The one about Jo's Birthday party...

Phew! Had a great night last night!

We celebrated Jo's birthday last night, dinner at Piccolino's Restaurant Upper Penang Road and then proceeded to Soho for a "kick-ass" fun time party!

Our dinner was for the usual gang. We have a tradition of celebrating each other's special day and last night was no different. After a pretty good meal, Jo opened her pressies - which I must say, she really liked all of them - and we then walked across the road to Soho.

We were joined by Lynette and Claude. They are proof that the world is small. Lynette is a fellow lawyer and friend while Claude was my old school mate. Anyway, they were gracious to attend and I hope had a great time. Later on, Nazriah & Mazri came by too. Nazriah just flew in that night from KL and she came straight for the party. It was great of her. Made the night even more special and fun.

Well, to cut a long story short, 2 Flaming Lamborghini's for Jo and 2 bottles Black Label were polished off. We all left a little tipsy and weary but I'm sure everyone had a blast!

Today's the National Day. Not feeling particularly patriotic. Looking forward to tomorrow - its Jo's actual birthday on 1st September. We have dinner planned at the E&O 1885 Restaurant.

Well, Jo, if you're reading this, I didn't get you any great presents but I know you know that there's no one more important to me. So, I have this simple wish for you...


I could wish you the world,
That you always be happy,
Though I realise,
That's one destination we can't just travel to,
Happiness isn't just ours to own,
Its not even something we can earn.

We will know what it means,
The spirit behind being happy,
When we learn to live every day,
Every moment with love and grace,
Every thought with gratitude,
Then we will find what I shall always wish for you.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Here are some pics from one heck of a great night!

Jo & her hubby at dinner

Jo, Nazriah & Jinny cosying up at Soho

Some intense gossiping going on...

The gang at dinner!

The one about the calm before the storm...

Its just almost midnight. Tomorrow morning, it's back to school for the relevant people. We had a pretty quiet weekend by our recent standards.

Friday night, had dinner with some clients. A unique dinner at the Modern Teochew Restaurant in the Berjaya Hotel. Guess "modern" Teochew isn't like "olden day" Teochew. Anyway, my "public relations" exercise left Jo free to visit the "Spice Garden" for drinks. Some new place near Mutiara Hotel, I'm told. Never been myself. Later she had dinner at Song River with Stacy, Mel, KH and Jinny. That place is just such an institution.

Saturday, we went out during the day. Had some work related matter to iron out and we had a walkabout at Gurney Plaza. That mall is coming along very nicely indeed. Heard the owners are intending to extend the Kelawai Road frontage all the way to the current outdoor carpark. Later, we went for dinner at the Kapitan's Restaurant on Chulia Street after church. Their tandoori chicken is still very good. We ended the night at Jinny & KH's place, since it started to rain cats and dogs. Pleasant night with good friends and drinks to boot. What else could one ask for?

This morning, we took Ethan to his playgroup at Tumbletots, 1-Stop Midlands Center. He's getting into the feel of things there. Another quick trip to Gurney Plaza (easily our favourite haunt), where we discovered a surprisingly well-stocked English section at Popular Bookstore; and then we headed to my in-law's for lunch. Jo hurt her neck and upper shoulder and has been suffering serious pains since Tuesday. We called on our resident "tuina" specialist Mel to help out as he came over to our place in the late evening. Verdict on his treatment? Jury is still out. Actually, she's asleep now. Hope she'll feel better by tomorrow. On Tuesday, we are having dinner & drinks to celebrate Jo's birthday - which is officially on the 1st September.

This coming week will be hectic. I've three client meetings tomorrow alone and one agreement to finish drafting. On Tuesday, we are working out the seating arrangements for our Penang Bar's Annual Dinner & Dance - which will be on Saturday 3rd September. Later Jo has another Organising Committee meeting for the Legal Aid Center's 25th Anniversary Dinner (11th November). I do thrive on pressure, so hope it all works out. If not, oh, well....

The one about new experiences...

I have an audience.

Albeit only a small group of friends read this poor excuse of a meaningful blog but still I'm not complaining. The general opinion however is that its too boring. My blog, that is. Seems the "scream, yell and throw brickbats at the world for not giving me a break" scenario is kinda 'passe'. So overdone.

