The Theory of Intelligence

I don't know if this can be explained any better. Check it out! This is humor from the 80's but yet makes complete sense.



'Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'

Hail Australia

Many people claim that they do the best that they can do to deliver what can be best delivered within their ability. Did I confuse you with that statement? Good, now read this - my new mentor - Australian Prime Minister - the world should be more like him and all the leaders should lead like him - WITH BALLS!
This is what his speech was a few months back to his fellow Australian's!



Quote:
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!' Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.' 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted. Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, WE will find the courage to
start speaking and voicing the same truths.

Seven Pounds - Seven Hearts

I'm very critical when it comes to movies. I'm not a huge movie buff but when I do watch one, I want to make sure that it's worth the time and effort.
I just finished watching Will Smith's Seven Pounds.
I'm not afraid to admit it - it made me tear and very close to crying. It's amazing how one can be truly sincere in life.
In this movie, Ben played by Will Smith has a dark past that destroyed his life and has caused him to live a life of guilt. With no other option to redeem himself, he sets out to help those who are in need - truly in need of life.
I must say that, someone who gives his heart up so that someone else who is on a count down to death due to heart failure, someone who gives up his eyes so that a blind man can appreciate the colors of life and giving up his liver to the dying- I can't think of anyone in my life that would do that. Heck! Even I will think twice before doing it.
The show really moved me emotionally. I realized that life is precious but giving life to someone, is truly a gift and a blessing. This movie kept my heart at the edge of the cliff and it skipped a beat just watching the selfless act of Ben.
Would I give up my heart like he did? Probably not to a stranger but for my family- without a doubt.
Love all and forgive all because life is too short to hate. Besides, we are all on borrowed time on earth so why waste it.

Don't Turn Back

I've always wondered if time is really the essence to life's problems? When they say that time will heal, how long do they really mean? Is it a day? 2 days? A month? A year? Or 10 years? Or perhaps never??!!
I guess that in some matters, time is the essence but those are just some. What about matters that really pierce emotions? Matters that puts your heart to a massive test? Matters that test your endurance of pain and suffering? Rather dramatic I've become.
I guess what I'm getting at is, if time does heal, then do you think that perhaps:
1) What happened in the past is something that we can now smile about as life's experience and not be sour about it?
2) Reconsider the decisions that we've made and re-decide?
3) Truly give what seems so right another chance despite havin failed once? Besides, life is all about risks right so if one person is willing to take the leap, what's the harm right?
It's been a couple of months and what seemed possible to do then, now, after giving it time, doesnt feel right. If two people are for what ever reason insecure, then wouldn't it be nice for them to battle insecurity together? To make wrong right? To build a home and not just a temporary structure to sooth the moment? To be able to fall back with confidence that the other will catch?
I miss those. I really do. I've seen past it all. Life is short - really short. It doesn't matter who was wrong and who was right. What really matters is that - what could and should have been right, is just hopes and dreams at this point. Is there hope inside me? Always! It's hard to give up on something when you feel so strongly about it.
Reality might strike and make it happen or I could just spend the rest of my life hoping, but that's just being human isn't it?
This country is truly home. It was home when I was a child. It was home when I was a teenager. It was home when I was a young adult. It was home when I was abroad studying. It was home when I was abroad working. It was home because it was where my family was! But, the question remains- will this be home for me now that it's time to build a family of my own? Will it give me the same warm feeling as it did or will it be a place where I would feel more pain than ease? A good thought to have - and in fact, when pain over-rules happiness, do I really wanna live here?
We'll see! Right now, I just want you to know that, although it's only 1% of hope, but it's still hope.
Make it or you break it!

Another Shot Perhaps?

Do you think that another shot can be given to us?

Pain Pain Pain

The day that I thought would scar my entire life, came and went and it definitely left a scar on me. I went for my surgery last week and it was not an experience that I would recommend anyone. Prevention is definitely better than cure anytime and any day.

So, about a month or so back, I began to get this lump on the right side of my neck every time I eat. I ignored it at first but it begun to hurt and it was getting worse. So after several medical tests, it was confirmed that I had a stone in my sub-mandibular duct. So surgery was planned.

