Vintage Satire

Recently I bought a bunch of books from Kinokuniya - Random House's Vintage Classic Twins series. The publisher released a pair of books, one established classic, one modern classic, packaged together and sold for the price of one. This "thought-provoking"/marketing gimmick series has various themes, and I purchased Vintage 'Crime', 'Fantasy', 'Fear' & 'Satire'. The reason behind the impulsive splurge was that they had stylish covers, I wanted to read a Murakami in english, and most importantly, I'm a cheapskate (RM39.90 for TWO books wor!!) I probably won't review all, but the first book I picked up had already blown me away.

Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift, 1735 rev. ed.)
I remembered reading this when I was a kid, complete with illustrations, of giant Gulliver being pinned down on the ground, by the mini-race of Liliput. Little did I know it was only the first part of a world-famous satire. Damn I've been bowdler-ised. The synopsis on the back cover:

In the course of his extraordinary travels, Gulliver is captured by miniature people who wage war on each other because of a religious disagreement over how to crack eggs, is sexually assaulted by giants, visits a floating island, and decides that the society of horses is better than that of his fellow men. Swift's tough, filthy and incisive satire has much to say about the state of the world today and is presented here in its unexpurgated entirety.

The book is divided into 4 parts, whereby the way he ends up in a foreign land gets worse each time - shipwrecked, abandoned, attacked, betrayed. Each country he 'visits' symbolises a certain form of government, be it the 6-inch Liliputians, 72-feet Brobdingnags, over-curious & speculative Laputans, Glubbdubdrib sorcerers, or the much revered, but dreary Houyhnhnms. Swift pokes and parodies various institutions - the Royal Court, the Whig-dominant English Government, the European colonists, the Church, the Royal Society of scientists, and many more. Gulliver's Travels brilliance lies at its keen observations and passionate diatribes aimed at government, republican or totalitarian, and the cynical depiction of the degenerate human.

Gulliver starts out as a typical gung-ho 18th century seafarer, but he eventually evolves into a misanthrope, thanks to his experiences. Believing himself to be from a more cultured society, Gulliver's ideals clash with the local inhabitants, and he bemoans at their lack of change. As he experiences more different governments throughout his travels, it becomes apparent that no ideal government exists, because government is a product of man, and man is inherently corrupt and reactionary. Even in his Utopia, the incorruptible land inhabited by horses, where government is an abundance of reason and a lack of science, one feels it is just but a cycle of life/death. In the end, Gulliver yearns from an escape of mankind, but to where is he running off to? In Orwell's essay, "(Gulliver)'s attitude is in effect the Christian attitude, minus the bribe of a 'next world'."

Gulliver's Travels is a pessimistic novel, and I thought it was a children's adventure. But I really really enjoyed it. Anybody who has the slightest concept or opinion about governments should read it, and you'll see how relevant it is, even in today's world.

An insightful piece of literary criticism can be found here, by George Orwell.

"I remember it was with extreme Difficulty that I could bring my Master to understand the Meaning of the Word Opinion, or how a Point could be disputable; because Reason taught us to affirm or deny only where we are certain, and beyond our Knowledge we cannot do either." (IV: 8)

Silhouette

I peered out the window, and see your silhouette underneath the Angsana tree, from the second floor of my first home.

Amongst the strong winds and pouring rain, I see your silhouette with an umbrella. I was standing outside the classroom on the fourth floor. I had just been informed I was second in the whole form.

My pulse racing, I quickened my steps, striding towards the Borobudur. Under the glaring sun, I turn back to see your silhouette. My first trip overseas will forever change my perception of culture and cultivate my love for traveling.

From the condominium balcony of the fourteenth floor, I chat silently on the cordless, all the while noticing your silhouette at the computer corner.

The month I thought I died, I saw the silhouette of your heart, which was actually a reflection of mine. Thank God the familiar shine and luster was recovered.

Inside Opal Gardens KC1A, clad in three layers, I see the silhouette of dry branches underneath the murky sky. I wanted your warmth so badly then.

Sitting on the bench, I looked ahead at the silhouette of swaying trees. I look back and regret every single moment I had doubts about you.

Love you.

Who needs to be an apprentice?

