End of The World?

Man, what a hectic day this has been. Problems seem to be flying around left and right trolling everybody. Seems like somebody set Life's difficulty level to 'Chuck Norris'.

As some of you may heard, the city of Acheh has once again been struck by earthquake, and an impending tsunami disaster. Now, if we take a look back in time, 2007 seems to be the turn of a tide [quite literally] for our world. Since 2007, there has been numerous reports of natural disaster, all the way from hurricanes to earthquakes. Now, I am not saying that back in the olden days there weren't any, but they sure weren't blown up as big as today's disaster.

That really begs the question, are we REALLY just overreacting? or are we really looking at the end of the world? Now see, there's two side to this, just like everything in life. To say that back in the olden days disasters were less serious, that is quite an understatement. In the 90's itself, there has been repeated earthquakes ranging from America to Taiwan and Japan. Sure, the news did went international, but did they receive all the attention as today's news? This now leads us to the improvement in technology. Thanks to networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, news travel at a faster speed and in massive quantities as opposed to the backwards technology of radio/print press/television. People back in the days might take about 1-2 days to even get a clue of what is going on, whereas now, almost instantly we get the information. Case in point, my blog. I just got this news merely hours ago and just decided to sit down and write this post.

So, what is this about the end of the world and shit? The most accepted theory is that it is just another 'bubble', akin to the Y2K bubble. Just rumors, and when the rumors reach to a point where it conflicts against one another, that is when the bubble pops. A trend really, when it gets too mainstream, it just ends. If our argument premise is that this past decade natural disasters had been hitting us hard and constantly and thus legit to say the end of the world is coming, based on that same premise we can say that the end of the world should have came long ago. I don't have hard facts to give now, go wikipedia the information and I personally can guarantee that the amount of natural disasters in the past is the same as today's disasters if not more.

With that said, regardless of severity or location, a natural disaster is still a tragedy. Thousands of people, sometimes even tens of thousands, lose their life just because they happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is a tragedy, and to say we empathize them, we can never understand how it feels to lose a loved one to such a tragic disaster, unless we ourselves have experienced it. Some put their faith in God to help the poor souls, some actually help in means of shelter, food, and basic necessities. I personally feel helpless for not being able to contribute, and offering a prayer seems a bit too petty and easy to pass off as helping. Regardless, My condolences to the people of Acheh, and may you recover as quickly as possible. Masato signing off.

Facts? Or Bullshit?

Now, ignorant, arrogant and self-righteous people, AKA; fakers. We see lots of them in today's world. All from the entertainment industry to our neighbors. They are the kind of people who show an alternate 'good' side of themselves to society, just to score points in live, when virtual of the fact, they are as corrupted and vile as any sane (insane in some cases) person could be. They are the type of people who will act like they actually give two fucks about yourself, when really, no fucks are given whatsoever. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, humanity in itself is a dysfunctional ecosystem that thrive on the weak and the dying; basically a parasite. So, isn't it pretty normal for a parasite to show the 'good' quality for first impression's sake? Nope.

Case in point, the entertainment business. Don't get me started. It's always the same, sex scandal one day, uncalled charity the other. It's the same cycle that just goes on and on and on and on. Few years back, when 'pop' culture reference was mainly the Jonas Brothers and whatnot, it was all about purity and faith in God(not to mention the freaking Disney orientated wedding one of the brothers actually had, that must've cost a BOMB!). Today, it's all about 'hey you! lose your virginity quick, or you ain't cool!'. Seriously, look at music video these days. "you're a hoe- nicki minaj", seriously? that is what passes for a decent MV these days? I know 60 year old aunties that can sing better than that. It ain't any better in the movie department neither. Twilight, come on man, I mean, good God. And people say that Twilight was just misunderstood and has deep affectionate meaning. You know what has deep affectionate meaning? The depths of my bowels. There's no good value I can derive from Twilight, and people (girls that just got their periods) say that it has resemblance to Romeo and Juliet. Bitches please, have you actually READ Romeo and Juliet?? It's a tragedy, and a damn good one at that too. Twilight is just a tragedy, period, and if even if it does resemble Romeo and Juliet, That just makes Stephanie Myer a copy cat doesn't it?

