A goos letter by George Collins

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

Refer to Mr. Afdlin Shauki's blog at SELAMBAKODOK's HOUSE

my point of view...

Dear Mr.Afdlin Shauki,

I applaud your write up on this issue and I would whole heartedly agree with you on it all. But, may I, if you would to allow, add few things.

1. Dont look so far. Look at Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia(I believe either Malaysia'a arch enemy or best friend), and Philipines. We cant even compete with any of these countries films. They too do it at small scale and budget and yada yada like you explained, but their content, the depth of the film is far more richer then three Malaysian films combined together. You agree with me, others agree with me and so does myself.

2.If you want Malaysians to watch your films and be all "One Language, One Unity" then start by portraying a Malaysian film. Not a Malay-sian film. I am Malaysian Muslim. But I dont want to watch a movie that goes on about the malay culture, speak the malay language, have malay actors and directors and film crews and food supliers and musicians blah blah blah. Dont compare yourself with Hollywood as they embrace difference. You cant use China and India and all as there, culture diversity is a thing of probabaly the future(if at all they get to integrate India and China together to get loads of Chindians). One thing for sure, apart from Yasmin Ahmad movies and some indie movies I cant seem to see where your 'budaya Malaysia' captured anywhere. Until and unless you can do that, and yet you do not have any Malaysians watching your film, then you complain it makes sense.

3.If I am right, the local Malaysian movies have terrible audio system, camera angles, stupid scripts that makes no sense from head to toe, actors and actress that are as stiff as wood let alone act. The so-called movies constantly looked as if its a documentary because either you use a very low definition of camera or you use a handy-cam. Make up is bad, man dont even put make up and their oily faces and eye bags are a turn off. Ladies clothes makes no sense to the environment and their styles are abysmal. Example of a good movie, look at Khabir Bhatia's movie 'Sepi' and 'Cinta', you looked good. You're a great actor, no doubt about it. You were in his film Mr. Afdlin. Learn from him. Look at his angles, look how he pulls the audience into his shows. The story line, the actions of the actors and actress, the scripts were off the charts and can you belive how many people cried watching the movie. I know you're more off the making people laugh in their seats, but frankly the jokes in Malay-sian movies are so kampung. We cant relate to daily lifes and most of it are so bad, you wish the electricity just shuts down automatically.

4. Malay-sian movies are mainly malays. Wow, talk about celebrating diveristy. Talk about "Malaysia, Truly Asia". Satu pun tak kena. I am not going to watch something that is obviously racist in the sense of cast yet they insist we should support them. Look at Yasmin Ahmad's film. See how she mixes people. Her budgets, if I am right are always small and are rarely backed by the government, FINAS as you call it. Yet they receive standing ovations overseas and are loved by all Malaysians. These are the movies we are interested in. All genre's of movies in Malaysia makes no sense. Be it comedy, horror, thriller, sad, romance. I dont know. At least if Malaysian films focus on one kinda movie genre that might help, but then that would be like restricting creativity.

5. The government, or FINAS constantly cut this and that thinking they know better about the movies we should watch and should not. Like you said, piracy. Like hello, theres still piracy. People can still get the movies from there. FINAS or whoever constantly red tapes here and there until the very essence of the movie is no longer there and its just a waste of peoples money to watch it. And the poeple in the industry doesnt want to allow new styles of movies, refreshing idea, vibrant youth mind, diverse culture. Theres no challenge in Malaysian movies. The one that was shown yesterday is as bad as the one after, maybe even worst. No competition, its just monotonous. Why do you think the local theatres and indie scenes are getting better and receiving more interest then ever before. Its because there, they see a brighter future, they are given a chance to perform. There its not about Malay-sian.There is about Malaysian.

6.The entertainment industry badly needs a good marketing mananger. Dont talk about finance. With proper handling of the money, good relations with the people in charge and some good drama, anything can do. Do you think the whole SEA entertainment industry have good marketing industry? Do you think Indon has a good marketing industry? Actually, we support them more then we support here. You know why? They're acting is better. They're movies have more sense. They're actors and actressess are good looking and pretty not like the one's here. And there you have big companies willing to support them. Why? Because they know the movies is good and worth the investment. Here, aha! Like I said, this one is bad, the next might be same or even worst. And one things for sure, your marketing people are not maarketing people. They dont think out of the box. So rigid and so closed minded, they're not creative and thrifty. They spend on unmarketable prodcuts.