Last Wednesday was my surgery and I was shit scared. Anything can happen during surgery no matter how good the doctor’s are especially when I’m going under General Anesthetics. Given my health complications, it’s a lot more hard and everyone needed to be more cautious on what is done to me. I also found out on that very morning, that I now have 2 stones that needs to be removed – one is 5mm in size and is deep inside closer to my saliva gland while the other is smaller and is closer to the mouth region. The doctor said that since he is putting me under G.A., that he will remove both so that it won’t be a problem later on.

I couldn’t eat that entire morning while I was being prepped for surgery. At 12 noon, the nurse comes into my room and gives me a robe to change into and after that she gave me a shot to relax my muscles. Then I was carted to the Operation Theatre.

I was beginning to get a little drowsy at this point but still conscious to feel pain. Once I was in the operating room, the anesthetic greeted me and this was when I got frightened coz it was a young Malay fellow. I asked him what happened to the other Chinese anesthetic and as I said that, Dr. Lee walked in and ensured me that everything is fine. They inserted the line into the vein on my left hand and then hell begun. They injected something that made me scream and tears started rolling out from my eyes. I vaguely remember yelling at that young fellow saying that something like “What the f%#k dude!!! Get someone who knows what they are doing!!” Then Dr. Lee took over and I was out after that.

When I came to, all I remember was that there were voices in my room but I couldn’t open my eyes due to all the drugs I was being fed. Mom told me that the surgery took 3 hours and I came out of the drugs around 8pm. It was nice to open my eyes to some guests in my room. I was in the hospital for 2 days for observation. My neck hurts but the pain killers were there to help minimize the pain.

Now, am at my brother’s place resting and recovering. The bandage around my neck is still there and the doctor said that he will remove it one week after my discharge date which is this coming Thursday. It’s hard to sleep coz it hurts real badly. I can’t move my neck much coz its sore in all places. I have to sleep straight facing up all night and can’t move much. Eating is troublesome coz it hurts when I chew. Every time I swallow, it hurts. Every time I cough it hurts. Every time I laugh it hurts. Every time I sneeze it hurts. Pretty much everything that I do, it hurts. According to my parents, because the surgery included cutting of some nerves and veins, healing will take some time.

It ain’t fun being in this position really. Life becomes so tough. I can’t go to work. I’m gonna have a scar on my neck. And it’s gonna take about a month or so for me to fully recover and heal and lead a normal life again. I must drink at least 10 glasses of water every day. I must control my alcohol intake because it is one of the causes of stone formation in the saliva gland.

And because I live alone and have no one at home to look after me, I’m staying with my brother and his family. The doctor said that I can’t do any hard work during my recovery so my brother and his wife and their maid pretty much handle everything for me and all I do is sit and watch movies all day.

Submandibular Salivary Gland Stones

I guess when you hit over 30 and lived 30 years of medical free lifestyle, it's time that visits to the local hospital becomes frequent. This week has been full of needles and pain for me. 2 weeks ago, I begun to get swelling on the left side of my neck but only happens when I eat food. So I didn't think much of it. Of course I wouldn't coz there was no pain at all. But in the last week, pain became a friend to me visiting me every minute of the day. The feeling of discomfort and pain rose to it's peak over the days to a point where I just couldnt take it anymore.
On Wednesday, I went to the clinic to check just what the hell is going on in there and was put through a CT Scan. Little did I know that it involved needles - I hate needles and injections. First the dumb ass nurse couldn't find my vein on my right hand so she inserted the needle and then pulled it out and then she says "Alamak! Miss lah." WTF!!! Now my right hand is swollen. So I told her to get someone who knows what they are doing to do this. Another lady walks in and does it successfully on my left arm. The scan revealed and confirmed that I do have a stone in my saliva gland the size of 5mm.
Went back to the doctor who then told me that there is also an infection which is why it hurts so bad so he put me on a 48 hours I.V. antibiotics. What this is - injecting the medication directly into my veins and it had to be done twice - once on Wednesday and one on Thursday. That was painful as hell coz it takes about 10mins to fully inject it into the system. Imagine have a needle in you with hot fluid flowing into the veins :( NOT FUN!!!!
Went for a follow up today and the doctor said that the infection in cured and now he puts me on another round of oral antibiotics for another 4 days and during that period, he hopes that the stone comes out on it's own - he is trying to avoid surgery coz being a doctor's kid and all, he is more carful with me. If by Monday the stone doesn't come out, then on Tuesday, I will need to admit myself into the hospital and undergo surgery. Then I will need to stay in the hospital for 3 days for post surgery recovery.
WISH ME LUCK! Do visit me ok! And bring flowers!
This is my CT Scan - cool huh!

