RECENTLY, Desiderata has.
Blogtimes from March 15, 2005 when I first started SEEMED so far away.
I wandered offf into new territories, LOST some of my olde alleys and pathways.
I also LOST TOUCH with some of my early conversationists.
This Sunday November 30, in the early hours just past midnight as I enter the last day of November, some FAMILIARR, FUNNY, FORGOTTEN FEELINGS swarm over Desi
even as I write this line, and I recall one young friend's Blog's name:
Laments fo a Broken-Hearted Silhouette...
Dear Kyels, wherever thou art,
I hope my mentee is doing fine.
And from that period of my Blogtimes, I reprise this post,
For olde times' sake,
to best share my present mental state of nostalgia:( OR SHOULD IT BE POSITIVELY REPby :)
I really don't know
It's quote indefinable state of
wandering
wondering
*************************************************
Recall Blogtime1:
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Couplet for a Duet?
When I visited JOE.PSC's An Icy Dream @ jp-sijun.blogspot.com on a holy day, and also recently catching certain songs of something nu'e, sumthin olde, I was fascinated by one obsevation. Some songs elicit an immediate response from the listener,au natureil; poetry does the same to Desi.
So it was a natural comment on the spur of the moment after reading a poem by, I guess, a Singaporean poet:
~~~~~~~~
Xenophon: "Blessed are the cicadas, for they have voiceless wives."
The Cicada
(by K L Teo)
Shrill singer of our tropic day,
I hear you pass your time away.
Amidst the markings of a bole,
A tremulous, railing, wailing voice,
Seeming in censure to rejoice
And wild outpourings of your soul.
A fairy 'twas your wont to be,
The guardian of a camphor tree,
Before you changed yourself in fear
Into a winged thing to rove,
Forevermore in a palm grove,
A cicada that we hourly hear.
Why tremble still? 'Twas long ago
You let your worthless lover know
The secret of the camphor tree.
Why rail and wail? Have not the years
Assuaged your grief and dried your tears
For love and child you had to flee?
Ah, must you stir the mouldering heap
Of bliss and sorrow buried deep
In the graveyard of memory
When each day brings its joy and grief,
Its measure of suffering and relief,
Which must suffice for you - and me?
The past is gone. Let it be dead!
Call not to life its phantoms dread
With fearful shrieks and tearful cries
To haunt the present and annoy
Its fleeting minutes, blighting each joy
With taunting lips and mocking eyes.
posted by joepsc at 10:58 PM on Apr 06 2006
~~~~~~~
desiderata said...
to teo:
you've a lovelier voice
than a thousand cicadas
but still'd lose to a spouse
with thunder in her sonatas
even her whisper
can s a man in tatters
can a man then do better
marry a cicada?
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:38:24 PM
Then I remember my banter with allofhelen.blogspot.com teasing about her finding
Paradise at the Dashboard Lights -- and getting much help from JOE.PSC in desi-ciphering the meaning behind the lyrics --
and my subsequent detour into the deep recesses of a Harlot's Mind as she laments
about her experiences (Reprised here) in:
I've Never Been To Me
( Charlene )
Hey lady, you lady, cursing at your life
You're a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I've no doubt you dream about the things you'll never do
But, I wish someone had talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you.....
Oh, I've been to Georgia and California and anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man and we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces because I had to be free
I've been to paradise but I've never been to me
Please lady, please lady, don't just walk away
'Cause I have this need to tell you why I'm all alone today
I can see so much of me still living in your eyes
Won't you share a part of a weary heart that has lived million lies....
Oh, I've been to Nice and the Isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht
I've moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo and showed 'em what I've got
I've been undressed by kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
[spoken]
Hey, you know what paradise is?
It's a lie, a fantasy we create about people and places as we'd like them to be
But you know what truth is?
It's that little baby you're holding, it's that man you fought with this morning
The same one you're going to make love with tonight
That's truth, that's love......
Sometimes I've been to crying for unborn children that might have made me complete
But I took the sweet life, I never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet
I've spent my life exploring the subtle whoring that costs too much to be free
Hey lady......
I've been to paradise, (I've been to paradise)
But I've never been to me
(I've been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to Nice and the isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to cryin' for unborn children that might have made me complete)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
Somehow, this past week the following lyrics from Steven Wonder's coming over the airwaves seem a direct response to CHARLENE's woefull laments about a WHORE's past... present... future...
Some profession never changes through the passage of time.
My Esteemed Readers, can you tell Desi if the emotional responses are the same on you.
Listen intently to first the Harlot's Laments, and then Stevie Wonder's Promise of a Shelter.
Shelter In The Rain
When the lights are down
And the stage is bare
And no more magic's in the air
There's not a friend in sight to care
Your tears no one will share
I'll be your comfort through your pain
I'll be your shelter in the rain
When your sad is bad and your bad is worst
And there's no who to turn to first
When you've done everything you can
No one's there to take your hand
I'll be you comfort through your pain
I'll be your shelter in the rain
When you've looked around
And haven't seen me anywhere
Though when you were down
I lifted you up from there
There isn't a thing you can ask of me
I won't do
Just you put your trust in me
My love will see you through
When the final candle's flickered out
"Why me" is all you can think about
When all your joy has disappeared
Your future isn't clear
I'll be you comfort through your pain
I'll be your shelter in the rain
When all the odds say there's no chance
Amidst the final dance
I'll be you comfort through your pain
I'll be your shelter in the rain
I'll be you comfort through your pain
Yes, I'll be your shelter in the rain, rain
I'll be your shelter,
Be your shelter, be your shelter in the rain
PS: Listen to the song's Intro again, do you hear like it could have blended seamlessly into Charlene's rendition of I've Been To Me?
posted by desiderata at 1:26 PM
9 comment(s):
THis lyric thing your new fetish? *scratch head*
Life in Mono
The stranger sang a theme
From someone else’s dream
The leaves began to fall
And no one spoke at all
But I can’t seem to recall
When you came along
Ingenue
Ingenue
I just don’t know what to do
The tree-lined avenue
Begins to fade from view
Drowning past regrets
In tea and cigarettes
But I can’t seem to forget
When you came along
Ingenue
Ingenue
I just don’t know what to do
Ingenue
I just don’t know what to do
Ingenue
I just don’t know what to do
Ingenue
I just don’t know what to do
By Helen, at 3:33 PM
Desi,
The poem "The Cicada"(written in 1958), and the songs "I've Been To Me" and "Shelter In The Rain" all have one common element - GRIEF.
The cicada was actually a fairy of the camphor trees, with a sad past to recall. The 'harlot' was someone who had gone through the myth of 'paradise' in this life, in a hard way, and was trying to tell younger people not to be misled like her. The song "Shelter in The Rain", was written by Stevie Wonder when he was feeling the grief of the imminent loss of his brother and ex-wife; the words are those offering help and consolation in times of grief and pain.
Those words used in the above songs can melt a heart; they express grief and pain of varied kinds. Being of similar genre, they can blend quite easily in my opinion, but seamlessly, I'm not too sure.
By Joepsc, at 3:56 PM
helen:
Adapting Beatles: You should've known better with a guy like me...
Life in Stereo
Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
How do I love thee
Elizabeth Browning
A rose by any other name
William Shakespeare
So lady do you 'ear me
Soft and tender
If you wanna win over Desi
That's easy via lyric meander
"Helen mui mui
You oughto to feed this babe
On Ingenue
Is she/he that mysterious lover?
By desiderata, at 6:55 PM
joe:
tahnks for the backgrounding -- it really helps to APpreciate the lyrics and verses better.
Forgift this Ignoramus
Pls tell more about poet Teo
Was he from Kuala Lumpur (as KL suggests)
Or 100% Singapore?
Thanks mate, again & again
Thou enlightens
By and bye
Dreams not so Icy
Our quest is like a mysterious
L
a
d
y.
Better end with an I.S.Amen.
(Pls Don't tell Helen!)
By desiderata, at 6:59 PM
Desi:
K L Teo, a Singaporean, was once my teacher and school principal, also, was my dad's classmate in the 1920s. He passed on some years back.
He was excellent in arts and literature - poetry, manuscript, etc. He had a collection of poems, maybe published (I'm not sure), but I kept a few of his since school days and I will post them all.
Cheers
By Joepsc, at 8:21 PM
Hi Desi,
Long time since I last dropped by... I hope you have been keeping well.
A really nice lyrical poem by your former principal, K.L Teo. I guess that is why I came ... being led here by the mournful song of a cicada. Hahaha
Thanks again for your e-mail, i really appreciated it.
By dreamer idiot, at 9:08 PM
Joe:
Thanks for reverting so fast.
You were lucky to have a teacher of such lyrical strength. If there was a collection of Teo's poems published, it must be "collector" item by now.
Hi dreamerI:
Yes, notice you've gone MIA too, like some of my Y&A mentees, but I know you have been also bee=sy with Puisy.poesy -- so don't worry -- drop by by parachute once a w'ile when you feel knotty!
BYW, the poem cited was by JOE>PSC's former teacher, he's the lcuky fellow -- we'are lucky that Joe became a messenger!
Thanks to 2 matey who APpreciate pomes.
Now I'm cultivation an Ipohlang named Helen -- she's got a li'l tired of dim sum and the SE7EN Seas, wanna a taste of Desi dan puisi.
By desiderata, at 9:42 PM
My insect vocab is really bad. Learning something new everyday! I never knew cicada until today..
Oh boy, I should start reading the encyclopedia?
By Twisted Heels, at 8:30 AM
Theels: Reading encyclopaedia? -- 'tis like reading The Dick to master English!
If one nite should u feel l1ly,
Ketch a cicada and kIss it dearly
Presto, it transforms into that 'night
And Theels would t'ank Desi 4 such D'lite!
PS: If TH wana a rehaersal, no?
I sing like a cicak-A too!
By desiderata, at 10:32 AM
*****************************************
Recall Blogtime2:
Sunday, March 05, 2006
But I've Never Been to Me...
The journey to:
Have You Been to Paradise?
continues...UPDATE@7.00PM as promised.
Desi's a Lad' of his (s)word.
For latecomers, please read the precedent Post!:)
BY 6.45PM, three "faithfool" readers -- Primrose, Sweetspirits and dear "olde" Joe jest a few months old -- had responded, and it was an approximation to a high quite close to Paradise. Okay, that was a hyperbole, but it's a feeling on high...It's a sense of exhilaration one could not have acheived just ten years ago before the Net became so accessible, that within a day of floating a subject which can be so beguiling,I could have four minds sharing the exchange. Hopefully, some LIGHT is shed on a subject full of guile and wile, yet so dear and precious to each member of the human race, so meaningful yet so hard to reach -- so this CONversation will go on, started off by representative from Koala Lumpu (PR hails from that B, B, W-fish city! that Smartgal who gas'd rite the name of OUR I-LAND!), Australia (Ssssspirit, who lends her name to that spiriteDestination...with hoRst Desiderata, off course:), and an infant JP guest from Sin-land. Desi of course hails from Fu Rong, famous for its Fu Rong Dan, so delicious and edible!