The basic advice is that I should get down and get personal. Reality is the way to go. Reality bites. Only thing is that reality should be closer to home. Identifiable. So be it... I've therefore decided that my blog should experience a change in direction. Sure, I will still do the odd lamenting about limitations - just that it'll more personal! Hah! Don't say I don't do anything to try to please my fans. Have to make sure I package it well.

"Condense some daily experience into a glowing symbol, and an audience is electrified." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Speaking of new experiences, Jo & I brought Ethan to the Swimming Club for a swim. What else? The little fellow loved it, refused to get out of the water and screamed blue murder when we 'forcibly' pulled him into the changing/locker room. Strangely enough, the Swimming Club had signs on the doors of the changing/locker rooms disallowing "children of any age" from being taken into changing/locker rooms of the opposite sex! I understand the need to be extra careful about things like these but really...not many dads would be able to handle that situation. Lucky for me, Jo just ignored the sign.

Well, till next time. I leave you all in the hands of a short noisy bundle of joy...


Pool Junkie

The one about communication...

Back again... been a while since my last entry. Lots have happened to me personally and to the world as a whole.

We got attacked by the killer haze again. Made lots of people sick and there's still no final solution to this madness. We blame the Indons, they say the burning has been carried out by Malaysian companies there. Go figure.

Anyway, last week Jo and I had a long awaited opportunity for a break. We went to Bangkok with our friends - yep, all 9 of us! Great fun indeed. There was clear communication between all and plenty of freedom for people to do what they wanted.

We travelled by Air Asia. Of course we endured the now inevitable delays but the flights were booked early on and we got great deals. My only complain here is this - why do we Malaysians harbour under the impression that when things are cheap, they automatically have to be poor in quality? Seems the powers that be in Air Asia believe that too. That's the crux of the problem.

Our trip turned out better than we expected. Jo and I did miss little Ethan tremendously as this was the first time we had left him alone overnight. However, the chance to call home and check on him made us both feel so much better.

Just want to add a final note that in life and in all we do, communication is so important. Things can be so simple if only we talk and listen to each other. And, oh, by the way... SMS texting and e-mails don't really count.


Underage Driver... 

The one about the reason why...

The war against terrorism is back in the headlines today. The US and allies call it the "war against terrorism" but the other side - namely Al Qaeda calls it the war against muslims.

After the London bombings, many muslim leaders came out strongly and denounced the cowardly acts as "not islamic". So really what does Al Qaeda want?

Al Zawahiri announced clearly today that the US should stop stealing their oil and wealth and to stop supporting corrupt rulers. He also added that they want the withdrawal of foreign forces from the "Land of Mohammed". He promised more bloodshed.

Now, here's what I have a real problem with. The bloodshed he's talking about...exactly whose blood is it? I mean, he blames the US leaders. He says the American people should not believe their leaders as they are lying to them. Most Americans don't believe their leaders. They do want a quick resolution to occupation in Iraq. Problem is they live in a democracy. Once you elect your leaders you have to live with their decisions. You can't just rebel and kill people everytime you don't like something, or you don't know something or you don't understand something!

I think it was Clinton in one of his last speeches as President, who said essentially that we must strive to know more, because ignorance begets fear; and fear begets hatred. Al Qaeda cannot accept any kind of rule that does not fall in line with their beliefs. Those of whom do not believe what they believe are "infidels". To kill infidels is right. Talk about ignorance, fear and hatred all rolled into one neat explosive package.

So, Al Qaeda wants to kill those who they call "infidels". Most of these "infidels" happen to be innocent people. Human life is sacred - all religions say so; including Islam. So by logic, Al Qaeda's aims cannot be religion driven. So what is it they want? For the life of me, I can't see the reason behind killing innocent people. An old anti-war song from the sixties has lyrics that goes like this: "Why do we kill people, who are killing people, to show that killing people is wrong?"

The song's called "Foolish Notion". Indeed.

The one about meritocracy...

Sigh...

