tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154971892024-03-14T01:43:24.560+08:00Ramblings of a Mad CowMad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-23954411894323145202010-08-26T10:17:00.001+08:002010-08-26T10:19:04.925+08:00The Cow is MOOO-VING!Yes - The Rabid Cow, after long long years here at blogger is finally thinking of moving his patch of grazing ground... Watch this space for more information!!!Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-1324698747596588992010-06-26T09:32:00.000+08:002010-06-26T09:33:57.972+08:00HOPE: IN CAPELLO WE TRUST<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qQfP6Ge2zAE/TCVY-31vmgI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kdftBD6sYVc/s1600/Capello02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qQfP6Ge2zAE/TCVY-31vmgI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kdftBD6sYVc/s400/Capello02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486889558185318914" /></a>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-604120999684645222010-04-29T12:39:00.002+08:002010-04-29T12:49:09.400+08:00True 1Malaysia...As I was entering office this morning, I was unpleasantly surprised by the manifestation of 1Malaysia...<br /><br />I have come to the conclusion that Malaysians are united in bad road behaviour and an utter lack of common decency and patience.<br /><br />As I was trying to park into my allotted space in the office, there was a Chinese "Bengster" in his beat up Perodua blocking the spot. After 5 minutes of testing the extremes of my car horn, he decided to move back a few feet - forcing me to reverse into the spot. <br /><br />This is when it gets interesting - an impatient Indian old man in his pricey SUV and another Tudung wearing Malay lady decided that it is time, near the conclusion of this saga to move forward, waving hands and showing some 'tulan' face at me, to attempt to pass by the narrowest of space in front of my car - preventing me from actually entering the spot.<br /><br />Well - this is a remarkable show of UNITY in bad driving, lack of common courtesy and overall total idiocy...<br /><br /><br />Really, truly...<br /><strong>1Malaysia</strong><br /><br />And let us all break out our Jalur Gemilangs and start waving it in their pathetic faces attached to the third appendage of the hand!Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-43079666770946922062010-04-12T12:06:00.002+08:002010-04-12T12:33:28.515+08:00Being too Defensive...I was talking to this pakcik when I was in a cab the other day (I was in JB so I did not have my car) and we ended up talking about cars... Of which I brought up Top Gear. Well, I consider Top Gear to be the very best car show currently available and I really enjoy the topsy-turvy no holds barred comedic atmosphere of the show.<br /><br />However, at the mention of Top Gear, this pakcik's eyes darkened and started ranting about the evilness of western television etc. etc. and that they are out to get the ordinary Malaysians by parodying our cars. I was quite surprised actually - what in the world could this man be so angry with Top Gear?<br /><br />So I went back home and looked it up on the Internet - and I found this...<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wI2MpcIiO6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wI2MpcIiO6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />It seems that this pakcik has not gotten over the above video, where Jeremy Clarkson destroyed a Kelisa. It was picked up by people in parliament in KL (both opposition members and government backbenchers) - and the house broke out in indignant anger at this slight in Malaysian pride - and created a furious firestorm in Malaysian media. And this furore has propagated to this day (4 years later).<br /><br />I am actually aghast at this misplaced 'national' pride. Are Malaysians that un-self confident that a small parody on the (2nd) national car can cause such anger? Are we that blinded by the fact that Clarkson may be correct on a few counts that it is not that great a car? The fact of the matter is that Clarkson have blown up many cars before and since (including local British cars) and will continue to do so for its entertainment value. Why must we Malaysians have such a low esteem that we rise up in anger over it? Isn't this a serious case of 'Telinga Ringan'? And why must politicians on both sides rile up the situation so much so that some ordinary Malaysians still harbour ill will to a TV show produced half a world away?<br /><br />I would want the politicians we elect to focus on our own important local issues than to meddle in the entertainment industry - and as a result made Malaysians the laughing stock of the world (some blogs even started to paint our reaction in a similar vein as Kazakhstan vs Borat). In the end it is a comedy. Period. Our politicians should rather focus in ensuring ordinary Malaysian's ability to continue to afford our Kelisas, our Mamak Food and our livelihood.<br /><br />It may have been four years since that uproar - and Malaysia has since moved forward in our automotive industry. We now have our own (Britain based) F1 team and I seriously hope that we have matured as well - so much so that Malaysian pride is not so thin a veil that it is so easily injured and torn apart.