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Showing posts from December, 2009

Of industrialism, militarism and other stuff

What was used to be duty, surveillance and reaching out, it has become insubordinate, fight for justice and plead for acceptance. One of the many themes were industrialism and militarism. These were the two elements that created conflict in the harmonious life of the native people. It happens in real life too. Think of deforestation for dam construction and palm oil plantation. Do you think the natives are not spared from involuntary relocation? That's why some quarters in the west are opposing and boycotting palm oil products. On the other hand, that's nothing wrong if you stand out to fight for fairness and preventing the wealth to be taken away, even at the cost of rebelling against your own group. After all, Jesus did pay a high cost on the cross. Again, with military advancement, wrongful decision can lead to catastrophic destruction of the habitat and even culture. That's where the birth of terrorism. Worst case when the technology is being sold without a trace. The

Generosity

What does Christmas mean to you? Perhaps we should consider generosity in our life. God has been generous to us. He's still now. He blesses his people. He forgives. And the biggest gift from him, his one and only Son. That's beyond measurable of generosity. You can be generous too - in time, encouragement, resources, relationship and even prayer. You can spare your valuable time to build a friendship. You can give words of encouragement to brothers and sisters. You can give your wealth for the blessing of others. You can even say a little prayer for others. Of course, giving from a heart is praiseworthy. Remember this: Whoever sow s sparingly will also reap sparingly , and whoever sow s generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:6-7)

Journey to Mount Bromo (Part 3 of 3)

and the journey continues... with lots of steps to climb... until you reach the top, this is what you get to see - the mouth of the volcano (or the vent).... not many stays long as sulfur gas aplenty... other locals present their offering to the deity... On the way down, it's another long journey...

Baby shots with 50mm lens

Benefit of 50mm lens: fast (f/1.8), light, bokeh effect.

Beijing Olympic Stadium

Due to short duration of stay in Beijing, I only managed to visit the Olympic stadium, which is a stone throw away from the hotel I stayed. Unfortunately, the stadium closed for public at 10pm. So I was only able to take a glimpse at aquatics center (above). The public peacemaker (公安) chased everybody off at 10pm. What a bummer. The aquatics center (in blue light) is at the far left.

Industrialization effect?

China is fast developing. And there's a price for any developing country. There will be pollution which is inevitable. There will be a drop in air quality. Last week, Beijing's temperature was between -4degC and 8degC. It came with mist, haze-like mist. Visibility was only around 2-5km. Here you are, they stay next to factory's chimney. That factory is also not far from the hotel which I stayed. Surely the Chinese need to do something to cut down the carbon footprint.

Freedom to express

It's bad if you are in China... I was disappointed though when I was there this week. You will not be able to access your Facebook. You will not be able to follow your Twitter. You will not be able to see free video in YouTube. And last but not least, you can't blog. So Malaysians in Malaysia are lucky to have freedom of information access. Global censorship scale.

Kampua noodle

Since we've been going back to Sarawak quite often, and almost every time got the chance to taste the local kampua noodle, and not sure if we've eaten too much stuff in our life, the local kampua quality is not up to our taste. So we decided to do it ourselves. Here it is..... Though it didn't look presentable (partly due to my crappy amateur photography technique even though using a fast prime lens), it did taste good. Dare to say it was comparable to the best of the local stalls. Haha...

Journey to Mount Bromo (Part 2 of 3)

The view of Mount Batok, which is just next to Mount Bromo Tourists brave through the dusty landscape. Slowly ascending and the Hindu temple is leaving far behind The east view (Note: too much flare in this shot) Stairway to the top of Mount Bromo