It's Not The Heat, It's The Humidity.

Oh Snap!

2012-01-31T19:11:00.000+08:00

I have no idea made this originally, but I found it via Kareen.

Two Poems

2012-01-13T17:57:00.003+08:00

Both inspired by this painting attributed to Brueghel.

Poems after the jump.

Musee des Beaux Arts
by W.H. Auden

About suffering they were never wrong,
The Old Masters; how well, they understood
Its human position; how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along;
How, when the aged are reverently, passionately waiting
For the miraculous birth, there always must be
Children who did not specially want it to happen, skating
On a pond at the edge of the wood:
They never forgot
That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course
Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot
Where the dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturer's horse
Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.
In Breughel's Icarus, for instance: how everything turns away
Quite leisurely from the disaster; the ploughman may
Have heard the splash, the forsaken cry,
But for him it was not an important failure; the sun shone
As it had to on the white legs disappearing into the green
Water; and the expensive delicate ship that must have seen
Something amazing, a boy falling out of the sky,
had somewhere to get to and sailed calmly on.

Landscape With The Fall of Icarus
by William Carlos Williams

According to Brueghel
when Icarus fell
it was spring

a farmer was ploughing
his field
the whole pageantry

of the year was
awake tingling
near

the edge of the sea
concerned
with itself

sweating in the sun
that melted
the wings' wax

unsignificantly
off the coast
there was

a splash quite unnoticed
this was
Icarus drowning

Go! Gogogo! Gogogo!

2012-01-13T14:44:00.000+08:00

I think the direction for this video is tasteful and polished.

BTW, can you spot Elvira Arul?

Pure Win

2012-01-13T12:31:00.000+08:00

Good Morning World

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000+08:00

Heard this on BFM89.9 just now and thought it was an interesting take on the famous Bond song. Apparently Sir Paul himself chose Duffy to cover it.

Am I really who I was?

2012-01-12T12:39:00.000+08:00

<br><br>RR

The point of the long and winding sentence

2012-01-11T21:40:00.004+08:00

A wonderful piece to remind me, that yes, there is still room for and purpose to the long sentence. Found via Shaqyl. Click on post title to visit original L.A. Times page.

Pico Iyer says writing longer phrases is a way to protest the speed of information bites people are subjected to each day. Special to the Los Angeles Times, January 8, 2012.

"Your sentences are so long," said a friend who teaches English at a local college, and I could tell she didn't quite mean it as a compliment. The copy editor who painstakingly went through my most recent book often put yellow dashes on-screen around my multiplying clauses, to ask if I didn't want to break up my sentences or put less material in every one. Both responses couldn't have been kinder or more considered, but what my friend and my colleague may not have sensed was this: I'm using longer and longer sentences as a small protest against — and attempt to rescue any readers I might have from — the bombardment of the moment.

When I began writing for a living, my feeling was that my job was to give the reader something vivid, quick and concrete that she couldn't get in any other form; a writer was an information-gathering machine, I thought, and especially as a journalist, my job was to go out into the world and gather details, moments, impressions as visual and immediate as TV. Facts were what we needed most. And if you watched the world closely enough, I believed (and still do), you could begin to see what it would do next, just as you can with a sibling or a friend; Don DeLillo or Salman Rushdie aren't mystics, but they can tell us what the world is going to do tomorrow because they follow it so attentively.

Yet nowadays the planet is moving too fast for even a Rushdie or DeLillo to keep up, and many of us in the privileged world have access to more information than we know what to do with. What we crave is something that will free us from the overcrowded moment and allow us to see it in a larger light. No writer can compete, for speed and urgency, with texts or CNN news flashes or RSS feeds, but any writer can try to give us the depth, the nuances — the "gaps," as Annie Dillard calls them — that don't show up on many screens. Not everyone wants to be reduced to a sound bite or a bumper sticker.

Enter (I hope) the long sentence: the collection of clauses that is so many-chambered and lavish and abundant in tones and suggestions, that has so much room for near-contradiction and ambiguity and those places in memory or imagination that can't be simplified, or put into easy words, that it allows the reader to keep many things in her head and heart at the same time, and to descend, as by a spiral staircase, deeper into herself and those things that won't be squeezed into an either/or. With each clause, we're taken further and further from trite conclusions — or that at least is the hope — and away from reductionism, as if the writer were a dentist, saying "Open wider" so that he can probe the tender, neglected spaces in the reader (though in this case it's not the mouth that he's attending to but the mind).

"There was a little stoop of humility," Alan Hollinghurst writes in a sentence I've chosen almost at random from his recent novel "The Stranger's Child," "as she passed through the door, into the larger but darker library beyond, a hint of frailty, an affectation of bearing more than her fifty-nine years, a slight bewildered totter among the grandeur that her daughter now had to pretend to take for granted." You may notice — though you don't have to — that "humility" has rather quickly elided into "affectation," and the point of view has shifted by the end of the sentence, and the physical movement through the rooms accompanies a gradual inner movement that progresses through four parallel clauses, each of which, though legato, suggests a slightly different take on things.

Many a reader will have no time for this; William Gass or Sir Thomas Browne may seem long-winded, the equivalent of driving from L.A. to San Francisco by way of Death Valley, Tijuana and the Sierras. And a highly skilled writer, a Hemingway or James Salter, can get plenty of shading and suggestion into even the shortest and straightest of sentences. But too often nowadays our writing is telegraphic as a way of keeping our thinking simplistic, our feeling slogan-crude. The short sentence is the domain of uninflected talk-radio rants and shouting heads on TV who feel that qualification or subtlety is an assault on their integrity (and not, as it truly is, integrity's greatest adornment).

If we continue along this road, whole areas of feeling and cognition and experience will be lost to us. We will not be able to read one another very well if we can't read Proust's labyrinthine sentences, admitting us to those half-lighted realms where memory blurs into imagination, and we hide from the person we care for or punish the thing that we love. And how can we feel the layers, the sprawl, the many-sidedness of Istanbul in all its crowding amplitude without the 700-word sentence, transcribing its features, that Orhan Pamuk offered in tribute to his lifelong love?

To pick up a book is, ideally, to enter a world of intimacy and continuity; the best volumes usher us into a larger universe, a more spacious state of mind akin to the one I feel when hearing Bach (or Sigur Rós) or watching a Terrence Malick film. I cherish Thomas Pynchon's prose (in "Mason & Dixon," say), not just because it's beautiful, but because his long, impeccable sentences take me, with each clause, further from the normal and the predictable, and deeper into dimensions I hadn't dared to contemplate. I can't get enough of Philip Roth because the energy and the complication of his sentences, at his best, pull me into a furious debate in which I see a mind alive, self-questioning, wildly controlled in its engagement with the world. His is a prose that banishes all simplicities while never letting go of passion.

Not every fashioner of many-comma'd sentences works for every one of us — I happen to find Henry James unreadable, his fussily unfolding clauses less a reflection of his noticing everything than of his inability to make up his mind or bring anything to closure: a kind of mental stutter. But the promise of the long sentence is that it will take you beyond the known, far from shore, into depths and mysteries you can't get your mind, or most of your words, around.

When I read the great exemplar of this, Herman Melville — and when I feel the building tension as Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" swells with clause after biblical clause of all the things people of his skin color cannot do — I feel as if I'm stepping out of the crowded, overlighted fluorescent culture of my local convenience store and being taken up to a very high place from which I can see across time and space, in myself and in the world. It's as if I've been rescued, for a moment, from the jostle and rush of the 405 Freeway and led back to something inside me that has room for certainty and doubt at once.

Watch Dillard light up and rise up and ease down as she finds, near the end of her 1974 book "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," "a maple key, a single winged seed from a pair. Hullo. I threw it into the wind and it flew off again, bristling with animate purpose, not like a thing dropped or windblown, pushed by the witless winds of convection currents hauling round the world's rondure where they must, but like a creature muscled and vigorous, or a creature spread thin to that other wind, the wind of the spirit which bloweth where it listeth, lighting, and raising up, and easing down."

I love books; I read and write them for the same reason I love to talk with a friend for 10 hours, not 10 minutes (let alone, as is the case with the average Web page, 10 seconds). The longer our talk goes, ideally, the less I feel pushed and bullied into the unbreathing boxes of black and white, Republican or Democrat, us or them. The long sentence is how we begin to free ourselves from the machine-like world of bullet points and the inhumanity of ballot-box yeas or nays.

There'll always be a place for the short sentence, and no one could thrill more than I to the eerie incantations of DeLillo, building up menace with each reiterated note, or the compressed wisdom of a Wilde; it's the elegant conciseness of their phrases that allow us to carry around the ideas of an Emerson (or Lao Tzu) as if they were commandments or proverbs of universal application.

But we've got shortness and speed up the wazoo these days; what I long for is something that will sustain me and stretch me till something snaps, take me so far beyond a simple clause or a single formulation that suddenly, unexpectedly, I find myself in a place that feels as spacious and strange as life itself.

The long sentence opens the very doors that a short sentence simply slams shut. Though the sentence I sent my copy editor was as short as possible. No.

Iyer is the author, most recently, of "The Man Within My Head," published this month.

Copyright © 2012, Los Angeles Times

The Joy of Books

2012-01-11T12:31:00.000+08:00

Yup, nothing.

Writing for WAMM

2012-01-10T01:00:00.001+08:00

I've just written two posts at WAMM.
One is about Khai's new movie Relationship Status which you can read here.
The other is about the upcoming re-staging of two awesomesauce plays: Parah and Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, which you can read here.

I wrote about these movies and plays because I sincerely believe them to be worth my time and the time of my friends.

If you can spend 4 hours watching Korean dramas / American sitcoms, you can spare 2 hours to watch a local production. If you can spend RM11 on a Hollywood rom-com, you can spare the same for a local movie. If you can spend RM400 on a West End/Broadway musical (transferred from Melbourne) and go to Singapore to watch it, you can spend RM40 on a play at a local theater. Put your prejudice and skepticism aside and support our local arts.

