Using Aesop's Fables in Politics

It is interesting that Aesop's fable: The Ant and the Grasshopper, has been used in reference to Malaysian politics, which is rather true I believe. The Malays, bumiputera=grasshoppers; the rest (non-hak istimewa) = Ants. And how the grasshoppers are fighting over each other now when there's not much blame left on the ants.

Though, I would disagree with any suggestion of immigration to "richer" countries as an excuse of running away from problems and calling their new wealth a good thing. Particularly U.S. and U.K., for how can a country call itself the richest country while it is actually the one with the highest debt than the rest of the world? God is watching.

It is not right to stop and enjoy like this. They must not forget where they come from. Not that it has to do with whatever vain appreciation one might imagine, but it has to do with responsibility as citizen of the world which includes Malaysia.

How can one who escape from pressure dare pity on those who stay to face the challenge of suffering? The true measure of fair judgment starts from here.

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An Email forward from my mom: Fable of the giant ship repair

Source: Unknown (I wish I could find the source)

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.

Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a young. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed!

A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"

So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."

The man sent a bill that read:

Tapping with a hammer...... ......... ........ $ 2.00
Knowing where to tap.......... ......... ...... $ 9, 998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort makes all the difference!

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On Jesus vs Those who were over 33 years old

Though one could argue that Jesus as God is eternal age, but nonetheless, He was assigned an age and must be dealt with accordingly. Therefore this is not about not respecting elders, but being more mature than them before God. In terms of respect, it shows that our Lord takes what is truth and what pleases God even more seriouly.

Maturity has nothing to do with age.

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Ashokan Farewell

One of the music that I recently have gotten acquainted with is the piece by Jay Unger, later used in the Ken Burns documentary on American Civil War, in which the Ken Burns Effect is recognized: filming using merely still pictures by zooming and panning.

As for how I came across Ken Burns' works, it was a few months ago, while I was trying to use up the $5 points collected on my BestBuy card on an American Civil War documentary set (Not by Ken Burns), the whole steel packaging was very appealing to me, hence I bought it. While at the checkout register, an adult white lady saw what I was holding and asked if it was by "Ken Burns", I didn't understand at first. Later, with curiosity, I searched online and found a good set of Ken Burns' to download.

Shown above, slides of Abraham Lincoln, greatest American president/leader ever, with Ashokan Farewell playing in the background, is for me, motivating, exhilarating and relaxing. If only I had half of his bravery...

Notes: From time to time I find familiarity between Lincoln's face and Dr. John Sung's, I think it's the forehead and the cheekbones.

 

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Playing Violin without Right Hand

With what Adrian Anantawan can do, I guess those wrist-bow control movements I've disciplined myself all these years could just go right out of the window.

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Preacher who has a family

I always admire those who are eagerly evangelizing and having their own family, both wives and children. For they are willing to deal with these responsibilities God has bestowed upon men.

Of course, their doctrine, however, is another matter.

It is not distrust or caution that is to be attended, but a proper attitude of the observer himself that is in question when dealing with these.

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Family Radio on the Street

Finally, a few days ago, I was handed this pamphlet on the street. What got my attention was the title "MAY 21, 2011". Not something we generally see on a gospel tract on the street.

I then turned to the back, and unexpectedly, it was the Family Radio!

I have finally found a clue as to why "MAY 21, 2011". According to the pamphlet, it has something to do with 1 day = 1000 days, and Noah's 7 day being 7,000 years, therefore, somehow, we have 4,990 B.C. as the year of the flood and 4990+2011-1 = 7,000.

Well, for that, I boldly declare, judgment day will surely not be on MAY 21, 2011.

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Restaurants in NYC

With the help of a good iphone freeware, Urbanspoon, utilizing GPS and rich database of restaurants and reviews, I have in my hand a whole new way to explore new restaurants to my fancy.

This entry shall be a thread to list all Malaysian (sometimes Indonesian, Vietnamese mix) restaurants I find note worthy.

Sanur 18 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013 : Underground Malaysian & Indonesian restaurant, special remarks: very cheap. Asam laksa $4.50. Average price in other restaurants $5-6. I've only tried laksa and roti canai. Though, I must add that this was the first time I've seen beansprouts in laksa, not that fancy.

I'll create a separate entry for Ramen (especially in NYC) restaurants.

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QUIBIDS

Came across this bidding website via facebook.

An interesting scheme (basically, everybid costs $0.60). I supposed it's perhaps the result of those who couldn't stand people bidding on ebay just for fun and don't pay for the products they won.

Anything paid with full knowledge that there's a higher chance to come out empty handed is for me, gambling, not investment.

I thus rate this scheme as gambling, period.

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FB memory training lane

Someone posted primary school graduation photo, though not my class, but same year. Some few, not much, hidden memories resurfaced.

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