LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN - ANIMAL HAS NEEDS TOO.

I often thought to myself that I will not eat meat as much as possible, cause I have heard and seen how the farm animals suffer. STill, I do eat them, it's just that they make up 5% of my meal. Today I while surfing youtube for more videos on the famous "listen listen listen" musicals, I discovered this video: Initially I dared not watch it coz I knew that it would be hurting. However, I watched it anyway. True enough, I was very hurt - at how we treated these animals. It is true that they're for meat and food, but the way we have manipulated and exhausted our meanest side unto these defenseless creatures - we're too much. We're a cruel, mean race. I would support mercy for animal, WSPA for what they're doing. If you have a heart, I encourage you to support "MERCY FOR ANIMAL" and "WSPA" with your finance and word of mouth. To be a vegan - this takes a lot of commitment. But I would start exploring the vegetarian replacements for protein.

New website http://worshipsongscollection.com

Hi there, I'm posting my blogs at my new website now: http://worshipsongscollection.com I've got more freedom to do more things there, and the page loading is kind of faster, that's why I decided to switch. Besides, I felt I should change the name of my blog. Hope you have enjoyed my prattle, and look up for more at my new website. God bless you all in this coming new year 2013! (p.s. who says the world's gonna end in 2012 anyway?)

Adopt this adorable puppy (Malaysia)

For more information please click http://www.petfinder.my/pets/33756/

sabrina yeap's legacy

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April 4, World Stray Animals Day - I love Cesar!!

World Stray Animals Day: Why This Cause is So Important to Me

Cesar’s Video for
World Stray Animals Day

By Cesar Millan

I was very honored to be asked to be the ambassador for World Stray Animals Day and I wanted to take a moment to explain why it means so much to me.

People see stray animals going through garbage on the street looking for food and they would just rather not see them. They don’t make the neighborhood look nicer—they just seem like they’re dirty and spread disease. They don’t really care where they these animals go, as long as they’re gone.

But you see, in many ways, I was a stray. I came to America. I had practically nothing. I didn’t know when I was going to eat. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. I knew I was good inside, but I was here in a strange place away from the family who loved me and I didn’t speak English and couldn’t talk to the people around me. It’s a scary thing to sleep on the streets and not know what the future is going to bring.

I was very lucky, because I was able to improve my situation by educating myself, learning the language, and developing my talents. I was even more lucky because people like Jada Pinkett had faith in me and reached out to help me raise myself up and become who I am. Things were bad, but with the help of good people, they got better for me.

But here’s the big difference between me and strays. I chose to come to America and I knew it would be a rough beginning and I went into it with my eyes open. The 600 million stray animals who live on the streets around the world didn’t make that choice. They were thrown away by their owners, born on the streets, or just simply got lost. They didn’t create their situation. They just have to live with it, or is more often the case, die with it.

Anyone who knows my philosophy, knows I only like to support no-kill animal shelters because I can’t stand the thought of euthanizing a dog simply because it's unwanted. But an even crueler form of euthanasia is what these animals face on the streets. Starving to death. Dying of untreated injury or disease. Dying painful deaths at the hands of cruel humans.

In Los Angeles this week, two dogs were found with their heads cut off and thrown into dumpsters. I’m happy the City Council has offered a reward to find out who did it. But it proves that cruelty to animals can happen in anyone’s backyard, even mine. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed locally and globally.

I think most people look at stray animals and see them as a nuisance. But these are actual living feeling beings that lead incredibly brutal and painful lives. And it’s largely because of things that we humans have done.

When I rescued Argos in Spain he had been abused by hunters who had broken his leg and used electrical tape to bind his mouth shut. He was scared and alone. Now he’s happy and one of the most valued members of my pack. He’s a wonderful companion and you only need to look at him to see the gratitude in his eyes. I know I have a friend for life in Argos.

I needed help, I’m sure each of you has needed help at some time. We all need help. And these animals most definitely need our help.

Wednesday, April 4th is World Stray Animals Day. There are over 600 million stray animals all over the world who suffer lives of misery—starving, cold, sick, and abused. It’s why I wanted to be involved with this day and why I made this video.

You can find out more about what you can do at www.strayanimalsday.org

Click here to see the video I created for World Stray Animals Day.

Found a nice book!

I saw this in the internet, sounds really good and interesting.

The author Patric Chan (an internet millionairre in Malaysia) speaks about how he is teaching people to make money using facebook. And it is legal and facebook allows it. It does not spam people's account. Sounds too good to be true, but I think Patric Chan won't lie about this, although I'm pretty sure he's gonna make more money by selling the book.

Look at her excited face~ you should be too. Check out the link below to find out. It will only take you 10 seconds. If you're not interested, well, just close it then.

Check this out: http://showeringcash.info

Applying for visa at the Chinese Embassy

hi there! the past few days have been extremely frenzy - thus, I've not time to pen down my experience (continued from the previous post on china beijing visa).

Yeah. So few days ago (when the 4 working hour time line was due) - I went to OSK Investment Building, parked my car at the same place, even though somebody on the internet said it's only took him less than 5 minutes. Nevertheless, I remembered seeing so many cars being pulled by the DBKL trucks... and I've definitely no interest not to mention entertaining such thoughts of that happening to my dearie carie.

So after parking my car, I walked straight into the building. This time there were more than 3 times number of people walking around the building - commoners like me. However, the number of guards have reduced significantly - it wasn't like that day. So that's why, I got lost. I tried looking for the OSK Investment entrance, but somehow couldn't find it.

THen I remembered the bronze bull standing outside the building and went in the gate... only to be informed that that was the exit! Oh, all of a sudden my sense of direction came back alive! And I didn't know where the wisdom came from, I immediately found the right entrace to the building.

Anyway, so I got to the 2nd floor, and wow... to my surprise, this time the queue was at least 3 times longer than the previous'! So I lined up, and an elderly lady rudely interceded my queue... as I was practicing patience, gentleness, kindness.. I took no effort to make things straight with her. Let her be. When my turn finally came, I took a number ( I can't remember now) and after waiting for about 10 minutes, my number was called, and so I went to counter 14.. or 15? or 16? I can't remember anymore.