Khairil M. Bahar's Relationship Status

2012-01-07T09:45:00.002+08:00

I think the little star on the poster above (added by Michael Chen) is pretty self-explanatory.

So I managed to catch the premier of Khai's movie last Thursday and I really liked it.

I guess you could call me biased, but I found it to showcase a sharp writing and admirably understated performances. The script had depth and subtlety (few local films do) and the stories were really told on such a human level, which made it very relatable.

Go watch it guys. Playing at TGV Sunway Pyramid and KLCC, as well as JB and Penang.

More info.

Blog & Roll: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

2012-01-01T22:30:00.000+08:00

A hilarious collection of fictional words. Example:

ambedo
n. a kind of melacholic trance in which you become completely absorbed in vivid sensory details—raindrops skittering down a window, tall trees leaning in the wind, clouds of cream swirling in your coffee—which leads to a dawning awareness of the haunting fragility of life, a mood whose only known cure is the vuvuzela.

Found via Dee.
Click on post title to visit site.

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.003+08:00

Dear World,
So another year has passed. You've made it this far, so far. That's enough reason to celebrate.
Here's to another year, and many more after that.

Have an awesome 2012! Cheers!

Guang

2011-12-31T16:10:00.001+08:00

Guang, a short film by Quek Shio Chuan, is a tribute to the director's older brother. It won Best Film at the BMW Shorties 2011 Competition as well as Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Sound Design.

WAMM 2.0

2011-12-29T19:43:00.000+08:00

Just in case you don't know, We Are Malaysian Made is back with a fresher face and cool new features.

Oh yeah, I write there.

Click on the post title to visit the site.

Dear Santa

2011-12-21T19:00:00.001+08:00

I've been a good boy. Honest. Ok, not like totally-never-said-a-bad-word-the-whole-year good, but still pretty good. I mean for a lawyer that isn't easy, y'know?

So like, I'll be putting my stocking next to my window (sorry bro, no fireplace) and you can just slip in an ipad2 and a smartphone and dSLR camera (some lens would be nice too) and keys to a nice sports car (which you can leave on the driveway) and the deed to a new house in my name and while you're at it some 1st class flight tickets to the UK as well.

Ok, if you can't give me the car and the house and the extra lens, no probs, I'll be ok. Really, no biggie.

That's all, love you, kthxbai.

Joshua

Merry Christmas Everybody, and may your wishes come true, whatever they are.

Home

2011-12-10T23:55:00.000+08:00

There is something about this girl. Seriously.

The dark side of Dubai

2011-12-10T23:50:00.001+08:00

Johann Hari of the Independent UK writes on Dubai's less-than-pleasant undercurrents. When I read the article, I was struck by how similar the conditions were for migrant workers here in Malaysia. It is amazing (and utterly deplorable) how humans continually enslave and exlpoit each other around the world.

Click on the post title to visit the article.

In Your Arms

2011-11-12T14:10:00.000+08:00

Kina Grannis and director Greg Jardin worked for 2 years to create this video clip. Talk about dedication. This is for SKR.

Check out the Making Of video here.

EPIC

2011-11-12T14:04:00.000+08:00

Too good not to share. Found via Calvin Wong.

However...

2011-11-06T14:45:00.002+08:00

we should move on, however difficult.

Sometimes...

2011-10-29T23:23:00.000+08:00

life just effing sucks. No lie.

Tenaganita Press Statement 16th October 2011

2011-10-17T00:18:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Cambodia for the Ban; Shame on Malaysia for Enslaving Women & Children in Homes & Agencies

Bravo to Cambodia for answering the call of their conscience! We congratulate Prime Minister Hun Sen for making this positive decision as a way forward to ensuring safe migration for Cambodia’s citizens. The decision to ban Cambodians from working as domestic workers in Malaysia came in the wake of numerous reports of physical and sexual violence, mental torture and labour exploitation which placed Cambodian women in a trafficked situation.

Tenaganita is elated that the Cambodian government listened to the pleas of its citizens who were enslaved in homes and agencies in Malaysia. We acknowledge this critical move that is being made to stop the exploitation of its citizens by Malaysia and we call on all countries in the region to take heed that migrants are not for sale and there can be no compromise on the protection of their rights.

We applaud especially MP Mu Sochua from Cambodia, who played a critical role in driving this ban on domestic workers. The honorable MP exercised her duties as a lawmaker and representative of her people by visiting them in the shelters in Malaysia, listening to their voices and the statements by advocates, and most importantly – taking action to stop more women from being placed into this form of bonded labour.

Approximately one month to date, Tenaganita’s statement (“Malaysian Employers Continue to Act with Impunity In the Abuse, Torture & Ill-Treatment of Cambodian Domestic Workers”) showed that out of the 41 cases of domestic workers we had received from February to August 2011, ALL cases fit the definition of human trafficking, where 56% were physically abused, 36% deprived of food and more than 20% had been sexually abused. We then called the Cambodian government to immediately freeze the recruitment until institutional changes were implemented in Malaysia to safeguard the rights of all domestic workers in the country.

However the Malaysian government remains recalcitrant and arrogant in its behavior towards the protection of domestic workers. There is no legal institutional framework to protect the rights of domestic workers [Ed: nor migrant/transitory workers nor refugees/asylum seekers, if I may add. These are also issues which Tenaganita advocates on]. There was an opportunity to recognize domestic workers as workers instead of domestic servants when amendments were made to the Employment Act. The government again failed to recognize domestic work as work, despite urgent calls by labour rights activists, the women’s movement and the Malaysian Bar to correct this critical flaw in our legislation. Malaysia continues to institutionalize slavery in the form of domestic work.

This astounding sign of arrogance by the administration, however, is not shocking. On the 6th of September, Director General of Labor, Datuk Sheikh Yahya Sheikh Mohamed, smugly stated the following in The Star newspaper: “We recruit maids from 11 other countries besides Indonesia. We are not desperate for maids. We can always hire from other countries if they don’t lift the ban”.

We hope therefore the 10 other countries who send their domestic workers to Malaysia go the way of Cambodia and slap us awake. It is well beyond the time for all of us – citizens and Government- of Malaysia to acknowledge some basic truths: 1. We have no right to enslave anyone. 2. We have no right to exploit the desperation brought on by poverty. 3. We do not own the labour of another person. 4. The Malaysian government is duty-bound to ensure no person, regardless of Immigration status, nationality, socio-economic status and gender, is in any form of slavery in this country. 5. The work done by domestic workers is not as a favour to us, but it is work and she must be respected and accorded all rights as any other worker.

We reiterate the calls that we’ve made numerous times that the rights of domestic workers must be brought through a legal framework and that framework is the Employment Act. The relationship and responsibilities are then clarified as employer and employee and not one of master and slave. All domestic workers no matter the country of origin must have the same standard contract signed between the employer and the domestic worker. The new ILO Convention on Domestic work 2011 has defined the rights and thus can be used as the basis for the development of the contract. Tenaganita together with the Bar Council handed over a memorandum to the government two years ago on the rights of domestic workers and included with it a model standard contract for domestic workers. We have not received a response from the government.

On the 14th of October, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein lamented the end of the asylum-seeker swap deal by Australia and Malaysia by saying, “People trafficking is one of the hidden horrors of modern life. The arrangement between our governments would have tackled it in a way that protected the interests of Australia, Malaysia and, above all, the migrants involved." Tenaganita calls on the Home Minister to remove his blinders and look at the horrors faced by domestic workers under his watch, and to put his mouth where his power is to once and for all, seriously address and protect the rights of domestic workers. It is the only way to remove the shame we face not only as a member of ASEAN but also as a global player.

Signed
Dr Irene Fernandez
Executive Director
TENAGANITA SDN BHD

It's Not Where You Go, It's How You Get There

2011-10-08T18:15:00.003+08:00

Sounding the call for change

Free wheelin'

Sharing the experience

Ceci n'est pas une walkway

Still brings a smile

Brilliant

2011-09-28T23:51:00.002+08:00

Found via a lil' fat monkey.
Rick Mereki's tumblr.

Dear Malaysians Ad

2011-09-26T23:20:00.001+08:00

I don't usually feature ads but this one's briliant.

How To Steal Like An Artist

2011-09-26T23:00:00.001+08:00

Austin Kleon gives ridiculously good advice to anyone who wants to be creative. Down to earth and extremely practical, anyone who wants to create any form of art can benefit from a read.

Datanglah!

2011-09-19T23:00:00.003+08:00

Two of my scripts will be read at this event. Do come if you can. Your support would be deeply appreciated.

Happy Malaysia Day!

2011-09-15T21:50:00.000+08:00

I know it's not quite 12am yet, but I'm so happy reading about the ISA abolition and law reforms that I just thought I'd send this out.

As a Malaysian and a lawyer, this means so, so much to me: it feels like the end of a dark era.
What comes next will hopefully be enlightenment, not immediate and universal but one which we must take steps to promote slowly but surely.

The abolishment of the ISA will not solve all our problems overnight, but it is a step in the right direction. Credit where it's due: thank you Najib.

Tomorrow I celebrate!

And this is belated, but appropriate too: Happy Merdeka, my fellow citizens!

Jolt

2011-09-12T00:55:00.007+08:00

I cannot even remember the last time my mental endurance was stretched that far.
I am now struggling to process and digest what has happened over the last week, and its ripple effect on my family and my psyche.

I am now forced to think, reflect and consider carefully what I want in life, both in the short and long term, as well as what I trully value. I hope to find the time to do so in the following weeks.

It was a challenging experience, but in midst of its mad haze I gained immense strength and profound new insights. It’s true what Nietzsche said: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And perhaps a little wiser too.