Let's see what my esteemed -- 'steAmed too to RESPOND! -- guests have to say:
3 Comments:
At 5:07 PM, Primrose said...
"Wow, that's going to be a difficult question to answer. There are varying answers as to what Paradise mean to individuals. It can be a place for some, some delicious food tasted for others, it can be err...having an orgasmic experience (if you know what I mean)...hmmm...
At 6:27 PM, sweetspirit said...
"I've been to paradise but i've never been 2 me ;) as for meatloaf i use 2 luv their music n lyrics , you know at a concert on the Gold Coast he fell off stage and broke his leg ,but stayed n finished the concert.
Damn that must of been painful , i broke my foot at 8.30 am in the morning " few yrs back" took kids to school done all my work then took boys to gkr , n went to hosptial at 8pm.
My friends said i was crazy ,maybe i am hehe.
Okz Desi im off 2 bed soon have tonsilitis...
But here are the Lyrics to My Fav Meatloaf song
Meatloaf Lyrics - Two Out Of Three Aint Bad Lyrics
Baby we can talk a-all night, but that ain't getting us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can, there's nothin' left inside of here
And maybe you can cry a-all night, but that'll never cha-ange the way that I feel
The snow is really piling up outside, I wish you wouldn't make me lea-eave here
I poured it on and I poured it ou-out, I tried to show you just how much I care
I'm tired of words and I'm too hoarse to shout
But you've been cold to me so long, I'm cryin' icicles instead of tears
And all I can do, is keep on tellin' you
I want you (I want you), I need you (I need you)
But there ain't no way-ay I'm ever gonna lo-ove you
Now don't be sad (don't be sad 'cause)
'Cause two out of three ai-ain't bad
Now don't - be-ee sad, ('cause) 'cause two out of three ain't bad
You'll never find your go-old on a sandy beach
You'll never drill for oil on a city street
I know you're lookin' for a ruby in a mountain of rocks
But there ain't no Coupe de Ville hidin' at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box
I can't lie (I can't lie...)
I can't tell you that I'm somethin' I'm not
No matter how I try, I'll never be able
To give you somethin', somethin' that I just haven't got (woh-oh)
Well there's only one girl that I will ever love
And that was so many year-ears ago
And though I know I'll never get her out of my heart
She never loved me back, ooh-ooh I know
Well I remember how she left me on a stormy night
Ahh, she kissed me and got out of our bed
And though I pleaded and I begged her not to walk out that door
She packed her bags and turned right away-ay-ay
And she kept on tellin' me, she kept on telling me
Now i realise i like soo many of their songs , back in tha day
Like " Heaven Can Wait ...
You Took the words right outta my mouth..
cheerz
At 6:33 PM, JOE.PSC said...
"Hi Desi,
If "Paradise" has the same meaning as the biblical paradise, the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived in total happiness, having not the knowledge of fear, shame, pain, etc. until that fateful bite of the forbidden fruit, then no one here has been there.
If "Paradise" is as what Jesus said on the cross to the thief next to Him "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23.43), then, if anyone here has been there, she/he has to be an angel.
The incomplete song you posted "I've Never Been To Me" was an old song, sung by various singers, Charlene, Tracy Huang, etc.
To me, it is a very sad song, about living in fantasies, in dreams (icy like my blog), in imagination, of places, people and a carefree life that we want or make them to be. We all have fantasies, just like you have your spiriteDestination, about what is "TO BE HAPPY, TO FEEL LOVE, AND BE FREE". Here in the song, a woman must have felt imprisoned by her lifestyle, and seeks to search for that destination, called "Paradise" in her mental landscape, where she believes she can be happy and free (by her own criteria).
She travelled much, to Geogia, California; even to Monte Carlo, Niece and Greece ! But sadly, what she thought was "Paradise" was actually a lie, a fantasy (in later verses of the song) - there were no "ideal" place to run to or hide in or be free or be happy - and she was trying to explain this FALLACY to one discontented mother/wife, in whom, she saw some similarity in their outlook of life. That's why, she said "I wish someone had talked to me, like I wanna talk to you"
The most difficult line, yet the most "heart-wrenching" part, in the song is "I've Been To Paradise, But I've Never Been To Me". My take is this: "I have been everywhere, searching for that elusive Paradise, but NEVER have I search within MYSELF" The elusive "Paradise" in within ourselves - when we understand our own predicament and accept it, and live as happily as we possibly can, then we have found our "Paradise".The main gist of the song lies in one subsequent verse:
"Hey, you know what paradise is?
It's a lie, a fantasy we create about people and places as we'd like them to be
But you know what truth is?
It's that little baby you're holding, it's that man you fought with this morning
The same one you're going to make love with tonight
That's truth, that's love......"
Now, your Q1:
The thing that came closest to "Paradise" was when me and my Japanese guest were flying back from Jakarta on a Garuda plane, during one sunset, and the view of the clear white clouds hanging ouside the plane for hundreds of miles, the golden ray of the sun piercing through them, and the soft keroncong music of the cabin, all happening in harmony, certainly was blissful and heavenly; so blissful that my guest told me repeatedly he would not mind dying there and then !
Q2. "Paradise" has to be figment of the mind or a fantasy of a state of extreme happiness, that we create to transport ourselves into the realm of heavenly bliss, just like "nirvana", but it is an icy dream to me.
Q3. Being a fantasy, it is fleeting, but some people can hold it as long as they can sit in meditation. It can be helpful to destress oneself.
DESIDERATA: On-going conversation, with glasses (no handle, be carefool...don't be scalded!) of Haridas' tehtarik being passed around:
Desi:
First off, I thank Joe.Psc for filling us with the "missing" stanzas from that song -- who is the ORIGINAL SINGER, BTW, anyone?
I heard it several times on L&E, the last being two nights back, and it intrigued me.
With Joe's reminder, I "googled" and hereby reproduced the lyrics in FOOL!
I've Never Been To Me
( Charlene )
Hey lady, you lady, cursing at your life
You're a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I've no doubt you dream about the things you'll never do
But, I wish someone had talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you.....
Oh, I've been to Georgia and California and anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man and we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces because I had to be free
I've been to paradise but I've never been to me
Please lady, please lady, don't just walk away
'Cause I have this need to tell you why I'm all alone today
I can see so much of me still living in your eyes
Won't you share a part of a weary heart that has lived million lies....
Oh, I've been to Nice and the Isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht
I've moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo and showed 'em what I've got
I've been undressed by kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
[spoken]
Hey, you know what paradise is?
It's a lie, a fantasy we create about people and places as we'd like them to be
But you know what truth is?
It's that little baby you're holding, it's that man you fought with this morning
The same one you're going to make love with tonight
That's truth, that's love......
Sometimes I've been to crying for unborn children that might have made me complete
But I took the sweet life, I never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet
I've spent my life exploring the subtle whoring that costs too much to be free
Hey lady......
I've been to paradise, (I've been to paradise)
But I've never been to me
(I've been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to Nice and the isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to cryin' for unborn children that might have made me complete)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
(I've been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I've been to paradise, never been to me
Hey, guys, now you ruminate more and get back to me. If I can get hold of Haridas on a Sundae, maybe I'd serve piping hot Nazi Lemak -- ian bilis, telur mata kerbau and groundnuts, and cutecumber -- I'd give him a call and come back in 10 minutes..."
Break at 7.20PM for Tehtarik:):):):)
DESI resumes CON at 8.18PM, with the PC fluttering a li'l -- made me some "uncomtable" feel as on detailked reading, this word stared at Desi - not a four -letter word, but recalls the olde profession of yore: "whore"
Well, let me hear out Primrose first...
Desi's whispering aloud: I agree different people have varying associations with the almost indefinable thingy called Paradise.
Mayhaps, now knotty Desi venturing a wilde gas here:
Thy first kiss under that MISStleTOE tree at Yuletide
When Frances was bonny and bright and some hormones were raging wide?
Orgasmic tidal waves that natureilly/Ally followed, I think it's best reserved for thy own rumination
Some emotions - like Eve's stolen bite - are best left as crackers and nuts for own consumption...?
Maybe Paradise was your Graduation top of the class
Or even middling but with lots of funny bytes and acting sometimes as an ass?
No worries, humans are unique, we can all have our weird hi-s and hello-s
As long it lifts thee to Ecstasy, Eve-rything -- not the drug! -- goes!
Sssssspirit: your Meatloaf's lyrics do provide an insight of being Deported from Paradise, is it not? The ending ...most of old and young lovers could have experienced the feeling of despair -- "heart-wrenching" as Joe described it -- when your partner packs up on a cold wintry night and says: I quit!
And you begging at her feet, as one would at the cross feeling it's The end of the world...
Well I remember how she left me on a stormy night
Ahh, she kissed me and got out of our bed
And though I pleaded and I begged her not to walk out that door
She packed her bags and turned right away-ay-ay
And she kept on tellin' me, she kept on telling me
Now i realise i like soo many of their songs , back in tha day
Like " Heaven Can Wait ...
You Took the words right outta my mouth..
DESIDERATA wonders sometimes God created Man and Woman so that everyone undergoes a drama of life, riding the roller coaster of love-hate, hi-lo, conflict-calm, epitomised by The famous poles of The Agony and the Ecstasy?
Desi's own encounters with Paradise would be determined by Moment to MOment of that First Love, that First Kiss,the natureil exploration that followed leading to that Climax which my sifu D.H. Lawrence so well described in LCL. Analogy with the rise and ebb of the waves, and that sudden tidal peaks that suddenly act like a tsunami --in Primrose's shy-admission, that orgasmic peaking buttressed by rising and rising crescendoes -- ah, Paradise, from Moment to Moment.
My answers to my own Qs, staright to 3:
3. It's transient. It's not permanent.
Unless you attain that high the songstress (Charlene who?) suggests, as Joe'Psc eloquently enunciated,
ONE FINDS THE PARADISE IN THE "SELF",
and the challenge in this awesomelly msteriuous human journey of Life,
How many of us can, or will?
It's now 8.45PM, Desi will take another break as the Nazi Lemak has arrived, and the night is getting cold. Yes, I'm still feeling "discomfort" about the singer's lament -- why "whoring", I wonder.
Meanwhile, dear Readers, interrupt my thoughts. I know Joe already had an Update.
:
:
:
To be continued in 30minutes, God willing.
As Desi resumes the CON within mouthfools of Nasi les lemak, following Howsy's advice: these niggets came in, and I'll leave them unpolished as they shoine through the night sky well enough, though Queensland seems a li'l "sleepy" with sssssspirit sounding out: zzzzzzz.......
At 8:25 PM, kyels said...
I've never been to paradise.
But the Government should be offering us paradise ... Weird, eh ...?
At 8:47 PM, Primrose said...
Can we be in paradise in our dreams? Seemed to be what the song is meaning to say...
At 8:58 PM, desiderata said...
kyels: welcome to the Doors of Paradise.
NO, Y&A gal, methinks you have been to "Paradise", or well nigh -- but you're too styrict with thy own definition of what this Paradise would entail...?
