"Conversation at the Convo"
"You know, my student had to abandon his studies just two weeks before the end of the semester because the PTPTN loan was late," CLL told me.
"Really?" Please give me a break! Should I be answerable for everything that the UMNO go-men did or didn't do? I learnt later from another student that she had to pay a MYR10 fine for late payment.
"You know, two of my nieces married Chinese guys, and one of them had his university education financed by his clan association," I blurted, trying to shift her locus of blame.
"SO," CLL turned and asked me, "he must be rich for your niece to marry him?"
"No, actually, it's my brother-in-law who is well-off; his S-I-L came from a lower middle class family" (a 'sinkhek', my late mother would disdainfully termed him, to distinguish him from the Straits-born Babas and Nyonyas that her family would approve and fraternise with). "And when he failed his exams during his second year of studies at a UK university, my B-I-L financed his education til he graduated. In fact, my B-I-L financed their wedding, first home, family car, business venture, etc. (as he did for all his three SILs)."
"Hmm... he must be handsome then?"
"I would consider him above average in terms of looks."
After a few awkward moments, she said: "But you all can get scholarships from the government."
"Not all of us. I know of Malay parents who applied for PTPTN loans and their children got 9 or 10As. In fact, I would rather use my own savings to finance my children's education so that the allocation would go to the poor farmers' and fishermen's children."
TBC
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Silenced Majority
"On course and found horizon"
I’ve been meaning to write about an unpleasant exchange with yet another 24 year old for quite sometime but was searching for the right words so as not to sound ‘illiberal’.
The few times that I shared the painful experience of losing my kampong due to political intrigues, I was rebuked for being ‘emotional’ or ‘a Drama Queen’.
So, I assured myself that the ‘hijrah’ was indeed a blessing in disguise – that I may not have managed to secure a place at the university, pursued a career in the academy, traveled the world and lived in upper middle class residential areas, had my family not moved to Kuala Lumpur.
Though there were times when I entertained thoughts of finally settling in Jeddah, I often asked myself: “Will I actually uproot and migrate once again, if the circumstances are intolerable?”
And WA, on that unforgettable balmy evening by the poolside, seemed to have just the answer for me: “Well, everyone has their 'victim story'; I have my share of loss too"
(She meant her father to a 'Malay diva', so her mother decided to remarry a non-Malay. I didn't bother to tell her that I lost mine to a 'gadis setiausaha'.)
"But you know, you forgive, let go and move on.”
“Try telling that to the Palestinians,” I countered her blithe statement.
“Perhaps they should also learn to forgive, let go and move on,” she was so confident that the mantra (which she paid for almost RM 3,000.00 at a ‘leadership’ program to have it drummed into her head) would work for anyone, at any given situation.
And as if to drive home her point, she looked straight into my eyes and added, “All you need is love in your heart to change the world.”
“That’s what I thought too when I was 19 until experience taught me otherwise,” I uttered to her, as much to myself.
“Well, that was your experience,” she retorted.
I restrained myself from reacting to her last remark, got up and paid for her meal.
I checked myself at the counter: Should I be delighted that she's magnanimous or should I be upset with her parents for not inculcating a sense of political consciousness?
Incidentally, earlier that very day, I had been part of an audience to an impassioned plea by a courteous young man, Feris Omar, the President of ProWaris, on the “20 DEMANDS ON SOUTH JOHORE ECONOMIC REGION”.
Would young, urban and upper middle class Malays like WA be grateful for his struggle?
Or would she be apologizing profusely for his ‘parochial’ sentiments?
I recalled the time when WA and ND were facilitating the multicultural holiday camp with 9-12 year olds from different ethnic groups - how they would chide the Malay girls for using a 'politically incorrect' term to taunt the Indian boys and for being reluctant to mingle with the Chinese vernacular school kids.
"It's ok if they don't want to learn or speak Malay," she said.
I was glad that they were not biased towards their own ethnic group but I was disturbed when they only chastised and criticized the Malay kids. In fact, there seems to be a compulsion to apologize for being a Malay, if not outright embarrassment at being one.
To be continued.
