RIP Dith Pran

A couple of years ago, I talked about this film called "The Killing Fields".

Refer here.

Anyways, yesterday, Dith Pran, the actual person which the film was based on, died.

For those of you who do not know, Dith Pran was a photojournalist.

He was also the person who stayed behind for the sake of Sydney Schanberg (even when his family had been evacuated) as Schanberg's translator.

He was also the person who had to go through four years of hardship under the Khmer Rouge after he was not allowed to leave Cambodia while the other foreign journalist could.

He was also the person who went across a field of corpses to escape towards the Thai border.

It's all in the movie which again, I think every one should watch.

Overall, I think Dith Pran is a man that we should admire and remember.

He was a man who sacrificed his life for the sake of journalism. A man who was willing to stay behind so Sydney Schanberg could understand what was being said in Cambodia at that time. A man who managed to escape the Khmer Rouge after four years of witnessing as well as experiencing the tortures that were being committed.

I think that is by far, heroic.

So RIP Dith Pran:

I'll always remember you, how you survived, and how you helped spread the true atrocities of the Khmer Rouge to the world.

What you experienced moved me deeply. So thank you for being such an inspirational human being. We need more of people like you in this world.

Nadzirah Hashim

For further information on Dith Pran, read here.

Tagged

Thanks to Shamaine, I've been tagged.

SUPERHERO

1. Superhero power I want: To teleport and fly
2. Why? : Well then I can pretty much go wherever I want can I?
3. Downside of this power : I have no way to protect myself aside from teleporting and flying away.
4. My superhero nickname : Zanity
5. My motto : Elsewhere in a flash
6. Sworn Enemy : unknown
7. Official vehicle : I fly and teleport. Why would I need a car?
8. Day job : Politician

10 Things About Me That Might Freak You Out

1. I have this proposal where I want my kids to be chubby. But when they turn 12 I'll send them to fat camp so that they develop this "I used to be fat so people used to make fun of me in result to that I have a down to earth" attitude. Yeah I know, crazy.
2. I've been in a drug bust. Refer here.
3. I go to strip clubs to grade the dancers' performance.
4. I don't really like garlic because of the after taste.
5. I enjoy eating steak or any kind of meat like a savage.
6. I like doing laundry but I hate ironing clothes.
7. I only like cats that are not friendly.
8. I talk to myself. Correction: selves.
9. I am not afraid of death
10. I can't poo in silence. There's always got to be water running or something.

And since I am kind, I am not tagging anyone.

Oh wait, I changed my mind. Maybe I'll tag No.1 and Sri Rama. Have fun!

:P

From Private To Public

I've had this question at the back of my mind since I put this place on private because of that old stalker two years ago:

Should I consider putting this thing back on public domain?

Yes? No?

I mean, you know how 'private' these thoughts are right? But then again, these thoughts are at the end of the day shared with a select few who know my web address. But if you google this blog, thou shalt not find me.

However, a few days ago I was cruising through my site meter and I noticed the site referred to get here was from this place called Nuffnang.

I was like, WTF is Nuffnang?

And yes, out of curiosity, I googled it. And you can check them out here.

But I'll spare you the boring details by giving a brief description: its basically a site that uses other people's blogs to advertise. In other words, if Nokia believes that Nuffnang may generate revenue for them, they may sign up and Nuffnang will do the sorting of which ads to put that would/could be relevant to the blogger's blog.

It's like Google's Adsense. You know, those things at the side when you try and search for whatever? And they write like "sponsored links" bla bla bla?

Yeah, that shit.

Anyways, people like Kenny Sia and Xiaxue are making some sweet moolah out of this concept I think. And on top of that, they get all these interesting free stuff and shit. So the concept is, the more famous your blog, the more money you make.

Interesting eh?

And all you have to do is sit at home and just write some shit that seems exciting. Just like Maddox who writes some pretty interesting shit. Or Tuckermax. And so many other people who channel their thoughts online. Me.