<br /><br />I am proud of my country - and no amount of parody can injure it - even though I am not blind to its faults and I am Malaysian - more Malaysian than Mr. "Shit 3 times". And to set the record straight about Top Gear, I look further back and found this...<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C1M8AEbkGhk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C1M8AEbkGhk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-69701953417529310852010-04-07T10:28:00.003+08:002010-04-07T11:02:30.082+08:00Full of Shit...<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBHAMp0-bLc&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBHAMp0-bLc&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the way Ibrahim Ali promotes his view... Three times more shit than necessary for intelligent discussion. But then who says he is intelligent. Pakatan needs to find people of more suitable caliber to stand (even as independents)... since he just seems like an uneducated shit obsessed moron.<br /><br />I can only think of 1 suitable reply to him - both for the standard of English and his shit obsession...<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aoRD1wmvwUc&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aoRD1wmvwUc&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /></div>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-83248317712088167272010-04-04T13:02:00.004+08:002010-04-04T23:38:37.599+08:00Great Expectations...<div style="text-align: justify;">It is not everyday that you gain an insight into what your life to be - an epiphany into your life so to speak. And to get one on Easter weekend is all the more poignant.<br /><br />One of the things that leap up to me last week was my experience prior to, during and after a fateful April 1st evening. I went with the cell to do 7 stations of the cross - a church-wide event for us to better understand Christ's journey at the very last moments that lead up to the crucifixion. There are 7 stations on the journey - and space and time for us to contemplate each one.<br /><br />(For those who did not know which are the 7 stations, here is a list :) - Station 1: Jesus washing the disciple's feet, Station 2: The last supper, Station 3: Gethsemane, Station 4: The Arrest, Station 5: The Trial, Station 6: The Way of the Cross & Station 7: The Crucifixion)<br /><br />I can say that each of the 7 stations spoke to me but one station's recurring theme sets the tone for me this Easter - The Trial. From John 18, we see Jesus being led through a sham trial in front of the High Priest followed by another in front of Pilate. In this trial, he was convicted under the court of popular opinion, the court where the truth is lost in the cacophony of laws and dark whispers.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” (John 19:12)</span><br /><br />Through this station at church, we were brought through a series of questions and challenged to change our answers due to popular opinion. This exercise may seem absurd to some and to be in total futility to others but in my life I believe that what that have taken the place of laws and political intrigue is Expectations. In our relatively free society where the law rarely intrudes, we are now bottled in by expectations - the expectations of our parents, people from church, our friends, that special someone in our lives and even self imposed expectations. One of the most famous lines in our lives (and in mine over the past five days) is that 'we/I expected more of you', 'we/I expected more effort from you' and 'what you have done is below our expectations'. I personally have said to myself many times - "You should have done more - I expect you to be able to do a lot more.<span style="font-style: italic;">" But why do we allow the expectation of others to dictate the way we live our life?!? </span><span>Is it any different from the court of popular opinion that Pilate caved to?</span><br /><br /><span>What I have taken away from this weekend, not an easy one, is that we cannot let the expectations of others to rule our lives. They may not like it but their ideas about us to not define us. The standards other people imposes on us are not as important as our own standards - and our standards need to be inspired by God and His word. And by these standards defined to us by God I mean it from the bible - not some trumped up self righteous drivel that we see permeating from some quarters of 'conservatives' worldwide.</span><br /><br /><span>And more importantly, our walk with Jesus, our relationship with the living God should be what that defines us, not the expectations of others and of the world. And in this I am comforted by the prayers Jesus made for us in the Garden of Gethsemane (Station 3)...</span><br /><br /><span>Unity - </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We </span><i style="font-style: italic;">are. (John 17:11)</i><br /><br />Protection from the Evil One<i style="font-style: italic;"> - </i><span style="font-style: italic;">I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)</span><br /><br />Sanctity - <span style="font-style: italic;">Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17)</span><br /><br />And it is with great relief and agreement that I'd say, "Amen!"