I’ve been meaning to write about an unpleasant exchange with yet another 24 year old for quite sometime but was searching for the right words so as not to sound ‘illiberal’.
The few times that I shared the painful experience of losing my kampong due to political intrigues, I was rebuked for being ‘emotional’ or ‘a Drama Queen’.
So, I assured myself that the ‘hijrah’ was indeed a blessing in disguise – that I may not have managed to secure a place at the university, pursued a career in the academy, traveled the world and lived in upper middle class residential areas, had my family not moved to Kuala Lumpur.
Though there were times when I entertained thoughts of finally settling in Jeddah, I often asked myself: “Will I actually uproot and migrate once again, if the circumstances are intolerable?”
And WA, on that unforgettable balmy evening by the poolside, seemed to have just the answer for me: “Well, everyone has their 'victim story'; I have my share of loss too"
(She meant her father to a 'Malay diva', so her mother decided to remarry a non-Malay. I didn't bother to tell her that I lost mine to a 'gadis setiausaha'.)
"But you know, you forgive, let go and move on.”
“Try telling that to the Palestinians,” I countered her blithe statement.
“Perhaps they should also learn to forgive, let go and move on,” she was so confident that the mantra (which she paid for almost RM 3,000.00 at a ‘leadership’ program to have it drummed into her head) would work for anyone, at any given situation.
And as if to drive home her point, she looked straight into my eyes and added, “All you need is love in your heart to change the world.”
“That’s what I thought too when I was 19 until experience taught me otherwise,” I uttered to her, as much to myself.
“Well, that was your experience,” she retorted.
I restrained myself from reacting to her last remark, got up and paid for her meal.
I checked myself at the counter: Should I be delighted that she's magnanimous or should I be upset with her parents for not inculcating a sense of political consciousness?
Incidentally, earlier that very day, I had been part of an audience to an impassioned plea by a courteous young man, Feris Omar, the President of ProWaris, on the “20 DEMANDS ON SOUTH JOHORE ECONOMIC REGION”.
Would young, urban and upper middle class Malays like WA be grateful for his struggle?
Or would she be apologizing profusely for his ‘parochial’ sentiments?
I recalled the time when WA and ND were facilitating the multicultural holiday camp with 9-12 year olds from different ethnic groups - how they would chide the Malay girls for using a 'politically incorrect' term to taunt the Indian boys and for being reluctant to mingle with the Chinese vernacular school kids.
"It's ok if they don't want to learn or speak Malay," she said.
I was glad that they were not biased towards their own ethnic group but I was disturbed when they only chastised and criticized the Malay kids. In fact, there seems to be a compulsion to apologize for being a Malay, if not outright embarrassment at being one.
To be continued.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Rasa Sayang Eh ...
Lihat nona jauh, rasa sayang sayang eh ... 
Kasihan Yoyo, dulu di padang lumba kuda;
Kini di tepi pantai di Tanjung Bungah;
Kulitmu sawo matang, matamu coklat muda;
Merenung jauh ke tengah samudera;
Menanti pelancong membayar biaya.
Kasihan Yoyo, dulu di padang lumba kuda;
Kini di tepi pantai di Tanjung Bungah;
Kulitmu sawo matang, matamu coklat muda;
Merenung jauh ke tengah samudera;
Menanti pelancong membayar biaya.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Quotations about Courage
Courage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other. ~Samuel Johnson (Thank you, Frank Lynch.)
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Every man has his own courage, and is betrayed because he seeks in himself the courage of other persons. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~Winston Churchill
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher*
It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare. ~Mark Twain
People are made of flesh and blood and a miracle fibre called courage. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960
*This one is definitely ME!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Every man has his own courage, and is betrayed because he seeks in himself the courage of other persons. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~Winston Churchill
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher*
It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare. ~Mark Twain
People are made of flesh and blood and a miracle fibre called courage. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960
*This one is definitely ME!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Lost Horizon at Shangri-La
To offset my dissapointment at having to cancel a trip to Paris, I seized the opportunity of a get-away weekend at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang. I had another offer to visit the Cameron Highlands but, unfortunately, I can't be at two places at the same time.We were whisked off from the launch of 'Every Baby a Book' at the Equatorial in Bukit Jambul by the loquacious Khor, who drove us to the doorstep of Rasa Wing, where we were warmly welcomed by Suleiman TAR, Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands' Director of Communications. While our luggages were checked-in by a personal conceierge, we sipped our complimentary cocktails, admired our welcome gift of white orchids and chatted with Suleiman in the exclusive Rasa Wing Lounge. Upon arrival at our spacious and stylishly decorated 1281 sq ft Rasa Premier Suite, we had our photo taken by the bell-hop and our needs taken care of by Syuen, our very own round-the-clock butler.