So I showed her my visa aplication receipt, paid RM58, and she told me to go to the next counter. The chinese lady at the next counter passed me back my passport... and of course, the visa was right in my passport. ;-)

So that was a very simple procedure - nothing to be worried of. No trouble - except for the traffic jam trying to get to Jalan Ampang.

It always breaks my heart when a dog is killed.. just becoz he's a dog. :'(

Soap Star Suicide Shines Light on Pit Bull Prejudice

The entertainment world was shocked this week at the news of the suicide of 47-year-old actor Nick Santino. The actor, who had appeared on All My Children and The Guiding Light, was found in his apartment after overdosing on pills on his birthday. His suicide note revealed the cause of his tragedy. It read, “Today I betrayed my best friend. Rocco trusted me and I failed him. He didn’t deserve this.”

Rocco was Nick’s pet pit bull, who he had rescued from a shelter several years ago. They lived in a condo on New York’s Upper West Side, and had recently been having run-ins with the condo board. In 2010, the condo board instituted a rule expressly forbidding pit bulls to live in the building. The rule did not affect Nick as he had moved into the building before 2010, but neighbors said the building management harassed him constantly about his dog. Nick was not allowed to use the main elevator or leave the dog alone in the apartment for more than nine hours at a time.

Finally, after threats of fines and constant pressure from neighbors and management, Nick had Rocco put to sleep. The next day, wracked with guilt, Nick took his own life.

The condo board has denied any responsibility in the deaths, and other factors were involved. A veterinarian had told Nick that Rocco had become somewhat more aggressive, though no incidents had been reported. Nick also had suffered from depression. He may have felt particularly bonded to his rescued pit, as he himself had been raised in an orphanage and bounced around from foster home to foster home in his youth. Lately, his acting jobs were becoming more infrequent, and the harassment over his dog may have been what put him over the edge.

It’s impossible to pin the tragedy on any one thing, but it’s hard to ignore the pressure the condo board put on Nick Santino building that pushed him into making a terrible decision—when his dog had been guilty of nothing except being a pit bull. On his last day, Nick gave away Rocco’s bed and rawhide bones to another dog owner in the building and gave the doorman a box of treats to distribute to the rest of the building’s dogs.

Both Rocco and Nick were cremated, and Nick’s family has said they will be interred together.

http://www.cesarsway.com/training/socialization/Soap-Star-Suicide-Shines-Light-on-Pit-Prejudice?utm_source=mobilestorm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feb3BadDogReply

Chinese New Year fire crackers

Today is the ninth day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar New Year. Wow, some Chinese say that this day is even "bigger" than the original Chinese New Year. Indeed. I saw so many more people selling firecrackers along the roadsides, market.. despite the police patrollng... ahem hem... wonder wonder.. anyway, it's not my thing to wonder about it.

So indeed, as the clock struck midnight yesterday, I could here all the loud bangs. Poor my doggies n kitties, they're trying their best to hide somewhere.. unfortunately.. there's no cave in my house. So I managed to capture a sequence of the fire crackers near my house with my ipad (ipad does a fabulous job at capturing quick pictures).

Wow.. when I look at the pictures, it's a bit scary. It seem like explosions, big explosions, which explodes into meteors of fire which disappear into the darkness of the night as stardusts.
Man's creations... but how much more wonderful is God's creation? ;-)

Praise God in everything... A very happy CHinese New Year to everyone... especially to my dear readers. ;-)

The trip to Beijing

Initially I was pretty depressed and upset, worried and anxious about my upcoming trip to Beijing. Basically because of the fact that it's winter (I'm so afraid of cold! Even Kota Kinabalu's 9'C made me think I could die anytime). Secondly, I'll be travelling alone - boo booo.... Thirdly, I've not planned up anything to tour there. Fourthly, I've heard much rumours about the CHinese (sorry, I'm a Chinese myself, but... the values may vary...). Recently how the teenager got hit by the van, and how so many Chinese people walk pass the toddler which was hit by a van and not even turn an eye on the toddler.. that's scary indeed.

However, I believe that's just the ugly side. I pray that God will place good angels around me, so that I may enjoy and marvel at His creations in His favour and mercy, as well as the Chinese around me.

Now the negative mood has slowly switched to positive - I'm getting excited! In fact I'm starting to plan this and that, and it's going to be fun (I suppose!) I can even roughly draw the Beijing map to you at anytime... Yes.. That's the way to go...

May God's grace and favour and mercy be upon me, everywhere I go.

=)

Applying for visa at the Chinese Embassy

Yeah, today I went to the Chinese Embassy to apply visa for my trip to beijing next month.
Prior to this I've googled much to findout the procedure, what to expect... and my.. google is indeed a blessing to many of us out here.

Just a click - and I found all I ever needed. But some of the information I found is a bit outdated.. so today I'll share my little experience.

The Chinese Embassy is located at the 2nd floor of the OSK Plaza, which shares the same building as Bank of China. Bank of CHina on the right, OSK left. You can find the location of the Bank of China or OSK Plaza from google map, but bear in mind to use the "satellite" view instead of "map" coz the "map's" is erronous. WHen you're at JalanAmpang, OSK Plaza will be on your left.



So I turned left and found a big parking lot on my left (as you can see from the above pic), paid RM3 for 1st hour and walked across the street into OSK building. (this is very detailed indeed huh!) Don't be afraid to get lost cozyou'll not be. Once I walked near the building, I think almost 5 security guards turned their eyes on me - and started to enquire where you're going. It's as though this is some VIP's residential building! They're very helpful and polite, I think they looked like preparing for some terrorist attack kind of thing. But very nice experience. So they showed me to the lift, I went to the 2nd floor, and the guards were back to their original positions.

Once I got out of the lift, there was a long queue, slight commotion going on coz somebody couldn't get what he wanted and I only heard him saying, "This is ridiculous.. " sort of thing. Anyway, prior to that I have already printed out my visa applicaiton form which I got online, pasted my pic on it - and the receptionist told me to refil my form - it's outdated!

ouch! There goes... The embassy is quite clean, systematic, we have at least 3-4 form-filling counters, each with 2 pens attached. The new form is more required more details than the old one's. Nevertheless, I passed my forms to the receptionist, he gave me a call number, and immediately my number was called and I went to counter number 17.