After nearly 50 years of the National Economic Policy ("NEP"), some UMNO delegates believe that the Bumiputeras still cannot compete on an even playing field with other Malaysians. It seems it is akin to a wheelchair-bound person running against able-bodied athletes in the 100meter dash! That attitute is astounding. I'm glad the PM does not share that opinion. The Government mustn't continue to play the role of "Santa Claus", he says. Strange metaphor that. However, Pak Lah, there's more to actual implementation than lip service. Let's see this happen.

Another UMNO delegate speaking at the General Assembly said that the Media has played up on the weaknesses of the Bumiputeras in business. Gotta say, blaming the press is just so passe. We've all heard it before, haven't we?

Prior to all that the UMNO Youth, often utilising their "young" age as an excuse for "radicalism", had suggested a 15-year National Agenda to empower Malays in the economic sector. Recently named "Most Powerful Man in Malaysia" Khairy Jamaluddin, said the NEP must be revived to support this new Agenda. Now I'm confused. Exactly what did the last eight Malaysian Plans set out to do?

Sometimes, I must say, listening to all these rhetorics makes me want to quickly check the Australian Immigration website. We read in the Star weekly of Malaysians abroad who have been so successful and who would NOT return here if wild horses dragged them. Then I think...hey, I was born in this country; I have lived in this country for the last 38 years and the small place I call home is located in this country. I am as Malaysian as any one of those UMNO delegates. I feel Malaysian and I hurt just as much when the country is criticised or loses in sporting events.

So then when will the time come when I am treated as a Malaysian by my fellow Malaysians? I remember sometime back, when Anwar Ibrahim was Education Minister, he criticised those who went overseas to study saying that we underestimated the quality of Malaysian universities. Fact is, I would have loved to study in a Malaysian university but because I am not a Bumiputera, that was truly impossible.

I leave you all with one more question... when will we get to embrace the Malaysian race?

The one about the photos....

Ethan's first trip to the pool! 


Jo & Ethan in KL 


The little fella with his dad at the playground 


Our little prince enjoying his TV show 


My two treasures... 


Ethan and his aunt Wendy from Australia 

The one about the filler post....

Wow, that was a long break from blogging. Had been busy and trying hard to make ends meet. Was also in KL for a bit. Meetings etc.

We took our little one to a couple of talent agencies. Time for him to earn his keep! Heh heh!

I won't be droning on and on with issues this time around. Instead I'll leave you with a photo of Ethan.



Ethan at home 

The one about good and evil...

Ok, here I am again after a long break. Many challenges have been thrown our way but we are seeing it thru, one step at a time.

So what evil have we seen in the world this week? For a start, a 2-year-old child was shot (yes, shot) during a hostage crisis at an international school in Siam Rep near Angkor. I can't imagine anything more senseless and filled with pure evil than a man who would shoot a child in cold blood. Sometimes one can see where the death penalty may be an avenue.

Locally, a new born baby was found "missing" from the hospital after a nurse left the baby on a bed. The Sungai Petani Hospital will have a lot of explaining to do. Like all things Malaysian, the authorities have now ordered hospitals to tighten security. Duh!

Malaysian schools are "reeling" in shock after reports of school bullying have surfaced. This was after a boy was hospitalised after being bullied by school mates of a religious school. The Education Minister has issued a statement that bullies should be reported and victims should not be afraid. Same Minister said those who are now criticising ex-PM Tun Mahathir are cowards. Should we be encouraged to come forward and report any kind of bullying?

In the sporting world, Formula 1 racing saw a ridiculous race at the Indianapolis US Grand Prix when only six cars took the starting grid after tyre manufacturers Michelin warned teams using their tyres that it wasn't safe enough for the track. The FIA are angry, Michelin are unrepentant and the spectators want their money back. What else do people need to convince them that F1 isn't a sport?

Sadly, Cardinal Jaime Sin died after a long illness in the Phillipines. He was 76 years old. God bless his soul.

With all that, there has been a lot of good too... well, a former Ku Klux Klan member, 80-year-old Edgar Ray Killen was found guilty of manslaughter some 41 years after the fact. There is justice in the world and the long arm of the law has done its part this time around.

A Hong Kong merchant and supplier of souvenir goods have gone to the media in Hong Kong about non-payment of her invoices by a political party (no less). The famous political party? None other than Barisan Nasional. Good on ya!

