Ramblings of the Cheeseburger Buddha

Someone who loves to have her picture taken...

2012-01-25T17:10:00.001+08:00

Looking for Shrimps to use for baits.

2012-01-25T17:06:00.000+08:00

Making Laksa Penang Gravy

2012-01-25T17:00:00.003+08:00

Penang is most famous for its Laksa a kind of noodle soup that has fish soup stalk as the basic ingredient. Yesterday the catering business was preparing for the Chinese new year Open house event that was officiated by the Prime Minister, organized by MCA of Penang.

Preparing Laksa for what was expected to be 50 thousand people was an enormous effort to say the least eventhough only ten thousand or so did turn up more Malays it seems than the Chinese although it was for the Chinese New Year event. Tons of fish had to be boiled ,well not tons but enough to give you the impression though. Then the boiled fish is sieved and the fish is grounded in a huge blender.

It was a messy smelly job done by one of the Bangladeshi helpers a bucket of boiled fish at a time a real tedious job but hey, someone had to do it. or no Laksa and what would the Prime Minister say!

The grounded fish is then further sieved to separate the bones from the flesh which leaves the fish meat like a thick milky soup.

The fish is then cooked again with added ingredients to turn the whole fishy soup into the gravy for Laksa to be later eaten with white noodles and added with more ingredients such as pineapple slices and mint leaves, onion slices and cucumber.

Laksa Penang, it is said you have not tasted Penang if you have not tasted the Laksa.

Rokok Daun

2012-01-25T16:32:00.001+08:00

On the second day of the Chinese New Year I spent the evening with Lee Khai and family chatting with his younger brother who came from KL. Among the things I shared with him was my idea for my ' Art Installation' project which uses the local from made from palm leave sticks called in Malay 'Penyapu Lidi'.

Everyone present liked the idea and offered their suggestion on how to go about getting it accomplished especially in not getting carried away but start with smaller pieces first. I am glad to have shared my plans with them as it gave some insights from the feedback i got.
I went to Balik Pulau to visit my two grand nieces Suhana's girls and spend the day with them soaking in the rice field and the surrounding hills of BalikPulau. Ishak whom i call Sahak is a very humble man and most obliging and respectful to me I am beginiing to look forward to spending the weekends with the family and came up with another project which will take place tight there. I will do a painting of the panoramic view from the house on three separate panels. It will be my connecting link with the kids watching me painting unfold and it will not be a total waste of time being there.

While at their house I was pleasantly surprised to discover that both husband and wife were busy making 'Rokok Daun' the local Malay cigarette made from the Nipah palm leaves. The leaves have to be prepared and dried for it to be used filled with local tobacco. The cigarette is becoming more and more popular these days among the Malays as the ordinary cigarettes are getting to be too expensive and unreliable in quality.

Yeah, I know smoking is bad for you butt... if smoke you must why not smoke original, it may smell a little stronger.

Japanese Manga Exhibition

2012-01-19T17:12:00.000+08:00

A walk with Karim

2012-01-18T18:55:00.001+08:00

The Wedding of Shamsul and Alia.

2012-01-18T18:49:00.001+08:00

Patrick Lasak

2012-01-18T12:01:00.003+08:00

Patrick Lasak has become one of Penang's distinguishable characters at least in the Art circle. Caliming to be th Artist Etraordinaire , Patrick goes all out to promote himself as an artist and rightfully so. Hist works are true to his character at least in size. But Patrick is a down to earth kind of guy who knows and plays the Art scene in Penang well and if he keeps it up will turn himself into an icon for the Art lovers here.

The show was launched by an art collector and one of Penang's long time expatriate who has been a great supporter of the Arts in Penang along with his beautiful wife who inherited the cultural heritage of the Penang Chinese in the form of antiques as well as historical knowledge.

Mr. Peter Hast is the G Hotel general Manager who is here being presented with one of Patrick's paintings which he did at the show and took him eleven minutes to complete.

A demonstration of his rapid creative process in producing a piece in front of an audience.

Patrick giving a talk on one of his larger pieces to the audience. It is as it should be that the artist share his work and experiences at an opening which I find very few artists in Penang does.

Enter the Dragon!!

2012-01-14T12:04:00.002+08:00

Enough politics for now, too much anger and,unforgiving and lack or tolerance for my taste.Like no one is willing to back off a step and look at things with more compassion and understanding, more humane and loving. Perhaps the sentimental artist in me about loving my fellow man, especially Malaysians and putting my faith in the hands of those who assume themselves to be my leaders leading the country every which way but lose. What can I say, never argue with a politician not if you are an artist for they hold your breadbasket.

Sit and watch for now, just meditate on the merry making starting to unroll leading on to the next General Election!

Enter the DRAGON!, The Naga King! The Five Footed Emperor Dragon, this is going to be the year of change and balance.The King of Serpents...Mythical and Mystical DRAGON!!
There is good dragons and there some not so friendly kind but at the end of the day they are all fire spitting dragon.This is the Year of the Dragon, KUNG XI FATT CHAI! a little early but what the heck!
This is the 'make it or break it' year for all of us, this is the year of change for better or for worse whether as individuals, a group or a society, a country or a nation or globally as denizens of this planet. We are wound so tight that more and more of us are getting strokes and hear attacks while others are succumbing to diabetes and a host of other maladies unheard of in the past.
I used to have two brothers who were my close friends, one was called Loo Sen Up while the other was Lai Ting Up and from knowing these two my life was not as dramatic as i thought it to be. I was taking my life too seriously as a matter of fact and I almost forgot how to live. When I think of these two friends my life seem a little less choking, less strangling, less of a drag. Their laid back easy going way makes life seemed like a breeze sometimes when I am with them.

Sit, Watch the grass grow!
When hungry eat, When sleepy sleep!
Sit. Watch the grass grow!

"It seems to me that a totally different kind of morality and conduct, and an action that springs from the understanding of the whole process of living, have become an urgent necessity, in our world of mounting crises and problems. We try to deal with these issues through political and organizational methods, through economic readjustment and various reforms; but none of these things will ever resolve the complex difficulties of human existence, though they may offer temporary relief. All reforms, however extensive and seemingly lasting, are in themselves merely productive of further confusion and further need of reformation. Without understanding the whole complex being of man, mere reformation will bring about only the confusing demand for further reforms. There is no end to reform; and there is no fundamental solution along these lines."
Political, economic or social revolutions are not the answer either, for they have produced appalling tyrannies, or the mere transfer of power and authority into the hands of a different group. Such revolutions are not at any time the way out of our confusion and conflict."

J. Krishnamurti.

GOOD LUCK MALAYSIA!!" may all of us find change and balance in our lives so that the country will reflect our inner strength.A Spirit of Unity in Diversity, the merging of all differences.

2012-01-04T15:30:00.000+08:00

"KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 — Haris Ibrahim resigned as president of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) today, accusing Raja Petra Kamarudin of undermining his efforts at ending Barisan Nasional’s (BN) rule."

The self-exiled blogger, who is also MCLM chairman, told the New Straits Times in an interview published yesterday that the civil society movement would not contest the next general election.
Raja Petra was also reported by the Umno-controlled daily as saying “the Egypt-style people’s revolution was not an answer for Malaysia due to the delicate racial balance. (Chinese voters) don’t want Tahrir Square.”
Today, Haris said Raja Petra unilaterally made the decision to stay away from the general election.
“I can confirm now that no such decision has been made after due consultation. In the circumstances, I find it impossible to continue to serve MCLM as its president,” Haris wrote on his blog.
He said Raja Petra’s comments “greatly undermine efforts I am making, albeit through MLCM, in the ‘Anything But Umno (ABU)’ initiative.
“It also saddens me that even as... many others continue daily to undo the ill-effects of Umno/BN’s 40-over years of race-based, divide-and-rule, my friend should continue to see us as Malays, Chinese, Indians,” he said.
The political activist said he informed Raja Petra, better known as RPK, of his resignation via email.
Raja Petra has come under fire from PKR after Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia quoted him yesterday as saying Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was morally unfit to become prime minister as Malaysians could not accept a homosexual leading the country.
The blogger, who fled the country in 2009 after alleging that Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife were responsible for the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shariibuu, did not explicitly call Anwar a homosexual but said there was no room in Malaysia for someone who is gay and wants to become PM.
He also said he was “90 per cent” sure the man in the Datuk T sex video was Anwar, and that many of the latter’s friends believed in the authenticity of the video.
Raja Petra had first mooted civil society as a third force in Malaysian politics in October 2010 when he told a forum in London that Pakatan Rakyat’s huge gains in 2008 were due to the civil society action such as the Bersih and Hindraf rallies in 2007, which championed free and fair elections and lobbied for Indian rights respectively.
“We have given PR two-and-a-half years but not a single reform has been implemented,” he had said, forcing Anwar to defend his coalition at the same event by laying blame on the federal government.
The Selangor royal family member had launched MCLM’s Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate Initiative in December 2010 and the movement began deploying its candidates last July.
MCLM also warned Najib that street protests would follow if the prime minister called for a general election without first implementing the electoral reforms demanded by the Bersih 2.0 election watchdog movement.
“I wish to reiterate here that this was no idle threat,” Haris wrote today.
The Malaysia Insider
3-1-12
The country electoral wheels are beginning to gather momentum as more and more issues are beginning to surface via those whose self serving or genuinely concerned for the nation's well being agendas reveals themselves for better or for worse.We the people will have to sieve through all the garbage that will be spilling out, all the skeletons that will be dragged out and make up our own minds as to who or what to believe before we cast our votes.It is our duty to be in the know as the future of our country is at stake which simply means our children and theirs will bear the consequences of our ignorance.

"One reason Pakatan Rakyat refuses to engage MCLM is because of the ‘Independent Candidate Initiative’. Pakatan Rakyat is not prepared to give way to independent candidates. If independent candidates come in then we are going to see three- or even four-corner contests.
I know many of you were foaming at the mouth for exactly this point. You accused MCLM of serving Barisan Nasional’s agenda, of being a Trojan horse, for being guilty of triggering multi-corner contests and hence denying Pakatan Rakyat the possibility of winning the next general election.
Over and over I wrote in Malaysia Today that this is not true. MCLM is committed to a two-party system and in seeing the emergence of a strong opposition and is not attempting to grab votes away from Pakatan Rakyat by fielding a third candidate. But this assurance is not accepted. The only way everyone can be assured would be if MCLM is closed down and the independent candidates abandon their plan of contesting the election.
Well, the independent candidates have now announced they are withdrawing. In fact, they are severing ties with MCLM altogether. Only one still insists on contesting and even then he has said he would like to contest under a Pakatan Rakyat ticket.
Another point would be about the transformation or reformation itself. What the people seek is change. And the route they chose is to change the government. But in the end they did not actually see change. Hence the title of my article today: Change in government, not change of government.
And that is what we should seek. We should learn from more than 200 years of history. And the lesson is: we may see a change of government but that does not mean we are going to see a change in government. This is what I normally call old wine in a new bottle.
Can we be assured that by changing the government we will see change? Can a change of government guarantee us a change in government? Can more than 200 years of history be wrong?

Well, just look at the so-called changes of recent times such as in Iran in 1979. Did the US see change with Obama at the helm? Did Britain see a change when they kicked out Labour last year?
Look at Egypt. The people took to the Tahrir Square to force a change of government. But they did not see a change in government. So now they are taking to the Tahrir Square again and the killings are continuing, barely a few months since the last revolution."
RPK.

RPK is absolutely right in his lambasting PKR and Anwar Ibrahim for their non performance or at leasr performing up to RPK's expectations. However my view of the matter with regard to his interview with the National Medias recently is that he has no right to to start yapping away at anyone or any single party without a disclaimer saying that he does not speak for MCLM of which he is the Chairman. Cant have the cake and eat it too, and looking be you leap is a little too late for RPK as he has already let loose his mouth as he always does for better or for worse.RPK is dictating MCLM's non existent agendas to fit his hidden ones whatever that may be...SAD! This is the making of a a dictator if ever his will is not checked.
RPK is playing the naughty little boy whose royal family background and Mat Salleh parentage is beginning to show its colors like saying "No one can touch me, you guys! I have set the stage and now i will sing and dance accordingly." Too Bad, I hate hero worshiping but i fell for this guy big time!
R.I.P. RPK.
I decided for the first time in my life to join in the fray by becoming a member of MCLM after reading what Haris Ibrahim had to say and learning about the cause set by the Movement. Now i feel like a fool never to trust me inklings.As the saying goes, "When you cannot trust the salt to preserve your food what else can you turn to?"

