Dec 2010... where I am at this moment.

I can't believe it as we reach the end of 2010. The year passed by so fast. I hardly even realized time had moved by so swiftly.

I have a very engaging job with TNT Express. It's all about targets, dates, meetings and reports. Really keeps you busy that you hardly remmember the time spent in the office. Before you know it, it's 5 pm and it's almost time to head back. :)

Whatever it is, it is indeed a blessing I got this job and that work is alright. Which job does not have it's fair share of trials and tribulations???

December to me is a time to crack my head thinking of what presents to get. I have finally gotten presents for my relatives and close friends. But for my immediate family that matter the most, it will be a very difficult. You really do not want to disappoint them and you wanna get something that is worth it considering how close you are and how often you see each other in the year. I guess I get too analytical because I live with them and know what interest and dislikes them.

Christmas 2010 will be in Subang Jaya at my brothers new home in Subang SS14. It will be a stones throw away from where my aunty Connie used to stay (partly growing half the time), SS18. I as you may know am not a big fan of leaving my dear Penang what more during the Christmas season. However, with the exception of this family event, it will be a must for me. Honestly, once I have my own family, things will be different. Deffinitely wish to celebrate this important part of the Christian calendar in my own hometown.

This round of Christmas, it will be quite special as my sister will bring down her boyfriend from the land down under. My task is to fetch them from LCCT, Sepang on 24th Dec. Wish them all the best with God's grace.

Most likely as my dad would prefer, we will attend Christmas Eve mass at Assumption Church, Jalan Templer. From the agenda, Christmas Eve dinner at my cousin's house in Taman Tun, Christmas lunch at my brother's house and dinner... TBA. Haha!

In Penang on the other hand this December 2010, I have taken up the tedious task of organizing the carolling for the Eurasian Youth. Things are not going smoothly due to lack of workforce, demand for the carollers and time(pretty last minute like 1 and half months before). I know people who booked their carollers months in advanced and they would be our competitors. Oh well, confirmed were booked for Senior Citizens and Kids Christmas party held on the 11th and 18th Dec respectively.

I do hope to do a small Christmas gathering at my house on 17 Dec 2010. That is the only time I am free and my parents would have left for KL already. :) Time to party! Haha! I really don't feel like cooking due to time crunch and practicality so will just order KFC and Dominos pizza. Just a very simple celebration has long the thought counts. Pls do not treat this as an invitation, thank you! :D

I would say, I spent much less time blogging in 2010 than before. I dunno why? Busy I guess. But I do hope to blog more in 2011 as I find it fun and an avenue to voice my thoughts. Really brings out my creative side that has been kept idle. :)

I am disappointed that time management this year was not my focus. I shall make that my resolution for 2011 then. There must be a balance between work and play.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011!

Jobless... I have been there.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

I have always wanted to pen this post but found it hard to find the right words. Pls bear with me as begin this grim task. It is hard to gather my feelings of what I went through. It was a valuable learning experience.

I was very lucky to have started my first job in Dell Penang in 2006. I never really wanted to be in Penang. It was a flook shot that my mom found a job vacancy article in The Star for Dell in Penang. I thought of giving it a go for the fun of it. I got the job and was extremely happy beginning to work before I even graduated. Working in Customer Care was a learning experience for an introvert that I was then and the fresh grad without any working experience. I even came from a different line; IT.

It was a good experience. Finally earning my own hard earned money. Working over-time to make even more. The drinks, the parties, the holidays, the clothes, computers, handphones and my Myvi. I was leaving the dream at that time.

In 2008, a stupid feeling kinda hit me telling me I feel like doing more. The temptation was there to jump industry into SAP a business IT industry. I left Dell with great memories and a bit bitter cause I sensed some gap in my team's management. It was not really a Dell fault but human factors.

In September of 2008, I started my IT course in SAP in Kuala Lumpur. It was a month course costing the price of a Proton Saga at that time. It was difficult for me. I was not a very IT kinda person same as to when I was in university and found it hard to keep up with my other classmates. I completed the course with certificate of completion but never could passed the 1 time exam certification.

People must be surely wanting to know what made me go into IT when I didn't not have interest. Honestly, it was pressure from family although they will deny this till my grave. I know they cared for me and wanted to see me do well but may be they overlooked my ambition.

I left KL feeling very sad in early October of 2008. I could not take the gruelling train-rides to KL from Subang where my brother lived. I could not take the high paced life. Not forgetting the high volume of pretentious and fake people in KL.

I returned to Penang jobless for 4 months. I was lost. I depended on my parents to settle bills. This was a moment in my life that I really appreciated my parents and felt truelly blessed! I could not afford my car bills and phone bills as it was eating into my savings.

As I looked at my girlfriend at that time, friends and family going to work each day, I felt a sense of gap from them and especially financially felt the gap from them. I was earning RM 0 a month! I fell into depression. I tried my best to apply for customer service jobs in Penang as I was comfortable in that line and was doing well. I never got the jobs! To make matters worst, the 2008 economic recession hit and Malaysia began to fill the pinch with the American companies established in Penang cutting jobs.

All I wanted was a job then. Anything. Even a job at McD or KFC would have been appreciated. What could I do as I was desperate for a job? Anything would be fine has long I could get some money.

Living without a job when you have commitments was not easy although my commitments may be little for some. It was very depressing. Sometimes I felt of selling and getting rid of everything I owned just to survive. It was hard to be living the high life and just drop to the bottom. Really, I fell.

The holy month of Ramadhan

(Courtesy of Google)

It's not easy to restrict yourself from food and what more water! Eating in Malaysia is a culture. We are spoilt for choices and have the luxury of convenience in eating; you can get food anywhere and anytime. Then for the workforce, so called due to stress, they eat a lot claimming to have used up their energy before that. Eating regularly is also healthy to avoid gastrics and diseases related to food disorder. Then there are other who claim they are too busy working that they have no time to eat!

It is well noted in Malaysia the holy month of Ramadhan@ fasting month @ Puasa before the Aidilfitri celebrated globally by Muslims. The day starts with a meal before morning prayers around 5 am. The fast begins when 1st prayer of the day starts (5 times a day is the total prayers for Muslims). The fast last the whole day till around 7 something PM the same day(2nd last prayer for the day).

I totally have respect for Muslims who follow the fasting month. It is not easy. Not even a sip of water. I doubt I can do it! :P

Unless one is sick or going through menstruals, they are exempted from fasting. However, do people really fast? I do not think it is a law in other countries to fast but in Malaysia it is.

Today for the first time, I was asked by the Malay stall owner if I was Malay. Oh boy, I freaking exploded and my uncle held me back. I said,"How dare you ask me?". He replied my face looked Malay. What to do lah I am Serani and a bit dark. I was pissed and lost my appetite although I was hungry before that. As I ate I thought and my uncle told me it is normal.