<br /><br /><br /></div><span> </span>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-13283288347290595562009-08-30T17:51:00.002+08:002009-08-30T17:56:41.602+08:00Stupid Cows...Was reading about the idiot Kepala Lembu protests in Shah Alam...<br /><br />I just have 1(Malaysia) thing to say about the entire thing. The fault lays on BOTH side of the political divide - on the side of BN and Utusan for formenting this simmering racial tension - on the PR side, PAS for coming up with the ridiculous alcohol issue!<br /><br />No alcohol in Muslim majority areas? When will it stop? The Cowheads are already saying No Hindu Temple in Muslim Majority Section 23 (or is it 22) of Shah Alam! What is next? No church in muslim majority areas? what else????<br /><br />Where does it stop? No non-muslims in muslim majority Malaysia?<br /><br />THIS HAS GOT TO STOP! We are 1 nation, 1 people! As it is being said by 1Malaysia! Time to step up to the plate, O politicians on both sides!<br /><br />Stop dividing us! Unite Us! or there may be no country left!Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-42705127628584308972009-08-26T01:35:00.000+08:002009-08-26T01:36:33.619+08:00As I Lay Me Down To SleepJust a song that caught my fancy... :)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VNPgBXE1zgM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VNPgBXE1zgM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-90926328315823234802009-07-04T13:22:00.004+08:002009-07-04T18:26:47.026+08:00A quiet morning...Yes, yes... I know - its has been a good five months or so since I hit the blog and wrote a few words...<br /><br />But I feel that today is the day to do it.<br /><br />Before I continue with my own ramblings - I would like to wish journey mercies to my friend Kelvin, half of the <a href="http://www.we-deed-it.com/">We Deed It</a> duo who will be leaving to join Jon - who incidentally is already in one of my favourite countries - Scotland! :) I wish you guys well in your trip ahead - Another 480 days more around the world. And I do hope that somewhere along the way - I will be able to join you guys! To be honest I am very envious! <br /><br />Now, back to where I am at the moment...<br /><br />Today is a quiet morning - for with the exception of the tapping of my keyboard, not a word or sound to be heard. The scene outside the window - a scene of typical Singaporean suburbia, with laundry flapping in tandem with trees to the rhythm of the breeze in the bright sunlight - seems almost unreal. Nothing else seems to move. It was as if the world stood still to let me lay out my thoughts.<br /><br />It has been a hectic and trying time for me and I would say my family. There has been some major upheaval in the business end and I truly wonder if we have bitten off more than what we can chew - but that is another story for another time and another day.<br /><br />At this moment - what I have to say is that, all things considered, I am well and truly blessed. Blessed with friends that care, family that love. Blessed with many things in life, traveled to more places than most... <br /><br />As a bird begin to chirp outside the window to accompany the tippity-tap of the keyboard and I see the gentle rise and fall of the creature in slumber (of which I am truly blessed to have her). I am blessed with a quiet morning...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-91815583687383614522009-02-04T20:59:00.002+08:002009-02-04T21:15:20.475+08:00Its all about the party - stupid!This post is about all the political shenanigans in Perak.<br /><br />It has always been a well known fact that in Malaysia - when you vote, it is all about the party. From the 'Dacing' to the 'Roket' to the 'Bulan'. It is all about the party. So - when people who most people cannot remember their names changes their 'emblem' - it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.<br /><br />I have never agreed that elected representatives defect from one party to another. I never agreed that Anwar's insinuations of doing it last September and I have never agreed of Najib doing it today.<br /><br />It sets a bad precedence! These people are TRAITORS! I cannot believe that Hee, who claimed to be a DAP member for 22 years would forever tarnish her name for such a move! A traitor is always a traitor - untrusted, unloved... the scum of the earth.<br /><br />Now, if 30 BN reps cross over to Anwar - the BN has no more moral high ground. Any anti-hopping law is a sham! This may turn out to be a Pyrrhic Victory... if Anwar does get the numbers - BN may just get swept away by the seeds they have just sown.<br /><br />However, this also gives me pause regarding the quality and integrity of the PR politicians we have voted into office. If their loyalty can be swayed - how can they truly say that they serve the rakyat who put them in office?<br /><br />I truly fear for this country of ours...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-86267838910669480802009-02-03T17:41:00.002+08:002009-02-03T17:48:30.498+08:00Doing the Deeds...Onto a lighter note...<br /><br />Another one of my friends, Jon is about to embark into a life changing journey! He and another friend of his is about to go around the world - for 500 days no less!<br /><br />They have started off by starting a website for the journey - <a href="http://www.we-deed-it.com">We Deed It!