Lower thy expectations -- see it in the eyes of a new-born baby mayhaps? -- your Aunt's or Cousin Sis's first birth at young age of 21? Only Desi's iuntimation...
Some Nazi Lemak to help Food4Thought...:)@8.58PM
At 9:01 PM, desiderata said...
Primrose:
Dreams -- that would be one way to attain paradise ...but thy flight of imagination must be like Jonathan Livingstone Seagull's...soaring, optimistic and fool of bravado.
Surreal is the way to go -- I'll try to climb that crescendo TONIGHT!
Meanwhile, Desis diJESTing the fool lyrics -- too deep, too much for sleep tonite!@9.01PM
Kyels&PR -- Come back with more day-dream thoghts?
At 9:20 PM, sweetspirit said...
Paradise For me is in my dreams
For in my dreams i have no fear
no worries and no one can take my dreams away :).
Now i do have nightmares too :(.
Seek your own inner depth Desi
and you will find what your looking for has always been within.
I have been to me :)
goodnight sweet dreams all
At 9:28 PM, Primrose said...
I agree with sweetspirit. Even if not in dreams, the mind holds no boundaries. Soar as high as you want!
ps: I've never had my first kiss under the mistletoe. Sigh.
pps: I'm *still* bonny and bright. :)
DESIDERATA will just add:
Kyels, I read her mind well, intimates her nigh-Paradise was entering the Nottingham campus as it's like enering the Doors to Paradise of a Whole, New World, Ain't that ecstaticaly Hi, my dear Mentee most times, and sometimes Mentor?
Primrose is joined by sweetspirits in trying out the SURREAL GETAWAYS -- I'd let them take their flights of fancy and report back tomorrow maybe? Suddenly lightning strikes of awakening to instrcut us The Way to Paradise ...next change?
I'd need some time myself to truly go into the mind of the Song's COMPOSER (anyone knows the writer? OtherWISE Desi may stake a cliam...), and I'm bold enough tomorrow -- BuesMOnade agin! -- Desi will share some dangerous thoughts.
Yes, I'll ring the curtains down for a hiatus
For we have to work an extra hour for our Daily Bread, don't we?
since the fuel price has gone up 30sen!:(
Sweetdreams tonight -- no, ss, not nightmare, you're in GOoD Company!
and
May More Vistas of Paradise Dawn On Us
God fearing people of a small wide world
PrimeDae on spiriteDestination, ''member?
INTER:LUDE continues March S'X, 200S'X?
posted by desiderata at 6:53 PM
14 comment(s):
Hey Desi,
Paradise can also be where the government gives money.
Here are the places you can go to check what you asked me earlier:
1) (webcast included)http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/index.html
2)
http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/key_initiatives/moving_forward.html
3)http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/key_initiatives/upgrading.html
In total, some S$2.6billion will be distributed to the people, the poorer benefitting the most.
By Joepsc, at 7:56 PM
Repeating #2 and #3 - they appeared cut.
2) http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/
key_initiatives/moving_forward.html
3)http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/
key_initiatives/upgrading.html
By Joepsc, at 8:07 PM
I've never been to paradise.
But the Government should be offering us paradise ... Weird, eh ...?
By kyels, at 8:25 PM
Can we be in paradise in our dreams? Seemed to be what the song is meaning to say...
By Primrose, at 8:47 PM
Ah, Joe -- This latest "paradise" are more material -- gas it works wonders for workingpeople with depressed salaries .. or underprivileged class ...
I salute your Govt's initiatives ...
Maybe our Govt can take some lessons in Bringing "Paradise" to the Keenly Poor...?
By desiderata, at 8:55 PM
kyels: welcome to the Doors of Paradise.
NO, Y&A gal, methinks you have been to "Paradise", or well nigh -- but you're too styrict with thy own definition of what this Paradise would entail...?
Lower thy expectations -- see it in the eyes of a new-born baby mayhaps? -- your Aunt's or Cousin Sis's first birth at young age of 21? Only Desi's iuntimation...
Some Nazi Lemak to help Food4Thought...:)@8.58PM
By desiderata, at 8:58 PM
Primrose:
Dreams -- that would be one way to attain paradise ...but thy flight of imagination must be like Jonathan Livingstone Seagull's...soaring, optimistic and fool of bravado.
Surreal is the way to go -- I'll try to climb that crescendo TONIGHT!
Meanwhile, Desis diJESTing the fool lyrics -- too deep, too much for sleep tonite!@9.01PM
Kyels&PR -- Come back with more day-dream thoghts?
By desiderata, at 9:01 PM
Paradise For me is in my dreams
For in my dreams i have no fear
no worries and no one can take my dreams away :).
Now i do have nightmares too :(.
Seek your own inner depth Desi
and you will find what your looking for has always been within.
I have been to me :)
goodnight sweet dreams all
By sweetspirit, at 9:20 PM
I agree with sweetspirit. Even if not in dreams, the mind holds no boundaries. Soar as high as you want!
ps: I've never had my first kiss under the mistletoe. Sigh.
pps: I'm *still* bonny and bright. :)
By Primrose, at 9:28 PM
Hi Desi,
One final say. Paradise is a dream of things ideal, for one to get away from his daily problems. Of course, this is only a fleeting moment of escape from realism.
We must search within ourselves, solve our problems the best way we can, accept our lot, and settled happily into our real situation. That IS paradise, and you can then say "I've been to me"
Happy Birthday Desi, hope you find your earthly paradise built with happiness, tranquility and progressiveness.
By Joepsc, at 9:34 PM
It's your birthday, Desi??? Why, happy birthday. How many candles are you blowing? Err, no pun intended. :D
By Primrose, at 10:04 PM
Dear Joe - Desi's BIRDdae, maybe. Poentially a Seagull within each of us, esp Writ(H)res!:)
Birth, NO. I'll intiMATE with thee a secret --(Don't tell the OThers, Guide's Honor?) falls among my two fav months...
and it's nigh-Paradise in Mei,
or Try to Remember...?
By desiderata, at 10:12 PM
Hye, Primrose:
I think you don't have to
Try to Remember...
The kind of September...
When you are still...
Bonny and gay!
Let's play, let's pray
GOoDNite! to all
God Bless we'd Stay
Bonny, Young and Gay:)
10.14PM
By desiderata, at 10:15 PM
Desi,
I am the late comer, sorry.
Do you know paradise is third heaven? Here is the Scripture -
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (2 Corinthians 12:2-4 RSV)
It was Paul (the author of this book in Bible)himself who experienced this. However, here it is written as a third person. Perhaps only God knows, or Paul himself knew why it was written as third person! Wish I could interview Paul. In Verse 7 of the same chapter, Paul made it clear that it happened to him. Here is verse 7:
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great relevations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
See, the ecstasy and agony? The ecstasy of being in paradise and the agony of a thorn in the flesh!
Paul pleaded the Lord to take away the thorn, but the Lord said,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (v. 9)
Back to paradise, the "third heaven" was a reference to the Jewish belief about the structure of the universe. There were three heavens, they believed. The first was the atmosphere around the earth, the clouds, etc. Then beyond that they could see a second heaven where the stars, the sun and moon were. The third heaven was the invisible realm where God's throne was, therefore, it was called Paradise.
By Yan,
****************************************************
DESIDERATA: It's 12.10AM as I type this line.
Beauty called sleep calls ... I shalt continue this ride into nostalgia
if the Sundae sunrise finds me still in this frame ofmind
Then I will return
If not, InsyaAllah
Let's be grateful for my early encunters and engagement in conversations with those whose names have enrihed my life as a writer trying to enjoy the "midnight voices" Desi hears often enough ...
Thanks for connecting the lines, to my heart.
Thou knoweth who thou art:)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wanna Date Bloggers and B2Bs? Keep Dec 5 FREE!:)
Forum and Book Launch
Press Statements
Written by CPI
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 15:56
OPEN INVITATION TO ATTEND
Forum and Book Launch on "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia" in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, December 5, 2008
A Forum on "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia" will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 8.00-10.00pm at the KLSCAH auditorium, Kuala Lumpur. The forum will feature as keynote speaker Yang Berhormat NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD, a Selangor State Assemblyman, and Political Secretary to the Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
The occasion will also witness the launch of a book titled “"Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia", and its author Sdri JUNE-E TAN will be present to speak about her work. Other speakers include representatives from the organizations collaborating in the programme.
Members of the public are invited to attend the forum which is jointly organized by the Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI), SIRD-Gerak Budaya, the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs) and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
The Forum was initiated mainly by the CPI YouthSpeak Section which has the objective of promoting discourse through writings and discussion at the CPI website coordinated by Wan Fadzrul and John Lee, and via public forums such as this current one, to encourage the youth of Malaysia to take part actively in the democratization process in Malaysia.
____________________________
The Final Programme is as follows:
THEME: "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia".
*** Date/time of Forum: Friday, December 5, 8.00pm-10.00pm, with Tea to follow
*** Venue: KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall auditorium,
1,Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur
**** (1) Welcome speech by Sdr YL Chong, Editor, CPI
**** (2) Keynote speaker: YB Sdr Nik Nazmi, PKR SA and Political Secretary to Selangor MB
**** (3) Sdr Wan Fadzrul Wan Bahrum, CPI YouthSpeak Coorinator
**** (4) Sdr Yeoh Lee Hin, CPI (Chinese) Web administrator
**** (5) Sdri Jun-E Tan, author of "Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia"
**** (6) Sdr Teh Yee Keong, KLSCAH Youth Representative
***** (7) Sdr Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru, Interim President, National Alliance of Bloggers
***** Q and A session
____________________________________
NOTE: For further information, please contact
YL Chong: 012-9702285
Helen Ang: 013-2240985
DESIDERATA: Don't ring Desi -- he's floating in cyberspace most times still trying to touch base wit' Midnight Voices!:( OK, I get Thee, most esteemed reader -- make it :):) BUT THOU MUST APpear for that Date, Dec 5, Yes!
Press Statements
Written by CPI
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 15:56
OPEN INVITATION TO ATTEND
Forum and Book Launch on "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia" in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, December 5, 2008
A Forum on "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia" will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 8.00-10.00pm at the KLSCAH auditorium, Kuala Lumpur. The forum will feature as keynote speaker Yang Berhormat NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD, a Selangor State Assemblyman, and Political Secretary to the Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
The occasion will also witness the launch of a book titled “"Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia", and its author Sdri JUNE-E TAN will be present to speak about her work. Other speakers include representatives from the organizations collaborating in the programme.
Members of the public are invited to attend the forum which is jointly organized by the Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI), SIRD-Gerak Budaya, the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs) and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
The Forum was initiated mainly by the CPI YouthSpeak Section which has the objective of promoting discourse through writings and discussion at the CPI website coordinated by Wan Fadzrul and John Lee, and via public forums such as this current one, to encourage the youth of Malaysia to take part actively in the democratization process in Malaysia.
____________________________
The Final Programme is as follows:
THEME: "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia".
