One of my many New Year's resolutions for 2012:
To post more on this long-dormant blog.
It's very dusty in here, poor thing.
3 years ago
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, July 10, 2009
Click. Now.
Dr. Mahathir has posted his thoughts on his blog about the government's decision to revert the teaching of Maths and Science back to Bahasa Malaysia. If you want to show your support for retaining the current system, please go to his blog and vote in the poll. I'll be posting more on it when I have time.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Precipice
People were good at imagining hell, and some
they occupied while they were alive.
- Terry Pratchett, Carpe Jugulum
Thursday, July 2, 2009
*Insert Reassuring Shoulder Pat Here*
I'm not sure if anybody actually reads this blog besides the Turds and my cute French neighbour whom I'm totally not holding at gunpoint to get him to do so, but a quick note of assurance to all:
Radio Turd is not a one-hit wonder. It will be back. I'm currently putting together new ideas to make the next few editions more interesting, so please don't give up on our little musical island. Thanks!
Radio Turd is not a one-hit wonder. It will be back. I'm currently putting together new ideas to make the next few editions more interesting, so please don't give up on our little musical island. Thanks!
Grief Counseling - EPIC FAIL.
I'm pretty sure I'm not in the minority when I say that it's utterly thoughtless, tactless and inconsiderate when someone is grieving over the recent loss of a loved one and your way of extending condolences consists of telling them: "Don't be so sad about it, okay?"
Yes, it is inevitable to become tongue-tied when reaching out to someone else's loss, especially if you haven't experienced it yourself. But honestly, telling him or her not to be sad over the death of a parent? A sibling? A spouse? Which grief-counselling-alert-ASAP planet are you from? This person did not lose a soft toy or an iPod or a book, all of which can be replaced and ergo repair any emotional damage that might have occurred.
If you don't know what to say, don't say anything at all. It's really that simple.
Yes, it is inevitable to become tongue-tied when reaching out to someone else's loss, especially if you haven't experienced it yourself. But honestly, telling him or her not to be sad over the death of a parent? A sibling? A spouse? Which grief-counselling-alert-ASAP planet are you from? This person did not lose a soft toy or an iPod or a book, all of which can be replaced and ergo repair any emotional damage that might have occurred.
If you don't know what to say, don't say anything at all. It's really that simple.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Der Einsame (The Lonely)
Der Einsame (The Lonely)
by Rainer Maria Rilke
Translation: Philipp Kellmeyer
Wie einer, der auf fremden Meeren fuhr,
so bin ich bei den ewig Einheimischen;
die vollen Tage stehn auf ihren Tischen,
mir aber ist die Ferne voll Figur.
In mein Gesicht reicht eine Welt herein,
die vielleicht unbewohnt ist wie ein Mond,
sie aber lassen kein Gefühl allein,
und alle ihre Worte sind bewohnt.
Die Dinge, die ich weither mit mir nahm,
sehn selten aus, gehalten an das Ihre -:
in ihrer großen Heimat sind sie Tiere,
hier halten sie den Atem an vor Scham.
***
Like someone who sailed distant seas
I am with the ever natives;
the full days standing on their tables,
but for me distance is full of shape.
In my face a world reaches in,
perhaps deserted like a moon,
but they leave no feeling alone,
and all their worlds are inhabited.
The things which I took with me
look rare compared to theirs -:
in their great home they are animals,
here they hold their breath in shame.
***
Artwork: Faraway by Joe Sorren
Monday, June 22, 2009
On Love (A Brief Tale In Five Vignettes)
What is love?
i. Lava
Love is the simmer of bubbles that breathe out on the stove, where you either find your balance above the water or submerge and boil. Either way, your heart becomes marked forever.
ii. Anchor
Love is the sharpest end of an anchor, weighty and piercing through your heart. But you don't say a word as it drags you with the ship far from home, to places and feelings unfamiliar. For some reason, it's okay to die bleeding, facedown, if it is for him. Even if he doesn't know a thing.
iii. Skin (Part 1)
Love is the stranger who came to your bed one night and turned your skin inside out. When you look in the mirror the next morning, you are scared by this new skeleton girl, all blood and pulses and gleaming bones. Then you see the exaltation on his face when he lays eyes on you, and suddenly your new body is an old friend.
iv. Skin (Part 2)
(in a future parallel dimension, you are both dead by your own hand. again there is a mirror, and again your old skin reappears. you don't recall it being this hideous before, and you try to stretch it back to how it was before, and all the while it hisses and claws and screams at you.)
