It is very difficult to be real in a cruel world. In fact, it involves conscious, courageous effort to be sincere and to let people know who we are. I have always found it a painful challenge to recognize deceptions and pretenses in people whom I regard as friends and to be able to maintain my own desire to be an authentic person. The more we hold on to integrity, the greater our willingness to be authentic. I firmly believe that when we are real persons who do not hide behind masks or a different persona, our life experiences will be deepened and the legacy that we leave behind will be one that will be remembered. But it is not that easy for few dare to be real for fear of being hurt or for other reasons known to themselves.
In all my courses, I used to tell my students to be completely honest with me to disclose the actual reason why they could not meet deadlines and I never bust them when they admit their laziness :-) even though I am a tough taskmaster. I would rather they tell me the truth than a whole string of lies. When we dare to reveal who we are, we will stand out as we become uniquely who we are. So often, people tend to pretend to be someone else, or they may be even afraid to tell the truth straight to our faces. Strangely, some may have no qualms about telling the same thing to others behind their backs! Hypocrisy undermines integrity, so do lies.
We all know that most religions or faiths encourage us to be honest with ourselves and with those around us that we might be genuine persons. However, the desire to be real has to be there for otherwise, with the pressure to conform, we might produce conditioned behavior at the expense of honest realization of self.
Basically, we have to be honest with who we are and our desires for life experiences because all other behavior patterns would flow from there. Once our life goals are established, we have to believe in ourselves and then accept our lot in life so to speak. With no direction or intention, some might be living their lives according to the dictates of others rather than for ourselves.
As a former teacher, I always believe that we have to live a life of distinction for three persons: ourselves, our loved ones and also those with whom we come into contact that we might be an inspiration for others. If others are not real, it does not matter. What matters is ourselves!
However, I must confess that I have been disappointed many times. There have been so many occasions when I was sincere and genuine in the way I related to a person only to find that he/she did not have similar intent. In my younger days, I used to feel deep hurt and bitterness. Older and wiser now, I move on and forgive that person. Just because someone was not sincere does not mean I reciprocate with the same. No. I will continue to live the way I believe is the right way but I will keep my distance and yet be assertive enough not to be a victim of that game of hypocrisy that I will not play.
I believe it is very important to be real and honest - as a person, as a parent/child/teacher/friend or whatever role one may have in life. With all the hard knocks in life and many disappointments that have peppered my life, I can tell who is the real person. One can see on the face, hear in the voice, and analyze in the consistency or inconsistency in a person's words and actions. To prevent ourselves from getting hurt, we have to consolidate our position - never retaliate but if needs be - withdraw a few steps and redefine the boundaries of that relationship without falling into the trap of lies or hypocrisy.
No matter how people might treat us, however insincere or hypocritical, we must continue to be real persons to others albeit from a distance ...that we ourselves demonstrate distinction in our inter-personal relationships and hopefully inspire that person to change....then perhaps the world would be a better place if change begins with ourselves.
Have a lovely evening!
As many of you know, I am a baby-boomer born in the 1960's. I loved my childhood and I grew up with Cliff Richard, The Beatles, Elvis, Nat King Cole, The Black and White Minstrel Show, Andy Williams, Flintstones, Bee Gees and many other unforgettable artistes and movies.
At every family gathering, I let my hair down with my cousins and we would gyrate our hips and do the Twist or the a-go-go dances with our heads shaking to the left and right, hands moving up and down in a most rhythmic fashion. Such glorious days!
I remember how as a four year-old I was singing "Yellow Submarine" this way:
eee ol ladeee yellow submarine instead of We all live in a yellow submarine!!!
It was when I learnt how to read that I realized what utter nonsense I had been crooning and the best part was - everyone sang the same mumbo jumbo.
More importantly, I was so young when May 13, 1969 happened. The only thing I remember was my mom coming to school to take me home and how I rejoiced because all the cousins were at home and we made such a racket until we heard the sirens and saw the truckloads of soldiers in front of my grandmother's house. Silence. Then we knew what it was all about and our hearts were filled with fear. Such innocence gone in the twinkling of an eye.
After the storm, I remember how we were all so patriotic and sang "Berjaya" and "Negara-ku" with so much gusto and the schools and media pumped us with so much propoganda.
Fast forward forty years later. We may be more developed but are we really one nation now? I cannot believe that this nation has grown 40 years older but we seem to be more backward in mentality than what we were then back in the 1960's.