They actually in Malaysia have to confirm if one is Muslim or not during fasting month. If he sold to a Muslim, all his food utensils will be confiscated by the police. According to the law, he was doing his job.

I am a guy who does not really like to fight with people. After eating, I went to pay and also apologised and shook his hand. He also apologised and explained to me the situation in Malaysia.

As much as I hated for being accused unnecessarily, this is what you have to face if you are tanned skin in Malaysia which is discrimination. For a Muslim who does not follow the fasting month, it is a crime and is punishable.

I can't believe people are being forced to practice their beliefs or faced penalty. Based on my religion as a Catholic, you are thought what is right. However, it is not a law or force. You decide what is right and what you are comfortable doing. From a general overview and not relating it to faith, you can tell people what is right but it is up to them to consider what is right and wrong.

I think the religion varies based on culture. Probably in a more liberal country, the decision is left to the individual to follow or not to follow. I look at it as we are only human. How to avoid sin?

Building of mosque near ground zero, New York

(Photo from Google)

September 11th 2001 will always be on our minds. The day the world stood in shock over the attacks of the World Trade Centre Towers in New York City. I have been previlledged to view the twin towers in 1995 during my family trip to New York.

As the planes hit the towers, we saw smoke and even people jumping from the towers. Then it all fell and killed even more people that were trying to evacuate the remainning levels of the building including police, paramedics and fire-fighters.

It was a very sad day for the whole world looking at that devastating dissaster. I can only imagine the bigger lost felt by the families of victims that perished that sunny morning.

We all looked at who and how the attack happenned. Terrorist who were from a Muslim background were involved in planning and executing this tragedy. The world began to grow hate towards Muslims. They felt that the religion was more harm than good. Boarder security was even more tighter at arrival points to most western countries.

But should we be mad at Muslims? Is this a response against Muslims or a response against 'people' involved in the tragedy?

Lately, there has been so much debate and objection over the construction of a mosque close to ground zero. Sometimes I feel it is so politically motivated amongst political parties in USA. What's the issue?

We all are geared to respond to acts of terrorism. However, going after the religion is no point when actually we should be going after the terrorist group involved. It is not a war against Islam but it should be seen as a war against terrorist. Terrorist are not Islam alone. Islam is like any other religion when it comes to teaching good values and beliefs that are worldly accepted.

Just imagine if a group of Christians would have brought down the Towers. Are we seriously going to ban a church near to the area? I sense a certain degree of biasness.

This would be a test against the USA, an economic giant, on how they treat citizens of the world. It would be a symbol of their shallowness should they go against the construction of a mosque. They always brag about freedom and justice. This would be the opposite of their belief.

I am voicing my stand that the mosque should be erected and we should respect Islam.

When will Malaysia enter the World Cup?

Image courtesy of Google

I have been keeping track of some of the World Cup games of 2010 in South Africa. Although as most may know, I am not a real fan of football but would not mind watching a game or two for fun. I hardly know the players names! Haha!

What I have noticed in the games, is the high level of quality of sportsmanship and caliber of the players. You can notice the amount of strategy involved and the spirit of togetherness amongst the players. By looking, the players from the same team are like robots on a conveyor belt at a factory, working together to achieve the end product @ goal!

It's really like a 'war' out there with shoving and pushing. These are all acceptable by the referrees at an international level surprisingly. The smaller Koreans are not intimidated by the bigger Westeners. They gave their opponents a real good fight. It's really hard to choose a good team or determine who will win the world cup. Every country I admit is playing well. Let's also not forget the ball is round and that anything can happen!

As a Malaysian, I think to myself. Why am I supporting another country rather than my own country Malaysia? It is because we are bad! The fact that I am using 'we' is because I feel that the football team in Malaysia is part of my country that I love so much and call home. We are certainly not up to the bar compared to other countries that have progressed steadily in football.

The reason we are bad can be due to many factors. The slack in the processs of indentifying potential talent is one of them. The people behind the identification process are just too narrow minded. Football is big in Asia especially Malaysia. It should not be difficult to find really outstanding people who love the game and posess the passion to win in football. It is not necessary to search in the kampungs@countryside as there could be really good talents in urban areas as well. People should widen their horizons and find more sources of good talent.

I also feel that the management in sporting associations do not have the knowledge, training, education and experience to run such associations efficiently. This is unlike the West where we have coaches and referrees that have for example sports science degrees. It looks like the blind leading the blind over here. They just do not have a clue how to run such sports associations.

Players should also NOT be limited by race. I see majority of the players on the Malaysian squad are Malays. Could there be racism involved? I always thought there would be equal opportunity in our country. That would be sad really. I am most certain football is appealing amongst all races in Malaysia and I am sure you can identify really good players out of their community regardless of race. In St Xaviers Institution in Penang during my school days, there were football matches held at the quadrangles and the players were mixed Malay, Chinese and Indian.

There could be a lot of money / fraud involved to make a few people happy be it the players or the team managers. The government naively tries to promote something good for us here but people are taking advantage of funds and incentives. So much money of the rakyat is spent and just look at the end results. Looks like a bunch of kindergarten kids running after the ball rather than proper planning and strategy in-line. There is less passion for the game but more focus on the rewards as a national player.

I can imagine that it will be such proud news to note that someone from the kampung is now playing for the state/country. The players and the player's parents will bask in the popularity and attention from the kampung people. They will renovate their huts to look like Beverly Hill mansions and change their old Protons for Mercedes. This is so typical and can be widely seen. To add to the statuesque, it would be a plus point to get national titles like Datuk or Tan Sri.

So what about the glory of the game?

This is the reason I keep asking myself about when will we ever see Malaysia enter the World Cup. I hope you guys think about it as well.

Is there no such thing as second hand cars?

(Volkswagen Passat image courtesy of Google)

I travel quite a bit from one end of the island to the other end each day for work. Weekends no need to say lah as I am out of course... a lot! I am also a car guy. I love cars; the technology and innovation is just overwhelming at this point in time that I wonder what more can car manufacturers invent to make the car better. That said, I am also an economist, a person who compares value for money @ typical Penang kiam-sap/ stingy.

I can't help but notice the amount of new cars on the road. I think we are like in the middle of the PJ* series of car registration numbers. I think the Penang people are certainly rich. All having the latest Mercedes, BMWs, Hondas, Toyotas etc.

New cars these days are not cheap. If you exclude Malaysian vehicles, we are talking atleast RM 70k for a new non-national car. Of course one that was built in Malaysia though or as it is called the Completely Knocked Down (CKD).