The chinese lady was very polite, but her accent was mildly heavy - if you know what i mean. I could understand perhaps 70% of her words, though we're bothe speaking the same language - chinese mandarin. :P

So I passed her a new passport sized photo of mine, she took my passport, and asked me is it ok for me to get my visa after 4 days, I said yes, so she briefed that I shall come back 6 days later (which includes sat n sunday) to get my visa, pay RM58, and get back my passport. Then I left, the whole procedure took me less than half an hour despite filling up the form and the long queue.

So the summary, what yo have to bring to the chinese embassy:
- passport sized photo (without hat, light back ground)
- passport
- details of your travelling itineries, stay, medical insurance, emergency contacts, employers/ family contacts - coz you'll need these in your application forms.

Visa Fees (Ringgit)

Malaysian Citizen
Single Entry: 30
Double Entry: 50
6-Month Multiple Entry: 80
12-Month/24-month Multiple Entry: 120

US Citizen
465

Other Country Citizen
Single Entry: 130
Double Entry: 200
6-Month Multiple Entry: 250
12-Month Multiple Entry: 400

Express Service: 100 (3 working days)
Rush Service: 140 (same day)

Application Service Fees
Regular service: 28 (4 working days)
Express service: 100 (3 working days)
Rush service: 140(same day)

Note:
(1) Visa Fees are collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
(2) Application Service Fees are charged by the Visa Application Service Centre.
(3) The total amount of the fees to be paid by an applicant = visa fees + application service fees.

So next week I'll have to pay RM30 + RM28 = RM58.

For more information, pleas click: http://www.chinese-embassy.info/asia/visa-mys.htm

it's been a long long time...

It's been a realy long time since I last blogged. I kind of missed this idea of journaling publicly.
Many things have taken place in the past 3 months that I've been silent. Nevertheless... God is good, I'm grateful for everything He's given me.

My humble apology to those who wanted to buy furminators from me, as I did not check my blog comment for the past few months. Very very sorry indeed.. i have sent emails to you.

As I was chopping the lemon grass just now, I almost chopped off my finger. I thank God for His protection. I was chopping at jet-speed (to me), just hacking those lemon grass repetitively with the parang in my right hand, while my left swiftly get closer to the parang. They got so close that my finger got under the parang!

Thank God, just at that moment my right hand gentled her hacking. Else... ouh.... I don't want to imagine. So now I've got a broken finger, but intact finger. Thank you for your covering upon me Jesus!!

Thank you Jesus, and love you!! =)

Help rescue bears from the horror of bear baiting

Zidi is about to be attacked by dogs for sport. He's petrified with fear. And he's too weak to stand but that won't stop his owner from dragging him into the hot, dusty arena once again.
In rural Pakistan, up to 2,000 spectators will assemble to watch a tethered and clawless bear set upon by trained fighting dogs.

Soon, he'll tie Zidi to a post and watch as two trained fighting dogs launch a savage attack on him, yanking him to the ground as the crowds cheer for more. Zidi's teeth and claws were pullet out years ago so he is left utterly helpless. The only reason Zidi will be saved from death is so he can be thrown back to the dogs again and again. All in the name of the "sport" of bear baiting.

We can't leave Zidi to endure this. But we can't rescue him from the horrors of bear baiting without your help.

Help WSPA end bear baiting

Working with the Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Biodiversity Research Centre (PBRC), WSPA is halting an increasing number of bear baiting events.

Your donation will fund our work to continue and help WSPA reach our ultimate goal – to stamp out bear baiting for good.

vicstandp.blogspot.com
http://www.wspa.org.uk/wspaswork/bears/bearbaiting/savagebloodsport.aspx

I'm very pissed off with DIGI SUPER LONG LIFE

Or perhaps I should say I'm pissed off with Digi technical/ information centre/ website or whatever.

Reason being I have reloaded a substantial amount of money into my handphone - and when my time's up, I tried to use the Digi Super Long Life. THe problem is, when I tried and failed and failed again, I decided to call the DIgi helpline.

After waiting for a few minutes, I finally get to speak to the DIGI consultant. When I explained my predicament to the consultant, he simply told me, you cannot reload because your account is no longer valid.

I asked him, why would anyone want to reload their account when their account is still valid with that much of money in their account?!!

Then he told me, it's not a reload, it's a service. What a nonsense.

I told him to refer to his DIGI website - super long life is categorized under the "RELOAD" column. He repeated the same thing to me, you cannot use this service because your account is no longer valid.

I did not need to hear that, I knew that my account is not valid even before making that call. My problem is, why can't we reload after our account time's up (expires). And his excuse is, this is not a reload, it's a service. I'm not impressed, at all.

So I see that there's no use of speaking to the consultant. I suggested to him to add to the website - please put it down in your website that,

1. This is not a reload, it is a service.
2. This service is only applicable for accounts which have not expired.

Walking my dog is fun (though it could have been better!)

I walk my dogs daily. They're mutts. It's a pleasure to walk them - I get to breathe the fresh air, without getting bored (coz they're always up to something), I get to see what's going around my neighbourhood... talk to my neighbours... and just refresh myself.

There is this uncle who's always watering his plants and always wave his hands to me (I don't know his name yet!), there's this uncle who's always gardening.. and there's this rich man who does gardening on his own... there's this uncle who always ask the same question everytime he sees me, "Taken your meal? Me not yet wor... go eat with me la..." and there are these aunties who always spend their evenings walking around the field... this uncle with his barking schnauzer... this neighbour who always let his dogs walk freely around him then go hunting for the dogs when they run away - especially the black intact male. Haha.

However, not everyone who comes my way are pleasant. There are a few who always give the same joking remarks like, "Why keep a mutt??" or "Why you keep two dogs? So free hah you..." or "Hey, I'm planning to make a soup out of your mutt today..."