Last Sunday was Father's Day. Had a great time with the family. These celebratory days may have been invented by some commercial minded capitalist economy but I tell you...it really works.



Ethan & Jo 

The one about late night lamenting...

Its 2.30am now and I'm still online. I'm such a night person it isn't funny.

Anyway, just some interesting happenings over the last week or so. There's been lots of talk about the National Anthem of Malaysia being played before entertainment events. Even movies! Yes, really. Its suppose to inculcate a sense of nationalism among us. Some say, its merely a little act for the betterment of our country. Well, if I have to pay 25% for Entertainment Duty everytime I see a movie, I do believe I've already done my part for the "rakyat"; for my country!

Besides, if the Powers-that-be want to inculcate Nationalism in all of us, here are a few suggestions:

1. Try not to allow five (5) of the country's top scorers in the SPM - four of who scored a maximum thirteen (13) A1's - to be denied government scholarships purely because they are not of one particular race;

2. Try not to deny eminent academics from local universities from taking up high profile, reputable secondments with the United Nations - because once these academics are eventually allowed to take up the post and given a free reign to comment on the universities, they will reveal that there has been (a) favouritism in academic promotions, (b) monitoring of internal e-mail system and (c) tampering with examination marks;

3. Try not to shamlessly argue in public about which UMNO members have been given the privilege to be instant millionaires by the issuance of Approved Permits ("AP's") to import cars which they "license" out;

4. Try not to preach excellence in us as a Malaysian race when our ruling political party is divided upon racial lines and favouritism is continually practised and justified through the National Economic Policy which breeds mediocrity.

As a friend said to me recently, Malaysia has become an Institutionalised Mediocracy. Malaysia Boleh Juga.

The one about dancing the cha-cha...

Hi there! Apologies for the long silence. Have to keep reminding myself not to let this blog die a natural death!

Recently, there has been much said about the state of Islam in our country and elsewhere. There has also been a crucial case on the Internal Security Act decided on Thursday. Basically, it all just feels like one step forward and two steps back... and a cha-cha-cha!

So, what's been happening? Well, Deputy Minister in the PM's department Dr Abdullah Mohamed Zin has duly informed us Malaysians that - when Muslims are at prayer, five times a day, all entertainment at those times – on radio, television, on stage, in night clubs, restaurants and elsewhere – must stop. Men and women at these places must be segregated at all times. The learned Deputy Minister says that the Islamic development department's new rules demands it.

"It does not matter if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, or if no Muslims are in the audience. It is a blanket rule all must agree, or face the consequences. The non-Malay and non-Muslim parties in the National Front (BN) did not object; the head of non-Muslim religions were not consulted. It sets religious freedom a step backward." says MGG Pillai, famed and fearless journalist on his website - www.mggpillai.com.

He goes on to interestingly comment that: "This unilateral official rewriting of Islam and its place in Malaysian society has nothing to do with Islam; it has all to do with a BN government caught in a squeeze between a failure of its governance and a Malay ground which finds its place in Malaysian society has declined despite constitutional protection and massive government policies meant for their sole benefit. Thirty-five years after, the Malay is as disadvantaged now as at the start of the New Economic Policy in 1970. The establishment hijacked the NEP in time, especially in the past two decades when the then prime minister, Tun Mahathir Mohamad, rewrote the rules to concentrate Malay wealth in a few favoured hands, who took that as a sign to rape and pillage at leisure. The beneficiaries were limited to a narrow band of UMNOputras, cronies of the establishment and hangers-on, their familes and those around them."

No dancing around rhetorics there.

There has also been huge reactions to stories of the Quran being desecrated in Guantanamo Bay. It has created furore amongst the Muslims worldwide and despite Newsweek withdrawing its original report, it remains a sore point and no less true. Whilst this is clearly an example of the US's misguided and excessive backlash against Islamic fundamentalism and what they see as terrorism; there is a fundamental difference between the written word and the word that is written. Admittedly, the bible does not have the same status to Christians as the Quran would have to Muslims. My religion taught me that if the physical book upon which the Word of God is written, is taken from me and destroyed, my faith remains. It is but a book and should be respected no more than any other book. The words which are in it, however are inspired by God and should not be forgotten.

