Blank
As I went home today, my mind was an utter blank. I was so tired by work that I realized that my mind could not even think. Today, truly, i have crossed over to the dark side.
February 8, 2010
February 1, 2010
An unknown stranger
I want to thank the unknown stranger for telling me the truth that i needed to hear. You may have been harsh, but your words were true. For that, I thank you.
January 25, 2010
Singapore’s epic fail
Disaster relief - the S’pore way
I REFER to last Saturday’s commentary, ‘Is Singapore doing too little for Haiti?’ by Ms Chua Mui Hoong. She criticised the Singapore Government for not making a bigger contribution to Haiti after the earthquake when we had contributed far more to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts after the 2004 tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.
As a responsible member of the international community, the Singapore Government has consistently made contributions to international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in our region and beyond. Singaporeans are familiar with the contributions we have made over the years, especially to the many countries hit by the tsunami in 2004, and after the Sichuan earthquake.
Last year, we provided humanitarian assistance in the form of cash, supplies and equipment after Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan; Cyclone Aila in Bhutan; Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; the Padang earthquake in Indonesia; the cyclone in Fiji; the earthquake and tsunami in Samoa and Tonga; as well as for victims of the civil war in Sri Lanka; and food aid for internally displaced people in Pakistan.
As a responsible government, we have to examine the considerations and priorities when deciding how much and what type of assistance Singapore can provide after each disaster. Singapore is not in the league of major donor countries, nor do we aspire to be one. Among other things, we have to consider the nature of our relations with the affected country and whether we can provide aid which will add value to the relief efforts when deciding what to contribute, as we have limited resources and cannot respond to every disaster in the same way.
Hence, we had responded with more significant contributions when Indonesia suffered the devastation of the tsunami and various earthquakes - because it is a neighbour with longstanding and close ties and we were in the position to deploy our military and civil defence assets so that they could carry out effective missions.
The amount or type of humanitarian assistance given by the Singapore Government is not intended to match the scale of a disaster. In the case of massive disasters in countries beyond our own region, our contributions often cannot be more than a show of moral support and a gesture of sympathy to the affected country.
The support from Singapore for Haiti need not be demonstrated just by the Government. Singaporeans who want to make a contribution can do so through the Red Cross and other groups, and indeed many have. The Singaporeans who have gone to Haiti on relief missions amply demonstrate their compassion for the victims of the earthquake.
Sudesh Maniar Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Interpretation: We will only send you aid if you are strategically important to us, like say China or Indonesia. If you are from some far flung place, we will only give a miserly sum that is a mere fraction of how much we can afford to pay our Prime Minister. Like seriously Singapore, this is a disgrace. We can afford to pay our ministers so much but we can’t do more than $50,000 for a major disaster. Hello, this is the same country where Singtel paid an arm and a leg for EPL rights. And which just financed 2 major casino projects. And we can’t afford much more? It’s not like we are some country struggling with poverty. Singapore, i’m disappointed.
January 23, 2010
Malaysia’s Epic Fail
KUALA LUMPUR - FORMER premier Mahathir Mohamad on Friday persisted in claims that the Sept 11 attacks were staged, suggesting that the collapse of the World Trade Center was the result of controlled demolition.
His latest posting on his widely read blog cites conspiracy theorists’ claims that the twin towers had collapsed in ‘too clean’ a manner. ‘The collapse of the two towers was typical of demolition of skyscrapers by experts in America,’ he wrote.
Tun Dr Mahathir also claimed to have met a janitor who worked in the twin towers. The man, he wrote, had said there were explosions that appeared to be unrelated to the plane crash. The remarks came right after he said on Wednesday in a speech that the Sept 11 attacks were staged as an excuse to ‘mount attacks on the Muslim world’, adding that ‘if they can make Avatar, they can make anything’.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from analysts, opposition politicians and netizens alike. They could not come at a worse time, said Dr Ibrahim Suffian, director of Merdeka Centre, an independent pollster. Noting that they would not help the country’s image in a time of religious tension, Dr Ibrahim said Dr Mahathir should have known the difference between the fiction of the movie Avatar and the reality of the attack. He said: ‘Conspiracy theories aside, people actually died in that suicide attack. Dr Mahathir’s statement is disrespectful to the victims for it to be described that way, with reference to a Hollywood movie.’
The statement also drew criticism from opposition politician Lim Kit Siang, who said that Dr Mahathir would have created ‘an international incident’ between Malaysia and the United States if he was still the prime minister. The former premier’s statement also sparked strong reactions from netizens, with many slamming him for his statements on their blogs and on Twitter.