500 Days of Summer

So, I finally watched the movie. I must agree that this movie totally relays love messages quite well. I mean, in the movie, Summer actually confronted Tom in the fall of their relationship - well, relationship for Tom but just another day for Summer.
It's definitely not another love story - as clearly indicated by the Director at the beginning of the movie. This isn't your typical "Boy Meets Girl" - "Girl Meets Boy" - "Boy and Girl Fall in Love - " Boy and Girl fight" - "Boy and Girl Fall Back in Love" ' "Wedding Bells Ring!". Nope, definitely not that. As the DVD says, Boy Meets Girl, Boy Loves Girl, but Girl Doesn't!
I get it that, in love, nothing is certain. But to say that absolutely nothing is certain - I disagree. On several levels, the movie potrays the true essence of a relationship. Tom falls madly in love with Summer but Summer on the other hand, isn't really looking for something serious and merely just wants to have fun with no strings attached. Hey! I'm all for that really. How rare is it that a girl can tell you that all she wants is mind-blowing sex and nothing more?
But what puzzles me is this - Summer and Tom spend quality time together. They go shopping together, have dinners together, attend a wedding together and of course, have that mind-blowing sex - obviously together. In my world, this all means that they are getting to know each other and are getting comfortable with each other. Then all of a sudden, she decides he's not the one for him or rather, she cannot see herself growing old with him? Puzzling don't you think? Maybe she realised that someone that she has spend all this time with isn't the one for her which is fine and I was okay with all that until - until the end of the movie.
Summer actually tells Tom that she is married - Hold On! But we thought that she didn't want anything serious - how do we know this? SHE TOLD TOM THAT! Kinda hypocritical right!
Then she goes on to say that the guy that she married, is someone that approached her in a deli and very briefly after that, they are married. So let me see if I get this: She knows Tom very well but realises that he isn't the one - keeping in mind that he never cheated on her, never lied to her, never betrayed her trust. But instead, she married someone that she doesn't know and who could turn out to be a psycho? Nice! I get it! Actually, I don't! I really don't!
If I can summarize this movie how I see it - don't bother getting to know someone that well! Instead, just marry him or her and hope for the best! Gosh! This is complicated!
If you ask me, marrying someone without loving that person and learning to love that person after the wedding - this is called ARRANGED MARRIAGE which I'm totally Okay with really. I mean, look at our parents - most of them are arranged and they are fine. But I think we should all be true to ourselves and accept that if this is what we want, then we shouldn't get into a love relationship. I know I have! In fact, I've even accepted the fact that perhaps I'm not made for a relationship let alone a marriage. Guess, my destiny is bachelorhood - seems to be a simple solution.
FATE - I still believe in this. If 2 people met - it was fated. If 2 people fall in love, it was fated. If 2 people get married, it was destiny. If they ever fall out of love, then it's in their own hands to fix it.
Maybe I'm wrong, Maybe I'm right! Whatever it is, people have their own beliefs and I shall not impose in what they think and feel. All I know is that, I'm happy. Not everyone can relate their life to a movie because movies are made for entertainment and not as a solution or an answer to a problem.
Adios!

Remote The Life

This is by far, the best remote control that I've ever seen and I hope that someone actually figures out how to make this a reality and produce the damm thing!

English Made Easy

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.

As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as 'Euro-English'.

In the first year, 's' will replace the soft 'c'. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard 'c' will be dropped in favour of 'k'. This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome 'ph' will be replaced with 'f'. This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.

In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where! more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.

Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent 'e' in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.

By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as
replasing 'th' with 'z' and 'w' with 'v'.