The Quran is believed to be the exact words of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. The Arabic version is sacred as it is believed to be transmitted by God. Hence the physical attachment to the Quran by the Muslims. But my question is this - should there be a country in this world which bans the book in which the Quran is printed, would the Muslims in that country loose their faith? Or would they be considered less holy? The Word of God should live in all of us - and not find its permanent home inked upon paper invented by Chinese and printed by machines originally invented to print the bible.

The PAS AGM just finished and in their elections, new blood being the younger liberal leaders were brought into power showing a clear shift in their political intentions. Obviously the older clerics are seen to be past their "expiry" date. Although this would normally be seen as indicative of reforms within the hardline Islamic party, the failure of Dr. Siti Mariah Mahmud, their first woman candidate contesting a top post, to be elected showed that they are not ready yet to accept women in the upper ranks. Another two steps back...

On another topic, the Federal Court recently strengthened the draconian ISA by adding that the authorities have no time limit to act after an alleged offence. The judgment now means that anyone can be picked up and put back in detention even though they have committed no offence for years. Sigh...

I've gone on long enough. Just want to leave you all with this quote from Zainah Anwar from "Sisters in Islam":

"Faith that does not come from the heart is not faith. It's merely fear of punishment."

The one about frustrations...

So many things to be frustrated about in this world today. It'll take a thesis long article to cover it all. I'm just going to vent a little and let it simmer...

The Deputy PM said on Friday that the Government may consider censoring the Internet. When the Multimedia Super Corridor was set up, the Government formulated a Bill of Guarantees. One of the points in the Bill is a guarantee of no censorship of the internet. Now the first problem with politicians is that they talk first and think later. He claims that the guarantee is restricted to the MSC areas only. They will not censor access to the internet by corporations in those areas. The second problem with politicians is that they generally lack vision. Malaysia has a bad track record in the area of freedom and human rights. Foreign corporations would hesitate to come into the country and invest mega-bucks if there is no change in the outlook. The Bill of Guarantees is aimed to show a gradual understanding of the need for freedom of expression. I know that the Deputy PM is talking about censoring porn at the moment but once a step back is taken, a step back is taken.

You know what's the biggest problem in this country? Politicians are everywhere! There's no local authority, major association, foundations, charitable organisation, professional body, heck... even school PTAs all have some "politician" or another in it. Universities are being run by politicians (which explains the Edmund Gomez story); Sports bodies are headed by politicians (why is that?); Newspapers are owned by political parties (no wonder the internet is so popular - no one controls the internet) and so on an so forth....

It wouldn't be too big a deal to have politicians running things - if only they were competent. Oh, the wish to have people in charge who are sensible, honest and who are in it to serve the people and not themselves. For now, that may be too much to ask. The PM has sought to rid us of corruption. Problem is, the Government isn't on any Top 10 list of preferred employers. Pay is crap, working conditions terrible and the bosses... don't even get me started! So, the few perks available... cash on the side. I think, better do some housekeeping... make working for the government something people sought after. Then maybe, just maybe... corrupt-free Malaysia.

Anyway, elsewhere I was deeply disturbed to hear on CNN that some benefactors to the Red Cross and other aid agencies were considering pulling their assistance out from Acheh because they were disappointed with the Indonesian court decision in the Schapelle Corby case. Is this what we have become?

The one at the end of an AMAZING day....

Well, what can I say? Liverpool are European Champs! We're back man... and its about time too!

Quick round-up of newsmakers today... Carrie Underwood, the country sweetheart became the new American Idol. I believe Simon Cowell; she'll go on to be one of the most successful idols of all.

Noted academician Dr. Edmund Terence Gomez made the "alternative" headlines again (i.e. not the mainstream press but on Malaysiakini.com) - this time his wife, also a lecturer at UM was denied no-pay leave to join her husband in Geneva (see my previous post - "The one about the art of elimination..."). Man, we're beginning to look pretty bad.

In world news, US President Bush pledges USD50 million to the Palestinian people thru their Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Should be rejected - after all money from the Infidels surely must not be "halal"?

In other news (usually marked under small headlines "Who cares?") - country singer Garth Brooks proposed to Trisha Yearwood. Probably so she can get a good excuse to step away from the limelight which will be hogged by the new Idol Carrie.