Malaysian Assembly of Mosque Youth (Pemuda Masjid) de facto leader Mohd Nawar Ariffin took a more neutral stance, saying that more discussions should be held on the former premier’s allegations. The US Embassy has not commented on the matter.
Someone explain to me how this guy actually became PM of Malaysia? And you though conspiracy theorists were only loonies, but heck no an ex-PM of a country can actually say this with a straight face. Epic fail Malaysia, epic fail. Heck, this may be even more disgraceful that burning churches over using the word Allah.
On days when i think Singapore is fucked up, there is always Malaysia to make me feel so much more fortunate in comparison.
January 22, 2010
New York Times to Charge Nonsubscribers For Unlimited Use of Its Site - NYTimes.com
New York Times to Charge Nonsubscribers For Unlimited Use of Its Site - NYTimes.com The Times to Charge for Frequent Access to Its Web Site
Taking a step that has tempted and terrified much of the newspaper industry, The New York Times announced on Wednesday that it would charge some frequent readers for access to its Web site — news that drew ample reaction from media analysts and consumers, ranging from enthusiastic to withering.
Arrgh… now my source of intellectual sustenance will soon be cut off. Shall boycott NYT once it shifts to its paying model.
January 21, 2010
Subway
Is majorly annoyed by Subway’s “new” value meal which is effectively a downgrade from the previous promotional set. Seriously, a miserable 16 oz drink? And only 1 cookie!!
Shall not be eating Subway for the rest of the month…
BBC News - Why does God allow natural disasters?
Possibly the best article i read all week.
BBC News - Why does God allow natural disasters?
At the heart of Haiti’s humanitarian crisis is an age old question for many religious people - how can God allow such terrible things to happen? Philosopher David Bain examines the arguments.
Evil has always been a thorn in the side of those - of whatever faith - who believe in an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-good God.
As the philosopher David Hume (echoing Epicurus) put it in 1776: “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?”
Faced with this question, Archbishop of York John Sentamu said he had “nothing to say to make sense of this horror”, while another clergyman, Canon Giles Fraser, preferred to respond “not with clever argument but with prayer”.
January 9, 2010
BBC NEWS | Health | Regular eggs ‘no harm to health’
BBC NEWS | Health | Regular eggs ‘no harm to health’
Limiting egg consumption has little effect on cholesterol levels, research has confirmed.
A University of Surrey team said their work suggested most people could eat as many eggs as they wanted without damaging their health.
December 26, 2009
I finally get some free time to write about movies
Up (2009) 6/10
Is “Up” really that good? To me, UP was a disappointment, a distinct step down from the brilliance of WALL-E. I can’t really fathom the critical acclaim that has been heaped on what in my opinion is Pixar’s weakest film alongside Finding Nemo. Yes, UP starts with an affecting, almost brilliant montage showcasing the love story of the film’s unusual protagonist- a cantankerous old man. But while it starts promisingly, the film quickly becomes a predictable bore, with talking collared dogs, painfully caricature villains and an increasingly ridiculous plotline.
No, UP is not the best animated film of the year, not even close. 9, Coraline, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatball are all superior films which i enjoyed far more than UP. This is not to say that UP is a bad film, because it still works as an enjoyable, albeit slight entry into the Pixar canon. Which is why it is deserving only of a 6/10.
State of Play (2009) 8/10
A smartly crafted old school thriller, with a third act twist. The film works because its fine cast, headlined by Russell Crowe delivers the goods. Sad to say, State of Play has been decidedly underwatched and underrated but is personal 2009 favorite of mine.
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009) 8/10
Notwithstanding the ridiculous title, Cloudy is simply great fun and a delight to watch. One of the year’s best animated films.
Zombieland (2009) 7/10
The funniest Zombie movie ever made. Better than Shaun of the Dead. And did i mention that Woody Harrelson kicks major zombie ass?
Thirst (2009) 8/10
Visually gorgeous, Thirst marks Korean Director Park Chan Wook’s return to form after the middling I’m a Cyborg but Thats Ok. Park returns to familiar territory with liberal doses of sex, violence and dark comedy. Actor Song Kang Ho is always dependable and anchors the film with his power screen presence but it is young actress Kim Ok-bin who steals the show with a layered and scintillating performance. It is a role of a lifetime, as the bravura Kim stands her own against the experienced Song.