During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary 'o' kan be dropd from vords kontaining 'ou' and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.

Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.

Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.

The Beginning Of An End

Time flies when you're having fun really. I remember when I first got back from America after completing my studies and working briefly in Boston. Life was good while I was there. No worries in my life. The only worry I always had was quizzes and classes - I would trade my job anyday to be a student again but this time with loads of money.
I started my life from scratch when I got back. Gave up the high-life in Boston to be closer to family and emotions. Of course the fact that I just got a niece was a bonus for me to come home permanently but I don't regret a single bit of my decision then.
I guess you could say that life is here for me. Regardless what people say about Malaysia, it's truly the land of opportunities as long as you know where to tap it. I was at the right place at the right time and because of my focused journey, I'm where I am today.
But recently, I've lost the drive. The energy. The motivation. The ability to think big. Most of all, I've lost myself in all these fame and glamour.
Is this who I really want to be? Is this what I wanna do for a living till I retire? A friend today told me that I was made for bigger things? Why can't I have that confidence in myself like others do?
Why? Why? Why?
I think what is more depressing that failure is the lack to appreciate success when you have it. I haven't lost it so it's time I appreciate it all before I spend the rest of my life looking for it.
It will all end very soon!

Life is a POEM

Apparently it’s as simple as it seems
When people say that you no longer what you deem
All you had was hopes and dreams
Couldn’t make one bit of it become a smooth stream

I take a look around me and nothing feels right
The people, the things, the friends I once thought were tight
Maybe I’m just an ordinary man
Ordinary enough, to be forgotten from this land

The strive and struggle, I thought it meant something
All the sweat and pain, now I know, it meant nothing
Turning back time, could probably be an option
But really, do you think that would be the potion

A famous face, a famous name
No one in this world thought I could be tame
Flashes of lights and clicks of camera’s
Rolling out in a brand new Panamera

The warm welcome at the club and a reserved space
The VIP treatment and free flow never seemed as a waste
Taking advantage of the attention from the honnies,
Makes me the “man” with my homies

But at the end of the day, when all that is over
I hide underneath a huge blanket of cover
A blanket that hides true feelings and emotions
And to think that I was truly subject to devotions

An empty space that was once a home
Writing endless letter that was once a poem
Now all that is nothing but mere history
I’ve been made a complete mockery

But life remains stand still
And all I have is my own true will
Fighting for the hope that there would be love again
And someday, I will again be able to regain

A New Age Conflict

I've been reading so much in the news about the dispute of the sacred word "Allah". Many are preaching that this is a word that belongs to the Muslim community and that it is not right for any other religious group to use it openly. If they want to refer to the "big man", they will need to use words like "Tuhan" or just plain "God".
Then we have the Christian's who are claiming that they have been referring to the "big man" as Allah for centuries and that they have never used the term "Tuhan" before as that word - "Tuhan" is a Malay word and not a Arabic word used to refer to "God"!
I'm neutral when it comes to this because, in Malaysia, I would like to think that as Malaysian's, we live as Malaysian's embracing the Muslim, Hindu and Chinese culture and practise. I don't label myself as a Hindu but rather as a Malaysian. I have no issues praying in a Chinese temple or a Mosque. I have no problems visiting these places of worship either. In fact, when we as Malaysian's attend a religious function - like a marriage or a death, ever wonder why we pay our respects according to the religion of the married couple or the deceased individual. You don't see an Indian going to a Muslim marriage and lighting up a set of joss stick and reciting a Hindu prayer right?
Anyways, I came across something interesting that I would like to share with the world - at least my world. This is something that every student in Johor had to sing in school regardless of race, religion and age. Check it out - it means, every Muslim, Hindu and Chinese HAD to sing this because it is the Johor State Anthem:

Allah peliharakan Sultan
'Nugrahkan dia segala kehormatan
Sihat dan ria, kekal dan makmur
Luaskan kuasa, menaungkan kami
Rakyat dipimpini berzaman lagi
Dengan Merdeka bersatu hati
Allah berkati Johor
Allah selamatkan Sultan

Go figure!

Fine! I'll stop denying it!

