Power of Dream

    When I mention the power of dream, I am not referring to Honda's motto or the determination of oneself to achieve something. What I meant is the experience of having a dream literally. If you think about it, a dream is something extremely unique and amazing. Simply because every occurrence in a dream is merely a simulation. Just like in reality, we ourselves maintain a certain degree of consciousness during the period of dreaming. But have you ever thought about the people you meet in your dream? Or the place you explore? Though it may be inspired from somewhere, but our mind actually created an almost realistic environment. What was more amazing is that the people you meet in your dream has their own personality. Guess what? It is a mere creation of your own mind! Honestly, is almost similar to yourself interacting with your own mind. Basically during our sleep, our mind is communicating with itself. It never fails to amaze me that every single time we dream, is always something different, possibly inspired from surroundings that we often seen but never took notice. Even our own personality changes during dreaming. From here, I guess you could say that our mind knows more than we know and the power of dream is something to be amazed at.

Keep Your Enemies

     Usually when we dislike someone, we tend to move away or avoid them if possible. This is just simple human nature. Logically, who wants to be around someone who disagree with everything we do? So we keep the best of friends and ignore the one who gives us a hard time.

     But you know what? I say keep them around, don't avoid from them completely. Simply because they usually question about our personality, perception, interest and etc in which we do not normally do to ourselves. For an example, I am a theist wherelse I have a few friends who are atheist. However there is this one particular friend of mine who condemns everything my belief teaches. Then what should I do? Social norm will tell us no point having him as a friend since he is not compatible with us.

     Though there is no doubt some of the comments were offensive for myself, but that doesn't give me a reason to end my friendship with him. Why? This is because he ask questions in which me and possible other theist would not ask. Simply because those were the subjects which are extraordinary and unbelievable which science can't prove. Therefore, his criticism actually provide an opportunity for theist like me to think much more deeply. Is there any explanation? Are the text taken to literally? With this, what may be offensive can be very constructive. If we are afraid of asking the questions, why not let them ask the questions instead?

      Another aspect, they can help to achieve your goal better. As we plan for a function, commitment and etc. usually we have a rough idea of the challenges and obstacles that would arise in the future. But ourselves can only think so much. If we were to expose our whatever resolution or plan to both our friends and enemies, usually the enemy has tons of things to say on why we would not achieve it. Indirectly, they are pointing out all the other possible challenges or trouble we would be facing thus helping us to develop a better plan.

     All in all, you may be surprise that sometimes the reason to your success comes not from your friends, but your enemies.

Daydreaming Is Good!

     Often times if we are caught daydreaming, it is seen as a waste of time, idle action which produces no real work or result. So what happens? We are pulled back to reality to focus on a more practical or I would say realistic work. In a way is true since an idle hand isn't going to produce anything right?

     However I believe everyone should be given a duration of time to daydream. Simply because when we daydream, we are actually expanding our minds, forming new creative ideas. Though some may debate time is precious and no one has time for that. I'll tell you why daydream can be much better than conventional education. During exams, usually the answers that we vomit out during exams are just pre-existing or memorize facts that we obtain from whatever sources. Yes, you can debate also that a person's knowledge is increased as he or she reads more. True, but that is all about it. All the knowledge you have stored in your brain are merely copies of what you have read, nothing more, nothing less.

     As for daydreaming, whatever that is in your brain, you are actually allowing it to expand. Why so? Simply because when we daydream, we create scenarios, plots, characters, situations and etc. together with our existing knowledge. We are actually creating new things to coexist with our knowledge. So what we have learned, it won't be just merely copies, but a modified or even an improved versions of that knowledge. For an example, in biology we learned that white blood cells destroys pathogens to keep the body healthy. However when we daydream, we could be imagining white blood cells as humans or robots retaliating attacks from aliens (pathogens). So this allows a person to expand not only in terms of knowledge but also creativity.

     This is why I believe some of us lack creativity because everything has to be realistic, built within a set of rules or perspectives. Anything beyond that would be a struggle. Though I won't deny that knowledge is definitely important, but that by itself isn't going to produce anything different or unique. The worst part is that the world requires us to show potential that is different from others in order to succeed but at the same time fixate certain systems that makes us all the same. Therefore daydreaming do help develop a person's creativity, and we should do it often regardless of what society may say otherwise.

Establishment on Mars

     Recently I saw an article on a project by the name of Mars One. Basically this project aims to establish a permanent human colony on Mars by 2023. Well, it is an interesting project, I mean, living in another planet? That is something you can pick out from a lot of science fiction movies, which now seems to be taking a step closer to reality. I really do praise the ongoing effort taken by people and organization involve in making this project a success, hopefully.