2011-12-30T15:06:00.004+08:00

This morning the mailman brought me a package which contained a book entitled "The Monster that Ate Ubud" as promised by my friend David Trevelyan one of the authors of the book. I was a pleasant surprise and indeed it came at the right moment as i was struggling not to slip myself into a manic depression after meditating and contemplating my immediate future which to say the least is bleak when it comes to money. MONEY! MONEY! MONEY! I have three car payments to catch up to now and the rent and the daily needs. Its not bad I keep telling myself, Insha'Allah I keep reminding myself, patience I whisper to myself. Thank God my daughter got her financial loan so I have one worry less but her loan money just about covers all that she needs to get by which means it would not be long before she will need my help again, WOW!! Anyone want to buy a 100 feet long painting? it my masterpiece and have been working on it for over three years now! Will negotiate the price for sure and hey, it will be worth a fortune when I am dead and gone!
Or maybe you are interested in my A 3 size sketches mostly nude sketches and you can see the samples on some of my previous blogs, charcoal pencils and pen and ink, I have quite a collection of them and will be willing to let them go for a reasonable offer. Wanna Help out a starving artist? Oh well what can i say, I should have, could have would have done this or done that in my past, but here I am in my present and I am not good at making money as my friend just told me, "Sam, you are like man carrying a treasure chest in your arms but does not know how to use it."
And check this out, I got Google Adsense to advertise in my blogging pages with the hope that it will generate some form of income from it( Listening to advise from my friends), last i checked the message left was Google has disabled the Adsense Account benefit to my blog due to some??? So even here I am out of luck and Google is still advertising on my blog!! So much for trying. Get a JOb!! Yeah at 62 not a bad idea I can still be a security guard somewhere why not? So will start out looking for a job and screw these time wasting, heart aching worthless acts of so called creative expressions. God if I can claim mileage and time for the amount of effort i have put into this blogging and painting and sketching and keeping my anger and frustration in check, I would be a millionaire! But no! I wanna be the good guy, the guy who turned over a new leaf, the guy who is searching for the Divine, the guy who is looking for the recognition from his family and friends! Look where I am at! Pandering my self esteem to no one and everyone, pussyfooting around like a sick rat afraid to take the demons by the balls like i used to and what is worse blaming it all on ageing. HUMBUG!!
Who am I trying to justify my case to I dont know, but this much I know, letting it off like I just did felt good and for that alone the blogging has its merits. It beats the hell out of blaming others or crawling into a hole with a needle in my arm or a bullet in my head, (if i can find a gun).I wish I should, I would and i could but damn if I know what is really bugging me!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope the future holds better cards in hand for me but it looks like I am off to a very slow start with my fiscal status at a minus three car payments and rent coming up. Ha! Bahari! What have you done to deserve such poor merits! Well no sense in regrets and I am not dead at least not yet. Body still all there a little slower now but it is still kicking so what is there to be despair about other than just a temporary shortage of funds and whats new to that? My son treated me to Sherlock Holmes last night and my daughter is getting by ok having visited her cousin and spent time with my eldest brother, that's good.So what is really bugging me? This constant nagging feeling that something is amiss and I can't put my finger on it.Maybe don't really need to, may be just have to let it play itself out and reveal itself. I am hitting rock bottom no doubt and if there is any cause for worry it would be the fact that they can repossess my car which has only about a thousand RM left to be paid up for. So right now that's is about it.

A Malaysian's Reflection on the Nation'sFuture 2.

2011-12-29T14:12:00.000+08:00

"KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who left PKR last month, is now a member of the Malaysian People’s Justice Front or Akim, said its president Zakaria Salleh today."
Thus for whatever reason Zaid may have left PKR is of no concern of mine nor of anyone for that matter as in politics it is those things that we know not of that is more important to any known issues as the truth is often veiled from our perception for political expediency.But suffice to say that Zaid Ibrahim needed to remove himself from a party he had left the ruling party for and held in great esteem for a short duration of time until...??
Whatever it may be that caused Zaid to hop from one party to another is relevant only to the fact that he still is one solitary voice that champions the people's concern and the need for change in the policies if not the government itself. Unlike the 'maverick' deranged prince cum political thorn in the government flesh, Raja Petra Kamaludin (RPK), Zaid is here face to face with his detractors, his life on the line. What Zaid exposes through his knowledge and experiences having been on both sides of the divide and seen with his intelligent and unbiased mind is food for our thoughts.
"To bring about a truly united ‘1Malaysia,’ our Prime Minister must not
always refer to the deprivation of the Malays suffered under the
British.. No amount of wallowing of the past can change history nor
can we just tell the Chinese and the Indians how grateful they should
be for events taking place 100 years ago. Equally he cannot just be
happy that he has the MCA and the MIC taking care of the non-Malays.
He has to do more to make sure that the non-Malays are equally
responsible and generous with the Malays. Will they open their
businesses to the Malays? Will they give credit on the same terms they
do to their own clans?"
As much as I agree with this thought I wish to add that it is not only the PM's responsibility that this has to be carried out but it is the nation's, each and everyone of us regardless who we are so long as we declare ourselves true Malaysians.China, India or Peri Bumi Nusantara or whatever that we have been told to be who we are or where we originate from has to be erased from our minds when we enter this new pact of a 1-Malaysia. This is the covenant that we all have to share to survive as a nation and any political will that does not propagate this mindset does not deserve to rule this nation.We Malaysians need a mental 'clean slate' yesterday.
"But at the same time, the people, including the Malays, must be
convinced that democracy and a functioning bureaucracy are good for
them. That they have a better chance of realising their potentials and
benefiting from their rights and privileges under a government that
respects just laws. They must resist corruption by all means at their
disposal. The notion of Bangsa Malaysia will not detract or take away
anything from them but instead they become a part of a larger and more
diverse community where they too can experience the generosity,
beauty, strength and richness of Malaysian cultures. They will benefit
from the solidarity of people from all walks of life and their
worldview will change to make them stronger and more confident of
themselves."
Today, as never before, the Malay are more Malays, the Chinese are more Chinese and the Indians more Indian and so on..and God or the Gods are always on our side. Corruption has become a way of life and abuse of power comes quite naturally to most who have the means.We have become a proud nation despite babies being found in dumpsters and drug addiction is as rampant as unemployment.We are proud of our heritage more so than admitting that our past was one of a colonial bondage which has set us one against another throughout our history so much so that we do not even have a clear agreement on what our history was all about.and we prosecute anyone who dares to question.
"A Prime Minister of this country must not succumb to the idea that
force and repression will prevail over the people’s will. The Prime
Minister of this country must not suffer from the delusion that the
Police, the Army, the Courts, the Election Commission and the
Attorney-General could strike fear in the hearts of the people to the
extent that they will and must retreat. No leader in ancient and
modern times has survived the outrage of the masses. Today we have
witnessed a new sense of outrage; outrage against the abuse of power,
against inequality, outrage against the continued persecution of Anwar
Ibrahim, and outrage against the policies of divide and rule."
In other words it is up to us the people to want to change and remain in power as the source to reckon with for any single party that decides to rule us. It is the power of the people that has to be awakened and kept awake if our country is to survive and excel as a nation. We have all the resource both material as well as human to take on the challenge into the future despite the global economic uncertainty.We cannot and will not allow for our resources to be wasted by the few self serving in power.As individuals we have to look deeply within and realize our own motives and intentions such that they serve the nation as a whole.
" Today the rakyat has spoken and they want their voices heard. They
want a new beginning, so that this country, which we all call home,
will be transformed into a dynamic, open and vibrant democratic
sanctuary. A sanctuary where we live without fear of police
harassment, without fear of wearing black or yellow, without fear of
detention without trial, without the nausea of reading newspapers
whose editors have to toe the line to keep the papers alive. We will
make this country such that we have room and space for all of us to
have our dreams and hopes come true."
If and when we arrive at the target of a "Vision-2020" as set by our former PM it will not be merely as a developed nation but also a well rounded nation with respect for race and religions and the love for the environment. It is not my intention to write for or against any party in the upcoming election nor criticize any one individual or individuals. I chose Zaid Ibrahim's article because it says pretty much what i would have said or want to believe in. I write for those who take their time to read and with the hope that they can come to their own conclusion as who or what they would want to govern this nation when the time to vote comes along.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we do not live in a world of black and white. We

live in a world full of different colours, shades and textures. No
truer is this than in Malaysia. I can stand here and tell you of my
immense sense of pride and affection in being a Malaysian, just as I
can do the same about being Malay. And I believe that we all are just
as capable of feeling that way about being Malaysian and yet similarly
proud of being Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban, no matter who
we are.
And it is this mix of seemingly conflicting values, which when blended
and tempered with courage, tolerance, good faith and framed by
universally held moral and civic values, that makes the canvas of
Malaysia so rich, so powerful and so full of potential. Let us
preserve this living piece of art and ensure that it continues to
beautify and enrich our personal lives, as private citizens.
For if we fail, then the providence with which we are blessed today to
make a breakthrough change, will disappear as quickly as it came; and
we will be back to square one.. Our future and that of our children
and their children, depends on our success. Failure is not an option.
God favours the brave.
Thank you."