But back to the people who are with Nuffnang. Well, I never knew one's private thoughts could make money. And specifically referring to Malaysia, like how much are these bloggers really making from this shit? And how are they roping in corporate companies like Citibank and Nokia to sign up with them? Do people actually click on these advertising links?

Because I sure as hell don't.

I mean, advertorial writing is one thing. But these are my thoughts. My opinions. What would my article on wanting to meet a Chinese Jew or my silly bedtime short stories have to do with these companies and their products?

The power marketing baby! There's always something for everyone! There's always a way to wheel them in!

Ah, the world of advertising.

Anyways, the point is, should I consider putting this thing back on public domain and at the same time join the Nuffnang group?

Are my thoughts worth money?

But most of all, are they suitable enough for the public domain?

And most of the most important of all, can I handle random people reading my shit and leaving potentially annoying comments on the things I write about?

Hmmm.

Stalin Tickled Me, Disturbingly

So I bought this book called World Famous Dictators a few weeks ago for sheer entertainment.

I mean I don't know why but I have this deep fascination for dictators. My question towards their dictatorship has always been; how the hell did they do it?

Anyways, the opening of Stalin's profile in this book tickled me. Disturbing as it seems I can't help but laugh a little at Stalin's frankness on how he sees things.

This note to his head of secret police, Lavrenty Beria wrote:

My dear Beria,

I find that this morning I accidentally mixed up today's list of counter-revolutionary traitors with my list of people to whom I wish to send birthday cards this month, one of the latter being my beloved mother. If you have not already sent the death list out to the execution squads, I would appreciate it if you would remove the birthday list and return it to my office. If, on the other hand, the execution orders have been carried out, I commend you on your efficiency and suggest you to add your own name to tomorrow's execution list.

Stalin

I am sorry I know this is wrong but HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Stalin is definitely one hell of a character.

I mean, wow. That's all I can say, WOW.

This note pretty much sums up his stance on traitors (that he would kill them), his thoughtfulness (through a list of birthday wishes to send), his love for his mother (by wanting to send her a birthday card), his good leadership skills (by commending Beria if he was efficient) and his straight upness if you fuck with him (through telling Beria to put himself on the list if he had sent out the execution list)!

I mean, wow! Ruthless and nice!

This note just proves that Stalin possesses human niceness.

Just like Hitler who was a painter and PolPot who was a teacher; despite their ruthless orders to kill so many they all still have qualities of human 'nice' ness in them.

Isn't that creepy?

Disturbingly!

The World Economy (Sadly) Needs The US To Survive

I am so sleep screwed these days it is almost thoroughly annoying.

Anyways.

With all these "verge of recession" predictions, the US has sure sparked some major chain of reactions throughout the world.

Stock markets around the world are plummeting. Oil prices rising. US dollar weakening. Food shortage predictions?

Wow.

The media sure knows how to create panic.

But really my question for the day is : why does the world rely so much on the US economy to make their own country's economy prosper?

Most importantly, how did the US become the super power of the world?

It's like the world can't survive without them. It's like if US doesn't do well, so won't the rest of the world. Which means if they fuck up, so will everyone else creating this chain reaction of shit creek. Did you know that the US have their little porky investment fingers in virtually probably 90% of the world? And I don't need to find reference towards this because it is evident everywhere.

Even in Japan!

I've always regarded the Japanese to be in their own lala bubble world.

But honestly? They're not really.

After discovering from my Pacific and Asian class that the US was the one who helped repaired the Japanese economy by contributing massive amounts of funds during the Cold War, I was appalled.

I mean, FYI, it was the US and their allies that destroyed them after WWII.

But because the US was at war with the Soviet Union (refer to: the Cold War) they were trying their best to avoid the spread of Communism and with China at that point declaring themselves as a Communist state, I think the US didn't want this to happen to Japan and the rest of Asia Pacific either because: where would they stuff their lil investment porky fingers in Asia otherwise?

To be fair, Japan was not exactly a bunch of Communist friendly group either.

