imagineplace: September 2015

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

An Individual Can Make A Difference If...

Imagine: If I win; you lose. If you win; I'd had it!

Imagine: To win, I need to dismember you. You won't be be able to fight back.

You would do the same. Only that you would do it first.

This is a variation of the ancient mode of settling score: AN EYE FOR AN EYE. A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.

A sad end for both winner and loser: both blind and toothless.

So how do we settle score?

Individual with individual. Community with community. Country with country.

Here is an interesting preposition using USA and China as an example.

Monday, September 28, 2015

The Difference Between The Real And The Fake

We are now thick in haze. The Air Pollutant Index (API) is API 279 in Shah Alam yesterday at 10.00 am.

BAD but not too bad!

The bad news is that our measurement is based on an old standard of particulate measurement of 10 microns or PM10.

Singapore is using the current particulate measurement of 2.5 or PM2.5.

While the haze is REAL UNHEALTHY, the Malaysian measurement is so-so, not-that-bad-lah.

This is another example showing how as a nation, we are led by values not meant for the common good.

Meanwhile developing self-resilience has to go on in tandem with searching for effective ways to
get people with skills and integrity into government.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Johnny Mathis: Live Request

HAPPENSTANCE.

HAPPENSTANCE is how Johnny Mathis describes his musical career in an interview.

As I listen deeper into the interview, I realise that HAPPENSTANCE is richer than that it just happens.

Johnny Mathis prepares with work. Intelligent work. Hard work. Consistent work. Plus he works with people good in what they do.

And things fall into place for him.

I see serendipity (happy accidents).

I see synchronicity (natural unplanned events happening in different places and different times falling into place to bring the blessings to the unexpected moment).

I see these entering into his awareness of others' influences and contributions.

HAPPENSTANCE is that all-embracing beautiful inclusive word.

In this video, I can see why Johnny Mathis keeps entertaining a worldwide audience for over three generations.

His selection of songs is tuneful; the themes in his songs are heartfelt and meaning-rich; his voice is a magnificent instrument; his person is sensitive; his back-up team is professional and talented.

And there is himself a charming gifted musician.

A Certain Smile got me enraptured at sixteen.

I am appreciative that at seventy-two, the magic of his music still enthrals me.