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.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Sunday, 14 August 2011
East Africa
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.
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.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Quote of the Week
“Poetry is life distilled”Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (June 7, 1917 – December 3, 2000), American Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
I Want To Take You Away
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.
S-A, please help, you know how to deal with this better than I do.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Pah-wee-lyon
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!
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!
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Food for Thought
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!)
‘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!)
Friday, 15 July 2011
Saturdays
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.
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.
Friday, 1 July 2011
The Last Platform of 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
A Virtue Indeed
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.]
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.]
Monday, 27 June 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0. Release All Detained
In this time of utter ludicrousness, I'm glad some people in my country are still making sense.
Thanks Irene and Tenaganita for this.
Press Statement, June 27, 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0
Release All Detained.
Bersih 2.0 is a citizen's collective and movement to ensure clean and fair elections. The government of the day must recognize such laudable initiatives by the Rakyat as it strengthens democracy and justice in the country. While citizens have the right to vote, the Election Commission established through Parliament, must ensure citizens are well informed, the electoral processes and systems are fair and clean and corruption is eliminated.
Bersih 2.0's eight demands basically move to ensure the above noble principles. The government, if it is clean and fair, should support the rally without fear or favor. But what we see today is aggressive intimidation, harassment and violence against ordinary citizens and organizers of the Bersih 2.0 programs of raising consciousness for a free, fair and clean elections.
It is indeed ridiculous that the government is riddled with fear to the extent of using the classic communist bogey for a clamp down on democracy. The use of its machinery and institutions, in particular the police force to deter people from participating from public meetings and even wearing the Bersih yellow t-shirts cannot be accepted as it is clear abuse of power.
Tenaganita condemns the arrests and detention and intimidation of all persons and demands the release of all detainees. We are deeply concerned over the one week remand of 31 PSM leaders and activists using the bogey of revival of communism and rebellion against the King. It is indeed absurd.
The "attack" on Bersih 2.0 activists reflects the failure of the government in upholding democracy and its principles, good governance and ensuring free, fair and clean elections.
The fear bogeys no longer work. The rakyat is not breaking any law as it is using its fundamental right to assemble peacefully, guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, already proven in the Bersih rally in 2007. The role of the police is to ensure traffic flow and that no one uses violence on the peaceful assembly.
We march for democracy, for clean and fair elections that are so much needed for our country and respect that right of all Malaysians.
Signed:
Dr. Irene Fernandez
Executive Director
Tenaganita
Thanks Irene and Tenaganita for this.
Press Statement, June 27, 2011
Stop Intimidation and Harassment of Ordinary Citizens and Organizers of Bersih 2.0
Release All Detained.
Bersih 2.0 is a citizen's collective and movement to ensure clean and fair elections. The government of the day must recognize such laudable initiatives by the Rakyat as it strengthens democracy and justice in the country. While citizens have the right to vote, the Election Commission established through Parliament, must ensure citizens are well informed, the electoral processes and systems are fair and clean and corruption is eliminated.
Bersih 2.0's eight demands basically move to ensure the above noble principles. The government, if it is clean and fair, should support the rally without fear or favor. But what we see today is aggressive intimidation, harassment and violence against ordinary citizens and organizers of the Bersih 2.0 programs of raising consciousness for a free, fair and clean elections.
It is indeed ridiculous that the government is riddled with fear to the extent of using the classic communist bogey for a clamp down on democracy. The use of its machinery and institutions, in particular the police force to deter people from participating from public meetings and even wearing the Bersih yellow t-shirts cannot be accepted as it is clear abuse of power.
Tenaganita condemns the arrests and detention and intimidation of all persons and demands the release of all detainees. We are deeply concerned over the one week remand of 31 PSM leaders and activists using the bogey of revival of communism and rebellion against the King. It is indeed absurd.
The "attack" on Bersih 2.0 activists reflects the failure of the government in upholding democracy and its principles, good governance and ensuring free, fair and clean elections.
The fear bogeys no longer work. The rakyat is not breaking any law as it is using its fundamental right to assemble peacefully, guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, already proven in the Bersih rally in 2007. The role of the police is to ensure traffic flow and that no one uses violence on the peaceful assembly.
We march for democracy, for clean and fair elections that are so much needed for our country and respect that right of all Malaysians.
Signed:
Dr. Irene Fernandez
Executive Director
Tenaganita
Saturday, 18 June 2011
S'kali
We Are Malaysian Made is bringing you yet another high-quality local film: S'kali by Perantauan Pictures.
The film will screen at The Actors Studio, Lot 10 Rooftop, tomorrow 19th June, 3.30pm-5.00pm, and there'll be two live music acts: Asmidar and Bihzhu, both amazingly talented.
What's great is that entry is by a small RM10 donation, all in support of local filmakers and music performers. Now is that a good deal or is that a good deal?
The film will screen at The Actors Studio, Lot 10 Rooftop, tomorrow 19th June, 3.30pm-5.00pm, and there'll be two live music acts: Asmidar and Bihzhu, both amazingly talented.
What's great is that entry is by a small RM10 donation, all in support of local filmakers and music performers. Now is that a good deal or is that a good deal?
Monday, 13 June 2011
Addicted to War
Addicted to War by Joel Andreas is a comic book exposing (and I qoute) “Why the U.S. Can't Kick Militarism”.
I found it to be a fascinating read (actually I read it ages ago but only now thought to share it). I make no claims in support of it’s veracity or position, although it is quite well referenced (for a comic book) and is certainly food for thought vis-a-viz justifications for some of the post WWII wars as well as U.S. foreign policy, which profoundly affects many non-Americans.
You can click on the post title to visit the site and read the entire book for free.
I found it to be a fascinating read (actually I read it ages ago but only now thought to share it). I make no claims in support of it’s veracity or position, although it is quite well referenced (for a comic book) and is certainly food for thought vis-a-viz justifications for some of the post WWII wars as well as U.S. foreign policy, which profoundly affects many non-Americans.
You can click on the post title to visit the site and read the entire book for free.
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