A Malaysian's Reflection on the Nation's Future-1

2011-12-24T16:18:00.001+08:00

A friend passed away three days ago, however two days earlier we had a long discussion over a couple of teh-tarik about the political issues in Malaysia as he was in the know on these matters as far as I was concerned. I voiced out my concern about who or what to vote for in the upcoming election which will most probably take place early next year. The two main choices he said being the ruling Barisan Nasional party under the PM and the Opposition party, The party Keadilan Raayat under Anwar Ibrahim, it is a choice between the "Iblis and the Shaitan" according to him.But one has to choose as they are the ones in the helm at present and abysmal as it may seem Malaysians are stuck with these two opposing parties as there is no others to stand up against them.It is our civic duty to vote and vote we must to make a difference for the future of this country and for the benefit of our children and theirs.
As much as I abhor politics and politicians I am duty bound to at least think and let my thoughts be heard on the matter and in the process share what the majority of my friends and those i had talked to on the matter had to say only as in conversations as they are not writers.Hence i am writing this piece simply because i feel the need to serve my country in my own small way by expressing my own personal views based upon those of others'. This is in no way meant to criticize or condemn any one party or person, it is a neutral reflection of one Malaysian.
A few years ago i came upon an article in the Internet entitled; "Zaid Ibrahim's Keynote Address at The Oxbridge Malaysia Dinner." dated 29th. Jul. 09. I was so impressed with the message that I had made a copy of it and still have it on file from which I am going to use as my reference for what I have to say to my fellow Malaysians as it says in a better way than i can ever express my own thoughts.
"Today I am persuaded by the argument that for Malaysia to have
democracy and the Rule of Law, we must have a new government; a viable
inclusive government of the people; a government for all Malaysians."
This is what all of us Malaysians want or at least desire for if our future is to be secured in a more concrete and stabilized manner, we have to make a commitment towards making a change that is most compelling and self sacrificing within our own individual minds to create an impact that would echo itself into the future.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this country was established as a secular
multicultural and multi-religious democracy a’la the Westminster
model. The Constitution however provides for a special position for
the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak. They unfortunately
omitted to include the Orang Asli in this special category, although
they were naturally the first original inhabitants of this country.
All they got was a Jabatan Orang Asli. The special provisions for
Bumiputras under Article 153 do not make them more special than other
citizens, for the fighters of independence did not envisage an
Orwellian society where some are more equal than others. The
acceptance of equality of rights as citizens is central to the success
of our Malaysian journey."
As a lawyer who at one time created the largest law firm in the country, none can lay claim to better champion the cause and the constitution of this country, Zaid in his unbiased mind saw the truth that would set this country free from the bondage of dependency in whatever form it may take and in this case he advocated the need for the Malays to liberate themselves from depending on the government to subsidize their future.If and when every Malay can say to himself i do not need the government to help me to live my life there is freedom from bondage, from being exploited and manipulated by the powers that be.Any party that claims to champion for any one single race in this country should be viewed with caution and that goes to the Indians and the Chinese as well as the rest of the minority groups in this country; there should never be a minority group in Malaysia.
"When the Prime Minister announced his ‘1Malaysia’ slogan, I asked if
that meant he would make a declaration that all Malaysians are equal.
The answer was not forthcoming till today. All he said was rights must
be understood in the context of responsibilities. Another fuzzy reply.
When critics asked if ‘1Malaysia’ is an affirmation of the rights of
ALL the citizens under the Constitution, an affirmation of the
multicultural and multi-religious nature of our country; and that the
principles of Rukun Negara will continue to be the mainstay of our
society. My detractors say that my views are fodder for the egos and
insecurities of those who detest the constitutional position of the
Malays. They say I work too hard at being a Malaysian and by doing so,
have forgotten my roots and responsibilities to the Malays. And that
no right thinking Malay, who truly understands what is at stake, would
ever support me. I know my heritage. I know my humble beginnings. "
As Malaysians we do, we all know and are proud of our own heritage we don't ask who we are we know who we are. Whatever our past maybe, wherever our forefathers may have hailed from we cannot escape our past, however it is our future that is in jeopardy, that is hanging in a balance and our past is keeping us from moving forward, we need to let go. We need to liberate our minds from this fear of the future and what it holds for us regardless of our past history. It is who we are today that will decide who we will be tomorrow not who we were before.As I mentioned before in this effort a whole lot of self sacrifice has to be made from each and everyone of us and this includes educating those who are ignorant in this matter for they are the ones who will fall victims to those who manipulate our situation for their self serving agendas. We have to act as One, not a Malay Malaysian or a Chinese or Indian Malaysian and so on but as true Malaysians and this has to happen yesterday.Only then can we develop the idea of a shared and common nationhood.
"A new united Malaysia can only come true when UMNO changes and
abandons racial politics and the politics of racial hegemony. Or when
the Malays can be made to understand that patronage, authoritarianism
and nationalist extremism, which underpins UMNO’s style of leadership,
does more harm to the community and the country than good. That Malays
themselves must break from the shackles of narrow nationalism so that
they may realise self-actualisation and emancipation. The first is
difficult to achieve but I take it as my responsibility to try and
achieve the second."
The question is why are Malays not confident in breaking the shackles that is beholding them to the government? Most of my Malay friends and relatives expresses fears of economic loses to the Chinese or not being able to compete with them and so on. How much of theses is true or what is the reality of it? Are the Malaysian Chinese out to sideline the Malays through economic squeeze? Only they can answer this and if it is a positive reply then they too will have to think and start looking into deeply why this country will never rise above what it is today.It is said that we cannot change the world but we can change our selves, our way of looking at the world to help make the change.
"UMNO – have almost abandoned the idea of a shared and common
nationhood. They believe that for so long as the MCA and the MIC
remain with them as partners of convenience; that is sufficient to
build a nation. They think it’s sufficient to forge a new nation by
electoral arrangements. The MCA and the MIC also think it’s sufficient
for nationhood if they remain business partners of UMNO."
Tod divide and rule is the most common tool of politics and politicians all over and this division can even exist among alliances so long as each benefits from the share of power. This would be fine if those holding the reins of power are beyond corruption and the abuse of power itself. No man and no nation for that matter is free from the influences of Greed, Hate and Ignorance, the three illnesses that man suffers from from the beginning of time. It is the small people, the lay man, the farmers and fishermen, the mechanic and bus drivers that are the victims as their trust, their faith and their hopes are being taken advantage of by those who are unscrupulous and without conscience declaring themselves leaders. It is these so called leaders that we have to weed off from ever sitting in the seats of power to govern this nation and this can only be done through our awakening to the real issues that we as Malaysians need to address and that is Ourselves!
Who are we? What is a true Malaysian? What would it take to become one? For how long can we live in denial or our real identity while we allow others to take advantage of our segregation, our clinging on to our past and the heritage of our forefathers? Am I Malay first Malaysian second? Chinese first Malaysian second? Or Indian first....till when? For so long as we are divided along these racial ethnic lines that is how long we will be dependent on those who live off human illnesses and weaknesses. It is only through our unified selfless sacrifice can we win for this nation her glory and in the process eliminate the need to choose between the Devil and the Deep.
"The ultimate price that the country suffers from the present political
culture is that the Malays and non-Malays will continue to be denied a
sense of ownership of Malaysia’s nation-building journey. And instead
of becoming partners in this voyage to mature nationhood, they
continue to bicker and remain suspicious and distrustful of one
another. Because of this segregation, the government is unable to set
a new direction for the country.. Because of racial polarisation, the
people are not ready to accept a multi-racial dimension for this
country. As a result, we are not able to enact or even discuss
comprehensive national policies whether it is regarding the police,
education or judicial and civil service reforms. The distrust of the
communities will prevent objective appraisals and solutions to the
problems. Ethnic interests take precedence over national interests.
National interests become a strange and fearful concept. And there
will continue to be a brain drain of Malaysian talents who would have
decided that they would rather make their homes elsewhere. This is a
high price that the country can ill-afford to pay given the
increasingly challenging global outlook."

Quotes from Keynote Address at Oxbridge Dinner Dialogue
by Zaid Ibrahim

Catching the Sun-setting - Balik Pulau

2011-12-20T14:22:00.001+08:00

Meditation is one of the most extraordinary things, and if you do not know what it is you are like the blind man in a world of bright colour, shadows and moving light. It is not an intellectual affair, but when the heart enters into the mind, the mind has quite a different quality: it is really, then, limitless, not only in its capacity to think, to act efficiently, but also in its sense of living in a vast space where you are part of everything.

Meditation is the movement of love. It isn't the love of the one or of the many. It is like water that anyone can drink out of any jar, whether golden or earthenware: it is inexhaustible.

You must take a plunge into the water, not knowing how to swim. And the beauty of meditation is that you never know where you are, where you are going, what the end is.

The curious part of meditation is that an event is not made into an experience. It is there, like a new star in the heavens, without memory taking it over and holding it, without the habitual process of recognition and response in terms of like and dislike.

Only in the immensity of the present this aloneness comes. And then, in quiet secrecy in which all communication has come to an end, in which there is no observer with his anxieties, with his stupid appetites and problems only then, in that quiet aloneness, meditation becomes something that cannot be put into words.

Perception without the word, which is without thought, is one of the strangest phenomena. Then the perception is much more acute, not only with the brain, but also with all the senses. Such perception is not the fragmentary perception of the intellect nor the affair of the emotions. It can be called a total perception, and it is part of meditation. Perception without the perceiver in meditation is to commune with the height and depth of the immense.

It is only the mind that is wholly alone that is open. You felt all this suddenly, like a great wind that swept over the land and through you. There you were denuded of everything, empty and therefore utterly open. The beauty of it was not in the word or in the feeling, but seemed to be everywhere about you, inside you, over the waters and in the hills. Meditation is this.

You walked against the wind, and suddenly you felt there was nothing between you and the sky, and this openness was heaven. To be so completely open, vulnerable to the hills, to the sea and to man is the very essence of meditation.

To have no resistance, to have no barriers inwardly towards anything, to be really free, completely, from all the minor urges, compulsions and demands, with all their little conflicts and hypocrisies, is to walk in life with open arms.

You should meditate only in solitude, in the quiet of the night or in the still, early morning. When you meditate in solitude, it must be solitude. You must be completely alone, not following a system, a method, repeating words, or pursuing a thought, or shaping a thought according to your desire. This solitude comes when the mind is freed from thought.

So meditate alone. Get lost. And don't try to remember where you have been. If you try to remember it then it will be something that is dead. And if you hold on to the memory of it then you will never be alone again. So meditate in that endless solitude, in the beauty of that love, in that innocency, in the new then there is the bliss that is imperishable.

So meditate in the very secret recesses of your heart and mind, where you have never been before.

The ecstasy of solitude comes when you are not frightened to be alone no longer belonging to the world or attached to anything. Then, like that dawn that came up this morning, it comes silently, and makes a golden path in the very stillness, which was at the beginning, which is now, and which will be always there.

Bliss that strange sense of joy has no motive. You cannot possibly seek it. Once it is there, depending on the quality of your mind, it remains timeless, causeless, and a thing that is not measurable by time. Meditation is not the pursuit of pleasure and the search for happiness. Meditation, on the contrary, is a state of mind in which there is no concept or formula, and therefore total freedom. It is only to such a mind that this bliss comes unsought and uninvited.
Thoughts on Meditation from J. Krishnamurti

A Visit to My Niece and Her family -Balik Pulau

2011-12-20T14:01:00.000+08:00

Self-knowledge is not a thing to be bought in books, nor is it the outcome of a

long painful practice and discipline; but it is awareness, from moment to moment,

of every thought and feeling as it arises in relationship. Relationship is not on an

abstract ideological level, but an actuality, the relationship with property, with

people and with ideas.

Relationship is the mirror in which you can see yourself as you are. You cannot see yourself as you are in this mirror, if you approach it with a conclusion and an explanation, or with condemnation, or with justification.

Relationship is our problem, and not the idea about relationship not at any one particular level but at all the levels of our existence. This is the only problem we have. To understand relationship, we must come to it with freedom from all ideology, from all prejudice, not merely from the prejudice of the un-educated but also from the prejudice of knowledge.

Relationship implies existence; and as nothing can live in isolation, to be is to be related. Our conflict is in relationship, at all the levels of our existence; and the understanding of this relationship, completely and extensively, is the only real problem that each one has.

Religion then is not belief, nor dogma, but the understanding of truth that is to be discovered in relationship, from moment to moment. Religion that is belief and dogma is only an escape from the reality of relationship. The man who seeks God, or what you will, through belief which he calls religion, only creates opposition, bringing about separation which is disintegration. Any form of ideology, whether of the right or of the left, of this particular religion or of that, sets man against man - which is what is happening in the world.

Relationship is the challenge of everyday life. If you and I and another do not know how to meet each other, we are creating conditions that breed war. So, the world problem is your problem. You are not different from the world. The world is you. What you are the world is. You can save the world, which is yourself, only in understanding the relationship of your daily life and not through belief, called religion, of the left or of the right, or through any reform however extensive.

What is important is not how to act, what pattern to follow, or which ideology is

the best, but the understanding of your relationship with another. This

understanding is the only revolution, and not the revolution based on idea. Any

revolution based on an ideology maintains man as a means only.

There is only one fundamental revolution. This revolution is not of idea; it is

not based on any pattern of action. This revolution comes into being when the

need for using another ceases. This transformation is not an abstraction, a thing

to be wished for, but an actuality which can be experienced, as we begin to

understand the way of our relationship. This fundamental revolution may be

called love; it is the only creative factor in bringing about transformation in

ourselves and so in society.

J. Krishnamurti - January 22, 1950

Tanjung Asam - Beach

2011-12-19T17:08:00.000+08:00

Its Sunday - No Fishing

2011-12-19T16:57:00.002+08:00

PENANG SECOND CROSSING BRIDGE PROJEC

2011-12-19T16:46:00.000+08:00

BACKGROUND:: 6 Sept.2006 - received notification from the Govt. of Malaysia (GOM) that privatisation of the Penang Second crossing Bridge project (P2X) will be by UEM Group Bhd. GOM will subsequently issue RFP document to UEM Group Bhd.

28 Sept 2006 - GOM issued RFP document. UEM to submit privatisation proposal within 3 months.

12 Nov.2006 - Ground breaking ceremony for P2X by the Prime Minister. (Koh Tsu Koon). PM announced that the project will be completed by Dec.2010.
I was on hand to make sure that the Chief Minister had a safe trip from the jetty at Bayan Bay for his trip to Batu Kawan on this date as i was the Jetty supervisor back then for the Jerejak resort and Spa and this was how i got the detailed infos on the project.