Over the past few weeks, lots of people have told me that I'm different. That I'm more human. That I'm more sensitive toward situations surrounding me and those around me as well. Apparently, this is a good thing so I'm not complaining. But they also did say that, although on the outlook, I'm happy, smiling, laughing and enjoying life, they are convinced that deep down inside, in life, I'm depressed and lonely.
I don't know what gave them that impression then and I always told them that I'm not what they say I am. I'm really fine! Things are really good! Blah Blah Blah! But they always kept telling me that I should let it all out and not keep it inside me. I really didn't know what the hell they were referring to - I really didn't - Until yesterday!!
I shall stop the denial. The running away. The ignorance! The "I don't care" attitude.
Depressed - No! But lonely maybe. I guess when you try something and it always fails, you just give up. You just get tired of trying anymore. Too much effort with very negative ROI. Maybe I will die alone, maybe I won't but at this point, although I am lonely, I know that I am also heartless!

The Right To Be Malaysian!

After a long time, today I read something that is truly written from the heart and it shows how united Malaysia "was"! There was no need for an advertising campaign to tell the nation that we are all under "1" (One) nation. And that we don't discriminate people regards of their skin color, language and look and religious beliefs. If you ask me, the common nation of the country have no issues with each other and most definitely have no racial issues raging amongst each other. It's those people who created the ONE Malaysia concept that has the true issues. It is them that need to realise that this country doesnt need an advertising campaign to unite but rather need united leaders! I read today the best self-written article by a lady which I'm sure you will all appreciate. Well done Mariam!

A day in the life of an ordinary Malaysian by Mariam Mokhtar

I wake up and retrieve the newspaper lodged in the letter-box. My “Keling paper” has delivered it faithfully, come rain or shine.

I go to the kitchen and make breakfast. Into the toaster goes the bread sent to my home, the previous afternoon, by my “Keling roti”. It has been made by the local bakers, the FBI — Federal Bakery Ipoh — owned by a mamak.

But if I am out for breakfast, it is usually a roti canai at my local Indian’s. Followed by a char koi snack from “auntie”, a Chinese lady.

Halfway through the morning, the sound of a horn alerts me that Ah Fatt, our “grocer on wheels”, has arrived. He brings me fresh vegetables, fish and the usual dried condiments.

Once a month, our local “Keling botol” comes round to collect our empty bottles. Our “Cina paper” too comes to collect the old newspapers.

My neighbour comes round with some pisang grown in her garden. She is Indian, married to a Chinese policeman. I am grateful for his tips on how to keep my house secure. When my ubi kayu harvest is plentiful, I’d go round and return her kind gesture.

I have a gardener. His name is Velu. From the name, you can guess he is Indian. He is much adored by my children. If my son is not in his room, I know where to find him — under the mango tree, in the garden, sharing chapatti, dhall and “tapau” teh tarik with Velu. I told my son off for demolishing Velu’s packed breakfast, but Velu was happy to share his meal. Both were sporting toothless grins — Velu has no teeth and can’t afford dentures. My toddler has just lost his two front teeth. I’ve no idea what they chat and laugh about. Sometimes not a lot of gardening gets done. But who cares? At least they're happy. When Velu died, my son was distraught. He had been with our family for decades and refused to be pensioned off.

My general practitioner for the usual coughs and colds is Chinese. All women have a gynaecologist — mine is Indian. And my dentist is Chinese. These people provided services to my parents in the past, and I simply carried on with them. No complaints. Good service. Reasonable fee.

I did go to a Malay doctor once, but he was more interested in “tackling” my younger sister. I dismissed his lack of professionalism as testosterone driven. He was still a bachelor then.

And on the second visit, years later, he was fishing for information about other members of my family. One personal question might be excusable. But twice is too much of a coincidence. I never did return to him. In my eyes, his professional conduct was compromised by these intrusions. I know I shouldn’t be generalising, but this was my personal experience.

When I had to be admitted to hospital, the surgeon who operated on me was Indian. The nurses were either Chinese or Indian.

I once had to use the services of a lawyer — an Indian.

The person who supplies me with stationery is a Chinese woman married to an Indian man. She once supplied my father’s business with his office stationery needs.