I mean, the government at that time was trying their best to suppress anything that had to do with equality in the working class. I mean, these were a bunch of people who were all for finance capital so that their economy would prosper allowing them to increase their military arms (refer to: how Japan sparked the Pacific War).

However, with the damage the US had done to them during WWII, they were almost out of capacity to do shit making their people (those of the working class) a little unhappy.

So the Japanese welcomed the US (sort of unwillingly) in order to fix Japan.

And as Japan is known to be the leading economy in the Asia Pacific, it is only natural for other countries to follow suit. Which also meant the US would have a chance to stick their little porky fingers in the rest of Asia Pacific too.

It's called a chain of events.

Clever cunning United States.

But how did the US managed to be so cunning when they were just a bunch of migrates from Europe?

I mean really, this idea of Americansim is all made up in the media. The American Dream. Land of opportunity. Star Spangled Banner.

Despite the media hype, I am not going to disagree with their idea of promoting patriotism. I mean, its pretty much the main reason that Americans are so proud of their own country. In fact they're so proud that they're so ignorant towards the rest of the world too.

But despite their ignorance, so many people have gone there to make their lives better you know?

So, I can't really say that the US is a shit country altogether.

But this pride has also made them not be able to see that exploiting/invading other countries is not cool. They are so set that they have to be the ultimate super power that rules the world economy that they can't imagine seeing anyone else being at par with them.

Even the UK, kisses their ass (Refer to: Tony Blair supporting the Iraq and Afghanistan war).

What the hell man?

I am just so fascinated as to how the Americans did it? How did they cunningly put their little porky investment fingers into so many countries of the world? How did they become the main 'influence'? The chain reactor? The one that starts the fire?

How?

In regards to this I honor people like Fidel Castro who have not given in to the US influence.

I fear that when Fidel dies, things will change in Cuba and perhaps, at long last, the Americans will finally get to them. But while he still survives, I honor him. And I honor those who are brave enough to not rely on the US to expand their economy. I honor those who do not kiss ass to the United States because evidently their ass is so big it's pretty much everywhere and to be able to avoid it, is definitely commendable.

But then again, they are the ones with the money.

If only the world has the capacity to build their economy without their help.

If only.

Padan Muka BN

This is what you get for not listening to the people.

This is what you get for not being a tyrant like Tun Dr. Mahathir.

Sometimes being strong headed and authoritative has its benefits. I am not saying it is correct. But a weak leader equals to the people having lack of confidence towards the administration.

Anyways, whatever.

I think the fact that BN lost so many states against the opposition is a good thing. It's something new after oh so long. Scary but exciting. I can't wait to see what's going to happen over the next four years.

Hopefully, we will actually see the end of economic and education inequality which is incredibly evident in Malaysia.

Hopefully, we won't see another May 13th.

Hopefully, we Malaysians, are civil enough to not have another lame racial outbreak.

Anyways, I couldn't exercise my right to vote despite trying in every power to do so.

So I decided to write a letter to the PM from the website they built which in my opinion is hilarious. But nonetheless it is also interesting and I am curious to know if he (or his representative at least) will reply or not. If he does I will definitely post his reply here.

So here's what I wrote:

Hi. If I wanted to talk to you personally PM, there will be too many things to say so let me just tackle one issue first: why can't I vote while I am here abroad? I am a registered voter in Malaysia. I specifically went to the post office to register just like you lot told me to so I could exercise my rights. And I am here now abroad wanting to know how to vote but none of your govt representatives here in Canada have replied me as to how to go about this. Eventually, I received a reply from the Malaysian Student Rep. in Canada who said I needed to email my mailing address and my full name to maribel@kln.gov.my in order to sort things out. But they never got back to me. It's ridiculous. This is ridiculous. Why are your people so disorganized? I am the voice of tomorrow and here you are making me feel like you guys ARE hopeless. FYI, I was going to vote for BN because I've always thought they have been doing a fabulous job. And I don't care if I tell people this because I DID believe in you guys! But why couldn't I vote despite being abroad? Why did your people not get back to me? I don't understand. Please enlighten me. I look forward to your reply. Thank you.