In the arena of religion, this is where the bullshit hits the fan. I just can't stand people who CLAIM they are religious but they do exactly the opposite of what they preach. What? as long as it's out of the Bible/Quran/Sutra/etc it is legit?? Look, I have no beef against anybody that wishes to believe what they want to believe, but actually PRACTICE what you believe in. I have more respect for a believer who actually follows their holy book word by word than those who just expel air from their mouth. Don't wanna be labeled as a robot? Then THINK. We are the smartest known species to date in our history. We have the capability to think and reason, yet we do not maximize it's potential. Question authority, question conspiracy, question everything about life. Don't just receive input and take them as information. Process them, cross reference, do what a smart being would do. When you do reach a point where your thinking path is conflicting with your belief, argue. Test both sides of the argument. Which seems legit? Choose that one. It's very simple, live life critically and enjoy it. Think about it, if you're confined to certain 'laws' of life, what is the point of life then? The beauty of life is our ability to choose. Some of it maybe immoral, and for that we deserve punishment, but as long as it does not cross the boundaries of the norm, it should be fine, right? Why spend time hating one another for reasons from ages ago? Set aside differences and see the world for what it truly is, a world where everyone is born equally.

Some people claim it as facts, I tend to label them as bullshit first. That's the first step of arguments. Be it formal or informal, religion or science, be skeptical. We have the privilege of possessing such a skill, use it. You think you are right? Think again.

Back From The Dead

I think it is becoming a trend for me to blog and stop after a period of time. I can't even count the days since I last blogged. 2 months? 3? Hell, I am so disorientated. Anyways, confusion aside, it's the 2nd of April, year 2012. I am currently in college, living the life, or so I hope. The speed here is epic though, Internet speed that is.

Well, college life isn't all what I expected it to be, but still, it's pretty wicked. Just got back from RAGE in Melaka, tons of fun and trolling there, more of the latter. I think I will be updating my blog more regularly from now on... hopefully

The Sky Is The Limit

We often get bombarded by marketing gimmick in today's world. Be it electronic appliances, books, cosmetics, clothes, there's quite literally a mountain of marketing crap in the media stream. However, there is one thing that trump all of them to oblivion. If you were to use simple mathematical reasoning, or in layman's term, common sense, marketing will unveil itself to be a load of bullshit and crap. Yes, there's something out there that triumph even the most pestering telemarketer or salesman. Hide your kids, lock your doors, because religion is in town.

Now, I am not by any means hating on religion here, quite the contrary, I am laughing my ass off as I am writing this. The idea of an invisible super daddy that sent his only son [in the context of Christians] to write a book to spread to billions of people, the thought of being able to relive past lives [Buddhism], or the thought of a messenger locking himself in a cave to relay God's transmission [You know..] is a very questionable 'claim'. Okay, so you say I have no right to say that, you are probably right, I don't. But that doesn't stop people from coming and pestering me about religion. I am being very patient about the matter, mostly because I am a late blooming atheist, ergo, I don't know a whole lot. But what I do know is that religion is a matter of blind faith.

You devote your entire life to a invisible being that you claim to be omnipotent, fulfilling his so called wishes and will, just to see the world around you suffer from poverty, war, rape, looting, riot and a whole lot more. Doesn't that just blow your mind? If it is God's will, why bother buying insurance? If it is his will, why bother going to school? Why bother doing anything really? By now you are probably pissed at this blog and judging me for who I am, but I am just asking questions really. Just ask yourself this question, if it is stated in the Ten Commandments that 'Thou shall not kill', what about the Crusade? God just decided to pardon that? Then what about his Divine Plan? Was the Crusade part of the Divine Plan? If it was, what's with the Thou shall not kill? It's all very confusing.

Now, I am not some faker trying to lie to himself that he knows everything, nor am I going to pretend to know everything. I know little, little in comparison to what greater minds know. This is all just a piece of my mind that I really need to let loose, or else I might go crazy with laughter. To end this blog, here's a little quote I found on the net ;

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?”

-Epicurus(Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

I find it very true. Religion is just afraid to grow up and see the world for what it really is, they want you to believe that life is all about God, that progress is a sin and ignorance a virtue. You know better, logic and reasoning will always triumph against bedtime stories.

P/S: Stop preaching to me about religion damn it! I am sick to hear that crap day after day!!

