It's over* - Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories

For the first time in our Law School, we had more than 100 students in a class - 104, to be precise. It was my PIL class. On top of that, I had 74 students in my Criminal Law class. So I was certainly dreading the marking that I had to do - never before had any lecturer here had to do so much marking after an examination.

On top of that, there were so many challenges along the way - I was tasked to do 4 sessions of invigilation during the exam period (so frustrating to just stand in a room for 3 hours plus thinking about how many answer scripts I could have marked during that time).

Then my daughter fell sick - had to take her to the specialist so many times, had to clean up after her vomit (including once in my car). Then I fell sick. But thankfully, recovered quickly. My wife then fell sick so a lot of the household chores fell on me. An old friend got married during this period so i had to spend one whole night attending his wedding dinner. Then another old friend from overseas came visiting and i had to take more time away from marking to meet up with him. Stranger Things 3 was released - but i made sure i resisted the temptation (and avoided all the spoilers online). Mt friend who was running the Alpha course at church could not make it one Sunday and I had to take over the session (after planning to do marking at the time). Oh - and my tooth suddenly started to ache badly.

So many things can happen in just 2 weeks - the very 2 weeks that i thought i could just mark, eat, sleep, repeat - but things never work out the way we plan, does it? Murphy's Law is proven in my life again. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it?

Thankfully, i managed to finish everything on time (including the 8 Human Rights scripts which was nothing compared to the rest). It's over!!!!!

Thank you Lord for helping me through this. It could have been worse but it wasn't. God is good.

Now, I just want to sleep - and binge watch Stranger Things 3 and The Boys. But I probably won't have the time to do that as my girls will want all my attention since i've been neglecting them somewhat. I guess the good thing about this experience is that marking will never be as challenging as it was this time round - or will i be proven wrong?

*First track from her brilliant album, Tails. One of the few albums where i love every single songs in it.

Classic* - Adrian Gurvitz

Today is the 35th anniversary of the release of "Careless Whisper". One of my all time favourite songs. Such a classic - the saxophone, the bass line, THAT voice, the falsetto, simply brilliant!

The memories that come with it too! Transports me back to those days when it was first released, and also throughout these past 35 years when it keeps popping up. Like being the no. 1 of the 1994 all time best songs by Capital FM London.

Here is the HD version of the song:-



*A British classic slow rock song. Apparently, one of the most played ballads in England in 1982.

Number One* - John Legend

Avengers: Endgame is officially the no. 1 movie in terms of Box Office receipts, taking over from avatar which held on to the no. 1 position for so long.

"We did it, Mr. Stark!"

*His song released in 2005 featuring Kanye West.

Mercy* - Duffy

It was reported in the news today that a high court judge halved the 10 day prison sentence of a mother - and in effect, securing her release this evening itself.

She was reportedly charged for theft of diapers and milk powder which was for her 15 month old baby.

Thankfully, we have a judge who tempers justice with compassion and mercy. And common sense. Why punish the mother - which will result in punishing an innocent infant? Magistrate M Saravanan - i hope you will learn from the example of the High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan. At the very least, impose a fine on her - and many people including myself will queue up to pay for her.

As i thought about this, i wondered where this phrase 'temper justice with mercy' originated from. I thought it could be from the Bible but there is no such phrase. But having said that, the entire message of the Bible is about how a holy God tempers his justice with mercy.

Closer to earth, Shakespeare was the one who came close to penning down those words - in the classic speech of Portia in the Merchant of Venice:-

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'T is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown:
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

*Her song which was nominated for a Grammy in 2009.

Larger than life* - Backstreet Boys

My jaw dropped when i saw this!!!!!

This is a 1:1 scale Lego Iron Man!!!!!! Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Released in 1999, one of their few hit songs that failed to make it into the top 20 in the US Billboard chart.

Don't give up on us* - Sarah Mclachlan

HK pop star, Sammi Cheng posted up some selfies - but what made the news and caused controversy was who appeared in the background of her photo. It was her husband. The very man who cheated on her and was discovered to have done so earlier this year. The same man whom she had publicly forgiven.

