Israel - a superpower?

 

You know who is the real superpower of the world right now? Israel, of course. No one dares to touch it. It keeps on making attacks on Gaza like nobody's world. The United Nations, NATO, or the European Union, you name it Israel just ignores it. Russia and China are also cautiously calm. Those who are touching it, like Lebanon or Iran, for that matter, are just making token touches. Nothing as  devastating as the Israel's attacks on Gaza. All nations are afraid to touch israel, afraid of one thing or another. Only they know the best. But afraid.

When the 9/11 devastation of 2001 happened in the USA, then President George Bush made the battle cry of  "Us against the world" Now when on October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel and killed more than 1200 Israelis,  Israel took the same "Us against the world" stance. Netanyahu is said to have ranted as such.  May be, this could be the reason why nations are distancing themselves. Even the USA is afraid of antagonizing Israel. This can be seen when Israel is not following the advice or request of Joe Biden on the matter of civilians being continuously killed by its attacks on Gaza.

Israel is a small nation of just 22,775 sq.km, but a superpower! Acts like one, anyway.

The humble King of Malaysia

 

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah. This is the full official name of the present Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or, the King of Malaysia,  If you add in to his name, all the titles accorded  to him by various state rulers and other dignitaries, that will take a few more lines! Phew! Here is a  person with so much weight and power. Yet His Majesty is so humble, simple, and kind! So much down to earth that he will drop by a roadside-stall to eat his favourite meal, much to the worry and panic of the body guards and the entourage that accompany him! Ha ha!

Tengku Abdullah, as His Majesty is fondly and respectfully called by the media and the people alike, truly loves and cares for his subjects. This can be seen by one of his gestures of asking reporters and journalists waiting outside his Palace, on certain errands or events, whether they have eaten, and then arranging food for them.

Now, mostly, if not all, VVIPs will follow a strict protocol on official functions, and everyone expects it. No, not His Majesty, the King. I watched on TV, with gaped mouth, when at the end of the Merdeka (Independence Day) national parade, when His Majesty was ushered to his car by the dignitaries  and body guards, His Majesty sidestepped the car and ignoring protocol went to the people in the stands to shake hands with them. Oh, the people were so overjoyed! Many of them rushed to have selfies with him, and His Majesty freely obliged! Maybe he, being a former president of the Football Association of Malaysia, and mixing with players and fans alike, has given him a chance to feel people's yearnings.

Sadly, His Majesty's tenure of the five years is coming to an end. He wiil be going back to his state of Pahang to be it's ruler once again. But not to worry, another ruler of uprightness and integrity,  and with a heart towards the welfare of his subjects  - the Sultan of Johor, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, will be taking over the role of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31, 2024. "Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku!" (Long live Your Majesty!) 

The Great Post Office Shame

 

Hello mankind! Please put your trust and faith in humans rather than machines. Machines are always fallible, and when they do, all hell breaks loose! Human beings suffer. That's what happened in the UK. In their post offices.

An accounting software named Horizon of Fujitsu Company of Japan, which the UK post offices were using , bungled, showing shortage of money in the accounts of the post offices. This had been happening since 1999! It is said that faults to the software were noticed at an early stage, but no real importance was paid to them, and the problems seemed to have not been corrected. Instead, the powers that be  professed that they had full confidence in the machines and implied  that humans were in the wrong! Consequently, almost 700 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses in charge of their post offices' financial accounts were put in unwarranted trauma and misery. They were prosecuted. Criminal cases were brought against them, and many were sent to prisons. Poor souls, that meant they were found guilty of crimes they did not commit. Nice justice!  They lost their jobs, their pride, their honour. Their lives  changed for the worse. Some even died, they say! Oh my God! It was only in late 2020 that the Horizon software system error was discovered. So late! What a shame! Unbelievable! In an 'advanced' country like the UK!