*** Date/time of Forum: Friday, December 5, 8.00pm-10.00pm, with Tea to follow
*** Venue: KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall auditorium,
1,Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur
**** (1) Welcome speech by Sdr YL Chong, Editor, CPI
**** (2) Keynote speaker: YB Sdr Nik Nazmi, PKR SA and Political Secretary to Selangor MB
**** (3) Sdr Wan Fadzrul Wan Bahrum, CPI YouthSpeak Coorinator
**** (4) Sdr Yeoh Lee Hin, CPI (Chinese) Web administrator
**** (5) Sdri Jun-E Tan, author of "Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia"
**** (6) Sdr Teh Yee Keong, KLSCAH Youth Representative
***** (7) Sdr Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru, Interim President, National Alliance of Bloggers
***** Q and A session
____________________________________
NOTE: For further information, please contact
YL Chong: 012-9702285
Helen Ang: 013-2240985
DESIDERATA: Don't ring Desi -- he's floating in cyberspace most times still trying to touch base wit' Midnight Voices!:( OK, I get Thee, most esteemed reader -- make it :):) BUT THOU MUST APpear for that Date, Dec 5, Yes!
sumthin' spiritual for travelling' salesmen,
writers, and even preachermen...
As Sunday aproaches, Desi's mindscape sometimes -- not for all the dimes! or dames!! -- takes on spiritual colours. And why I never know. It just/jest sort of happens. You aks those who travel lots. Desi travels a bit, as a journo. mGf mave travels lots, so much so making a date with him/her consumes more energy than our Jalan Alor meal's intake as compensation, and preachermen, no preacher woman, and don't ask me why -- it's always the men in white, maybe they appear more CONvincing? -- who will then spend the night at 6-star ming court motel after delivery messages of salvation to poor malaysian blighters who pass wads of notes into the hat passed around to salve their CONscience. Thye must have had an affair wit' the neighbour's wife, of did they do it to the doggie? The negighbourhood's bitches, I mean. Whatever...
While I look for the Lament of the Hooker, ENJOY this epicSODE, you poor sod!:(
Drug-smeared boobs knock out robbed men
From NEWS.com.au and from correspondents in Kampala
Agence France-Presse
November 28, 2008 11:03pm
UGANDA'S police warned male bar-goers to keep their noses clean after a probe found a gang of robbers had been using women with chloroform smeared on their chests to knock their victims unconscious.
"They apply this chemical to their chest. We have found victims in an unconscious state," Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) spokesman Fred Enanga said.
"You find the person stripped totally naked and everything is taken from him," he said.
"And the victim doesn't remember anything. He just remembers being in the act of romancing."
Mr Enanga, who explained that several types of heavy sedatives had been used, said he first came across the practice last year when an apprehended thief named Juliana Mukasa made a clean breast of the matter.
"She is a very dangerous lady," he said.
While early investigations suggest that the gang may consist of dozens of members, the source of the sedatives remains unknown.
"We don't know exactly how they get these materials," Mr Enanga said. "That is something that our investigations must crack."
He called on men, particularly travelling businessmen who tend to carry a lot of cash, to take caution.
"It's a serious situation and people have to be aware."
As Sunday aproaches, Desi's mindscape sometimes -- not for all the dimes! or dames!! -- takes on spiritual colours. And why I never know. It just/jest sort of happens. You aks those who travel lots. Desi travels a bit, as a journo. mGf mave travels lots, so much so making a date with him/her consumes more energy than our Jalan Alor meal's intake as compensation, and preachermen, no preacher woman, and don't ask me why -- it's always the men in white, maybe they appear more CONvincing? -- who will then spend the night at 6-star ming court motel after delivery messages of salvation to poor malaysian blighters who pass wads of notes into the hat passed around to salve their CONscience. Thye must have had an affair wit' the neighbour's wife, of did they do it to the doggie? The negighbourhood's bitches, I mean. Whatever...
While I look for the Lament of the Hooker, ENJOY this epicSODE, you poor sod!:(
Drug-smeared boobs knock out robbed men
From NEWS.com.au and from correspondents in Kampala
Agence France-Presse
November 28, 2008 11:03pm
UGANDA'S police warned male bar-goers to keep their noses clean after a probe found a gang of robbers had been using women with chloroform smeared on their chests to knock their victims unconscious.
"They apply this chemical to their chest. We have found victims in an unconscious state," Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) spokesman Fred Enanga said.
"You find the person stripped totally naked and everything is taken from him," he said.
"And the victim doesn't remember anything. He just remembers being in the act of romancing."
Mr Enanga, who explained that several types of heavy sedatives had been used, said he first came across the practice last year when an apprehended thief named Juliana Mukasa made a clean breast of the matter.
"She is a very dangerous lady," he said.
While early investigations suggest that the gang may consist of dozens of members, the source of the sedatives remains unknown.
"We don't know exactly how they get these materials," Mr Enanga said. "That is something that our investigations must crack."
He called on men, particularly travelling businessmen who tend to carry a lot of cash, to take caution.
"It's a serious situation and people have to be aware."
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Diverging into foreign scenes...
Mumbai carnage first, and Aussie as collateral damage second, and the world as usual can only watch and wonder, third, and last?
News.com.au Top stories
Terrorist attack on Mumbai kills up to 80 as gunmen storm hotels, take hostages
NEWS.com.au
November 27, 2008 08:31am
Please login to rate a video.You can't rate an advertisement.(15 votes)
'Terrorists targeted Westerners' in...
Westerners are reportedly being held hostage in Mumbai after gunmen killed 80 people.
Views today: 0Sorry, this video is no longer available. Casualty ... man who escaped one of the attacks. Picture: AP
Up to 80 dead in terror attack on Mumbai
Gunmen open fire in western hotels
Hostages taken, two Australians injured
LIVE EVENT: Updates, latest details here
A GROUP of Australians are hiding in a restaurant in Mumbai in India after a series of gun and bomb attacks against Westerners killed as many as 80 people.
Reports of the death toll vary, but one news agency says 80 people have died while Indian television stations report the toll to be at least 40.
They have reported hostages have been taken at the Taj and Oberoi hotels. The gunmen are holed up inside and are locked in a gun battle with police.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said two Australians had been injured.
Are you in Mumbai or do you know someone who is? Let us know by emailing us at news@news.com.au.
A little-known group called the "Deccan Mujahedeen" has claimed responsibility.
"An encounter is going on at the two hotels, the situation is grave," Vilasrao Deshmukh, the chief minister told CNN-IBN TV. "Our men are on the job."
Related Coverage
Maps: Where the gunmen struck
LIVE UPDATES: The latest developments as they happen
WATCH LIVE: Fox News streaming video from Mumbai
Where the Mumbai attacks took place
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Gunmen take Westerners hostage
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Reader's Comments: '80 dead, gunmen take hostages'
NEWS.com.au,
Four gunmen killed, nine arrested - police
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Sand and cinnamon
NEWS.com.au, 23 Mar 2007 Your Say
it's a very sad state of affairs this world is coming to. In this 21 century , with people being so educated we should be united as one . Pputting race and religion aside we a...
(Read More)
Sandra Dsouza of Australia Nine Australians are reported to be hiding in a restaurant to stay amid the "chaos" in the city.
"I look out onto the street and all I can see is ambulances and police," Australian tourist Isaac Zalme said on Channel 9 this morning.
"We will hang out here (at the restaurant) for as long as possible. It’s a waiting game, we will wait and see what happens.
"There were people driving around in a cop car shooting people," he said.
Other Australian tourists were among those who had to flee the attackers when they struck overnight, the Herald-Sun reported.
There was also an attack on the Cafe Leopold, perhaps the most famous restaurant and hang-out for tourists in the city, and at hospitals and railway stations.
"I guess they were after foreigners, because they were asking for British or American passports," said Rakesh Patel, a British witness who was staying at the Taj hotel on business. "They had bombs.
"They came from the restaurant and took us up the stairs," he told the NDTV news channel, smoke stains all over his face. "Young boys, maybe 20 years old, 25 years old."
Follow this story with us as it develops in our live coverage below: YES, surf to NEWS.com.au,
and that's a mild order from Desi to my EsteemedReaders so you get a badder udersatnding of what's happening that's maddening beyond your neighbourhood and you realise the follies of man in India, Austraia,Malaysia, et cetera, et cetera bind us all in a knot so tight we can not fathem WHY we can't disentangle ourselves. Maybe like others worldwide, Malaysians can only lament and sigh: Why, Why, WHY?
News.com.au Top stories
Terrorist attack on Mumbai kills up to 80 as gunmen storm hotels, take hostages
NEWS.com.au
November 27, 2008 08:31am
Please login to rate a video.You can't rate an advertisement.(15 votes)
'Terrorists targeted Westerners' in...
Westerners are reportedly being held hostage in Mumbai after gunmen killed 80 people.
Views today: 0Sorry, this video is no longer available. Casualty ... man who escaped one of the attacks. Picture: AP
Up to 80 dead in terror attack on Mumbai
Gunmen open fire in western hotels
Hostages taken, two Australians injured
LIVE EVENT: Updates, latest details here
A GROUP of Australians are hiding in a restaurant in Mumbai in India after a series of gun and bomb attacks against Westerners killed as many as 80 people.
Reports of the death toll vary, but one news agency says 80 people have died while Indian television stations report the toll to be at least 40.
They have reported hostages have been taken at the Taj and Oberoi hotels. The gunmen are holed up inside and are locked in a gun battle with police.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said two Australians had been injured.
Are you in Mumbai or do you know someone who is? Let us know by emailing us at news@news.com.au.
A little-known group called the "Deccan Mujahedeen" has claimed responsibility.
"An encounter is going on at the two hotels, the situation is grave," Vilasrao Deshmukh, the chief minister told CNN-IBN TV. "Our men are on the job."
Related Coverage
Maps: Where the gunmen struck
LIVE UPDATES: The latest developments as they happen
WATCH LIVE: Fox News streaming video from Mumbai
Where the Mumbai attacks took place
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Gunmen take Westerners hostage
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Reader's Comments: '80 dead, gunmen take hostages'
NEWS.com.au,
Four gunmen killed, nine arrested - police
NEWS.com.au, 27 Nov 2008
Sand and cinnamon
NEWS.com.au, 23 Mar 2007 Your Say
it's a very sad state of affairs this world is coming to. In this 21 century , with people being so educated we should be united as one . Pputting race and religion aside we a...
(Read More)
Sandra Dsouza of Australia Nine Australians are reported to be hiding in a restaurant to stay amid the "chaos" in the city.
"I look out onto the street and all I can see is ambulances and police," Australian tourist Isaac Zalme said on Channel 9 this morning.
"We will hang out here (at the restaurant) for as long as possible. It’s a waiting game, we will wait and see what happens.
"There were people driving around in a cop car shooting people," he said.
Other Australian tourists were among those who had to flee the attackers when they struck overnight, the Herald-Sun reported.
There was also an attack on the Cafe Leopold, perhaps the most famous restaurant and hang-out for tourists in the city, and at hospitals and railway stations.