The suite has a separate parlour/sitting area, and a private balcony with a huge soaking tub facing the luxuriant garden and the ocean. Apart from having our nightly lavender and tuberose baths drawn by Syuen, we also took a dip at the Rasa Wing pool, next to the Chi Spa, where we were pampered to one of its signature spa therapies, aptly called Rasa Asmaradana.
Our neighbour was Chef Spinosi, who prepared his designer label pasta, Spinosini, for entree, main dish and dessert at our cozy dinner tete-a-tete with him and Suleiman at the Feringgi Grill.
Breakfast was a generous buffet spread at the Spice Market Cafe while high tea was a delightful sampling of canapes and fine teas at the garden terrace of the Rasa Wing Lounge. Lunching on Chef Salad and fruit juices at the Poolside Bar while watching people swimming, sun bathing or engaging themselves with recreational activities was a welcome reprieve after the spa treatment. We were indeed sad to bid farewell to Suleiman and his team who had been such hospitable hosts throughout our short stay at Rasa.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Critical Mass
A parade to raise awareness of bicycle use in KL on July 27 2007 at 6PM in front of Central Market. Spread the word and the love of our natural environment.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Launching of Citizen Think T@nk
Finally, the day arrived for the launching of Citizen Think T@nk on 21 July 2007 at Restoran Widuri, Aman Suria. Although about 30 people showed up, TV3's Bulletin Utama gave it priority coverage at 8pm. CTT was in the main news even before the first advertisement.
The launch was graced by the trustees and ardent supporters - Tan Sri Aziz, Dr. KJ John, YM Tengku Mahaleel, Edward Lee, Dr. Abu Bakar, Jeff Ooi, Bernard Khoo, Tony Pua, Wong Chin Huat, among others.
My fervent hope is for the initiative to signify the dawning of the Age of Knowledge Democracy and Knowledge-empowered Voters. Instead of resigning ourselves and lamenting about the lack of competent leaders, let us all strive to improve the performance of the incumbents and simultaneously identify the next generation of leaders so as to mitigate the problems of attrition and apathy. Give your support to this authentic e-community project via active virtual participation.
http://www.citizenthinktank.com/
My fervent hope is for the initiative to signify the dawning of the Age of Knowledge Democracy and Knowledge-empowered Voters. Instead of resigning ourselves and lamenting about the lack of competent leaders, let us all strive to improve the performance of the incumbents and simultaneously identify the next generation of leaders so as to mitigate the problems of attrition and apathy. Give your support to this authentic e-community project via active virtual participation.
http://www.citizenthinktank.com/
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Peace Education
When I was a young scholar, I thought it was irrelevant for Prof Fatimah Hamidon to propose 'peace' research since we've never been a nation at war, well not since the Second World War or perhaps the Emergency.Now I realised she was ahead of her time and there really is an urgent need to not only study but practice ways to promote and maintain peace within the family, the neighborhood, the community and so on.
The presentations were, on the whole, eye-opening and thought-provoking. Scholars from the ASEAN region shared their ideas, experiences and empirical findings from war-torn and conflict zones such as Acheh, Pattani and Mindanao.
I personally find Madeliene Sta Maria's and Faridah Noor's presentations on socio-cultural approaches/dialogic competencies and efforts in cultural archiving the most valuable for my own research on multiculturalism.
Friday, July 06, 2007
alias Grace @ KLPac
This is a must-see for all those who believe in giving voices to the subalterns, dead or alive. Kudos to Caroline Lee for her spell-binding performance that captivated the audience for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Walking away from the "Pandora's Box", I can't help feeling thankful for being born a woman in this day and age.SYNOPSIS:
"Murderess. Murderess. The word rustles like a tafetta skirt across the floor."