The government is now finding  ways of adequately compensating  all those unjustifiably  punished persons. Fujitsu apologized and said it would contribute financially to compensate the ill-fated sufferers. Money? Money is merely a materialistic consolation. It can only make a little amend.. I hope ways of returning their lost dignity were found.

The UK media is terming the above mess  as 'The Great Post Office Scandal' I disagree. It is not a scandal. It is a great human miscalculation, wrong assumption and ignorance. I call it 'The Great Post Office Bungle'! Or, people have been put into unjustified agony, and so, 'The Great Post Office Ignominy', if you may.

The good, the bad and the ugly - dog meat in South Korea

 

In this new year of 2024, there is some ' the good, the bad and the ugly' news for animal lovers and international organisations  for preventing cruelty to animals, in South Korea, or for that matter, the whole world. The good news is that on January 9, 2024, the South Korean government passed a law banning the eating and selling of dog meat in its nation. The bad news is it is only to start from 2027. The ugly news is that until then, all those dogs being reared for their meat in farms or elsewhere  will still be allowed to be killed and served as meal for the Koreans. 

Disappointing indeed. Man's best friend becoming man's best delicacy!

The song that touches me always and may also touch many of your hearts.

 

Change of Helm - USA

Ha ha ha! Sorry, Mr. President Joe Biden, sir. Whenever someone mentions, "That's a dead man walking," your image comes into my irresponsible mind immediately. Maybe it is your straight stiff walking pose that makes you look very old, something like a dead body moving! Sorry about that uninviting comparison. And when you attempt to show people that you are very healthy by jogging a few steps forward, it makes you look older still and worries  onlookers that your legs may trip! I do so, for one!

No, Mr. President, no, sir! I wish you would not stand for the election next year. You may not win again another term. That is another reason you are a "dead man walking." Your term of  president is nearing the end. You won in the 2020 election because people already saw you as very old but wanted  to give it a go for four years. I don't think they want to  give you another  four more years and suffer the temptation to speculate about your good health daily. Even my nation's former prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir looks younger than you, and he is 95! You are 81. How unfair and unfortunate!

Sir, please take a much needed rest. Give someone younger in your Democratic Party to contest the 2024 election. Names like Marianne Williamson (71 years) and Dean Phillips (54 years) have been mentioned. Another exciting  name that had been uttered was Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (69 years), son of deceased senator  and former  presidential - hopeful, Robert F. Kennedy and, most importantly,  the nephew of the actual president, the great John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of U S A (1961 - 1963). Yes, you got it right!. I am rooting for Robert F Kennedy Jr. Not that my rooting is going to bring chaos and turn tables in the USA. He he he!  First of all,  we have to see if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. really stands for election.

So, Mr. President sir, give it a thought. I know  you are wise for your age and have done well. But people care about you and the nation as well. 

It is for you to decide, finally.

Malaysian way of life

 

 

CHINESE IN INDIAN RESTAURANT

PUBLIC RESTAURANT

IN A CLINIC - THE TIMID

IN A CLINIC - THE BRAVE

CAR SERVICE APPOINTMENT

HINDUS' HILL-TEMPLE -THE BATU CAVES

FRUIT MARKET

TO SCHOOL - ANY WHICH WAY

SCULPTURE - FAVOURITE FRUIT DURIAN

A CHINESE MOSQUE IN IPOH MALAYSIA

What a relief!

 

The great Mahathma Gandhi advocated protests of non-violence. He was against revengeful actions of violent nature. "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind,"  he said. What Israel is doing now is not 'an eye for an eye', but ten eyes for an eye! About 1200 Israelis had died when Hames first incursed  into Israel. But in return, Israel is responsible for the deaths of over 17000 Palestinians, so far! So tragically unfair!

Won't  a reasonably long-lasting peace ever be achieved  in these areas of the Middle East? What Nobel Peace Prize laureates  of yesteryears, Anwar Sadat,  Menachem Begin, Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin, and Shimon Pères had so toiled for seems to be in name only now; all gone to waste. How sad and disappointing!

