TJL 'Street Demonstration'

Those fellas have been digging, digging, digging and filling for the past 4 months. And my God... They took out half a hill! My room faces barren land now!

BEFORE:
Circles denote the 'raped' areas. A rough estimate, I think it may be more.

Image source: http://www.kampar.net

AFTER:


Street demos seem to be the 'in' word nowadays. Hence, the Persatuan Uncle-Aunty of TJL, 31900 decided that it's time to take action.

With placards (English, Cina, Melayu... hambalang language pun ada) and all, they staged a street demo as evidence of their discontent.

Mr. ADUN, 5th from the left.

It took only 2 persons to get the ball rolling initially, and 'Ball-roller A' came knocking on my door requesting for a official complaints letter to be drafted in English and BM. And me being the dutiful resident obliged.

More ball-rollers were roped into the picture soon after and it appears that there was an earlier 'Ball-roller before Ball-roller A' who has already done background work. Kudos!

An earlier letter (bukan aku yg tulis) handed over to the MB resulted in being forwarded to an Exco but no action was taken. It is hoped that with the recent election of local councillors, this would yield some results. Anyway, subsequent letter handed into the local authorities, Persatuan Uncle-Aunty meetings held, and coupled with the initiative of a few pro-active residents, it resulted in a visit from my State Assemblyman yesterday (Sunday). Mr. YB who visited the site himself, promised to 'look into it'.

Tak buat kerja, no more "X" for you next round!

The 'commotion' outside my house. It's quite nice seeing all neighbours gathered outside ala Wisteria Lane.

Anyway, our (correction: should be their, as I'm only supporting cast this time around. Had to keep my nose outta the picture due to exam commitments) mission statement is simple:-

1. To oppose to the proposed construction of an access road that by passes our particular Jalan; linking the new housing development project to our Taman and to town.
- I personally find this proposed access road redundant as there are currently 2 access roads available for their disposal. Why need a 3rd one? Especially when the 3rd by-passes a row of houses? It's not even the main road of our Taman.
- Plus, this new road will be constructed on 'filled-land'. Trust me, that place used to be a ravine, a very deep one which is now filled up. God bless those who buy the houses there.

2. The new housing site involves cutting or as the Persatuan Uncle-Aunty puts it 'raping' a hill which has a gradient of more than 35% (or is it 25%). And apparently, it is illegal an against the law.
- I have no idea about this. Have yet to check out the relevant statute.

3. And perhaps to review the feasibility of the whole project in general.
- A couple of rivers have been clogged up as a result of this 'penerokaan hutan'. Not a good sign. But, I honestly think that it's a bit too wishy-washy to hope that the developers would review the project as a whole.
- We're still far behind in attempts to do 'environmentally sustainable development'. All we do is blast (limestone hills), dig (i.e. rape the mountains), fill (the ravine), chop, dig, fill, chop, dig, fill.... *repeat process*

We shall see. I'll keep you posted.

Sekian berita untuk hari ini. Vannakum...

-LV-

One Fine Day

As I was driving back down South for the mother of all exams tomorrow (Monday).

“Tham, I've got a question for you. You free to talk now?”

“Errmmm… yeah. What’s up?”

“I’ve got a patient here, XXXX overdose.”

“What’s that??”

“Oh, alright... Got a patient here, admitted for overdose. Claims her husband’s got an affair with her sister-in-law who’s 14.”

“Uh huh?”

“What you reckon? Should I report it to the police?”

“So you’re trying to nail the fella down for statutory rape right? But then it’s only hearsay. Did she see the ‘act’ herself? Allegations of affair does not necessarily mean XXXX (censored for the benefit of those who are below 18), though it normally does. What does your supervisor say?”

“Supervisor says she's not gonna report it. But yeah, the patient claims she saw them XXXX.”

At this point, my senses and rationality came back to me. The issue at hand is on confidentiality.

Man, She's asking whether or not she has an obligation to report the alleged rape. Why on earth did I go on a frolic of establishing statutory rape, the factum and evidential issues? *Alamak!*

“Right. Think you should let her know of the options and leave it to her to decide on whether or not to make the report.”