October Picks: Parah & WAMM Screening

2011-09-12T00:50:00.000+08:00

I wrote-up about an amazing play called Parah at WAMM not too long ago. Apparently the play by Alfian Sa’at will be re-staged at klpac in late October. If you missed its staging at the Annexe Gallery, you should definitely try to catch it this time. Watch this space and klpac.org for more updates!

Before that though, as part of the Actor’s Studio’s Fused series, WAMM will be screening two local indie movies (Love & Luksaah and Damaged Kung Fu) along with a live set by local band ‘Once Upon A Time There Was A Sausage Named Bob’ on 2nd October 2011, 2.30pm at the Actors Studio, Lot 10 Rooftop. Make sure you catch this event, which is by donation of RM10 (that’s cheaper than one mainstream movie ticket guys).

For more info, visit WAMM.

Origami Club

2011-08-22T23:30:00.001+08:00

Click on post title to visit Origami Club, a site on, yup, origami. It actually has animated and drawn instructions, which makes it a lot easier to follow.
Even if you're not a big fan of folding paper (I'm not), you can learn to admire the inherent creativity of origami.

East Africa

2011-08-14T21:00:00.000+08:00

If you can help in cash or kind, please do, if you can't, at least pray for the situation to improve.
The riots in London, the Eurozone and American debt crises, the continued conflicts in the Mid East are newsworthy but seem to jostle attention from the fact that thousands are dying from hunger and sickness in the Horn of Africa. I wonder though, if there is an element of racism in this lack of coverage (compare coverage to the recent earthquakes in Japan), or perhaps that food crises are so commonly reoccuring in African states that the press and public no longer feel they want to know.

Quote of the Week

2011-08-06T12:30:00.000+08:00

“Poetry is life distilled”

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (June 7, 1917 – December 3, 2000), American Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.

I Want To Take You Away

2011-07-19T01:00:00.008+08:00

A lot of times it’s barely conscious, but right now, at this very second, I am truly resigned to the fact that I miss England and the family, friends and dreams I left behind there.

S-A, please help, you know how to deal with this better than I do.

Pah-wee-lyon

2011-07-18T01:00:00.003+08:00

Bersih happened a week ago and it’s still swimming in my head, its energy and images buzzing between the electrodes in my brain. When I have time, I shall attempt to write a 1000 word article to make sense of it. Until then, less in-depth updates:

I went to Bukit Bintang today. Pavilion, Fahrenheit 88, Lot 10, y’know? That area lah.

I bought work shoes from a reputable brand. Cost me an arm and a leg but hopefully this pair lasts longer than my previous two (both fell apart before a year of use).

I’ve always suspected it, but today I’m sure: I just don’t like that part of KL. It’s over-crowded, the roads are always jammed, its buildings are far too close to one another and some spots there are so seedy you gape in amazement: stores selling four-figure designer shoes next to houses which look barely better than a squatter’s hut.

I can’t help but think, one day, when the population of the earth is 12 billion, we shall all live like this: heaving and thronging together, yet oblivious to one another, pushing, shoving, shouting, creating and tolerating massive air, ground and sound pollution around us as we go hell bent on consuming more goods we don’t need. We’ll rub shoulders with pimps, imitation goods sellers, sales people, street performers blowing bubles next to the homeless and of course, plane loads of tourists. There’ll be no where to go to find any refuge or peace.

It’s tiring, that area. And from now on, I don’t think I’ll ever go to Pavilion to shop again. To meet up friends, watch a movie or eat, yes, but not to shop. The sales people there are so used to serving oil tycoons’ wives and the nouveau riche of the far east that you’re basically denigrated to Malaysian-who-won’t-spend-much, unworthy of their attention, unless of course you’re some Datin with the bling to prove it. Half the store people gave me looks like I was completely wasting their time the moment I walked through their doors.

And everyone there seems to have walked out of a fashion magazine. Do these people spend half their time in the gym and the other half buying trendy new clothes? It makes me extremely self conscious even when I’m in khakis and a long-sleeved shirt. I’m not saying come in pajamas, but does everyone have to try so darn hard?

Add in the crowds and overpriced everything (toilets, parking, food, goods) and I really wonder: where’s the pleasure in shopping here?

On a different note: I’ve also written at WAMM about Alfian Sa’at’s Parah, a play staged by the Instant Cafe Theatre Company which I had the immense pleasure of catching 2 weeks ago. Read it here.

Have a great week ahead everyone, and God bless!

Food for Thought

2011-07-17T23:55:00.001+08:00

Some articles of interest. I read them a while ago but only now do I have time to share them. Enjoy!

‘The Value of Following Passion in a Jobless World’ by Lane Wallace at The Atlantic

‘How to survive the age of distraction’ by Johann Hari at The Independent

(Both links via Doulos. Thanks!)

‘Is a Well-Lived Life Worth Anything?’ by Umair Haque at the Harvard Business Review Blog. (Link via Andy Ling. Thanks buddy!)

Saturdays

2011-07-15T18:30:00.003+08:00

Ideal
7.00am – Wake up, wash, walk out to morning air, say: “Today’s gonna be great!”
7.15am – Jog around neighbourhood, wave at strangers, get runner’s high.
8.15am – Shower.
8.30am – Power breakfast of mixed fruit smoothie, wholemeal bread and protein bar.
9.00am – Catch up on local and international news, send out long-due emails.
10.00am – Write article for website/publication/etc.
11.00am – Finish reading novel which should have been finished last month.
12.00pm – Help mum cook a lovely roast lunch.
1.00pm – Lunch with family, everyone updates each other on the week’s events.
2.00pm – Watch DVD with siblings, bond over laughter.
4.15pm – Drive off to KL.
5.00pm – Meet friends at Bangsar, brainstorm major social initiative project over food.
8.30pm – Watch intelligent play at KLPAC with friends.
10.30pm – Mamak session with obligatory intellectual analysis of play.
11.30pm – Leave for home.
12.00am – Wash, read chapter of Bible, sleep.

Reality
9.30am – Wake up, thinking, “What? It’s 9.30, I was supposed to jog at 7! Oh well…” Go back to bed.
10.45am – Actually wake up, walk aimlessly around room, wash.
11.00am – Muck about the house, channel surf, conclude nothing good’s on tv.
11.45am – Feel hungry, walk down to kitchen, cook instant noodles.
12.15pm – Facebook/youtube/twitter/other time-wasting sites.
1.00pm – Saunter down for lunch.
1.30pm – Wash up plates.
1.50pm – Shower.
2.10pm – More time-wasting on internet.
3.30pm – Mild panic that nothing productive has been done so far, pick up highly intellectual book to read.
3.40pm – Notice disarray in room, start cleaning up instead.
4.15pm – “Man! I just spent more than half an hour cleaning up my room! How did it get so messy anyway? Oh, I’m hungry…snack time!” Dig around kitchen for junk food.
4.30 – "I want to write this amazing article in my head but…yawn…zzzz".
6.30 – "Dangit I napped too long!" Join siblings watching Disney Channel.
7.30 – Dinner out with family.
9.30 – Reach home. Check internet for news, followed by more time wasting.
11.00 – Feel guilty. Attempt to read intellectual book again.
11.30 – Use laptop to check definition of difficult word, then go on to facebook.
12.30 – Regret that Saturday has been wasted, wash, sleep.

The Last Platform of 2011

2011-07-01T15:23:00.000+08:00

Hello People,
So we all know things seem pretty scary right now in our neck of the woods. Not the I'm-not-leaving-my-room kind of scary, more like...I-cannot-believe-how-absurd-and-stupid-this-is kind of scary, y'know?

Anyway, if you want to be un-scared, that is, if you want to do something that makes you go, "Hey, it's not all bad in this yellow-phobic country, there's hope!", then I suggest you come share the love with me this Monday evening at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre.

I'm emceeing the last of klpac's Platform showcases for 2011. The Platform is an open mic night for theatre where new writers, directors and actors come strut their shinny new stuff, and if that's not enticing enough, I'm directing a short play and one of my short plays is being staged. Not only that, we have a full slate of 7 (yes SEVEN) new pieces for your viewing pleasure.

Date: 4th July 2011 Monday
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: indicine, Level 2 of klpac, Sentul Park.
Price: FREE

No kidding guys, it's free, just show up at the door! Now, why would you choose being stuck in a jam and cursing yourself to a FREE show where you can watch seven great plays and support new talent in the performing arts?

See you there!

A Virtue Indeed

2011-06-29T16:40:00.000+08:00

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.]

Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0. Release All Detained

2011-06-27T18:40:00.001+08:00

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

S'kali

2011-06-18T13:30:00.002+08:00

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?

Addicted to War

2011-06-13T06:00:00.017+08:00

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.

Gospel Meeting 10-12 June

2011-06-07T23:15:00.000+08:00

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

Quote of the Week

2011-06-05T22:15:00.000+08:00

"The best intelligence test is what we do with our leisure."

Dr. Laurence Johnston Peter (September 16, 1919 – January 12, 1990), Canadian-American educator.

I Used To Think Busy People Were Crazy

2011-06-04T01:00:00.009+08:00

…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

Stuff I Found

2011-05-06T00:00:00.000+08:00

I hope some of you will find these tools/links useful.

For users of QuickTime, I've found an awesome free add-on component called Perian, dubbed ‘The Swiss-Army Knife of QuickTime components’ allows QuickTime to read a variety of popular video codecs not natively supported. This would lessen your need to use seperate apps for different video formats. Link here.

For those who do web-design, Piknik Colour Picker (not to be confused with the wonderful Picnik online photo editor) is a very useful tool to get the right colour quickly. It works very intuitively and shows rgb, hex and hsl values which you simply click to copy. Link here .