My uncle was Tunku Abdul Rahman's very close friend and I remember how I was filled with so much awe and respect when I went to his home as a young girl. His presence seemed to fill the whole room and his calm and serene demeanour complimented his princely air and yet, there was this humane and humble note about him. Great men have such characteristics indeed. I still have the handwritten testimonial that Tunku wrote for me in 1983 - a real treasure indeed.
I believe that what made the sixties special was not so much the music or movies or that black and white television was introduced. It was because then - we had a Prime Minister who truly loved the people. He was a Prince and yet so much a man who could relate to the rakyat, a leader who led without imposing on others, a politician who exuded integrity and fairness in all that he said and wrote. It was truly leadership by example and he commanded the respect of the masses.
Did you know that in 1977, having acquired substantial shares in The Star, a Penang-based newspaper, Tunku Abdul Rahman became the newspaper's Chairman? His columns, "Looking Back" and "As I See It", were critical of the government. In 1987, we all know The Star was banned by a certain leader.
I doubt we can ever have a leader like Tunku Abdul Rahman...Of course I hope that there will rise from amongst us one with his wisdom, stature and perspective ...Is that idealistic me speaking?
The 60's and 70's ...such wondrous years for Malaysia....
Anyway, if you want a more international flashback of the 60's, please click on THIS LINK which Angela sent me today. It will take you down memory lane and give you a summary of important events, music and icons.
I will be changing the template of this blog soon. I hope that my dear readers will not react negatively to the new template. The truth is, I am quite sick of the sweet pink template with hearts which does not really gel with the content that I post these days.
So this is advance warning that this pink template will change into something else soon.:-)
Please bear with me and stay with me, dear reader. Thanks!
Here's wishing you a lovely evening!
Cinderella was now 75 years old. After a fulfilling life with the now dead Prince, she happily sat upon her rocking chair, watching the world go by from her front porch, with a cat called Alan for companionship.
One sunny afternoon, out of nowhere, appeared the Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella said "Fairy Godmother, what are you doing here after all these years?"
The Fairy Godmother replied "Well Cinderella, since you have lived a good, wholesome life since we last met, I have decided to grant you 3 wishes. Is there anything for which your heart still yearns?"
Cinderella is taken aback, overjoyed and after some thoughtful consideration and almost under her breath she uttered her first wish: "I wish I was wealthy beyond comprehension."
Instantly, her rocking chair was turned into solid gold. Cinderella was stunned. Alan, her old faithful cat, jumped off her lap and scampered to the edge of the porch, quivering with fear.
Cinderella said "Oh thank you, Fairy Godmother".
The Fairy Godmother replied "It is the least I can do. What does your heart wish for your second wish?"
Cinderella looked down at her frail body, and said: "I wish I was young and full of the beauty of youth again".
At once, her wish having been desired, became reality, and her beautiful youthful visage had returned. Cinderella felt stirrings inside her that had been dormant for years and long forgotten vigor and vitality began to course through her very soul.
Then the Fairy Godmother again spoke "You have one more wish, what shall you have?"
Cinderella looked over to the frightened cat in the corner and said: "I wish you to transform Alan my old cat into a beautiful and handsome young man".
Magically, Alan suddenly underwent so fundamental a change in his biological make-up, that when complete he stood before her, a boy, so beautiful the like of which she nor the world had ever seen, so fair indeed that birds begun to fall from the sky at his feet.
The Fairy Godmother again spoke: "Congratulations, Cinderella. Enjoy your new life." And, with a blazing shock of bright blue electricity, she was gone.
For a few eerie moments, Alan and Cinderella looked into each other's eyes. Cinderella sat, breathless, gazing at the most stunningly perfect boy she had ever seen.
Then Alan walked over to Cinderella, who sat transfixed in her rocking chair, and held her close in his young muscular arms.
He moved close to her ear, and into her ear breathed as much as whispered, blowing her golden hair with his warm breath, "I bet you regret having me neutered now, don't you?"
___________________________________________
Bill's all excited about his new rifle. So, he goes bear hunting in Alaska. The first bear he sees is a little brown bear, and he kills it with his first shot. There is a tap on his shoulder, and he turns around to see a big black bear.
The black bear says "You've got 2 choices. One, I maul you to death or Two, we have sex."
Bill bends over for the bear. He's sore for 2 days, but he recovers and vows revenge.
Bill heads out on another trip to Alaska and he finds the black bear and kills him. At that moment there is a tap on his shoulder. A huge grizzly is standing right behind him.
The grizzly says, "That was a big mistake. You've got 2 choices, "Either I maul you to death or we have sex."