But the problem is that many of her fans have not forgiven him. So they were not happy to see him in the selfie. But other fans pointed out that at the end of the day, what is important is whether she forgave him, not so much whether her fans do the same. "It doesn't matter if you don't forgive him. His wife's forgiveness is the one that matters to him', they said.

Her response has been remarkable. After suffering such humiliation and such betrayal, she was willing to forgive him. Amazing.

She is known to be a Christian and that is the only explanation I can find to understand how she can forgive. Only those who have been forgiven greatly can forgive in return. She must have experienced God's great forgiveness personally. And because of that, perhaps that's the reason why she was willing to forgive and not give up on her cheating husband.

Here is her public declaration of her forgiveness and she quotes a verse from 1 Corinthians 13:7:-

*This was one of a new song that she released in her 2008 "best of" album - a song regarding her cheating husband.

Super freak* - Rick James

Another Liverpool striker retires. This time, it is Peter Crouch.

Opposing fans would call him 'freak' - due to his height. He was tall for a footballer! And if you see him outside, you wouldn't believe that this was one of the best footballers England had in recent times. He may seem to be a freak to some but to us, he is a super freak!

Despite his height and lanky figure, he was a technically accomplished player. Sure, he had a lot of headed goals but that was not all with him. His control of the ball was excellent. And he was such a likeable person!

And who can forget his robot dance? I even blogged about it here.

He helped us win the FA Cup in 2006, scoring the winner against Manchester United on the way to the finals and providing the assist to Stevie G in the finals.

Such a pity he ended up only with the runners-up medal for the 2006 Champions League. I felt that Liverpool was unlucky then -going behind to a deflected goal made all the difference.

He was a faithful player for us - but he started to lose his place in the team when Torres joined.

He went on to play for other clubs but he is always fondly remembered by us - and he said that his spell in Liverpool was his best.

Here is a tribute to him - his best 10 goals for us:-


*This is one of his signature songs - and it was sampled by MC Hammer in U Can't Touch This.

Do you hear what I hear* - Andy Williams

My wife shared this with me today. Too good not to share it with everyone!!! Wonder who can see this pic without hearing what I hear when I see it.

*This is probably the first version of this carol that i have heard

When I see you smile* - Bad English

So Mona Lisa is coming to town!!! Well, not the real painting - but a digital version. 15th July to the 15th August! And it's free.

Here is more info about this exhibition:-

“Leonardo Opera Omnia” is an innovative, ambitious project aiming to share Italian cultural heritage by exhibiting “digital paintings”: high definition, true-to-size reproductions of Leonardo’s 17 paintings, which are scattered in various locations and museums all around the world, thus allowing the visitor to see them all in one place, right here in Kuala Lumpur".

I still remember when i saw her smile. It was surreal, a little scary but most unforgettable experience for me. That was so long ago - hopefully, i get to her smile again.

*One of my all time fav rock ballads.

London is the place for me* - D Lime (feat Tabago Crusoe)

Used to call this place 'home'. But home is where the heart is - and my heart was there... It's no longer there anymore but i have many sweet memories of this place. And this video stirred up those memories for me. The parks, the markets, the people... just a bit surprised that there is nothing much on musicals and classical music.

It's been a while since i've been back there - the next time i go there will be special as i'll probably be taking my girls there. And they have heard so much of London from me - i'm sure they'll be super excited too! Hope that day will come.

*This remake of the 1948 song is found on the soundtrack of the movie, Paddington

海闊天空* - Beyond

26 years ago, on June 30th 1993, Wong Ka Kui of Beyond died tragically.

Just a few weeks ago, I attended a wedding lunch. the highlight of it to me was the wedding singer. She was really brilliant and talented. My daughter was captivated with her and kept on looking at her, watching her performance. At the end of the lunch, she sat on my lap and we just listened to her singing. One of the songs she sang was this song 海闊天空 (The Broad Sky). To me, whenever i think of Beyond, i think of this song. Such a brilliant Canto-Pop (or Canto-Rock?) song which passes the test of time.