In 1844 sixteen-year-old Grace Marks is convicted of the brutal murder of her employer and his pregnant mistress. Eight years later she is offered the chance to redeem herself, but telling a story is never an innocent act.
In her brilliant portrayal of the celebrated murderess in the play alias Grace, award-winning Australian actress Caroline Lee transforms into Marks in a performance as intimate as it is dangerous. The character is based on the real-life Grace Marks, one of the most notorious Canadian women of the 1840s.
Alias Grace, Margaret Atwood's multi-award winning novel, has been adapted for the stage by Laurence Strangio. The KL production is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australia International Cultural Council in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Relations between Malaysia and Australia.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Armstrong's Lecture, Tun Razak's Legacy & Menopause the Musical
http://idrus.blogspot.com/It's been awhile since I last blogged. Just goes to show how busy I've been. Other than professional duties, I've also been occupied with the usual social rounds.
Of these, I could certainly recall the public lecture by Karen Armstrong at the Mandarin Oriental as well as Seminar Legasi Tun Abdul Razak at the Sime Darby Convention Center, both on June 16 2007, and, of course, Menopause the Musical at The Actors Studio @ BSC.
Many bloggers have written about the impact of the Armstrong lecture,
Karen Armstrong Promotes Silence, Non Violence and Compassion and Karen Armstrong in KL
among them. Of Armstrong's key messages about Silence, Non-Violence and Compassion, these simple phrases stuck in my mind:
"Look at your enemy in the eye, and try to find the Divine" (or something to that extent);
"Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you” (attributed to Confucius);
"Cartharsis and weeping are crucial to spiritual cleansing" (or something of that sort).
Of these, I could certainly recall the public lecture by Karen Armstrong at the Mandarin Oriental as well as Seminar Legasi Tun Abdul Razak at the Sime Darby Convention Center, both on June 16 2007, and, of course, Menopause the Musical at The Actors Studio @ BSC.
Many bloggers have written about the impact of the Armstrong lecture,
Karen Armstrong Promotes Silence, Non Violence and Compassion and Karen Armstrong in KL
among them. Of Armstrong's key messages about Silence, Non-Violence and Compassion, these simple phrases stuck in my mind:
"Look at your enemy in the eye, and try to find the Divine" (or something to that extent);
"Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you” (attributed to Confucius);
"Cartharsis and weeping are crucial to spiritual cleansing" (or something of that sort).
Well, what can I say about Seminar Legasi Tun Razak? First, that my late father would surely turn in his grave had he known that I had consorted with "those colonial compradors". Secondly, it's really much ado about nothing; 
unless it's a run-up to the General Elections.
unless it's a run-up to the General Elections.As for Menopause the Musical, I would suggest that males going through andropause to get out of that denial mode and take their wives and children to watch it. Ciao!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa' Hassan
I missed "Anak Bulan" the last time it was shown at KLPAC but determined to catch it at Kampong Jawa, Klang, on June 13 2007. Although I spent my formative years in Kampong Melayu Kaki Bukit, Singapura 14, I considered myself a city slicker for being born in a cosmopolitan city and subsequently moved to Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Now that I'm older and wiser, I learned to appreciate the simplicity of rural life and wished I still had a kampong to return to for the holidays or for a retirement settlement. 
The Actors Studio
with the support of/dengan sokongan
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage/Kementerian Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan (KeKKWa)
present/mempersembahkan
GENE SHA RUDYN in the text written by/dalam karya tulisan
ALFIAN BIN SA’AT
“Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa’ Hassan”
Director/Pengarah: Gene Sha Rudyn
Writer/Penulis: Alfian bin Sa'at
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage/Kementerian Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan (KeKKWa)
present/mempersembahkan
GENE SHA RUDYN in the text written by/dalam karya tulisan
ALFIAN BIN SA’AT
“Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa’ Hassan”
Director/Pengarah: Gene Sha Rudyn
Writer/Penulis: Alfian bin Sa'at
Cast/Pelakon: Gene Sha Rudyn
“Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa' Hassan” tells the story of Kampong Wa’ Hassan, the last Malay kampung (village) to fall victim to Singapore's efforts at modernisation. Far from a nostalgia trip down memory lane to a romanticised Malay kampung, this is a journey of discovery of the true worth of a kampung, filled with real-life characters in all their rawness, and the true loss in the dispossession of it.