</a>. They will be starting off in April from London and from there around the world!<br /><br />Included (subject to change of course!) in the itinerary is the Trans-Mongolian Railroad, the Beijing-Lhasa Railway with a potential sojourn into North Korea! The journey is also open to anyone who wants to hop on and hop off at any part of the trip! So join them!<br /><br />This Mad Cow here is contemplating to join them in at least one part of the journey :)Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-29984590281048260252009-02-02T03:31:00.002+08:002009-02-02T03:40:53.787+08:00...Thinking about an old and absent friend...Its 3am and I have just had a sudden bout of wakefulness - was having a fitfull and restless sleep throughout this still and silent night.<br /><br />I has been a weird night - with me recalling an old old friend I have not seen for almost 10 years (excepting roughly an hour around 5 years ago). It was a friend I used to have deep feelings for, my oldest friend...<br /><br />I used to have daily conversations with her - even when we were overseas. Those phone calls dwindled with time - to weekly, forthnightly... monthly, quaterly and yearly over the years. Then one day, around 3 years ago - she dropped off the air and the internet. Almost as if she wished to disappear and forget her past.<br /><br />I do not know why I suddenly remember you, my friend - I just hope that you are well and safe. And that your old friend here, who has known you for more than 20 years, prays for you...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-38805132842752980432009-01-21T02:26:00.003+08:002009-01-21T09:04:44.103+08:00Of Aspirations...About an hour and a half ago, Barrack Hussein Obama became the president of the United States of America. It makes me almost want to be an American instead of a Malaysian... Almost. <br /><br />Although I am not a fan of Obama - of which I still think he has too much style than substance. I am more a fan of Clinton - less rhetorical, less kumbaya. But I can feel a tingle on my spine when he took office.<br /><br />Here he was, a half African American, a minority in his own country, taking the the nation's highest office. Many say a realisation of a dream. I was both elated for America and driven to despair.<br /><br />Despair? Yes, Despair...<br />For in this nation I call home under the current system - I cannot even aspire to hold the highest office of the land. I am a third generation of my family that lived here, grew up here and love this land as fiercely (or I would like to think) as any in this country. But unless there is a change, I can never ever lead this nation... NEVER!<br /><br />I am not even saying that I am capable of doing the job - but it would be wonderful even if that avenue is open to me. An avenue that all Malaysians irrespective of creed, religion or race can aspire to...<br /><br />For until then, let us not demean Americans and call them arrogant. Let us not needlessly boycott their products. Let us not protest in front of their embassy. For today, at 1 am Malaysian time, at noon Washington time - they are indeed a better nation, a better society, a more equal society.<br /><br />A society that - From Every Mountainside, Let Freedom Ring...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-82291734783828157382009-01-11T14:37:00.002+08:002009-01-11T14:42:34.238+08:00Its not about products... stupid!You know what - we Malaysians are STUPID!<br /><br />Boycott Coke? Starbucks? How petty can we get?<br />Grow Up!<br /><br />Why not boycott Intel & AMD as well? They are American companies?<br />Why not boycott HP? Seagate? Western Digital?<br /><br />What about Agilent? Oh Wait - What about Pfizer? MSD?<br />WAIT! We cannot forget! Let us BOYCOTT BOEING! Stop getting on Boeing Planes!<br /><br />Stop Using the Internet! - it is so obviously an AMERICAN creation.Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-57912803621418567632008-11-10T11:02:00.002+08:002008-11-10T16:51:23.521+08:00The Luxury of Politics...I was talking just the other day with a guy I know from business - and we were talking about the politics in our country - about the MCA, about PR and about Anwar. All very common topics of the day.<br /><br />However, he pointed out a very interesting story about his experiences with a guy down south. This guy is in a rather bad position right now, with his finances in disarray and dependencies and liabilities stacking up. Apparently, this gentleman has utterly no interest in politics whatsoever - yet he was a former (and probably still is) MCA member.<br /><br />The reason of his lack of interest in politics is because right now - he is too busy trying to make ends meet. And he sees no way politics or the government is able to assist him in anyway. In fact, he thinks that what the government and politics in this country is doing is even detrimental to him and his family.<br /><br />To him politics is a luxury - as he is more interested in fulfilling his basic needs 1st!<br /><br />But is politics a luxury? Politics can effect change to the most remote of people in a country of which the government cares. Politics and political offices are caretakers of the people's collective hopes, dreams and resources. I think that politics is not a luxury - but rather we have to look at the Luxury in Politics.