     However, project such as this requires lots of financial support. But yeah, anything to do with space exploration is definitely going to consume huge amount of money. This came across my mind, how many people can actually go there at a time? Let's say there is already a well establish little village on Mars, how many people can actually afford to make a trip there? I honestly believe that even with the success of this project, only a minority can feel the result of this success. As I mention earlier, if you ever want to travel in space with our current technology, is going to cost you a bomb.

      Personally, I will be amazed by the success (if they succeed), but that's about it. Is going to be a short term excitement simply because it is not something I can actually look forward to visit or experience. Yeah, it is said the journey is going to be documented on a television reality show all day, all week, all year. But that's about it, the journey to Mars for most of us is going to be as close as we are to the television screen. It is similar to the movie '2012', mega-size ships were built which is amazing if they actually exist, but people who could afford it are the rich. Is the same with this project, is either you are filthy rich or very heavily sponsored to be able to participate in this project.

     Then I wonder, would it be better if  there is a project on a underwater settlement or something like that? Something more relevant to everyone. Though I guess it could get as expensive as Mars One, but I believe it is more beneficial than the establishment on Mars. Simply because there is the opportunity for anyone and everyone to actually live in one if there is one. It doesn't have to be a settlement, it can simply be a underwater theme park or hotel. How cool would that be? I would be more excited because it is different and there is a higher possibility of visiting one. And maybe a good idea to curb the ongoing global warming, ice melting issue we are currently facing, to live underwater.

     Well, I would just want to say that Mars One is a good futuristic idea of us human living in another planet but it is not something I would keep myself attached to its progress.

     

Who Am I? Not A Simple Question.

     Who am I? A question which only consists of three words, but the answer to that sometimes takes a life time to truly find the right answer, or may never. Even in the movie Les Misérables, the character Jean Valjean had so many contradicting and confusing identity when he ask himself this question in one point of his life. In reality, we are often asked the same question during an interview. However is not that hard to answer right? I mean, we already have a pre-plan set of answers to be given with those questions. But we know it ourselves, those are hand-picked good qualities or may even simply made up just for the sake of interview.

     So who am I really? I am, was a timid and shy person. In my childhood, I was never really an outgoing person, I preferred to stay silent and observe my surroundings and the people. As I grew up, I became more outgoing, friendly and interactive with people. I guess you could say exposure contributed to this change, or simply because of puberty. I like to be different too. That is why I learned the er-hu and breakdance, simply because is something you don't see everyday. But at the same time, often I feel like an insecure person. Always worry about things that has room for doubt. Fear of the unknown, unpredictable outcome of an event, or just about anything. I guess you could say I have a strong fear in failure and rejection.

     I am also a person who is strong with his own religion. But at the same time I am not the all-believe everything is linked to spirits. Simply put, I am not a fanatic. Another aspect, I prefer to remain open-minded at all times, to allow myself to challenge any doubt or contradiction I encounter. I guess one of the strong points that I have is I can tolerate with almost anyone. I only get angry once in a blue moon. Any discomfort or something of that sorts, I prefer to keep it to myself. I don't mind having all this burden buried within me. Though one day I hope to let it all out.

     All in all, I would say that I am just a person who dislike troubles. Most of the time I am just a quiet person, and I don't feel fake when I am in that state. Though I am called a social butterfly sometimes, but the truth is, I am simply a quiet and timid person in nature.

Change 123

     'Change 123' was a japanese comic, or we usually refer to it as manga, that I read some time ago. Like any other manga, the hero of the story is usually that type of typical timid, fragile but yet brave and  motivational character. Nothing much to be said of the hero as it is very common and I'm pretty sure it will bored you to death if further explained. However, the highlight of this comic is on the female protagonist. With regard to the title of this manga, the protagonist, by the name of Motoko actually suffers from split personalities, to be more specific, 3 obvious personalities with one hidden dark personality.

     When we think about this type of diagnosis, immediately it comes to our mind is that the person is crazy or insane.  But in this manga, having split personality actually empowers Motoko. Each of the personalities are expert in certain specialty. One would be karate, second a weapon expert, third a grapple, submission martial art style personality. The logic according to the manga for this split personality was the protagonist spent her entire childhood training under three fathers who were legends in the said abilities or skills.Well, i'm sure there are similar cases in reality, children being forced to attend various classes or tuition, as if their life depends on it. However, unlike this manga, these children would most likely end up depress or simply stress out to the point of suicide. 