27 Dec. 2006 - Privatisation Proposal submitted to EPU.

KEY DESIGN PARAMETERS - Length of bridge - 17 km.
Length of Expressway - 7 km.
Overall Capacity - Dual 2 traffic lanes plus motorcycle lane in each direction.

No. of Piers - 337 Nos.
Construction method - Pre-cast Segmented Box Girder
Navigational Channel - Height Clearence ; 30m Draft ; 6m
2 Nos of Elevated Observation Platforms - At CH 8.km

Location - Batu Kawan - Batu Maung

Now it is Dec-2011 and this is how far the project has progressed since the day of the CM's ground breaking ceremony, one wonders what happened along the way,is it politics or is it just a matter of priorities.

I took these picture yesterday while driving towards my niece's home in Balik Pulau for a visit.

Meeting David Trevelyan-"The Monster That Ate Ubud".

2011-12-19T15:30:00.001+08:00

I had a great visit from a Canadian artist presently residing in Bali a sculptor by the name of David T.David is an extraordinary individual with allot of humor and creativity. I met this gentleman at the opening of his group show at the AWAS Gallery last week. David Trevelyan along with his friend C. Newman co authored the book , "The Monster that ate Ubud."

David Trevelyan was born and spent his formative years in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In a family of four brothers and one sister, David was the rebellious one. He grew up in an active, fun loving environment. Whilst attending art school in Calgary, Alberta, David's interest in Native arts and culture and Eastern philosophy awakened. He moved to British Columbia, was smitten by the masks of the North Western Native peoples. David returned to Canada to begin his own commercial design company where he was Art Director for ten years. Burned out with commercial art, David started to explore S.E. Asia, first Thailand and then Ubud, Bali, where he first met Newmi. David began to produce wild sculptures at his new studio near Ubud. In the mid- to late 1990s, David began to experiment with digital photography, computer manipulated images and cyber arts. David now lives with his wife Rani just outside Ubud, where he continues to explore innovative contemporary expressions as an artist. These include hanging out with his buddy Newmi and co-creating all that is way fung and too shoe.

David has ideas about how to showcase our works together in the form of a humorous take on , Luck. I am still pondering on how i would spin it off with my Cheeseburger Buddha Character as the purveyor of the message.

I hope that our chance meeting will turn into be a long and lasting friendship as i like his energy and genuineness and his no holds barred kind of approach to life as an artist. But I will not hold my breadth as many such promising has passed my way and most were just that which to me is fine. What is great is that our paths crossed and out of that we learned of respect and what it it entails in this Global life.

David is poet when it comes to shaping wood into pieces of art works. His being in Bali no doubt is a boon to those who work with him and he with them. he takes the sculpture in wood to greater heights in its unique form and style which breaks away from the monotonous designs found among Balinese sculpture artist.

Ulright? A Swiss traveler who lives in Thailand joined David and i at our table for a drink and he turned out to be just another interesting character with stories to tell of his earlier life in Switzerland and now his life in Thailand.

If things do really materialize between us I am positive it would take on a whole new dimension I have no doubt as i can sense that our chemistry is dynamic and we can make things happen. In the meantime i will have to wait and see what he has in mind while i develop my own version of what he has in mind with the 'LUCK' project.

Dato'Keramat - Muslim Cemetery

2011-12-19T14:54:00.000+08:00

This morning I found out that one of my childhood friend's brother had passed away and so I visited their home to pay my respects. As always you meet some old friends at theses events which in a way is nice.Here the deceased is about to leave the house and is being given the last rights which is in the form of reading the AlFatehah three times according every single step taken out of the door.

The body is then loaded into the funeral van and ready to make its journey towards the cemetery , however before that ti will first head for the mosque for the final prayer which usually at Zohor or afternoon prayer.

Your life feels different on you, once you greet death and understand your heart's position. You wear your life like a garment from the mission bundle sale ever after -- lightly because you realize you never paid nothing for it, cherishing because you know you won't ever come by such a bargain again.

- Louise Erdrich

The words above means Funeral Vehicle (The Hearse) in which the body is being transported to the cemetery and usually accompanied by the deceased children.

The body is taken into the Mosques where it is given the final prayer immediately after the afternoon prayer, a special prayer is being performed for the deceased. It is the Muslim belief that the dead is still among us while the preperation for his or her burial is being carried out.

The Dato'Keramat Muslim Cemetery in Penang is one of the most overly populated cemetery in the country as most Muslims in Penang ar at least those living in and around Georgetown would prefer to be buried here when they die, myself included. There is no doubt that most of the graves here have been overlapped with multiple deceased bodies from lack of space in the whole place. However priority to the actual location is given such the body lays to rest among its kith and kin.

From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity.

- Thomas Moore

\Having arrived early at the grave i decided to start taking some pictures as i have always been fascinated by graveyards. I think it is the most peaceful and not to mention beautiful place in any place in the world. While living in Sendai I usaed to visit the Japanese burial grounds with my sketchbooks and i did some interesting sketches of these places. An uncanny thing happened when I approached to take a shot of the actual hole where the body will be placed. The picture below was the last i could take for when I was trying to take the grave hole itself my camera gave up on me! It shuts down with the low battery lights on I tried to squeeze the last critical shot but it would not do it. So I apologized and quietly slipped away from the gaping hole in the ground.

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.

- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Unto God, the Lord belong the issues of death.

---Psalm 68:20

A friend giving a hand at burying another .

One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.

- Hafiz of Persia

Laying to rest among the gravestones of past residents how many had been buried in th e same spot God only knows.

The final resting place is set with the last load of soil being shoveled into place and saplings being planted to shade the grave from the hot sun.

Sending off the dead with the last rites and prayers to accompany him into the other world where another life begins.

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

- Steve Jobs

Penang Pesta Art Competition 2011

2011-12-17T15:39:00.000+08:00

Pesta Open Art Competition 2011 was launched by the Minister of Finance for the Penang State whoose open statement was "I am Lost!". Great! A finance minister who is lost officiated an Art exhibition, what else has he lost? This is to be taken in humor off course! But the man was gracious enough to take his time and honor the invitation for his presence.

When i walked into the ceremony Askandar was at the podium giving his apologetic spill on why art should never be allowed to have competitions especially for the children, the negative effect outweighs the positive. I agree with him and as he went on it has never been easy to judge on works of art which should be chosen as winners or losers as Art is subjective to say the least. Is there any alternative approach towards awarding good works without the sense of competitiveness among the participants? We give awards to encourage those who are worthy of support for their achievements but do we need to chose via a competition which allows for winners as well as losers.? Perhaps the word 'Competition' should not to have been used in the first place in the Exhibition Title. Another way perhaps is in the form of purchasing of the art pieces by the Gallery or sponsorship by private companies and institutions based on recommendations by the selection committee.

Some of the winners and the officials that were on hand to launch the show and the Chinese gentleman in the foreground is Peter a friend of mine through Lee Khai. Peter is a member of the Penang Art Gallery Committee member.. My complain about the exhibition was voiced in the Facebook sometime ago as to why an "Open Art Competition for the State has an age limit that bars those above forty from entering. My complain was noted and I think they might even reconsider the age clause in the future. My contention was not just based on my personal feeling alone but those of my peers who have been the pillars of support to the Art Scene here in Penang. Most of these 'Old Timers' felt slighted to say the least and there even was even hints on the fact that The Pernang State Art Gallery is in the habit of practicing cronyism. These are issues that one listens to and sometimes it is an injustice to the society if it is let to slide by as of no consequential to one personally. It is not an easy thing to please everyone in any circumstances however the consequence is even harder to swallow as it is divisive.

There was understandingly enough a mark absence of the regular older members of the Penang Art scene at the opening except for the likes of me who had nothing better to and an obligation to keep for my friends like Aizuan above who was part of the entry. This is actually one of his first work of Art which to in itself is not too bad but being chosen by the Judges as worth being entered into a State Art level of an exhibition is something that the committee has to look into of what its ramification can be for others who have been involve in art most of their lives. The conversations that is being carried on even among non artists on this matter is left up to your imagination. Hence how does one value art or does it really have anymore value? The 'Artist' is my closest friend and I have no doubt that he has strong believe in his own abilities as an artist and I am very happy for him. Had i entered my piece and was rejected, how would I feel knowing what I know?

Just as an example and no implication meant whatsoever towards the above piece of sculpture or its owner, hence if i were to go to Thailand say and bought this piece and brought it back for the show would anyone be the wiser? Nope it is not an easy task to run such an event no doubt about it especially at the highest level such as the State Art Gallery. But I believe that the committee members are made up of some of the most intelligent men and ladies and ways and means will be found to over such minor discrepancies that still plagues such an institution.

As far as the artworks were it was a splendid collection of works from a n assorted group of artists in rems of age and background. I was glad that there was hardly any so called abstract splash or weird paintings that for me is difficult to stomach other than the fact that it yells out "I can't paint worth a crap!." Perhaps i am or have become of the "Old School' now that i about to approach my Golden Age , however it has been my content when it comes to the so called modern art or abstract pieces of splashes and meaningless sploshes of paint on canvass something is just not right. It is like a the masses has been conned by the con-artists, artists who stumbles upon an attractive technique or way of applying paint on canvass and sold these works in the art market to someone who is somehow attracted to them for no rhyme or reason.Hence one gets comments like "My five year old can do better than that!" How have art slipped to this level of decay? But if it is what makes money why not??

Some of the sculpture entries were pretty cool , like the old bicycle that has a U-turn body attached to it, that's pretty clever!

Three professional artists friends.

Why Do I Sit? (ZaZen)

2011-12-14T14:44:00.003+08:00

There are some Buddhist scholars today who rants and rave about why sitting meditation or zazen as it is called in Japanese is not 'The way' or not what is taught by you know who. One of these exponent of Buddhism is a blogger who calls himself 'The Zennist". I enjoy reading his writings as most of it is very informative, thought provoking and some quite radically so. I can see that this is a man who has devoted his life and times in the pursuit of understanding the teachings of 'The World and Time Honored One'. I would strongly recommend this blog to anyone interested in Buddhism no doubt as it is really worth reading.
my small concern when i read several of his entries is the fact that he has the strong opinion that 'the Zen practice of Sitting Meditation is not beneficial or cant remember how he puts it but suffice to say no exactly what it cracks up to achieve. The Historical Buddha sat under the Bo tree for forty days before He attained to enlightenment or saw the light. perhaps this did not merit as sitting to my learned friend, at least not in the Soto Schools form of sitting. The prophet of Allah sat in the cave of Hirak for many nights before He was approached by the Arch Angel Gabriel who revealed to Him God's message. Ahh..perhaps it was sitting the Muslim way nothing to do with Buddhism. I can go on pointing out many instances in history where the Ancients sat in meditation for long periods of time before they were able to arrive at what it was they were after just like Bodhidharma who was said to have sat for nine years waiting for his successor.
Perhaps i misunderstood what my friend the Zennist was saying with regard to the matter but if I am right he seems to have developed a phobia against those who 'sit' as their form of practice to achieve their way towards whatever it is that they strive to achieve in their school of Buddhism. The Buddha was said to have said that "Right and wrong is a sickness of your own mind," perhaps i misquoted the Buddha but whether he did or did not say such a thing it still is in my book, from my Buddhist point of view at least. I am bias simply because I spent two years at the Soto Zen Center at green Gulch Zen center and what i hated and enjoyed most was sitting.I hated sitting because it was the most painful physically and tediously boring for my mind and why I loved it was and still is because it has slowed me down somewhat. I stop more often to smell the roses so to speak and take a second look at what life has to offer than taking life for granted. Sitting is the act between sleeping and standing both the later are acts that is either in motion (physically of as in sleep an act that is beyond any form of physical or emotional control. Sitting allows one to just sit and watch with bare attention with no attachment or detachment to anything or any phenomenon that arises in the mind and by so doing I am free from giving it thought mush less form...just clouds manifesting in the sky, now you see them now you do not (Unsui).
I am no Bible totting or Quran or the Sutra quoting kind of person but i do read the Buddhist texts when I was a Zen Student and I was taught for twelve years in the Buddhist way as i was born a Buddhist before being converted to Islam at the age of twelve, perhaps i have my little insight into the religions of my ancestors and those of Islam and Christianity as I was married twice and both were Cahtolic Americans.But in this day and age of the Internet it is no big deal to quote any text Buddhist or otherwise when you write, all you need to do is ask the right questions and chances are you will get the answers all readily packaged for you.So it is no more impressive to quote the scriptures these days and age even if one has done all the footwork to arrive at where one is at. It is perhaps better to just allow for the sharing to happen without effort or harping over who is right or wrong. So what if sitting is not your way or my way or the Buddha's way. it is still better than not making an effort at all to understand one's own way seeking mind or worse yet why become a victim of the dual thinking mind that the Buddha has sought to eliminate with.Lastly my take on sitting meditation or Zazen is that one either sits on one's Ass or one's mind this is what makes the difference, and as for attaining Samadhi or Mokhsha or Satori, one can as easily do this after taking a real healthy crap one morning or after having a great piece of AS.
I write this with all due respect for a learned friend and fellow Buddhist scholar.