v. Scarecrow
Love is a scarecrow in a vast lonely field, chasing away birds that never come. The other scarecrows do not like him; he never joins them when they mourn (for scarecrows need to weep too and it hurts beyond anything you know that they can't). But their empty eyes don't see the little sparrow nestled in the pocket of his tattered shirt, singing about the silliest things. They don't understand the strange way the wooden corners of the slash across his face always curve upwards now. They think he has a disease.
i. Lava
Love is the simmer of bubbles that breathe out on the stove, where you either find your balance above the water or submerge and boil. Either way, your heart becomes marked forever.
ii. Anchor
Love is the sharpest end of an anchor, weighty and piercing through your heart. But you don't say a word as it drags you with the ship far from home, to places and feelings unfamiliar. For some reason, it's okay to die bleeding, facedown, if it is for him. Even if he doesn't know a thing.
iii. Skin (Part 1)
Love is the stranger who came to your bed one night and turned your skin inside out. When you look in the mirror the next morning, you are scared by this new skeleton girl, all blood and pulses and gleaming bones. Then you see the exaltation on his face when he lays eyes on you, and suddenly your new body is an old friend.
iv. Skin (Part 2)
(in a future parallel dimension, you are both dead by your own hand. again there is a mirror, and again your old skin reappears. you don't recall it being this hideous before, and you try to stretch it back to how it was before, and all the while it hisses and claws and screams at you.)
v. Scarecrow
Love is a scarecrow in a vast lonely field, chasing away birds that never come. The other scarecrows do not like him; he never joins them when they mourn (for scarecrows need to weep too and it hurts beyond anything you know that they can't). But their empty eyes don't see the little sparrow nestled in the pocket of his tattered shirt, singing about the silliest things. They don't understand the strange way the wooden corners of the slash across his face always curve upwards now. They think he has a disease.
Stories In Six Words
I'm sure that a lot of people have heard of this classic by Ernest Hemingway: "For sale: Baby shoes, never worn." Recently, I decided to try this exercise of telling stories in just six words too. Owing to the time I have to dedicate to work, I find it increasingly impossible to write anything of any kind, hence the multiple poetry/short story projects lying incomplete on my desk at home. So this was a nice exercise to do even if the results seemed quite inadequate to me. If anyone has any good versions of their own, share it here too.
I've been depressed for quite some time now, no prizes for guessing why. So a majority of attempts came out in this vein.
I've been depressed for quite some time now, no prizes for guessing why. So a majority of attempts came out in this vein.
- He never asked. She never told.
- Behind his smile lay gruesome tales.
- She fell, but nobody caught her.
- Callous hands, too rough. "Please. Don't."
- "Hey Mister, you want good time?"
- Sometimes, ghosts were all he had.
- Breaking news: Child shot, eyewitnesses laugh.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sweatdrop #3
Yesterday, I needed some artwork to be drawn for a children's book I was editing. I went over to my artist and showed him what needed to be drawn. Specifically, the instructions on the page were for the illustration of a pear to accompany the question.
The artist nodded coolly, his face akin to an expression I like to call 'practised machismo'. Probably wondering why he is always given such mindnumbingly childish tasks to draw. I left him to it, and went back to my desk.
Fifteen minutes later, he showed me the fruits, pun unintended, of his labour.
He had drawn a mango.
The artist nodded coolly, his face akin to an expression I like to call 'practised machismo'. Probably wondering why he is always given such mindnumbingly childish tasks to draw. I left him to it, and went back to my desk.
Fifteen minutes later, he showed me the fruits, pun unintended, of his labour.
He had drawn a mango.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Blind March
Does this darkness have a name?
This cruelty, this hatred, how did it find us?
Did it steal into our lives or did we seek it out and embrace it?
What happened to us that we now send our children into the world
like we send young men to war hoping for their safe return but
knowing that some would be lost along the way?
When did we lose our way?
Consumed by the shadows, swallowed whole by the darkness.
Does this darkness have a name?
Is it your name?
- OTH 3x16, With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept
This cruelty, this hatred, how did it find us?
Did it steal into our lives or did we seek it out and embrace it?
What happened to us that we now send our children into the world
like we send young men to war hoping for their safe return but
knowing that some would be lost along the way?
When did we lose our way?
Consumed by the shadows, swallowed whole by the darkness.
Does this darkness have a name?
Is it your name?
- OTH 3x16, With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept
The Looking Glass
All that you are is all that you know.
But if all that you know is nothing,
then you should stop wondering why you loathe yourself.
It's too easy and unsympathetic a habit to weave,
because nobody is your friend in that world.