A lot of people are taking big loans to get nice new cars. Banks are also capitalizing on this especially when the interest rates have recently gone up. I think it's like > 3.5% . From months and months to years(up to 9 yrs) to pay for a car.

New car sizes have actually become smaller for the price you are paying today than when it was the 1970s and 1980s. Cars back then came with more metal and less plastic! Haha! I can never convince you more; compare my 2007 Myvi with my dad's 1994 Volvo 940! All the metal of my car doors could make just 1 door for his Volvo.

Whatever happenned to checking out the local Motor Trader or Classifieds for good old car. I don't mean old as in antic. More like a 'used' vehicle. Used vehicles range from a couple of weeks old to years. Some have been very well taken care and even restored. Getting a used car would be a steal these days considering the trend towards new cars. You can get a pretty good used car for so much less than new.

For example, my bro who has a friend who has a 2 year old Volkswagen Passat 2.0. The car is great but he wants a car that can please him more in terms of technology, safety and style. His a car guy of course. Brand new then RM220k. Now... ur ready for it......................RM 140k.

Now this is nothing to be alarmed. However, have you ever realized or calculated after interest the amount of money lost on your own?

That is why I am suggesting, if you can't afford a new car or if your economically aware of the surplus in money to get a new car, get a used car. You would be paying much less for the same specification of a car but after 1-2 yrs. Cars have a manufacturing life-span of around 5-8 years in the market before they reach end-of-life. So the car would be relatively new/ up-to-date.

Considering how much value of a car depreciates, it wouldn't be a waste NOT to take a look at a good used car.

With todays stringent motoring rules especially in countries like in UK, the car will be thoroughly checked to ensure it is safe and technically sound. Car companies as well like Toyota and BMW also sell pre-owned/ used cars basically, that have gone through checks and restored to be sold as quality used cars. This is a good place to look for a used car as these companies have a reputation to uphold.

Spare parts I believe are plentiful for most cars on Malaysian roads so even if you can't get a new one, you can get a refurbished replacement part. That also if the chop shops in Malaysia are still around. Can get some pretty reasonable used parts.

But besides getting a used car, just imagine how much money you would have saved for other things like property that appreciates, better health insurance, funds for further education or going for a holiday. Come on people! That is what well spent money can earn you.

However with all this said, if you think about it, it is this new car segment people that over-flow the used car market in years to come for us to get our hands on them and offer us a wide variety to choose from! :)

Do we really love kids?

(Photo courtesy of Google)

There was a time in our lives when we were kids. Some of us mischievous, some could not wait to be adults and some who just wanted to be kids forever. We all come from diverse cultures, beliefs and financial backgrounds.

We all relied on our parents or guardians to take care of us and being there for us as pillars of support physically and emotionally. Seriously it is not easy being a parent. Being an individual is hard enough, what more taking care of another human being who is helpless@ kids. It would be a responsibility that covers satisfying the basic if human needs; eating, bathing, walking.

With the rising cost of living and some being influenced from our materialistic friends, it becomes even harder to keep up with the 'Joneses' and support a growing child.

It is so nice to see friends or relatives with cute babies. For some of us, we feel a certain emptiness that invokes us to compete and follow in pursuit to acquire a child just to be accepted into that social circle. This sometimes would be done without consideration of current financial earnings, added responsibility, devotion of time and space.

Are we really cut-out to be parents? Are we willing to support and bring-up a child?

These are the questions both parents need to analyze before going all out to conceive a child. We must truly stand by what we believe in and what are our needs at this point in our lives.

Lately, it is saddening to see so many child abuse cases. What has happened to Malaysians? Why are we becoming so aggressive?

A mother carries a baby for 9 months in her womb, enduring pre-natal syndrome and going into labour. So much is done to bring a life into this world. However, some individuals lack the understanding and appreciation from God for being gifted with kids.

From kicking, to punching, to throwing... how can someone be so heartless and over-powering?

Where are the morals in an adult Malaysian despite so much emphasis on Moral studies throughout the stage of schooling?

Kids are kids. They do silly things. Due to their maturity and experience, they act in so-called foolish ways.

It seems we are using our kids as punching bags to vent our frustrations. How can we blame them when it was us who brought them into this world?

Sometimes, it is due to certain carelessness that we accidentally conceive a child. It is our fault and we should not punish an innocent human being.

I am sure it is sad for those couples that are having difficulty conceiving to see people that are gifted with kids, show no appreciation, love and care to their kids. Some couples really want to be parents and devote their energy to the well-being of their kids. It is considered such a joy and blessing to have kids for them. I am sure they are also happy and considering that in time to come when they begin to become frail, they do have their kids to take care of them. These are the people who deserve to have kids but sometimes due to biological and health constraints, they may not be as fortunate to be called Mom and Dad.

I would like to appeal to all Malaysians to stop child abuse.

Thank you.

Priest on leave

I have a lot of respect for priest. They gave up their freedom and material wants to devote their lives to God. Catholic priest are not allowed to get married or live lavish lives. It is not a bad thing seriously. It is good that some people have been touched in some way to be obedient to religious life and spread religion amongst believers and non-believers.

To become a priest is not easy. One has to attend almost 10 years of religious studies in a seminary. Also, being human, it is a challenge to fight the temptations of the world out there.

Strangely, only recently have I been overwhelmed with priest that are going on leave. From what I heard, they are allowed to take 2 years leave from pastoral work. I also heard that the bishop of the diocese will not pay them their monthly tokens. In our world, it sounds pretty much like no-pay leave. Seems fair I guess.

But as to why priest are going on leave is a big '?'.

I have heard a couple of stories and of all times to hear un-confirmed or should I say rumors is during Lent(preparation for Easter where we should be holy and avoid such things like rumor mongering).

There is this priest who claims to have bought his own electrical appliance with his own money and kept it at the church house. One day, the bishop questioned these appliances and he defended himself saying it was his own. However, there was a dispute and the issue remains unresolved with the priest taking leave now.

As most may know, I go to Botanical Gardens for my walks these couple of months. I bumped into this priest walking in the gardens with a lady in her 60s. The priest looked different or somewhat camouflaged with long hair and beard. I thought of her as the priest relative or a good samaritan taking a priest out for exercise. To my disbelief, I heard recently they are a couple and they are dating! So this priest is also now on leave.

What is happening to these priest? Have they forgotten their purpose to serve God and His people? Have they forgotten that they must have nothing except for the greater glory of God?

Yes, I read this in the booklet when I went to church during Holy week. It was a prayer for priest and religious.

If they do not have a religious reason to take leave, I certainly think that they are then not fit to be priest. It leaves me with an impression of how fickle minded and unstable they are mentally, emotionally and maturely.

