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

Grace Over Karma - an interview with Bono

Hmm...i was suppose to be writing a post on the Valentine's Day Deftones experience. Unfortunately I didn't have the pictures I have taken at the concert with me as of yet. Had to borrow my friend, Sherly's camera cause I forgot to take mine despite making a mental note the night before, to bring it for the gig.
How old I have grown and my memory is faltering.
Well, but then Colin gave me an article to read which featured an interview with Bono, of U2 fame, and not Bono of Sonny and Cher.

It's a pretty interesting interview, where Bono explains his reliance on a beautiful thing which is God's grace. Something that we never deserved and will not be deserving despite our deeds, but yet was given to us.

Bono draws a distinction between the works of grace and the works of karma, even if it may be his opinion but yet, it is something that perhaps I could identify with.
Below are excerpts from the more poignant parts of the interview which caught my attention:-

Assayas: I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?

Bono: Yes, I think that's normal. It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

Assayas: I haven't heard you talk about that.

Bono: I really believe we've moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

Assayas: Well, that doesn't make it clearer for me.

Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff.

Assayas: I'd be interested to hear that.

Bono: That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep s---. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity.

Assayas: The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.

Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there's a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let's face it, you're not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That's the point. It should keep us humbled . It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.

Assayas: That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has his rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?

Bono: No, it's not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: "I'm the Messiah." I'm saying: "I am God incarnate." And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the "M" word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you're expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he's gonna keep saying this. So what you're left with is: either Christ was who He said He was the Messiah or a complete nutcase. I mean, we're talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. This man was like some of the people we've been talking about earlier. This man was strapping himself to a bomb, and had "King of the Jews" on his head, and, as they were putting him up on the Cross, was going: OK, martyrdom, here we go. Bring on the pain! I can take it. I'm not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that's farfetched

Well, of course to get a clearer picture of the interview, do go to the link and have a read. Whether you do agree with it or not, it's still something worth pondering. :)

And for all my misdeeds and shortcomings,I'm glad that Grace is given to me, cause i know i will never deserve it, despite trying to earn it the best I can.
I end this post with a song penned by John Newton, which I'm sure is familiar to all :-

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.



Now....if only U2 would come for a gig in Malaysia! Yeahhh!!

20 hours before..DEFTONES!

14 February 2011. Valentine's Day! Deftones, are finally in Malaysia, after more than a decade of making hard hitting heavy music! They have finally reached Malaysian shores! Never too late I say!
While lovers celebrate this day with romantic dinners and such, I will be with my mates, in the mosh pit of Deftones fans and some non-fans (though standing in the far end does make it more difficult to mosh).
No candlelight dinners, no chocolates. Just pure Adrenaline pumping through the veins! It won't be romantic at all..no sir..but it will be GREAT!
I leave you here with one of the all time favourites,

MY OWN SUMMER ( SHOVE IT! )

Hey you, big star, tell me when it's over

Hey you, big mood, guide me to shelter
`Cause i'm through when the two hits the six and it's summer

Cloud
Come (shove it) [x3]
Shove (shove it) [x3]
The sun (shove it) [x3]
Aside (shove it aside)

I think god is moving it's tongue
There's no crowd in the streets
And no sun in my own summer

The shade is a tool, a device, a savior
See, i try and look up to the sky
But my eyes burn

Come (shove it) [x3]
Shove (shove it) [x3]
The sun (shove it) [x3]
Aside (shove it aside)