"I guess they were after foreigners, because they were asking for British or American passports," said Rakesh Patel, a British witness who was staying at the Taj hotel on business. "They had bombs.
"They came from the restaurant and took us up the stairs," he told the NDTV news channel, smoke stains all over his face. "Young boys, maybe 20 years old, 25 years old."
Follow this story with us as it develops in our live coverage below: YES, surf to NEWS.com.au,
and that's a mild order from Desi to my EsteemedReaders so you get a badder udersatnding of what's happening that's maddening beyond your neighbourhood and you realise the follies of man in India, Austraia,Malaysia, et cetera, et cetera bind us all in a knot so tight we can not fathem WHY we can't disentangle ourselves. Maybe like others worldwide, Malaysians can only lament and sigh: Why, Why, WHY?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
just friends II
just friends II is obviously a follow-up poem, following in the greAt tradition laid by great hollywood blockbustiers making USD-churning out *Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3 and R4? "See liau liau, lol!"
* This does not refer to mGf Sdr Ahirudin Attan wit' whom I collaborate sometimes; wished sometimes vve had Steven Spielberg's dollar spinners like Star Warz instead of media-spinning, eh, RockyBru?
just friends II
AS TIME GOES BY,
friendshp waxes and wanes
like the port dickson tides that wait not
for thee and me, poor mousey desi
but we do have time/dime for tea
tehtarik just top up wit' wit dan kambing
what can be more lifting?
yes, rocky, i enjoy thy company
badder if you throw in some kaya
on top of three layers of skippy
and my bread -- how about honey?
what's more exhilarating?
than banter with the likes/dislikes of
zorro, deanobeano and wow! aweOFhelen2
soon AP adds-on like art DrinksOnDeHouse harun?
buttered by donplaypray...
creamed yet by other sweetspirits
ah, sweet surrender to
heavenly mateship
e'en as temporal as redhead beach tides
sometimes they hold for that tender moment
the saccahrine swet sunset
with music
orchestrated by the roaring waves
bashing more than *rocky
downing whiskey on the rocks?
7.17AM,Nov 26, 2008
____________________________________
Just Friends
A generous spread on a round table
Juicy suckling piglet, roast to a golden sheen
Oyster-sauced kailan, teased with Chinese wine
Healthily washed down with vintage Le Gordon Bleu
But what's all these food and drinks worth?
If not for the boisterous crowd
Of back-slapping mates dating back a decade
Growing richer and wiser with passing years
Like good old wine, Chines or French
So cheers to hearty and sincere company
The meal might just as well be mere entree
Or one main course
Or just desserts
It matters not really the dish
What's really cooking, whetting
Is your presence, old chap,
Camaderie
Among just
Friends
Chong Yen Long
* This does not refer to mGf Sdr Ahirudin Attan wit' whom I collaborate sometimes; wished sometimes vve had Steven Spielberg's dollar spinners like Star Warz instead of media-spinning, eh, RockyBru?
just friends II
AS TIME GOES BY,
friendshp waxes and wanes
like the port dickson tides that wait not
for thee and me, poor mousey desi
but we do have time/dime for tea
tehtarik just top up wit' wit dan kambing
what can be more lifting?
yes, rocky, i enjoy thy company
badder if you throw in some kaya
on top of three layers of skippy
and my bread -- how about honey?
what's more exhilarating?
than banter with the likes/dislikes of
zorro, deanobeano and wow! aweOFhelen2
soon AP adds-on like art DrinksOnDeHouse harun?
buttered by donplaypray...
creamed yet by other sweetspirits
ah, sweet surrender to
heavenly mateship
e'en as temporal as redhead beach tides
sometimes they hold for that tender moment
the saccahrine swet sunset
with music
orchestrated by the roaring waves
bashing more than *rocky
downing whiskey on the rocks?
7.17AM,Nov 26, 2008
____________________________________
Just Friends
A generous spread on a round table
Juicy suckling piglet, roast to a golden sheen
Oyster-sauced kailan, teased with Chinese wine
Healthily washed down with vintage Le Gordon Bleu
But what's all these food and drinks worth?
If not for the boisterous crowd
Of back-slapping mates dating back a decade
Growing richer and wiser with passing years
Like good old wine, Chines or French
So cheers to hearty and sincere company
The meal might just as well be mere entree
Or one main course
Or just desserts
It matters not really the dish
What's really cooking, whetting
Is your presence, old chap,
Camaderie
Among just
Friends
Chong Yen Long
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
High Noon for Desi
is grappling with issues of friendship, moralsand the art of Letting Go.
Sometimes it'snot just adiue for now, it's also goodbye said in pretty diplomatic terms.
I believe in the goode olde days of B&W movies, especially westerns,and among my faves was HIGH NOON. I believe all our primary schools should incoprporate into its curriculum proper a diet of Westerns, as they ENJOY storylines, learning English through songs and ah, LEARN ABOUT GOOD & BAD (Morals anyone?) via entertainment instead of reading and memorising some rules of THOU MUST..., or You Shalt Not...yes,in Black and White, but carved in stone instead of reels!
Today I'm gonna just C&P the story of HN, and mayhaps later come back to entertainmy ER more if they behave for the rest of Tuesday, by yourself, or wit' MORRIE, and wit'OUT MSM since I'm reminded by Hartlat-ist also colleague HelenA that Tuesdays are not jest ConeyDoggie but arseo Boycott MSM die!
Let's start the day wellA wit' tis nostalgic opener, but it's a downer, not an upper!:(
Do not forsake me, o' my darlin'...
*********** From http://www.filmsite.org/high.html ****************
High Noon (1952)
Greatest Films (www.filmsite.org and www.greatestfilms.org)
With descriptive review commentaries and background history on many classic, landmark films in cinematic history, especially American/Hollywood films. Including posters, Academy Awards history, film genres, film terms, film history by decade, trivia, and lots of lists of 'best' films, stars, scenes, quotes, resources, etc. Buy This Film
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Noon (1952) is possibly the all-time best Western film ever made - a successful box-office production by Stanley Kramer and director Fred Zinnemann (who also directed From Here to Eternity (1953) and A Man For All Seasons (1966)). The Western genre was employed to tell an uncharacteristic social problem tale about civic responsibility, without much of the typical frontier violence, panoramic landscapes, or tribes of marauding Indians.
The film's screenplay by Carl Foreman [this was his last Hollywood film before blacklist exile to London, soon after his work on Home of the Brave (1949), Champion (1949), and The Men (1950)], written during a politically-oppressive atmosphere in the early 1950s when McCarthyism and political persecution were rampant, was loosely adapted from a Collier's Magazine story The Tin Star (by John W. Cunningham) published in December 1947. In fact, the film's story has often been interpreted as a morality play or parable, or as a metaphor for the threatened Hollywood blacklisted artists (one of whom was screenwriter Foreman) who faced political persecution from the HUAC during the McCarthy era due to actual or imagined connections to the Communist Party, and made life-altering decisions to stand their ground and defend moral principles according to their consciences.
It also has been interpreted as an allegory of the Cold War and US foreign policy during the Korean War. This taut, tightly-scripted, minimalist film tells the tale of a solitary, stoic, honor-bound marshal/hero, past his prime and already retired, who was left desolate and abandoned by the Hadleyville townspeople he had faithfully protected for many years (symbolically - during the World War II years). Due to the townspeople's cowardice (representing cooperative witnesses before the HUAC), physical inability, self-interest, expediency, and indecisiveness, he is refused help at every turn against a revenge-seeking killer and his gang. Fearful but duty-bound, he eventually vanquishes the enemy, thereby sparing the civilized (democratic) town the encroachment of barbaristic frontier justice brought by the deadly four-man group of outlaws (symbolic of the aggressive threat in the Korean War, or the HUAC itself). Embittered by film's end, he tosses his tin star into the dirt of the dishonorable frontier town.
One of the film posters described the theme of the deserted, lone marshal who stubbornly insisted on delaying his newly-married life with a pacifist Quaker wife (symbolic of US isolationists) in order to stay and confront his former nemesis and paroled murderer - Frank Miller:
The story of a man who was too proud to run.
Another slogan claimed: "...when the hands point up - the excitement starts!" [Director Howard Hawks and actor John Wayne both responded to the liberal preachiness of this 'un-American' film (and its cowardly townspeople) by creating a no-nonsense, right-wing rebuttal in Rio Bravo (1959).]
The dramatic, tightly-compressed, austere black and white film with high-contrast images was shot in a spare 31 days, and the physically-pained, ravaged look etched on 51 year old Gary Cooper's gaunt face was due to actual illness (a recurring hip problem, bleeding stomach ulcers, and lower back pain), and emotional stress due to his recent breakup with actress Patricia Neal after a three-year, well-publicized affair while separated from his wife. The time span of the film (about 105 minutes) approximates the actual screen length of the film - 85 minutes - accentuated by frequent images of the clock as time rapidly dissipates before the final showdown. Cameraman Floyd Crosby's years of filming New Deal documentaries is evident in the film's sparseness, static compositions, and authentic feel.
This simple, stark, low-budget Western classic, with a total budget of $750,000, was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture (won by Cecil B. DeMille's circus epic The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)), Best Director, and Best Screenplay - it was awarded four awards: Best Song for "High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin')" (sung by Tex Ritter throughout the film, lyrics by Ned Washington, music by Dimitri Tiomkin), Best Scoring of a Dramatic Picture (Dimitri Tiomkin), Best Film Editing (Elmo Williams and Harry Gerstad), and Best Actor for Gary Cooper's performance - his second Oscar after a win for Sergeant York (1941). [Cooper's win was an unusual honor, since Western films (and acting roles) are rare nominees and winners in Academy history! The film's theme song was made a popular hit by Western singer Frankie Laine.] Presumably, the Academy felt obligated to honor one of filmdom's greatest directors (DeMille) with the Best Picture Oscar, as his career was coming to an end.
A made-for-TV movie was titled High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane (1980) with Lee Majors in the lead role. It was remade as a science-fiction film, writer/director Peter Hyams' Outland (1981) with Sean Connery, with the adapted plot transferred to interstellar space (and ridiculed as "High Moon"). It was also remade as a TV movie by Ted Turner's TBS station with Tom Skerritt as the lead character and Michael Madsen as the heavy named Frank Miller. Other High Noon imitations or variations: the teen comedy Three O'Clock High (1987) took the conflict to a school setting, while The Baltimore Bullet (1980) moved it to a pool hall show-down.
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The film's credits, accompanied by the "High Noon" title song, play atop a scene of desperadoes gathering on the outskirts of a town. On a blazing summer morning [probably between 1870 and 1880], the three gang members have converged on the small, quiet, arid western town of Hadleyville (population about four hundred). The gunslingers ride by the town's church (one of the town's many seemingly respectable, stable, and supportive institutions), where Sunday morning church bells are pealing as a signal to worship. They are ominously recognized by an old Spanish woman who crosses herself, a fireman, and other townsfolk outside the Ramirez Saloon. One of the three, Ben Miller (Sheb Woolley), rides his unbridled horse uncontrollably toward a sign reading "MARSHAL" - a foreshadowing of the film's conflict.