It is a disgrace to Catholics to adopt such priest who do not remain like priest compared to the old days. It is also a reflection on us Catholics on how the decision process is made to elect priest in our communities. Perhaps we are so desperate for priest because there is a shortage of priest.

However, the priesthood in Asia is still growing. My dad was in Ireland a year back and met with a priest there. The priest said that back in the old days, priest used to come from the West to spread God's word to the East. In todays times, it is the opposite with the East going to meet the West to preach.

I honestly pray that these priest who are on leave come to a self-realization on life and religion and return back to the priesthood. If not, I think it's best we as Catholics let them leave with their own free-will.

However, as a more pro-active approach, the Catholic diocese especially in Malaysia should revise their religious approach and identify the root of this problem of why priest are taking leave.

Only now there is encouragement to read.

(Photo courtesy of Google)

I read in the newspaper that Michelle Yeoh (representing Chinese) and Datuk Sheik Muzaffar Shukor (Malaysian astronaut and representing Malays) have been elected as ambassors to encourage reading by the government.

Why only now the emphasis to read?

The habit we have for reading is still very low. I guess we may blame it on the education system. Our focus was just to study to pass the lessons of school. What about the lessons of life? I feel the lessons of life are more valuable than the lessons of school. We look at reading as boring and only should be applied during school hours. This applies to certain sector of people and not all. I knowpeople who were good in school and also were great readers of works from famous authors.

I was driving up Teluk Bahang and noticed this advertisement from Hydro-majestic Hotel. It said, "No books. It's a holiday". How would this appeal especially to foreigners? Besides having a negative opinion of how shallow Malaysians are, it also leaves a bad reputation for the hotel. Seriously! I am not a fan of hotels but when I read it, it gave me a negative feeling of the hotel. There are so many ways to display effective marketing. I think this attempt could be deadly for sales especially when times are hard for the tourism industry.

Sorry to sound lame but reading is really very benneficial for anyone. There is so much to read; fictional stories, politics, economy etc. It is not only good to know what is happening around us but it indeed makes us smarter people. When I say smarter I mean with more understanding to what is happenning in our surroundings and how we can adapt or make change to it.

Reading can be relaxing as it widens our horizons and enhances our curiosity to find out more.

Enough with the bennefits of reading as I know you know it is good.

Reading is much useful to youngsters especially rather than wasting their time. I see so many people engrosed with their cars, photography, clubbing etc. Are they in dire need of a hobby or their life is so boring?

It is good to take up such hobbies but one must have limits. What is the use of knowing so much about how to take close ups of flowers and not knowing anything that is happening in the world? That is just so shallow. How can one expect to mature?

A lot of money is being spent for such hobbies. Buying this and that equipment. Trying to be the James Cameron of the kampung. So useless.

Money should be well channelled and put to good use for ones own personal and mental development. Get a good book or sign-up for a valued broadband package to do some good reading and learning more.

I have shared this before. One day I had 3000 ringgit. I was in the dilemma of getting a classic car or a laptop. After much analysis, it would be more value add to get a laptop as I can learn so much and be a better person on and off the job.

When I was on vacation in Phuket 2 weeks back, I noticed so many Mat Salleh or Caucasians on holiday. They were in a very chilled mood and most of them had a book each. Even on holiday, they choose to find pleasure in reading. That is how much different the culture of the West is compared to the East.

One does not have to spend the whole day reading. That would be pointless. Just taking half an hour to 2 hours out of a busy schedule would be good enough. Try learning something new everyday.

I disliked reading. Until I was curious to find out about things that interest me like history, cars and psychology. The interest started online. Then came the craving to get good books. Hey, it may sound expensive to buy books but remmember each year we get a rebate from the government when we file our income tax. Pls remmember to keep those receipts! :)

Why is mass so boring?

Photo courtesy of Google

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnn... not a very 'ooomph' weekly mass. We Catholics refer to our weekly formal church gatherings as mass. The Protestants refer to it as service.

Today I decided to follow my mom and aunt to church as my mom will be going to KL on Sunday. Dad was in Ipoh for church meeting.

Normally Father Marshall, our resident parish priest of the church of Immaculate Conception will lead the mass. This time, we had a visitor. A Cappuchin priest. Indian specky guy.

All was good as ussual. He was trying to speak with an American accent but sadly a failure. Still I was patient and tolerable.

After, he read the readings from the bible (gospel), he began his homily. Homily is kinda like giving his opinion on the readings.

It was sooo boring. He was soooo in-depth and into biblical times that most of us felt so lost. I mean it is of course good to relate it to the bible. But it was too confusing and became hard to understand.

To make matters worst, he was talking about so many points rather than focusing on one.

I try my best to listen to homilies. I really like homillies that are able to relate with current world scenarios. It serves to me personally as a lesson and how I can approach things in my life in a Christian way.

As all of us Catholics live our daily lives, in offices and in schools, we face so many real life scenarios. We are so into technology especially the Internet, reading about so many things from politics, economy, technology, science etc. We are quite knowledgeable dare I say so.

Would it be possible to talk about something that reflects our daily lives? These lessons would teach us to be better at handling real life scenarios and acting in a Christian way with our colleagues and friends. We would be able to reflect also on how we can be better to others or see things in a more positive way. This lessons and changes would come from within as it is something within our reach and would be tangible.

Rather than to worry about resignning from our jobs and joinning the monestary just because we think we are not doing enough for the world/ believe that it could be a calling.

The change begins within our community, our circle of friends and family members. No one is asking you to go and do wonders. But if you could, deffinitely it would be good! Most of us do not have that ideology of thinking or considering joinning the monestary. So this is the little that we can do to make the world a better place.

I feel such hommilies that are confusing and misleading, result in the congregation dwindling in counts or joinning other churches or denominations. Some would see these as a vague picture of how the church sees things. Some may even change their religion!

I love being a Catholic. I understand and respect the aspects of tradition that need to be maintained. However, how the church approaches and reaches out to us should be with current times.

We are all growing. The religion remains the same. But we need to discover how we can grow with religion in such modern times.

Allah?

(Photo courtesy of missionislam.com)

When I first heard of the word Allah in church, I thought it was very strange. I thought why are we following the Muslims. This was in the early 90s I think, during the Cathecism classes if I am not mistaken. Cathecism is the Sunday school that Catholics go for religious education almost every Sunday of the schooling calendar.


The material used for Cathecism was for the entire Malaysia which of course includes Sabah and Sarawak. There were even hymms sung in Bahasa Malaysia that also used the word Allah.


Last year, when I was in Kuala Lumpur attending mass, the priest also used the word Allah.


As I grew older as a person of faith, I learnt that it means that we are all praying to one God. From my understanding, there is only 1 God in this world. I also learnt that Christians, Muslims and Jews have many simillarities fundamentally but differ in the practice and approach.