There are also those whom do not make any noise, but the look in their eyes are just as annoying. Snobbish look, the look like "Hey, hey, don't come near me.. Your dog bites." Even an aunty who keeps a cocker spaniel - she's one of my top annoying neighbour. Everytime we walk our dogs, and we're like 10m from each other she'll flash her glare at me, and shouts, "Hey go walk away! Don't come near my dog!"

Of course, by arguing and justifying myself with her is a total waste of time. After all, my walk with my dog should be a pleasure. Often I'll meet joggers who usually distant themselves and jog away from me/my dogs, or give the "Japanese-eye-look" or the "Don't-get-near-me-look" and jog away. So I'm used to making my dog stay or walk away from joggers when I see them.

Just now when I was walking Kim, I saw a jogger, who puts on this serious mask on his face. As I was pulling Kim away from him, Kim kept rushing toward the jogger, which really annoys me, for I did not want to offend people. What surprised me was, instead of giving those weird looks or running away from me, this jogger actually smiled and laughed and even played with Kim. I was shocked.

I'm sure Kim felt accepted and contented today. As for me, I'm glad there's a rose among the thorns.

He is the God who sees me.

August 31, 2011
Silent Longings
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
She (Hagar) gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’ (Genesis 16:13, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Everyone wants to be noticed, to be cared for, to be loved. How my heart breaks with David’s words, “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). He is crying out during one of the darkest times in his life and felt all alone in his struggle to survive. We might expect to hear those words from the crowded city streets as men and women scurry about in their power suits off to make the next deal. We wouldn’t be surprised to hear those words from a vagrant huddled under a bridge with all his worldly possessions stuffed in a plastic grocery bag. But would we expect it from the person sitting beside us in the church pew, the co-worker in the next cubicle, or the mother of three next door?

While flying from the east coast to the west coast, I watched an in flight movie, a cleaned up version of What Women Want staringMel Gibson. Mr. Marshal (Mel Gibson) worked at an advertising firm with a host of busy men and women bustling about in their own little self-absorbed worlds. In a strange twist of events, Mr. Marshal is “electrically altered” when he slips in the bathroom and falls into the bathtub, along with a hair dryer. When he regains consciousness after his shocking experience, he has the ability to read women’s minds and hear their thoughts. With his new perceptive powers, he lands a huge Nike advertising account and wins the heart of the leading lady…of course. But there is one poignant sideline of the movie that grabbed my heart.

In the movie, one young nondescript woman in his office had thoughts that stopped Marshal in his tracks. What if I just jumped out the window? Would anyone notice? I could be gone for days and no one would notice…until the files started piling up. Then they’d say, ’Where’s the geek with the glasses who carries the files?’

No one did notice the errand girl who refused to make eye contact with her fellow employees, except Marshal, who could hear her thoughts.

One day, the young women (who we learn is named Erin), doesn’t show up for work?

“Where’s Erin?” Marshal asked as he notices a pile of files sitting on her desk.

“I don’t know,” someone replies. “She didn’t show up for work today.”

Fearing the worst, Marshal locates Erin’s address and dashes out to stop her from ending her life.

Bursting into her apartment Marshal sees a suicide letter lying on the table and his heart sinks. A startled Erin walks into the room.

“Mr. Marshal, what are you doing here?”

“I’m glad I got here before you hurt yourself?” he replied.

“What makes you think I was going to hurt myself?”

“I just sensed it,” he answered.

“Really? You sensed it? That’s not good.”

Then Marshal brilliantly changes course. “The real reason I’m here is to offer you a job. You know we got the Nike account and we were wondering who would be a real spitfire to work on this project…” Marshal offers Erin a job and rescues her from the despair of feeling unwanted, unloved, and unimportant.

I’m not suggesting that you watch the movie. After all, it was a cleaned up airline version. However, I am suggesting that you ponder the situation. I believe that men and women walk past us every day, just like Erin in this movie, who feel that they have no significant purpose in this world. Like Erin, I know that there are many who feel that their sudden disappearance would cause little fanfare or concern. It might be the woman who passes you in the hall at work, the rebellious looking teen who shuffles by you at the mall, or the businessman dashing to his next appointment. It takes so little to let someone know that they are significant. We have the ability to give someone hope by offering a simple word of acknowledgement.

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “We are shaped by those who love us or refuse to love us, and by those whom we love or refuse to love” (Dr. David Jeremiah, The Power of Encouragement (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah, 1997), p. 13) . It is an amazing opportunity given to each of us as we walk through our day to shape and mold those around us with a simple word of encouragement, acknowledgement, or appreciation. The world is crying out for love - a positive word, a tender touch, a morsel of praise. Sometimes a simple “hello” can be a boost to someone starving to be noticed. Many people are so lonely that any token of attention is like a drop of rain on dry parched ground.

Jesus met a woman who felt very insignificant – bone weary and bone dry. As he talked to her by a well, He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13, 14 NIV). Yes, Jesus is the living water that people need. Isn’t it amazing that He allows us to hold the cup - to offer the only drink that will satisfy.

Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that you always see me and notice what I’m going through. You know every hair on my head! Help me to never loose sight of the fact that I am very significant in Your eyes. You loved me so much that You gave Your Son, Jesus, so that I might have eternal life with You. I praise Your Holy Name.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What's the reason behind Nazri's smile???

Ten Canine Commandments for all.

This is really good. I almost cried before finish reading it. :') Nice one, indeed.

Bersih 2.0 - Understanding CLEAN (Bersih)

I also got this from email circulation - too bad I don't have the author's name. But what he/she wrote speaks for majority Malaysians on Bersih 2.0.
Let us continue to uphold this nation continually in our prayers, that all these wickedness and evil will be purged.

1. Datuk Ambiga did not conceive this movement. It was born out of a civil society movement to which I am proud and happy to be part of since 2007. Ambiga was invited to be Chairman for Bersih 2.0 (2007 being Bersih 1.0), to keep the movement going and the first thing she did was to seek resignation of all members of the Committee who are also leaders of political parties. She correctly wanted the movement to be bi-partisan. Invitations were given to BN political parties to endorse the movement. But it seems only the Opposition parties agree with the 8 demands of Bersih - which safeguards our constitutional rights in ensuring that we have a healthy democracy.