For now, this is all I can think. But seriously Mr.Afdlin, if you want the Malaysians to support you, you need to have a Malaysian movie made. You need to have better emotions being played on the show. People always wants to see movies because of emotions, adn if the actors are as stiff as a stick, whats the point? And think out of the box for your movies. Dont be all comedy gila and love stories that are 'untouchables'(sentuh tu haram la blah blah blah) with similar story line during P.Ramlee's time.Make a change. Fight against those who make this a norm. Change for Malaysians and change will definitely come for you.

Kalau ada tersilap kata, saya menghumpun sepuluh jari minta maaf ye.Sorry

By the way, Happy New Year.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009!!!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009 TO THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!

Mix Malaysians

I actually found out that my friend knows this guy Mahesh Jugal Kishore. And he was of course talking about him over and over or atleast going on about how that guy is not that fantastic. I have nothing to say about him. For now, I find him neutral to me. He is an actor in the upcoming movie of the talented Yasmin Ahmad titled 'Talentime'. He's like some important role in the whole show. I dont know much about acting but his acting in the Petronas Deepavali advertisemnt was barely acting-able. I havent acted before and all but still I know about acting and I certaily belief he does not know how to act. But thats of course of a mere 35 second role in the advertisemnt. So to judge him just on that is not right. I of course thing that everyone has their way of acting and its in that simplicity is how Ms.Yasmin preferred it to be. I have to say, Yasmin Ahmad's movies always gets critiqued. Be it good or bad, but it Malaysia the "critics" who are the official critics always talks bad about her shows how the angle is bad and the story line makes no sense, the cast are filled with back actors, its this and that. But apparently, when its critiqued overseas it gets good reviews. And shes always well praised about how simple and virgin her movies are. What I cant understand is why can her talent not be appreciated well enough here? Its sad really. The younger generation want so much to accept her interacial stories and smart stories. In all, we do really love all her movies and we find it so educational and beautifully scripted. Yet you have the undaunted few who still refuse to move on their colonial perception that Malaysia should remain separate or Malay-asia and that no matter what it should remain one and another. It tears the heart of the many innocents who wish to see a brighter future. Actually, I still dont understand why this should happen. Ok I am dropping this topic for now.

I want to be in her movies I cant seem how to do so. Some say there are auditions, some say not due to the lack of funds available to do so. I dont know. Actually, I want to act in local films. But the problem is they are so Malay that it makes it look so fake. Like as if all Indians here are jokers and all chinese are to be sluts. It doesnt make sense. And it seems having a role as a mix person is hard. I dont know. Every movie like takes only malay, malay, malay. But of course, there is no such thing as a Malay. I do of course see role like non malays hold and its barely important or fun or invokes anything. They are unlike America or Britain where you can see a healthy mix in the entertainment indstry. It just seems so hard in Malaysia. I hope the industry will be more open, and are willing to accept the beauty of our mix people in Malaysia and learn to accept it in Malaysia. I know Madam Yasmin Ahmad is doing it one step at a time by taking in a one all look first. Like an all chinese, an all Indian and sorts. But I hope there will be more directors like her who would push through for a more Malaysian movie. And that then they later will accept a more mix Malaysians.

bored to write....

I am so tired and exhauted. I just got all the documents done today. Did grocery shopping. When for class. Before that when too the shop. Later after class when to the shop again. Then sold some stuffs then now back home. Sis is coming back tommorow. Cant wait to drop everything all on her. Haha. I am so evil. Forgive me.

But seriously its fun doing all this. Calvin is the same. But I think I guess his burden is abit more different. I mean all he do is work in his fathers shop. I on the other hand have like the shop to take care, things to sign and order, go for class, home groceries and freinds to update. But I love this life. I feel like I am of those Sex anbd the City girls. Powerfull and sexy all in one (although I find them menapaused). But I am not gay la.

Anyways, I have to talk to a friend.Bye

WOW!!!!2009!!!!!

No. Really. Its wow. I cant believe how freaking long it has been since I last came online. Last time I BLOG. This of course is my main source of solice and at the same time meeting wiht people who share the same thoughts and opinion and even if we dont at least it would be healthy way of debating it and learning something new. Forgive me for two thing:

1) MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008


2) HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

I know whoever reads this would spit me and scream at me and tell me that I am so last year. But sadly I am. I just didnt have online connection. And I am so busy. Dont ask me what. That will be a whole another blog. But for now. I am just here to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I dont know whats in store. But slowly I am already feeling the pinch. Income. Love. Studies. Relationship.Israel.