A few weeks back, I saw a photo of a church in Indonesia which was called Gereja Allah. :S This would seem very confusing / controversial if there was such a church by that name in Malaysia.


I read from Wikipedia that in Arab countries where there exist churches, Christians refer to God in Christianity as Allah and so far I have not heard of any protest from these Arab nations.


I was very offended and shocked about the vandalism that took place in a few churches in Kuala Lumpur and in Perak. This happenned after the Malaysian High Court rulling that it was ok to continue to use the word Allah by Catholics in the newsletter Herald.


There was a lot of mixed feelings within me. I felt it could be done by people who did not agree for non-Muslims to use the word Allah. Then there was also possibility that such a thing could be politically motivated but I am a bit naive at how politics and religion come in play together.


As far as I am concern, I am a true Malaysian. I acknowledge that Islam is the national religion. I have no issues about this. I mix openly with all Malaysians including Muslims and I really enjoy their company. Not forgetting their lovely food too! Haha!


Whatever religion a person is, I respect that.


However, I also do know that in any basket of apples, there are good apples and bad apples. You be the judge! ;)

Why did Obama get the Nobel Peace prize after all?

(Photo courtesy of news.com.au)

I was quite shocked that a lot of Americans were questioning Obama's move to move more US troops into Afghanistan. I mean it does contrast with Obama's earlier comments especially during the US presidential campaign, of returning more US troops back from countries like Iraq.
This was the first time I notice there was mixed reactions about Obama's move to make America be the great country it is.

There was even global scepticism on how he can be eligible to receive the Nobel Peace prize. The Nobel Peace prize is deffinitely something that a lot of people and countries are vying for.

As we continue to question Obama's move and why he still got the Nobel Peace prize, let us see the whole picture.

11th September 2001 was another beautiful morning in New York city. People were going to work and the city streets were busy as ussual with commuters. I guess we can imagine it like KL where people go to work in the morning and people sending kids to school and looking forward to the weekends.

Americans were totally caught unaware when disaster struck - the hijacked airliners crashed into the NYC World Trade Center. A lot of innocent people, someones mom , dad, brother, sister or child, perished so unexpectingly. Fire-fighters, rescue workers and police from NYPD also included in this devastating disaster. Not only were lives lost, but dreams.

Somewhat war had hit America, a country thought to be very guarded and secured. It was an attack by the Taliban which was centred in Afghanistan.

Both ex-president Bush Junior and Obama pledged to eradicate such terrorism from their shores and also the world. It is an on-going effort that only time will tell as it has already been 8 years since September 11th 2001.

I believe Obama's intention to send troops to Afghanistan is not a sign of him not meeting his promise for peace globally. It is a sign of his continued effort to put a stop to terrorism that is endangering peace. Hence, it is this effort that he should be applauded for.

In summary, we should not look at it from a bad perspective but instead look at the good that Obama is trying to do for all of us.

Giving back for Christmas at the Penang Eurassian Association

(Photo courtesy of Santa Roger)

The Penang Eurassian Association has been organizing Christmas parties every year for as long as I can remmember.

Since my family and I moved to Penang from Kedah in the late 1980s, my parents have taken me and my sister every year. It was a very important and special time in my early years as a kid, celebrating Christmas and also getting to know more of the Eurassians of Penang.

There were so many Eurassian families there from all over Penang. Sadly this quantity has dwindled as many have migrated domestically and internationally. A lot of the younger generations are in KL.

Each kid (under 12 yrs), gets a bag of snacks and a toy from Santa Clause at the closing of the even when Santa makes his appearance.

There will be those crazy kiddy games where all the kids will take part. It was loads of fun at that time. I rememmember coming back home sweating and tired after those parties. Sadly, I do not have any photos as memories of those times.

I almost became one of Santa's helpers once but turned down the offer coz too chicken out! Haha!

This year 2009, it came to my understanding that there was a shortage of sponsors for invited orphans from the Salvation Army in Penang. The organziers were very understanding in the sense that it will be fair to call all the kids under 12 yrs old rather than inviting a few. However, it would be costly for them so they were looking for sponsors to sponsor the kids.

As I read the notification on Facebook that they were inneed of sponsors, it suddenly struck me. After all these years of having a good time as a kid at the Penang Eurassian Association for Christmas, it was time to share the moment with the younger generation especially the kids from the Salvation Army who were less fortunate.

I called my aunt who is one of the organizers and told her to put me down for 4 kids. She said that was all they needed coincidently to complete the sponsorship and invitation list for the kids. I was so happy. It felt like it was so meant to be.

I am happy for doing my small part and hope whoever these kids are have fun.

I declined to attend the event and preferred to keep a low profile. :P

The reason I am blogging about this is to remmember those good times as a kid. :)

Remorsed

I have been through a lot of hurdles these years and now another one. I am just too ashame to admit what happened. It is a big lost! The more I think about avoiding problems, the more I get myself into them. It is a lesson that life is really never easy. Dreaming of sunny days and all smiles does not work for me. I guess it is about inner happiness!

What had never been dreamed of, did happen. It slowly came to a halt; a realization that it was not meant to be. Not for us and not for the people that we love the most including our friends.

It is sad to lose someone that has meant so much to you. The good and bad times will now be memories. Memories or phases in life that has contructed who I am and who I shall be in future.

The heart can no longer continue. What was once full, is now surprisingly empty. I guess the priorities and goals have evolved. There was parallelism but instead now separatism. A separation to continue life on our own and seek individual gratification. The results can be positive and also negative. However, life must continue. We need strength to continue our journey while on this earth.

Time now is not easy. The heart is very heavy and filled with sadness. How should I continue? How do I heal? I put myself in God's arms. I can only imagine Him hugging me and holding me tight with me crying out in His arms. I beg for His merciful forgiveness. It was my human failure that had led me to this state. I am scared I may have gone against God's plan. But this is what we want now.

The thoughts keep running in my mind almost all the time. What the hell happenned? It happenned so swiftly and I don't know why I let it go so easily. After all my hardships in building it, I just let it go this time. Very confusing.

My mind is not at peace. I need time to heal. I need time to reflect on what happenned before, now and the future.

I imagine myself laying naked on the floor. Just as the words from Natalie Imbruglias song Naked or whatever the name is. I feel I have nothing and my energy drained.

When moments like Christmas especially soon round the corner, you feel sad. Christmas is all about fun and sharing it with your loved ones. This year it will be very lonely for me. Not because I don't have my family and my friends but because I wanted a quiet and composed time to gather my strength. I selfishly would like to see this moment past although it is a happy event. It is a time of the Christian calendar when God brings us all together as a family to celebrate the birth of Jesus who changed the earth. A very important time in the Christian calendar. I must focus on this important Christian celebration and put my personal thoughts aside.