2. It is a rakyat driven movement - the ideals of democracy - by the people, for the people, of the people. It is not led by Anwar Ibrahim, PKR or any foreign bodies. It is led by Ambiga and her 13 fearless committee members - but in reality - the movement is by the people and for the people and about the people. You should check the number of the endorsees/NGOs and volunteers for Bersih 2.0. They are upstanding people - retired patriots who servedthe nation before Merdeka to young voters/volunters - university students who have their places in uni at risk.

3. Bersih 2.0 is not just a street protest. The street protest is only one of the its many activities. What should be the focus is the 8 point demands. No sane rational person will find fault with the 8 points. The other activities held were to gain support from many groups and to impress on the Election Commission on the import of the 8 points for the past 2 years. It is for everyone to see how the EC was not receptive to the 8 points. In fact, EC has closed its eyes on the rampant abuse of the electoral process in all the byelections since 2008. Look at the 8 points:

1.that the EC clean up the electoral roll,

2.reform postal voting,

3.use indelible ink,

4.introduce a minimum 21-day campaign period,

5.allow all parties free and fair access to the media,

6.strengthen public institutions,

7.stop corruption,

8.put an end to dirty politics.

They have advocacy as well as educational programs to educate the public on their constitutional rights. Why? Because the government we have today needs the education too. Look at the PM, the Cabinet, the AG, the Police, the Universities, the Judiciary and the mainstream Media (Judiciary and Media lumped with government, though in a ideal world these 2 institution shd be independent).

4. BN did not lose badly in the last elections. It still managed to gain majority but at a laugh since the electrorate roll and the boundaries for constituencies were very questionable. Tens of thousands of new registered voters were not allowed to vote even though it is well within their constitutional right as registered voters.

5. The by-elections for the past 2 years have been heavily tainted with money politics - using tax payers money. I am more appalled at the head of BN,the current PM making a direct offer - "you help me and I will help you..." . Amazing how shameless! BN's generosity during the past elections (hahaha with my tax payers money) is disgusting. And the very same leader of BN saying he will protect Putrajaya at all cost. Putrajaya does not belong to him. It does not belong to BN. It belongs to the rakyat.

( see the PM - 10 seconds into the video uploaded at http://www.youtube.com/watch?EUKMi6U4xY&feature=related )

6. What makes me want to be out there on 9 July 2011 - is the not just the 8 points, not just because I believe it is timely for Malaysians to come united to protect their basic democratic right, the very foundation of our nation, our democracy - it is now fuelled by the anger and disgust I have - that the government that is for the people is attacking the people - telling us that it is not legal to exercise my constitutional right to peaceably assemble, arresting people for exercising their constitutional rights in freedom of association and expression. Wearing Bersih Tshirts is a threat to national security? Attending a community gotong royong wearing tshirts saying "Negara Bersih, Rakyat Bertuah" is a threat to national security? Waging war against the King? Seriously?!!!

7. Tell me what force is at play - foreign or local - aside from the discontent of a people who is ashamed of the government we have today. Ambiga met many foreign bodies - you will know Bersih 2.0 have moved beyond Malaysian shores. There are chapters in Japan, Korea, Australia, England and the US led by Malaysians and friends of Malaysia. So what if there are foreign bodies involved, if at all? The question to ask- what does Bersih stand for that it has sparked a solidarity across the globe?

8. Tell me what threatens our national security? Tell me why my government is robbing me of my constitutional rights? Tell me why the PM had also threaten to bring out 3 million UMNO memebers to rally agaisnt Bersih when his home minister is quick to ban Bersih 2? Ambiga has asked for a safe route for people to peaceably assemble. How difficult is that? Every few months our government closes public roads for hours - to hold marathons, cycling events, national day parades. Bersih 1.0 whith 50,000 people in 2007 (official mainstream firgures) (unofficial 80,000 to 100,000) went about rather peacabley until the police moved in with their water cannons and batons and tear gas.

Why don't the government take action against or the police arrest the likes of Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali and the editors of Utusan Malysia who spew racial slurs? The PM threatens to bring 3 million street protestors? Ambiga is defamed as being anti-Malay, anti-Islam,anti-Malaysia - choses not to defend herself and rightly so - it's plain to see. She's a hero in our midst. We dont need the USA to honour her as an international woman of courage. She is a National Hero. (And yes, she is a personal friend, one will not defend her own honour because she is honourable).

9. Tell me how you can disagree that something is seriously wrong with the government we have today. Tell me how you can disagree with the 8 points that makes Bershih 2.0. Tell me what avenues the people have to safeguard their constitutional rights when the very governement in place is the robber?

10. Since we are friends, I suggest perhaps you spend more time in Malaysia and see how we can have a government who told us the nation will go bankrupt is we do not cut subsidies, yet have money 63 million to refurbish (not even build a new palace) the PM's home, 35million for a pavillion at the World Expo, 1.8million for facebook, 100 million for a new tower, not to mention the costs overrun for all national projects? A government that can afford to give Lynas, a foreign company, 12 years tax free benefit when it brings radioactive materials into our country and leaves radioactive waste behind but projects an earning of hundreds of millions for the next few years- for rare-earth processing which no developed nation no matter how rich in rare-earth materials supply or how high the demand would not even consider building such plants? (China has its planst in outer mongolia, we have ours 25kms from Kuantan, 250 km from KL).

The list of my disgruntled discontent is long. I want a change not just for me but for the next generation - and change is possible through the electoral process. I just want a fair and free electoral process, my very basic right as a Malaysian.

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

I got this from email circulation - too good not to share.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

So I went.

I have to say that the night before I had many many misgivings, especially after reading about the army doing exercises with the FRU. Could the government seriously be contemplating shooting their own people? Who knows? My stomach was in knots thinking about the many young people I knew who were intent on going, including my daughter. Would I be able to forgive myself if something happened to them?

After seeking advice from various friends, I finally decided that I could not stay safely at home while my daughter, friends and colleagues faced possible danger. I had to walk with them. Besides even if I stayed home, I would have spent all my time worrying. So I had to go.