<br /><br />Confused? Luxury in politics means the little luxuries we can have in our political systems - like having ideologies and stands on issues. I have personally identified myself as centre-right and have argued my position on issues like abortion, to economy, to small government.<br /><br />This may be because from a young age I have been interested in politics and have followed Reagan, Clinton, Howard, Rudd, Thatcher, Blair, Clinton (the lady), Obama and Cameron. Political systems that have established itself over the years to be a platform of national issues and policies. Democracies of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.<br /><br />But now I realise these are luxuries in politics. It is unfortunate that in our country - our political system is so inherently flawed that issues are buried and factions and races are brought into the fore.<br /><br />I have more than once declared my unease at the fundamentalist policies of PAS, the socialist policies of PKR and DAP. I have made myself clear that I identify myself with the policies of UMNO and MCA - conservative policies. Policies that I feel will benefit the people.<br /><br />But I have been blind - events from yesterday once again opened my eyes. I cannot support UMNO and MCA any longer - because my adherence to conservative policies is a Luxury in Politics that our nation can ill afford.<br /><br />Only when oppression, heavy handed police action and government abuse (throwing in weak leadership - e.g. MCA leaders who cannot even build his team) is overcome before we can be able to fight our fights on issues and policies.<br /><br />Now we only have ONE ISSUE to fight - Justice & Equality for all the People. I want a country where I can stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow citizens of any creed, race or denomination - as equals before the law and the government. I want a country where I could aspire to run for the highest office of the land - Not to win mind you, just the opportunity to run for the Prime Minister of this country.<br /><br />I am not saying this because of the recent Obama victory in the states - I am more a Hillary supporter. I am saying this because of the symbolism of Obama's victory in the US - that it is indeed a country where all men are created equal... and I see the stark contrast of this right here in Malaysia.<br /><br />I find that our foreign minister's statement supporting Obama before the US elections a mockery - for if Obama was Malaysian, he would not have even the opportunity to run for the Prime Minister of this land...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-69020580092669153012008-10-30T11:47:00.004+08:002008-12-03T21:03:19.895+08:00Liverpool & JesusI would quote from a recent conversation I had with a few of my closest friends.<br /><br />One of them was commenting that he has managed to convert two people to Liverpool but laments that he has lead no one as yet to Jesus. <br /><br />Why is converting people to Liverpool 70% as good as bringing people to Christ?<br /><br />*grin*<br /><br />Because - before you can even comprehend God and His relationship with you... you need to realise one important thing...<br /><br />YOU NEVER WALK ALONE!<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />This post celebrates Liverpool's victory over Chelsea and Portsmouth and signifies the writer still prays feverishly for further Red Victories!</span>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-31882143212335511492008-10-08T01:39:00.003+08:002008-10-08T07:55:33.473+08:00The Fellowship of the Unashamed<span style="font-style: italic;">by Dr. Bob Moorehead</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u-qDSB1xsN8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u-qDSB1xsN8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."<br />I have the Holy Spirit's power.<br />The die has been cast.<br />I have stepped over the line.<br />The decision has been made.<br />I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I won't look back,<br />let up,<br />slow down,<br />back away,<br />or be still.<br /><br />My past is redeemed,<br />my present makes sense,<br />and my future is secure.<br /><br />I am finished and done with low living,<br />sight walking,<br />small planning,<br />smooth knees,<br />colorless dreams,<br />chintzy giving,<br />and dwarfed goals.<br /><br />I no longer need pre-eminence,<br />prosperity,<br />position,<br />promotions,<br />plaudits,<br />or popularity.<br /><br />I now live by presence,<br />lean by faith,<br />love by patience,<br />lift by prayer,<br />and labor by power.<br /><br />My pace is set,<br />my gait is fast,<br />my goal is Heaven,<br />my road is narrow,<br />my way is rough,<br />my companions few,<br />my Guide reliable,<br />my mission clear.<br /><br />I cannot be bought,<br />compromised,<br />deterred,<br />lured away,<br />turned back,<br />diluted,<br />or delayed.<br /><br />I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,<br />hesitate in the presence of adversity,<br />negotiate at the table of the enemy,<br />ponder at the pool of popularity,<br />or meander in the maze of mediocrity.