     Anyway, back to the manga, each time the protagonist is in danger, she would simply change into another personality and beat up which ever criminal who threaten her. I guess if every woman has something like this, the world could be a safer world. Don't you think? But boyfriends and husbands would have to watch out. Another interesting aspect is how the writer came up with the idea of split personalities communicating with one another. For the protagonist, Motoko to understand her different personalities, she communicates with them through a diary. Such a simple yet creative concept.

     All in all, this manga is interesting simply because the way they portray split personality as something good instead of bad. The positive approach to this mental illness is definitely not common thus making this manga more unique than any other comics in terms of originality and concept.

    

Many Mistakes Make A Right!

     After indulging my senses with the movie, Pacific Rim, I head on to The Gardens shopping mall to check out an art gallery that was on displayed. This art gallery was entitled 'Bewildered', featuring art paintings by an artist by the name of Toon Hian. As in any other gallery, the room was almost empty, except it was decorated with various art pieces of Toon Hian, some biography and a table with some books on it. Well, I guess having a room that empty has its reasons, to focus on the paintings!! If an art gallery has television, food stalls and etc, who would be able to keep their eyes on the paintings for long? Well, that is the practical part of an art gallery.

     Now some insight on the painting. Honestly, my mind became confused and twisted as I look at the paintings. Some of the paintings were reflections of his time in Perak, in which Ipoh was one of it. I myself once lived in Ipoh itself, however his paintings and description of the Ipoh I knew was not how I could remember it. I took time trying to figure out and relate with one of the paintings which supposingly describe a part of Ipoh. After awhile I began to realize, why am I trying to relate it to myself? Why not I look from his perspective of how he remembered Ipoh? Wasn't it the purpose of displaying his painting was to show the audience his own interpretation of life or perspective? So rather than knocking myself out relating to it, I try to understand from his perspective.

     Another thing about paintings such as this is that it is not perfect. Jagged lines, patches everywhere, no perfect circle, faces out of form and so on. Anyone would notice if they look close enough at the painting. But one funny thing though. Because everything looks like a mistake, it somehow fits together just right. Why would something that has so much flaws, look so right at the same time. Then I realize, if it was a memory, that would explain all the imperfections. Unlike real-like portrait drawing, Toon Hian's pieces was a reflection, showcase of his memory. How many of us can actually point out every single detail of the memories we had? None I'm sure. Memories are blurry, imperfect. Therefore, I believe the paintings were realistic in it's own way. Real pictures of how memories would look like if they were drawn out.
    

Jack and the Beanstalk

     Jack and the Beanstalk, an interesting fairytale concept which stimulates the imagination of children. To summarize the story briefly, it began when Jack, who was from a poor family went to the market to sell his family's cow to earn some money or food. However, he was offered five magical beans which eventually grew so high that it connects both the world of humans and a family of giants. With this, Jack discovered this family of giant and began to steal precious belonging from the giant and was chased after the third attempt. Finally the beanstalk was chopped and the giant along with it fell to the ground and the giant was killed. As any other fairytale, Jack and the mother lived happily ever after.

      The interesting aspect of this story was that it is logical in some way. At those times, the only thing which could possibly grew so high without much help would be plants. As it was magical beans, it was much believable that such incident could actually occur. If it had been a tower or some sort, then I guess even children would not believe such structure could have been build within a day or so. On the other hand, it allows the imagination of children to expand. For an example, we often do not see the other side of the cloud. So this fairytale portrays possibilities of a world that was hidden above the clouds, waiting to be discovered. Furthermore, it provides excitement and suspense as Jack were exposed to dangerous situations at times. With all this put into place, this fairytale definitely play its role as an adventure story.

      However, if this fairytale was chosen to teach children moral value, I would give a double thumbs down. Why? Simply because the character, Jack, went up to the giant's house three times to steal possession. Yeah, I know he is poor, but wasn't the first bag of gold good enough? To top it, he actually stole a hen which could lay golden egg continuously. Honestly, that was already good enough. But, Jack wasn't satisfy and went up to steal the golden harp. If the giant hadn't came chasing after him, I'm sure Jack would have continue stealing. I'm not sure about you, but it seems like there is an element of greed here. Well, I even pitied the giant, he was killed for trying to claim back his possession, sounds like a victim of snatch thief or robbery don't you think?

     To conclude, the story of Jack and the Beanstalk is a very interesting adventure story. But I personally believe it does not deliver good moral values as compared to stories such as Hansel and Gretel.