A friend who lived in the city offered to be my protector and together we devised a plan on what to do. Hubby was supportive and gave some advice on how to stay safe. My neighbours also wanted to come along. So fairly earlyish, my friend drove over to get me with no problem and we headed back into the city. Despite the roadblocks in some areas, we encountered no problems. In fact driving into KL was so pleasant because the roads were so clear. The police directed traffic where they had to and were generally cooperative ( except for one we saw arguing with a man trying to get into his own condo). We got to a roadblock in the KLCC area and my friend explained that he lived in the area and they let us through, four people in a car dressed as if we were going hiking!

From my friend’s apartment block, we walked to Times Square and parked ourselves at the Starbucks for a coffee while we waited. A cursory look around the outlet and mall revealed that many people were doing the same thing. Meanwhile a whole van of police was stationed outside the mall but after a while they all went off.

We kept in touch with various friends around the city to find out where they were and what the situation was. At about 12.30 we started to walk up Jalan Hang Tuah towards the stadium area. We were not in big groups, just people out on a weekend stroll. We thought we would encounter police in front of the big police headquarters in front of Pudu Jail but there was nothing. When we got to the corner of Jalan Hang Jebat, we saw some police motorcycles and only a couple of cops. Lots of people were just sitting on the curbside under the eye of the cops. It was pretty clear what all these people were there for.

We walked along Jalan Hang Jebat in front of Stadium Negara towards the OCM and found many other friends waiting there. Apparently at one point the cops had given chase even though there was no reason to and caught some people and hauled them off. But from then on we could sit and wait by the curb without anyone disturbing us.

Jalan Hang Jebat and the small road that led up to Stadium Merdeka stayed pretty quiet. Members of the Bar Council (who had to suffer wearing their suits in the heat just so that we could spot them easily) walked around observing what was happening. At one point one woman in a suit sat herself at the intersection to take notes.

One lone woman lawyer at her station, Jln Hang Jebat

We all debated whether to stay there or move down to Petaling Street but we were afraid that we wouldn’t be let back up again. Then it started to rain. My friend and I sought shelter under some hoarding along with young people. Just then I got a message that we were to go to KL Sentral. After confirming this with a friend at Sentral, my friends and I started to walk down Hang Jebat just as a large group of people started walking up. The rain was pouring at that point and I didn’t know quite what to do, whether to tell people they should turn round or not.

Seeking shelter for a while under a shop five-foot way, I talked to various other friends and eventually decided to head back to the stadium area where I found my daughter and lots of other friends there. The main group earlier had gone up to Stadium Merdeka, did some chanting in front of the FRU and then headed down again. But many people hung about just to observe everything and soak in the atmosphere. One group of young people had yellow ribbons on sticks and started a little dance. Others were buying ice cream from a bicycle vendor who came by. There was a real carnival atmosphere.

Here's a video of the rally yesterday taken by my daughter. As you can see, it was peaceful. And every time some people started chanting 'reformasi', someone else would start a louder chant of 'Bersih'.

I have to say that I never felt safer than when I was in the crowd. People recognized me and said hello. Some wanted to take photos. It didn’t feel any different from any other Saturday out. And to be perfectly fair, the cops and FRU in my area showed admirable restraint. They saw that people were not doing anything more than chanting and nobody was harming anyone so they just stood there and left everyone to do their thing. We came across a whole FRU unit blocking a lane next to the Chinese temple at the roundabout at the bottom of Jalan Maharajalela, waved at them and they waved. Cool cops!

Of course not everyone had the same experience. Here’s an account from a colleague who was in a different street:

Unfortunately my experience wasn't so benign. I was part of the marchers (along with A and others) who were effectively kettled by the police in Jalan Pudu. FRU units to the front and back of us prevented us from leaving, and we were trapped by the walls of a construction site opposite Tung Shin Hospital after the FRUs pushed us back. It was probably the worst of the hotspots because of that: when the police started firing round after round of tear gas at us, we had nowhere to run to. I think they were determined to make an example out of us, because they bloody well tear-gassed and sprayed us with water cannons when they had no reason to do so.

We were all tear-gassed at least three, four times. An NGO staffer was hit by a canister. V told me that she saw people jumping off the second floor of the Puduraya bus terminal because the police had released tear gas too close to the terminal and the wind carried the fumes into the enclosed building. When the marchers ran for shelter in Tung Shin Hospital, the police fired tear gas and water cannons INTO the hospital grounds. Later the police lured us into re-assembling on the road on the pretext of negotiating a peaceful dispersal. They arrested the MP (Sivarasa) who was doing the negotiating, then -- after ordering us to sit down so (as we realised later) we would be sitting ducks -- they fired more tear gas and water cannons at us. A, myself and our companions eventually managed to find a way out from the trap via the Santo Antonius church and (irony of ironies) the car park of the Hang Tuah police station (near the monorail station). There were so many very brave people yesterday.

I now know that smearing toothpaste under the eyes to reduce irritation caused by tear gas actually works (thanks, A)! I'm still itchy and short of breath from all that tear gas, which is a bit annoying. But really, mostly what I remember of the rally was how moving it was: the solidarity among the protesters, how people looked out for one another. Whenever I was tear-gassed there was a stranger running along at my side and offering me and my friends salt to counteract the effects. When the police sprayed chemical-laced water cannons into the crowd and the people affected cried out for water to wash the stuff away, others turned and ran back toward the cannons with bottles of water to help. People helped others climb up a hill towards the hospital to escape (some guy helped me up the steep slope). Someone always stepped up to make sure that a panicked run doesn't turn into a stampede, including an elderly woman who took it upon herself to guide the marchers to safety. She's a first-time marcher to boot! Actually there were lots of first-time marchers, and more young middle-class urbanites than I've ever seen at any other rallies including the 2007 Bersih rally. At one point people started picking up the tear gas canisters and throwing them back at the police, or kicking the canisters safely away from the marchers and bystanders. I heard via the #bersihstories Twitter hashtag when the police fired tear gas into Tung Shin, there were people who grabbed the canisters and wrapped them in their own towels, then threw the canisters into the drain so there wouldn't be so much fumes.

