Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Renouncing Religion

An article on the newspaper reported that about 2000 Hindus renouncing their religion and converted to Buddhism in a mass ceremony in Mumbai last Sunday. The fact is that these people are categorized as low-caste Hindus according to the traditional biased social system.

Apparently the main idea of this conversion does not imply that Buddhism teaching is more convincing but it has been used to abandon their "low-caste" status in Hindu society, of which being an obstacle in their living – education, job application, marriage etc. Pathetically
religion has been abused / wrongly used to fight for human rights.

On 14-Jan-07, I have posted an article concerning a case of a Muslim renouncing Islam in Malaysia. Today the Federal Court dismissed her appeal to remove the wording "Islam" on her identity card. The Judge cited that this case should be handled and approved by Syariah Court instead.

Malaysia's constitution stated freedom of belief to the citizens, obviously this clause does not apply to Muslims. Should I be pleased to be granted this priceless spiritual "freedom"?

Monday, May 28, 2007

Dance With My Father

Came across this song of Luther Vandross… brought back too many memories…


Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get
Another chance
Another walk
Another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love, to dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me (yeah, yeah)
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
Cause I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
I'd hear how my mother cried for him
(x2) I'd pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying to dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell


I must admit that this American TV series "Prison Break" obsess me greatly. It is one of the most wonderful series ever made.

I went shopping today in Sofia with 2 colleagues of mine. Unexpectedly I recognized this familiar face and voice of Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell (played by Robert Knepper). I couldn't be absolutely sure of him, and followed him walking into Nike outlet. He speaks American accent English, wearing a cap and carrying a little blond curly hair girl. My colleague suggested to approach and takes a photo with him. C'mon, we are already in our late 30's and it would be awkward to behave like little fans asking for autograph. We waited till he left the outlet and passed us by. Well, at last still we didn't confirm if he is really T-Bag. I think it couldn't be mistaken unless he has a twin brother looks identical to him.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein – Book 1 Prodigal Son


Finally I finished reading this book after lying beside my bed for 2 months. The story is not exciting and the way how the author tells the story is dull. Not one character is lively. This is the book 1 of the author's trilogy. Guess I won't look for the next 2.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Sandstorm




Friends from Khartoum sent these photos of sandstorm alleged to be the strongest since decade. The fine sand/ dust is being carried along when the wind crossing Sahara Desert. The view of the storm approaching was extravagant, like the surreal movie scenes constructed by computer graphics. The dust enveloped the space, everything… air quality is seriously worsening and the visibility is adversely affected (click to enlarge the photos to sense the power of nature).

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Weird Chat

Newly met a staff from Client today, had the following weird chat.
-----
Guy : Where are you from?
Me : Malaysia.
Guy : Why are you working here? There is no job in Malaysia?
-----
Me : (Pointing to my boss) We have been working together for 10 years for different projects.
Guy : You mean you cannot work without each other?
-----

Friday, May 11, 2007

Melting

Today's temperature is soaring high. Everyone predicts this coming summer would be very warm. The snow clad mountain in front of my window is melting much earlier this year… hmm… melting… just thinking of cheese Fondue. Colleague introduced this Swiss communal dish to me lately. Simple but delicious!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

不适

上司近日身体非常不适,很担心。劝他回国做彻底检查再休养一段日子。他始终放不下工作,坚持在项目上了轨道之后再作安排。与他一起工作近十年了,很了解他的脾性,亦师亦友。与他一起工作是愉快的。

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Black Sea

Travelled to the Black Sea with 2 colleagues last Saturday. The city, Burgas is not really attractive, though it is among the famous beaches during summer season. The chilly breeze is quite uncomfortable for sunbathing and swimming yet.


The scenic small old town Nesebar, built on an outcrop island, is located 40km northeast of Burgas. It's designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The historical value of the Byzantine church ruins is the key attraction, but most of them are really small, empty or close for public. The influx of tourists makes this town expensive, over commercialized.


The adjacent Slanchev Bryag (Sunny Beach) is said among the best beaches in Bulgaria. In fact, I have been to some much better beaches. Small amount of rubbish dotted on the beach, and the water is partially choked with seaweed. The stretch of a few km beach is fully packed with hotels, bars and facilities catered to the summer tourists.


Sozopol is relatively much less quieter than Nesebar. The small town is serene, and as expected, most of the bars on the beaches are rushing for final touch up to welcome the summer tourists.