The saddest part is that many of you do not resurface.
The saddest part is that between us, we aren't that different at all.
Three Words (Spoiler-heavy)
I knew it.
HE IS ALIVE.
Naruto, Issue 449.
Faith pays handsomely.
I am happy. :)
HE IS ALIVE.
Naruto, Issue 449.
Faith pays handsomely.
I am happy. :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Giggly.
I love the Internet. You can do just about anything in cyberspace from the comfort of your room. Even weddings! So I decided to officially stake my claim with my Kakashi-sensei.
Eh, I may have gotten a little...carried away. But all of them wanted to marry me ASAP, what can I say?
By the power invested in me by MYFConline.com, I now pronounced myself married. One at a time, boys. One at a time.
Eh, I may have gotten a little...carried away. But all of them wanted to marry me ASAP, what can I say?
By the power invested in me by MYFConline.com, I now pronounced myself married. One at a time, boys. One at a time.
Certificate of Marriage
This is to certify that
Hatake Kakashi
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
This is to certify that
Hatake Kakashi
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
Certificate of Marriage
This is to certify that
Zack Fair
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
This is to certify that
Zack Fair
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
Certificate of Marriage
This is to certify that
L Lawliet
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
This is to certify that
L Lawliet
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
Certificate of Marriage
This is to certify that
Daniel Faraday
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
This is to certify that
Daniel Faraday
and
Yanna_Hashri
were married on
May 25, 2009
Marry Your Favorite Character
On Pain
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer."
- Albert Camus
Life alternates between embracing you
and casting you far away.
It has to be that way.
We have no reaction without action.
And that is the way the world has always been.
We suffer now because one day
we are going to experience joy so radiant
we will instantly forget the pain
that raged inside you during the journey.
We are patient because there is
no other way we can be.
For Matt and Anis.
I offer prayers and hope.
Your child will come out of this as the sun.
- Albert Camus
Life alternates between embracing you
and casting you far away.
It has to be that way.
We have no reaction without action.
And that is the way the world has always been.
We suffer now because one day
we are going to experience joy so radiant
we will instantly forget the pain
that raged inside you during the journey.
We are patient because there is
no other way we can be.
For Matt and Anis.
I offer prayers and hope.
Your child will come out of this as the sun.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Under the cover of darkness, a glimpse.
Story of An Artist
Daniel Johnston
Listen up and I'll tell a story
about an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
others aren't so bold
And everyone in friends and family
saying, "Hey, go get a job
Why do you only do that only
Why are you so odd?
We don't really like what you do
We don't think anyone ever will
It's a problem that you have
And this problem's made you ill."
The artist walks among the flowers
Appreciating the sun
He's out there all his waking hours
Oh, and who's to say he's wrong?
But the artist walks alone
And someone says behind his back
"He's got some gall to call himself that
He doesn't even know where he's at."
And they sit in front of their tv
Saying, "Hey, isn't this a lot of fun?"
And they laugh at the artist
Saying, "He doesn't know how to have fun."
Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others like to watch the world.
******
Vincent O'Brien
M. Ward
He only sings when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he sings the whole night through
Yeah, he sings in the daytime too
He only dreams when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he dreams the whole night through
Yeah, he dreams in the daytime too
There may be mermaids under the water
There may even be a man on the moon
But Vincent, time is running out
You better get yourself together soon
Out of Buffalo, the man
Below the belt he swung, and then after the bell has rung
Another cheap shot, here it comes
He only laughs when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he laughs the night through
Yeah, he laughs in the daytime too
There may be mermaids under the water
There may even be a man on the moon
But Vincent, time is running out
I hope you get yourself together soon
I hope you get yourself together soon.
Daniel Johnston
Listen up and I'll tell a story
about an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
others aren't so bold
And everyone in friends and family
saying, "Hey, go get a job
Why do you only do that only
Why are you so odd?
We don't really like what you do
We don't think anyone ever will
It's a problem that you have
And this problem's made you ill."
The artist walks among the flowers
Appreciating the sun
He's out there all his waking hours
Oh, and who's to say he's wrong?
But the artist walks alone
And someone says behind his back
"He's got some gall to call himself that
He doesn't even know where he's at."
And they sit in front of their tv
Saying, "Hey, isn't this a lot of fun?"
And they laugh at the artist
Saying, "He doesn't know how to have fun."
Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others like to watch the world.