The wedding singer gave a wonderful rendition of this brilliant song and made me really miss his music. Sharing this in memory of him.



*My favourite song of theirs.

The Kid* - Peter Paul and Mary

Fernando El-Nino (The kid) Torres announced his retirement from football.

He will always be remembered fondly by many Liverpool fans - like yours truly. Even though he left us to join Chelsea, we are willing to forgive him. He was after all in my view the last real no. 9 that we have had in the likes of Fowler and Rush.

Look at some of his goals here:-

 

So sad he did not win anything with Liverpool - but at least he won the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League with Chelsea. And he won the World Cup and the European Cup with Spain. So I'm happy for him - and thankful for those wonderful moments that filled me with joy and delight seeing his wonderful skill.

*This was actually a cover version of a song by Buddy Mondlock - released as late as the 1995!

Father and Daughter* - Paul Simon

This morning, my oldest girl woke me up to give me my Father's Day present. But what moved me to tears was later in the morning, she came to me again and pointed upwards. I looked at the ceiling wondering what was that all about. She then waved upwards and said Happy Father's Day, Yeh Yeh (Cantonese for paternal grandfather - basically referring to my father). She was reminding me to wish my father who is now in heaven a Happy Father's Day!!! And up to that point, I had been so busy that I have not spared a thought for my father who has left us for 12 years now.

I hugged my daughter tightly and asked her why she suddenly thought of my father - sadly, she never had the chance to get to know him. She said she always think of him as we go back to my mom's house weekly and she sees his photo there.

I told her that there are times I miss him very much and that she would have loved him if she had the chance to know him.

Happy Father's Day, Pa.

*A song that he wrote for his daughter when she was 7.

Memory* - Barbra Streisand

But it's not about the place, it's about what happened there. You own those memories.

Officer Bishop, The Rookie, S01E11

In the past, i often miss places i used to live at in the past. My old house where i grew up, London, Colchester... Sometimes, I would long to go back there and my heart would ache for those places - especially London and Colchester.

But this quote reminds me that at the end of the day, it's not about the place. It's about the life i lived there with special people. And today, if i go back there, it will not be the same again. That is true with my old house - it's so different. And also London - i remember visiting the place where i studied. It brought back memories but it was not the same anymore.

I'm glad i have those memories.

*Taken from the musical, Cats. Lovely song - i remember listening to it even before i knew what musicals are.

Happy together* - The Turtles

Yesterday, eve of Raya, I was at the mall with my girls. I walked passed this mobile accessories stall, stopping to look at the Avengers (what else) themed stuffs. The stall was manned (or wo-manned?) by a Malay girl. Later, i would walk pass the stall again. This time, a man of Chinese ethnicity was giving that Malay girl a green packet (a gift money for Raya) and walked away. She took it happily while some of her friends from other stalls came around her to share her joy. She did not open it to see how much it contained. Instead - i busybodiedly looked at what she was doing - she was reading a message written on the green packet. She was obviously and clearly happy.

I do not want to emphasise the race of people (as we are all Malaysians - presumably. Unless she is a migrant worker?) but i wanted to do so in this post as this incident reminded me that for most part - especially for us in the Klang Valley - Malaysians of different races live and work together without any issues. In fact, we do so happily, respecting our differences in culture and religion and embracing our common ground - that we are Malaysians.

To all my friends who are celebrating Raya today, I sincerely hope and pray that you will have a wonderful and meaningful time with your family and friends - and that you will be safe.

*Their only song that reached no. 1 in the US - knocking off the Beatles' Penny Lane.

Black night* - Deep Purple

30 years ago, students were murdered in the streets of Beijing. The Chinese government would want us all to forget what happened that night but we never let that happen.

 

*Their highest charting UK single, it peaked at no. 2 in 1970.

What a relief* - Lee Sera

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!!!!!!!