The mise en scenes are gorgeous, with Park Chan Wook successfully using colors to bring out the inner story. The film’s weakness is however the lack of a central plotline in the traditional sense. The film feels at times like a scattered narrative, lacking in focus, and that is probably why this Vampire flick isn’t as richly compelling as Let The Right One In, which is easily the gold standard for Vampire films. Still, as a visually haunting movie based loosely on the novel Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola, Thirst is a million miles better than those Twilight wannabes and a darkly rewarding film experience. One of the best Korean films of 2009.
World’s Greatest Dad (2009) 8/10
A darkly comic farce, it features Robin Williams in his best performance since Good Will Hunting.
Funny People (2009) 5/10
Not Funny. Even if assessed as a drama, its not compelling either.
Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen (2009) 3/10
Possibly the most egregious waste of CGI on a bad film in recent history. Transformers 2 is loud, crass and boring as hell. And to think that i actually enjoyed Transformers 1, but in Transformers 2 Michael Bay has completely and irrevocably jumped the shark.
Broken Embraces [Los Abrazos Rotos] (2009) 6/10
I just want to say that Penelope Cruz looks insanely gorgeous in a platinum blond wig. Other than that, Broken Embraces is a mediocre effort by Pedro Almodovar, who has directed way better films (eg, Volver, Carne Tremula)
Castaway on the Moon (2009) 8/10
Virtually a shoo-in for my Best of 2009 list, Castaway on the Moon is an utterly delightful Korean flick which is Robinson Crusoe with a Korean Twist. The less you know the better because this brilliant Korean film takes a tired, even cliched concept and then goes in utterly surprising directions. But even within its seemingly light comic aspirations, the film makes subtle points about loneliness, isolation and love. A beautiful film and one that i unreservedly recommend. One of 2009’s best.
Paranormal Activity (2009) 7/10
I don’t consider the film scary, but it is decidedly creepy and effective as a thriller. Also, highly entertaining.
December 5, 2009
The Hurt Locker (2009)
The Hurt Locker (2009) 8/10
Kathryn Bigelow’s brilliantly crafted film, The Hurt Locker, is the perfect antidote to Michael Bay’s Transformers 2. This is how a real film should be made. The film is revolves around soldiers a bomb disposal squad. It is an insane job, one that literally dices with death everytime the members of the squad don their vests. There are explosions, sure, but unlike the unmitigated mess that is Transformers 2, the Hurt Locker generates actual, palpable tension because there are real compelling characters in the film and we care whether they live or die.
The first half of the film, is virtually flawless, with excellent pacing and remains utterly riveting. This is filmmaking at its finest and Bigelow is possibly the only female director who is so masterfully in control of her craft. There are very few female directors in the world who are truly of top calibre and almost none who can be mentioned in the same breath as the masters like Kieslowski, Kubrick , Scorceses, WKW. But Bigelow shows great promise and talent.
Bigelow takes what could simply have been a straight up war flick and examines not simply the horror of war, but the allure of war that makes it akin to a drug. The lead character survives, even thrives on the adrenaline rush of danger. The threat of a bomb blowing up is far more potent that the elaborately staged blasts of Transformers or the artificially rendered destruction of 2012. There is genuine tension which transports the audience to the streets of Baghdad.
The film sags noticeably in the second half, with an unnecessary subplot about an Iraqi boy. There are some fairly unrealistic choices made by the characters as a result of the subplot which i felt detracted from the film and caused it to drop from a 9/10 to a very strong 8/10. Nevertheless, The Hurt Locker is utterly riveting, and brilliantly acted with a remarkable lead performance by Jeremy Renner. This is a definitely one of the top films of 2009.
“”The Hurt Locker” is a great film, an intelligent film, a film shot clearly so that we know exactly who everybody is and where they are and what they’re doing and why.”- Roger Ebert
“Taking moviegoers by the collar and throwing them headlong into one horrifying life-and-death situation after another, Bigelow and her collaborators remind us that cinema, like war, is a drug.”-Michael Philips
November 17, 2009
Too Little, Too Late
SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said his insistence on bilingualism in the early years of education policy was “wrong”. Instead it caused generations of students to be put off the Chinese language.
It was the official opening of the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language and in a speech delivered in Mandarin and English, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew gave a blunt assessment of Singapore’s bilingual policy.
He said: “We started the wrong way. We insisted on ting xie (listening), mo xie (dictation) - madness! We had teachers who were teaching in completely-Chinese schools. And they did not want to use any English to teach English-speaking children Chinese and that turned them off completely.”
