After approximately 3 minutes explaining my situation on the phone to PosMalaysia (PM)...
Me: I'm very sure it's in Malaysia, you see, because the other packages which were sent on the same day have arrived, and even one which was sent on a later day has arrived but—
PM: I'm sorry Mr. Joshua but it was sent via ordinary mail so we cannot trace the package without a tracking code.
Me: Ok, the address for the packages is Jalan Yap Kwan Seng at—
PM: We cannot track the package with an address Mr. Joshua.
Me: Yes, yes, I understand that, but can you tell me which post office or centre I should go to to check if package is there?
PM: No, the post office also wouldn't know where the package is.
Me: You mean I can't even go there to check?
PM: Yes.
Me: So you're telling me there's nothing I can do but sit and wait and hope for the best?
PM: Yes.
Me: What if the package never arrives?
PM: You'll have to inform the seller, who will put in a lost package report, and they'll refund you.
Me: Do you know what a FACEPALM is?*
*I wish I said this instead of "Erm, well, ok then, thank you, good bye."
[Ed 30/6: I received the package today! Yay! But gosh, it took a month when it was supposed to take 7-10 days.]
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Monday, 27 June 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0. Release All Detained
In this time of utter ludicrousness, I'm glad some people in my country are still making sense.
Thanks Irene and Tenaganita for this.
Press Statement, June 27, 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0
Release All Detained.
Bersih 2.0 is a citizen's collective and movement to ensure clean and fair elections. The government of the day must recognize such laudable initiatives by the Rakyat as it strengthens democracy and justice in the country. While citizens have the right to vote, the Election Commission established through Parliament, must ensure citizens are well informed, the electoral processes and systems are fair and clean and corruption is eliminated.
Bersih 2.0's eight demands basically move to ensure the above noble principles. The government, if it is clean and fair, should support the rally without fear or favor. But what we see today is aggressive intimidation, harassment and violence against ordinary citizens and organizers of the Bersih 2.0 programs of raising consciousness for a free, fair and clean elections.
It is indeed ridiculous that the government is riddled with fear to the extent of using the classic communist bogey for a clamp down on democracy. The use of its machinery and institutions, in particular the police force to deter people from participating from public meetings and even wearing the Bersih yellow t-shirts cannot be accepted as it is clear abuse of power.
Tenaganita condemns the arrests and detention and intimidation of all persons and demands the release of all detainees. We are deeply concerned over the one week remand of 31 PSM leaders and activists using the bogey of revival of communism and rebellion against the King. It is indeed absurd.
The "attack" on Bersih 2.0 activists reflects the failure of the government in upholding democracy and its principles, good governance and ensuring free, fair and clean elections.
The fear bogeys no longer work. The rakyat is not breaking any law as it is using its fundamental right to assemble peacefully, guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, already proven in the Bersih rally in 2007. The role of the police is to ensure traffic flow and that no one uses violence on the peaceful assembly.
We march for democracy, for clean and fair elections that are so much needed for our country and respect that right of all Malaysians.
Signed:
Dr. Irene Fernandez
Executive Director
Tenaganita
Thanks Irene and Tenaganita for this.
Press Statement, June 27, 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0
Release All Detained.
Bersih 2.0 is a citizen's collective and movement to ensure clean and fair elections. The government of the day must recognize such laudable initiatives by the Rakyat as it strengthens democracy and justice in the country. While citizens have the right to vote, the Election Commission established through Parliament, must ensure citizens are well informed, the electoral processes and systems are fair and clean and corruption is eliminated.
Bersih 2.0's eight demands basically move to ensure the above noble principles. The government, if it is clean and fair, should support the rally without fear or favor. But what we see today is aggressive intimidation, harassment and violence against ordinary citizens and organizers of the Bersih 2.0 programs of raising consciousness for a free, fair and clean elections.
It is indeed ridiculous that the government is riddled with fear to the extent of using the classic communist bogey for a clamp down on democracy. The use of its machinery and institutions, in particular the police force to deter people from participating from public meetings and even wearing the Bersih yellow t-shirts cannot be accepted as it is clear abuse of power.
Tenaganita condemns the arrests and detention and intimidation of all persons and demands the release of all detainees. We are deeply concerned over the one week remand of 31 PSM leaders and activists using the bogey of revival of communism and rebellion against the King. It is indeed absurd.
The "attack" on Bersih 2.0 activists reflects the failure of the government in upholding democracy and its principles, good governance and ensuring free, fair and clean elections.