When I once had a leaky water tank, the plumber who successfully mended it was an Indian. He now takes care of all the house’s plumbing repairs. He was my parents’ plumber too.

When my house needed new electrical wiring, the electrician was a Chinese person. When I needed outside electrical work to be done, the electrician was Indian. Both had provided long-term services to the family.

Before Raya, I would go to my Chinese tailor to make my baju kurung. My hair is cut by a Chinese woman. As before, these people once supplied my mother, all her tailoring and hair-grooming requirements. My father’s barber is an Indian.

Again, before Raya, my mother’s Chinese friends at work would send tins of “love letters”, kueh kapit, for us to enjoy and serve at our open house. And early on Raya day itself, several plates of pie tee would arrive and my father’s Indian colleagues would send a big pot of chicken curry and putu mayam. The dining table groans with our rendang and the contributions from our friends, of all races and religions.

For several decades, until my parents were too old and infirm to receive guests, we would have an open house that was a riot of people sporting various national costumes. A real melting point — a true reflection of Malaysia .

These people once provided my grandparents and my parents essential services. Either that, or they were colleagues at work, or friends from their younger days. They, who have grown old alongside my grandparents and parents.

And now, people are telling me that these non-Malays whom I have grown up with and who have remained friends, through thick and thin, are second-class citizens? That they do not deserve to be Malaysians? That they are far inferior to me?

So am I to believe that should my neighbour’s husband, a Chinese, make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, that his life is not as valuable as a Malay policeman’s?

Who are these self-serving, self-righteous bigots kidding?

Happiness - What Is It?

Happiness and unhappiness are opposite sides of a judgement about your situation. If you judge your situation as bad for you, that's unhappiness. If you judge a situation as good for you, that's happiness.

The experience of happiness is one of those general terms we use to say, "I feel good emotionally." People use different terms to describe what feels good for them. For someone it might be excitement, passion, exhilaration, fulfillment, freedom, feeling fully alive with inspiration and joy. For another it might be more peaceful, content, capable, hopeful, satisfied, and comfortable feeling. Whatever you call it, it just feels darn good.

Our natural state of being is to be happy. When you remove all the uncomfortable emotions we humans can experience (and they are numerous), you're left with happiness. So it's easiest to define happiness by what it is not.

Happiness is what you feel when you're NOT feeling....

self doubt
depressed
hateful
fearful
worried
unsatisfied
bored
grief
shame
guilt
discontent
anxious
annoyed
angry
irritated
stressed
frustrated
upset
down
sad
envious
or
jealous.

Whew! That’s a long list!

Pleasure vs. Happiness
Happiness is not pleasure although they can appear similar. Pleasure is enjoyment of an outside stimuli. You might find pleasure in buying a new car, or in going on vacation, or having friends over for dinner, or having sex, or....the list is long on what you might enjoy experiencing. Pleasure requires an external stimuli for you to experience it. Happiness does not. Happiness is a belief about yourself and the outside world. You can be doing something you normally experience as pleasurable but not be happy! Pleasure is born from the external world, happiness is born from the internal workings of our own minds.
Happiness is Everyone's Goal

Akon - Double Standard Law?

Akon came to Malaysia in October 2009, rocked Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach and left an impression to everyone. But what he really left that we should focus on, is a very relevant question - "Is the Malaysian guidelines on public decency seem to be a grey haven for some concert promoters?"
I mean, even a blind, deaf and dumb person can notice that there was a clear double standard in this matter. The ruling prohibited artist like Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Gwen Stefani on performing unless they covered up their breasts because they are deemed as bad moral to have them exposed. Even the Pussycat Dolls were given a fine for suggestive dancing even when they kept their clothes on.
But it's completely okay for Akon to:

1. Perform given that he has a legal problem with dirty dancing with a preacher man's teenage daughter at a club in Trinidad and Tobago
2. Perform even though there was a reckless endangerment charge against him for tossing out a minor concertgoer into the audience in New York during his show
3. Strip his pants and body surf over the crowd in his concert in Malaysia
4. Perform half naked in Malaysia

Is Malaysia turning more relaxed towards naked or half naked grown men coz they are trying to say that it's okay for a man to be presented that way but it's wrong for a woman to perform half naked or even fully clothed but with suggestive dance moves?
If you ask me, I would say that this is clearly suggesting "gay is cool" - and I have no problem with gay individuals, in fact, I have friends who bat for the same team but I think the guidelines and rulings are just presented on a double standard platform. Worse of all, Akon is a Muslim artist and a liquor brand was said to be the concert presenter - another double standard policy.