Bill bends over. He survives, but he's really hurting and takes quite a bit of time to recover, and, he's outraged. Sure enough, he heads back to Alaska and finds the grizzly and shoots him at point blank range.
There's a tap on his shoulder. He turns around to find an enormous polar bear, and the polar bear says, "You don't really come here for the hunting, do you?"
___________________
A young man saw an elderly couple sitting down to lunch at Burger King. He noticed that they ordered one meal, and an extra drink cup. As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, then counted out the fries. One for him, one for her, until each had half of them.
Then he poured half of the soft drink into the extra cup, and set it in front of his wife. The old man began to eat, and his wife sat watching, with her hands folded in her lap.
The young man decided to ask if they would allow him to purchase another meal for them so that they didn't have to split theirs.
The old gentleman said, "Oh, no. We've been married 50 years, and everything has always been and will always be shared, 50/50."
The young man than asked the wife if she was going to eat, and she replied, "Not yet. It's his turn using the teeth."
_________________________
Goodbye Mother
A young man was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when he noticed an old lady following him around. Thinking nothing of it, he ignored her and continued on. Finally he went to the checkout line, but she got in front of him.
"Pardon me," she said, "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who just died recently."
"I'm very sorry," replied the young man, "is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes," she said, "As I'm leaving, can you say 'Good bye, Mother'? It would make me feel so much better."
"Sure," answered the young man.
As the old woman was leaving, he called out, "Goodbye, Mother!" As he stepped up to the checkout counter, he saw that his total was £127.50.
"How can that be?" He asked, "I only purchased a few things!"
"Your mother said that you would pay for her," said the clerk.
________________________________
All The Thanks I Need
A married couple was in a terrible accident where the woman's face was severely burned.
The doctor told the husband that they couldn't graft any skin from her body because she was too skinny, so the husband offered to donate some of his own skin.
However, the only skin on his body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter.
After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman's new beauty. She looked more beautiful than she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went on and on about her youthful beauty!
One day, she was alone with her husband, and she was overcome with emotion at his sacrifice. She said, "Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. There is no way I could ever repay you."
"My darling," he replied, "I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek."
________________________________________
Have a lovely day!!
One day there was a man who was walking through the forest and got lost. He wandered around for over a week, and was beginning to starve. He spotted a Bald Eagle who had just caught a fish and chased it, hoping to get it to drop the fish so he could eat it. Then he saw the bird land on a tree stump not far from him, so he picked up a stone to toss at it--hoping the bird would be frightened and fly away without the fish. But, weak as he was, his aim was off and he hit the poor bird square on the head, and killing it.
"Well," he thought to himself, "no sense letting it go to waste, if I leave it here it will just rot, and it could save my life if I eat it."
So, he built himself a little fire--using a couple of stones and cooked the eagle to eat. While it was cooking a ranger stumbled upon the man, and when he saw what he was up to, he immediately arrested him--because as you know, that is quite illegal!
The man told the ranger what had happened, and asked for a trial so he could explain the situation to a judge.
So, the day of his trial he told the judge, "Please your Honor, it was a life or death situation! I was lost and starving, and I didn't mean to harm the bird--I only wanted the fish! And when I accidentally killed it, well, I felt terrible but couldn't see any reason to let it go to waste!"
The judge listened to the man's story and deemed him, "Not guilty, on the grounds of extenuating circumstances."
The man was very grateful, and thanked the judge for his fairness.
Then, the judge leaned over and quietly asked the man, "Just between you and me, what DOES a Bald Eagle taste like anyway??"
The man comtemplated this for a moment and then spoke, "Well, it's kind of hard to explain... but, I would say somewhere between a California Condor and a Spotted Owl."
________________________________________
Three women were in a bar talking about their husbands and how they made love. The first woman said, "My husband is a psychologist, and before we make love, he brings me flowers and candy. I like that."
The second woman proclaimed, "My husband is a mechanic, he makes love a little rough, but really tunes my engine; I like that!"
The third woman replied, "Well my husband works for Microsoft and all he does is sit on the edge of the bed and tell me how good it's going to be, when I finally get it..."
____________________________________
You may be a geek if....
You've ever used a computer on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend.
You find yourself interrupting computer store salesman to correct something he said.
The first thing you notice when walking in a business is their computer system and offer advice on how you would change it.
You've ever mounted a magnetic tape reel.
You own any shareware.
You know more IP addresses than phone numbers.
You've ever accidentally dialed an IP address.
Your friends use you as tech support.
You've ever named a computer.
You have your local computer store on speed dial.