For me... news of the day must surely be Liverpool's magnificient comeback to take the Champions League Cup which they will get to keep, being 5-time champions!

I hadn't watched Liverpool play live in the Champion's League this season, so I told everyone that I had to miss it (in case I jinx it). By a strange coincidence, my son, uncharacteristically woke up at 5.50am. I got up to comfort him, and was told by Jo-Anne that MY TEAM had won (I had subscribe her mobile to an SMS football results notification service)! We switched on the TV and there it was - scenes of jubilation. It was enough to make one's gape in awe and pride. I can say I saw Steven Gerrard lift the coveted trophy - live!! One day, I will tell my son, he woke me up so I could savour in the experience. Thanks, son!

This year Liverpool finished 5th in the league, the Pope died, Prince Charles got married, a new Doctor Who was introduced ... all significant events everytime Liverpool won the European Cup in the past. An eerie coincidence? Or maybe its that miracle the Church needed to help Pope John Paul II on to sainthood? Whatever the case...

(Not to sound real cheesy; gotta let me have that moment)... You'll Never Walk Alone...

The one about starting young...

Hi there! Just at the end of a long weekend. A belated Happy Wesak to those who celebrate.

Did you all read about the little 3-year-old girl, born in an Australian detention centre and having to remain there because she's considered "stateless". The utter nonsense of it all!! I cannot even begin to understand how our dear government (or the powers that be) can classify a 3-year-old as stateless! The news report said that while the mother is welcomed, the girl is not. The mind boggles as to the sheer idiocy of our officials!

Ok, lets argue this in a legal manner - firstly, a minor under the age of 18 cannot own property or enter into contracts. That is provided for in the Age of Majority Act. So, little Naomi (the girl's name) is incapable of choosing to belong to any country. Simply, her nationality should automatically follow that of her legal guardian. In our Guardianship Act, it says both parents are equally the child's guardian. Which means to say, the mother of the child can choose the child's nationality. My legal opinion is that Naomi is automatically a Malaysian by virtue of her mother's nationality. No question, no doubt.

Now, let's look at this with simple common sense. The child is 3-years-old... for God's sake! Is she likely to be a terrorist threat? Who knows? I'm sure however difficult to believe, Osama bin Laden was a cute little toddler at some point. Would she grow up to be a political activist and be a thorn in the government's side? Given her early start in this whole experience, probably yes! In any case, the fact is that there's really no harm in allowing her to come into this country and be a Malaysian. God knows, as it is, so many already want to leave.

Now, some kind hearted people, (note: like in the movies, the "orang putih" is again the kind-hearted person, why is that? Cos, it's true?) are trying to get Naomi Australian citizenship. Well, I wish you well Naomi... please grow up, study hard and be a responsible person. And, oh, by the way... win a gold medal for Australia at the Olympics, ok?

The one about the art of elimination....

Hi there! Been pretty quiet. Anyway, lots of new things happening in the world this week.

There's a new AMBER Alert out in the States. Two kids ages 8 and 9 are missing after their brother, mum and mum's boyfriend were found dead. Just a little trivia - the AMBER Alert was named initially after a missing 9 year old girl Amber Hagerman who was missing back in 1996. It is actually also an acronym for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. Amazing stuff. People helping peole. Malaysia mana boleh?

Speaking of Malaysia, we've done ourselves proud again this time eliminating a brilliant and obviously reputable academician Edmund Terence Gomez. When he asked for a two-year secondment to join a United Nations Research Institute for Social Development based in Geneva, the Universiti Malaya (UM) refused and he was therefore forced to resign. More evidence of Malaysia promoting the brain drain.

On a surprising note, the webmaster of our Malaysian Parliament website (http://www.parlimen.gov.my) may soon be eliminated for publishing an article. It was Former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim's interview with the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parlimentarians in Geneva. However, true to form... the article publish was no more than an extremely shortened version. The juicy parts were...eliminated.

On the fun side of things...American Idol moves into its finale phase. Today Vonzelle was elimated. So, it'll be Bo and Carrie to slug it out. In my opinion, the best final three so far...

Funny Sitcom "Everybody loves Raymond" was also eliminated, albeit by consent. They aired their final episode a few days ago in the US and we may soon get to see that. There's not much left to see on TV, except reality shows.

