Well then

What's the worst thing that can happen to me?

Having an online meeting at 3 a.m. when it is Eid tomorrow.

Grand mufti? Someone thinks not

Who is it to decide whether or not someone has the authority to talk about religion?

Apparently man does, and not God. So says the Mufti of Perak.

One could not help but ask: does he feel threatened by the proposal? If it goes through, then his post will be no more. And instead of different states having different Islamic rules, the whole country will have a single reference point.

It seems that Harussani is advocating 'divide and conquer'. States have their own powers in regard to Islamic affairs, but I sense that most people will agree - one mufti is enough.

Related link:
Perak mufti rejects proposal for 'grand mufti'

White is for what?

"Those white lights on the rear of a car is the signal light, right?" said a friend of mine.

"Pardon?" I could not believe my ears.

"The white lights, they are signal lights, isn't that so?"

"No, they are reverse indicator lights."

"Oh."

I took a good look at him.

"And you passed your driving test?"

Remembering the Dead

It is Boxing Day.

Two years ago, the devastating tsunami wreaked havoc upon the countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The effects resonated worldwide. More than 200,000 souls were lost in the space of a few hours. It was the talk of the world for months and months. In our country alone, 75 lives were lost.

Let us remember, lest we forget. Let us pray to God that such a catastrophic event will never happen again. Let us rebuild and live our lives which was so suddenly disrupted and turned upside down by this massive disaster.

It's that time of the year again

25th of December is just around the corner. So is January 1st. Apart from a visit planned on Monday, I don't have anything else in my mind. Welcome to my boring life.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Cafe

The drought entered its sixth week. Dry air scorched the uncovered skins of Kuchingites as they go about their daily business. Having taken care a previous appointment of mine, I was now waiting in a restaurant in Padungan. Anxiously I scanned the doorway for any sign of the person that I was supposed to meet. Several people filed by in the past minutes, but there is still no sign of her.

At last, the door opened. She was as exactly as I have last seen her three years ago. The length of her hair, the enigmatic smile, the petite size. She spotted the table I was sitting at. I nodded. She returned the nod, approached the table and sat down. Not a word was exchanged between us as the waiter took her order.

"So you will be leaving."

"Yeah."

"Perth ain't that far. Think I should drop by? Got some friends over there."

She laughed. "Sure, why not. I'd love a visitor from home. But make sure you bring something that I crave for, or else," said she, waving her fork threateningly.

Grinning, I said, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

The rest of lunch was filled with conversation, laughter and a few moments of silence. Without knowing it, it is time for her to leave.

"Say hello to Mark for me."

"I will. Goodbye, Matthew." And then she left. I sat there for a moment and leaves with a sad smile on my face.

"...a club for those who have yet to grow up..."

Thankfully for my conscience, I did not vote for you in the election.

The Day Before

I arrived at the campus at 1430, parking in a mostly empty area. I entered the building and pressed the 'Up' button of the lift. Except that I did not realise that the lift is not working due to the fire. Refraining to kick myself in the head for the error, I climbed up the stairs to the fifth floor, where our booth is supposed to be.

I did not find any club members there, although the tables and chairs in the classrooms were already arranged. Visiting their favourite haunt, the computer lab, also failed since there has been a network error due to the fire and the lab itself was closed. So I gave a call.

It turned out that they were hanging around in a classroom at the sixth floor. We waited for some time for the club president to arrive, and when he did we pounced on him for keeping us waiting for quite some time. After that, we did what we came to do: prepare our club's booth. That finished (at 2000), all of us except for one person raced to Tabuan Jaya to pick up some supplies for the club as well as give our collective stomaches a treat.

The stage is set for what could be the best or the worst performance of the club.

Impulsive buying

It is quite rare that I plan my purchases in advance. As evidenced today, in which I saw a book that is famous in the Internet culture. There are only two copies available; bad and worse. I took the former and paid for it, cursing the queue jumper. In case you're wondering, it's the first book on the list to the right.

Anime: Bartender

Some of us fans prefer anime that has more to the plot and story rather than the usual explosions and fanservice. For me, Bartender is one of those few anime that is different from the other animes of 2006. Adapted from a manga of the same name, it is set to run 11 episodes.