I have not watched a Liverpool game 'live' all season. At the end, a part of me felt that it was a good thing i didn't as the outcome was too painful - losing it by 1 point. So i did not plan to catch the finals too. i didn't. In any event, i was too tired having so much work to do and having to wake up early for church so i went to sleep. I did wake up in between to check the results. When i found out that we have won, to be honest, I'm more relieved than ecstatic. So unlike how I felt way back in 2005. Too many false dawns. Came so close too many times and it has hurt so much. 

But I am happy, definitely! And happy for Klopp - who has been a losing finalist for so many times - the last 2 being with Liverpool. And i'm happy for Salah - who had a miserable finals last year hopefully erased. And i'm happy for Milner - who surely must have thought that his chance to win a champions league medal was over after losing last year. And i'm happy for the whole team - who worked so hard throughout the season. This is the least that they deserved.

Maybe I'll start watching them play live again next season.

*This Korean song is taken from the OST of Tomorrow With You.

Take a bow* - Madonna

So it's bow-tie day today cuz my daughter wanted me to wear it.

*Another one of her brilliants songs. This was released in 1994 and produced together with Babyface.

I will follow you* - Ricky Nelson

It was reported today that a headmaster tried to justify one of the school exam questions by simply pointing out that the correct answer was taken from the textbook. So basically, the correct answer is correct because the textbook says so.

This shows the problem with our education system. Just because the textbook (allegedly) say so, that is the right answer. This coming from Headmaster (who however was clever enough to insist on his anonymity). Our children are not taught to think but to follow blindly.

I face the problem in the Uni - a lot of students initially want to know which textbook to get. The importance placed on textbooks is more important than the ability to figure out the answer themselves. During tutorials, some students are more interested to know what is the right answer - not why is that the right answer.

I guess it id down to the politicians again? They just want people to follow orders, to follow their instructions, to follow without question.

I teach in my human rights class the importance of the right to education. I see more and more the importance of this right - and why some states deny this rights to some of the people. It is through education that people will understand what is right and wrong, what is fair, what is the right thing to do. Today, a lot of people keep on harping on the fact that the law/constitution says so so we cannot question it. Does not matter if the law is right or not.

I am glad that a lot of those whom i have helped educate are seeing the light - and saddened to see some who behave like those uneducated one. Thankfully, they are the exception rather than the norm.

*His cover version of the popular song I Will Follow Him.

End of the road* - Boyz II Men

Looks like its the end of May in June!

*Their brilliant song first featured on the soundtrack of Boomerang.

Man in the mirror* - James Morrison

The importance for parents with young children to check the mirror before going out!

My youngest gave me a sticker earlier in the morning yesterday and I let her stick it on my cheek. I forgot all about it until I was getting ready to leave for lecture. I walked passed the mirror and saw it at the corner of my eye, thankfully. It would have been funny though if I didn't see it. Especially since we have recorded lecture these days!!!

*This is the acoustic cover of the more popular original version. But this one is pretty good. Found in the 2 disc deluxe edition of the Songs for You, Truth for Me album.

Keep the family close* - Drake

Last night, I brought my daughter to Mr. DIY and I bought something for her. We queued up behind this family - a father, mother and teenage son. After paying for our stuffs, we headed to the carpark as the mall was closing. As we walked out of the shop, I saw the father storming away alone. The mother and son soon followed him. From what I gathered, the son said something to his father which made him unhappy. His mother was nicely telling him that he should not have done that as his father would buy him what he wanted (Asians' way of showing love?).

I don't know why that incident affected me. Maybe it was seeing how angry the father was. Or how sad the boy looked. He's probably the only son and he was also probably born to them when they were quite old. Here is a family who went out on a Friday night to spend time together, shopping and being with each other. But it appears to be ending badly. The father may be thinking about how ungrateful his son is, and not appreciating all he has sacrificed for him. The son may be be thinking of why his dad has to be so sensitive, and not understanding him. It could be a long quiet and ackward drive back home and everyone will go to sleep feeling unhappy and regretting why they had to spend time together if it was ended like that.