“If 'to know me is to love me', then the way for us to understand why Orang Kampung love the kampung is to get to know the kampung that they know.”
“If 'to know me is to love me', then the way for us to understand why Orang Kampung love the kampung is to get to know the kampung that they know.”
- Gene Sha Rudyn
“Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa' Hassan” mengisahkan tentang Kampong Wa’ Hassan, kampung terakhir di Singapura yang menjadi mangsa dalam usaha Singapura mengejar kemajuan. Jauh berbeza daripada sebuah lamunan romantika tentang sebuah Kampung Melayu yang penuh nostalgia, malahan ianya merupakan satu penerokaan mengenali nilai sebenar sebuah kampung, yang padat dengan watak-watak nyata lagi asli, dan kehilangan sebenar dengan pemupusannya. “Kata pepatah ‘Tak kenal maka tak cinta’. Jadi, kalau kita nak faham kenapa orang kampung cinta sangat dengan kampung, kita kenalah mengenali kampung yang mereka kenal.”
“Anak Bulan Di Kampong Wa' Hassan” mengisahkan tentang Kampong Wa’ Hassan, kampung terakhir di Singapura yang menjadi mangsa dalam usaha Singapura mengejar kemajuan. Jauh berbeza daripada sebuah lamunan romantika tentang sebuah Kampung Melayu yang penuh nostalgia, malahan ianya merupakan satu penerokaan mengenali nilai sebenar sebuah kampung, yang padat dengan watak-watak nyata lagi asli, dan kehilangan sebenar dengan pemupusannya. “Kata pepatah ‘Tak kenal maka tak cinta’. Jadi, kalau kita nak faham kenapa orang kampung cinta sangat dengan kampung, kita kenalah mengenali kampung yang mereka kenal.”
- Gene Sha Rudyn
Dates & Time:
Wednesday / Rabu 6 June 2007 - Kampong Bekor, Manong, Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Saturday / Sabtu 9 June 2007 - Kampong Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau, Penang
Wednesday / Rabu 13 June 2007 - Kampong Jawa, Klang, Selangor
Sunday / Ahad 17 June 2007 - Sungai Karang Darat, Kuantan, Pahang
Wednesday / Rabu 20 June 2007 - Kampong Bukit Cina, Melaka
Saturday / Sabtu 23 June 2007 - Kampong Parit Haji Ali, Batu Pahat, Johor
ADMISSION IS FREE!
For more information, please contact:
Dates & Time:
Wednesday / Rabu 6 June 2007 - Kampong Bekor, Manong, Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Saturday / Sabtu 9 June 2007 - Kampong Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau, Penang
Wednesday / Rabu 13 June 2007 - Kampong Jawa, Klang, Selangor
Sunday / Ahad 17 June 2007 - Sungai Karang Darat, Kuantan, Pahang
Wednesday / Rabu 20 June 2007 - Kampong Bukit Cina, Melaka
Saturday / Sabtu 23 June 2007 - Kampong Parit Haji Ali, Batu Pahat, Johor
ADMISSION IS FREE!
For more information, please contact:
Lina 012-203 9198The Actors Studio @ BSC 03-2093 0400
The Actors Studio Greenhall Penang 04-263 5400
WALK FOR THE POLAR BEAR
For so long, I felt so smug about signing online petitions to stop global warming and forwarding them to family and friends. Hey, I even watched Al Gore's The Inconvenient Truth. However, I restrained myself from stopping and getting off my car to 'hug a tree' that the road-builders cut down to widen the road and put street lights on the narrowed divider opposite the al-Malek Feisal mosque.
Watching 'Face to Face With The Polar Bear' on Animal Planet last night made me want to call the station and ask: "What happened to the female adolescent bear that was reduced to skin and bones? Why didn't the producers return to rescue her?"