A Different Face Again! - Mask Quotes

2011-12-13T12:41:00.000+08:00

“We understand how dangerous a mask can be. We all become what we pretend to be.”
― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

Masked, I advance.”
― René Descartes

Add caption

“We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.”
― Andre Berthiaume

Don't you know that a midnight hour comes when everyone has to take off his mask? Do you think life always lets itself be trifled with? Do you think you can sneak off a little before midnight to escape this?”
― Søren Kierkegaard

“Perfume was first created to mask the stench of foul and offensive odors...

Spices and bold flavorings were created to mask the taste of putrid and rotting meat...
What then was music created for?
Was it to drown out the voices of others, or the voices within ourselves?
I think I know.”
― Emilie Autumn, The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls

“Horror is the removal of masks”
― Robert Bloch

“I believe in my mask-- The man I made up is me
I believe in my dance-- And my destiny”
― Sam Shepard

“Nothing is more real than the masks we make to show each other who we are.”

― Christopher Barzak, The Love We Share Without Knowing

“I can’t find why I should disguise on Halloween… I already got a mask to get rid of …”
― Thanos Grigoriou

“Wear the masks yet kno Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”w underneath the mask is you and only you..That is life...”

Kat Morgan

"I had a birthday one night on a farm we were shooting on. I walked into the tent, and there were 150 people waiting for me, all wearing masks of my face.”
Stephan Hopkins

“There are people in this world who can wear whale masks and people who cannot, and the wise know to which group they belong.”

― Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

Oscar Wilde quotes

“Without wearing any mask we are conscious of, we have a special face for each friend.”
Oliver Wendel Hlomes

“We aren't hiding behind these masks, we're actually revealing more to you than you might think. The mask I wear brings out all the sh*t inside me that I hate. Plus it hurts like hell, which helps my intensity. If you feel like talking, you talk, if you don't, you don't. So many people are like, 'Gimmick, gimmick, gimmick!' F*ck you! You don't know what we're about! Our motto has always been, 'Music First.' Even if the masks and the coveralls weren't there, the music would still be good.”
Corey taylor

Preserving our Past for the Benifit of the Future.

2011-12-13T11:20:00.000+08:00

One of the victims of our modern age of fast food and Internet is the old traditional forms of entertainment which took perhaps decades if not centuries to develop and had kept the public back then entertained and not to mention educated at the same time. it is indeed a great loss for mankind when these forms of creative communications join the archives of the dead and defunct. So I try to every now and then include these in my blog so that those still into these archaic cultural heritage will help to preserve them regardless of from where or when they originate.

For generations before radio and television made it to the East there were many forms of entertainment already on going to keep the masses entertained. Wayang Kulit of the shadow puppets was one of the most popular form of stage production that involved a puppeteer and the simple for of casting an image on to a screen. In this case the Puppeteer was called the ' Tok Dalang' in Malay and he was the central figure in the whole performance of the Wayang kulit. The above picture is of the"Pohon Berangin' or the rain tree although the direct translation would be the wind tree, but I doubt that there is such a tree. This is a symbolic tree like the tree of life or it may represent the cosmos.

The Wayang is accompanied by music performed with traditional instruments something like those of the 'Gamelan' instrument and the performers were located behind the screen along with the puppeteer.

Wayang Kulit is a very unique form of theatre employing the principle of light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen.

The mean looking guy on the left is usually that of Ravana the demon king of Lanka who in the course of the sotry had kidnapped ram's wife Sita and took her to his Kingdom in Lanka (modern day Sri Lanka.) The white fierce looking character is of the White Hanuman or the Monkey King that had vowed to aid Rama in freeing his wife from Ravana.

These two characters above are the comedians or jesters in the repertoire of stories being told through the Wayang, they add the sense of humor when things gets overly serious.

Wayang Kulit plays are invariably based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic Indian epics, "The Mahabarata" and "The Ramayana". Some of the plays are also based on local happenings (current issues) or other local secular stories. It is up to the conductor or "Tok Dalang" to decide his direction

The pair of main characters are usually Rama and Sita whose l;ife story is the basis of the whole saga performed in the Wayang.

The Tok Dalang is the genius behind the entire performance. It is he who sits behind the screen and narrates the story. With a traditional orchestra in the background to provide a resonant melody and its conventional rhythm, the Tok Dalang modulates his voice to create suspense thus heightening the drama. Invariably, the play climaxes with the triumph of good over evil.

AAH Food!! It makes you Drool!!

2011-12-12T17:08:00.001+08:00

The amount of onions and carrots and potatoes that went through this kitchen every weekend when there is catering orders is staggering. Those who were responsible to turn these ingredients along with the myriads others deserves to be rewarded and honored for their services which often went unnoticed.

These are the real unsung heroes whose dedication and love for what they do has been an example for those who lacks the understanding of what servitude means. After a while it is not all about the money anymore as my cousin sister would testify to you, it is about a passion for creativity, the money has long been made.

Malaysia, and Penang especially is a paradise where food is concern and most Malaysians knows this and most would spend their money and time to get to where there is said to be a good eating place for any kind of special dishes. A great Laksa here and a good Nasi Kandar there, a Tom yam special here and a Sate there, a great steak house here and a superb Nasi Dagang there... you name it we got it.

Sometimes a glimpse behind the scene where it all happens can you a great feeling of what a wonder life is where everything is so codependent especially when it comes to the preparation of food. From the growers and the marketers to those who chop and dices and stirred in large woks for the final product to be consumed. How we who live without slowing down ourselves tend to forget these little things of life.

PENANG International SCIENCE FAIR at PISA

2011-12-12T16:44:00.001+08:00

Rather than succumb to boredom and depression I decided to join the MGTF crowd and hang out with the famillies at the Penang International science Fair last Saturday. I ended up doing a few portrait ksetches of those who came by where iw as.

This gentleman had his portrait sketched while he was attempting to solve a puzzle which involved the balancing of ten nails on top of one and he finally did it even though he had only one arm.

A proud achiever displaying his invention

The big hit was the Astrodome from MGTF where there was long lines waiting to get a chance to expereince the light shows inside the dome.

Gallery AWAS

2011-12-12T15:04:00.001+08:00

The AWAS Gallery is located on Babington Road in the general area of the Penang General Hospital and for those who are not familiar with the Georgetown are it might be good to find out first how to get there before you decide to make the trip. The gallery is run by Drew Harris and his wife Sharifah, nice couple.

Tuan Syed Bakar who invited me to the show is here talking to Shaparel one of the more well nkown artist from Penang. Shaparel has his own gallery in Balik Pulau where he lives and works.

Dato' Tan Chee Kuan was also on hand to check out the works . Dato' Tan a Doctor of psychiatry by profession has been one of those patron of the arts and an art writer in Penang. He is also an artist although he would deny being so if asked.

Patrick Lasak is Penang's Artist Extrodinaire, a man who believes in creating it large for a better effect. Patrick paints landscapes mostly, however is venturing into abstract art for his nest next solo exhibition, (because Sui Ho the owner of Alpha Utara Gallery wants it so). I doubt that Patrick will any problem with going abstract as he Is and Abstract character himself already.

Rashid the portrait artist, chairman of the Malay Artist Society and runs the Malay Art gallery was also present with his whole entourage of wife children and grandchildren. Rashid is the real full time artist and has survived for many years solely on his art.

Drew Harris with Chee one of the artists whose works are on show.

My good friend Joe Sidek made an appearence and we had a great time chitchatting away about art, Penang, our fathers and mothers and how we failed them or whether or not we did.

What the fire did

2011-12-10T13:02:00.001+08:00

What is Art? Can one create this out of the blue and call it art? This picture was taken from wall of an partment that was gutted by fire leaving behind some interesting shapes and forms that cannot be produced through any controlled effort. This piece of 'Art' happened naturally.

What is aesthetically pleasing may not be necessarily the result of good or creative intentions or any predetermined reason or idea, a great deal of what happens spontaneously around us can spark off great works of art.

In its own decadent way these pictures have a form of attraction as it is the product of a single element which is fire. The action of the fire burnt through every object with equal intensity like an artist applying a layer of paint over the who painting he has created giving it a a sense of unity. Each picture also tells stories of what its was like before the fire.

Objects sits as they were in their original location but their form has been altered due to the heat from the fire. The blackened walls acts as a strong backdrop for the objects to stand out.

As we sieve through the debris our minds were captivated by the small surprises we find among all the charred objects and it seems like we were looking for treasure.

The Originals of the Little penang St. Markt.

2011-12-09T11:22:00.001+08:00

In the early days of Little Penang Street Market these are the faces, the movers and the shakers of the whole project that you would see buzzing around making things happen.Today they have been replaced by newer faces but with the same enthusiasm.

Khoo Salma, the lady who was another prime mover of the tourism projects in Penang has a family history that is closely related to the history of Georgetown itself.

My Jazzman Sam who every now and then would turn up to add some class to the show. What a voice this guy has and can he sing!

These three gentlemen is the epitomy of what Georgetown is, the China man, the Mat salleh and the Malay and the only missing one is their Indian brother who is off somewhere preparing for the Kavadi.

One of the best laksa that you can enjoy is prepared by Rashid's wife and served by the rest of his family.

My daughter Marissa and her close friend used to work for Little Penang running around collecting money from the vendors and making sure that all the customers are happy and well informed.

In my latter blog of the Penang International Science Fair at PISA you will see this gentle man doing what he loves best, making things out of folded papers like an origami.

This Philipino lady used to sit and weave bamboo baskets just for others to enjoy watching and below the robot man sits every once in a while in his corner while people takes his picture and paid him for it.

My Daughter - Growing up in San Francisco Pt.1

2011-12-06T16:34:00.001+08:00

A man desires the best for his children but what is the best he can never know but he can try to make it happen as he grows up with them and in the course of time he too learns what is the best for them. You were born at St Luke's Hospital in the Missions of San Francisco. Not a bad place for one to drop into this world as it was one of the most exciting district in the Bay Area - The Mission.

One of the first family that adopted you into their lives as part of their family was the Roethe family of Peter and Tomi, and Elli and Kai their children. They lived on the same street as you did on 2nd,. Avenue and Balboa in the Inner Richmond District of San Francisco.

You were showered with love from everyone who came into you life especially your mother who was never more happy in her life when she had both you and your brother.

Kristy and Jesse Hallock and their parents Jack and Yuri were a part of your extended family and they were always there when needed through thick and thin. You may never meet them anymore but know that they were there for you when you were growing up.

You had your own mind even as a child and one wonders how you would grow up to be hoping that some of that spunkiness would follow you into your adulthood.

We did not have much but we had everything that we needed and we were very happy with what we had. We had the two of you and we had great friends who were always looking in on us making sure that all was well.

You grew up with the Rossi Park Gang, a group of parents who spent most of their free time hanging out at Rossi Park with the kids. Rossi Park is located on Arguello and Balboa about a block walking distance from where we lived in San Francisco and what better place to raise children of your age then? You and your peers were practically pioneers who frequented the Park way back then. We the parents grouped together and made things happen among ourselves at the park.

Jack and Yuri, Kristy and Jesse Hallock people whose lives touched yours as yours touched theirs at one time in the United States.