<br /><br />I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I must go until Heaven returns,<br />give until I drop,<br />preach until all know,<br />and work until He comes.<br /><br />And when He comes to get His own,<br />He will have no problem recognizing me.<br /><br />My colors will be clear.<br /><br />I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-29602102733628225742008-10-07T20:12:00.000+08:002008-10-07T20:13:00.690+08:00Missing Australia...Just a feeling... :)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fCMzVyInEuo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fCMzVyInEuo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-75798945404634408102008-10-03T11:14:00.002+08:002008-10-03T11:20:17.852+08:00Liverpool 3 - 1 PSV Eindhoven*Grin*<br />Stevie G scored his 100th Goal!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6piq8AwImU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6piq8AwImU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Steve Gerard Gerard...<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HZcoDFVwAw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HZcoDFVwAw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Too Good to be True...<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DnyzNLO9Bnw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DnyzNLO9Bnw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-18305849802911818402008-09-26T09:11:00.001+08:002008-09-26T09:15:22.277+08:00Acoustic Curves...<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OROAGNbsikQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OROAGNbsikQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-49653401737372199882008-09-24T12:01:00.008+08:002008-09-24T15:27:56.532+08:00Bring Back Our IndependenceThere has been talk recently in the press and openly amongst many of my friends that the best thing Chinese based parties can do is to pull out of the national government and gives its support to the opposition to effect a transition of power that will be a "Second Independence".<br /><br />While talking to a friend last week (or rather a week and a half ago), I was told that the MCA is a servant party and has always been a servant party since the beginning of the relationship between UMNO and MCA. It was said that this is reflected in the 'servant' ministries allocated to the MCA - ministries of transport, health, human resources, women & family planning - even local government. Nothing important like Defense, Finance or International Trade, always reserved for UMNO. This has been echoed by other friends and family.<br /><br />I feel the need to set the record straight. The initial MCA-UMNO relationship is not that of servant-master but of equal partners. I want to share a vital piece of the puzzle - that the birth of our nation was almost a stillbirth - one that was prevented because the Malays of UMNO and the Chinese of MCA later with the Indians of MIC came together to fight for independence.<br /><br />Back then, prior to independence and the existence of the MCA-UMNO Alliance, the major parties of the MCA, UMNO and the IMP (Independence of Malaya Party, a multi-racial party) each pushes its own agenda, often in conflict with one another. UMNO has its motto, Hidup Melayu! (Long Live the Malays!) much to the discomfort of the Chinese in Malaysia.<br /><br />The first test of achieving self-governance leading to independence was in Kuala Lumpur. In 1952, Kuala Lumpur held its Municipal Elections. There were 12 seats that was contested and the vote was expected to be fragmented between UMNO, MCA and the IMP with no one party able to govern with a solid majority. This is because at that time, Kuala Lumpur is a Chinese majority area. UMNO, the largest Malay party at the time, decided to field 6 candidates and the MCA in response, urged it to field a multi-racial slate. Negotiations and contacts between the two parties gave birth to a MCA-UMNO alliance, as equal partners. As a result, the combined MCA-UMNO Alliance gained 9 out of the 12 seats. An MCA member was given the honour to being the Alliance leader in the council. UMNO, under Tunku changed its motto to Merdeka! (Independence!).<br /><br />This Alliance (together with the MIC which joined later in 1952), using the formula formed under the Municipal Elections, went on to win election after election, culminating in winning 51 out of 52 seats in the 1st National Elections in 1955 - forming a strong united government that could demand and gained independence in 1957, a mere 2 years after the national elections and a mere 5 years after the formation of the Alliance.<br /><br />The first cabinet post-independence is as follows:-<br /><br />Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra -- Prime Minister, Defence, Foreign Affairs<br />Tun Abdul Razak Hussein -- Deputy Prime Minister, Defence (1958)<br />Abdul Aziz Ishak -- Agriculture and Cooperative<br />Tun Dr Ismail Datuk Abdul Rahman -- Trade and Security<br />Tun Henry Lee Hau Shik -- Finance<br />Tun Omar Yoke Lin Ong -- Labour and Social Welfare<br />Tun V.T. Sambanthan -- Health<br />Tan Sri Haji Sardon Jubir -- Works, Posts and Telecoms<br />Datuk Suleiman Datuk Abdul Rahman -- Natural Resources and Local Government<br />Abdul Rahman Talib -- Transport (1958)<br />Tun Leong Yew Koh -- Justice (1960)<br />Tan Sri Mohamad Khir Johari -- Education (1958)<br />Tun Tan Siew Sin -- Trade and Industry (1958), Finance (1960)<br /><br />This composition reflect a relationship of equal partners not of master and servant! MCA was awarded the important ministries of Finance, Trade & Industry amongst others. How come the MCA today is so different? so diffident?