This was written prior to the elections results.

So now that the results are out, well, I guess this letter is all deserving for him.

So, padan muka BN. Next time, pay attention to the people instead of drowning yourself in corruption.

Yay!

Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera

Okay, so have you lot seen the various versions of Anna and the King? Also might be known as The King and I or even Anna and the King of Siam? Yeah, ya'll know which films I am referring to right?

Basic storyline : British woman comes to Siam to teach King Mongkut's children English and she is appalled by his 'foreign' behavior and wishes to 'correct' him and in some versions they fall in love "etcetera etcetera etcetera"? <--If you haven't seen the 1950s version you wouldn't understand my etcetera joke.

Anyways, it doesn't matter because I hate them.

ALL OF THEM.

They're all stupid.

Why?

Because these are films that are Hollywoodized.

In other words, films that the Western world think ancient Thailand was supposed to be like. I mean seriously, if you watched the older versions you'll probably agree that they completely insulted the Thai royal family along with its people.

I can't stand it when directors from the West try to make films about Asia. It's too, I don't know, Hollywood?

Maybe I've been watching too many South East Asian films in my class.

But this Anna and the King bothered me the most because there are so many versions to it and when one compares and contrasts over the decades of versions made, STILL ANNOYING.

First of all, the King is not even Thai. In fact, 90% aren't even Thai. Hence their Thai accents are AWFUL. I am not a Thai but I've seen Thai films and you can totally tell in all these films that these people aren't Thai.

Specifically referring to the 1999 version (which was shot in Malaysia) I'd like to ask, how the hell can Chow Yun Fat play the king? His Thai accent is so off I almost wanted to puke. Even when he speaks English as the King of Mongkut I can still tell that he's not Thai! It's like some Hong Kong superstar trying to speak Thai with a Chinese accent!...Wait a minute...IT IS!

ERGH.

And what annoys me more is that there are Malaysian actors in the 1999 version. And even they didn't get the Thai accent too right. Apa ni wey? Neighboring country's accent also cannot imitate ah?

Fine fine fine. Thai IS a hard accent to acquire. It is so soft and languid even I don't think I can imitate it and as far as I know I am pretty darn good at imitating accents. So maybe we should ask Thai actors to remake the film. Would that then do justice to the horrendous versions of these films for the past decades? Most likely.

But the problem is: I don't think the Thai people are too happy about the storyline in the first place. Because it basically shows King Mongkut trying to be a kiss ass to the West, a womanizer, "etcetera, etcetera, etcetera".

In fact, the 1999 version was banned in Thailand . Heh.

So how lah?

Jawapannya : DON'T EVER MAKE ANY MORE VERSIONS TO THIS FILM! EVER. SERIOUSLY, NO MORE HOLLYWOOD, NO MORE!

THE END

CLOSE BOOK

CLOSE SHOP

FIN!

My 200th Post

Yup. 200th post. Clearly, I have a lot of shit in my head.

So let's take a break on typing for a second and check out what sitting on the computer so much has done to my fingers.

This is my computer keyboard. My index finger is perpetually placed on that area as it is where the mouse is.

And this is my finger now. Dented!

Well, to be fair my finger isn't always like that. But when I'm online really long (which I am), this is what it looks like. This is the finger of a computer nerd and mouse extremist on your typical night.

Lovely innit?

Gender Roles

I recently had a class that basically talks about the tortures that were going on in the Abu Ghraib prison, Iraq.

Before this, I didn't know much about it. I mean I heard about it but didn't know anything in detail.

It happened in 2004. And I was trying to think where was I at that point in my life and it made me realize how ignorant I was about current events at that point in my life. Forgive me world.

Anyways, thanks to my Gender & Politics class, I have been introduced thoroughly to the subject matter. Trying to 'unpack' what the photos represent in gender terms is rather fascinating.