Speaking of the Nobel Peace Prize,  is it not appropriate to give it to Qatar, which, to everyone's relief, stepped forward and made it possible to achieve at least a ceasefire in those agonizing times in Gaza, when humans were being killed and maimed, mercilessly!

COP28 vs COPEIHW

So, the climate  conference, Conference of the Parties  (COP28) was just over. A huge convention of leaders and representatives  of 198 nations was held from November 30, 2023 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to discuss the prevention of disastrous climate changes,  global warmth, in particular. What a time to have this COP28! I rather wish they had conveniently changed the COP28 to something like COPEIHW (Conference of the Parties on Ending the Israel-Hamas War)! Ha ha! The latter is my own!

Well,  at  the end of the two weeks' conference, it was said that there had been a breakthrough and that a deal had been struck. An agreement had been reached by all the nations to gradually stop using fossil fuels, completely, and to start using non-gaseous and non-polluting energy materials or resources - a transition away from fossil fuels', they called it. I don't understand why it was said as a 'breakthrough'. All the nations know fossil fuels won't last forever, and there are already nations experimenting with alternative  energy resources. So far, it has already been well known that energy for daily use for every type of requirement can be manufactured through wind, water, and solar, except that there are some difficult financial outlooks to it. Anyway, there are already electric vehicles like cars and trains. Houses are already using solar energy. Some breakthrough it is!  

As. I had already hinted earlier, the Israel-Hamas war was also going on in the neighbourhood during their COP28. The participants would have seen on TVs, of missiles, bombs, and whatever exploding, emitting tons and tons of smoke and dust, going up above to the sky, to deteriorate the climate further. Oh, oK, I know you can't weigh smoke, but at least you get the idea, right! 

Now, If they had struck a deal and agreed to do away with missiles, mortars, rockets and bombs in wars, then I would call that a breakthrough. More than a breakthrough! Is it not? How beautiful the world would  then be!

Spare the hostages and prisoners.

 

In wretched wars gone by, we had mostly heard of 'prisoners of war', where warring nations got hold of the soldiers who were captured alive and put them in detention camps.And after the wars, we had seen or heard prisoners of wars of both factions being exchanged, or released, after all sorts of diplomatic or political manoeuvres. But in this accursed war between Israel and Hamas, we are seeing innocent men and women, civilians being dragged and taken away forcibly at gunpoint and kept as  bargaining powers, or to say plainly, for blackmailing purposes. What a sickening, deploring thing this is..They should fight their damned wars but not stoop to  the disgusting level of holding innocent people at their mercies. Doesn't the Geneva Convention of 1949 establish that it is a war crime to take civilians as hostages or prisoners? 

It is said that Hamas is holding about 240 civilians as hostages. Israel, after the Hamas attack on 7th October, is said to have, immediately, 'arrested' about 4000 Palestinians, many of them labourers, and put them in detention camps or prisons 

Now, at the time of this writing, I hear that Qatar, with the presence of Egypt and the United States, had obtained a hard-fought agreement for a ceasefire of 4 days and an  exchange of captives; 50 hostages held by Hamas for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis. See how they play with the lives of innocent people!

 Wars are cruel and often follow no set rules, but please do not stoop to this dirty level of taking hostages or imprisoning  of people not even involved in any disputes. I hope the great almighty organisation,'YOU KNIGHTED  NATIONS', will show its armour and prevent such lowly occurrences. Well, what I meant was the United Nations should be more forceful and see that war-rules on hostages and prisoners are adhered to. I hope all the hostages and all the people in the detention camps or prisons are released promptly. May God bless them and their families with mercy and  kindness.

Only when it happens to you....

 

Only when it happens to you will you feel the real pain. Until then, it will be, "Poor souls, they are suffering so much, they are so unlucky! No, it won't happen to us!"