I really hope the son would apologise to his father for making him angry. Or that the father would talk to his son telling him nicely why he was unhappy. I hope the son will know that despite all his flaws, his father probably love him with all his life.

But in all likelihood, they would keep their feelings and thoughts to themselves and not share them - resulting in a rift between father and son which can grow bigger and bigger.

I don't know why this incident affected me so much that I feel the need to share this here... Maybe I just want people to be happy. Happy with their family. The family is such an important thing in today's society. It's breakdown is usually the cause of many problems we see today.

*First track from his album, Views.

Love changes everything* - Michael Ball

Yesterday, I read a lot of posts and articles about the May 13 riots and killings. As usual, I'll look at the comments and as usual, it troubled me a lot. There were many comments which showed no sympathy to those who were killed. Instead, it appears that the sentiment is that if we are provoked, then we have the right to not only retaliate but to even take your life - and if that happens, we are not to be blamed. Those who started the provocation (or even those vaguely associated with them) asked for it and they deserved it. (On a side note - we all know that provocation can only ever be a partial defence to reduce the maximum sentence but it never justifies a crime).

Have we become such a bloodthirsty and unforgiving people? Maybe that is why many are against the abolishment of state sanctioned murder (capital punishment) because we want blood to be shed before we can move. Can't we realise that violence and bloodshed will not solve anything? And that an eye for an eye will make us all blind to humanity. While (SPOILER ALERT) cutting off Thanos' head may feel good at the moment, we will all soon find that we are left empty as it does not bring back those who are gone - and will just turn to junk food and video games to cover up the emptiness.

Instead of being vengeful and angry and filled with hatred, living in the past, let's all strive to move on with love, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. The greatest of these of course is love. What a country we will be if we can exhibit that to the abundance. I look to the new generation to do this for the sake of my children and all our children.

*This song was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the musical, Aspects of Love.

Never again* - Kelly Clarkson

I wasn't born yet when the racial riots of 1969 took place. But my elder sister was just almost 11 months old. As a parent today, I can imagine the fear and anxiousness my parents must have felt at that time. Although I remember my father jokingly tell me about how he had to 'throw' my sister under the bed as she couldn't stop crying, the terror that they went through that night must have been great. Thank God my family escaped physically unharmed.

Let's ensure such things NEVER happen again. It all starts with us.

*A song found on her 3rd studio album, My December.

Let's work together* - Canned Heat

As we celebrate 1 year of Pakatan Harapan's government, let's give credit where it is due and recognise the many positive changes made in this past year, but also to speak out against where they have failed and need to improve.

It all starts with us. If we want less corruption, we should not contribute to the problem. If we want less racism, we should be more inclusive and not discriminatory. If we want more Rule of Law, we should let the law rule over us. If we want more human rights, we should recognise it and then we should, respect, protect and fulfill these rights.

It's not the government that make our country better - it is us Malaysians who can and should - and hopefully do that.

Here are some quotes from Chef Wan - not a huge fan but i really agree with what he had to say as we celebrate one year of a new government in our country:-

"Yes, we might not have a perfect government to turn around our economy so quickly after what Umno rule has done... but indeed we are always better (off) than having a corrupt government..."

"Enough is enough! Now it's time for all of us to be united as one new Malaysia, (to) rebuild our nation dan redeem our dignity"

"...those who love the country should instead work hard to rebuild it."

*This was a remake of a blues song by Wilbert Harrison.

So emotional* - Whitney Houston

Who knew that eating cheeseburgers these days can be an emotional experience? 😢

*One of her many hit songs which still sound so good today.

The end* - The Beatles

11 years, 22 movies. It has finally come to an end.

This is me!!! True story. Started watching as a single - finished it as a family man. But i watched Endgame alone.

It took so long to tell the story - never have been done before! I'm glad i witnessed it.

*From their Abbey Road album.