Honestly, I always believe in happiness. Happiness not only for me but for all who walk this earth. It is something that is free and is entitled. I do not want to be the reason for that someone to be suppressed of that happiness. I really prefer to see that person happy and enjoying life.

Since I am not that person to provide that happiness, I beg to God on my knees and pray for that person to achieve it. I am confident there will be a better replacement. That is all I sincerely wish for.

I feel like an old Volvo that has reached the end of my era, to be replaced with newer Volvos that serve their owners better and provide more.

I apologize for my short-comings and the times that I had failed to fulfill what was desired of.

Pls do not see this as me being sympathetic or the nice guy. I speak my mind and how my heart feels. I know now a lot of ppl hate me for what has happenned. But pls, give us the respect and time to heal and not point fingers.

It is was a difficult decision to come to and something very sacred to us that we have realized and want to do what is best for each other.

Is going fast the new way to go?

(Photo from Google: Can you guess what car this is?)

Tom's, Greddy, Apexi! These are some of the after-market performance car brands that are mushrooming as a result of a trend to go faster than normal. I sometimes feel it is the fault of the emergence of Formula 1 in Malaysia and influence of the Japanese car culture that has made an impact on the Malaysian shores. Prices for these after-market parts are astronomical compared to a simmillar OEM part that is of equivalent quality and function.

An average income person for example, is forking out loads of money trying to make a mid-range car look like a race-rally car; modified engine, exhaust, fancy rims, bodykits. Money like that should be well spent on a good investment plan, childrens future education or healthcare. But people fail to see these as an importance but rather than their selfish greed of feeling accepted by peers or in a car club.

Times have changed! Looking back at the old days of the 60s and 70s when our parents could afford quality built continental cars, prices of cars then were not so high, cost of metal was cheaper and the automobile was just being introduced in Malaysia to the average individual. Most importantly, it is the economy that has changed. A brand new Volvo in the 80s cost around RM 50, 000. Today it is over RM 200, 000. Almost 4x more! Hence, we cannot compare to the times of the 60s and 70s because the economy has grown and changed so drastically. The value of metal is so much greater; the value of metal for money that you get today for a new car cannot be compared to cars built in the 60s or 70s. Back then you get a lot more metal for your money which is of course value for money and worth the money spent. Just look at the strength of car panels and rigidity of car frames we see today.

The mid-range cars these days are built for a purpose. They are supposed to be cheap, low maintainance, low consumption and comfortable for a small family or for the new working class adult. They are vehicles that are meant for easy commuting, getting you safely from point A to point B. 0-100 or BHP is not the primary criteria here and should not be compared to the likes of German or Italian automobiles like BMW and Ferrari. It is totally a different segment.

I do not see a car as just a car. They all fall under different segments. Perodua, Proton, Toyota and Honda are meant to be mid-range cars. Then there is the high range cars like BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Above that segment, there are luxurious cars like Bentley and Rolls-Royce. In another segment there are sports cars like Ferrari and Lamborgini. Being in a different segment, each vehicle has it's purpose, build quality and functions differently. You can't really compare the BHP of a Perodua Kancil with a Lotus Elite can you? That would be so dumb. It would be even dumber to see a Kancil tail-gating a Ferrari on the expressway. :S

As I drive around Penang town, I see more and more heavily modified mid range cars. So what's with the extra power? Are they planning on competing in the next Japan GT or F1?

Take for example my Myvi. Simple and practical. Gets me places and it's relatively cheap and safe to commute compared to a motorcycle. It would be absurd to over-do it with wild bodykits and a loud exhaust. It was built to be a simple car and I have so much fun with it although it is plain simple. To me, fun would be defined as taking my family, friends and dog out in it. The car takes me to new places and discovering new things when I travel within Malaysia! It's these memories that I wish to cherish rather than driving like a maniac and putting me and my passengers at risk.

I mean don't get me wrong. I love the Subaru Imprezza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution! They are good racing cars and they were built for it. These hot cars can be used for doing 1/4 miles, drifting or donuts and you would feel at ease! They are built for motorsports and is most ideal. The body's overall reinforcement and suspension settings help the driver achieve the ultimate driving exprience that they are pursuing.

Taking a Myvi, modifying it with bodykits and loud exhaust system does not prove it to be a sports car or bringing it close to the likes of the Subaru or Mistsubishi. Even the Proton Wira that owners modify to the best they can to make it look and feel like a Mitsubishi Evution III, falls short to the latter. No way can it be made to be equal. The material, quality and workmanship is vastly different. The Wira is built at a lower cost to make it a cheap selling car in it's era and technology and quality put in cannot be compared to the guys at Mitsubishi.

Both vehicle and owner go hand-in-hand towards making road safety a reality rather than an aspiration.

With more and more people getting educated and campaigns carried out by the government to promote road safety, it is surprising that people do not adhere to it. People like this are well off with nice luxurious cars but drive fast on small/ narrow roads like in Penang's town centre. How can you explain the intelligence of this people? They are not stupid. These are the new breed of professionals. They are just plain ignorant when it comes to road safety.

Driving carefully and courteously should be the "in thing" instead. It should be a reflection on the driver's wisdom, maturity and understanding of safety. You may not be as fast from 0-1oo km/h but atleast you arrived safely and stress free to your destination. Driving fast only forces you to increase your alertness but most drivers fail and end up in crashes. We are only human. The faster you drive, the slower your reflexes are to react to emergencies or unforseen situations; dog or car coming accross the road. These unforseen situations are unpredictable but potentially can happen while driving on the road. You can't really blame these other reasons for an accident when actually it's the driver that needs to be careful and practice safe driving.

When we are on the road, we all have our own plans of going to our destination in our own ways. For example, we can't really get pissed off and honk at a car that has come out of the intersection when it is your right to the road ahead. Possibly, he has waited a while at the intersection but can't come out due to heavy flow of on-coming traffic. Sometimes, it could be an emergency. I mean emergencies do happen like rushing to hospital, late for work or appointment. Today, it may be that guy who rushed out of the intersection. Tommorrow, it could be you. Have a heart! :)

People seem to go fast like their rushing. Rushing for what? Are these people rushing because they are so bad at managing their time that everything needs to be done fast? Actually, as technology continues to grow, it is suppose to make our lives easier and stress free, hence, I do not see the reason to rush and get yourself stressed out which forces you to drive unsafely.

TV shows like Top Gear and Extreme Machines do display the ultimate performance of a car. To achieve the overall goal of proving to the audience the full potential of these vehicles, the cars are tested by trained and experienced professionals under safe conditions like an empty air-field or racing circuit. The cars are driven fast on these conditions without jeopardizing safety.