You can't carry on a conversation without talking about computers.
Co-workers have to E-mail you about the fire alarm to get you out of the building.
You've ever found "stray" diskettes when doing laundry.
Your computer has it's own phone line - but your teenager doesn't.
You check the national weather service web page for current weather conditions (rather than look out the window).
You know more URLs than street addresses.
Your pet has a web page.
You get really excited when Yahoo adds your link.
_______________________________________-
Be Sure You Know The Subject Matter
The male teacher in a girls' school asked the science class: "Who can tell me what organ of the human body expands to 10 times its usual size when stimulated? Mary, can you tell me?"
Mary blushed furiously as she stood up. She said: "Sir, how dare you ask such a question? I will complain to my parents, who will complain to the principal."
The male teacher was taken aback at first by Mary's reaction. Then, as understanding dawned on him, he called for another pupil, this time a volunteer.
Lily put up her hand. "Yes, Lily?"
"Sir, the correct answer is the iris of the eye."
"Very good. Thanks, Lily," said the male teacher. He then turned to the first girl, who threatened to complain to her parents and principal: "Well, Mary, I have three things to tell you: First, you have NOT done your homework. Second, you have a DIRTY mind. And thirdly, I fear, one day, you are going to be sadly disappointed."
___________________________________
Heavenly Transportation
Three men die and go to heaven. At the gate St. Peter tells them, "Before you go into heaven, we are going to give you each a vehicle with which to get around. The way we determine what type of vehicle you will get is by how faithful you were to your wives. Now," he says, turning to the first man, "were you true to your wife?"
Yes, I was, St. Peter," says the first man. "I never strayed. From the day I married her to the day I died, I slept with no woman other than my wife. I loved her very deeply."
"As reward for your complete fidelity," says St. Peter, "I now give you these keys to a beautiful Roll-Royce."
The man happily accepts the keys, and St. Peter turns to the second man. "Sir," he says, "were you faithful to you wife?"
"Well, St. Peter," says the second man a little shyly, "I must admit that when I was much younger, I did stray once or twice. But I did love my wife very much, and after those minor indiscretions, I was completely faithful until my dying day."
St. Peter looks down at the man and says, "As a reward for good marital conduct, I am giving you these keys to a Pontiac."
As the man takes the keys from him St. Peter turns to the third man. "Sir," he says, "were you faithful to you wife?"
"St. Peter," says the man, "I screwed everything I could, every chance I got. There wasn't a week of my marriage that I didn't sleep with someone other than, wife. But I must admit to you, St. Peter, that it was a problem I had, because I really did love my wife very much."
"Well," says St. Peter, "we do know that you did love your wife and that does count for something, so this is what you get." With that he rolls out a ten-speed bicycle and gives it to the man.
The gates of heaven open, and the three men enter.
Some time later the man on the bicycle is riding along, when he sees that the man with the Rolls Royce has pulled over and is sitting on the bumper of his car. He is sobbing uncontrollably.
The man pulls his bicycle up next to the car and says, "Hey, pal, what's the matter? What could possibly be wrong? You have a beautiful Rolls Royce to drive around in?"
"I know," says the man through his sobs, "but I just saw my wife on roller skates!"
____________________________________
Washing The Dog
A young boy, about eight years old, was at the corner "Mom & Pop" grocery picking out a pretty good size box of laundry detergent.
The grocer walked over, and, trying to be friendly, asked the boy if he had a lot of laundry to do.
"Oh, no laundry," the boy said, "I'm going to wash my dog."
"But you shouldn't use this to wash your dog. It's very powerful and if you wash your dog in this, he'll get sick. In fact, it might even kill him."
But the boy was not to be stopped and carried the detergent to the counter and paid for it, even as the grocer still tried to talk him out of washing his dog.
About a week later the boy was back in the store to buy some candy. The grocer asked the boy how his dog was doing.
"Oh, he died," the boy said.
The grocer, trying not to be an I-told-you-so, said he was sorry the dog died but added, "I tried to tell you not to use that detergent on your dog."
"Well," the boy replied, "I don't think it was the detergent that killed him."
"Oh? What was it then?"
"I think it was the spin cycle!"
__________________________
Have a lovely evening, dear reader!
Have you watched Michael Jackson's "THIS IS IT" yet? If you have not, please book your tickets asap. I watched it tonight and savored every single nanosecond of this movie. This awesome and mind-blowing film shows us that even at 50 years of age and despite suffering from arthritis and prescription drugs, Michael Jackson could move like no one else on earth and put on the kind of show that befits his title of King of Pop. I am so bowled over by the music, the powerful choreography and terrific music that bears testimony to Jackson’s singular genius and ability to entertain people of all backgrounds and ages. Truly, none can ever come close to being compared to even his shadow.