And another one, about people’s goodness:

My group has a lovely little story to tell as well, of how we escaped from the Tung Shin hospital area after one of the tear gas attacks. We took a little alley uphill between the shophouses, and there was a block of flats there. One of the residents told us to go through the building to get out through the back! We climbed upstairs and then along the opposite corridor a woman shouted and pointed, "That way, go that way, there is an exit out the back!" and we scuttled along our corridor, down the back stairs and found ourselves safe outside on Changkat Tung Shin or something like that.

Rakyat all contributing in their own ways!

There are many stories and photos, both good and bad, of the whole event. But to me what was most important was that Malaysians proved two things: one, they can assemble together on a common cause peacefully and two, therefore showed that they are a mature people. The fact is that there were all kinds of people there, young and old, all races and religions and all classes and creeds. I bumped into many young people, the children of my friends, who had come to see what it was all about and decide for themselves what to think about the issue.

Do these people look like hooligans to you?

Whatever one thinks about the issue that Bersih is espousing, we should all be proud of our fellow Malaysians who did not, despite dire predictions by some, behave like hooligans and destroy property and hurt one another. There were people hurt and one death but people who had participated in the rally did not cause them. The restaurants and shops around the area were doing roaring business as people got thirsty and hungry.

There are also some people claiming that the world now has a bad impression of Malaysia because the foreign media (and the local media for that matter) reported only about the teargassing and water-cannoning. I think people are confusing the government with the people. Yes, the world now has a bad impression of the Malaysian government because it has handled this whole issue so badly. They don’t have the same impression of the Malaysians who stood up for their rights and their cause.

This is what gives a good impression: protestors and police shaking hands before dispersing at 4pm.

And by the way, I can’t believe some of the mean things being said about the man who died after being teargassed! My goodness, every time I read totally uncompassionate things like that, I know that I’m on the right side.

Bersih 2.0. Who is Ambiga Sreenevasan?

Ambiga Sreenevasan : the humble recipient of Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage

(Malaysian Bar Council)

This is the lady who will lead the BERSIH 2.0 march on 9 July 2011.

Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama

12 Mar 2009, 0853 hrs IST

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama present give away Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage to Malaysia 's Ambiga Sreenevasan (Malaysian Bar Council) at the State Department in Washington , DC (AFP)

The shame of it all that we should be so proud (and are) of our own Malaysian receiving an international award like this, but the Malaysian government and press don't see it as important enough to publish it in our local dailies! It was only published by THE SUN but rather small and hidden in the inner pages. WHY???!!!!...

Never mind if they don't publish in the papers......lets circulate ........

This Picture Made It To the Pages of India Times but not in our own papers!

Hillary Clinton:

Our final speaker, Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation.

She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honor to recognize her and invite her to the podium. (Applause.)

MS. SREENEVASAN:

The First Lady Mrs. Obama, Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton, ladies and gentlemen, I am humbled to be in the company of seven extraordinary women receiving this award for courage, and I am deeply honored to now speak on their behalf and on mine.

We accept this award in all humility, remembering that we have been fortunate in being singled out from among countless courageous women in our countries who are dedicated to the cause of equality and justice.

It is also timely for us to remember all the women in other conflict-ridden territories, like Palestine and other countries, who have to show courage every single day in their struggle to survive and to keep their families together.

Each of us fights causes that promote equality and justice, and by presenting us with this award you honor those causes and all the people who work tirelessly for them with unflinching dedication.

This award will help to bring to the international stage our voices and our advocacy on these important issues. This occasion gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the rule of law in promoting the rights of women around the world. When the rule of law is upheld, equality is upheld, the cause of justice is upheld, and human rights are upheld.

Today, we are witnessing a struggle for the souls of our nations, taking place between the forces of the old and the forces of change. We see our commitment to the rule of law, fundamental liberties, and the independence of our institutions being tested. The strength of our nations will depend on how well they withstand this test.

There are those who claim that democracy is a Western concept and is unsuitable elsewhere. There are yet others who perpetrate injustices behind a veneer of democracy. We say that democracy is universal, and a true democracy and the rule of law will prevail when the collective voices of the people are raised in its support.

On my part, I have for the past two years had the privilege to lead and serve the Malaysian Bar, a professional organization consisting of approximately 13,000 lawyers. History will bear testament to the fact that the Malaysian Bar has always been true to its first article of faith, to uphold the cause of justice without regard to its own interests or that of its members uninfluenced by fear or favor.

In a sense, I was merely stepping into the shoes of the many other brave leaders of the bar who came before me, whereas many of the awardees today are pioneers in their struggle for justice.

This award has given us the opportunity which we would not otherwise have had, to share our stories, our successes, our failures, to reach out across our borders and to establish a base upon which we can build a meaningful network of support. These stories must be told in all our countries.

By this experience, we are both enriched and enraged; enriched by what we have shared, and enraged that so many of our sisters endure intimidation and suffering in their countries. Nevertheless, ours is a message of hope that something has been achieved, despite the odds. Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This means that although we may come from different walks of life, our struggle is common.

And each success is a success for all, just as each failure is a failure for all. When we unite on a human rights platform, whether domestically or internationally, above politics and political alliances, we create more enduring partnerships and relationships. When we pursue freedom and empowerment for others, we reaffirm and protect our own.

In my interaction with the other awardees present here today, it was evident that the passion we feel for our causes is driven by the love of our homelands and our people. That, in turn, drives our passion for what is right and what is just.

Our people deserve nothing less. We all believe in striving for ideals that are– if I may borrow the words – self-evident; namely, the ideals of truth, justice, goodness, and universal love and understanding. Our stories are a testament to the universality of these ideals.

We are truly and deeply honored by this award, more so, when it comes from you, Madame Secretary, yourself a woman of courage, who has inspired women around the world to reach great heights. Your untiring efforts in championing women’s rights worldwide are well known.

Your immortal words that, “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights,” resonate with all of us here.

We would also like to express our deep admiration for the First Lady Mrs. Obama, and we would also like to express our appreciation for your sharing this moment with us. Madame Secretary, on behalf of all the awardees, I thank you. And we accept the honor with humility and pride. Thank you. (Applause.)