For those who have a million ongoing commitments, projects, distractions, tasks to complete, things to buy, goals to achieve, people to meet, etc. etc., writing it all on random scraps of paper may not be the best idea in the long run. Use online to-do lists to keep it all under control and in one place. Here are some options:

Remember the Milk and Toodledo
Both feature-heavy applications for those who need sophisticated time management applications (integration across multiple locations/applications, reminders, time-tracking, collaboration, etc.)

Todoist
A simpler app is Todoist, which is what I personally use. Personally I don't need all the bells and whistles of the previous two, so Todoist is the sweet-spot between sophistication and simplicity.

Thought Boxes and TeauDeaux
Both of these apps are ‘designy’ and intuitively simple.
ThoughtBoxes is more of an online idea organisation tool, but the free version only allows 3 main divisions. TeauDeaux a user-friendly date-based planner.
Special thanks to Ash for showing me these two.

The Platform @ klpac May 2011

2011-04-23T22:30:00.004+08:00

The Platform is a free open-mic for all things theatre every 1st Monday of the month at Indicine KLPAC, where exciting new works get staged. If you're wondering what to do that's fun and free this coming Monday holiday, this is your answer!

The show starts at 8.30pm, and you don't need any reservations or tickets, just show up and enjoy the evening.

If you've got a show to put on which deserves a bigger audience, be it drama, comedy, stand-up, mime, physical theatre, impersonations, anything other than dance and musicals, email us at theplatform@klpac.org to book a slot for free!

Legallese

2011-03-28T00:00:00.004+08:00

Presenting Legallese: a multi-venue, multi-performance, multi-group, multi-platform weeklong performing arts festival in celebration of Malaysian legal practice.

Musicals
Karpal the Musical
Mediation, A song cycle

Song, Dance & Comedy
Oh Anwar! — An all male cabaret revue.
The Interpreters Interpretive Dance Collective presents Staying Still While Others Move.
The Bar Council Choir Committee — A special choir performance to raise awareness on human rights, with premier of specially commissioned song, MyConsti.
Kangaroo Court — Stand-up comedy by retired judges.

Theatre
Istilah-istilah — Malay and English script readings.
Res Ipsa Luquitor — An all-out, no holds barred farce.
Masters & Pupils — A comedy.
They're Paying You How Much?— Theatre of the absurd.
Section 302 — A courtroom thriller.
Death by Pieces — A tragedy.
Ganja dan Syabu — A two-hander tragicomedy. (Malay, English and Hokkien with surtitles).
OneLawyer, OneMalaysia? — A monologue, both contemplative and impassioned, on the challenges and future of the legal profession in the country, with special on-site multimedia installations by the Cultural Committee & IT Committee.
Duta Complex — A fast moving physical theatre performance.
Keep Pushing Intensely (KPI) — Interactive improvised theatre. Bring your wits and sportsgear.

Film
Against the Order of Nature — A special indie documentary film screening (subject to last minute change).

So...does anyone wants to be co-director of this festival?

Hehe, have a good week everyone!

P.S. How was your Earth Hour?

St. Paddy's

2011-03-17T23:20:00.004+08:00

I didn't get to wear green today, because firstly, I had to photograph a signing at my firm, and secondly, well I forgot.

There's really not a lot to celebrate right now in the world, what with Japan facing the aftermath earthquake and Tsunami, and continued unrest in the Mid-East and Northern Africa. It's so beyond my comprehension, what's happening. No wonder people are predicting doomsday.

But perhaps in this regard we can take a leaf from the Irish, who have remained (at least in popular conscience) resilient and optimistic despite many years of problems.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Readings

2011-03-09T00:20:00.003+08:00

Some online articles that have provoked my thoughts. Sharing the love.

Dilemmas of a Young Malaysian Abroad by Alea Nasihin for Loyar Burok. Link via Su-Ann.

On the London Evening Standard, David Cohen reports on how Gordon Brown's sister-in-law tackles corruption in Borneo.

North of Sarawak, our beloved DPM says Poor Sabahans should stop whining as reported by Charlie Rudai for Free Malaysia Today. Another foot-in-mouth statement. Loverly. Link via Erna Mahyuni.

Darryl Cunningham Investigates on Climate Change (Cunningham is a comic illustrator). Link via Danny Foo.

At GQ.com, Mark Harris bemoans The Day the Movies Died (in Hollywood at least). Link via Nic Chin.

Thank you everyone for contributing the links.

Happy International Women's Day

2011-03-08T01:00:00.004+08:00

As we celebrate the strength of women worldwide today, I leave you with two links, one, an article by Annie Lennox in the Sydney Morning Herald, about the F-word (no, not the profanity) and a touching account of three inspiring nonagenarians by Leonie Allan on Superhero Journals, found via my friend Ash's Buzz Feed. Thanks Ash!

Blog & Roll: HEAF

2011-03-06T13:30:00.011+08:00

High Expectations Asian Father's Tumblr. Strictly for laughs only.

The Platform @ KLPAC, March 2011

2011-03-05T22:37:00.001+08:00

Date: March 7th, Monday
Time: 8.30pm
Place: indicine, KLPAC
Price: FREE!

As some of you know I'm coordinating the Platform's 2011 season with Marina Tan (so I'm contractually obliged to plug this). It's free and it'll be a great night of new performances, with many entries focusing on physical theatre. Don't know what that is? Then you should come!

HighLo

2011-03-05T19:08:00.002+08:00

Yesterday morning, while waiting to turn into the entrance of my car park, a silver Honda gave way. I turned, and before I knew it my car had a small collision with a motorcycle which had zoomed out from the right side. The bike swerved into the curb and was clamped between the lamp post and fence. I moved my car out of the main road and came out. He (the motorcyclist) came off the bike, took off his helmet and looked a little shell shocked. He took off plug-in earphones. I thought, 'You should seriously not wear headphones when driving a bike, dude'. His leg was a little hurt but he declined my repeated offers to take him to a clinic.

I had to park my car inside the lot so as not to block the way. I came back and looking at his bike, his front wheel cap was damaged. I asked him how much it'd cost to fix it. 'Not much, 50 at most'. He also showed me some parts of my car fender that had flung out. I had no money and offered to go to the ATM nearby, right after I put those parts back in my car. By chance, my department's head clerk parked next to me and lent me the money. I paid him and asked him to be careful. What a way to start the morning.

In the office I opened my GMail and discovered that a university tutor of mine whom I had not been in contact with for years emailed me. I was very happy to get in touch again.

Then I found out an opposing party had accepted an offer for conditional stay, which meant I didn't have to oppose a hearing. I was even happier! Unfortunately, it didn't go through in the end as there was a disagreement as to costs. I now have to travel to Johor on Monday morning at an ungodly hour, again.

While this was happening, I got a text from my sister saying my neighbour had passed on. He had suffered from diabetes and other complications, but I did not expect the news.

Then, I was given translation work to do (besides my prep for the hearing), which is needed by tonight. (Nope, haven't touched it Jenny!).

I was emotionally confused by the end of the night.

On a separate note, I got a 1 Terabyte Seagate External Desk Drive today. Or, as the salesguy said in a Canto accent, "Yat Tela Seagate". Hopefully, it will last me for a long, long, long time. There was a printer and accessories fair at Digital Mall PJ, and I managed to pick up a cartridge for the house printer too.

Unfortunately, I also missed hearing myself on the radio (on my fave station no less) as I had to go shopping. Last Thursday BFM 89.9 ('The Business Station') had a small phone Q&A with me about The Platform @ KLPAC, which was supposed to be aired today around 1pm. Oh well.

I hope you're weekend's been great.

The klpac Show

2011-03-05T17:30:00.001+08:00

Words Are Flowing Out Like Endless Rain

2011-02-28T00:30:00.000+08:00

Only problem is...paper cups don't hold much.

If you asked me to write about social issues, current events, international news and Malaysian politics, I could write hundreds of articles, but I wouldn't....unless I got paid for them.

Not only are there countless things to discuss (local politics alone invites endless comment), I can honestly say I enjoy writing about things I care about.

Of course, this being a non-profit blog, and me holding a hectic full time job, it's very, very difficult to find time to write consistently.

You'll notice that often I will write about one thing and not about another. In this blog, the Chilean miners never got trapped, very few famous people died and nothing has happened in China (no booming economy, no earthquakes, not a rising power and I can't remember mentioning the Olympics or not). There have been no natural disasters in Australia, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand since 2009. There was no change of government in Britain. There was no healthcare reform controversy in the US. There was no pullout from Iraq, no surge in Afganistan. There was/are no revolutions in the Mid-East/North Africa. Yet in real life, all these events and trends have captured my attention and imagination.

A specific example: Yasmin Ahmad's death was mentioned, but not MJ's. Both were deaths of people who left important legacies, both were adored by many and commented on extensively, but to different degrees. So, do I love Yasmin more than Michael? Can't say so.

I reacted strongly to both their deaths, and if I had more time I would have wished to write on both. But I wrote about Yasmin as a sort of gut reaction, her death felt close to home, thus the post was short and reverential. For Michael's death, I felt it was more a talented, but relatively distant star that had passed away. I saw Yasmin next to me at Starbucks KLCC, I never saw MJ. Besides, I don't see the point in talking about something everybody else is talking about, unless I feel I have a particularly different take on the subject, or I feel strongly enough to add my two cents.

But I do feel strongly about local social issues (especially those off the general public's radar), civil society initiatives and activism, artistic and creative movements and moments in Malaysia, and of course politics, both local and elsewhere. Yet, I have not written (or if I have then very inadequately) about countless social issues that face our country today. I have not touched on Malaysian politics except here and there, fleetingly. My writing on local arts has been very limited (even though in the area of theatre alone, I must have watched a good 15 - 20 plays and performances since 2010).

Again, why write on a few things and not others? As I said before, if I were a full timer, I'd actually love to write widely, non-stop. I really would, but since I'm not, I don't bother. Not because I don't want to, but because I can't. Time-wise, I just can-not. I have an "all-time job", and plenty of other responsibilities and interests besides.