The above conception and perception have been every human being's instinctual  thought since time immemorial. So, when the cursed wars are going on in other corners  of the world, with the humanity suffering the torturous  consequences, we go on, here, in our own  corner  of the world, with our routine way of life; going to the movies, going to the stadiums to cheer our favourite teams, having parties, going to our favourite restaurants, gobbling up our favourite  foods and drinks, having  karaoke sessions; watching the tv dramas and comedies - all the routines, because, "No, it won't happen to us! Those poor souls, they are so unlucky!"

 Yes, only when it happens to us will we feel the real pain, the agony, the physical and mental tortures, the heartaches, the untold anguish! 

Strange creations  we are. Are we not? 

" Waiter, my usual, please!"

Australia in back lane.

 

If not for the dreaded wars that have agonizingly pulled in everyone's attention and concern, the following event in Australia would have hovered over the media, as headline news. What Australia has done recently is, in my opinion, wrong in these modern times. 

On October 14, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with some optimism, held a referendum on recognizing the constitution of the indigenious people of Australia, the natives who had been in Australia for more than 60,000 years; about 4% or 26 million of them now. Significantly, it was only in 1788 the ancestors of the present Australians settled in the land. They came as convicts exiled from the British Isles. Gradually, the British colonialised the land. In January 1901, the six British colonies united and became one Commonwealth of Australia with British approval, and later, in March 1986, Australia legally  gained independence from Britain.

Of the people who took part in the referendum, most said 'no' to the indigenous people being acknowledged and validated properly, of their existence, in the constitution. What a disappointing reaction! Other countries are bending backwards to get their natives of the lands to come into the society, so that they, too, can  be helped to experience the benefits that the citizens are getting. But in Australia, 'no'. The Australians feel that recognizing the natives into the constitution  will later on bring all sorts of problems. Of course, the natives will demand equal rights and other benefits, and the government will have to look into them. The Australians are afraid that their well-being could be compromised in some way. But what is ironic is that the natives could enrol as voters and vote! Selfish and absurd, is it not? For a nation that calls itself well advanced!

My hats off to USA and UK, where the natives and other ethnic minority are recognized and can be elected to the highest post of the nation! Who can forget Barrack Obama and now  Rishi Sunak. Then, there is Kamala Devi Harris, for  good measure! How gracious and civilized the citizens of these nations are! Their nations are the real advanced ones - advanced in thinking and action, of matureness. 

Who knows, Australia could be like them, someday, it too, being controlled by the white majority. I hope it is soon.

Israel-Hamas war - another curse.

Wars after wars. Man, killing man. This seems to be the curse that fell on the world since it was created.

On top of witnessing the tragedies  and havocs of the Russian-Ukraine war, which does not seem to end, our hearts and minds have been turned into more despair and agony to witness another brutal war, this time, without any forewarning - the war between Israel and Hamas of Gaza, in the middle-east. This time around, Hamas, the militant organisation in Gaza, is seen to be the starter of the war.

On 7th October, a religious holiday of the Jewish Sabbath, it is said that more than 3000 rockets were launched from Gaza into southern and central Israel. Coincidentally, hang-gliders, as well as motorized paragliders, motorbikes, and speedy four-wheeled vehicles, were their convenient transport armaments of attack. No barriers were made to obstruct them. Bulldozers had been readily brought in the forefront, to penetrate the defensive walls. More Hamas militants arrived on motorboats to the Israellian beaches to attack the beach goers and take many of them as hostages. All, planned in advance, meticulously planned!

Most of the Muslim countries seem to utter tones of  support towards Hamas, somewhat indicating that the people of Palestine have been bullied by Israel for too long, and it is not surprising for the Hamas' fury. Israel's strong contention is that the land on which the Palestinians dwell is theirs, and they are doing everything to safeguard their security. The Palestinians vigorously disagree with these assertions.

USA is the strongest supporter of Israel, followed by almost all the European countries. This war has put some countries, especially the Muslim ones in a predicament, in an embarrassing position.  They, being Muslim countries,  are obliged to give  support to the Hamas, and they are wary because they are also friendly with USA. Anything they may say or do in favour of Hamas may anger or displease the superpower USA. Uneasy situation, indeed. Well-known Muslim  countries that are, in some way, friendly with USA are Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Hamas, too, has its own allies; Iran, Qatar, Lebanon, being the main ones.