******
Vincent O'Brien
M. Ward
He only sings when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he sings the whole night through
Yeah, he sings in the daytime too
He only dreams when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he dreams the whole night through
Yeah, he dreams in the daytime too
There may be mermaids under the water
There may even be a man on the moon
But Vincent, time is running out
You better get yourself together soon
Out of Buffalo, the man
Below the belt he swung, and then after the bell has rung
Another cheap shot, here it comes
He only laughs when he's sad
and he's sad all the time so he laughs the night through
Yeah, he laughs in the daytime too
There may be mermaids under the water
There may even be a man on the moon
But Vincent, time is running out
I hope you get yourself together soon
I hope you get yourself together soon.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Welcome To The Dollhouse V2
It's been a higgledy-piggledy week, and only now am I able to catch up on my lost Zzzzs. However, I happened to log on to the Internet after finishing up some work and found news that made my day:
Dollhouse is getting a 2nd season!
And now I can sleep in peace.
Dollhouse is getting a 2nd season!
And now I can sleep in peace.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Link Time
If you enjoy discussing matters related to Islamic faith or simply find yourself in dire need of flexing the muscles of your intellect, please visit this very interesting blog by my friend Myra:
Interfaith Discussions
Interfaith Discussions
Friday, May 8, 2009
None Among Me
Art builds from pain
From misery
From a deep-seated hurt
A monument to the human heart
That shines like a golden dome
Amongst roofs rain-glazed and leaden.
Paul Muldoon
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Atmosphere
This is a song that Zuhairy introduced me to a couple of months ago, and I found it to be so ethereally amazing that I've decided to post it here and share it with all of you.
The song is called Trois Beaux Oiseaux de Paradis (in English, "Three Beautiful Birds of Paradise"). It's a composition by Maurice Ravel, an early 20th century French composer. His forte was Impressionist music, which is a genre of classical music that emphasizes the power of atmosphere and suggestion. It began as an antithesis of 19th century Romantic music. The particular version below is a recording by a choir from the 19th Choral Summer School 'Camerata ad Libitum' workshop in Pontevedra, Spain. I would recommend reading the lyrics while listening to the song for added effect.
Original Lyrics (in French):
Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis
Mon ami z-il est à la guerre
Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis
Ont passé par ici.
Le premier était plus bleu que le ciel,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Le second était couleur de neige,
Le troisième rouge vermeil.
"Beaux oiselets du Paradis,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Beaux oiselets du Paradis,
Qu'apportez par ici?"
"J'apporte un regard couleur d'azur
(Ton ami z-il est à la guerre)"
"Et moi, sur beau front couleur de neige,
Un baiser dois mettre, encore plus pur."
Oiseau vermeil du Paradis,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Oiseau vermeil du Paradis,
Que portez vous ainsi?
"Un joli coeur tout cramoisi"
Ton ami z-il est à la guerre
"Ha! je sens mon coeur qui froidit...
Emportez le aussi."
English Translation (by Judith Kellock):
Three beautiful birds of paradise
(My love is gone to the war)
Three beautiful birds of paradise
Have passed this way.
The first was bluer than the sky
(My love has gone to the war)
The second was the colour of snow
The third was red as vermillion.
"Beautiful birds of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
What do you bring here?"
"I carry an azure glance
(Your love has gone to the war)
And I must leave on a snow-white brow
A kiss, even purer."
"You red bird of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
What are you bringing me?"
"A loving heart, flushing crimson."
(Your love has gone to the war)
"Ah, I feel my heart growing cold...
Take that with you as well."
The song is called Trois Beaux Oiseaux de Paradis (in English, "Three Beautiful Birds of Paradise"). It's a composition by Maurice Ravel, an early 20th century French composer. His forte was Impressionist music, which is a genre of classical music that emphasizes the power of atmosphere and suggestion. It began as an antithesis of 19th century Romantic music. The particular version below is a recording by a choir from the 19th Choral Summer School 'Camerata ad Libitum' workshop in Pontevedra, Spain. I would recommend reading the lyrics while listening to the song for added effect.
Original Lyrics (in French):
Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis
Mon ami z-il est à la guerre
Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis
Ont passé par ici.
Le premier était plus bleu que le ciel,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Le second était couleur de neige,
Le troisième rouge vermeil.
"Beaux oiselets du Paradis,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Beaux oiselets du Paradis,
Qu'apportez par ici?"
"J'apporte un regard couleur d'azur
(Ton ami z-il est à la guerre)"
"Et moi, sur beau front couleur de neige,
Un baiser dois mettre, encore plus pur."
Oiseau vermeil du Paradis,
(Mon ami z-il est à la guerre)
Oiseau vermeil du Paradis,
Que portez vous ainsi?