How low can you go?* - Chubby Checker

A view of St. Sebastian's Church damaged in blast in Negombo, north of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April. More than hundred were killed and hundreds more hospitalised with injuries from eight blasts that rocked churches and hotels in and just outside of Sri Lanka's capital on Easter Sunday. PIX by CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE / AP

Angry. Outraged. Saddened. Humans are proving again and again that the depths of our depravity and evil knows no limits. To kill the innocents as they go and worship their God... I take comfort knowing that unrepentant wicked people will be made to pay for their sins one day.

*This 60s song was actually about the limbo dance.

Impossible* - Whitney Houston

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was IMPOSSIBLE for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:24

Blessed Easter!

*This song is from the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical, Cinderella.

Legend* - Twenty One Pilots

Every generation has a legend.



The saga comes to an end. I can't wait till Christmas for this!!!

*Taken from their 5th album, this song is about the lead singer's grandfather.

She's amazing* - Lionel Ritchie

Oh man - I've wasted the past hour or two just because of this girl!!! AWESOME!


Can't stop watching her play. Can't remember when I've cried as a result of seeing and listening to something so good. Just moved me to tears!!! I guess some of the tears were also because of the resignation that after all these years of playing, I'll never reach close to such a level.

I suppose I can get my daughters to watch her and hope they'll be able to play like this in the future...

*One of his lessor known songs, released in 2004.

Doesn't really matter* - Janet Jackson

"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart". Ecclesiastes 7:2

I find this verse so true. I attended the funeral of a friend's father recently. It wasn't fun. It was sobering. And it really brings a lot of things into perspective. Death as the verse say is the destiny of all. No matter who we are, how rich we are, how clever we are (and since I'm in Malaysia, let's bring race into the matter - what race we are), one thing that is certain is that we all will die (or be raptured up to be with Christ when he returns). Remembering and realising that, a lot of things do not matter much anymore - like winning that competition or buying that thing or getting the approval of people who do not really care or watching the final installment of Avengers or Star Wars or eating at that Michelin Star restaurant. Instead, one will realise the importance of family, of true friends, of spiritual matters. I don't think anyone at their deathbed will regret not spending enough time at the office but many will regret not spending more time with their family.

So what if I won't get to see the Northern Lights, or drive a Lamborghini or watch Liverpool play live at Anfield or act in a musical at West End or perform live on stage with Queen (for the Queen!)? What's more important is that I spend time with my wife, my two girls, my aged mom and make sure that they know how much I love them.

*This song was recorded for the soundtrack of Nutty Professor 2.

This I promise you* - NSYNC

I was at a friend's father funeral today and was looking at the tombstones in the cemetery. I came across one of a girl who passed away when she was 9 years old and it had this written on it:-

Yohanes 14:1-4
"Janganlah gelisah hatimu; percayalah kepada Allah, percayalah juga kepada-Ku. Di rumah Bapa-Ku banyak tempat tinggal. Jika tidak demikian, tentu Aku mengatakannya kepadamu. Sebab Aku pergi ke situ untuk menyediakan tempat bagimu. Dan apabila Aku telah pergi ke situ dan telah menyediakan tempat bagimu, Aku akan datang kembali dan membawa kamu ke tempat-Ku, supaya di tempat di mana Aku berada, kamu pun berada. Dan ke mana Aku pergi, kamu tahu jalan ke situ."

What a wonderful hope this promise gives. Something that this little girl's parents can hold on to.

*This hit song of theirs was written by Richard Marx.

So long, farewell* - The cast of The Sound of Music

It was reported in the news today that a famous sports journalist from Taiwan ended his life today at a clinic in Switzerland. He passed away away after taking the drugs (poison?), surrounded by his family members. I can only imagine what his family went through.

According to the news report, he raised the cup, and said to the camera: “Farewell, so long” in Chinese and English. His family softly sang a hymn as he took four sips, and his son said: “Dad, I love you,” and “Relax, there's no more pain”. He then collapsed in his son's arms as his family clapped and sobbed....

One of the most difficult issues for me personally as a pro-life person. But what kind of life is it if it is in constant and unbearable pain and anguish? Should the right to life also include the right to choose not to live?