The riders pass the Justice of the Peace's window (the town's courtroom), where the societal ritual of marriage is in preparation. Judge Percy Mettrick (Otto Kruger) is to marry the town's 'ex' marshal, middle-aged Will Kane (Gary Cooper) ["Will" - a richly symbolic name] and a beautiful young Quaker girl, Amy Fowler (23 year-old Grace Kelly in her first major role). [The first view of a clock is in this scene: it is 10:35 am. Another clock reads 10:33 am in the town's barber shop.] Word spreads quickly about the gang members who are identified by the barber (William Phillips) as Ben Miller, James Pierce (Bob Wilke) and Jack Colby (Lee Van Cleef, a frequent Western villain, e.g., For a Few Dollars More (1965), and the "Bad" character in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)).
In a cross-cut, parallel scene at 10:35, the trio arrives at the town's deserted train station platform just as the train station master (Ted Stanhope) reads a disturbing telegram. An impatient, surly Pierce, one of the riders asks the station master:
Gang member: Noon train on time?
Station master: Yes, sir.
They are planning to reunite with their pardoned leader, Ben's brother Frank, arriving at noon on the mid-day train, to seek revenge on the town's marshal. [They metaphorically represent the destructive forces of the 'four horsemen of the apocalypse.']
During the marriage ceremony, Kane's (and Amy's) first words in the film are "I do." Their wedding guests include the town's senior selectman and ring bearer Jonas Henderson (Thomas Mitchell), ex-Marshal Martin Howe (Lon Chaney, Jr.) and good friend/neighbor Sam Fuller (Harry Morgan, credited as Henry Morgan) and his wife Mildred (Eve McVeagh). [Kane will have individual confrontations with each of the three male guests Henderson, Fuller, and Howe ("the entire board of selectmen in this community") later in the film.] After they are pronounced "man and wife" and the celebration begins, Kane finds privacy in an adjoining room with his new wife and promises: "I'm gonna try, Amy, I'll do my best." The new and younger marshal to replace Kane is expected to arrive the following day, and Henderson assures everyone: "This town will be safe 'til tomorrow." His new bride has firm, pacifist Quaker convictions that deplore violence, and he will be putting away his marshal's star in his last act in office - he removes his badge, a popular Western icon, and pins it on his gun holster, amidst applause.
At that moment, the train station master bursts in, bringing a telegram ("it's terrible, it's shocking"). The message announces that outlaw Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), put away in a penitentiary by Kane five years earlier for terrorizing the town, was pardoned a week earlier and paroled. And three others are waiting for Miller who is to arrive on the noon train at Hadleyville, to seek revenge on the Marshal. Kane glances at the clock - it's 10:40 am. Henderson encourages the newlywed couple to leave town immediately: "Get out of this town this very minute...Don't stop 'til you get to Clarksburg." The former marshal's first reaction reveals his sense of responsibility:
I think I ought to stay.
The newly-wed couple leave town immediately, gathered into a horse and buggy buckboard to quickly ride away. From his Flores Hotel second-floor window, young deputy Harvey Pell (Lloyd Bridges) witnesses their rapid departure and gloats to his dark-haired girlfriend - a worldly-wise, half-Mexican saloon owner and businesswoman Helen Ramirez (Katy Jurado), that Kane appears to be cowardly: "That's funny...Kane and his new wife just took off in a big hurry...Hey, you don't suppose Kane's scared of those three gunnies...I never saw him whip a horse that way." Helen crosses the hall to alert Sam (Tom London):
Ben Miller is in town. He has two of the old bunch with him.
During their retreat a few miles from town to the freedom of open country, Kane has second thoughts, as the oft-repeated, haunting theme of the film plays in the background. His inner conflict about leaving and the central dilemma of the film is reflected on his face as he stops the buggy and tells Amy that he's got to go back - due to his fidelity to his Western code of honor. Because of his fateful decision, their honeymoon will be postponed until after his 12 o'clock showdown:
Kane: It's no good. I've got to go back, Amy.
Amy: Why?
Kane: This is crazy. I haven't even got any guns.
Amy: Then let's go on. Hurry.
Kane: No, that's what I've been thinkin'. They're making me run. I've never run from anybody before.
Amy: I don't understand any of this.
Kane: (after looking at his vest watch) Well, I haven't got time to tell ya.
Amy: Then don't go back, Will.
Kane: I've got to. That's the whole thing. (He turns the buggy around and rides back into town.)
At 10:50 am, Kane re-enters Hadleyville, as the barber predicts the deadly results of the inevitable confrontation to Fred (Guy Beach), the town's coffin-maker:
Barber: How many coffins we got?
Fred: Two.
Barber: We're gonna need at least two more, no matter how you figure. You'd better get busy, Fred.
In his office (it's still 10:50 am), Kane's new wife asks him what it's all about since the position of Marshal is no longer his responsibility. He insistently explains to her - and the film audience - his moral compulsion to remain. She begs him not to be a hero, but he explains that the "wild and kind of crazy" Frank Miller will only hunt for both of them as they settle down and become owners of a small store. Therefore, he must stay and face Miller's uncivilized and savage forces sooner rather than later:
Kane: I sent a man up five years ago for murder. He was supposed to hang. But up North, they commuted it to life and now he's free. I don't know how. Anyway, it looks like he's coming back.
Amy: I still don't understand.
Kane: ...He was always wild and kind of crazy. He'll probably make trouble.
Amy: But that's no concern of yours, not anymore.
Kane: I'm the one who sent him up.
Amy: Well, that was part of your job. That's finished now. They've got a new marshal.
Kane: He won't be here until tomorrow. Seems to me I've got to stay. Anyway, I'm the same man with or without this. (He pins his badge on his vest.)
Amy: Oh, that isn't so.
Kane: I expect he'll come lookin' for me. Three of his old bunch are waiting at the depot.
Amy: That's exactly why we ought to go.
Kane: They'll just come after us, four of 'em, and we'd be all alone on the prairie.
Amy: We've got an hour.
Kane: What's an hour?...What's a hundred miles? We'd never be able to keep that store, Amy. They'd come after us and we'd have to run again, as long as we live.
Amy: No we wouldn't, not if they didn't know where to find us. Oh Will! Will, I'm begging you, please let's go.
Kane: I can't.
Amy: Don't try to be a hero. You don't have to be a hero, not for me.
Kane: I'm not trying to be a hero. If you think I like this, you're crazy.
And in Hadleyville, he is counting on getting special deputies sworn in to assist and other friends in a posse to support him. Kane knows that his action is deplorable to his Quaker wife and counter to her non-violent religion, but he must remain just the same. Amy defiantly hands him an ultimatum on her wedding day: if he won't go away with her, she'll go alone by train - the one that leaves at twelve noon:
Kane: Look Amy, this is my town. I've got friends here. I'll swear in a bunch of special deputies and with a posse behind me, maybe there won't even be any trouble.
Amy: You know there'll be trouble.
Kane: Then, it's better to have it here. I'm sorry, honey, I know how you feel about it.
Amy: Do you?
Kane: Of course I do. I know it's against your religion and all. Sure I know how you feel.
Amy: But you're doing it just the same. Oh Will, we were married just a few minutes ago. We've got our whole lives ahead of us. Doesn't that mean anything to you?
Kane: You know I've only got an hour and I've got lots to do. Stay at the hotel until it's over.
Amy: No, I won't be here when it's over. You're asking me to wait an hour to find out if I'm going to be a wife or a widow. I say it's too long to wait. I won't do it...I mean it. If you won't go with me now, I'll be on that train when it leaves here.
Kane: (resolutely) I've got to stay.
So everything hinges on the mid-day hour. In the suspenseful film, every minute is packed with tension as time passes, symbolized by numerous instances of clock-watching and quick cuts to images of clocks ticking relentlessly toward the doom of high noon. Many of the fearful, self-serving and cowardly townspeople are leaving in order to be away when Miller shows up.
Percy Mettrick, the judge who sentenced Miller and officiated at Kane's marriage, is 'forsaking' the community. Kane finds him packing his office to expediently leave town (he folds an American flag, and a miniature scale of justice and places both into his saddlebags), recommending that Kane do the same while reminding him of the courtroom threat Miller had delivered many years earlier to kill both of them:
Have you forgotten that I'm the man who passed sentence on Frank Miller?
Although there's "no time for a lesson in civics," he does indeed deliver a civics lesson, illustrated by two historical incidents in towns that surrendered their freedom to returning tyrants. The first story, taken from classical history in 5th century B.C. Athens, tells of a tyrant who returned with mercenaries to execute members of the League of Government as the town's citizens looked on:
In the 5th century B.C., the citizens of Athens, having suffered grievously under a tyrant, managed to depose and banish him. However when he returned some years later, with an army of mercenary, those same citizens not only opened the gates for him, but stood by while he executed members of the League of Government.
And a second story, from personal experience, is set in a Western locale eight years earlier:
A similar thing happened about eight years ago in a town called Indian Falls. I escaped death only through the intercession of a lady of somewhat dubious reputation - and uh, the cost of a very handsome ring which once belonged to my mother. Unfortunately, I have no more rings.
The marshal exclaims: "You're a judge!" The practical judge replies: "I've been a judge many times in many towns. I hope to live to be a judge again." And then the judge confronts Kane with his suicidal decision - the camera zooms in on the empty chair where sentencing was pronounced years before:
Why must you be so stupid? Have you forgotten what he is? Have you forgotten what he's done to people? Have your forgotten that he's crazy? Don't you remember when he sat in that chair and said, 'You'll never hang me. I'll come back. I'll kill you, Will Kane. I swear it, I'll kill you.'
At the train station, Amy purchases a ticket for St. Louis. After Ben Miller glances threateningly at her with lusty intentions, she is cautioned to "wait somewheres else like at the hotel, maybe."
The clock reads 10:53 am on the mantle in the room where young deputy Harvey eats breakfast with Helen - she realizes he is sulking, "really sore" at Kane, and jealous of the marshal's authority and position after failing to be promoted to the position.
As the Judge flees on horseback, he castigates the town: "This is just a dirty little village in the middle of nowhere. Nothing that happens here is really important. Now get out." But Kane is steadfast: "There isn't time." With a fatherly manner, Kane asks a young boy in town to locate Jonas Henderson, Martin Howe and Sam Fuller - and "tell 'em I want 'em here."
Sometimes it'snot just adiue for now, it's also goodbye said in pretty diplomatic terms.
I believe in the goode olde days of B&W movies, especially westerns,and among my faves was HIGH NOON. I believe all our primary schools should incoprporate into its curriculum proper a diet of Westerns, as they ENJOY storylines, learning English through songs and ah, LEARN ABOUT GOOD & BAD (Morals anyone?) via entertainment instead of reading and memorising some rules of THOU MUST..., or You Shalt Not...yes,in Black and White, but carved in stone instead of reels!
Today I'm gonna just C&P the story of HN, and mayhaps later come back to entertainmy ER more if they behave for the rest of Tuesday, by yourself, or wit' MORRIE, and wit'OUT MSM since I'm reminded by Hartlat-ist also colleague HelenA that Tuesdays are not jest ConeyDoggie but arseo Boycott MSM die!