Also, my approach to (non-fiction) writing, especially with regards to sensitive issues such as race and politics, is to write with civility and carefully considered, sensible points (or at least thought out enough not to be flippant). That is how I want to participate in any discourse, no matter how small my voice or how insignificant my contribution. I want to speak for reason and moderation and progressive reform. I want to speak up, but I do not want to shout and scream (unless absolutely called for). If, due to lack of time, I cannot meet these standards I've set for myself, then I'd rather not write at all (which, last year, had more often than not been the case).

I do not want to be be judged as unfair, or worse, inconsequential, if I write often but with little care for quality and reasoned arguments (as many bloggers do). I'd rather be judged as someone who has reserved his voice, for whatever reason. Of course, I don't want people to think I don't know or care about these things, which is just as bad! I suppose that's why I wrote this piece. I just find it unnerving that people place judgments on me based on the most fleeting or shallow of reasons or observations.

Actually, I almost always have something swimming in my head I wish I could write about, be it about some story for a play or some controversial political development, and by writing I would like to see if I'm able to develop the idea or argument into something worthy of sharing. Yet often I have to let these ideas slip away due to other commitments. It is just frustrating to have so much to say, so little time to say it.

1What Again?

2011-02-28T00:15:00.002+08:00

We speak different languages, and different dialects within these languages. We practice different religions in different houses of worship, and belong to different groups within these religions. We live in different neighbourhoods and go to different schools, with teachers who were not trained together and emphasize different values (even if the syllabus is technically the same). We eat, for the most part, different cuisines, in different places, separate from each other.

We read different newspapers, magazines and books, and we watch different shows on different tv channels. We visit different blogs and websites (except facebook, but even then real-life boundaries are virtualised here). We listen to different radio stations, buy different music, watch different movies, are targeted by different ads.

We belong to different societies and organisations. Many of us work in different jobs. Some of us avoid certain industries of sectors (the civil service, armed forces, etc.). Some would even say we like different sports, shop in different places, idolize different figures and wear different clothes.

We are not compelled to share common narratives, values or dreams. We are often provoked to distrust, segregate from, look down upon and even despise each other and each other's cultures. Our entire social, political, and (worse of all) mental framework is shaped by the inadequate, unjust, crude and truly tragic contours of race, from the day we were born into this country.

I'm sorry, but I often find it hard to swallow talk of 1Malaysia.

Hear, Hear!

2011-02-24T00:53:00.002+08:00

A.O.H. writes a letter to the the editor of the New Straits Times on the current pressure from courts on litigation lawyers.

Read it here (NST Online link) and be enlightened on what we liti lawyers face daily.

The writer is not exaggerating. When I inquired about a change of date at the Court of Appeal, the officer in charge blithely said over the phone: 'Right now the Court of Appeal will only grant adjournment if there's death or near death. You or your family.'
'Death of near death?' I asked in a humoured voice, somewhat shocked and amused by the audacity of the statement.
'Yes, death of near death,' she replied (I could sense from a chuckle she too found it ridiculous but had to tow the line).

In another instance, my colleague called another Court; she had clashing hearing dates and needed to rearrange them. 'No, the court won't give you another date. You choose la which file is more important to you.'

There's a point where it's so ridiculous it's almost funny. Almost.

Thank you, Jason Lim, for the link.

Seeing Clearly Now

2011-02-23T12:39:00.003+08:00

My brother's cataract operation went well yesterday, thank God. He had lenses changed for both eyes. He was on general anesthesia (local is the norm) as he has Down's Syndrome and they wanted to operate on him just once. Thank you so much to those who kept him in your thoughts, prayers. He's going for a post-opp check up today. I believe everything will be fine and he'll be watching Phineas and Ferb again by this evening (albeit further away from the telly!).

The day before, my sister won tickets to watch 'Life Sdn. Bhd. 6: ABUSE', directed by Dato' Faridah Merican, from KLUE's website. My sister very graciously asked me to watch it with her last night (although my having a car may've been part of the reason).

The performance is about stories of abuse in Malaysia, some of them told by survivors, all of them true. I was told by Dato' Faridah that some survivors wanted to remain anonymous as they were still afraid of repercussions should they speak openly, and so friends/actors had to convey their stories on stage. These are the times we live in, people.

The performance was more of a sharing session that a play: no plot or props, just people telling stories, with some great songs (by Ian Chow and Khairil M. Bahar) and one dance sequence in between. Not long into the show, many of the performers and audience were in tears from the riveting tales shared, but I can assure you those tears can come from one place: truth. I know they're true not because I read the pamphlet, but because I know (or know enough of) these performers.

It was enlightening to say the least and I learnt some subtle truths about abuse: it starts a vicious-cycle that is difficult to break, it can come in many forms, and from unexpected (sometimes painfully ironic) places, and our silence and ignorance creates more problems than it solves.

'Life Sdn. Bhd. 6: ABUSE' plays till this Sunday at the Actor's Studio Lot 10. Find out more here.

[Ed 24/2: My brother's check-up went alright. He'll go for a second check-up next week, and in the meantime wear large lab-glasses that make him look rather like a sci-fi cartoon character. They're meant to allow the lenses to adjust in his eyes properly without overexposure to light/UV rays, etc.]

The Platfrom 2011

2011-02-21T22:15:00.003+08:00

Last year I acted in and wrote for ‘Lost & Found’, a play at The Actors Studio Lot 10 directed by Joe Hasham and Gavin Yap. Through my involvement, I learnt a lot about writing, acting, performing and communicating, as well as about myself. I had the privilege of working with 2 well respected veteran directors as well as a warm and wonderful cast of 11 other writers and actors. It was one of the most exhausting, enjoyable and rewarding projects I ever did.

I got into ‘Lost & Found’ because I put up a short play in one of the monthly installments of ‘The Platform @ KLPAC’, with the help of friends Marina Tan, Khairil M Bahar, Amanda Ang, Aizat Faiz and Wan Azhar.

This year, I'm co-coordinating the season with the help of Marina Tan. The core concept's the same: an 'open mic night' for theatre in all its form (except musicals and dance) every first Monday of the month till July 2011, at Indicine KLPAC, 8.30pm. It's open to everyone and both admission and participation is free!

So, if you've got a performance you're dying to put up in any language (yes, any!) or even no language (physical theatre, mime, etc), then submit a piece to <theplaform at klpac dot org>. It's free and simple: no auditions, callbacks, script readings or endless rehearsals. If you've got something to show, then the stage is yours.

If you're looking for actors, scripts or directors, visit our fb page by looking for theplatform@klpac, and post up what you need.

You may even be chosen to perform at the full year-end production in November! So really, you've got nothing to lose!

Writers Are Supreme Egotists

2011-02-21T00:53:00.000+08:00

My friend Khai has transcribed Kevin Smith's cheat-tweets on how writing is the closest thing to playing God for us mortals. No wonder I like writing...

Click here to read it.

Thanks a lot for the link Khai.

You Should Date An Illiterate Girl

2011-02-21T00:30:00.001+08:00

Charles Warnke writes at Though Catalog on why dating girls who read leads to lifelong misery.

Click here for the article.

Link sent to me from Lil' Tan. I miss you, you Heffalump you!

Kan Dah Kata?!

2011-02-16T00:10:00.000+08:00

Can't say I didn't warn you guys about this. (Star Online News)
My country never fails to shock, humour and enrage me at the same time.
80 nabbed in ‘Ops Valentine’ by S’gor religious officers
By ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD

PETALING JAYA: Eighty people were nabbed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department in “Ops Valentine” which started on Sunday night and ended early Monday.

Department’s public relation officer Nurhamizah Othman said they would be charged under the Selangor State Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 with committing “khalwat” (close proximity).

The offence carries a fine of not more than RM3,000 or two year’s jail or both.

Nurhamizah said 61 people were also hauled up in the nine-hour operation for indecent behaviour and had been enlisted for counselling sessions with the department.

She said the operation, which involved local authorities and the National Anti Drug Agency, was led by the department’s enforcement chief assistant director Mohd Rais Rashid.

She said it started at 8pm on Sunday and was conducted in two phases with the first being a campaign on the ruling forbidding Muslims from celebrating Valentine’s Days.

“It was concentrated at lakes and recreational parks in the state where enforcement officers also issued orders to 60 people found loitering to leave the areas.

“The second phase involved raids on budget hotels throughout Selangor,” she said.

Selangor’s Education, Higher Education and Human Resources Development committee chairman Dr Halimah Ali had said that the problem of illicit sex was becoming increasingly serious and named Valentine’s Day, Merdeka Day and New Year’s Eve as being the traditional days when couples met up and engaged in illicit sex.

The Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department also conducted similar operation in the city centre including at Titiwangsa Lake, KLCC Park, Tasik Bandar Permaisuri park and hotels at Jalan Pudu and Jalan Raja Laut.

A department’s spokesman said eight couples, aged between 20 and 50 were nabbed for khalwat.

They included a 19-year-old student of a higher learning institution who was arrested with her partner in a room of a budget hotel at Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah, said the spokesman.

Shameless Self-Promo

2011-02-14T23:35:00.002+08:00

I'll be on NTV7's Breakfast Show tomorrow morning, along with Toby Teh and Ian Homer, to talk about this year's 'The Platform @ klpac' season, which I'm helping to co-ordinate.

Food for Thought

2011-02-14T23:35:00.000+08:00

John Malott, former U.S. ambassador to Malaysia (and undoubtedly an Anuar chum) writes for Wall Street Journal about 'The Price of Malaysia's Racism'.

Fair and honest commentary or Western Imperialistic bias and exaggeration?

Read it, then debate it.

East or West, Mum is Best!

2011-02-14T00:35:00.035+08:00

Even before I read her words, I had heard about her and her memoir, the rather militantly titled 'Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother', from other sources. Amy Chua's everywhere on the net these days.