If the right to freedom of religion includes a right not to have a religion, the right to life can be arguably be said in to include the right not to choose life. Although i do not agree that the right to end one own's life should be allowed in any situation, i know of people who are in constant and unbearable pain - where sadly, the only way to end it is to end life. Very difficult issue - for me.

Inhumane treatment - that is also another point. Isn't allowing a person to suffer excruciating pain and slowly waste away a form of torture or cruel or inhuman or degrading treatment?

To make things even more difficult, I am a pro-life Christian! The Bible does say that we shall not kill. That is clear. But that is also the general rule. We cannot take that to be absolute - cannot kill in any or all situations. God had many times commanded his people to kill those who are evil and sinful. In Exodus 22:2, it is provided that killing in self-defence is allowed (killing a burglar).

Having said that, nothing is said expressly regarding terminally ill people who are going through agonising pain and suffering.

While I also agree that whatever torment we face here will ultimately end, it is of no (or little) comfort to the person who is going through such suffering. The question is whether is it God's will for such a person to suffer like that or should they be allowed to choose to end it?
Very difficult issue for me...

*Who can forget the cute scene where the little children had to go to sleep and sang this song before leaving?

King of Comedy* - R.E.M.

The King of Comedy has returned with a new movie - entitled "The New King of Comedy". Stephen Chow is back! And I absolutely love this new movie of his.

No, it's not a laugh out loud every 2 minutes kind of movie but i thought it was really really enjoyable. Some say it may be his own story - of how he made it to be a comedian.

I enjoyed it as it is a real story, about real people, with real issues, and real struggles, and real dreams. Stephen Chow is truly a genius to me.

The lesson of the movie is clear - hold on to your dreams, work hard and no matter what the obstacles are, if you are willing to persevere, you will reap the fruits.

This song from the movie was one of my favourite scenes in the movie. Enjoy.


*A track from their album, Monster.

No regrets* - Robbie Williams

"To say there are no regrets in life is to fool yourself. How boring life will be without regrets".

Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi's character) in The Grandmaster.

*Released in 1998, this song was among other things about him being in Take That.

Everything changes* - Take That

I saw some friends share this on social media and find that it is so true:-

Welcome to the 21st Century where sex is free and love is a pocket full of notes, where losing your phone is worse than losing your values. Where it is fashionable to smoke and drink, and if you don’t you’re obsolete. Where men cheat on their women with smiles, and if women do not do the same or worse, it is because they are afraid of believing that they will be caught. Where the bathroom was made for photos. 

21st Century, where women fear pregnancy more than HIV. Where the pizza delivery service arrives faster than the ambulance. Where people die of fear of terrorism and criminals more than their conscience. When clothes decide the value of a person, and having money is more important than having friends or even family. 

21st Century, where children are able to give up their parents for their virtual love. Where men and women only want relationships without obligations. Where love is a thing. 

A great 21st Century, where social media tells you how to live your life and gives you a fake perspective of life. 

21st Century where society is fake believing it’s perfect! 

21st Century, here you only survive if you play with reason, and you are destroyed if you act with your heart. 

21st Century where technology advances have changed our humanity. 

21st Century where others drag you down rather than to inspire you. 

21st Century where tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort are more important than spiritual values. 

21st Century where a lot of fake personality hiding on their true identity. 

21st Century where others taking photo of their food first rather than praying. Where scandal videos are just like an anime spreading in social media. 

21st Century where Tattooed people easily compared to a bad person. 

21st century where your grammar is bad and people point it out instead of understanding.

*The title song of their album released back in 1994.

Something new* - Zendaya

So after almost a quarter of a century, I finally changed my old identity card (see pic) to one that displays a photo that looks more like me today. Surprisingly, I don't miss my long hair. Having short hair is so much more practical.

On another note, UTC services are the BEST!!!! One of the best things that the former PM introduced.

*This song samples TLC's Creep. It also features Chris Brown. It was supposed to be a duet with Babyface.