2011-12-04T17:36:00.001+08:00

A revisit to Awi's Yellow House located on the banks of the Terengganu River close to the Sultan Mahmud Bridge brought some nostalgic memories. Though not much have changed over the years the place still holds a charm for those who have eyes for the rustic side of life.

The Yellow House is still catering to that special clientele of back packers and long term residents who travels cheap and dont mind the bare necessities when it comes to lodging. A clean bed, a fan a mosquito netting and a small common kitchen with a refrigerator, what else could one ask for for a bare thrity to forty Malaysian Ringgit a night.

Although Awi was not home i was able to hangout with his brother Hashim who is a great model boat builder and is also handy with the real thing. Hashim works at the Marina where they have the Monsoon Cup race every year.

The yellow House is located on Pulau Duyung and for msot it would be a scenic walk af and when the day is not too hot to do so. It a great place to carry a camera around for there many surprising shots that one can stumble upon on this walk around the island.

For any city dweller a taste of a stay at the yellow House would be an ideal experience as it is neither a five star nor a fallen star homestay. It would be something to talk about when you return home to say the least.

Before so call development and the state governemnt decide to step in and further teardown everything the is worth keeping and replace them with eyesores called high class Hotels and Motels I wuld urge you to take your chances and drop by this unique place of a lifetime.

If you happen to catch Awi tell him Shamsul sent you and get a discount.

The background you see in both these pictures is the skyline of the Town of Kuala Terengganu which is located right across the river from where the Yellow House is.

Marang - Buai Beach Resort

2011-12-04T16:54:00.001+08:00

The location of the Buai Beach Resort on the right hand side of the Marang River mouth if you are headed out to the South China Sea is most idelic in its beauty as well.the surrounding environment. There was a time in my life when I had the opportunity to work or practically managed this facility which was back when it was left almost to its own demise. I fell in love with its beauty but had less to say of its poor management.

Buai resort is located about twelve miles from the town of Kuala Terengganu and a stone's throw from Kapas Isalnd which lies across from its beach in the South China Sea. These photos were take quite recently and so i hope the service is allot better too, but don't take my words for it,

The resort is located in a mangrove environment which gives it its unique character which is ideal for foreigners who are out to experience dwelling in a mangrove swamp but with class.

The Marnag River mouth is quite a scenic view in itself as many fishing boats makes this small town their mooring base thus adding color to the life and scene here,,, fresh seafood!

Tour boats can be taken from the Marang Jetty for the trip to Kapas Island which would take roughly about forty minute if the sea is not rough. When is season 'candat sotong' or squid fishing which takes place at night is one of the fun sports that one might try to get into here, its fun. You can rent a fishing boat in a group and spend the night out at sea untill you are sick and tired of pulling up squids from the depth of the sea.

Not too far from Marang is Chendering, another small fishing village or maybe not so small today as it has the Fisheries institute there now, but it another good spot for a quiet swim with the family as the water is relatively safe especially during the calm mornings at low tides. So check it out, the long stretch of beach with white clean sand what have you got to loose? I grew up here I know its a great place!

An Evening at the Floating Mosque of Terengga

2011-12-04T16:29:00.001+08:00

One evening I decided to take a slow walk around the Floating Mosque which has a sentimental value to me personally as it was designed by a childhood friend with whom I used to play cowboys and Indians in the palace grounds of Istana Badariah located along Jalan Batu Buruk in Kuala Terengganu.

The Floating Mosque or Tengku Tengah Zaharah is truly a wonderful sight to behold and the first real floating mosque in Malaysia. It is situated in Kuala Ibai Lagoon near the estuary of Kuala Ibai River, 4 Km from Kuala Terengganu Town. Construction began on 1993 till 1995 and the mosque was officially opened in July 1995 by Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, the late Sultan of Terengganu. The mosque combines modern and Moorish architecture; incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. The white structure of the mosque covers an area of roughly 5 acres. It can accommodate up to 2000 attendees at a time.

Strangely enough all these pictures were taken on the same evening using the same camera.Only the time taken was different and so the location.

The Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque) which is situated about 4Km from Kuala Terengganu Centre, is built on a floating platform and is also known as the "The Floating Mosque of the East" due to its unique design that creates an illusion of itself as floating on water. This magnificent and unique Mosque are named after one of the matriarch in the Terengganu Royal house, the mosque are in perfect harmony with the natural ,was touched and designed by YM Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah, a very well known Malaysian architect who himself a Prince coming from the Terengganu royal house.

Bayan Bay Penang

2011-12-04T14:45:00.001+08:00

Mode of Transportation in Sumatra.

2011-12-04T13:20:00.001+08:00

A Fishing Village in Sumatra

2011-12-04T13:03:00.001+08:00

Imam Bonjol the Freedom Fighter

2011-12-04T12:15:00.001+08:00

Tuanku Imam Bonjol (1772 – November 6, 1864), also known as Muhammad Syahab, Peto Syarif, and Malim Basa, was a hero in the Indonesian struggle against Dutch rule. He was born in the village of Tanjung Bunga in the Pasaman regency of West Sumatra. His father's name was Buya Nudin. He was immersed in Islamic studies as he grew up, studying first from his father and later under various other Muslim theologians.

I was most impressed by the stories told of this Indonesian warrior who stood against the Dutch that i tried to trace his routes during my travels in Sumatra. The locals had their own version of the Imam who was not only a freedom fighter but also a mystical holy man. It was told that the white beads he always had in his hand were his source of power and the Dutch upon discovering the truth of the matter had these beads stolen from the Imam and thus was able to capture him.

After founding the state of Bonjol, Syarif became involved in the Adat/Paderi controversy as a Paderi leader. The Paderi movement, which has been compared to the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah (Sunni) school of Islam in Saudi Arabia, was an effort to return the Islam of the area to the purity of its roots by removing local distortions like gambling, cockfighting, the use of opium and strong drink, tobacco, and so forth. It also opposed the powerful role of women in the matrilineal Minangkabau culture. The Adat, or traditionalist, position was that local custom that pre-dated the arrival of Islam should also be respected and followed.

Feeling their leadership position threatened, the traditionalists appealed to the Dutch for help in their struggle against the Paderis. At first, the Dutch were not able to win militarily against the Paderis because their resources were stretched thin by the Diponegoro resistance in Java. In 1824, the Dutch signed the Masang Agreement ending hostilities with the state of Bonjol.

Subsequently, however, once the Diponegoro resistance was suppressed, the Dutch attacked the state of Pandai Sikat in a renewed effort to gain control of West Sumatra. Despite valiant fighting by the Indonesians (by this time the traditionalists had realized they didn't want to be ruled by the Dutch either and had joined forces with the Paderis in their resistance), the overwhelming power of the Dutch military eventually prevailed. Syarif was captured in 1832 but escaped after three months to continue the struggle from his tiny fortress in Bonjol.

After three years of siege, the Dutch finally managed to sack Bonjol on August 16, 1837. Through a negotiation ruse, the Dutch again captured Syarif and exiled him, first to Cianjur in West Java, then to Ambon, and later to Manado in Sulawesi. He died on November 6, 1864, at the age of 92 and is buried in Sulawesi. The site of his grave is marked by a Minangkabau (West Sumatran) house.

Captions from Wikipedia

An UN-forgetable Character

2011-12-04T11:33:00.001+08:00

Hasnul J.Saidon investigating the compound for any possible ideas on how to move these potentially dangerous items to the Museum at USM.

When former president G.Bush was looking for Weapons of Mass Destruction all over Iraq little did he knew that most of the arsenal was hidden in this Otai's yard in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Pak Zainudin Andika has been stocking these toys for many years now and it has become quite a tourist attraction at least for thos who knows where to look..

President Barak O sent one of his agents to check out thhe old dude who claims that he was part of the rebels who stormed the police station here years ago and was arrested and sent to prison for acts of terrorism.

Above are a few of the warheads created by the Otai all set and and ready for deployment. The gizmo with the blue tube nose is said to be one of the aircraft jet engines stolen from the Malaysian Air Force hanger and sold to a third world country later. What became of this case in court is anyone's guese till this date.

Raja Shahriman wondering to himself about 'Creative Aggression'.

Exhibition of the Suspense? (Translation)

This is Abu Nawas's (A fictitious Character who was an idiot) Door! A door that is like that of the one in Alice in Wonderland.

A Rocket the is now overgrown by weeds still awaiting to be launched, another relic of the Cold War.

More of Little penang St. Markt.

2011-12-01T10:55:00.001+08:00

All the Smiling Faces at Little Penang St. Market

2011-11-28T14:10:00.001+08:00

It was a hot day on Sunday and i decided to hang out at the Little Penang Street Market after dropping off my daughter at her work place at "China House," I am glad that i did. It has been awhile that I last dropped by and enjoyed the Market and it was cool to see familiar faces and listen to live music being performed by young and old.

As usual there were visitors from all over and these two gentlemen were from Singapore and i think both were teachers. The USM Orchestra group performed for the audience while I sketched.

I doubt that these couple ever missed a day of the Street market since its inception and that there is Mr. Eddie Choong the Malaysian Badminton Superstar during his younger days. Was it seven times all England champion?

They definitely looked happy and having a blast soaking it in.

It is sad not to see other races involved in this kind of group activities, why is there no Malays or Indians participating?

And Mac!! With the Nikon round his neck!

The Babas and Nyonias at Little Penang St. Market.

2011-11-28T13:55:00.001+08:00

Baba Byonya (Peranakan, the term used popularly for descendants of early Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara region, including both the British Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang, and the Dutch controlled island of Java among other areas, who have partially adopted Malay customs in an effort to be assimilated into the local communities.

Add caption

The word of Peranakan, is also used commonly to describe Indonesia Chinese. In both BM & Bahasa Indonesia, Peranakan” means descendant. Baba refer to the male descendants and Nyonya the female. Most Peranakanare of Hokkein ancestry, although a fair denomination of them are of the Teocheww or Cantonese descent. The language of the Peranakan, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba), is a dialect of the Malay Language which contains many Hokkein works.

The Nyonya Baba were partially assimilated into the Malay culture, especially in food, dress and language used, while retaining some of the Chinese traditions and culture, like religion, name, folk medicine and festival celebrations, thereby creating a new kind of mixed culture of their country of origin with local, among those, like “Nyonya cuisine “ has developed the spices of Malay cuisine, examples are curry recipe cooking, Inchi Kabin, Chicken Kapitan, fried or cry chicken & sea foods, with local spicy & spicery. Wearring the Baju Kebaya. Most of the Peranakan are not Muslim, but have retained the ancestral worship tradition of the Chinese, especially of their wedding ceremony is largely based upon the Chinese tradition.

Article taken from ; jonker 88.com

I used to watch one of my aunties sew these brocades that is worn on the sleeves of the "Kebayas' that the ladies are wearing and it was an art in itself.

On a personal note, I feel that these group of people who graced the Little Penang Street Market with their presence were a very lovely and charming and not to mention friendly people I have met. Being among them I could not help help but felt truly fortunate to have been born in this country of mixed cultural heritage.

This is what I would call ageing with grace and beauty.

Having a Bubble of a Time! at MGTF

2011-11-28T13:47:00.001+08:00

When not stargazing or leading a group of students all over the galaxies through his lectures in astronomy, Dr. Chong can be found launching large plastic coke bottles into the skies and thus far i am sure hundreds of students have created and launched their own rockets under his tutelage.

Dr.Chong is doing his thing with the kids again today and this time he is the 'Bubble master" as he conjured up huge bubbles to mesmerize children and adults alike. It is all his own creation including the content of the soap that he ingeniously blended together to get just the right consistency for it to work.

I admire this man for his untiring zest to share his enthusiasm with whoever is interested in whatever that he has to offer. His knowledge on the cosmos is vast and insatiable. He is like a mobile encyclopedia when it comes to the planets and whatever that lies out there in the final frontiers or SPACE!

A Few of my Latest Oils

2011-11-28T13:40:00.001+08:00

Samurai Rumble

2011-11-28T10:52:00.001+08:00

The Japanese are precise especially when it comes to cutting and dicing up their opponents and they perform the act with such detachment that it is almost mechanical. But in the art of sword fighting I believe none is more graceful than the Way of the Samurais.