Keeper of Secrets

     I travel everyday, to almost every house, collecting unwanted things from people. Things which are deem to be dirty, filthy, useless, unhygienic, just simply disgusting.  Sometimes I use a pair of glove, other times I would collect it with my bare hands. Often this stuff comes in a plastic bag, while some may come in boxes, or even individuals such as a bed. Even some are left at the pathway, expecting me to scrap off every single filth from the ground. Some houses have more, some are just none at all. 

     Most of the time I just see plastic bags, not the people. The only greeting I receive are the squeaks from rats or buzzing from houseflies. I too don't get a word of thanks from humans since I don't see them at all. Many wouldn't want to take my place, unrewarding, unpromising as other occupations. However, there is something I take pleasure in my job.

     Though is true that it is rubbish that I collect, but among the piles of filth... lies the secrets, worries, and memories of every house. Sometimes I would find love letters, most probably discarded from a broken relationship. Beautiful photo albums, marking the end of a generation, a memory or pictures which may be too difficult to look upon again. Bills, indicating the end of unsettled debts. Items which are too embarrassing to be revealed. What I do? I help these individuals, families to remove these once significant or painful moments of their lives. I help them to move on, to let go, taking all of these with me to be discarded forever. 

     You never know how much I can learned from collecting people's rubbish. I don't even have to meet that person to know who he or she is. All I need to do is just look at the rubbish they dispose. Furthermore, I would be the last person, maybe even the only person to know secrets that was kept hidden, before it is finally put to rest forever. Though I am just a garbage collector, but I believe I am a Keeper of Secrets too.

We Should Censor Censorship!

     A few years ago, I was just watching a simple classic cartoon entitled 'Pocahontas' on national television. Well, everything shown was just as I remembered from my childhood memories. But, when it comes to the part where the main characters was about to kiss (as how all other cartoons end its happy endings), the scene was filtered or censored out. For that particular moment, I was stunned. Seriously? A simple, short smooch by cartoon characters can be such a danger to the 'well-being' of children?

      As time goes on, censorship went from bad to just ridiculous. A simple example, there were some scenes in Fast and Furious 6 filtered out which I think it had some foul language involved (can't specify because it was censored). With all these being said, what do we hope to achieve by censoring all these? A better, more moral valued society? Free of any indecency and such? To be honest, this would do more harm than good. It wouldn't be a surprise to me that in the future, such a simple act like a kiss would be consider a taboo and marked as an extreme lewd act. What more, you may go to jail just because someone saw you kissed. It's just a thought but it might be possible in the future.

     If we censored out all the violence, it can also bring negative impact on children. Why? Simply because they are only exposed to the good things. When it is so, how do you differentiate the bad and good? How can you advice a person that a particular act is bad, when you see nothing but rainbows and sunshine?  Censor does not make someone a better person, it is the guidance. When a bad word is said, it is up to the parents to tell the children that is bad and it shouldn't be use. Only then will the child learn and understand. Censorship is only a temporary measure. Sooner or later, he or she will find out and it is the lack of guidance that makes a person influenced by whatever negativity.

     Well censorship do have its role in filtering contents such as explicit sex scene or extreme gory scene in programs or movies on national television which is for general viewing. Ultimately, I believe censorship should be kept to the minimum or even none at all.

Good Old Days... Was It Really That Good?

     Those were the good old days, something I have heard a lot from older folks or even peers. I don't know about you but it kinda gets irritating when people start comparing these days to the 'good' old days and how it is so much better to live at those times. Of course undoubtedly there were great moments in the past which you don't find these days. Examples such as the the choice of playing outside without the worry of kidnapping, or enjoying oneself  at a clear and clean riverside.

      However, let us take the good old days to the past 100 years.  Here are the examples of good old days which does not fit the definition of 'good'. There were the famous World War 1 (WW1) and World War 2 (WW2). From WW2, we had the Japanese Occupation in Malaysia. During those times, I am pretty sure that many people suffered in one way or another. Honestly, I cannot imagine the fear and anxiety having to live at those times. I may not be able to fully understand the emotions, but I know enough is not a good feeling.

     To top with that, Malaysia had the racial tension in 16th May 1969, or even the rule of Malayan Communist Party at one time. How does any of these events come even close to the term 'good old days'? Don't get me wrong, I am not indicating that the older folks should feel miserable about their past. I am just saying that each one of us live in different eras which has its own shares of both great and bad moments. I personally do not believe a particular time in history outshines any other moment. Well, it is never wrong to cherish what was in the past, but nevertheless, we ourselves determine how much we want to live up in the present.

      So before we start bragging about the good old days and how bad these days are, just think about it. Was it really that good?

God? Alien?