Frame of Mind Part 2

On the 15th of July, I went to Kuala Nerang to cover a cluster school expo of some sort for Free School. Seeing that I was the only one to volunteer to go on that day, I'd expect the journey to be pretty tiring and boring. I waited for the bus at 8am while I chatted with my juniors, John and Bennic who were also going to the event as first-aiders. At 8.30, we had to lug some stuff into the bus while the rest of the expedition were getting ready, wasn't really my job, but I just went with the flow. On the bus, it was a rather tiring and bumpy 2 and a half hours ride to Kuala Nerang, Kedah. I sat next to Khartik and watched Gulliver's Travels on the display monitor on the bus. I was cleaning my camera kit and double checking that everything was in order, as I always do. we reached our destination by 12.15pm and we started unloading. I vividly remembered what my teacher said to me: 'It's a God forsaken place'. Well, personally it wasn't all that bad, kinda reminded me of my old boarding school back when I was in Form 1. Nostalgic to say the least. 

We went to our assigned tent and started putting up our signs and billboards. Ironically, I had to help with the deco and shifting of items when I should really be snapping pics for the school, but I just kept it to myself and helped as much as I could. By 1pm, the muslims in my expedition had to go for Friday prayers, which meant the working force has reduced in size. Only me, Khartik and Kavin were actually doing something, along with some of my juniors. I was appalled to see the scouts seniors that WAS supposed to be doing all these setting up wandering off to some other place when they still hadn't finish setting up our school banner. I believe in teamwork and fairness, and these group of people crushed my naivety. Those still in tent consists of our co-curriculum teacher, Pn. Norbaini and some other teachers, and a few of us students. To make matters even tiring for us, me, kavin, khartik and the juniors had to help a bunch of primary schoolers to carry their malay wooden musical instruments, which I have to add was a hell of a load. At 3pm, After sweating like a water buffalo under the hot sun, we finally sat down to take a breather. I walked around and snapped some pictures and noticed that most of the other school have awesome exhibition and deco, while ours were quite stale. I snapped some of their deco and walked around with a sense of deja vu. The architecture really brought me back to my boarding school days. Sad and happy moments there. Even the hall had the same air and design to it.

When I returned to the tent, the 'Big Shots' scouts were finally back, and still talking whereas the 'diva' Stephanie that followed us and Teik Min was fraternizing with a female from the tent beside us. I could care less due since I've developed such irrational hatred towards these bunch of 'Frees' that left us rotting in the sun when they sat down in the cafeteria and chatted. I kept it to myself and resumed helping out with whatever I can. I even heard Pn. Norbaini complaining about the scouts, guess there's justice in this world after all. I sat down with Kharthik, Ben and John while they were talking to Steph, Teik Min and that mysterious girl from the tent next door. I soon learned that her name was Clarrisa and she is a national debater. Next thing I know, she was spewing out Shakespearean lines to Steph and both me and khartik's jaw were hanging from where they should be. Never had I met a girl like that, odd, but in a good way.

I spent some time learning about this odd girl, and cocking about with John and Bennic along the way, and realized that she ain't bad at all. Guess first impressions are not everything. It was fun talking to her, and obviously more fun to make fun of John, who went emo after she asked him to 'Por', how I laughed. 

About 8pm, we had the green light to get our presentation ready for the LPM, and I set about preparing my equipment. In the presentation room, there was a few top guns from the ministry waiting to hear us talk. Steph was the first batter up, and she striked like a blind bat, so did Elaine with her half-assed speech. I was in such agonizing shame that these two girls are actually giving a presentation about the history and affiliations of Free School. Deep inside, I was screaming 'What the fuck are you doing??!!'. Thank god Khartik came to the rescue, as expected of my form's top boy, he swept the blood on the floor. Naqib, the hockey captain ended it with a cocky statement, but that sure did put a smile on the faces of the guys from LPM. I was relieved.

8.45pm, we packed our stuff up and got ready to head home. Before that, Clarissa came over our tent and bid adieu to us and snapped a few picture for memories. At that point we were so exhausted that our expression was practically a mix of happiness, agony, and high-off-jamaican-grass look.

In the bus I recount what I did for the day, it wasn't bad, it was actually fun. New relationships fostered, and old friendship strengthen, that's all that matters right? I chatted with Khartik for awhile until the pleasant feeling of sleep took over and took us back all the way to Penang.

Frame of Mind Part 1

This is a two parter blog about my recent photographic outings which consists of two major events which is my school's sports day and a cluster school expo in Kuala Nerang. The former was filled with passion and emotions, befitting the name 'Free School'. The latter was boring initially, but it did give me a chance to meet new friends and foster new friendships. Well, enjoy!