But when I actually read her article on Wall Street Journal's website, excerpted from her memoir and titled 'Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior' (subtlety is not Chua's strong point), I was moved. Really.

I moved through shock and horror, understanding and empathy, anger and humour. I reluctantly conceded some points while strongly disagreed with others. Chua is definitely blunt in many places (she's sparked a mini clash of civilisations after all) but as a child who grew up in a home environment indirectly shaped by Confucian values, her stabs were not new ones.

Before you jump the gun, let me tell you bluntly myself: my mum is not Amy Chua. Not at all. Neither is my dad. They no doubt share many of her values and beliefs: that education is of supreme importance, that parents should wield authority over their children, that parents objectively know better the real needs of their children, that bolstering a child's self-esteem is not the primary objective of parenting—providing for the child is, especially in terms of education, but they are no where near as iron-fisted as Chua.

Compared to many parents I personal know or know of, mine are relatively strict and very conservative (that is not a criticism, mind you), but compared to Chua, they are almost hippies. It seems to me Chua takes the imposition of her values on her children to the extreme, to a point where it could probably lead to diminishing returns. Her kids might be tough and come out great, but I can imagine many others getting nervous breakdowns by 12, regardless of ethnicity.

I do not doubt Chua loves her daughters and wants the best for them and their future (at least by her standards), and I am not here to judge whether she is a bad mother or a good mother, or whether or not her style of parenting is superior in any sense of the word. I will not comment on any emotional effects her parenting will have on her kids, their happiness or their adult relationship with her.

What I can say is this. What Chua and her 'type' are doing to their kids is merely to produce perfect conformists. People who will have stable jobs and live in safe neighbourhoods and watch 20 seasons of American Idol and die anonymous to the world. Can anyone say if there's something wrong with that? Not really.

In many ways I am one of them. This 'safeness', this 'stablity' in life (encompassing financial, familial, societal safety and stability) is something that my parents and their parents treasure above many, if not all, other things. And because they believe this security and stability comes from education, they endeavored to give me the best they could afford in that area. No, not the best toys and Play Stations and gadgets and laptops and summer camps, but the best tuition and books and colleges and universities. I will admit I have not always been thankful, or even aware of this.

But now, this security and stability, this safeness, is something I am thankful for every morning. I know that, unless I make horrendous blunders in life or my society turns upside down, I will always have food and clothing and shelter because I have an education which assures my employment. And I know I have my parents to thank for it, and I also know it came to me at no small sacrifice on their part. I know all this very well. Yet, this safety and stability is the same thing I sometimes resent at night. It is this same thing that I feel has limited my options and negated my desires for a different, freer, less conventional life.

Let's face it, Chua's kids (and all kids who have parents are like her) may get A's and gain scholarships and go to top universities, but they will never be groundbreaking theorists or academicians. They may play the piano perfectly, but will never be the great composers. They may be literate and communicate well, but will never write 'The Great American Novel' or an award-wining play. They will be hardworking and rise the ranks, but will never venture their own start-ups. They will be excellent managers, accountants, bankers who will be hired by many big corporations, but will never be entrepreneurs, inventors or risk takers who make the news.

There will be no Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerbergs, Tiger Woods, Richard Bransons, Theresa Tengs, Itzhak Perlmans, Meryl Streeps, JK Rowlings, Picassos, Robert Frosts, Quentin Tarrantinos, Schumanns, Stephen Hawkings, Mother Theresas, Ghandis or Thomas Edisons to come from them. It's almost impossible. I mean, can you really imagine any of those kids changing the world in any significant way?

Their job in life is just to do their job really, really well, and get ahead by pure efficiency. Their goal will be to live quiet lives away from trouble and have kids who do the same. They will pay taxes and vote and read newspapers, but will probably never get into politics. Their goal is not to create change, or initiate paradigm shifts, or to spread charity, or to lead peoples, or to cure world problems, or to make headlines, or to be brilliantly creative. But again, can anyone say this is wrong? Not really.

There is no right or wrong here, that's the point.

Chua may be right about many things when she criticizes what she calls Western style parenting. But she also must understand that encouraging creativity and freedom and self expression and self respect can lead to great failures and well as great successes, often both in the same lifetime. Her parenting may lead to success in her kids, but only a very limited, albeit perfectly acceptable, definition of success.

Also read mainland's Chinese mums' reactions at newsweek.com

Happy Valentine's

2011-02-14T00:30:00.002+08:00

Be careful out there libido-driven young Malaysians! I'm warning you! There'll be a crackdown on you vile lovebirds who flaunt your sinful Western lifestyle: bersunyi-sunyianing and berfoya-foyaing and besentuh-sentuhaning and bercium-ciumaning and berkhalwating. Disgusting! Didn't your teachers and parents bring you upright?
Don't you dare go out and offend the rest of us who might bump into you in parks, restaurants, and other vice-dens! Stay at home instead, where you can do all that without being caught.

Hehe, have a good one guys.

Semalam

2011-02-05T22:30:00.007+08:00

Just finished reading 'The English Patient' yesterday. Great stuff.

I'm wondering whatever happened to Sean Ghazi. Ayone has a clue? If there's any justice in the world he should be famous by now. Sigh.

How have your Chinese New Year celebrations been going? Well I hope. Honestly, I am just.so.not.in.the.mood this year. I just feel so tired of the world right now. Weltschmerz as the Germans call it. Don't ask why. I don't really know myself.

I hope you feel perkier than I do.

P.S. Congrats too Boo and Chloe on their new baby girl!

Heading South Twice

2011-02-01T22:00:00.001+08:00

Seremban tomorrow (even though I'm on compulsory leave), Kluang on Monday (I will have leave VERY early). Such is life for a juniour liti lawyer. I hope the traffic will be okay.

Chinese New Year doesn't feel particularly festive this year. Even without the work assignments I still feel it rather permeated with a sense of jadedness. Maybe it's the way the world is right now. Or maybe it's just me, growing old(er) and cynical.

Either way, I hope you'll have a good one. Take care out there.

Mucho lovin',
Josh

Cyberspace When You're Dead

2011-01-21T23:50:00.000+08:00

Rob Walkers of the New York Times ponders on what happens to our digital legacy (facebook accounts, online photos, twitter updates, blog posts, websites, etc.) after we kick the bucket, and some attempts (both on a personal as well as professional level) to manage such information.

Here's a quote from his article, "Cyberspace When You're Dead":

For me, at least, pondering the digital afterlife made me rethink digital life. We’re encouraged to record and express everything, all the time. In real time, we can record and distribute the most important moments of our existence, and some of the least. For the generations growing up in the Web era, this mode of being is more or less taken for granted. But the tools we use privilege the moment, not the long term; they also tend to make everything feel roughly equal in importance and offer us little incentive to comb back through our digital scribblings and sort out what might have lasting meaning from what probably doesn’t. The results are pretty much the opposite of a scrapbook carefully edited to serve as a memory object but could end up serving that function by default.

It is a somewhat long but definitely thought-provoking essay.

Note: The link above may require you to sign up for a NYTimes Online Account to read, which is FREE and allows you access to a lot of good journalism, criticism and content.

Blog & Roll (Again): Minimal Movie Posters

2011-01-21T23:45:00.011+08:00

When I started out this blog I wanted to write certain features on weekly basis (like quotes, featured blogs and music video selections), to keep up my discipline in blogging, to attract repeat readers and to have a sense of continuity.

It didn't work, after which I went on a more ad-hoc basis. Perhaps this year I can try a little harder? Or perhaps it's too late to even bother?

Here's a cool tumblr called Minimal Movie Posters (self explanatory title), also found via khai's tumblr.

Blog & Roll: MY MILK TOOF

2011-01-20T18:45:00.008+08:00

This is way, way too cute not to share.

Found via Khai's tumblr.

Click on the post title to visit milk toofs Ickle and Lardee.

Warning: Too cute for work!

Yummeh

2011-01-11T01:00:00.006+08:00

"The 50 best things to eat in the world, and where to eat them" according to Killian Fox of the Observer UK. Click on this link to visit the list, on the Guardian UK news site.

Validation

2011-01-11T00:53:00.001+08:00

A sentimental but ultimately heartwarming short film on love.

Markku Lahdesmaki’s Robot Series

2011-01-11T00:45:00.006+08:00

More awesome stuff, this time art showcasing the inherent alienation of modern robot life. Heh heh. Click on the post title to visit the link.

A Cloud Castle

2011-01-11T00:30:00.002+08:00

Well, paper, actually.
Click on the post title to visit the link and check it out. It's awesome.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-09T23:30:00.001+08:00

And yet another year has come and gone. Soon it'll be Chinese New Year too.

I've kept this blog going for two years, and in 2010 I published less than half of the posts I managed in 2009. Work does force you to spend less time on other things, I guess, but maybe this year I'll try to write more.

I'm back from a splendid holiday in Turkey and tomorrow, I'll be back to work. Dang it.

I hope you're all good!

Happy New Year 2011!

2010-12-31T22:00:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
May you have a truly blessed year 2011, filled with health, joy and peace.

(This is a auto-publish post. I'm on holiday abroad with the family right now)

Best wishes,
Josh

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

Best wishes for the season and the coming new year, everyone! I hope you're with your loved ones and are having lots of good times together.

Last Thursday, the day after I typed out this post, I found out my brother's eyes has cataracts and so they need surgery. Life has a funny way of throwing ironic spanners at you, doesn't it? It's probably linked with his Down's syndrome, and I'm not overly worried as it's only minor surgery, (apparently it just takes 15 minutes) but still, I can't imagine it being pleasant in any sense of the word.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

Also, I'll be off to Turkey with my family from next Tuesday night till early next year!

Till I'm back, take care out there!

Dear Santa

2010-12-22T22:30:00.037+08:00

The obligatory year-end contemplative post. (For last year's post, see here).