November 11, 2009
Who Is a Jew? Court Ruling in Britain Raises Question
The questions before the judges in Courtroom No. 1 of Britain’s Supreme Court were as ancient and as complex as Judaism itself.
Who is a Jew? And who gets to decide?
On the surface, the court was considering a straightforward challenge to the admissions policy of a Jewish high school in London. But the case, in which arguments concluded Oct. 30, has potential repercussions for thousands of other parochial schools across Britain. And in addressing issues at the heart of Jewish identity, it has exposed bitter divisions in Britain’s community of 300,000 or so Jews, pitting members of various Jewish denominations against one another.
“This is potentially the biggest case in the British Jewish community’s modern history,” said Stephen Pollard, editor of the Jewish Chronicle newspaper here. “It speaks directly to the right of the state to intervene in how a religion operates.”
The case began when a 12-year-old boy, an observant Jew whose father is Jewish and whose mother is a Jewish convert, applied to the school, JFS. Founded in 1732 as the Jews’ Free School, it is a centerpiece of North London’s Jewish community. It has around 1,900 students, but it gets far more applicants than it accepts.
Britain has nearly 7,000 publicly financed religious schools, representing Judaism as well as the Church of England, Catholicism and Islam, among others. Under a 2006 law, the schools can in busy years give preference to applicants within their own faiths, using criteria laid down by a designated religious authority.
By many standards, the JFS applicant, identified in court papers as “M,” is Jewish. But not in the eyes of the school, which defines Judaism under the Orthodox definition set out by Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. Because M’s mother converted in a progressive, not an Orthodox, synagogue, the school said, she was not a Jew — nor was her son. It turned down his application.
That would have been the end of it. But M’s family sued, saying that the school had discriminated against him. They lost, but the ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal this summer.
In an explosive decision, the court concluded that basing school admissions on a classic test of Judaism — whether one’s mother is Jewish — was by definition discriminatory. Whether the rationale was “benign or malignant, theological or supremacist,” the court wrote, “makes it no less and no more unlawful.”
The case rested on whether the school’s test of Jewishness was based on religion, which would be legal, or on race or ethnicity, which would not. The court ruled that it was an ethnic test because it concerned the status of M’s mother rather than whether M considered himself Jewish and practiced Judaism.
November 10, 2009
White/Blue
I am Blue/White
Take The Magic Dual Colour Test - Beta today!
Created with Rum and Monkey’s Personality Test Generator.
I’m both orderly and rational. I value control, information, and order. I love structure and hierarchy, and will actively use whatever power or knowledge I have to maintain it. At best, I am lawful and insightful; at worst, I am bureaucratic and tyrannical.
November 9, 2009
The Iron Curtain
The Iron Curtain
Marie Howe
And the nun asked us– were we seven?–what we would do if the
Communists
stormed our houses and bound our parents and threatened to kill
them. Would you
renounce Jesus in order to save your mother from being murdered?
We knew what the true answer was–
and what was the right one.
My mother stood, cooking a dozen pork chops in the two big frying
pans, when I told her
that I’d said that I’d let her die before
I turned my back on Jesus.
And my mother said that that was all right; she understood.
When the wall came down I was distracted. By what? A man I loved
and longed for?
A self integrating so slowly most days I hardly knew who I was?
Brick by brick. Some men pushed it with what looked like
long pillars.
Some kids sat on top, waving.
We’d been told families had been divided–crossing the city to work or
shop–
caught on the wrong side when the wall went up. And that was that.
People
lived and died, and married.
How strange to see them walking, on TV, through the empty air–
what had been solid–stupefied, astonished…
How they touched the faces of their loved ones
and ran their hands over their heads and hair.
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.
The New York Times has an excellent retrospective on the fall of the Berlin Wall, some 20 years ago to this day. It was a moment of historical purport, made all so fascinating because it was partly caused by Bureaucratic confusion over travel regulations. It marked a watershed moment in history and changed forever the dynamics of international power balance. Now 20 years later, that euphoric moment where freedom triumph over repression is captured beguilingly by the first person anecdotes, pictorial juxtaposition and nostalgic accounts of a time where, to borrow the lyrics of Scorpions, we were all “Listening to the wind of change.”
In particular, i liked the collection of poetry commemorating this date.
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close,like brothers
The future’s in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
–”The Wind of Change”, by The Scorpions