His gentleness, creative talent that is par excellence, zeal for perfection in the way he orchestrated his rehearsals and desire to please his fans, not forgetting his marvelous professionalism in which he handled the people involved in the rehearsals must never be forgotten. Tragically, his sold-out concerts never came to pass because of his untimely death.
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is the documentary that chronicles the intense rehearsals of his 50 London-based concerts that failed to take place due to the his drug-induced death in June. It gives Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer to enjoy how he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena.
The film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and is made from efforts to put together more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show from April through June, 2009.
In raw and candid detail, THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show with Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show which is produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware.
The film opens with a footage of the backup dancers bursting into tears as they describe their hopes for working with Michael Jackson, but eventually it becomes clear that it was a mentorship as much as a work environment on that stage. His instructions to the dancers and musicians, while soft-spoken and polite, are regarded as though they are instructions from heaven above! The adulation from the crew is utterly inspiring!
The film is special to me because I learnt how MJ pays so much attention to minute details showing sensitivity to music, his art, the feelings of his supporting team and a deep love for the environment as well. The exchanges in the movie between various quarters revealed a lot not only about MJ but also the kind of people he was working with - all of whom had the highest respect for this music icon that none can ever hope to emulate.
During one of the interviews where the principal dancers are being selected, the guy in charge reminded them that they were to be 'the extensions of Michael Jackson" and truly, they met expectations even when the real spectacle is MJ front and center. The rough camera angles and bare stage are fascinating even though MJ looked very gaunt and thin in this movie. The elegance, fluidity in motion and superb dancing skills displayed by MJ are echoed beautifully by the back-up dancers, usually in glorious high-def. I enjoyed the subtle shoulder movements in "Human Nature" and my feet were tapping to "Billie Jean" not forgetting his beautiful vocals and expressiveness in the slow numbers. However, I must admit that his voice was not as good as when he was younger.
I really love the way MJ spoke so gently even though he's in control of pretty much everything,at times having minor tiffs with director Kenny Ortega about timing and asking the band to hold off on their next cue, to give time to "let him sizzle." The dancers and back-up vocals are simply astounding!!!
Click on THIS LINK to enjoy this clip of the theme song and the magnificent guitar work of 24 year old Orianthi Paranganis whom many regard as the other star of THIS IS IT. This Greek-Australian virtuoso guitarist has blonde hair blowing in the fans and fingers blazing on the frets of the guitar burning up the stage next to the entertainment legend.
There are a few unfamiliar numbers such as "Earth Song," and the fantastic military exercise known as "The Drill" and the old I Want You Back". MJ gave a soulful rendition of "I'll Be There," that seemed so perfect and heartfelt. Another sequence that I love is the new film footage shot to introduce "Thriller". At certain parts, it feels overly slick until the dancers arrive onstage in zombie regalia to join Michael in the iconic dance - most powerful indeed. His synchronized and well-timed movements are superb and I really marvel at the energy that he displayed.
Most significantly, Jackson's death is wisely never mentioned in the film at all and it is as though the producer wanted the audience to remember him like this. With Ortega becoming his own character in the film, and a final scene of the entire crew in the prayer circle almost as if they are worshipping MJ as a demi-God, this is first-class artistic collaboration that is simply unbelievable!!!
The usual hits such as Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, Beat It, Black or White, Thriller and so on reminded me of those days when I used to go for jazz dance classes and how difficult it was for me to follow the dance sequences that the instructor tried to teach me. As such, I can appreciate the amount of effort that these dancers put in for their performances. These dancers simply oozed with sensuality, style and showmanship. It reminded me of those days at night-spots such as Borsalino, Cinta, Hippodrome, Carmen Inn etc - days gone by in my youth when grooving to the beat was so easy. Then, clubbing mainly centered on dances unlike today. Alas, at my age, albeit younger than MJ, I don't think I can ever moonwalk no matter how hard I try!!!
The following is one of my favorite songs clips from the movie:
When you are watching the movie, please stay remain seated until after the credits of the movie as there are some surprises at the end. For MJ fans, I have to admit that THIS IS IT represents an unforgettable and honest account of a life that was cut far too short, a life that has made the difference to the lives of many others. This isn't Michael Jackson at his best but rather Michael Jackson showing the world he is the best and what is the best! You must watch it! Believe me - you won't regret it.