With all this going on, no wonder why Malaysia is not on tourists favorite destination!

1Malaysia!

It's 2010 already

So, it's a New Year. I can't believe how fast 2009 went by and it seems just like yesterday that I wrote a post moving out of 2008 and into 2009. I think 2009 has been a great year - yes of course there were ups and downs but mostly, it's been a year where realized the true meaning of life and how much I've misjudged the people around me and also myself.
Now, I know there are selected few that read my blogs and those are the one's that mean the world to me - coz they actually care and take the time to read my blogs :P
I don't hold any grudge against anyone anymore. I figured that I rather invest in positive things in life rather than sulking over the negativity. I feel that 2010 is the year where my life will take a turn and twist for the best. I'm looking forward to many changes and if they don't happen on their own, then I will definitely make it happen. Whether it's by walking away or extending the deadline but whatever it is, it happens in 2010.
So, let me see - what have I learned?? My inspirations all come from artist like Tupac, Notorious BIG, Mobb Deep and people like that.
"The cut might be deep but it's the benefits that you need to learn to reep" - that is so true. No matter how deep you get hurt, the idea is to pick up, let go and see the positive side of things.
"Super nintendo sega genesis, when I was dead broke man I couldn't picture this" - I look around me and I see the kind of life that I have built for myself. Although at times I feel the emptiness inside but overall I think I will be fine.
I've decided that this year onwards, I need to be focused on 2 big things in life - career and money. These are the 2 most important things in my life right now because I have full control over them and I know for a fact that they will keep me happy as long as I know how to manage it.
I've realised human affection is a variable. Someone once told me that everyone is a variable - so if they are such, then why invest in it right. The right thing to do is to invest in a fixed asset rather than a variable liability.
"Get the dope, get the cash and the legs follow" - the dope is the career which gets you the cash. The legs here refer to women.
Concept - make sure the dope and the cash is in countless amount - coz only then you get to travel from one variable to the other. But remember, leave the emotions out coz that is the biggest downfall.
2010 is already looking good.

Merry Christmas

I am now convinced that the festive mood in Malaysia is long dead. I mean, year after year, the excitement, joy and anticipation of a festive holiday is no longer in existence.
This year was as bad as last year. Kids have all grown to realise that Santa Claus is a myth and truly doesn't exist. A kid this year told me that all his presents are from his parents who sneak downstairs to place them under the tree. Let's face it - kids are alot more intelligent these days compared to before. I guess they just act as though they are excited about Santa just to make their parents proud all all the lies they've been telling them about this guy in a suit and just don't wanna upset or disappoint them that he/she knew from the beginning the Santa doesn't exist.
This Christmas, I thought it would be fun but sadly, the year wasn't any different than the last. All the restaurants and clubs make it impossible to even plan a night out coz the prices keep escalating every year and paying RM500 for a meal is just stupid when it only costs RM150 on normal days. Cost of alcohol increases about 80% just they know people have no choice but to pay that amount if they wanna party in the city or anywhere for that matter.
I did Jack this Xmas and that's exactly what I'll do for New Year's as well.

Rest In Peace - Brittany Murphy

2009 has claims the lives of many talented individuals around the world. With Michael Jackson and Patrick Swayze being top on the list. Now, we have lost yet another talented star. A tribute to a wonderful and charming actress - Brittany Murphy. She was only 32 when she suffered cardiac arrest. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on Nov 10, 1977(God! She's my age!!), Brittany acted alongside Eminem in 8 Mile as well as Alicia Silverstone in Clueless.
It's scary to think that heart-attack's know no age or lifestyle. Hits you when you least expect it.
It's gonna be a healthy lifestyle in 2010.