I dont know whether to hate them. Or kill them. Either way, they're not in my heart.

Everyone, I AM BACK. Watch out!

Let's FIGHT!

So now the latest hustle and bustle in Racial Town, Malaysia is that whether vernacular schools should exist or not. May I part my point of view on this issue?

Firstly, after 51 years of independence I sincerely do not think anymore vernacular schools should exist. If anything at all, maybe one or two vernacular schools of all races should exist. The end. Period. I don’t understand why are the Chinese still fighting so much on this issue. On one side they want a Bangsa Malaysia but on the other they are fighting for their cultural and history rights. Listen here, if the one’s in America, Australia and UK can move on and associate themselves to the locals there why then are the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia are so stubborn to do it. Why? Their ancestors moved from their origins to Malaysia for a brighter future and I would claim as much that yes they have had a brighter future and will continue to do so. But lets stop looking for a one mighty race supremacy. Lets move on from that and make it all equals.

Now I know the Malays haven’t done much to prove their letting go so why should the others. I would agree as much. Therefore, the Malays too have to let go off things and move on. Why are we still on the issue of NEP’s continuance? I was never the child of this benefit , neither was my parents. Most who benefit all this were from Johor, Pahang and other agriculture states and mind you that these states are not as strong as those where NEP is not in function. So its really sad to see that it did nothing for the people. As far as I knew by constitution, the black and white of the NEP was for all people, of all colours and religions. But it has evolved so much that it has now become only for the Malays and even so it did not bring anyone much far. Of a 100%, probably only 20% attained any success from it. So why then has this NEP thing being prolonged for so long. Behind the curtain, I really have no idea who is minting all the money but certainly someone is. Or a few. Coming from the new generation of citizens of this country, more and more are wanting to let go of the NEP. Most of the educated one’s one equal rights and freedom of speech. I don’t see the reason why the government should deprive other races from obtaining whatever they deemed fit to obtain. Wasn’t it because of a joined effort that’s how we obtained our Independence in the first place? Rather then going forward, the mentality that is being thought to the younger generations is to go back in time. Seriously, what is so mighty about the Malays? Are we God? Do we hold some kind of supernatural powers that defers us from the others? What is so special about the Malays, I want to know! Frankly, if anything through history everyone knows South East Asia is mainly popular because of the Straits of Malacca. But even then it was mainly conquered by the Thai’s and Indonesians. So how then are we so supreme? Ok, Malacca was powerful but if anything it was started off by an Indonesia runaway. And his generations continued to prosper here. So what is so great about the Malays?

Malays, for me, does not have a definition. How can you define Malay? He is Muslim? That isn’t fair. How can all Malays are Muslim but not all Muslims are Malays? No Malay in Malaysia is pure, somewhere somehow they are definitely a mix, either with Arab, Indian, Chinese, Siamese, Indonesian (mainly) and from Europe. So how do you define Malay then? Shouldn’t we stop procrastinating and focus on something more beneficial for the country? Rather then special rights enshrined in the Constitution shouldn’t we focus on opportunities for all and greater racial integration. But firstly, if there’s separation on the issue of education language then how is there to be independence?

Many claim and scream at the top of their lungs, you don’t need to conform to one language to reach unity. Seriously, I think they need to rethink that statement over. If we can’t come to a stage to speak one language properly then how are we going to interact to one another? With sign language? Wouldn’t that too mean conforming to a type of communication? Listen people. To reach unity, one particular language should remain supremacy. At the same time, the right to learn other language shall not be infringed but it should be put to the point that that shall remain a choice for the people and that it is not to be put in General Education. If they think China’s going to rule the world, why then are many Chinese from China are gearing up in full barrels to learn English? I don’t see what’s wrong in learning the Malay language. If you talk about vernacular schools, everyone knows that it means learning the subjects all in the one particular races of language. That would be not fair and that would be so racist. Don’t you think studying either in English or Malay is better? Neither does it feel racist or supreme of anything. Just like if you were in Spain and there are Chinese there you definitely will have to study the subjects in Spanish, no qualms about it. Why here then?

Today in Straits and Sun there was a whole section just devoted on this issue. I’ll leave the government to decide, but at the end I do hope they see the education benefit of it and not for cultural and language supremacy reasons. For the same reason, this whole issue is for the benefit of the future generation and race issue beign brought up ever so often its like fighting with our own selves.

Either way, my children can be home schooled by me since I will teach them in Malayalam.