Political Correctness 101

On March 11, 2011, Japan shook and swayed as a result of a 9.0 magnitude undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan. A tsunami – with waves up to 76 feet high and travelling up to 10km inland – followed soon after. Worst still, there is now the dangerous issue of radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

All these indicates the gravity and severity of what’s happening in Japan at the moment. Naturally, an outpour of sympathies and condolences has been made in Japan’s direction. Foreign governments immediately offered assistance and humanitarian aids. And throngs of Hollywood’s who’s who called for the public to donate and pray for Japan.

But surprisingly so, there were still reports of gaffes made by people and institutions from all over the world.

Let's Get Craic-ing!

Pre-script: This article was published in the March edition of "The Inkslingers".

I have been fortunate enough to visit the homeland of the Leprechauns recently.

The weather there was typically Irish – unpredictable – and the winter was frigid cold. But the sights were truly magnificent. That is not, however, what intrigued me the most.

It’s not St. Patrick’s Day if that’s what you think I meant. It is the craic that was most noteworthy as it is quintessentially Irish. Pronounced as crack, the term does not correspond to any specific translation or definition. But it can be roughly captured as 'fun' or 'general enjoyment'. There can be great craic going on, especially in pubs, or you could be a craic yourself by being good company.

Where the Sun Don't Shine

Pre-script : I know the title isn't grammatically correct but it just sounds better.

In the previous entry, I wrote about the things I miss about being in Dublin. Now it's only right to balance that with an entry on the things which I don't miss about Dublin. Here goes:

Baile Átha Cliath

I think I need to blog consistently again. I need to practice, I need to sharpen my writing skills. Hence this entry.

Anyway, I've been away for slightly more than 10 weeks (2 1/2 months). I was based in Dublin (in the Irish language is known as "Baile Átha Cliath", hence the title of this entry) the entire time, only being out of Ireland for roughly 2 out of those 10 weeks.

Of course there are many things I'd like to share, but for a start, I'll list a few things I miss about living in Dublin.

Satu Hari Di Malaysia

Tatkala fajar menyinsing tirai pagi.
Mataku celik, telingaku jaga, aku senyum.
Alangkah indahnya Malaysiaku.

Dari bendang terbentang
ke kota raya megah bergaya.
Malaysiaku maju membangun.

Indera Kayangan ke Bawah Bayu
Kaya bangsa, budaya dan bahasa.
Malaysiaku penuh kepelbagaian.

Lautan luas, puncak dunia, angkasa raya
Diredah, ditawan, digapai.
Malaysiaku memang boleh.

Tatkala suria membayangi titian hari.
Mataku melihat, telingaku mendengar, aku muram.
Adakah ini Malaysiaku?