The fear bogeys no longer work. The rakyat is not breaking any law as it is using its fundamental right to assemble peacefully, guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, already proven in the Bersih rally in 2007. The role of the police is to ensure traffic flow and that no one uses violence on the peaceful assembly.
We march for democracy, for clean and fair elections that are so much needed for our country and respect that right of all Malaysians.
Signed:
Dr. Irene Fernandez
Executive Director
Tenaganita
Saturday, 18 June 2011
S'kali
We Are Malaysian Made is bringing you yet another high-quality local film: S'kali by Perantauan Pictures.
The film will screen at The Actors Studio, Lot 10 Rooftop, tomorrow 19th June, 3.30pm-5.00pm, and there'll be two live music acts: Asmidar and Bihzhu, both amazingly talented.
What's great is that entry is by a small RM10 donation, all in support of local filmakers and music performers. Now is that a good deal or is that a good deal?
The film will screen at The Actors Studio, Lot 10 Rooftop, tomorrow 19th June, 3.30pm-5.00pm, and there'll be two live music acts: Asmidar and Bihzhu, both amazingly talented.
What's great is that entry is by a small RM10 donation, all in support of local filmakers and music performers. Now is that a good deal or is that a good deal?
Monday, 13 June 2011
Addicted to War
Addicted to War by Joel Andreas is a comic book exposing (and I qoute) “Why the U.S. Can't Kick Militarism”.
I found it to be a fascinating read (actually I read it ages ago but only now thought to share it). I make no claims in support of it’s veracity or position, although it is quite well referenced (for a comic book) and is certainly food for thought vis-a-viz justifications for some of the post WWII wars as well as U.S. foreign policy, which profoundly affects many non-Americans.
You can click on the post title to visit the site and read the entire book for free.
I found it to be a fascinating read (actually I read it ages ago but only now thought to share it). I make no claims in support of it’s veracity or position, although it is quite well referenced (for a comic book) and is certainly food for thought vis-a-viz justifications for some of the post WWII wars as well as U.S. foreign policy, which profoundly affects many non-Americans.
You can click on the post title to visit the site and read the entire book for free.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Gospel Meeting 10-12 June
My congregation is hosting a gospel meeting at our building in Kota Kemuning this 10th-12th June (this weekend), with the theme Come to Jesus.
Please come: all are welcome and it is free of charge. The topics will focus on what Jesus Christ can provide us in this day and age, and will be thought by Bro. Kwan Tai Choom, a very experienced preacher of God's word.
More details including exact location, time and topics can be found here.
Contact me if you need more info!
J
Please come: all are welcome and it is free of charge. The topics will focus on what Jesus Christ can provide us in this day and age, and will be thought by Bro. Kwan Tai Choom, a very experienced preacher of God's word.
More details including exact location, time and topics can be found here.
Contact me if you need more info!
J
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Quote of the Week
"The best intelligence test is what we do with our leisure."Dr. Laurence Johnston Peter (September 16, 1919 – January 12, 1990), Canadian-American educator.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
I Used To Think Busy People Were Crazy
…now I’m one of them.
Thankfully though, I was unemployed today—I was on leave. I managed to get sufficient and restful sleep, regular meals, got lots of chores done, ate spiritual food at Friday Bible class and enjoyed the whole day free of clients. Ah, bliss. I thought I’d drop a note here, after leaving this space dusty for so long. I’m sorry I’ve been away, but you’ll be glad to know I’m still alive and kickin’, often all over the place.
Life has been moving at a maddening, breathless rate, with lots of work (mid-year is usually busiest for my department) and endless out-of-work assignments, commitments, projects, plays, events, parties, get-togethers, etc. I’m walking on a tight rope of time, balancing a pole with a job on one end and on the other, my insatiable need to create and express, meet friends, try new things and have fun.
Often I’ll be pulling out my already thinning hair due to this grievance or that, and when you meet me I’ll start complaining about incoming stomach ulcers, but on the rare chances I do get to sit back reflect (like today), I’ve little to truly complain about. Of course I don’t enjoy the stress or lack of time, but on a deeper level, I am thankful to be employed (or more accurately, paid). I’m blessed with supportive firends (even if I don't seem them nearly as often as I wish to), family and church members. I’m lucky to have creative outlets I can turn to (even if not all of them can be fully realized). Yes, I don't get to do nearly as many things as I wish, but I’d personally rather have too little time to do too many things than too much time to do nothing. God has been gracious.