30 minutes before the start of the annual Sports Day of PFS, I went from tent to tent to get some pictures and some sneak peek of the theme of the houses. I was very impressed with Pinhorn's Avatar theme and their mascots were superb. Pn. Mani was obviously proud of her boys and I can see they are really excited about their work. I mingled around with the members from Pinhorn along with Sir Leonard and scoot along to my own house; Hamilton.

The event started off with a bang [quite literally] at 2pm sharp with the school's prided jewel kicking it off with an up-beat tempo for the parade march. Each houses have their own mascots and they are all well made from head to toe. There's certainly a sense of pride in every one of the marchers. 

The official ceremony was conducted by our school's athlete, escorted by the captains of the 8 houses in Free School. After the 'vow of sportsmanship', they returned to their respective houses and marched off the field, indicating the start of the day.

Before the actual sports event, there was a few performance by some uniform body, namely 'Gempur Wira'[i forgotten their real name, sue me]. They smashed tiles with their head and fists, proving their manhood [though the human body is tougher than tiles, so yeah]. After the display of prowess from the commandos of Free School, I went to the centre of the field for the first running events.

The athletes were all pumped up and ready to pounce on the prize of glory like a lion hunting a gazelle. Friends that I know in the classroom turned into what their primal instincts are; hunters, or quoted from Sergeant Foley of Operation Flashpoint "Hardcore, cold-blooded, laser guided, death dealing nin-motherfucking-jas". They came, they ran, and they conquered, quite literally. The strong moves on and the weak dies. Second is the first of the last, etc etc. Our boys were so in the zone, that even the guests runners from different schools were wiped out almost instantly in the 400x4 relay. The runners from Saint Xaviers lost up to a staggering 80 meters! Needless to say, the athletes of Frees are one mean sons of bitches.

Where muscle counts, even the Frees didn't let up. House representatives grunting and gritting their teeth while their veins and artery were at their limit as they surpass the physical limit of humanity. The flames of victory the only thing pushing them and the men beside them towards victory.

The most memorable event of the day was the tug-of-war. The final showdown between Cheeseman and Pinhorn. Each house has conserved their top guns for this event. The only event that'd prove they are the Ironmen of Free School. I was beside barely even 50cm away from them as they frantically pull the rope to earn their victory. The house captain of Cheeseman, and also my friend, Vash, screamed at the top of his lungs rallying his members to pull as if their lives depends on it. Eugene, another of my acquaintance, kept on rallying the boys to pull with momentum and brute force. After three grueling match, Cheeseman seized the title of 'Orang kuat Free School'. Vash was so happy he jumped for joy, and no different can be said for the rest of the Cheeseman. Despite the loss, the captain of Pinhorn, Prakash, went to congratulate Vash and the members of Cheeseman for their victory. The bond between brothers and sportsman were vibrant that day, despite a technical foul that happened due to Pinhorn not being ready for the 2nd match, and thus leading to a third decisive match. They compromised, they worked things out and they respected one another, That's what being a Free is all about.

At 6.30 pm, the day was finally over. A day filled with sweat and tears for some has came to a halt. Sure, this event happens annually, but it's the charm of the Frees of that particular year that makes it special. There isn't and there wouldn't be another Sports Day 2011, and we kept that in mind as we dispersed from the field.

Back From The Slumber

Ahh, been months since I've been on here! Busy busy busy, what can I say? =p

Life's a bit of a mess for me now lolx, in a state of limbo. One part of me is worrying like hell for my SPM, the other just don't give a flying ****. Here's a little update of what happened to me in the past few months;

Obtained my driving license, FINALLY! So fun to drive here and there~ but under the supervision of uncle and aunty =.=... Finished playing the epic game Dragon Age 2[WooT!!!], however, only once. Don't have enough time and patience to play another time. And I've finally discovered the sleeping atheist hidden within me, though I suppose you can say I am more towards agnostic, thanks to the stellar book 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins. Bravo sir, if I had a hat I'd tip it to your direction. Oh! And been snapping a few pictures here and there, will upload them when I have the chance. Recently I went for my school's music classical 'Beauty & The Beast'. Very nice show, though in my honest opinion, the main actress is a bit... stale... I mean, it's like she had a processor for a heart, but I digress. I've also finally got so hyped up about airsoft, that I am trying to get one in Malaysia[damn things are illegal here, shit].

And now here I am, in front of the comp, when i should really be studying for my SPM... Damn, well folks, till next time! Adieu!