Goodnight and thank you* - Madonna and Antonio Banderas

Dear former students of Taylor's Law School, it is with sadness that I inform you all that one of our former colleagues and a great academic as well as a wonderful mentor and friend, Professor Norchaya Talib (or as we all fondly call her, Prof Nor) has passed away. Taylor's Law School wish to acknowledge her immense contribution to the school, to the students and to our lives.

*Taken from the soundtrack of the movie based on the musical, Evita.

Change the world* - Eric Clapton

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in ways little else does. It speaks to youths in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” Nelson Mandela

This quote was shared in this time as we deal with Malaysia's ban on some athletes from a certain country. Politics should not encroach into sports. But sports can be used to overcome the prejudices set by politics. Nelson Mendala not just spoke about it - he demonstrated it by using sports to unite his country.

*His wonderful song which was featured in the soundtrack of Phenomenon.

She's the one* - Robbie Williams

Work hard. No short cuts. Well done, world no. 1!!!!

I've not been excited over a female tennis player for a long time. She could be the one that rule the women's game now.

I'm so happy she won the AO too - as her victory in the US Open was clouded by other things. So sad for her then. So happy for her now.

*One of my fav songs of his. Really lovely song.

Monkey* - George Michael

Overheard one lecturer said this to another in the lift - "Well, this year I'm gonna be a monkey. If they're paying peanuts, then they'll get monkeys"!

Looks like some people are not too pleased with the increment they are getting this year ...

*One of the many hit songs of his to reach no. 1.

In his time* - Maranatha! music

Was so tempted to leave work early today to go watch Glass - but decided against it and stayed on, and also attended the Christian Lunchtime Fellowship for staff. Made the right decision as the sharing during the fellowship was so relevant and so timely. God's timing is amazing.

Would not want to mention the speaker's name but she is a person of influence - and her sharing was that everything worked together at the right time so that God can lead her to where she is now. We just have to trust in him and that he is in control - and he makes all things wonderful and perfect in his time.

*One of the old favourite songs we use to sing as youths.

Amazing* George Michael

I can't think of enough superlatives to describe this!!!!

 

 Amazing, unbelievable, out of this world, brilliant. How can one use the guitar like this???

*A single of his 5th studio album, it was dedicated to his partner at that time.

Mean* - Taylor Swift

Not too long ago, someone posted on social media about this poor car washer who works hard to support his family and is trying to make sure his daughter goes to school and get an education. His post garnered a lot of attention for this man and the public chipped in to help this honest hardworking man.

But after that, another post emerged citing 'reliable sources' that this man was a drug addict who uses his daughter to get money to buy drugs.

But after some investigation (see here), it was revealed that the drug addict story was not true.

I don't know why some people like to say bad things about others on the net without any proof. Totally irresponsible. Maybe they are jealous of the good publicity that others get? But why bad mouth and defame a poor man who tries by honest means to provide for his family? Sure, we have to be careful about what we read online but we should not spread lies and negativity.

Some people are so mean. Especially on social media. So sad.

*A song written for her 3rd studio album.

Gold* Spandau Ballet

Wow. So it has been 9 years already since we first were blown away by Susan Boyle? She's still brilliant - so effortlessly belting out such a difficult song!

 

*One of their hit songs and more popular one.

Drive my car* - The Beatles

This is one nice ad!!!! Really cool.

 

*One of their classics, released way back in 1965

Stronger* - Britney Spears

The summary from today's Bible reading with my daughter. A timely reminder.

*A hit from her second studio album

The best* - Bonnie Tyler

Well done! Truly deserving!!!

*Most people will know this song from Tina Turner's version. It was a remake of Bonnie Tyler's.

The air that i breathe* - The Hollies

With the kids at school, we managed to enjoy our smoke-free breakfast at a local coffeeshop.

Yes, the new law is in place. No smoking in public places!!! I can breathe smoke-free air!!! Well done, PH.

But it is sad to see some smokers complain about this - some comparing it with car exhaust! The simple difference is that you are wanting to smoke for your own selfish pleasure and it is proven to be dangerous to people around you. If you want to smoke, go live in your own island away from people.

*One of my fav songs by this old group.