AAM organizes plenty of defensive driving courses. I feel the government should applaud and encourage more trainings for defensive driving. Defensive driving does not mean preparing you for road bullies or driving like a F1 driver. It's purpose is to educate motorist to drive responsibly and with awareness to the full functions and safety of your vehicle.

However, these trainings can be expensive but it is possible for the government to partly sponsor participants for these driving courses. Afterall, I don't see it as a problem partially sponsoring considering we pay high car prices, car taxes and road taxes. JPJ should come out with this proposal to the government.

Can't wash 5 pieces of clothes.

One day, I was chilling and having a beer at Arathi Villas in Tanjung Bungah. I was waitting for Ruby to come for dinner after her work.

2 doors next to the restaurant there is this laundry shop. I was observing the amount of customers stopping, double parking their cars and walking almost queeing to enter the shop. I think it was really peak hours for the shop at around 6 pm plus, after work.

There were some with lots of clothes and others with just a handful(no joke!). The customers look like residents nearby in contrary belief that they would be mostly guest at the nearby Tanjung Bungah hotel. The cars that these customers owned were slightly above an average person's car.

I am surprised at some of them. Why can't they wash their own clothes? How come they are willing to spend money to have someone do it for them? How can people not have time or make time out of their busy schedules?

I totally understand that the services provided by some laundries are quite unique like steam cleaning or dry cleaning. But most customers just requested for normal washing.

People like this are spoilt and take things to easily in life.

Almost every household has a washing and drying area for clothes. Some have invested in turning rooms to a fully functional in-house laundry just for their needs. Others are still able to hang at their balconies and even inside their houses.

Washing to me is so simple. I just dump my dirty clothes in the washing machine. Pour some clothes detergent and let it run a full cycle. About an hour later, I hang my clothes on the hanger. A day later I collect my clothes so that it does not get dusty after leaving it outside for days.

Who am I? I am not poorer than those people who can afford the laundry. Neither am I richer than them as I have my own washing machine at home. As for time, I am seriously busy like anyone else. However, I make time and schedule my chores such as washing clothes. Honestly, it is easy and effortless.

You do not need to be a genius to operate a washing machine. Most of todays washing machines are automatic such as the one I have. There are even better and more advanced washing machines with fuzzy logic abilities. But, the simple and cheaper one works fine. Just to share that my family and I have had our trusty National for almost 2o years. You know the old school green one from the late 80s. Haha! Washing machines today are cheap and I am sure you can get a basic washing machine for less than RM 400 brand new.

I really felt it was so crazy for someone to take like 5 pieces of clothes to a laundry. Just imagine to drive all the way there, find parking and queue to submit clothes for washing.

No doubts about it that the shop is doing well and possibly it's percentage for growth and profit is almost equivalent to a Fortune 500 company. This is a cash cow and money making industry that attracts idiots! It sounds harsh but it is true.

Marriage? Is it that easy?

Lately, I have been invited to many weddings of friends and relatives. The calendar for September is practically packed with weddings. I am really looking forward to them as it is a happy occasion and because how much these people who are getting married mean to me. :)

Then, I ponder. When will mine be?

Marriage to me is a very important milestone in ones life. It is a decision to share your life with that special someone in good and bad times. Living with that person all your life and sharing things together is not easy. However, it must be that burning desire to be with that someone, a certain degree of understanding, trust, loyalty and respect that will overcome the challenges of married life. Fundamentally the most important of all is communication.

Communication should be borderless! In a relationship, each should be given the right to talk and to listen. If there is something bothering you, the topic should be openned up for discussion. Also, we should listen and be open to proactive comments or criticism. Criticism should never be viewed as a bad thing or as a weapon to be used against anyone. It should be taken as a form of constructive feedback to develop someone personally and professionally.

However, there may not be an ideal scenario of both individuals agreeing with what each other says. I feel it is fair and it should be respected. We are all different and so are our views on life. There is no right nor wrong. It is a matter of accepting each other and loving them for what they are. Give and take is important. There may be somethings your partner is lacking in but you have it as an advantage. Great! That is the attraction and I honestly believe that this is what consolidates a relationship.

The time would be ideal to marry when the time is right. When? When both agree that he and she is ready for this communion of two individuals. It has to be made clear so that no one is offended in the relationship.

As individuals, our mental and emotional growth varies. Each of us have needs that we want to achieve in life. It is undoubted that career, education background, family or possessions are some of these elements that we aspire to achieve or to have. These are some of the reasons that weddings are put-off or postponed to a more suitable time. It is not strange but only human that such of this reasons exist.

Life is short and the chance we have is only one. The time that we have to achieve so much is crazy and is never perfect. Never perfect in the sense that with these goals in place, obstacles will always exist that may prevent or postpone us from achieving them. These goals that we have set, can be seen as things that enriches our life and makes it meaningful to us. That goal may differ from one another but it should be seen as something that brings happiness and satisfaction.

Age is no barrier. God has planned our lives so perfectly that when it is meant to be, it will be but in His time. Sometimes that perfect partner is 10 years different in age. So what? Has long there is a union and love for each other, it should be harmonized.

Religion should also be no barrier. There are so many great and compatible people for each other but are only different in religious values only. As for this, one should analyze this thoroughly, to see how will religion impact them. Would there need to be a conversion or a mutual understanding for each others beliefs? Also, to consider are the repercussions of the decisions made on that person and the family institution as a result of difference in religion.

It is so sad to see married couples divorced and separating. It is deffinitely taboo in my culture and family background. The word divorce should never come up in a married relationship! I feel sick to see people desecrate this sacred act and to not respect what it stands for. For example, Britney Spears on the story of her marriages on E! channel. If one does not understand or is not ready, then don't do it! Never be forced in marriage or to do something against your will.

To summarize, it is deffinitely exciting to get married! To seal the deal with that special person whom you adore greatly. :) Marriage is part of life and is highly looked upon in any culture or religious sector. It is about the promise of being together with each other on this earthly world and a declaration for that responsibility and duty to hold, to care and provide for that person and to bring up children together as active parents!

I want to get married. ;)

I love him coz his rich!

I heard this statement from someone close to me and was honestly quite saddened by it. They met at a party and there was an attraction. An attraction of her to him because he could shower her with anything she wanted. In return, she gave him herself when he needed it. Blady whore!

She is very happy with Gucci, Prada and maybe a BMW Z4 coming up. Both are young in their early 20s, just graduated and starting out their career. Also as a couple and in their relationship(if you can call it healthy), have a new chapter to learn and grow together. For sure, there are going to be good and bad times. But I guess all of this is blinded by wealth for her and reasonably good looking body for him.