Then it dawned on me this morning that I have to stop expecting others to do their part and start doing something myself - switch off the air-conditioners, change the light bulbs and start walking for that scrawny polar bear and other species endangered by global warming.
A 30 minutes walk to and fro would in fact help me lose weight and keep fit, plus avoid getting into arguments about traffic rules and parking rights near my workplace and neighbourhood.
And on my way to work this morning, I noticed that there are at least two abandoned bungalows at Section 16, Petaling Jaya, that could have been put to good use.
I hope to continue walking for the polar bear for as long as I can.
Vanishing Ice (World Environment Day Special)
Animal Planet Premiere Tuesday June 5 at 6.30pm
Coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, Animal Planet will feature two one-hour programs back-to-back every Tuesday throughout June, focusing on a variety of animals affected by the world’s melting ice. See how climate change and other environmental impacts are dramatically affecting polar bears, killer whales, wolves and penguins and what the changes mean for their imminent future. Vanishing Ice World Environment Day special programs include: June 05 (6.30pm) – Boy Among Polar Bears June 05 (7.30pm) – Face To Face With The Polar Bear
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
MyCORP/DIVE and More
To correct Freelunch2020's perception of me as a 'tai tai', I feel compelled to write about projects that kept me busy in the last month or so.
The first is my pet project that had me going and talking to city councillors, local educationists, community activists, youths and citizens who are interested in being change agents or 'interventionists'.
The second is a Community Creativity Centre that my neighbour cum 'new best friend', F, roped me into.
And the third is the Citizen Think Tank that I had the honour to be one of its moderators:
http://www.citizenthinktank.com
Now, if I only have the time and energy to undertake all these successfully to the end.
The first is my pet project that had me going and talking to city councillors, local educationists, community activists, youths and citizens who are interested in being change agents or 'interventionists'.
The second is a Community Creativity Centre that my neighbour cum 'new best friend', F, roped me into.
And the third is the Citizen Think Tank that I had the honour to be one of its moderators:
http://www.citizenthinktank.com
Now, if I only have the time and energy to undertake all these successfully to the end.
My Fair Lady The Musical
I had to abandon two sets of friends to seize the opportunity to watch MFLTM at the KL Convention Center on the evening of May 18th. KL being the supposed cultural hub of Malaysia had, of course, to observe Malaysian time and tolerate Malaysians' idosyncrasies. In other words, the actors had to wait for the audience taking their own sweet time dribbling into the auditorium and perform while babies are bawling their lungs out!
Apart from that, we managed to enjoy the show and the hor douvres during the interval. However, I still prefer the film version with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. NiA wished Eliza had rode into the sunset with Freddy but I had to remind her that the play was based on 'Pygmalion' which was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1916. In any case, I chose to interpret it as a question of compatibility between two human souls and tried to ignore the age difference between the protagonists.
Goodbye Boys
NiA decided we do something different on Mother's Day and watch a local indie movie for a change.
Goodbye Boys is a coming-of-age story set in 1990 against the backdrop of Kinta Valley. A group of eight Form Five Ipoh boys went on a 5-day 100km hike to fulfill a King Scouts requirement and returned to become young men just in time for the Farewell Prom organised by none other than the Convent girls. Reminds me of my numerous journeys with Yat to Batu Gajah, Tanjung Tualang and Ipoh during my secondary school holidays. And those '90s ballads were worth listening and humming to again.
Marche Movenpick
Have always wanted to dine at Marche Movenpick and finally had the chance on Mother's Day. Love the European marketplace and hawker style concept, the fresh fruit juices, the creamy risotto, the super sausage and the Alps Coffee.
The staff can perhaps be more generous with their smiles and the local patrons could certainly practice restraint in piling their plates!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Women Over 40
(Or what my poolside cafetaria operator would say in one breath: "Womenover35")
60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS):
"As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.
Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.
Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress.
Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?", here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!"
AMEN!
DAVID KL YEAP
Bean there...
Couldn't resist sharing this, courtesy of Paulene Leong:
mrbeanbastic.wmv
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best, Bean, on your future project/s.
Do keep us entertained with your shenanigans and silly antics!
mrbeanbastic.wmv
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best, Bean, on your future project/s.