<br /><br />Why is it today supremacists can scream Hidup Melayu! a slogan that has been discarded before independence? Why is it that the Chinese can be called 'squatters' when we are equal partners in the formation of this country? Essential in the first baby steps that lead to independence? It is my opinion that if MCA did not work with UMNO, there will be no independence in 1957 and we would be under the British yoke even until the 1980s (Brunei gained independence in 1984).<br /><br />We are equal partners. We are friends, co-workers and neighbours - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban and many others. We are a multi-racial society. Don't worry about the concept of a 'Second Independence' - Bring Back Our Independence!Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-15224629497227745102008-09-21T12:04:00.001+08:002008-09-21T12:07:51.987+08:00Padang Musim Bunga...New Worry...<br /><a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/90118"><br />Malaysia to go nuclear with RM11 billion NUCLEAR power plant</a><br /><br />Think Homer Simpson...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-70333007716479288762008-09-16T23:36:00.003+08:002008-09-17T00:06:33.898+08:00Centrist...Well, it has been a hectic week - of running around (like a headless chicken, I might add...) for work as well as... more work, albeit of a different kind.<br /><br />It is today, of all days that I have realised a role that I have been constantly called to play, be it at work, at home, with friends and on special projects.<br /><br />That is the role of a centrist - and I am using the word liberally. Not so much so as a centrist in politics (although I believe my views merit me a slightly right of the center position) But rather a centrist in the sense of the person steering the center course.<br /><br />I think that has made me almost like a moderator in many issues between many of my contemporaries, ranging from between my parents, my friends or between business partners. It is not a role that I relish, as I feel constantly caught in between... *sigh*<br /><br />But I hope God gives me strength... if this is the role I have to play...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-40435623074236294832008-09-15T02:54:00.002+08:002008-09-15T03:05:14.797+08:00Of Equal Measure...Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman made an interesting statement today in the newspapers - of which I think merits an appearence in my thoughts...<br /><br /><em>"The detentions are proof that the Government does not remain silent in matters involving racial sensitivities and the Federal Constitution.</em><br /><br /><em>“Matters such as these should be viewed seriously because, if ignored, they could incite hatred in the people, especially the Malays, because their special position has often been disputed by certain quarters,” he claimed.</em><br /><em></em><br />So my dear Datuk, I would say that in view of the greatness of this government in doing so, might we suggest that we arrest the racist nutjob of Penang? Because...<br /><br />"The suspension of just 3 years by UMNO is proof that the Government remains silent in matters involving racial sensitivities and the Federal Constitution.<br /><br />Matter such as the one in Penang should be viewed seriously because, if ignored, they could incite hatred in the people, especially Malaysians, because their democratic position has often been disputed by certain quarters."<br /><br />Stop having different standards my dear friends, apply the law on equal measure as stipulated in Article 8, Clause (1) of the Federal Constitution or don't apply such a law at all.<br /><br /><em>Article 8 (1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.</em><br /><br />And God Bless Malaysia... God bless us all...Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15497189.post-56723904280224744282008-09-15T02:09:00.005+08:002008-09-16T09:35:40.632+08:00A Babel-ical Victory!Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qQfP6Ge2zAE/SM1aOYgH0FI/AAAAAAAAAD0/9ZTZvHEk0q8/s1600-h/liverpool-vs-manu-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245948344098345042" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qQfP6Ge2zAE/SM1aOYgH0FI/AAAAAAAAAD0/9ZTZvHEk0q8/s320/liverpool-vs-manu-5.jpg" border="0" /></a> A match that will surely enter the annals of the neverending Liverpool - Manchester United rivalry.<br /><br />Let's just say I am very happy and contented and put it at that... A victory at Anfield, our 1st in ages vs Man Utd. Caught snippets of the match, the Tevez goal at 3 minutes, Brown's own goal thereafter and a terrific 2nd half.<br /><br />Indeed...<br /><br />Babel-icious :P<br /><br /><em>Image by Alex Livesey - Getty Images</em><br /><em>Obtained from <a href="http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/">http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/</a></em>Mad Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808371503605164483noreply@blogger.com0