I honestly cannot stand this sort of symbiotic nature of such people. The reason I say symbiotic is because both are benefitting in their own narrow minded way. Parasiting would happen if one is gainning from the other and another at a losing end. Oh, I have a friend who is a victim of parasited relationship. I trully feel sorry for him.

A relationship should be one founded on common ground, mutual understanding, respect and unconditional love in the context of a romantic relationship. These are the fundamental foundations that strengthen a relationship.

What if there was another richer guy? What if there was another hotter girl? Would they part because of this and find new "love"?

These are people who do not understand the true meaning of life and are so caught up in the material world where possession defines power. How about the power of love? Totally non-existent in their books!

They think they are mature enough and regard themselves as well established adults but they have lots to change in their mentality. The truth is, they are immature, do not have general knowledge and entirely confused individuals. Their lives are meaningless and empty within.

It is hard to advise such people and it will only seem wise for them to come to you first for advise. That time may be too late for them to realize. They could have been hurt badly physically and emotionally.

Life is short. If we are uncertain about things and need clarification, we should take the initiative to find out from books, internet, subject experts, religious groups, family members and friends. Then, spend the rest of lives living effectively!

I feel that religion plays an important role because it covers so many aspects of life. Going to church for the sake of going is meaningless unless one wants to take the opportunity to learn, deepen ones understanding about life, contribute as a member of society and to find inner peace from within.

May God pray for these lost people to find meaning and see the world in a new light!

A big blow to the Chinese community

It is very disturbing to hear the lost of Teoh Beng Hock, 30, who was found dead sprawled in a pool of blood on the 5th floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after falling.

Just look at how distraught his mom(pink blouse) is at the loss of her son. It should not be this way for the family.

(Photo courtesy of The Star)

Teoh was the political secretary to Selangor exco member Ean Yong Hian Wah. He was involved in a good cause to bring change to Malaysia via Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PKR). Teoh was a man of integrity, dedication and devotion to his task to serve the community better.

He was taken in under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission(MACC) for an enquiry. As most Malaysians know, MACC is going all out to catch people involved in corruption and who are going against the law. MACC's intentions are good and applauded.

However, their tactics at interogating people may need to be investigated and ammended if neccessary.

As to how and why Teoh fell down is still a big question. I do hope that a Royal Commission of Inquiry be formed to unfold the truth of Teoh's mysterious death. We need to find out how, who and why he fell. The people that are caught and proven guilty in this murder should be hung! MURDERERS!

Malaysian Chinese Association(MCA) is also pushing for a Royal Commission of Inquiry. It goes to show that the Chinese have come together irrespective of political parties for justice.

Based on what I have read, Teoh is not one to take his own life. This has been stated by his friends that Teoh was a man of high spirits.

It is so sad to see his wife to be who is carrying their child in her womb. She is 2 months pregnant. The day that Teoh died was the day that they were to be registered. I hope based on Chinese customs, they will marry in a special ceremony eventhough Teoh is now gone.

It is sad that the child she is carrying could not see his/ her father. However, someday the child should be proud of the late father as he was part of a force fighting for a new and reformed Malaysia.

He is gone but he will live on forever!

The photo above was used for the cover of Michael Jackson's album which I first started to listen.

My introduction to Michael Jackson happened before my primary school days. My brother was a hardcore fan and he had music videos of MJ on those old fashioned VHS video tapes. My aunt used to allow us to play the video every now and then and I was so thrilled by it! :D

My favourite video clip was from his music Bad. I guess I was fascinated by his black out-fit and his coolness being the leader of the gang in the video. I was very afraid of Thriller till today with zombies coming out from their tombs. :(

I guess he continued to evolve as the years passed becoming fairer. It was his song "Black and White" that caught my attention where he looked so different.

I feel his songs managed to penetrate all kinds of listeners both young and old. It is his charm and his cool dancing moves that fascinated audiences the world over. Ask people about MJ whether young or old and they will answer you yes they have either heard of him or watched him.

As I watch now on Youtube the many music videos of his time, what I noticed is the multi-racial dancers in the background. Only now I realize his hidden message to unite people of the world regardless of race which was something that was difficult, even back in the 1980s. I guess it was his way of playing his part towards breaking the barriers of race that still existed at that time. That barrier may have been broken from how the world is today in terms of the dependency and interaction of people amongst each other. However, racism sadly still exist today and it is just limiting us from discovering the culture and beauty of other races.

From what I believe, he really loved kids sincerely even if they were not his. He really took kids who were less fortunate and gave them a good time in his own haven called Neverland. The home come park was filled with entertainment rides, games and animals. He wanted to capture that happiness in his home and share it with people.

Honestly, I don't feel he grew up and was a child living in an adults body. How can you blame him since he shot up to stardom from such a young age and pretty much missed out on his childhood. His father was also pushing him to stardom to benefit from the talent of his children as he came from a very poor beginning.

Sadly on the 25th of July 2009 Michael Jackson passed away as a result of an overdose of prescription drugs. All can be said and done but nothing will change the fact that he is gone. What he has left behind is a true legacy and milestone in the music industry that has created such a global impact. It will be hard to find someone to match his credentials.

His father, Joe Jackson said that his son is now bigger than ever after passing away. It is sad that we did not appreciate him when he was alive then. It was those times when he was alive that we were so drawn to the sensationalized story of him accused as a child molester.

Michael Jackson was so big and had a lot of money. Who did not know that? Being a person who reads a lot that goes on in America, I know that there are many crazy people out there who want to capitalize on it by coming up with false stories.

Somehow the stories died off. Could have MJ paid them or fallen victim to their pleas? From what I heard MJ was such a kind guy and did not want any trouble. I feel he may have granted their wishes by giving them what they asked for.

Only end of last year he was involved in another lawsuit from a Sheik from Saudi Arabia who claimed he had breached a performance contract when actually it was the Sheikh that may have misunderstood the agreement. The issue was later resolved out of court.

His businesses also did not run well and were later sold off to corporations. I feel the reason for his financial dilemma may be due to his financial advisors who may have misappropriated his money or it could be MJ who may have splurged on the money that he had as his life was filled with extravagance.

I feel he died a poor man. He sold off his Neverland ranch in 2008 that he wants dreamed of and that he loved so much. He died in a rented mansion where he was alone.

I read about Lisa Marie Presley's post on her blog from CNN and I am able to gather how she(MJ's ex-wife and first woman he married) must have felt as a wife. You could tell she loved him and cared for him. She tried her best to help him combat the addiction to prescription drugs. He did tell her that he may end up like her father, Elvis, the King of Rock. The story may have turned out to be true. The story of MJ and Lisa is a story of love between a couple and not to be misinterpreted with the media as a public display of attention!

MJ inspired the world! Where do we go now?

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 to 2009)