Oh well, be happy!

The one about news; the good and the bad...

Well, what's happening in the world today?

More Anti-US Afghan protests by the Insurgency (that word used to be a verb, its now a noun); more bomb strikes in Baghdad; protests by Islamic extremists has left 9 dead in Uzbekistan. Nothing new there - these despicable examples of the worst in human nature will continue for sometime.

Over in the US, the state of Connecticut executed its first prisoner on death row for 45 years. Michael Ross was a serial killer and he wanted to die. The 45-year-old killed 8 women and died with no last words. The debate over capital punishment lives on.

The US Pentagon is proposing shutting down over 180 military installations including 33 bases in a cost cutting exercise. Big deal.

On the brighter side (hey, news need not always be bad ones) - Malcolm Glazer has reportedly taken over Manchester United Football Club and the fans are pissed as hell. More things to worry about for the misguided folk...

The Miss Universe 2005 pageant is due to take place soon in Bangkok. Miss Indonesia is there in spite of some protests on her appearing in a bikini. The woman is pretty and she's a law grad too. Leave her alone.

And lastly... Pope Benedict XVI has put the late Pope John Paul II on the "fast track" to sainthood. That probably means it'll take ten years instead of thirty. Sheesh. What do they know? Remember, it was religious leaders who thought Jesus was a fraud. We do "chastise" poor old Pontius Pilate (the Politician) every Sunday for his part in the whole deal but really what was his sin? The guy was a coward, sure... if we are going to chastise political leaders for being cowards... oh where do I start?

On the local front, Malaysia will be hiring teachers from China and India. Very "muhibbah".

As for me, we will be celebrating our friend Jinny's fortieth tonight (Saturday). Dinner with good friends and a fun night out at Soho's. Bliss.

The one about limitating latitudes...

Well, I guess its probably time to enlight the cyberworld out there on what my blog's title means. Believe it or not, and I will tell you most of my friends all will painfully testify to this, the northern most city in the world which I have travelled to is Chiangmai, Thailand. Chiangmai sits just below the 20'N Latitude line.

Hence the one limiting factor in my life is that I have never travelled north of the 20'N Latitude line. Whilst practically, it would not be too difficult to "break" that intangible barrier; the implications of this limitation in my life reaches far beyond such a simplistic matter. To me, its a lesson to be learned by anyone who may want to know and a lesson to be taught to anyone I care about. It's about choice.

Our lives are what we choose it to be. I remember an episode of "Frasier" recently which explored how even small decisions may change the direction our lives head. However, the episode ended by showing that in the end, life is more or less fated. The two different direction Frasier's life took after a while finally converged.

I don't know if I really agree with this "fated" concept. Religiously, I believe that God made us and placed us in this world with one true gift. The freedom of choice. It is this choice which we make that decides how our lives will be. I believe that all hardship and sufferring really arises out of our human choice. It's because we made a decision which is not necessarily a "bad" decision. Things do happen for a reason.

So I do believe that my life, almost forty years of it, has gone in a certain way and panned out in a certain manner due to the many many small decisions I have made. It is these decisions which has caused that very limitation of not having travelled north of the 20'N Latitude. Things may be different had I done certain things differently.

So, you ask... what would I have changed in my life to have "succeeded" in travelling north of that Latitude? Nothing, nothing at all.

Its a very small price to pay for the life I have now.

The one after the BIG weekend...

Phew! My wife Jo-Anne and I just had a big weekend. I'm now lying back relaxed watching my beloved English Football Team Liverpool (Champions League finalists, no less) getting walked all over by Arsenal. Its not yet half time and its Arsenal 2 - Liverpool 0. Sigh....

Anyway, Saturday, we had our son Ethan's birthday party (one day early). Some forty people showed up and I guess it was kinda fun. Think the kids enjoyed the party packs and the cake whilst the adults enjoyed the chit chat. The babies, all thought it was one big bother.

Today, was Mother's Day - and a hearty though belated wish to all Mum's out there in cyberland... and of course, today is Ethan's birthday. We got him a kids' swing. Think he likes it...