___

Sigh! Such a straightforward medical ethics issue, yet I read way beyond the lines! I think I’m getting an overdose of CLP; Evidence and Criminal Procedure.

Lesson learnt: Don’t over-analyse matters.

-LV-

TY's Act of Kindness

Try to spot the joy amidst my pain... Pretty obvious, right?

-LV-

A New Addition to the Family

-LV-

Turning 22

To the one who knows my deepest, darkest secrets and understands the solemn duty not to divulge any of them

To the one who knows my likes and dislikes; and of my wishes and dreams

To the one who's often at the receiving end of my rants and knows when to leave me alone

To the one who shares the slightest and most insignificant news with me, and vice versa

To the one who texts me over some crap, and vice versa

To the one who listens to my lamest jokes, and gives me an approving laugh

To the one who's as lame (or lamer) as me

To the one who's just the complete opposite of me

Happy 22nd, TY!

-LV-

Dan Hill: Sometimes When We Touch

Done with my reading for tonight.
Currently indulging in a 'mini karaoke-session' (behind closed doors, of course! Oh yes, and tightly sealed windows)

Source: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2ATL75Bj8yk

Judging from the humongous beard and hippie-style/flower-power era dressing of the singer, you may be able to tell that it's a pretty old song.

Yet, it's still an old school favourite of mine. Used to play and sing along on the organ... *hehe*

Anyway, the lyrics (with my favourite parts highlighted in blue). I like how the chords change during those parts. And yeah, I think the lyrics are brilliant.

You ask me if I love you and I choke on my reply

I'd rather hurt you honestly than mislead you with a lie

And who am I to judge you on what you say or do

I'm only just beginning to see the real you

And sometimes when we touch

The honesty's too much and I have to close my eyes and hide

I wanna hold you till I die

Till we both break down and cry

I want to hold you till the fear in me subsides

Romance and all its strategy leaves me battling with my pride

But through the insecurity some tenderness survives

I'm just another writer, still trapped within my truths

A hesitant prize fighter still trapped within my youth

And sometimes when we touch

The honesty's too much and I have to close my eyes and hide

I wanna hold you till I die

Till we both break down and cry

I want to hold you till the fear in me subsides

At times I'd like to break you and drag you to your knees

At times I'd like to break through and hold you endlessly

At times I understand you and I know how hard you've tried

I've watch while love commands you

And I've watched love pass you by

At times I think we're drifters, still searching for a friend

A brother or a sister, but then the passion flares again

And sometimes when we touch

The honesty's too much and I have to close my eyes and hide

I wanna hold you till I die

Till we both break down and cry

I want to hold you till the fear in me subsides

Lyrics from: http://paperclippings.com/list/DtoI/dhill-whenwetouch.html

Next up the list, Daughtry's album. "Over You" and "Feels Like Tonight"
And please, by all means avoid picturing me doing the rock-band thing. Thank you very much.

-LV-

I'm Happy Now, Even If I Die

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Gotcha!!!!!
No, not it's not me, folks... Sorry!!! :P

Anyway, it's yet another Jehovah's witness-blood transfusion saga http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1018355.ece

The fine line between law and medical ethics; between compelling treatment and respect for autonomy.

How do we distinguish?

-LV-

Haih... (v2.0beta)

One needs to have faith in her capabilities and in herself at this point of time...

-LV-

Haih.....

*deep sigh*

-LV-

Good Morning Malaysia!

Vyen's CSR corner: Anyone fancies some 'couple t-shirts'?

Check this out http://www.mylovecouple.com/pg4.html.

It belongs to a friend of a friend. I've browsed through it and saw some pretty cute designs.

And no, I'm not getting any commission whatsoever for this :)

___

Hola people!!!!!

Was up and about since 5am this morning.

It's been ages since I last did that...

I could still recall my bancuh kopi days when I had to wake up at 4am to do some reading before heading off for my bancuh kopi job at 9am. I used to take a 45 minute walk to work. So I leave my room at 8am. Ah... those days, of a flask with some hot coffee in my hand, and accompanied by my MP3 player.... the relaxing morning walks to work...