Let's start the day wellA wit' tis nostalgic opener, but it's a downer, not an upper!:(
Do not forsake me, o' my darlin'...
*********** From http://www.filmsite.org/high.html ****************
High Noon (1952)
Greatest Films (www.filmsite.org and www.greatestfilms.org)
With descriptive review commentaries and background history on many classic, landmark films in cinematic history, especially American/Hollywood films. Including posters, Academy Awards history, film genres, film terms, film history by decade, trivia, and lots of lists of 'best' films, stars, scenes, quotes, resources, etc. Buy This Film
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High Noon (1952) is possibly the all-time best Western film ever made - a successful box-office production by Stanley Kramer and director Fred Zinnemann (who also directed From Here to Eternity (1953) and A Man For All Seasons (1966)). The Western genre was employed to tell an uncharacteristic social problem tale about civic responsibility, without much of the typical frontier violence, panoramic landscapes, or tribes of marauding Indians.
The film's screenplay by Carl Foreman [this was his last Hollywood film before blacklist exile to London, soon after his work on Home of the Brave (1949), Champion (1949), and The Men (1950)], written during a politically-oppressive atmosphere in the early 1950s when McCarthyism and political persecution were rampant, was loosely adapted from a Collier's Magazine story The Tin Star (by John W. Cunningham) published in December 1947. In fact, the film's story has often been interpreted as a morality play or parable, or as a metaphor for the threatened Hollywood blacklisted artists (one of whom was screenwriter Foreman) who faced political persecution from the HUAC during the McCarthy era due to actual or imagined connections to the Communist Party, and made life-altering decisions to stand their ground and defend moral principles according to their consciences.
It also has been interpreted as an allegory of the Cold War and US foreign policy during the Korean War. This taut, tightly-scripted, minimalist film tells the tale of a solitary, stoic, honor-bound marshal/hero, past his prime and already retired, who was left desolate and abandoned by the Hadleyville townspeople he had faithfully protected for many years (symbolically - during the World War II years). Due to the townspeople's cowardice (representing cooperative witnesses before the HUAC), physical inability, self-interest, expediency, and indecisiveness, he is refused help at every turn against a revenge-seeking killer and his gang. Fearful but duty-bound, he eventually vanquishes the enemy, thereby sparing the civilized (democratic) town the encroachment of barbaristic frontier justice brought by the deadly four-man group of outlaws (symbolic of the aggressive threat in the Korean War, or the HUAC itself). Embittered by film's end, he tosses his tin star into the dirt of the dishonorable frontier town.
One of the film posters described the theme of the deserted, lone marshal who stubbornly insisted on delaying his newly-married life with a pacifist Quaker wife (symbolic of US isolationists) in order to stay and confront his former nemesis and paroled murderer - Frank Miller:
The story of a man who was too proud to run.
Another slogan claimed: "...when the hands point up - the excitement starts!" [Director Howard Hawks and actor John Wayne both responded to the liberal preachiness of this 'un-American' film (and its cowardly townspeople) by creating a no-nonsense, right-wing rebuttal in Rio Bravo (1959).]
The dramatic, tightly-compressed, austere black and white film with high-contrast images was shot in a spare 31 days, and the physically-pained, ravaged look etched on 51 year old Gary Cooper's gaunt face was due to actual illness (a recurring hip problem, bleeding stomach ulcers, and lower back pain), and emotional stress due to his recent breakup with actress Patricia Neal after a three-year, well-publicized affair while separated from his wife. The time span of the film (about 105 minutes) approximates the actual screen length of the film - 85 minutes - accentuated by frequent images of the clock as time rapidly dissipates before the final showdown. Cameraman Floyd Crosby's years of filming New Deal documentaries is evident in the film's sparseness, static compositions, and authentic feel.
This simple, stark, low-budget Western classic, with a total budget of $750,000, was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture (won by Cecil B. DeMille's circus epic The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)), Best Director, and Best Screenplay - it was awarded four awards: Best Song for "High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin')" (sung by Tex Ritter throughout the film, lyrics by Ned Washington, music by Dimitri Tiomkin), Best Scoring of a Dramatic Picture (Dimitri Tiomkin), Best Film Editing (Elmo Williams and Harry Gerstad), and Best Actor for Gary Cooper's performance - his second Oscar after a win for Sergeant York (1941). [Cooper's win was an unusual honor, since Western films (and acting roles) are rare nominees and winners in Academy history! The film's theme song was made a popular hit by Western singer Frankie Laine.] Presumably, the Academy felt obligated to honor one of filmdom's greatest directors (DeMille) with the Best Picture Oscar, as his career was coming to an end.
A made-for-TV movie was titled High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane (1980) with Lee Majors in the lead role. It was remade as a science-fiction film, writer/director Peter Hyams' Outland (1981) with Sean Connery, with the adapted plot transferred to interstellar space (and ridiculed as "High Moon"). It was also remade as a TV movie by Ted Turner's TBS station with Tom Skerritt as the lead character and Michael Madsen as the heavy named Frank Miller. Other High Noon imitations or variations: the teen comedy Three O'Clock High (1987) took the conflict to a school setting, while The Baltimore Bullet (1980) moved it to a pool hall show-down.
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The film's credits, accompanied by the "High Noon" title song, play atop a scene of desperadoes gathering on the outskirts of a town. On a blazing summer morning [probably between 1870 and 1880], the three gang members have converged on the small, quiet, arid western town of Hadleyville (population about four hundred). The gunslingers ride by the town's church (one of the town's many seemingly respectable, stable, and supportive institutions), where Sunday morning church bells are pealing as a signal to worship. They are ominously recognized by an old Spanish woman who crosses herself, a fireman, and other townsfolk outside the Ramirez Saloon. One of the three, Ben Miller (Sheb Woolley), rides his unbridled horse uncontrollably toward a sign reading "MARSHAL" - a foreshadowing of the film's conflict.
The riders pass the Justice of the Peace's window (the town's courtroom), where the societal ritual of marriage is in preparation. Judge Percy Mettrick (Otto Kruger) is to marry the town's 'ex' marshal, middle-aged Will Kane (Gary Cooper) ["Will" - a richly symbolic name] and a beautiful young Quaker girl, Amy Fowler (23 year-old Grace Kelly in her first major role). [The first view of a clock is in this scene: it is 10:35 am. Another clock reads 10:33 am in the town's barber shop.] Word spreads quickly about the gang members who are identified by the barber (William Phillips) as Ben Miller, James Pierce (Bob Wilke) and Jack Colby (Lee Van Cleef, a frequent Western villain, e.g., For a Few Dollars More (1965), and the "Bad" character in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)).
In a cross-cut, parallel scene at 10:35, the trio arrives at the town's deserted train station platform just as the train station master (Ted Stanhope) reads a disturbing telegram. An impatient, surly Pierce, one of the riders asks the station master:
Gang member: Noon train on time?
Station master: Yes, sir.
They are planning to reunite with their pardoned leader, Ben's brother Frank, arriving at noon on the mid-day train, to seek revenge on the town's marshal. [They metaphorically represent the destructive forces of the 'four horsemen of the apocalypse.']
During the marriage ceremony, Kane's (and Amy's) first words in the film are "I do." Their wedding guests include the town's senior selectman and ring bearer Jonas Henderson (Thomas Mitchell), ex-Marshal Martin Howe (Lon Chaney, Jr.) and good friend/neighbor Sam Fuller (Harry Morgan, credited as Henry Morgan) and his wife Mildred (Eve McVeagh). [Kane will have individual confrontations with each of the three male guests Henderson, Fuller, and Howe ("the entire board of selectmen in this community") later in the film.] After they are pronounced "man and wife" and the celebration begins, Kane finds privacy in an adjoining room with his new wife and promises: "I'm gonna try, Amy, I'll do my best." The new and younger marshal to replace Kane is expected to arrive the following day, and Henderson assures everyone: "This town will be safe 'til tomorrow." His new bride has firm, pacifist Quaker convictions that deplore violence, and he will be putting away his marshal's star in his last act in office - he removes his badge, a popular Western icon, and pins it on his gun holster, amidst applause.
At that moment, the train station master bursts in, bringing a telegram ("it's terrible, it's shocking"). The message announces that outlaw Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), put away in a penitentiary by Kane five years earlier for terrorizing the town, was pardoned a week earlier and paroled. And three others are waiting for Miller who is to arrive on the noon train at Hadleyville, to seek revenge on the Marshal. Kane glances at the clock - it's 10:40 am. Henderson encourages the newlywed couple to leave town immediately: "Get out of this town this very minute...Don't stop 'til you get to Clarksburg." The former marshal's first reaction reveals his sense of responsibility:
I think I ought to stay.
The newly-wed couple leave town immediately, gathered into a horse and buggy buckboard to quickly ride away. From his Flores Hotel second-floor window, young deputy Harvey Pell (Lloyd Bridges) witnesses their rapid departure and gloats to his dark-haired girlfriend - a worldly-wise, half-Mexican saloon owner and businesswoman Helen Ramirez (Katy Jurado), that Kane appears to be cowardly: "That's funny...Kane and his new wife just took off in a big hurry...Hey, you don't suppose Kane's scared of those three gunnies...I never saw him whip a horse that way." Helen crosses the hall to alert Sam (Tom London):
Ben Miller is in town. He has two of the old bunch with him.
During their retreat a few miles from town to the freedom of open country, Kane has second thoughts, as the oft-repeated, haunting theme of the film plays in the background. His inner conflict about leaving and the central dilemma of the film is reflected on his face as he stops the buggy and tells Amy that he's got to go back - due to his fidelity to his Western code of honor. Because of his fateful decision, their honeymoon will be postponed until after his 12 o'clock showdown:
Kane: It's no good. I've got to go back, Amy.
Amy: Why?
Kane: This is crazy. I haven't even got any guns.
Amy: Then let's go on. Hurry.
Kane: No, that's what I've been thinkin'. They're making me run. I've never run from anybody before.
Amy: I don't understand any of this.
Kane: (after looking at his vest watch) Well, I haven't got time to tell ya.
Amy: Then don't go back, Will.
Kane: I've got to. That's the whole thing. (He turns the buggy around and rides back into town.)
At 10:50 am, Kane re-enters Hadleyville, as the barber predicts the deadly results of the inevitable confrontation to Fred (Guy Beach), the town's coffin-maker:
Barber: How many coffins we got?
Fred: Two.
Barber: We're gonna need at least two more, no matter how you figure. You'd better get busy, Fred.
In his office (it's still 10:50 am), Kane's new wife asks him what it's all about since the position of Marshal is no longer his responsibility. He insistently explains to her - and the film audience - his moral compulsion to remain. She begs him not to be a hero, but he explains that the "wild and kind of crazy" Frank Miller will only hunt for both of them as they settle down and become owners of a small store. Therefore, he must stay and face Miller's uncivilized and savage forces sooner rather than later:
Kane: I sent a man up five years ago for murder. He was supposed to hang. But up North, they commuted it to life and now he's free. I don't know how. Anyway, it looks like he's coming back.