"Un joli coeur tout cramoisi"
Ton ami z-il est à la guerre
"Ha! je sens mon coeur qui froidit...
Emportez le aussi."
English Translation (by Judith Kellock):
Three beautiful birds of paradise
(My love is gone to the war)
Three beautiful birds of paradise
Have passed this way.
The first was bluer than the sky
(My love has gone to the war)
The second was the colour of snow
The third was red as vermillion.
"Beautiful birds of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
What do you bring here?"
"I carry an azure glance
(Your love has gone to the war)
And I must leave on a snow-white brow
A kiss, even purer."
"You red bird of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
What are you bringing me?"
"A loving heart, flushing crimson."
(Your love has gone to the war)
"Ah, I feel my heart growing cold...
Take that with you as well."
Friday, April 24, 2009
Radio Turd: Episode 1
Dear Suemy,
Never let it be said that I rest on my laurels when it comes to fulfilling your musical needs. However, as is the nature of a typical Turd relationship, you live absurdly far away and your equally absurd working hours are completely inconsiderate about the sustenance of our friendship . Truth be told, I've forgotten what you look like. If I try very hard, I can somewhat recall that your height reaches somewhere up to my navel, but that's about it.
Anyhow, this post marks the launching of Radio Turd, which is much less grander than it sounds. Whatever I post up here will be mostly what I consider Suemy-centric, or else it's just music that I like and just feel like recommending. Radio Turd will be a monthly feature on this blog, and it's your duty to "tune in" every month as this project is solely for you (non-Turds are, of course, welcome to sample and/or review the music recommendations, but we bear no responsibility with regards to possible bouts of oddity, followed eventually by insanity).
April Selections:
*rubs hands* Well, that's it for this month's edition - I'll be on the hunt for more gems within the coming month. Have fun browsing the list, and for goodness sake let us meet up in the flesh sometime this millennium. Skype won't cut it.
Never let it be said that I rest on my laurels when it comes to fulfilling your musical needs. However, as is the nature of a typical Turd relationship, you live absurdly far away and your equally absurd working hours are completely inconsiderate about the sustenance of our friendship . Truth be told, I've forgotten what you look like. If I try very hard, I can somewhat recall that your height reaches somewhere up to my navel, but that's about it.
Anyhow, this post marks the launching of Radio Turd, which is much less grander than it sounds. Whatever I post up here will be mostly what I consider Suemy-centric, or else it's just music that I like and just feel like recommending. Radio Turd will be a monthly feature on this blog, and it's your duty to "tune in" every month as this project is solely for you (non-Turds are, of course, welcome to sample and/or review the music recommendations, but we bear no responsibility with regards to possible bouts of oddity, followed eventually by insanity).
April Selections:
- Low Vs Diamond - Killer B
If you haven't seen the latest episode of OTH yet, this song was featured. They've had a few other songs featured back in Season 5; so far I like this one best. Catchy guitar hooks - I'd love to be able to get away with walking down a street here just lazily singing about Killer Bs. As always, try to watch it within the episode itself (6X20) to appreciate how the song lends itself to the frustrated Nathan trying to coach yet-another-arrogant-asswipe-of-a-basketball-player scene. - The Get Up Kids - Like A Man Possessed
I know, I know. I don't like this band. What songs by them did I listen to again once upon a time and instantly dislike? Turns out there actually are diamonds in the rough. This is another gem I picked up from OTH, but from way back when in Season 2, during Nathan's car crash. Consider this musical therapy for emo-inclined moments. I like the lyrics, though. - David Usher - We Are Wolves (Electric City)
Come on, people. It's time to move past Black Black Heart already! Mr. Usher's released quite a few albums since then so get cracking on them. This song is from his latest offering, Wake Up and Say Goodbye (released 2008). But do check out other songs such as The Music, Kill The Lights and Love Will Save The Day. Heck, check out all his albums. Track listings are a click away. - Everly
I didn't mean to turn this into an OTH-centric entry, honestly. I can't help it if Mark Schwann has exceptional taste in music. If you love Bethany Joy Galeotti, you'll love this band. It's a group she formed recently with an old friend, and their music is quite folk/pop/rock-oriented. For now they have an EP called Mission Bell out, and so far it's doing very well. Thank you God, for small favours such as Myspace.
*rubs hands* Well, that's it for this month's edition - I'll be on the hunt for more gems within the coming month. Have fun browsing the list, and for goodness sake let us meet up in the flesh sometime this millennium. Skype won't cut it.
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