Coming back to the dreaded war and also all the other wars, as well,  how I wish wars followed the ancient system of warring, where innocent civilian deaths were very rare. where two intending-to-war nations will come to an agreement to have the battlefield in a certain area.  Deaths of civilians were subsequently avoided. Of course, there were no dreadful armaments of explosion, then. Only the horses, knives, swords, and shields were in play. Deaths were only to the persons bravely seeking it, or prepared for it. Now? Innocent people, not involved in any disputes, are killed, maimed, blown to pieces! How unfair! How heart-wrecking! 

Cursed, be the men who discovered and modified explosive materials! One such man is Alfred Nobel. 'Sir' Alfred Nobel, now! And they are giving out Nobel prizes to people in remembrance of him! How absurd and unthinkable!  So, they say Alfred Nobel realized his mistake, and to make amends, he institutionalized the Nobel prize, to be given to those who made notable contribution to science, medicine, literature, and peace. Some peace we are having! And they are giving out Nobel prizes in remembrance of him, the creator of dynamite, and thence, the bomb! How unnoble! 

Ai's CHATGPT on all fronts, on God and mankind.

The advent of humanity on this earth has always been intriguing me. The bible's version is very popular but the answers to my doubts seem to be not clarified. No, I did not read the bible fully, only the first few pages that pulled my interest, greatly. But I have read a few Christian magazines and they did not clear up my various doubts. The well acclaimed Ai based 'chatgpt' is around! So, I thought why not approach it. So, here I go!

But first, my sincere declaration . I am a respecter of all religions and I will never look down on any. If, in some way, my questions here to chatgpt hurt anyone I apologize. Please read on! I will be very happy if you, too, are satisfied with your perception and acceptance of our ancestors on earth.

ME;

 In the bible, it is stated that God made Adam and Eve and told them to multiply but did not teach them how. Only when the serpent asked them to eat forbidden apple did they know how to multiply. Then, why should God be angry at Adam and Eve and the serpent?

CHATGPT;

The biblical narrative you mentioned is a symbolic story, and interpretations may vary. However, a common understanding is that the disobedience of Adam and Eve by eating the forbidden fruit represents a violation of God's command. It's not that they learned how to multiply from eating the fruit, but rather they disobeyed God's explicit instruction.

God's anger in the story is typically viewed as a consequence of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of free will and moral choices. The serpent, often associated with temptation, plays a role in leading Adam and Eve astray. The story is a moral lesson about the consequences of disobedience and the significance of following divine commands.

ME;

Did God tell Adam and Eve how to multiply?

CHATGPT;

In the biblical narrative, God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" is found in Genesis 1:28. However, the specific details of how reproduction works are not explicitly mentioned in the text. The idea is that God intended for Adam and Eve to procreate and populate the Earth, leaving the intricacies of reproduction to natural processes.

The disobedience of Adam and Eve, as described in Genesis 3, involves eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This act is often seen as a symbolic representation of humanity's inclination to go against God's commands and seek knowledge independently. The punishment they face is a result of disobedience rather than a lack of information about reproduction.

ME;

Did God allow incest which is a crime?

CHATGPT;

The biblical narrative, particularly in the Old Testament, does mention instances that might be interpreted as involving close relatives marrying or having children. However, it's essential to approach these texts with an understanding of cultural and historical contexts.

In the early chapters of Genesis, Adam and Eve's descendants are mentioned, and due to the limited population at that time, close relatives likely married each other. It's important to note that interpretations of religious texts can vary, and different religious traditions may offer distinct perspectives on these narratives.

n many modern societies, incest is considered taboo and illegal due to genetic concerns and potential harm to offspring. However, ancient cultures had different practices and beliefs.