Do keep us entertained with your shenanigans and silly antics!
Monday, May 07, 2007
A Day in the Life
May 13th/Mother's Day is around the corner, once again.
In the spirit of universal matriarchy, I've been contemplating a career change which would enable me to contribute much more to the society, and the country, given the right opportunities.
My colleagues - JL, NYM, RS - and I had been scouting a post-conflict squatter area the last few weeks to see if we could embark on a participatory action research by testing a multicultural or diversity team-building module that can then be replicated. However, we discovered that the authorities had employed a quick-fix or band-aid solution to the racial problems by relocating and segregating the ethnic groups involved to two separate transit settlements, and ultimately, permanent low-cost, high-rise residential units. Thus, we decided on an alternate and proximate location for our pilot project in conjunction with the school holidays.
By the Grace of God, over the break, I was alerted of a very exciting project that my fellow 'murid' and sister, F, is currently involved in and was somehow roped into conceptualising the programmes and activities. This is something that would definitely allow me to realise my dream of facilitating a new breed of creative and productive community that will gradually disengage from a crude culture of consumption. Now, I would surely jump on board if the offer is right!
So much for the crossroads that I'm at.
Here's a different offer from the International Museum of Women:
Waking up the children, vacuuming the home, looking over homework, a trip to the market, sharing naps and Sesame Street…
All in a day’s work! Mothers world over multitask. But what if in addition to all this they have to struggle to survive? What if every day means not knowing how you can provide your children with a safe home and stable future?
Meet Ruth Natasha from Nigeria who gives us a glimpse into her thoughts as an HIV positive mother. Read Suzanna Camil Ali’s account of her life as a Palestinian mother at the Al’Azzah refugee camp in Bethlehem. As she goes about her day safety, politics and housework all have a part to play. See Justyna Mielnikiewicz’s striking images of Eka’s life. Eka, a half Georgian, half Russian mother struggles to make ends meet for her family.
What is a day in your life like? Tell us your story.
http://imaginingourselves.imow.org
In the spirit of universal matriarchy, I've been contemplating a career change which would enable me to contribute much more to the society, and the country, given the right opportunities.
My colleagues - JL, NYM, RS - and I had been scouting a post-conflict squatter area the last few weeks to see if we could embark on a participatory action research by testing a multicultural or diversity team-building module that can then be replicated. However, we discovered that the authorities had employed a quick-fix or band-aid solution to the racial problems by relocating and segregating the ethnic groups involved to two separate transit settlements, and ultimately, permanent low-cost, high-rise residential units. Thus, we decided on an alternate and proximate location for our pilot project in conjunction with the school holidays.
By the Grace of God, over the break, I was alerted of a very exciting project that my fellow 'murid' and sister, F, is currently involved in and was somehow roped into conceptualising the programmes and activities. This is something that would definitely allow me to realise my dream of facilitating a new breed of creative and productive community that will gradually disengage from a crude culture of consumption. Now, I would surely jump on board if the offer is right!
So much for the crossroads that I'm at.
Here's a different offer from the International Museum of Women:
Waking up the children, vacuuming the home, looking over homework, a trip to the market, sharing naps and Sesame Street…All in a day’s work! Mothers world over multitask. But what if in addition to all this they have to struggle to survive? What if every day means not knowing how you can provide your children with a safe home and stable future?
Meet Ruth Natasha from Nigeria who gives us a glimpse into her thoughts as an HIV positive mother. Read Suzanna Camil Ali’s account of her life as a Palestinian mother at the Al’Azzah refugee camp in Bethlehem. As she goes about her day safety, politics and housework all have a part to play. See Justyna Mielnikiewicz’s striking images of Eka’s life. Eka, a half Georgian, half Russian mother struggles to make ends meet for her family.
What is a day in your life like? Tell us your story.
http://imaginingourselves.imow.org
Saturday, April 28, 2007
WAY TO GO, NOLA!