My 'money factory' aka bancuh kopi place:- "D(F)ruckers"

(yup, that's what WE (note, not only me) used to call it)

PS: VCKY, NS - Tolong 'gi sampaikan salam pd 'sahabat baik' saya ;)

And yes, my flatmates used to wake up by 5am, hence, their 'wake-up' early bug did (serba-sedikit) rub into me. *lols* I still remember cursing Mel for going to bed at 8pm!

Anyway, it wasn't that difficult dragging myself outta bed at 5am today, as compared to yesterday and I think it's because of the Clarinase that I took the night before. It tended to make me drowsy previously, but now, I think I get palpitations from it. Hence, I was actually up since 3.25am. My humble opinion tells me that palpitations = hyper-active = cannot sleep much. Same effects as caffeine.

Anyway, I think the palpitations got something to do with age.... Ipoh white coffee makes my heart beat go havoc too!!!!! But then, that 3-in-1 sachet has got a killer dose of caffeine (3 shots I think!). My deduction from a layman's point of view and observation.

Come to think of it, its nice and refreshing to get an early start to the day! I'm actually both a morning and night person, though I tend to prefer mornings.

Alright, time to get started on my 2nd paper for today! Rise and shine people!!!!!

-LV-
*allergies are killing me!

Game On

Update: And now, the accountant wants to party too!!!! Opps... it turns out that they've partied together long time ago. Way to go guys!
___

A letter written by the 'lawyer',

Signatures collected by the teacher,

Formal complaint subsequently lodged by the doctor,

MPs and ADUNs (soon to be) roped into the picture *aha*...

Can we stop deforestation, encroachment and development?

Game's on, babehhhhhhhhhhhh.....

-LV-

Haih...

'The-other-fella' won the British Grand Prix

And Federer lost the Wimbledon finals

The lansi tortoise @ 31900; 6th July 2008

*haih*

I think I'd better stop jinxing anyone by supporting them...

-LV-

British Grand Prix 2008

And it's my pleasure to present to you... Heikki Kovalainen, the man on pole for the British Grand Prix this weekend!!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24377114@N04/2328851559/

After being overshadowed by his teammate for the earlier 1/3 of this season,

this is his chance for a breakthrough.

Will he score his maiden race victory tonight? My prayers are with him...

Oh btw, mum's convinced that I'm supporting him because I oh-so detest 'the-other-fella' in the team. Part-truth.

Why? 3 races into the 2007 season, I grew sick of the British press that's been all too eager to lap up news after news about 'the-other-fella'.

And my gosh, I shall not comment about the very public Alonso-Hamilton spat.

I recall complaining to Dan last year and his reply was apt (in some ways),

"Dan.... All ITV's showing nowadays during live race coverage is Hamilton, his dad, Hamilton, his dad, and back to Hamilton... then his dad again!!!!"

"Well, you can't blame us. It's been ages since Damon Hill won the World Championship."

So perhaps, you can't blame the press for lapping up 'sensational news' about their fast-rising star (back then). He was lucky last season. And for once I was glad that a Ferrari driver (so long as it's not Schumacher) won instead of him (though would have personally preferred Alonso as the 2007 WDC).

Look at the-other-fella's 2008 season. I hope it continues this way, and that Heikki will elipse him in the near future! *teehee*

But still, with reference to the above statement made by Dan. Hmmmm... such words coming from the mouth of a guai lo who's country has had so many drivers in the likes of Button, Coulthard and Davidson (from the now defunct Super Aguri).

And what we've got? Alex Yoong!!!! *period*

ANYWAY...

God speed Heikki!!!! Your predecessors Rosberg, my evergreen favourite Hakkinen and my so-called 'ex-bf' Raikkonen have done it. So can you!

Starting grid line up: Kovalainen, Webber *wow*, Raikkonen...

Game on!

-LV-
PS: I realise that I sound very much like an old-broken record whenever I talk about my pet-peeves in Formula 1. Singing the same old-tune over and over again!
He he... but then, so long as ITV continues with its worship of 'the-other-fella', my rants will continue...

