Pray for Japan, please

In recent months, we have heard or read the news of earthquakes and devastation.
Amongst the most notable was the Christchurch earthquake which sent the Canterbury region into a frenzy and panic. I remember trying to get in touch with a friend in New Zealand just to know if she is ok from the wake of the earthquake, though, my friend being in Wellington was not affected. The death toll as reported in Wikipedia was an estimate of 166 fatalities. I suppose many thought the 6.3 magnitude earthquake was this years major disaster.
No one was prepared for the Japan earthquake.

On March 11, the Japan earthquake struck. A staggering 8.9 magnitude earthquake (some reports state 9.0) occurred of the coast of Sendai, triggering tremors, aftershocks and consequently, a major tsunami which caused, perhaps the most of its destruction.
The earthquake was preceded by some earthquakes (which started on 9 March 2011) or as they term it foreshocks which have alerted the Japanese to prepare themselves for the mainshock. The alert could have possible saved more lives as precautions were taken.
However, whatever precautions taken were no match for the disaster caused by the mainshock much later. Waves of up to 10m (the highest recorded) destroyed the entire coastline and even reached up to 10km mainland from shore. Nothing could have prevented this and no human endeavour would be able to match the destructive force of the tsunami. This is something unimaginable and upon watching the videos and reading the news, it brings to mind The Day After Tomorrow,a disaster movie which in my opinion which really scared me, watching the destruction mother nature brought forth upon the world. But all this at the moment....is very real.
At the moment of writing, the death toll has reached up to an estimate of 2414 fatalities and more predicted to be recorded up to 10,000++. The threat of nuclear and radiation is also expected, which the damage of the nuclear plants, such as that in Fukushima. It could only be worse.

Despite the destruction however, it I'm glad to read that the Japanese are handling the situation in a controlled manner, which shows the resilience of this nation. Something which the world should take note of, our country in particular. Japan has risen from many natural disasters and post war events, which have made them stronger than before. Japan will indeed prevail from this.
Even as we extend our prayers for this nation, sometimes, i do feel a sense of hopelessness of what has happened. Vicariously we can only watch the people in Japan suffer and going through these dark times. But I suppose as a nation, we should continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to Japan and pray that He will do his work, whatever and however it is, on the island of Japan and for it's people.
And I hope readers of this blog, wherever you may be, pray for this nation.

And if there's any active cause or aid, I would urge you to participate in it.I do not know if there is any, but I will be on a look out to see if there is anything that I can do to help.

And also i will will share this video, something I found on Youtube, as a reminder of mother nature's forces, not because I like it, but to paint a very real scenario of the things that are happening. We may be safe in our country, but we should never let our guard down. As many have pointed out, that the end times are near, whether it may come sooner or not, I do not know. But I do know that if there is something of a difference that we can make, then we can make it now.
Please extend your thoughts and prayers for Japan.

Terima Kasih Dato' for silencing me

Let's face it. Each time we hear of the dream final between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, all too often we have already predicted the outcome. We may hope that our Dato' can at least pull a few off Lin Dan, but we always face despair instead.
It's not to say that Lee Chong Wei is not good. Heck, compared to other badminton singles players, Lee Chong Wei is in a class of his own.
Being able to watch him tear Bao Chun Lai apart in the second round, clearly shows that he is untouchable by other lesser mortal badminton players. The gap between him and other players is a gap which may be miles apart.
However, the gap between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan was also seen to be miles apart.
Which makes Lin Dan, a super deity in badminton, ahahha.
BUt of course, we all know that Lee Chong Wei, on a good day may be able to win Lin Dan on a bad day. But that's not what makes a champion, a real champion.

So come this 2011 edition of the all England finals, and we hear of the much anticipated Dream Final. Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan.
Perhaps what comes to mind is similar to an European Champions League Final between Barcelona and Real Madrid (or Man Utd, take your pick :))
Everyone was already pre-judging that Lin Dan will win, including myself.
BUt deep down in our hearts, we all truly wanted our Dato' to finally beat the hoodoo and stigma of always being second fiddle to Lin Dan.