Recently, I drew up a Christmas wish list of stuff I wanted. Yet, as I thought about each item a little more carefully, I crossed-out those I did not truly want, until eventually almost nothing was left. Mind you, I was a little startled at what that exercise revealed to me.

There are undoubtedly a few things I would like: a Canon 550D, a 1TB external HDD, some DVDs and albums, a few more books (not that I don't have plenty already), some new clothes, a shinny tie clip, cufflinks and watch, etc. But I asked myself: "Do I want, really, really want these things?" No. They’re just things, objects. Any joy I would gain will be fleeting. I don't constantly think about or long for these or anything else.

Well, except maybe two things.
Firstly, a plane ticket to the UK, so that I can visit my foster family and friends there. I really do miss them terribly. And secondly, my very own house/apartment. It'd be great to have a place to call my own. Thing is, I’m fairly sure Santa won’t indulge me if I asked, no matter how good I’ve been this year.

These (nearly fantastical) wishes aside, I honestly have not much in the “Want” department. Clearly, I have all that I need to survive: food, shelter and clothing. By God’s grace, I have health, a job, my family and friends (even if I don’t see many of them as often as I’d like). As a bonus, I also have adequate access to healthcare, transport, leisure, information, creative outlets and even travel (I’ll be visiting Turkey from this 28^th till early January with my family; the first family trip in 5 years). For now, I also have direction and inner peace, and while I know better than to expect these to be everlasting, I am more than happy to possess them. And while I am far, far from perfect, I am, in the broadest of terms, happy with who I am and where I'm going, for now.

Upon reflection, 2010 has been good to me, omnibus rebus consideratis. I got called to the Bar after 5 years of blood, sweat and tears (not to mention the PaMa grant). I did things I never thought I could or would do. I met some truly wonderful new friends and re-connected with some old ones. I made breakthroughs in many areas of my life. I learnt loads. I had tons of fun. I gained back a lot of lost self-confidence, self-respect and self-love. Compared to the black hole that was 2009, 2010 was a much brighter . It was a very good year, as Sinatra would say.

Sure there were tough times, challenges, frustrations and tears, but what year goes by without these? Yes, there are still times when I have my doubts and uncertainties, when I grapple with insecurities and inadequacies and fears, and times when I'm in the dumpzone, but what person doesn't go through that once in a while? And it may seem that I complain about my job constantly, but I'm glad I'm gainfully employed, really. I'm not saying in any way my life is ideal, but I am glad many things have turned out well and that generally, I'm feeling mostly better than alright.

I cannot remember the last time I could say this, feel this, or even if I have been here before, ever. Contentment is, honestly, not familiar to me. Yet wonderful are my days with it! A still heart is a great treasure, as is a calm mind, and I savour these while I have them with me. Yet, perhaps greater than not needing anything is this blessing: that I was able to give to many others rather than just receive this both this year in general and this year-end in particular, that I was able to share happiness and joy with those around me (cf. Acts 20:35).

As I leave this year behind and look for the new one, I am both quietly proud and deeply humbled to be able to say that indeed, amongst many men, I am truly blessed.

For those of you who've shared my path, thank you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011 everyone.

Lots of Love,
Algy/Josh

A Kurang Manis Christmas Songlist

2010-12-16T22:00:00.002+08:00

Too many repetitions of over-the-top Christmas songs, symphonies, hymns, carols, choruses, canticles, duets, riffs, ditties, dingles and jingles can drive anyone a little mad (as if the ubiquitous tackiness isn't enough!).

As a little gift, I've curated a small selection of new and/or less-known Christmas songs that will not give your head diabetes. Well, except maybe the last one.

"Always in Season" by Pomplamoose

First up, from the talented duo of Nataly Dawn and Jack Comte, an original Christmas song which has plenty of sentiment without sentimentality. Check out their other songs!

"Put the Lights on the Tree" by Sufjan Stevens

Here's a cute little song by one of my faves, complete with cute video.

Incidentally, I have his Christmas album.

"Christmas, Christmas" by Gerald Ko feat Jackie Kim

Another original by talented YouTube singers. Earnest, in a good way. Again, check out his other songs!

For amazing folksy covers of Christmas song, visit Caleb & the Caroling Caravan's page here, where you can download part of their 2009 album for free. "Christmas Don't Be Late" by Alvin & The Chipmunks is given a completely new (and amazingly good) spin by them, I could not imagine it was actually a cover! It's definitely worth a listen.

"Grown Up Christmas List" by Natalie Cole

Lastly, a song that is actually naive and sickly sweet. I didn't like it when I first heard it, but it grew on me after hearing it being practiced a dozen times for my office's Christmas lunch show (I am proud to say that in the name of entertainment, I made a complete fool of myself singing the Wondergirl's "Nobody" with a band while 4 of my female colleagues danced the moves—ah, the things I do for my firm!). It was written originally by David Foster and has been covered by many from Clay Aiken to Michael Bublé, but Ms. Cole was the one who first popularised it.

Baby It's Hot Outside

2010-12-11T00:30:00.008+08:00

My yuletide spirit got on a horrendous start this year (fiasco with the tree, long story). I thought: sod it, I am too old for any of this ridiculous Christmas schmaltz.

Yet the past few days I've been buying prezzies for more people than I can afford, searching for mince pies, listening to songs about white snow and cold air (when instead it's blazing hot/raining cats and dogs outside) and generally getting into the spirit of spreading joy and love and peace and all those other year-end buzzwords.

Sigh, what is it about this time of year, so easy to hate, so easy to put down, so tempting to ignore, that still manages to creep up to us?

(For a very long Christmas post I wrote last year, see here. Warning: some things have changed since then!)

P.S. Oh, it's Human Rights Day today, well yesterday, so Happy Human Rights Day to all humans out there!

World Aids Day

2010-12-01T23:00:00.000+08:00

It's not just about today. It's about tomorrow. Our tomorrow.
Spread the awareness people!

Click on the post title to visit the official website.

All Good Things

2010-12-01T00:30:00.006+08:00

Roses fade,
Plays end their runs,
Coklat habis kena makan,
Long days out come to a close,
Concerts stop after the encore,
And bank accounts eventually dry up...
but memories, well, they last a little longer, thankfully.

It was a good, nay, wonderful holiday.
I did much that I had wanted to do, although of course not everything that I had wanted.
Alack, tomorrow, I put on my rat suit again.
At least it'll be December, a (reputedly) relaxed month.
Christmas, then Turkey (the country, not the bird).
Must keep those things in mind. Must.

And here's a little musical distraction from my current indie It Girl Yuna.

Bon Nuit, peeps.

At Last!

2010-11-25T16:00:00.003+08:00

After 5 years of grappling, wearying and sacrificial dedication to this unfathomable, elusive, ever-changing, frustrating, abstract thing called "Law", I will finally be called as an advocate and solicitor of the Bar tomorrow morning. After that, you can officially label me scum of humanity. Just don't forget to settle my bill.

The ceremony will be at 10.00am Friday, 26th November 2010.
The venue: Mahkamah Rayuan & Kuasa-kuasa Khas 3, Level 3, Right Wing of the Jalan Duta Court Complex.
The presiding judge: Y.A. Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Pn. Hadhariah bt. Syed Ismail.

If you're free, do drop by! It's probably be the only time you'll see everyone in a court in a happy mood.

In the evening, I will be celebrating the happy day at Apartment KLCC, around 10.00pm onwards. Reza Salleh will be launching his album "Realize" there, so there'll be live music from him and guests:

Narmi

Asmidar

David Knight

Liyana Fizi

Zalila Lee

Najwa

Isaac Entry

Mia Palencia

An extremely impressive line-up, if you ask me!

Come share with me the joy of joining the dark side; after all, they say it goes downhill from here on. Even if you don't like me (what with my new "lawyer" status and all), I'm sure you'll love the awesome music from these talented performers. See you there!

Hey Normal Day!

2010-11-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

by Mary Jean Iron

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
One day I will dig my nails into the earth,
or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut,
or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

Le Sigh...

2010-11-15T13:00:00.000+08:00

This video made me want to buy a ticket to the UK. Seriously.

And this video made me want to walk around London waiting for something to happen.

Quote of the Week

2010-11-11T11:30:00.000+08:00

"Why are lawyers miserable: want a list?"

2010-11-11T11:15:00.001+08:00

Sathnam Sanghera writes about London lawyers. Click on the post title to visit the article, on the Times Online website.

A lot of what he states applies to KL lawyers and firms too, because I was nodding and smirking on almost every sentence.
There is one point that doesn't apply though: most KL lawyers are not, I repeat are NOT well paid. The sooner the public dispels that notion the better. The chauffeur driven, Rolex toting, Bukit Tunku swinging ones: they are few compared to the the thousands out there who are still struggling to settle the rent.

Thanks to Vince for the heads up. Now he's a lawyer whom I know truly enjoys his work. Hehe.

Better Late

2010-11-08T22:25:00.000+08:00

Happy Belated Deepavali, Guy Fawkes Day, and a belated birthday wishes to the Sister.

Sorry this is uber-lambat, I was busy with Lost & Found.

Please Read This: Generation Why?

2010-11-08T18:00:00.002+08:00

Zadie Smith reflects on the film "The Social Network" (directed by David Fincher, screenplay by Aaron Sorkin), "You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto", a book by Jaron Lanier and the phenomenon that is facebook.

Click on the post title above to visit the article, on the New York Review of Books site.

Lost & Found, Over & Out

2010-11-07T22:00:00.002+08:00

Today, we had the last show for Lost & Found at The Actor's Studio Lot 10, and a cast party after. The rehearsal process felt like it took ages (especially considering I was juggling my job), but the run itself? It was four shows and it felt like the blink of an eye. Or should I say, the snap of a finger?

Ok, I can't resist getting a little emo about this. You have been warned.