Read more: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2009/March/20090312132025xjsnommis0.1997949.html&distid=ucs#ixzz1QSYUk0gf

barbarians in malaysia culling angels in the street?

Strays allegedly caught and shot in full view of children

By ZALINAH NOORDIN
zalinah@thestar.com.my
Photos by ZAINUDDIN AHAD and GOH GAIK LEE

RESIDENTS who witnessed an alleged open-shooting of stray dogs by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) have expressed shock and disgust over the inhumane act.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

The shooting was said to have been carried out in residential areas and in the midst of children who were walking to a nearby kindergarten.

The residents are now urging the council and the Penang government to review the method used to dispose off the strays because open-shooting could pose a danger to the public.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

A witness to the incident who wants to be known only as Rowe, said that of late, there were many strays roaming at Sunway Mutiara in Batu Maung but the animals did not cause any harm to anyone.

She said that she saw a few council workers shooting the dogs in her neighbourhood a few days ago, leaving behind “a trail of blood.”

“When they arrived, the dogs were sleeping under cars parked outside the houses here. They lured one of the dogs out, wrestled it to the ground and shot it several times in its head despite the dog not behaving aggressively,” she said.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

Another resident, who wished to be known as Shu, a homemaker, said her three young children had witnessed the brutal slaying and they were now traumatised by the incident.

“What if the bullets had gone astray? The children could have been harmed,” she said.

American Sarah Rinkenberger, 32, who resides in the same area, said she was not at home during the shooting but she learnt about it from neighbours.

“I’m surprised such a method is still being used in this country. Back in America, strays are caught and sent to the pound but they are never shot in the open,” she said.

Rinkenberger, who helps to manage a language centre here with her husband, said it was her personal belief that God created both humans and animals, therefore dogs must be treated in a good way.

Peace shattered: Rinkenberger watching over her children playing in front of her house in Sunway Mutiara, Batu Maung, where the shooting of stray dogs has allegedly taken place recently

A spokesperson from the MPPP’s Urban Services, Public Health and Licensing Department denied that the council had shot the stray dogs in such a manner.

However, the spokesperson said that shooting would be carried out if there was no other way.

“We are trying to use humane methods such as tranquillisers and we have applied for licensing from the police last year but we have yet to hear from them,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the department would only act based on complaints from the public.

A non-governmental organisation called Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) Penang coordinator Chuah Kok Han said the alleged shooting should not be justified by any party.

“It is wrong to use such a method to cull animals. MPPP must stop doing this and the state Veterinary Services Department must ensure that it is stopped immediately,” said Chuah.

He added that nowadays most people no longer tolerate cruelty towards dogs.

“We are a civilised society and we expect relevant authorities such as the local councils to behave in a civilised manner when it comes to handling animal-related issues,’’ said Chuah.

Chuah also said that MDDB Penang plans to meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over the issue.

Children’s Protection Society Penang secretary Magdeline Ng-Leong said the safety of children should not be compromised under whatever circumstances.

“The council should use other methods instead of openly shooting the strays in the presence of children.”

Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) administrator Lily Leng said that stray dogs should not be destroyed in full view of the public.

“We received endless complaints about dogs being shot in public and I think there should be other ways to handle stray dogs instead of shooting them openly.

“Not only is it dangerous, the whole ordeal is disturbing and heart-wrenching to watch. Strays should be put down in private and not in the open,” she said.

Unity is not unison. It is working together, complementing one another

Unity is not unison. It is working together, complementing one another in order to achieve the common goal.

We see so many divisions in so many organizations today, including churches, bodies of churches - the same thing actually happened 2000 years ago during the apostles' time.

That's where Paul addressed the following letter to the Philippians,
"I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are
in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:2-5"

Paul knew the importance of teamwork, so he encouraged two women who had been quarreling to make peace. Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian church, had created some division by their disharmony. Paul uses them as examples to launch into an entire chapter on peace. He doesn't ask these women to act uniformly, but rather to be of the same mind.

The term he uses connotes harmony. Singing in harmony doesn't mean singing in unison. Players should play different positions on a team. Harmony means their efforts complement the efforts of others, rather than conflict with them.


Source: EQUIP

A personal God (Ever wondered who God is? What does He look like?)

A personal God (Ever wondered who God is? What does He look like?) Take a look at creation.
--

I was once a professor at Britain's largest university, and I held various degrees and academic distinctions. in many ways, i was quite sophisticated - intellectually. But I do not feel in any way intellectually inferior to say I believe the Bible's record of creation.

Prior to believing the Bible, I studied may other sources that attempted to explain man's origin, but I found them unsatisfying. In many cases, they contradicted one another. I then turned to study the Bible - not as a believer but as a professional philosopher.

I thought to myself, At least it can't be any sillier than some of the other things I've heard! To my astonishment, I discovered that the Bible had the answer.

In Genesis, we read a short, simple statement. It begins, "The LORD God" - that is , "Jehovah God" - God's personal name. This term tells us that a personal God formed a personal man for personal fellowship.

The LORD God formed (molded) man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (soul). - Genesis 2:7.

Here we see the union of God's divine, eternal breath from above with the body of clay from beneath, molded by the hands of the Creator. The union of spirit from above and clay from beneath produced a living human personality - one that can have fellowship with the living, personal God.

- Derek Prince.

animal rights activitists rally at moscow against violence, especially of stray dogs

Animal rights activists hold a rally to protest violence against animals and to demand better treatment of stray dogs in particular, in Moscow, April 21, 2011. – Reuters pic

Japan’s nuclear plant operator pays ‘condolence money’ - Japanese culture (bowing down)

One thing I really liked about Japanese and Koreans is their polite culture - bowing down, in respect and in apology/ regret. I believe this culture was part of the Chinese's until recently, all that's left in the Chinese, is... you only see them bow before their idols/ ancestor/ in funerals.

There's so much meaning in such a simple gesture. It is a act of humility, of sincerity. A person who's proud and floating on air can't easily bow to the people around them. Bow down in sincerity.

A priceless gesture, an honoured culture.

Tokyo Electric executive vice-president Takashi Fujimoto (second left) bows with the company’s operating officers at the news conference at the company headquarters in Tokyo, April 5, 2011. — Reuters pic