We went for Mum's Day lunch with Jo, Ethan, my mum and Jo's parents. Was a good meal and we took the opportunity to take Ethan for his first tiny "dip" in the pool. Just let him dangle his feet in the water but the little fella enjoyed himself there. Also took him walking on the beach where he experienced sand between his toes for the very first time.

Later, we decided to chalk up another first by taking Ethan to the Botanical Gardens. Its been ages since Jo or myself ventured there and we were pleasantly surprised with the number of people out keeping themselves healthy. Our single round around the Gardens was tiring enough (especially when you are carrying a 10 kilo "weight" - who was busy making audible noises throughout).

We got home and after the usual routine, put Ethan to bed. Throughout the day, Jo and I have exchanged looks at each other. No words need be said - we are both simply happy with what blessings we have received especially for Ethan. He has changed our lives and we will always treasure that. Thinking back to exactly one year ago, I remember just getting home from the hospital, some 4 hours after witnessing the miracle of birth. Jo, of course was resting in hospital while I couldn't stay as we didn't get a single bedded room yet. As I got ready for bed, my mind raced as thoughts, ideas, worries, hesitations, happiness and uncertainty all jumbled up in my head. The 'rojak' of emotions didn't allow sleep to come easy. But as the pressures of assisting through a 14-hour labour earlier (NOTHING compared to what Jo had gone through, I'm certain!) began to take its toll and as I was drifting off to dreamland; I recall one prevailing thought - I am now a Dad!

Well, I'm still a Dad... its been a fulfilling and estatic year. I will cherish this first year and look forward to many many more...

Happy Mum's Day to you, Jo... you keep me going when I thought I couldn't anymore; and Happy Birthday Ethan... you are my reward.


Jo & Ethan... loves of my life! 

The one about birthdays....

Hi there! On Sunday 8th May, my son turns 1-year old! Yes, we are having a party for him a day early on Saturday. Now to Ethan it probably would pass as pretty much "one of those days"; with just a tad more people around him than usual. Anyway, its really for his mum and me.... kinda recognition that we managed to get him thru that first year safely!

Considering, the little fellow's easily my greatest creation to date (and I certainly didn't do that myself, either), I sure would like to "celebrate" this momentous occasion. Don't worry, I'll be taking a whole lot of photos so the poor fellow never forgets what his parents went thru in his early days.

Well, Ethan, if and when you ever get to read this and understand, remember one thing. You are a culmination of many aspects of my life, but most importantly, through you, my persona and my knowledge achieves vicarious immortality.

In 1966 (the year I was born)

Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US As part of nationwide protest against the Vietnam War, demonstrations are staged all over the US In Miranda vs. Arizona, the Supreme Court rules that criminal suspects must be apprised of their rights before interrogation US planes begin bombing of the Hanoi area of North Vietnam Controversial American comedian Lenny Bruce is found dead of a drug overdose in his home John Lennon says, "We are more popular than Jesus" sparking controversy in the US The first black Senator is elected to the United States Senate Cindy Crawford, Janet Jackson, Mike Tyson, Halle Berry, Adam Sandler, and Kiefer Sutherland are born Baltimore Orioles win the World Series Green Bay Packers win the NFL championship Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is the top grossing film Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is published Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys and Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel are released Star Trek and The Newlywed Game premiere

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings

The one about the first post....

Hello world! Why the contradiction in terms in the main title to my blog, you ask? Well, once you read on, you will soon realise it makes more sense that you think. Especially to me, anyway.

A quick intro about myself... am a lawyer by profession, married, father to a bouncing boy (who will turn 1-year old on the 8th May 2005). So much for the achievements. Am a realist/pessimist/practicalist in nature; mentally organised and sensible. So much for the mental/emotional make-up. The rest is downhill....

If you are still reading, you're stronger than you think. So as a reward, I hope to turn this blog into a worthy site. I make no promises that it'll be the best, most updated and most thrilling read of your life; but it'll be close. So if any of you ever come back, you should find topics of mind-boggling variety, comments of razor-sharp critique and opinions of fearless fevour calculated to shock all, from the opiniated to the decisively-challenged.

Or, you may find a shell of a website, totally void of intelligence, withering away and occupying valuable server space in the stead of more meaningful blogs....

Just don't say I didn't warn you.