First and foremost, gender is something that separates female and male. But it doesn't just separate us. What my class is trying to make me understand is that it is socially constructed. That society created what our gender is supposed to be like. That we are pretty much tied down to what we are supposed to be within our genders because society has constructed it to be so.

Be it in the West or in Asia, your gender affects almost every situation you go through.

I mean, in the Abu Ghraib case, there is a picture of Lynndie England (one of the soldiers involved in the controversy) holding a leash. On the leash was a naked male prisoner. With her short hair and that cigarette in her mouth and that leash, what does this say about the women of today?

Image taken from Wikipedia

Women for centuries have been fighting for equality. From voting rights, to land rights, to employment rights; you name it they've talked about it.

In general, women are regarded as the weaker sex while men are often portrayed as the ones who are violent, aggressive, warmongering etc.

But what does this photo of Lynndie England prove now?

That women too can torture in inhuman ways?

Could these photos mean that men and women are finally equal?

That women are finally liberated to become just like men?

In this day in age, gender roles have reversed in several places. And in a lot of ways I like that concept. Reversing gender roles perhaps will help men understand women better and women understand men better instead of generalizing the stereotypical roles that have been embedded in us for thousands of years.

However, there's too much complications when dwelling into this idea of trying to understand male and female and their gender roles as a whole. We need to consider religion, culture and location to really understand all this too.

I mean come on, it ain't fair to say that "we are liberating the women of Afghanistan from wearing their covers [burqa]" is it? This was one of the many STUPID things said by George Bush as one of the reasoning of going to war in Afghanistan.

Bush's idea of freeing the women in Afghanistan is downright silly. I mean we all know he's a douchebag but what this really shows us is that there is a lack of understanding and tolerance of other religion and cultures. This really messes things up; especially if we let our bias slip in. In Bush's case, his ideology was that a woman in a Burqa was not 'free' to wear what she wants without understanding that maybe she chose to wear it because it is in her religion?

I look at Malaysia and I look at the tudung girls. As much as I condemn those who wear tudung and slut around, it is at the end of the day, her choice to be a slut and wear a tudung. As much as it is immoral, only God can judge her.

But my bias towards this would still go, shit that's sick and hypocritical. Might as well not wear tudung. Sigh. This is probably because I live in a Muslim society that portrays non tudung girls as sluts and those who wear tudung to be 'better'.

So evidently, it pisses me off when I find out these tudung girls are doing the same thing.

So you get what I am trying to say right? That we can't simply be quick to assume what is deemed to be 'right' for our genders without looking at religion, culture and of course, location?

Its a complicated process I swear.

Vivid Dream

I just had the most vivid dream ever.

About 15 minutes ago, I woke up.

But before I awoke, I had a dream that I died.

Now mind you, I have dreamed that I've died before. Mostly me falling off some cliff or building but this was different. It was a motorcycle accident.

Why I was on a motorcycle I will never understand. Because initially, I thought I was walking.

But I was walking so fast, zooming against traffic. I can vividly remember the road. What looked like Douglas st. suddenly morphed into Jalan Ampang. There was so many cars and motorcycles on this 5 lane road. And I was trying to go against it. I saw so many faces but none that I knew. They were all honking at me of course as I went faster.

I was moving faster and faster and suddenly I stopped just before what looked like the corner where you would turn on to Jalan Tun Razak. And all I could see was the road and the busy traffic still moving but not me. And then I smelt it. Blood. And then my heart felt like something pulled me out of my body. There was this smoosh sound as this thing pulled me out. It was weird I could feel the pain as I got pulled out and floated away.

Then I looked down I saw the motorcycle. It was a maroon and white kapcai.

And then I saw me; my lifeless head. My head was detached from my body. And my dead eyes was still open with a shocked expression.

And all I remember thinking as I was floating away was, "Shit, Why did I do that? Why would I go so fast without even thinking? And now I am dead?"

And then I woke up.

How fucking descriptive was that?

Damn, the human mind is scary!