On Integrity

In our quest for the gospel truth, one must not leave any stone (or empty coconut) untouched...

-LV-

*2 cents worth on Malaysian politics

When Is It Wrong To Kill?

Yup, I've reached the chapter on "Killing" - euthanasia, abortion and infanticide in Singer's book, "Writings on an Ethical Life".

I was wrong to have mentioned initially that he shares opposing views to Harris on the ethics/philosophy. As I read on through the earlier chapters of his book, it dawned upon me that Singer's concept of practical ethics does not run faraway from Harris's concept of rational intuition.

For instance, Singer in the chapter entitled "When Is It Wrong To Kill" proceeds to address the following issues:

- The concept of personhood
- The moral justifications for killing (i.e. euthanasia, abortion and infanticide)

Both Singer and Harris proceed to address the concept of personhood, and then utilize their conception of "persons" in order to justify their arguments for killing.

They both begin with the same arguments. That the concept of personhood is determined by consciousness, ability to communicate and to express ourselves. But Harris in his book, "The Value of Life" goes on further to assert that one main quality that sets us apart as a more 'superior race' than animals is our ability of self-recognition. And I find this to be the pivotal point to the concept of personhood.

The basic 'criterias' as laid down above to establish personhood must be considered cumulatively. Firstly, consciousness as a pre-requisite is important, but not conclusive. It is important as it would justify the ethical arguments for euthanasia. Consciousness refers to our ability to be aware of our surroundings, and experience the ups and downs of life. Hence, often, when decisions are made to withdraw treatment from PVS (permanent vegetative state) patients, healthcare professionals, ethicists and more importantly the patient's family members resort to this argument; that Andrew is no longer conscious, and kept alive only by machines. He no longer has a chance of regaining consciousness again. Hence, it would be in his best interest to withdraw treatment. This is perhaps the ground taken by the courts in deciding in favour of withdrawal of treatment in the case of Tony Bland who was involved in the Hillsborough disaster in 1980s???.

But, this justification taken alone would not be sufficient to justify euthanasia. Animals are also conscious beings, so what makes us so special as humans? Why would it be morally tenable to kill a chicken for dinner tonight, but not to kill Jacob, our elderly next door neighbour instead?

This brings us to the next point - ability to communicate and of self-expression. Human beings are able to express their feelings, wants and needs by means of language. But, this alone would not be sufficient to establish our claim to the right to life as persons. Animals, likewise have their own means of communication and self expression. Sally the dog may bark when she is angry, growl when she is pissed and whimper when she is afraid of lightning. Buck the horse may neigh when it's read to mate. All these are forms of 'self-expression' and such ability to communicate is not solely confined to human beings.

I may speak English, him in Malay, her in French. But we're all persons. Hence, it can be seen that the fact that someone else does not speak a language than is understandable by others, it does not make the individual less human. So the two criteria of consciousness and communication are insufficient to justify arguments in favour of the ethical righteousness of euthanasia. I may speak in English and Bob the dog would not understand a single word I say, and similarly Bob may growl, grunt and bark and I would not understand a single 'word' it says too! Does this justify euthanasing Bob (on assumption that it ends up in a PVS stage one day) merely on the basis that it speaks 'alien language'? Well, English, Malay and French may be 'alien' to Bob too! But we're both able to express ourselves in a language only we understand. Hence, criteria for personhood number 2 does not justify an overriding interest in favour of humans.

At this point, Harris makes this pivotal point. In that our ability of self-recognition and self-awareness makes us humans. We have a concept of 'self' and as such, it would be wrong to do anything in violation of our conception of our individualism. Put a baby in front of the mirror, and it would be able to recognise him/herself. In contrast, put a tiger in front of the mirror and it'll probably ram through it, shattering the mirror into pieces.

Therefore, I am of the opinion that this, would amount to the cut-off point in the determination of personhood and to justify killing.