0530 Fall out from bunk bed
0550 One half-boiled egg
0600 Meeting with all staff
0700 Presentation & discussion with team leaders
0740 Update management about progress and issues
0815 Finish & send handover report
0820 Provide short demonstration on key process to personnel
0830 Safety briefing
0845 Pack bag
0855 Nasi lemak
0925 Board helicopter
1040 Arrive at helibase, immediate transfer to hotel
1100 Relax on sofa in air-cond room
1230 KFC burger
1240 Cab ride to office
1315 Answer e-mails
1400 Telecon with colleague 200km away
1500 Meet and brief client management about 'way forward'
1615 Unable to complete list by today, start asking others for help
1645 Depart office and drive to airport
1715 Checked-in and waiting, book in hand
1800 Airport announce 40-minute flight delay
2000 Transit and immigration clearance
2040 Seated beside a student from Dubai, start chatting about movies and Arabic food
2100 Curry chicken with rice
2220 Arrive at KLIA
2230 Board airport taxi, chat with driver about KL tourism. Did you know there's a scorpion farm in Gombak? Or the best place to take picture of Twin Towers is called Jalan STONOR?!
2330 Back home, embrace parents
0010 Hot shower
0045 Finish typing blog entry

Forsaken

I guess my 'blog' phase is over. I hardly even read blogs now. However it still is a potent outlet of expresssion, and I do hope to write here more.

Since the last update, I've had a wonderful 6-dy trip in Rome. Accompanied by Phing for less than 24 hrs of travel, my traversting alone resulted in a richly art-influenced pilgramage around churches and museums. Not to forget the feeling of throwing on a toga and yelling "Hail, Giulio Cesare!", whilst walking along Via Sacra in the splendid ruins of the Roman Forum. I went to the Vatican 3 times, and could now name all the prominent sculptures inside St. Peter's. My mouth still waters when I think of the expresso, eggplant paninis, artichokes, and the 20-Euro pasta I had on the last day. All these happiness greatly erased the horrible experience of putting up with the transport problems in England prior to my trip, which meant I missed Velazquez AND Spamalot.

Since the last update, I am now back home - Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Taman Tun, Kiara Park. Spent the whole of first week cleaning out my room, which was turned into a store room in my absence. Realised my appetite has severely diminished, meaning I don't order more than a dish in coffeeshops no more. Have to get a job soon, since ALL my friends are working now. Been to Neway Karaoke once, and couldn't rmb how to operate the controller. Been hooked on Justin, Eason and Mayday new songs. And I prob will remain single for quite another while, since I totally forgotten Valentine's is coming up. Sweat gila.

My 16-mth stay in Manchester has been a wonderful experience, something that I'll nvr forget in my lifetime. Of course, most ppl will think otherwise, since I condemn the UK so viciously all the time. Then again, it really IS not a nice place to live in, for too many reasons I won't even go into. However, the positivity in me decided to list out what I do miss (in no particular order):

- Friends: Rich Eng-Ed Malaysians (hoho!) that have to put up with my eccentricities and yet make me feel warm and *ahem* 'respected'; jolly ex-flatmates Julian the Columbian and smoky Pambos the Cypriot; pretty + nice Taiwanese chicks; the Mainland malat-lous in Opal Gardens, who were so shocked that I dunno what the term 'A-片' is, and me being so shocked they dunno how to play card games.

- Mahjong, bridge & poker sessions: Yes, I usually win.

- Basketball sessions: marking Aaron in itself is already a joy.

- Broadband: the insanely fast connection make for countless hrs of streaming movies, thus transforming me into a movie freak. Say NO to serials!!

- Traveling: French Alps, Amsterdam, Spain & Rome can't be too bad in a 16-mth span. Not to mention UK coach trip with family.

- Ben & Jerry's: Tried all the flavours. Best ice-cream in the world. Period.

- Times Killer Sudoku: THE most unhealthy obsession. You won't even want to do normal Sudoku ever.

The end of student life. Again. Woohoo, looking forward to working for the next 30 yrs!!

ROMA

Going off in 2 hrs to London for Velazquez exhibition and Spamalot. Then 5 days in Rome!!! Ala continuation to Phing's remarks:

Roma roma bulu roma
Mimpi bagai Maximus dalam Gladiator
Tengok Rafaello dalam Museo Vaticano
Minum expresso makan gelato
Jalan-jalan di Pantheon macam Caesar
Roma roma bulu roma

Retreat @ Avila Hse 181106

One-chan went for a leadership camp then immediately motivated to blog, I went for a retreat two weeks ago and still struggling to post. The retreat was at the chaplaincy, where 6 students turned up. Allocating time for God is not easy. Two seminars and lots of time for reflection, including mass and benediction. I personally enjoy retreats, because I genuinely believe it necessary in putting time aside to reflect on oneself. Thereby absorbing life lessons I gather from looking back at my past actions, and my present knowledge. They call it ‘divine intervention’, Phing calls it ‘epiphany’, I call it ‘enlightenment'. Life is a lot simpler than people would have you believe. Will just record some of the more striking points I gathered from Fr. Ian the other day.