It's crucial to approach discussions about biblical narratives with sensitivity, recognizing that interpretations can differ among individuals and religious denominations. If you have specific questions about a particular religious perspective, it might be helpful to consult with religious scholars or leaders from that tradition.

ME;

You mean so far the christian clerics did not debate about this multiplying and serpent matter as well as the incest matter. Looks like they swept them under the carpet to make Christianity look good! Didn't they?

CHATGPT;

The interpretation of religious texts, including those in Christianity, has been the subject of much debate and discussion over centuries. Different Christian denominations and theologians may have varying perspectives on how to interpret specific passages, including those related to creation, Adam and Eve, and other biblical stories.

It's important to recognize that interpretations of religious texts are influenced by various factors, including cultural, historical, and theological considerations. Scholars and clerics within Christianity have engaged in extensive debates and discussions on these matters, and perspectives may continue to evolve.

While some theological perspectives emphasize metaphorical or symbolic interpretations of certain passages, others may take a more literal approach. Debates within religious communities are not uncommon, and individuals within those communities may hold diverse views.

It's advisable to engage in open and respectful discussions with theologians, scholars, or religious leaders who can provide insights into the specific interpretations within a particular Christian tradition. Keep in mind that interpretations can vary, and not all individuals within a religious community will share the same perspective.

ME;

Don't you think it would have been better if God created two males and two females so that this matter of incest did not happen. Or maybe, God indeed created two males and two females but nobody realized it. What do you think? Isn't this possible?

CHATGPT;

The question you raise touches on theological and philosophical considerations. The story of Adam and Eve is often understood within a religious context, and interpretations can vary. Some may view it as a literal historical account, while others see it as a symbolic narrative with deeper spiritual or moral meanings.

If you consider the idea of God creating multiple pairs, it's essential to remember that religious narratives often convey messages beyond the literal details. The focus of the story might be on broader themes such as human relationships, free will, and moral choices rather than the logistics of initial human creation.

Theological perspectives vary widely, and some believers may find metaphorical or symbolic interpretations more meaningful. Others may adhere to a more literal understanding. Ultimately, the interpretation of these narratives depends on one's faith tradition, personal beliefs, and the guidance of religious authorities.

It's an intriguing topic that has been discussed and debated by theologians and scholars throughout history, and different religious denominations may offer distinct perspectives on the matter.

ME;

Thank you.

CHATGPT;

You're welcome! If you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can help you with, feel free to ask.

Well, there you are. Did I get what I wanted? Did chatgpt really satisfy me with its answers? Sorry, no. I feel that it is trying to bulldoze its way out. What I got to understand from its presentation is that it was saying that the religious verses had been written and had existed for thousands of years, and I should accept it as it is. And, if I really want to be enlightened, " it might be helpful to consult with religious scholars or leaders from that tradition", it says.

 I rather prefer the Google way of presentation; more professional, and not human-like, like chatgpt, Ha ha! Thanks, chatgpt,  for answering like a human. But no thanks. I would rather use a customerily professional search engine like Google,  than the humanly chatgpf. For, humans are not perfect , Oops!

The spirit is willing, the body protests!

 

There is a sadness inside me always. 

It seems like only yesterday I was twelve!

Today, I am seventy and two!

I am now  'Hai uncle' .

I wish I could be 'Hello, young man'!

How I yearn 

to go for a game of football on the green field.

I can't. My legs don't yield!

How I long

To fling my school bag on the bed! 

And get my mum's face all red!

Throwing a bag today, on a chair, 

Will get grandson's snigger and stare

Loved the glances of the girls, then

Today, not a glance, 

not a chance!

Enjoyed then, the swim in the river!

Now it's so cold, the muscles shiver

Oh, that game of hide and seek!

Play that now? No, I am meek!

Nice game, police and thief!

But not now. All pain and grief!

A tarzan was I then, climbing the trees!

Not any more, pain in the knees!

"What would I like to be in the future?" 

No! Not a doctor, a pilot, or a teacher!

All I want to be is young, young forever.

And ever!