The story is set in a bar hidden away in a corner of Ginza, Edenhall. The protagonist of the show, the so-called 'God's Glass', bears a striking resemblance to Kazuma Azuma (Yakitake! Japan) leading some to offer a funny yet plausible conspiracy theory. In each episode, the protagonist assists and helps his customers who are usually undecided, remorseful or having various kind of trouble. Each customer has his or her own story to tell. And since they are not from outer space, most of us can relate to their story and worries. One major aspect for every episode is a cocktail, sometimes more. You'll get to hear the cocktail's history, how it was made and the appropriate situation to drink one.

Granted, the art might experience a sudden drop in quality (as 4channers say, 'Musashi Quality') in various parts of the show. But that doesn't matter for me, as the anime has a relaxing and laid-back feeling to it. Suitable to be enjoyed with a glass of... whatever is it that you fancy. Some people have reportedly started to visit bars and enjoy cocktails. Hmm.

A word of warning. This anime is not for shounen fans, it is for us seinen and jousei fans. Also for fans of 'mono no aware', and definitely in the same root as Mushi, Emma and Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou.

How I long to hang out with friends. Brunch, lunch, dinner, going downtown.

Before I could get to the roof, it burned.

Checklist

Unshaved, stubbled face - check.
Coat - need to see if it fits.
Jogging shoes - check.
Cane - check.
Vicodin substitute - Need to find. Anyone know of a white mint that looks like pills?
T-shirt - check.
Work shirt, blue - check.
Jeans - check.
X-ray - I have one lying around, IIRC...

Imagine

☮

The Watch

It never cease to amuse me how low some people stoop to get their point across. He is the outspoken one, this man. On the positive side he puts forward the complaints and gripes of his fellow students. On the other hand, however, his methods are not to my liking. While he views himself as being against racism in the campus, his friends' comments left much to be asked for. One can not be against racism if one turns a blind eye to racism.

Another note is his views of the outgoing student council. In his own words, he blames the student council even when the area concerned is outside of the council's jurisdiction, or even when the council does not have any say at all! Even knowing this, he continues his harassment (yes, I term it that way. You'll see why) of the council "just for the fun of seeing their reaction(s)" (his own words).

Why did I call it harassment? One, even when he stood by idly when his friends (read: cliques) called the leading man of the council insulting, stereotypical name; names that even the locals do not use to call that particular nationality. I am concerned that this will leave a negative impression on that man, which will indirectly drag the country and Swinburne's name into the mud. Secondly, he posted a picture of one of the council's members with his girlfriend. Pardon me, but other pictures of him are readily available, minus the girlfriend. When you bring in other people who are not directly involved in this petty squabble of yours, you will bear the brunt of whatever consequences that might occur.

I will be keeping watch over his blog, as well as the comments posted there. I kept silent for the time being in order to allow the council to sit for their examinations in peace. If things turn ugly, I will forward an anonymous letter to the Administration. Your connections with the Management will not help you. I have collected the necessary evidence. To my fellow readers, please keep what I have written here secret. Do not discuss it with others, except with me. I can not afford to let the person know that he is being watch. Remember: the wall have ears.

What not to wear in Kota Bharu

What not to wear in Kota Bharu:

• Saree
• Kebaya
• Short qipao
• Native dresses of Sabah and Sarawak

Will someone bring the MPKB to court for being un-Constitutional?

You are The Hermit

Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.

The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies. The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.

The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.

The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist. This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

“For misinformation, go to the mainstream media. For cold hard facts, look out for rumours.”

Only in Malaysia.

Not Initial D

Every Tuesday and Friday night, after finishing a particular night class, all of us will scramble to get home. For the two of us however, it's a little different. You see, both of us will 'race' to see who will get to the Satok Bridge first. She in her Honda Civic VX, me in my Proton Saga Iswara. Instead of Mount Akagi, there's the hills of Bukit Lintang. The winding path of Bampfylde Lane and Reservoir Road, the straight path of Simpang Tiga, Tabuan and Satok area provides ample opportunity.

It provided me with a sense of thrill - adrenaline starts to fill in my blood. My only concern is if one of the tyres burst, which could be catastrophic. There's also the concern for other motorists. But I can assure you, I do not cut lanes without signalling first, and I don't do it abruptly.

My primary complaints? Slow motorists driving in the fast lane, and motorcyclists who ride in the middle of the road and are totally oblivious to a car behind them. Obviously, they do not check their rear-view mirror.

I'll get a video if possible.

The car's battery went flat. Almost missed my class. Timing the clutch is not fun when you are going up a hill with traffic jam and no battery, but I made it.