Just some updates:
I’m now also a writer at WAMM now. It’s We Are Malaysian Made, a site dedicated to Malaysian arts, not a George Michael tribute band. I contribute pieces on theatre, and the next one will be an interview with a set designer. To those of you who are visiting from WAMM, hello there, please drop by again.
Speaking of theatre, my gosh, I’ve just watched so much quality theatre over the last month that I can truly say I’m very proud of our local talent, which has grown from strength to strength. And speaking of talent, oh look: plug-in time!
The Platform @ klpac, the open-mic night for theatre which I co-ordinate, is running this Monday night at 8.30pm, indicine, Level 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park. It’s a brilliant showcase of new talent in acting, writing and directing. Best of all, it’s FREE, so make sure you come! Hey, supporting new talents beats being stuck in an inane traffic jam.
Ah oh look again: plug in #2. I will be directing a play for next month’s Platform on July 4th (the final installation, which I'll also host). Make sure you come for that!
I’m also working on some short film projects with a budding film-maker. By ‘budding’ I mean he’s never done this before, but I have faith in him. Watch this space, Imma gonna be famous yo.
I also have a lot (and I mean a lot) of other stuff I want/plan/have to do in many different areas, but I shall refrain from listing them here lest you think I’ve gone bonkers and have declared myself an idiot-ubermensch.
Yet amidst all this crazy work and play, something, or rather, someone dropped by, quite unexpectedly. An old spirit and a comforting wind, here to stay for a while. I’m looking forward to spending time with this star of mine. :)
Peace,
Josh
Thankfully though, I was unemployed today—I was on leave. I managed to get sufficient and restful sleep, regular meals, got lots of chores done, ate spiritual food at Friday Bible class and enjoyed the whole day free of clients. Ah, bliss. I thought I’d drop a note here, after leaving this space dusty for so long. I’m sorry I’ve been away, but you’ll be glad to know I’m still alive and kickin’, often all over the place.
Life has been moving at a maddening, breathless rate, with lots of work (mid-year is usually busiest for my department) and endless out-of-work assignments, commitments, projects, plays, events, parties, get-togethers, etc. I’m walking on a tight rope of time, balancing a pole with a job on one end and on the other, my insatiable need to create and express, meet friends, try new things and have fun.
Often I’ll be pulling out my already thinning hair due to this grievance or that, and when you meet me I’ll start complaining about incoming stomach ulcers, but on the rare chances I do get to sit back reflect (like today), I’ve little to truly complain about. Of course I don’t enjoy the stress or lack of time, but on a deeper level, I am thankful to be employed (or more accurately, paid). I’m blessed with supportive firends (even if I don't seem them nearly as often as I wish to), family and church members. I’m lucky to have creative outlets I can turn to (even if not all of them can be fully realized). Yes, I don't get to do nearly as many things as I wish, but I’d personally rather have too little time to do too many things than too much time to do nothing. God has been gracious.
Just some updates:
I’m now also a writer at WAMM now. It’s We Are Malaysian Made, a site dedicated to Malaysian arts, not a George Michael tribute band. I contribute pieces on theatre, and the next one will be an interview with a set designer. To those of you who are visiting from WAMM, hello there, please drop by again.
Speaking of theatre, my gosh, I’ve just watched so much quality theatre over the last month that I can truly say I’m very proud of our local talent, which has grown from strength to strength. And speaking of talent, oh look: plug-in time!
The Platform @ klpac, the open-mic night for theatre which I co-ordinate, is running this Monday night at 8.30pm, indicine, Level 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park. It’s a brilliant showcase of new talent in acting, writing and directing. Best of all, it’s FREE, so make sure you come! Hey, supporting new talents beats being stuck in an inane traffic jam.
Ah oh look again: plug in #2. I will be directing a play for next month’s Platform on July 4th (the final installation, which I'll also host). Make sure you come for that!
I’m also working on some short film projects with a budding film-maker. By ‘budding’ I mean he’s never done this before, but I have faith in him. Watch this space, Imma gonna be famous yo.
I also have a lot (and I mean a lot) of other stuff I want/plan/have to do in many different areas, but I shall refrain from listing them here lest you think I’ve gone bonkers and have declared myself an idiot-ubermensch.
Yet amidst all this crazy work and play, something, or rather, someone dropped by, quite unexpectedly. An old spirit and a comforting wind, here to stay for a while. I’m looking forward to spending time with this star of mine. :)
Peace,
Josh
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