As persons, they would have the concept of 'self' and as PVS patient's lack this general conception of 'self', it would be morally euthanise them. The lack of 'personhood' in them renders it morally tenable to euthanise as they are no longer able to live life as they desire. As they lack the requisite concepts of personhood, euthanasia cannot be equated to killing. It should instead be viewed as means to ease the passing of a 'former person'. This was the ratio behind the decision in the Bland case in which the judges held that, (in my own words)

"...Tony is no longer the boy he used to be. What he is now is a shadow of his former self and as such, it would be in his best interests to withdraw treatment..."

This is true as one who is not a "person" would be no longer have the ability to value their existence. And as such, euthanasia does not amount to a violation of their purported human rights. Therefore, killing is morally and ethically tenable.

This would perhaps explain the morality behind killing Sam the chicken for dinner instead of Roger your next door neighbour.

I certainly hope that I would not be put into any such position in the future as I readily admit that I am sure that my considerations would be very very different.

Some things are easier laid down in theory than in practice.

-LV-

Who's to Blame?

Disclaimer:
To those whom I know who have chose to stay, I wish you all the best, and I respect your choice. The following is my opinion on how things ought to be done, ethically, and with a conscience.
___

It's the time of the year again. Universities are having their Summer Graduation ceremonies in a couple of weeks time.

And as expected 439823958 of our sponsored graduates would choose not to return home but continue working overseas.

Yes, I readily, willingly and openly admit my utter annoyance and disdain towards the selfishness of such individuals. And I can't (and haven't) ranted enough about it.

The doctrine of freedom of contract rightly holds that a contract is only valid subject to the presence of free consent between parties who entered into the said agreement. So, the claims of you being 'forced to return' to serve the country doesn't stand. You signed your 'freedom' away, so to speak. You agreed, pledged and sworn that you would return to your country upon completion of your studies. You begged and pleaded for a scholarship (In English: attempted to impress the interviewers) with an unwavering promise that "Saya akan balik dan berkhidmat untuk negara". And look now, where are you!

You can't have the best of both worlds folks! You want a sponsored education and are NOT WILLING TO PERFORM YOUR END OF THE BARGAIN! If so, do the right thing and repay back what your sponsors have spent on you.

And I must emphasise, the fact that you scored a string of A1s in your SPM exams does not accord you a divine right towards the 'conferment' of a scholarship. You are just 'tad luckier than many others who missed out on an 'insignificant' A in subjects like P.Moral or History and as a result were not given a scholarship. It is your privilege to be a sponsored student, and appreciate that fact. Do not gloat over it, as it is not something very great these days. Academic results are worth nothing but a piece of paper out in the world. And who cares that you were a scholarship holder in the dog-eat-dog world out there. You've perhaps had your moment of glory when the results were announced, and when the scholarship offer letter arrived. Those days are long gone, and you must stop banking on 'past glory' and land back on Earth with a loud *thud*.

At this point, I must emphasise that I have no problems with self-sponsored students who choose to remain and work overseas, and/or scholarship holders who have gone the 'ethical way' i.e. those who chose to work overseas BUT HAVE REPAID their debts!

Shame on those who chose not to return AND defaulted on their loans or breached their scholarship agreements.

Come back and report to your benefactors upon completion of your studies. It's your duty and call! Should you have done so and have not received any reply from them, you may rightfully claim that they don't need your services anymore. But well, this would rarely happen especially for those doing the so-called 'critical courses' (you know what I'm talking about).

You can't have your cake and eat it too, people! Wake up!

Should we blame the sponsors for their inactions? Or should are the sponsored students to blame?

Fewer sponsored students returning = Lesser man power
Higher number of scholarship defaulters = Increase in the amount of 'wasted expenses' in sponsoring such ungrateful students.

Well, that's my 2 cents worth from the narrowed world (fishbowl) of mine.

Suck it up and do your end of the bargain!
No free lunch, mate! In your dreams, maybe...

-LV-

Review (sort of): Hancock

I woke up early this morning at 7am, got my morning quota of reading done in anticipation of a pre-planned 'movie date'.

It was a long-anticipated trip to the cinemas considering that the last movie I watched was 27 Dresses with the girls. *lols* Poor MF had to accompany us to the chick-flick.