To the rest of the world, it was just another short-run play, but for me personally, it was a journey.

And I cannot even begin to tell you how challenging a path it has been. I had to juggle work, had my car door smashed at KLPac, had to find time to write, had to come for endless rehearsals (even one after I drove to and fro from KL to Kluang for work) and I even lost my phone at a KLPac toilet. Yet, I have been blessed, because it's ridiculous I got this far: all the late nights at the firm didn't clash with rehearsals, and I finished my pupillage just as rehearsals went back-to-back. I really have to thank God for these happy coincidences.

I will of course remember also what a rewarding journey it has been, not only in terms of the play's script and performances, of which I am proud, but also in terms of what happened along the way. I have gained confidence in myself, I have had a ball of a time, I have done something I never thought I was able to and I have met wonderful, funny, loving and truly inspiring individuals, and very importantly, I made a communication breakthrough with my family. Even if the show was a complete flop, all that would have been worth the trouble.

And it wasn't a flop. Thank yous are in order.

To all those who came to watch, thank you so much, it meant a lot to me that you took the time, money and effort. I hope you've been rewarded not just with entertainment, but with things to ponder and chew on, which hopefully will last long after the show. For those of you who didn't come, well, your loss, really. No pun intended.

A big thank you Gavin and Joe, for giving all of us the opportunity to do this, and for trusting us as performers and individuals, and to Faridah, for producing.

Major props to SM Marta, publicist Val, lighting guy Azhar and all the backstage/office/admin crew for helping us out.

Thank you too to all the previous Platformers of 2009, in particular Marina, Wan Azhar, Alex, Adel and Calvin, for helping me on my way. I owe you guys.

Lots of love and thanks to my family, for coming round and supporting me.

Last but not least, thank you and thank you and thank you again to intense Toby, macha Niktia, lawyer Jeremy and towering Ian, my original Platform actors awesome Khai, sexy Amanda and even sexier Aizat, and not to forget mummy Malin, ever-healthy Muna, underage Marvin and thoughtful Justin, for sharing this amazing experience with me so generously and so graciously. Thank you for the support, concern and love. I cannot even begin to say how much this experience has meant to me and how much I will miss you guys. I won't forget, I won't forget.

Special mention goes to Ash, my muse from way back in the day.

Thank you, everyone, a million times thank you.

Lost & Found Plug #2

2010-11-01T16:00:00.002+08:00

How was your Halloween? Mine was scary. I was a Hakka Association dinner in Klang. The second in a month. I never felt less Cina in my life. I donno whether I should be proud or embarrassed.

Lost & Found rehearsals are coming along well (see previous post). Here's the facebook event page. And here's a short interview on Clive with one of my directors, Gavin Yap.

I hope you're coming. It would mean a lot to me.

1 hour 15 minutes. No intermission.
You need to pay attention. You need to listen.
Because it's minimalist.
No giants, monsters or dragons.
No falling chandeliers, lasers, explosions, stunt doubles or ships.
No mother-in-laws. No villains. No superheroes. No tokens.
No set. No costumes. No props.
No, not even actors.
Just us. On stage.
With our stories and our truth.

Come with an open mind, and I hope you'll leave with a moved heart.

Ok, off to my last studio rehearsal. Tomorrow we bump-in to TAS Lot 10!

Lost & Found

2010-10-27T15:30:00.005+08:00

I'd like to say that the plan to rob a bank and move to the Dominican Republic after my pupillage was a great success, but that is not the reason why I haven't updated this blog. The truth is far less palatable. My dear friends, if you have not figured out already from my mentions of "rehearsals", I am...an ACTOR (cue dramatic voice and hand gestures). I can hear the gasps already.

I am currently on a short break from work after my pupillage and I've been busy with rehearsals and so have not really given much time or attention to this space, but for the most part I am enjoying the process of putting up a play. It's called "Lost & Found", and I hope you can come watch; tickets are ridiculously cheap anyway. It's running over the Deepavali weekend at the Actor's Studio Lot 10 (on the rooftop yo!).

I have very few lines in it, but I am proud to say I wrote a huge chunk of the script with the rest of the team (I did originally join as a writer anyway.) It really is gratifying as a writer to see others perform your words. It is also a privilege to work under Joe Hasham and Gavin Yap, both of whom have been in theatre for many years.

You can click on the promo poster below to enlarge it.

If you notice that I have long, curly hair from the back, no, it is not my new hairstyle, nor a wig. That's another guy's body with my head photoshopped on the front; I was not there during the shoot. Yeah, a pretty funny boo-boo.

On another note, I will also be officially called to the Bar as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya this Friday, 26th November at the KL High Court, Jalan Duta, at 10am. If you happen to be nearby and free, do come celebrate with me. (But if you had to choose only one, come for my play instead!)

After nine months of working in a law firm's litigation department, I can say I'm very happy to be have completed my pupillage and I've learnt much.

For example, I've learnt that many lawyers really are dicks. Not all of them by any means, but a large enough percentage to justify the stereotype.

I've also learnt that all lawyers are sadistic, masochistic or sadomasochistic to some degree. No, really, all of them are: why else would they stay in the profession.

I've learnt that a "work-life balance" is not realistically attainable within the first few years in this profession, and by "work-life balance", I mean career advancement, development of technical skills, preservation of health (adequate sleep, exercise, good nutrition), time for friends, time for family, time for spouses/partners, time for personal pursuits (spiritual, artistic, athletic, etc).

Let's be realistic. Few professional careers allow for such balance, and you can bet my arse legal practice isn't one of them. Even during my pupillage I've hurt a lot of people and have at times struggled to keep my life in balance. But you should still try, because letting work consume you, become you, is a very bad idea, unless your work happens to be saving poor kids or turtles or something. You don't want to wake up 5 years down the road and realise it's too late to even try by then, and all that's defining you as a person is how much you can bill your client.

As for my next career step, I'm staying with my firm, and we'll see how it goes from there. Honestly, now is not the time I want to think too much about my future. I'm far more looking forward to enjoying and utilising my break to fullest.

Until next time, take care out there.

P.S. Yesterday was my birthday! It was crap, but better than last year's. Actually, it's hard to beat last year's in terms of crappiness.

Day 186: THE END

2010-10-19T00:30:00.003+08:00

As I drove home earlier, cruising on the Federal Highway, my tummy filled with unhealthy post-rehearsal mamak food, my car clock showed midnight, and I thought, "Oh my gosh, I'm no longer a pupil-in-chambers. I've actually survived 9 months of working in a law firm!" And you know what? I felt really, really good.

More updates tomorrow, I'm tired now. I think I'll sleep very, very well tonight.

It's the Final Countdown

2010-10-17T21:45:00.001+08:00

My very, very last batch of daily notes from my pupillage. Tomorrow's my last day and yes, I can smell it: the air of freedom.

D175 (27th September): Honesty>Breakthrough>Catharsis>Unexpected Lightness of Being.

D176: Petition hearing for grant of Letter of Administration.

D177: Teaching anything to an older lawyer feels weird.

D178: Bar Council Secretariat, I am deeply, deeply disappointed in you.

D179: Sayonara Betty & Veronika!

D176 (4th October): The answer's "Yes".

D177: Life's a musical. What songs are you choosing?

D178: And then it hit me like a brick wall.

D179: This moving business is extremely disruptive.

D180: Dinner, with entertainment.

D181 (11th October): The day I lost my phone. :(

D182: The day I got upset I lost my phone. :'(

D183: The ~~day~~ night we got our final scripts, and debated at the mamak. :S

D184: The day I remembered I have plenty to be happy about. :)

D185: The day off. :D

Simpsons/Banksy

2010-10-15T15:00:00.000+08:00

Too good not to share.

Pour Tu

2010-10-07T22:30:00.012+08:00

Do you feel like running? No, not resuming your jogging plan. No, not rushing to catch the train. Not rushing at all. Just running. Away. Now. Fast. Not stopping. Until you reach somewhere. Until you reach into somewhere.

A place where you can exhale and lie on the grass and release, where you can forget the person you've become and meet again the person you were.

Where you can speak openly with your past and your present because no one there will make you doubt or fear or shy away. A place where you can swim in the river and let the fish tickle your toes. A place where you can cry and scratch and scream and laugh and jump and tumble and fall.

A place where you can scrub off the layers and layers of dirt and grime and pain and hate and grief and fear that's surrounded your heart, where you can just look at it for what it is, let it be and wear it on your sleeve without being afraid.

A place where you can fly. A place where you can hide. A place where you can rest. A place where you can be. A dream. A state of mind. A lake by a valley by a hill with a river. A free place. A place for us. Come, run with me, and we'll find that place together.

Guardian Critics Give Advice

2010-10-02T16:15:00.000+08:00

To those who think they make good critics (which is to say, almost everyone), please click on the post title above to read some advice from people who actually do it for a living, written in 2008.

My two cents: if you know the difference between reviewing, criticizing and critiquing, you're on your way

Into Every Life a Little Rain Must Fall

2010-09-26T21:00:00.002+08:00

Daily notes from my pupillage, which is coming to an end soon. Yay!

D166 (13th September): Rosemary's Bites. Yum yum.

D167: The missing Rolex.

D168: "Where are my rolling papers?"

September 16: Malaysia Day!

D169: Marmalade@BVII.

Over the weekend, I went to Azura & Fariz's wedding, rehearsal, T4YP's Twelth Night, and had a chat with Sam, who's leaving for Exeter.

D170 (20th September): Though this be madness - yet there is method in't.

D171: Shopping for undergarments while being stared at -awkward and funny. Trying not to laugh so that they don't think you're crazy - challenging.

D172: The Talk II.

D173: Decisions, decisions.

D174: I'm green and a little Irish today, aye Arthur?

Sam, all the best in Exeter. I wish I was in your position, starting uni. We'll miss you loads! Keep in touch!