And today, he did it! Both players, fitness to boot, had terrific rallies, attacks and defence.
Although it is said that Lin Dan made many unforced errors, which was quite uncharacteristic of him to do so, this time perhaps, he could not hide behind the excuse that he was unwell or anything. You can see that he is also playing his game and was going FTW. Perhaps, it was an issue of confidence, and the more errors he made, the more his confidence eroded. Such is my view of him tonite.
But it was Chong Wei's night, and tonight he showed that he could pull of the tricks up his sleeve that he has tried to but often times chose not to against his old nemesis. Brimming with confidence, he too could have lost the lead.
But he held on for the win despite the close call.
For once, Chong Wei did not give the respect he always gave Lin Dan. And this is something good :)
Even if Dato were to lose today, i would still be proud because he showed a display never seen before against Lin Dan, and tonight he could do not wrong.
But having said that, this is just one victory although a major tournament and not the usual minor opens. However, this could provide the boost that he has desperately needed for years against Lin Dan and we do hope that this victory is a sign of things to come.
And when LCW is finally on par with Lin Dan, then truly we will have many dream finals to look forward to. :) Well Done Dato, and terima kasih

As for Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, you guys could have won it, with your skills and prowess. But alas you both allowed a 5 point lead to deteriorate. Confidence is something that you both need to work on. But over-confidence is also something that you both need to address.
World beaters you guys could be, but you need to show it and not always end up second best.In sports, second best is always forgotten....The only enemies that you have are yourselves. Work harder :)

But tonight, it's LEE CHONG WEI's to celebrate :) Keep it up and make this nation proud :) and thank you for silencing me, your critic and a Malaysian badminton fan.

X-Men First Class...top class :)

Ooh...Finally, the trailer for the upcoming X-Men prequel of sorts.
Hope this does not disappoint. I hope the dramatical elements and the Action sequences complement each other to make a good movie.....
Here's the first trailer.....I'm just too damn excited....can't wait :)

The Future of Forrestry - A musical experience

Joo Na linked us up with this band that she happened to stumbled upon.
It's called Future of Forrestry.
When I saw their music, a rehearsal of sorts, I thought it was like...WOW....3 bandmates, but multiple instruments. Talk about multi talented.
And i happened to chance upon Wikipedia that furthers informs me that they are a Christian band, or a band of Christians, however you want to put it.
But Christian or not, their music, was rich in layers, sounded very much like it belonged to the post rock genre, but its the incredible change of playing the musical instruments which got me interested.
Oh yeah, and the front man is Chinese! WOoo Hoo... one up for the CHiNKS!
So i now post 2 of the youtube clips which Joo Na linked us.
Wonderful stuff. Now, to try to get my hands on their music proper.
I might like Post-Rock afterall...

Men should never scratch in front of open windows...

Came back from another round of futsal.
I should be sleeping soon but i can't. Least not for the moment, cause I sure ain't sleeping with wet hair. :)

Anyway, heard this piece of news on FLY FM. It was reported in the Star as well.
Now as I can recall, a man, after taking his shower, was drying himself up. In the process of course, he was scratching his neither regions. Nothing uncommon.
However, a lady, or more aptly, said man's neighbour happened to be doing her laundry and was hanging her clothes along the corridor of her home.
Now,she happens to see said man scratching his crotch, next thing you know, said man is Court for a charge of sexual harassment or mental distress. Not sure which.
But said man was then fined, for scratching his privates.Charged and fined. Right.

Now, if the roles were reversed, and the woman was taking her shower and she felt an itch and decided to scratch her, well, neither regions, and the man was hanging his clothes by the corridor and happens to see her....WHAM....said man would definitely be charged for sexual harassment and would be branded a peeping Tom.
Haha...such is the irony of the situation that perhaps laws or justice is gender biased?
I don't know...but i suppose the noun Peeping Tom was concocted for a reason and not Peeping Tammy.
Oh well, just my thoughts. I find it rather ironic that justice is dished out to the man no matter what the situation was. I mean if the guy was a flasher and he was really flashing and causing mental distress or a sudden apprehension of fear towards the woman, then yes, he probably deserves it. But what if he was genuinely feeling itchy and had to satisfy the said itch...so wrong place, wrong time?
Well one thing is for sure, Men....never scratch in front of open windows.

Ok. Going to bed now