What captures my interest when viewing the Samurais in action is the choreographic motion of their movement which reminds me of an intense ballet performance. I enjoy sketching the folds in their clothing which accentuates the motion of their bodies.

Continued Studies of the Female forms

2011-11-24T15:57:00.001+08:00

Studies from Akira Kurosawa Black and white Movies

2011-11-24T11:54:00.001+08:00

Studies Fro Kurosawa's "Rashomon"

2011-11-24T11:44:00.001+08:00

Sketching the Female forms

2011-11-22T12:10:00.018+08:00

Sketching the nude figure is as close to understanding the human form as you can get without turning the act into a pornographic venture. These past few months i have been sketching up a storm using every available subject from the internet, black and white photos, drawings, real life models, paintngs and even the forbidden web sites such s Domai and so on. it is an inexhaustable endeavor but i love it.

Malaysia being a Muslim country it is not Kosher to be staring and rendereing the female naked forms even if it is an art for art's sake thing, but one has got to do what has got to do come rain or shine. It is the only way to learn even if one has turned golden in age and could be expecting to become a grandfather anytime.

To be able to capture the sensual lines that brings out the faminity of the female figure takes alot of practice and good eyes.

There are many great artists in the Internet who have doen great jobs at rendering the female forms and I feel that it is not a sin to copy their works as a practice in order to improve one's own technique.

Whe i do these sketches i keep thinking of Hokusai, the Japanese master who did so much sketching of human forms in his collection of comics or 'Mangas' and I feel humbled by his accomplishment comapred to what i hafe tried to do all my life.

Students of art should spend a good amount of their time studying the human figure and understand every lines the ehlp to make these figures come to life inthe most simple and pleasing manner.

The greatest form God created was the female form and it also was the greatest error that has plagued man throughout his life for it is too perfect.

Female Forms

2011-11-21T14:55:00.004+08:00

My Sketches of the Day

2011-11-19T09:45:00.008+08:00

All of these charcoal studies subjects were taken from the Internet mostly from the Black and white photos archives. The greatness of the Internet in sharing images not to mention knowledge.

Ballerinas are one of the most graceful study for sketching of figures and in this one art is the culmination of many art forms. The Art of dancing, the art of photography, the art of sketching and perhaps it will go on with soemone somewhere adapting it into a painting.

I consider myself still an amatuer when it comes to sketching faces but i will keep on studying how to render them in the most efficient manner without spending too much time on getting it done. I am a very impatient student, perhaps if i slow down a little is all it takes.

I listen to the music on Youtube while sketching most of the time and every so often a lyric from a song catches my fancy and it becomes part of the sketch for posterity.

Black and white is alot easier to work with but it takes a good eye to perceive the beauty of its simplicity. Working with Charcoal pencils and charcoal sticks is for me the medium of choice as it gives me the sense of primordial creative tool to work with not unlike the primitive man who first sketched on the wall of his cave.

The subject matter does not really matter when I chhose what to sketch while facing the computer. I choose a subject for its well thought out and impressive sense of balance and strong understanding of lighting. My tribute to all those who took the trouble to share their works in the internet in one form or another for they have enriched the minds of many throughout the world.

Faces of our Fathers

2011-11-18T11:12:00.008+08:00

It is much easier to become a father than to be one. ~Kent Nerburn

It is easy for a father to have children than for children to have a real father. ~Pope John XXIII

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. ~Mark Twain

Dad taught me everything I know. Unfortunately, he didn't teach me everything he knows. ~Al Unser, Jr.

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me. ~Jim Valvano

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's. He's more particular. ~Robert Frost

JK -Reflections on Creativity with Charcoal Sketches

2011-11-17T18:41:00.011+08:00

"Understanding is now, not tomorrow. To-morrow is for the lazy mind, the sluggish mind, the mind that is not interested. When you are interested in something, you do it instantaneously, there is immediate understanding, immediate transformation. If you do not change now, you will never change, because the change that takes place tomorrow is merely a modification, it is not transformation. Transformation can only take place immediately; the revolution is now, not tomorrow." "Therefore, before we seek something permanent, is it not obviously necessary to understand the seeker? Is the seeker different from the thing he seeks? When you say, ‘’I am seeking happiness”, is the seeker different from the object of his search? Is the thinker different from the thought? Are they not a joint phenomenon, rather than separate processes? Therefore it is essential, is it not?, to understand the seeker, before you try to find out what it is he is seeking."

"And since our whole mental, psychological make-up is based on authority, there must be freedom from authority, to be creative. Have you not noticed that in moments of creativeness, those rather happy moments of vital interest, there is no sense of repetition, no sense of copying? Such moments are always new, fresh, creative, happy. So we see that one of the fundamental causes of the disintegration of society is copying, which is the worship of authority."
"To be creative does not mean that we must paint pictures or write poems and become famous. That is not creativeness - it is merely the capacity to express an idea, which the public applauds or disregards. Capacity and creativeness should not be confused. Capacity is not creativeness. Creativeness is quite a different state of being, is it not? It is a state in which the self is absent, in which the mind is no longer a focus of our experiences, our ambitions, our pursuits and our

desires. Creativeness is not a continuous state, it is new from moment to moment, it is a movement in which there is not the ‘me’, the ‘mine’, in which the thought is not focused on any particular experience, ambition, achievement, purpose and motive. It is only when the self is not that there is creativeness - that state of being in which alone there can be reality, the creator of all things. But that state cannot be conceived or imagined, it cannot be formulated or copied, it cannot be attained through any system, through any philosophy, through any discipline; on the contrary, it comes into being only through understanding the total process of oneself. "

In Search of Creative Impulses

2011-11-15T15:37:00.008+08:00

A close friend wrote his perceptions about art in the Facebook today ( Realiti tak Mistikal lagi- Hasnul J. Saidon).and it was about the removal of one's ego or the thought of self from the equation of the act of creativity. Not identifying with the work and enjoying the process or rather submerged into the prcocess with no doer only the act of doing. He wrote it in Bahasa Malaysia which i am weak in but I coud understand most of it as it seems like an echo of conversations I used to have with him in the past whenver we had the opportunity to share our thoughts. These are the echoes of J.Krishnamurti's philosophy and those of the Zen tradition of Buddhism and Islamic view of void or 'Fana'. I am not the artist, I am not the brush nor am I the canvass, I am the dance of creation, the act of creativity itself or being creative and when it is all said and done I am no more!
Herein is the idea that thought has no place in spontaineous action just as there is no one viewing the sunset but just the act itself and any following act of discussing, or describing or trying to capture the beauty of the sunset insatantaneously ends the act, it is no more. In essence the act is corrupted by the desire to cling on to or make it last this act of wiewing the sunset or in our desire to share it with others in the form of photography or a painting, it is no more the same sunset. The actions that follows immediately in the form of thoughts is the involvement of the ego in trying to benifit from the actual thing like a photographer who desires to be well known for taking great pictures of sunsets. It is not a matter of right or wrong for the ego to be present in these moments of creative happening but with its prescence the direct experience of what is, is gone or as my friend said in his article, it is veiled.
Creative individuals have a nack for experiencing these moments of syncronicity, moments when the person merges into the realm of being one with whatever it isthat they are working with and so does the woodcutter or the cobbler. However the artist in his or her effort to create what is out of the ordinary often finds himself having to break free from the conditioned state of mind where before he finds himself in the flow of energy that is in sync with the whole. Often the process happens through long meditative working condtiton that allows for the mind to be gradually subdued by the flow of energy from the physical into the psycho-emotional state and culminating into the 'mystical' or spiritual state of one-ness of being. This is the state often called Satori in Japanese Zen tradition or Samadhi in the Hindu tradition and Tafakur or Kushuk as in Islam and it is in this state that the mind ceases its egotistical wnaderings and predilections, yearnings and cravings, it becomes still and in this stillness is silence and in this silence is creativity born.
Most of us live our lives while being veiled from the abilty to see Truth by our own self thought ego, the conditioned state whereby the world is seen through preconditoned ideas and belief. However we also know that if and when these thoughts beliefs and ideas are being challenged and found to be faulty or weak become threatend and defensive, we seek justifications and resort to comparisons often ending with blames and excuses for our shortcomings or worse yet we take refuge in drinking and drugs in order to silence our mind. But it is next to impossible for the mind to become silent not even for a split second, this is our lot for we have been conditoned through the thought processes since day one and all these years of our existence we have been exposed to a thought generated world of illusions which is ever dominating our own self perception so much so that we have come to not know who we are much less what we are capable of. Our search for the essence of, the originality of our creative impulses will always be thwarted by our inability to become one with silence.

”It is only through creative understanding of ourselves that there can be a creative world, a happy world, a world in which ideas do not exist.” A world in which ideas do not exist would be a happy world, because it would be a world without the powerful conditioning forces which compel men to undertake inappropriate action, a world without the hallowed dogmas in terms of which the worst crimes are justified, the greatest follies elaborately rationalized."
Aldous Huxley

Looking in-Looking out.

2011-11-11T19:54:00.007+08:00

My last entry was written out of sheer fit of anger and frustration at my self and the world and because of this i have offended the person i most hold dearly in my life and for this i am deeply regretful and sorry. My feelings however does not change as i have alot of personal house cleaning to do yet before I am called before the ALMighty. I will strive to unravel and untangle all the causes of my nurotic behaviour, the causes of my addictions and lack of self esteem. I will not give up and live what remains of my life in self denial, I need to know the answers to why was I being born in the first place!
God I have asked time and time but the answers is slow in coming and the Buddhas well the Buddhas are off somewhere meditating over the fate of mankind in this Dharma ending age and the only place i can turn to in within. They say the heart is a lonely hunter and my heart has been bleeding all these years no one knows and not many cared. As far as this physical life is concern I have ceased to exist a long time ago and it is only the fear of damnation that stopped me from committing suicide, not that I have not tried. I have danced with the devil on many ocassion and i have cursed God out of my senseless ignorance on many lonely nights of my spiritual nadir. But like a cowardly soul I repented time and again beseiging God to forgive me, trusting in His Infinite Mercy for my embittered soul.
Yes I am abnormal, I have always been afraid to say so out loud in the past but now as I am about to embark upon my meditation into death iteslf I will admit that mentally I am on the brink of insanity, simply because I think too much! What i am writing is the tip of the iceburg of my thoughts as i cannot keep up with my fingers tapping on to the screen my thoughts as they present their stories. My mind has its own life and refuses to give up no matter what i tried to hold it back from pouring out like an incessant obsession. It is as thoguh if i do not spit out all my grievances, expunge all the demons that has been haunting me from within, get rid opf all the skelitons inhabitng my clossets, I will never find peace of mind. Eversince i started keeping my journals and now followed by my blogging, writing is for me as close as it gets to the process of healing myself much more so than with sketching and paintings.
One lesson my father taught me that I have taken to heart seriously all my adult life is to meditate as much as i can. It was as though he knew what my problem would be as i get older, it was as though he had a good intuition that my past will haunt me and that I will be at the mercy of what is being called a timeweight. Carrying the burden of time in one's mind in the form of past experiences manifesting themselves more and more vividly as one gets older. ironiccaly it is like aan anti-theses to enlightenment. So what do i do about it? How do i face my predicament now that i am beginning to have a sense of its nature? Let it break me to pieces with gory details of my past, smash whatever is left of my sense of reality, my belief in God and my sanity. yes, drugs and alcohol did it most of the time while I was in the US, but that was just the crutch at the time and easily accessible. Here, I decided to turn to God, Allah and my spiritual strength, sometimes I win and sometimes the devils does!
If not for my children and my responsibilty towards them I would now have been interned in a Buddhist monastry either in Thailand or better yet in Sri Lanka where i can examine my head with some help from the environment. I find Buddhism still to be the best vehicle for me to practice in attempting to understand life and my predicaments in it and through my right understanding eventually and hopefully I will find my soul and worship the AlMighty. Untill then I am just another denizen of darkness groping in the world for the light of truth while knowing in essence that it is within me all these while. it is my ignorance that deludes me and veiled me from seeing what is before my eyes and for as long as i live i refuse to give in and surrender my soul to anything or anyone without first coming face to face with who I am.
I am not your sacrificial cow!! I refuse to be slaughtered to appease God!