Woman, 95, to be oldest college graduateBy CARL MANNING, Associated Press Writer Fri Apr 27, 4:02 AM ET
HAYS, Kan. - Sitting on the front row in her college classes carefully taking notes, Nola Ochs is just as likely to answer questions as to ask them. That's not the only thing distinguishing her from fellow students at Fort Hays State University. She's 95, and when she graduates May 12, she'll be what is believed to be the world's oldest person to be awarded a college degree.
She didn't plan it that way. She just loved to learn as a teenager on a Hodgeman County farm, then as a teacher at a one-room school after graduating from high school and later as a farm wife and mother.
"That yearning for study was still there. I came here with no thought of it being an unusual thing at all," she said. "It was something I wanted to do. It gave me a feeling of satisfaction. I like to study and learn."
The record Ochs will break, according to Guinness World Records, belongs to Mozelle Richardson, who at age 90 in 2004 received a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma.
"We should all be so lucky and do such amazing things. Her achievement challenges us all to reach for our own goals and dreams," said Tom Nelson, AARP chief operating officer in Washington.
She's getting offers for television appearances, and reporters show up wanting to interview her. She acknowledges enjoying it.
"It brings attention to this college and this part of the state. Good people live here," she said. "And I still wear the same size hat."
But she added: "I don't dwell on my age. It might limit what I can do. As long as I have my mind and health, it's just a number."
Ochs is proudest of being the matriarch of a family that includes three sons — a fourth died in 1995 — along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
"They're all such fine boys," she said. "Our main crop is our children, and the farm is a good place to raise them."
Ochs started taking classes at Dodge City Community College after her husband of 39 years, Vernon, died in 1972. A class here and there over the years, and she was close to having enough hours for an undergraduate degree.
Last fall, Ochs moved the 100 miles from her farm southwest of Jetmore to an apartment on campus to complete the final 30 hours to get a general studies degree with an emphasis on history.
At 5-foot-2, her white hair pulled into a bun, she walks purposely down hallways to classes with her books in a cloth tote bag. Students nod and smile; she's described as witty, charming and down to earth.
"Everybody has accepted me, and I feel just like another student," she said. "The students respect me."
Coming out of a classroom, Skyla Foster, a junior majoring in history, sees Ochs and calls out to her. To everyone on campus, she's "Nola," not Mrs. Ochs — and that's the way she wants it.
"She is pretty neat, a very interesting person and very knowledgeable," Foster said.
Todd Leahy, history department chairman, wondered at first if Ochs could keep up with the other students. After her second week, all doubts were gone, as he discovered she could provide tidbits of history.
Leahy, who had Ochs in four classes, wantsto record oral histories with her after she graduates.
"I can tell them about it, but to have Nola in class adds a dynamic that can't be topped," Leahy said. "It's a firsthand perspective you seldom get."
For instance, Ochs offered recollections of the 1930s Midwest dust bowl, when skies were so dark that lamps were lit during the day and wet sheets were placed over windows to keep out dust that sounded like pelting sleet hitting the house.
During a discussion about World War II, Ochs told how she and her husband, along with other wheat farmers in the area, grew soybeans on some of their acres for the war effort.
"I would have never talked about that in class, but she brought it up and we talked about it," Leahy said. "She often adds color to the face of history."
Ochs hasn't complained about the work, nor has she asked for special considerations.
In her one-bedroom apartment, books are open and papers and notes are within easy reach when she sits down at her computer to research and write.
"I came up here with that purpose. No, I never doubted it. Other people did it," she said. "I came up here to work, and I enjoy it."
Ochs said she has learned new things. She said she has attained a better understanding of Russian history and the role Dwight Eisenhower played in the D-Day invasion.
An added joy for Ochs is that her 21-year-old granddaughter, Alexandra Ochs, will graduate with her.
"How many people my age have a chance to hang out with their grandmothers? She's really accepted by the other students," Alexandra said. "They enjoy her, but probably not as much as I do."
Ochs said she looks forward to getting home to help with the wheat harvest, as she has done every year for as long as she can remember. After harvest, she might travel or take more classes at a community college.
After that?
"I'm going to seek employment on a cruise ship as a storyteller," she said, smiling.
The determined look in her eye leaves no doubt she's serious.
___
Anyone bound for Bali Labour Day break? Welcome on board!
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