A way to discern people with the strongest faith in God is by asking them the question, “have you ever doubted your faith?”. Those that answered “Never!” and "Of course!” are the strongest. As with most people, my faith goes through a sinusoidal cycle of peaks and valleys, but I do try and strengthen it as I grow older. It almost is a natural process that the more one experiences life, the more one experiences God, which in turn strengthens one’s faith. The fundamental question of “does God exist?” is not even a question to me because I have accepted it, partly because of convenience (a born-Catholic), partly because of conviction (miracles of life). For those who doubt the moral God, moral (good / bad) itself is a product of the human conscience, and moral is ephemeral in existence. To me, God is a subtle integration of my conscience, and his divinity transcends through my actions, because He made me.

Fr. Ian gave a most beautiful example of dealing with life’s uncertainty: when feeling down, confused, disturbed, or angry, go “sit beside yourself”. Splendid. Nothing of the schizophrenic sort here, just take a step back, and using your true self to evaluate your current self. Again, it is an example of God’s divinity transcending within you. It is saying: my true self, manifesting God, takes a good look at my current self, then laughs at the idiocy of feeling whatever negative thoughts I may be having. But if anyone does see me sitting beside myself, you better pray it is only an illusion.

St Vincent de Paul said, “when someone knocks while prayer, leave god for God”. Pope Benedict’s encyclical “God Is Love” also contains a beautiful section about Mother Mary (C. 41). These two great figures of faith understood that God’s divinity transcends in their actions, and that they’re undertaking God’s initiatives, as much as they are willing to put their time aside for prayer. I know I am not the best Catholic around, especially with the smart mouth and indifferent demeanor. It is irritating for the perfectionist living inside me, but I have to loosen up and understand God’s sincerity. I have to learn how to not doubt God’s sincerity.

We do all kinds of things each day because of fear – fear of rejection, fear of being ugly, fear of being lonely, fear of the unknown, fear of feeling stupid etc. That’s why we act up and try to impress. But we know our true self disapproves of all these. It is surprising, but letting go of the false facades and breaking down your own outer facade, and you will realize that you have more friends than ever before. That we people yearn to know each other’s true self, because they are identical in nature. Guess those were the parts that impacted me. Joke heard during tea time:

James: Do you want sugar in your tea?
Miriam: No thanks, I’m sweet enough.

Cheesecake Crumble

Smiles and congratulations, when gossip turned fact
Blush on her face, pride in his eyes
Friends and family gather round
Once in a lifetime

Perfect like a well-baked cheesecake
The icing, was quite a story
Romance flickering like a light bulb
‘On / Off’, became a permanent switch

Time goes by like wind
Joy and glee become the theme
Warm embraces and firm hugs in the mornings
Kisses ashowering and sweet talks in the evenings

There there, boredom ensues
The cheesecake starts to crumble
Unbeknownst, not even to them
The colour of the surface was tainted from the first day

Was it the pressure
Was it the guilt
Was it the familiarity
That disguised love

Slowly they disintegrate, the hearts sway
The perfect union turns into a party
The day comes, voices turn to barks
Reason and pride go out the window

You do everything for me, even if I don’t ask you too
Make up your mind, take your stand
We are not perfect, like you once said
I will leave now, if you permit so

What am I to do, without you
You said you love me, and I believed it so
All that I’ve done, is up in smokes
A try-out, a trial run, was that me in the farm

(to be continued… quite exhausting emotions even before the guilt comes in)

Inspiration after watching Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage (1973), the BEST character study of relationships, especially marriages, that I’ve ever seen. Screw the recent Little Children, this classic has the two leads bouncing off each other with non-stop dialogue, the odd and awkward pauses, the emotions seen through the eyes, and the fiery passion that engulfs their weak souls. Brilliant, that I didn’t feel a nudge wink throughout its 167 mins of Swedish dialogue. In other news, I successfully manoeuvred myself through Accenture Malaysia’s interview here in Manchester. Now awaiting Senior interview to be done most likely when I get back, IF my luck here runs out.