undiscovered talents are found, nurtured and turned into international superstars without a moment's notice. I cannot fathom the potential of thousands of hits a day. For me, it's a source of cheap entertainment. Users and members can upload videos in many formats including MP4, DivX and AVI.

The lights of Charice Pempengno would not have been seen if not for YouTube. She was 14 years old when her uncle decided to upload a video of her singing. The hits took a while to gestate; about a year or so and after that, the sky's the limit. She' sung in Oprah, paired with Bianca Ryan and performed with legendary music composer, David Foster. She's now taken the world by storm, deserving a 6-time standing ovation when she appeared in one of her earliest stage shows in the Mandalay Bay.

The social networking via YouTube is by no means small. I've observed users exchanging contacts as well as eBay profiles and offers to sell or buy. Transactions are spurned when a potential buyer gets a preview at that irresistible sleekness of a new Iphone or the road-gripping new Audi RS5 on the track. It's a fantastic way to sell when bypassing the TV networks. Effective advertising with minimal cost.

Hasbro 3 3/4" Iron Man Mark I (Movie version)

2010-08-06T22:40:00.005+08:00

Yes! I finally found it!...well, actually Kenny Gordvyn finally found it. Up until yesterday, I was hunting high and low for the Iron Man Mark I on 3 3/4 scale. I learned my lesson never to ignore the Iron Man fever lest I want to miss out. Made by Hasbro, this scaled down version of Tony Stark's prototype armor is super detailed. Being the icon of the irrepressible pop-culture, I could not imagine not having one.

The truth is, I am completing my collection of Hot toys Iron Man armor series. Now that remains is the 1/6th scale Mark IV, Mark V and Mark VI armors. I missed out on the Mark I out of hesitation and spent the last 2 years regretting it. It's 4-5 times the price I would have needed to pay for. With the inclusion of the 3 3/4 scale Mark I, I find consolation that my hall of armor is another figure closer to completion.

Star Trek Commemorative Stamp

2010-08-03T06:52:00.007+08:00

This came in the post yesterday. The newest member of my collection: the 1999 Star Trek Commemorative Stamp. Notice the delta shield-shaped sun in the background. It seems that it took some years and hundreds of letters from fans and ex-governors and presidents to convince the US Postal Authorities to issue a stamp paying tribute the Gene R

This Original Series USS ENTERPRISE NCC-1701 stamp Beginning in 1998, the United States Postal Service issued its largest--ever series of commemorative postage stamps. By the time the program is completed in 2000, a total of 150 designs will have been released, providing a decade-by-decade look at significant personalities and events of the 20th Century.

Malaysian Toy Fair (24-25 July 2010)

2010-07-25T20:55:00.020+08:00

Richard told me about the first ever Malaysia Toy Fair and with all the hype I've heard about San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) going on in the States, I thought of checking it out today to see if it was anything close to the conventions held abroad. In the US, these exhibitions would mean appearances by Hollywood stars, founders of toy and gaming companies and box office film releases. On the sidewalk, you'd fine about a million fans donning costumes, carrying their allowance to buy that coveted exclusive merchandise and chasing the opportunity for an autograph of their favorite actors.

On the way, I spotted a very obvious sign of a Transformers die-hard fan as I walked from my car to Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC). I couldn't help but be amused by the obvious tribute this driver is paying to the 80's animated mechanized phenomenon. For those of you who are curious, D.E.C.P.D. means "Decepticon Police Department".

A RM3.00 entrance fee entitles you a 1-day pass for which you could walk in and out of the exhibition hall. I felt very surreal walking into a world whom I am most familiar with.

Once I walked in, I spotted Rey manning the Shioktoys booth. I saw Rey last night at the shop in e@theto pick up my Hottoys 1/4th Scale Iron Man Mark IV collectible bust.

The media was expected. I think this interview was done by a local talk show.

Of course, being the first one, MTF pales in terms of size compared with SDCC. Still, there is no shortage of SDCC exclusives. Here we have Iron Man from Mighty Muggs.

No short of Sith Lords at MTF 2010. Courtesy of the 501st Legion: Malaysia-Brunei Outpost. My friend and fellow lawyer was there donning a Boba Fett costume. I had hoped to sense the presence of other Trekkers but I guess the dark-side of the force was strong today.

"Hey, aren't ya a little too short to be hunting with us?..."

"Oh yeah? I bet you'd change your mind after I cut your head off and use if for a shield just like I did the alien strapped to my arm now."
Cosplay (costume play) is an important part of any toy oriented affair. Here we have a couple of Halo 3 posers.

I'm so bad, it's a thriller.

No convention is complete without a gamers' corner. Here, we have a Sudden Death tournament going on which is so reminiscent of the Counterstrike days back in 2004-2005.

For a first timer, the event was quite a success. This is the humble beginning of a whole new phase for the toy industry in Malaysia. I hope next year's MTF would see the lights of some special guests from Hollywood. For that, sponsors must see the impact such appearances would have on business. Perhaps they should coincide the event with a major box office release next summer.

I just read that SDCC announced Tron Legacy. It's been 3 decades since the Tron was released which bewildered fans of sci-fi with a depiction of what it's like inside a computer. This highly anticipated sequel is coming soon.