          Sometimes I think to myself, what if God is an Alien? Of course when I mention alien, I don't mean acid puking or human-eating creatures. What I meant was another higher being, one that uses a much higher technology, something we may not yet understand. If God could be everywhere, maybe a teleportation device? If angels could fly and float, maybe a jetpack? These are just some of the sci-fi equipment that I can identify in relation with the said abilities, but whatever it is, I am pretty sure is something we humans have yet to achieve, even understand it. 

           Some may find it offensive if we compare God to an alien simply because the idea of an alien is an extraterrestrial creature which either waiting to dominate earth or cause chaos in one way or another. Personally, I believe that God is some sort of an alien, one which we do not fully understand, one that lives in another different dimension. According to the M-Theory, we have about 11 dimensions known to us. What we are experiencing right now is the 3rd dimension. What if God is an alien that lives in that other dimensions, which gives Him the ability to do multiple miracles? The reason we cannot relate is simply because most of us are limited to the 3rd dimension, unknown to the possibilities of events that can happened if exposed to other dimensions.

           There are some who claims to be connected with another dimension, in which we called it as the spiritual dimension. Whether it is true a not, I always give myself some room for such possibilities. Is there a possibility that God is just like any of us, but able to use 100% of His brain power, thus giving Him supreme ability compared to us average humans who can use only 10%? Wouldn't He be some sort of an alien? Anyhow, I believe God is simply someone which we may take a long time to understand, or never at all. Be it as an alien, or some prefer the term celestial being.

What If?

           What if I had done better in my secondary school years? What if I hadn't been too shy to confess to her? What if I had done the other way around? What if? Just simply what if... Questions such as these are very common in our daily lives but we sometimes aren't aware of it. It is never wrong to think about our journey in life and have some reflections, but it can be saddening when we start to imagine a life we may never have. How many of us actually have the life we hoped for? Expected as such?

          Let us take one question for an instance, what if I had obtained a much better result for the public examination? In my case, Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM). Yes, I would end up in one of the main public universities, probably pursuing a course which I set to achieve. A course which may lead to an opportunity of a better career, a better social status, a better life overall. Yes, what I am currently pursuing is nothing compare to that career if I had done better.

           However, all of that are just an expectation of events that may happen if I had chosen a different paths. Expectations of which I hoped it would turn out to be, but not necessarily how it will take place. As I look back at the journey from that particular point of 'What If' till this very day, there were moments that I did not expect,  challenges that I did not hoped for, events that I did not planned for, but memories I will always cherish and remember.

           To overlook all these great moments and memories that had happened with something that will not necessarily occur is only punishing to oneself. To regret a life with another that may not necessarily be better. It is never wrong to look back at these critical points of life and reflect on it, but to have it affecting us so deeply until it inhibits our ability to appreciate the great moments is simply depressing.

           So if we are faced with the questions of What If... Remember that each choice that we made has its own equal shares of challenges and happiness. Though how promising the other choice may seem, ultimately it is up to us to decide how we should live by the choices we made, and how to make the most of it.

    "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"

    Dr. Seuss

Princess Mononoke. A classic but epic cartoon!

Ashitaka with his red elk, Yakul

               A brief background on this classical yet amazing piece of art. This is a 1997 Japanese animated cartoon directed by Hayao Miyazaki with it's visuals animated by Studio Ghibli. This particular cartoon won many awards such as Picture of the Year on Japanese Academy Awards in 1998, Best Animated Film on Mainichi Film Award in 1998 and so on.

             One of the great things about this film is how it portrays the struggle of both humans and animals living side by side with one another. As in any other of Hayao Miyazaki's film, there is always an involvement of spiritual beings in the events of the story. In this case, there are different Gods, each representing a specific species of animal and how they lead and guide their own tribe to survival, even towards vengeance. Furthermore, this story also resolves around the two main character which is Ashitaka, human-raised and a cast away due to a curse, and San, a girl who was raised by the Wolf Goddess, Moro. Since both of them were raised from different background, there will always be conflicts that occur between them from time to time as both were exposed differently.

              Other than that, characters in the film has its own share at playing its role as a hero and villain too, regardless whether he or she is an animal or human. Though some of this role may not be obvious, but the nature of this film is that it requires the audiences to take time to go in depth in every aspects of the film. Even after watching this film, I could not take my mind away completely as I was still trying to identify and understand the events that happened. As you slowly uncover the richness of the story, it makes no surprise to you on how this particular film is praised by many critics, both local and foreign.

               In conclusion, every part of the film was well thought and positioned. Unlike other cartoons, this film is not intended to leave its audience with happy endings, rather a better and neutral perspective on how life is and our relationship with the surroundings.