"I do not desire suffering; yet fool I am, I desire the cause of suffering!"
Shantideva

King for the Day. My God son -Shamsul Ikhmal

2011-10-25T12:15:00.016+08:00

Contemplate on These.

2011-10-24T16:51:00.003+08:00

Shafarin Ghani.

A student of Sri Ramakrishna said: Sir, if one gave up the I, nothing whatsoever would remain.Ramakrishna replied: I am not asking you to give up all of the I. You should give up only the unripe I. The unripe I makes one feel: I am the doer, these are my wife and children, I am a teacher.Renounce this unripe I and keep the ripe I which makes you feel that you are God's servant, His devotee, and that God is the doer and you are His instrument.
Sri Ramakrishna 'Mamu"

Be empty of worrying.Think of who created thought!Why do you stay in prisonwhen the door is so wide open?Move outside the tangle of fear-thinking.Live in silence.
Rumi, The Essential Rumi, Coleman Barks, p3

Why are you so afraid of silence, silence is the root of everything.If you spiral into its void,a hundred voices will thunder messages you long to hear.
Rumi - 'Hidden Music' - Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin 'Marisssa'

In silence things take form, and we must wait and watch. In us, in our secret depth, lies the knowing element which sees and hears that which we do not see nor hear. All our perceptions, all the things we have done, all that we are today, dwelt once in that knowing, silent depth, that treasure chamber in the soul.
Kahlil Gibran, Beloved prophet: the love letters, p268

A Sketching Class at MGTF.

2011-10-22T19:23:00.014+08:00

Students of the Fairview International Schoool had a taste of the Dharma of sketching as taught by your truly. Due to the limited time, as they arrived late there was little that i could shove down their throats, but they were attentive.

Lime most who has an inherent fear of drawin or sketching on a blank piece of paper most did their best to squeeze in as as they can by working as tiny as possible and trying very hard to copy eaxactly what they see.

Siitng on the floor , bent over their works was not the most comfortable way to do the job needless to say but such is.

I believe that one's posture and placing onself in the best possible ang of one's choice to render a drawing is crucial for a good working habit when you draw especially if you know you will be spending a good amount of time in getting the job done.

This boy had the right idea when he got hold of the only available wooden box in the room to use as his low table. Most other students made no effort to move from their seats of make themselves comfortable for the task.

The students were genuinely in awe when I displayed my 100 feet long on going sketches and drawing of Georgetown which I had displayed for the purpose of showing the transition process from sketching into a colored painting on a single piece of artwork.

I feel that it is crucial for the instructo or art teacher to share his personal works with his students as this is one way one can inspire then or make them see what is possible to achieve.

This class was arranged by and held at the Museum Galleri Tuanku Fauziah at USM (MGTF) and this is one of the best activity that can bring to the younger generation to learn and appreciate art and meeting with a professional artist.

Teaching classes like these is also a boon for the artist as it helps the instructor to learn how to share his or her works and communicate it with others who are aspiring tobecome one themselves.

Other than teaching about the basics of drawing and sketching I also took them on a tour of the exhibitions that was on going at the Muzium. Most of the students asked simple questions about the works like the messy looking long piece of work hanging on the wall and most probably thinking it is not worth to be displayedas piece of art in a gallery of this stature. However when I asked them ot read all that written about the exhibition and discover how thw work was done and by whom, their view changed to a more positive and appreciative one.

I enjoyed the class and it was a good break from my daily routine of trying to get my own works done or wasting my time on the computer for lack of better things to do. It was a refreshing experience.

Incidentally while shopping for a canvass at the Nanyang art store i met two of my former students from the Equator Art Accademy and they asked why I stopped teaching there.

The fall of Gaddafi

2011-10-13T20:06:00.012+08:00

Three Lions of Islam fell to the hands of the western infidels! With the demise of Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and most recently Moammar Gaddafi Islam has lost three of its front teeth as these three most powerful men in the Islamic world were the vengaurd who stood against the the onslaught of the West and those within their faith out to shatter and dehumanize the religion of the Prophet.
They were most probably, truth be told, also the most unscrupulous and tyranic manipulators in the history of Islam perhaps much lesser so in the case of Ben Laden who was more genuine of a religious Jihaddist than the former Presidents. What or who can carry the mantle of championing the Islamic world today is up for grabs as the pickings is very slim indeed. As we scan the horizon of the Muslim world from the mediteranian shores to the vastly muslim populated nation of Indonesia we see only weaklings who rule much like puppets whose strings are being clandestinely handled by the hands of the western interests and their own self aggrandizement and lack of faith. Islam has no more Lions whose roar is to be heard loud enough for the non muslim world to pay much attention to much less have respect for. We the Muslims have squandered the Prophet's legacy and sold our religion for the price of decadence.

As ordinary men, these three figures perhaps does not deserve an eulogy, at least by western perceptions and standards and perhaps by the Islamic codes too they had betrayed the trust of their people, those they were responsible for, (again lesser so for Ben Laden). However they still stood for leaders of the Islamic realm and as such deserves to be treated as such at their moments of death and not treated like mongrell dogs to be displayed and humilated likewise for the world to spit on! And for those who believe otherwise I say look at your own fingers, your own motives, your own self serving interests! Are they pure ? Clean and undefiled and who are you in comparisson to these great leaders? You who sits on your fingers wallowing in selfcentered sorry state while the fate of the religion is at the mercy of others?

Despite their shortcomings as men these leaders have done some good if one cares to look for the good they had done while in power,if we care to look for what is good but if we are bent on only look for the ugly side of their human nature than we too are responsible for bringing down the Religon of Muhammad, the Rasul of Allah! We, especially those who were elected into the positions of caretakers of our Rulers are equally at fault. We do not need to look far, just look at the state if Islam in Malaysia. We collectively will have to answer before Allah comes the Day of Judgement for our negligence in forsaking the teachings of Islam. The Prophet during his warring days had codes written on manners in which the fallen warriors friends or foes alike were to be treated and that is with dignity and respect and not crucified along roadside or have their heads impailed for the general public to view as was the way of Barbarians during Teutonic wars. ironically the Mongol hordes disposed off enimy leaders by placing their bodies in sacks and trample them with their horses so their blood would not spill all over, as a token of respect. And we claim ourselves as civilized! Equipped with our modern day tools we display gruesome pictures as though the world should feel gratified with such display of the fall of a world leader.
Perhaps Gaddafi being the dictator that he was as claimed by most deserves to be displayed like a slaughtered animal on every front page of the International Media and his former life being rediculed in every which way possible, however he was at one time a major instrument in the liberation of Lybia from colonialism and for this small feat the muslims who brought him down should honor his death with a measure of respect. As was Saddam Hussein, when in power he had kept the country relatively at peace but today with his removal Iraq has been in chaos eversince. The Islamic Nations as a whole is to held accountable for what has taken place today for all these years we have done very little in righting all the wrongs of these Leaders. All the Muslim rulers, Kings and Presidents could have made an extra effort to impress upon these so called dictators to mend their ways and not depended on the western countries to become the policemen who ended them. Had we done so the likes of Ossama Ben laden would not have the cause to take on the reign of terror. He would have been a champion of Islam in a more positive way.
This is just my passing thoughts as it does worries me the route we are headed not only as Muslims but as a citizen of this planet we call home. I believe in the freedom to believe and practice whatever faith of one's own choosing and no one religion or faith is better or worse than the other, it is relative and most importantly it is personally, a sacred act only answerable to his or her Maker. Most religions if not all preaches Goodness and Peace among man whether we belive ourselves to be the children of Adam or otherwise. Without religions and faith, without a sense of awe of life itself, we are worse than animals and our existence could have ended centuries ago when the barbarians ruled. Oh...when will we ever learn...

Art for Art's sake

2011-10-07T12:11:00.008+08:00

Had a dinner meeting with Mr. Kooi an artist who works with copper tooling technique as his medium at The Ship restaurant located on Sri Bahari Road last night. His interest is in getting artists together and having shows for the benifit of various Charity foundations like the handicap and children's orphanage. The is to help promote an image for the Penang Artists as geared towards doing good for society rather than just for monetary vlaues. it is hoped that with this move proffessional artists will gain better sense of integrity and respect for their endeavors in society. it will also be an example for the younger generation artists to emulate as part of their long term goals in the service towards their fellow man.
For the past two years i tolf him and another fellow Malay Artist who was present that i have been donating two pieces of my works towwards the fundraising event of the D'Home Foundation for the mentally ill in Penang. I found out that for one of the events my works fethced RM700 when auctioned. I also shared my idea that this kind of effort has to be made in ow profile and small scale innitially so that it is given a chance to take root and grow instead of going all out with too much publicity and drawing too much unwonted attention and negative feedback. yes I strongly believe that we should and could carry out such activity which will benifit all those involved positvely in one way or another but in this day and age everything that is done even with the greatest of good intentions can turn sour if not fully realized especially if it does not agree with the rest of the Artist community or worse with those who seek to find faults when the idea conflicts with their interest.
Artists do not retire from their careers but for those by normal standards are of retirement age like yours truly should in one way or another make an effort to give back in return for benifit of society after all their years of enjoying the status of being an artist, earning an income and often well respected by their peers and the general population. Today I find more and more artist more into how to get into shows and make a killing with their creative output and sadly enough most become scrooges even among their friends whether in sharing ideas or the financial gains. In the process of One-upmanship and competitive spirit many exist on their own catering to the small circle that they benifit from financially. What is even worse i find some backbiting and critizing those they deem a potential competition to their market value. Dont ask me how i know this but i trust my heart and when I see a fellow artist my first impression of his demeanor towards me is seldom wrong whether he is genuine and sincere or he is all about self promotion and out to make it by hook or by crook.
Perhaps I am naive and has been since my younger days for i believe in creating Art for Art's sake. I remember an incident where I was doing printmaking in the studio at the University in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I worked at it for so many hours often late into the night that the University alooed me to sleep in the studio- the only student allowed to do so that i knew of. The studio loft was cleared and cleaned for me to sleep in or rest and from the loft i would have a clear view of the studio below me and across where most of my finished prints would be taped to the wall. On tghis particular morning I had made 25 monoprints of Native Americans all day and night before i climbed up to the loft and fell exhausted asleep. I was woken up by the arrival of adult students who was having a printmaking club seccesion and most were ladies. As i listened to them chatting I remembered one saying, too bad he never sells his works or had any shows. Another replied, this is creating Art for Art's sake and i felt right at the time but at the same time wished i had been selling so i dont have to scrounge around for food that day.
But i survived and had a great life in the process as i made alot of good friends who made sure that i had my lunch or dinner for the day before i got back and lock myself in the printmaking studio. Even the night security guards would often knock on the door now and then with a burger and drink in hand just in case...that was heartfelt charitable acts i owe to the society being an artist; I felt special despite being in need most of the time for when I spend the back breaking hours of working on my prints my mind was free from the thoughts of how well my works will sell but more into how those i share them with will enjoy what i had to offer them.
Other than the process and creative moments in executing my works my self satisfaction came from the look or awe and surprise on the faces of my friends or those who view my works, it gave me deep satisfaction worth all the time and effort. Everytime I visit their homes I was happy to see my works on their walls like i too was part of their lives, the feeling would have been less so had they bought my painting...I was naive in that sense...was I?
My talent is God given and as i grow older I am more convince of this fact. I am not any better or worse than most artists of my peers but for me being an artist has opened doors that would normally would be locked shut for most common man. Being an artist has led me down many paths and roads less traveled and delivered me from many situations that that would have endangered my life and for this reasons i beleive in giving back what i have been graced with in the name of my Maker.Perhaps it may be construed as egotistical by some for what I beleive and how i have carried myself as an artist over the years but i would truly want to believe that I did simply because Art tis for Art's sake.

"There are not only more people collecting, there are more people collecting for the wrong reasons, basically as the latest get rich quick scheme. They buy art like lottery tickets."
Mary Boone/ Art Collector

"Most of the people I admire, they usually smell funny and don't get out much. It's true. Most of them are either dead or not feeling well."
Tom Waits/Singer