Anyway, in I went to the cinemas with CL for Hancock. Yup, on the day it opened in the cinemas! Another rarity, considering that the last time I did so was for The Da Vinci Code at AMC at 12 midnight with NS close to 3 years ago. *lols*

*Side-tracks a bit*

Late Spring 2006:

I could still remember NS and I doing our studying at the JRUL (John Rylands University Library) till 11.45-ish pm and then I pestered her (I think I did) to go for the movie (I'll give an arm or leg for Tom Hanks!). And dear NS was obliging as always, and we headed home to put our stuffs and off we went to AMC! I could still recall walking back along Oxford Road after the movie at approx. 2 am.

Eh, NS, still remember the buy 1 free 2 movie deals we used to do? All the sneaking-in movie marathons! All the legally-illegal stuff we used to do!

Ah, those were the days when I (we) was (were) still young and innocent students trying to strike gold in Manchester. Well, sort of. *dramatised* :P

*Steers back to main topic*

Anyway, we plonked ourselves in our seats and the movie began. Good thing CL got the tickets yesterday, hence we were spared from the pain of queueing up today. Discriminatory "Online Booking is Limited to Cinemas in the Klang Valley Only" policy!!!! *sulks* Anyway, the cinema was unusually packed today. Weird!

And the storyline went like this....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mycine/2459169133/

*hehe* Don't worry, I won't be giving any spoilers on my blog. Go watch it yourselves.

In a nutshell, typical super-hero movie with a twist. Good entertainment. And man, Will Smith is as suave as ever. And Charlize Theron is just gorgeous!!!! Oh yes, Jason Bateman is yummy-licious as Ray too! Hmm... but Aaron, is not as cute as I had wanted that kid to be. That's all I'll say about that movie.

Had wanted to watch Dasavataram and/or Sepi as well, but we 'chickened-out' last minute (as usual!).

I know this sounds strange, but I was glad that I went out today. As I turned out more productive that I normally would had I stayed at home. In fact, I clocked in more hours of productive reading+studying today (both before and after the movie). I guess I'm those 'need a carrot dangled at the end of a stick' kinda person. Goal oriented or reward focused? Well, they are both different sides of a coin!

In all, a great day for me. I got my lenses done, watched a movie, went out for the afternoon. Came back rejuvenated (the most important bit), and got a whole load of reading done! Quite pleased with myself!

Heh! Looking forward to my next 'movie date' with MW. The 'prey': Sepi, after CLP.

And yes, The Dark Knight as well! The late Heath Ledger seems to have given a masterful performance there. Must watch that before I go get lost in the jungle! Any takers?

-LV-

Weirdly Interesting

I dreamt last night. And in my dreams, I was attending CLP classes. And we covered the topics "The Right to Life" and "Why and When It Is Wrong to Kill?" Yup, all during CLP CLASS! *lols* The side-effects of Clarinase and/or overload of CLP! Welcome to my world, folks!

Gone With the Wind

It's been 25 years since that fateful day...

When it started out this way...


It grew strong and mighty day by day...


Until heavy rain and strong winds struck one fine day...

Casualty 1: Bob the Cactus

Casualty 2: Bob the Bat

Most trees in my garden were slayed...

Casualty 3: Bob the Coconut Tree

Casualty 4: Bob the Banana Tree

And my dear ol' coconut tree ended up this way...

The coconut tree trunks, now converted into fish pond decorations. Painstakingly sawn by yours truly.

*Ha Ha! Lame attempt to be poetic... :P

-LV-

On Making Time and Effort

It feels good when you receive a call from someone who's 54385489 miles away,

It feels nice when you wake up in the morning to discover a text from someone 2039043 miles away,

It's lovely when someone who lives 45 minutes away makes the effort to meet up for a drink,

It's great when someone who is at the other end of the world drops you an email filled with detailed updates and photographs,

It's a pleasant surprise to receive a short note (snail mail) in the letterbox (albeit hastily (and curi-curi) written ones during those dreadfully long conferences/meetings),

All it takes is a little time, thought and effort,
AND
Tiny gestures do make a difference...

I'm grateful to have met such great people...

-LV-