Amy: I still don't understand.
Kane: ...He was always wild and kind of crazy. He'll probably make trouble.
Amy: But that's no concern of yours, not anymore.
Kane: I'm the one who sent him up.
Amy: Well, that was part of your job. That's finished now. They've got a new marshal.
Kane: He won't be here until tomorrow. Seems to me I've got to stay. Anyway, I'm the same man with or without this. (He pins his badge on his vest.)
Amy: Oh, that isn't so.
Kane: I expect he'll come lookin' for me. Three of his old bunch are waiting at the depot.
Amy: That's exactly why we ought to go.
Kane: They'll just come after us, four of 'em, and we'd be all alone on the prairie.
Amy: We've got an hour.
Kane: What's an hour?...What's a hundred miles? We'd never be able to keep that store, Amy. They'd come after us and we'd have to run again, as long as we live.
Amy: No we wouldn't, not if they didn't know where to find us. Oh Will! Will, I'm begging you, please let's go.
Kane: I can't.
Amy: Don't try to be a hero. You don't have to be a hero, not for me.
Kane: I'm not trying to be a hero. If you think I like this, you're crazy.
And in Hadleyville, he is counting on getting special deputies sworn in to assist and other friends in a posse to support him. Kane knows that his action is deplorable to his Quaker wife and counter to her non-violent religion, but he must remain just the same. Amy defiantly hands him an ultimatum on her wedding day: if he won't go away with her, she'll go alone by train - the one that leaves at twelve noon:
Kane: Look Amy, this is my town. I've got friends here. I'll swear in a bunch of special deputies and with a posse behind me, maybe there won't even be any trouble.
Amy: You know there'll be trouble.
Kane: Then, it's better to have it here. I'm sorry, honey, I know how you feel about it.
Amy: Do you?
Kane: Of course I do. I know it's against your religion and all. Sure I know how you feel.
Amy: But you're doing it just the same. Oh Will, we were married just a few minutes ago. We've got our whole lives ahead of us. Doesn't that mean anything to you?
Kane: You know I've only got an hour and I've got lots to do. Stay at the hotel until it's over.
Amy: No, I won't be here when it's over. You're asking me to wait an hour to find out if I'm going to be a wife or a widow. I say it's too long to wait. I won't do it...I mean it. If you won't go with me now, I'll be on that train when it leaves here.
Kane: (resolutely) I've got to stay.
So everything hinges on the mid-day hour. In the suspenseful film, every minute is packed with tension as time passes, symbolized by numerous instances of clock-watching and quick cuts to images of clocks ticking relentlessly toward the doom of high noon. Many of the fearful, self-serving and cowardly townspeople are leaving in order to be away when Miller shows up.
Percy Mettrick, the judge who sentenced Miller and officiated at Kane's marriage, is 'forsaking' the community. Kane finds him packing his office to expediently leave town (he folds an American flag, and a miniature scale of justice and places both into his saddlebags), recommending that Kane do the same while reminding him of the courtroom threat Miller had delivered many years earlier to kill both of them:
Have you forgotten that I'm the man who passed sentence on Frank Miller?
Although there's "no time for a lesson in civics," he does indeed deliver a civics lesson, illustrated by two historical incidents in towns that surrendered their freedom to returning tyrants. The first story, taken from classical history in 5th century B.C. Athens, tells of a tyrant who returned with mercenaries to execute members of the League of Government as the town's citizens looked on:
In the 5th century B.C., the citizens of Athens, having suffered grievously under a tyrant, managed to depose and banish him. However when he returned some years later, with an army of mercenary, those same citizens not only opened the gates for him, but stood by while he executed members of the League of Government.
And a second story, from personal experience, is set in a Western locale eight years earlier:
A similar thing happened about eight years ago in a town called Indian Falls. I escaped death only through the intercession of a lady of somewhat dubious reputation - and uh, the cost of a very handsome ring which once belonged to my mother. Unfortunately, I have no more rings.
The marshal exclaims: "You're a judge!" The practical judge replies: "I've been a judge many times in many towns. I hope to live to be a judge again." And then the judge confronts Kane with his suicidal decision - the camera zooms in on the empty chair where sentencing was pronounced years before:
Why must you be so stupid? Have you forgotten what he is? Have you forgotten what he's done to people? Have your forgotten that he's crazy? Don't you remember when he sat in that chair and said, 'You'll never hang me. I'll come back. I'll kill you, Will Kane. I swear it, I'll kill you.'
At the train station, Amy purchases a ticket for St. Louis. After Ben Miller glances threateningly at her with lusty intentions, she is cautioned to "wait somewheres else like at the hotel, maybe."
The clock reads 10:53 am on the mantle in the room where young deputy Harvey eats breakfast with Helen - she realizes he is sulking, "really sore" at Kane, and jealous of the marshal's authority and position after failing to be promoted to the position.
As the Judge flees on horseback, he castigates the town: "This is just a dirty little village in the middle of nowhere. Nothing that happens here is really important. Now get out." But Kane is steadfast: "There isn't time." With a fatherly manner, Kane asks a young boy in town to locate Jonas Henderson, Martin Howe and Sam Fuller - and "tell 'em I want 'em here."
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Clouded Mind...
Today it's been a clouded day for my mind though the sun did shine as it does on most Malaysian days.
When my mind is in this state of being, I write things only in my mind, and share very little...lest I offend.
But among the clouds peeped through a ray of sunshine -- as someone responded thus ""I do think of you fondly too :)
Hope today is a great start for the week!"" -- and Desi humbly choruses in a whisper: "Terima Kasih!"
A wonderful Malaysian way of saying thanks -- Receive MY L'VE!
*******************************
To awe mGf on land, sea and cyberspace,
"THOU KNOWETH WHO YOU ARE"
The following is sung in soft desibelles:)
across the se&en Cs:):):):):):):)
VIA http://www.links2love.com/love_lyrics_30.htm
Always On My Mind
~ Willie Nelson
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I'm so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm so sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance to keep you satisfied, satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
When my mind is in this state of being, I write things only in my mind, and share very little...lest I offend.
But among the clouds peeped through a ray of sunshine -- as someone responded thus ""I do think of you fondly too :)
Hope today is a great start for the week!"" -- and Desi humbly choruses in a whisper: "Terima Kasih!"
A wonderful Malaysian way of saying thanks -- Receive MY L'VE!
*******************************
To awe mGf on land, sea and cyberspace,
"THOU KNOWETH WHO YOU ARE"
The following is sung in soft desibelles:)
across the se&en Cs:):):):):):):)
VIA http://www.links2love.com/love_lyrics_30.htm
Always On My Mind
~ Willie Nelson
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I'm so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm so sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance to keep you satisfied, satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Began 24 after Yesterday...
WHEN ALL DESI'S TROUBLES SEEMED HERE TO STAY.
Till an angelA sent me a message titled: BEGINNING TODAY...
Here's a peep, and if you like what you read,leave a pawprint behind PLUS email addie,and I'll firward gear!:)
AP sundae to Thee
Join Desi so-ON at men kee
I offer tehtarik or tehSee
Come in person you may get a CON BF
and enjoy the beauty of charitable men passing by
and preety and chirpsermbanknights2, or 3, or 4 of FIVE:):):):):)
Take one, be thou not sel'-fish
Except at the wet market!
~~ YL, Desi, knottyaSsual
*************** Extract-- knot her tooth!-- of that GEM from angelA*******************
BEGINNING Today I am responsible for my own happiness
and I will do things that make me happy...
admire the beautiful wonders of nature,
listen to my favourite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy,
soak in a bubble bath...
PLEASURE
can be found in the most simple of gestures.
10.17AM, lazie, hazie and Amazie Sundae
PS: A reprise, as a reminder, to self and all myGOoDfriends (mGf, remember me, Desi, foolOFerrata?
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"!
desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Till an angelA sent me a message titled: BEGINNING TODAY...
Here's a peep, and if you like what you read,leave a pawprint behind PLUS email addie,and I'll firward gear!:)
AP sundae to Thee
Join Desi so-ON at men kee
I offer tehtarik or tehSee
Come in person you may get a CON BF
and enjoy the beauty of charitable men passing by
and preety and chirpsermbanknights2, or 3, or 4 of FIVE:):):):):)
Take one, be thou not sel'-fish
Except at the wet market!
~~ YL, Desi, knottyaSsual
*************** Extract-- knot her tooth!-- of that GEM from angelA*******************
BEGINNING Today I am responsible for my own happiness
and I will do things that make me happy...
admire the beautiful wonders of nature,
listen to my favourite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy,
soak in a bubble bath...
PLEASURE
can be found in the most simple of gestures.
10.17AM, lazie, hazie and Amazie Sundae
PS: A reprise, as a reminder, to self and all myGOoDfriends (mGf, remember me, Desi, foolOFerrata?
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"!
desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Court jesters or God-sent gospellers ...
of the Truth, nothing but the truth, so help us (Malaysians) God, spare us from some self-anointed gospellers of the Truth in the NegaraKu that I love.
When confessed lover onceuponatime/dime of deceased Mongolian Altantuya, Abdul Razak Baginda, held court at a Press Conference after three weeks of freedom to think, imagine and scribe following his acquittal fromm an abetment to murder charge, this professed renowned Malaysian to a question by the media about "how he knew" that DPM Najib Razak or his wife had never met Altantuya at all and therefore not involved in the murder, his answer which all Malaysians must accept as gospel truth was: "I just know". Quoting The Star Online, viz: "When asked how he knew Najib was not involved, Najib’s former political analyst smiled, looked at his lawyers and then replied: “I just know.”
IS THIS GUY A COURT JESTER, or IS HE AN ANOINTED SON OF GOD TO DELIVER US POOR MALAYSIANS -- AND PERHAPS ALL MONGOLIANS TOO -- FROM THE CHAMBER OF DARKNESS...TO SEE THE LIGHT OF TRUTH OF ALL THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE BODY OF A MONGOLIAN BEAUTY BEING RENDERED INTO BITS, BITES AND PIECES FLOATING IN THE AIR AND SOME PARTS BURIED ON MALAYSIAN SOIL AND SOME COLLECTED AS ASHES?
Perhaps, we can press this guy and the diligent Malaysian authorities to try harder in the quest for Truth by first locating the PI BALASUBRAMANIAM'S WHEREABOUTS...and not make him another court jester?
I had refrained from writing much about the ongoing trial which can catch any commentator unwittingly with "subjudice" breaches, so it's with restraint I pen this piece because we are at an important -- in fact, near "fatal" crossroads -- We have arrived at a point where we are faced with an unusual decision by a murder prosecuion which is so "generous" to Abdul Razak, the main protagonist thus far, by "NOT APPEALING" the accused's acquittal, and he is using public appearances like YESTERDAY's PC to give his side of THE story. Meanwhile, the victim's voice -- along the ultimate TRUTH-BEARER -- is gone from this mother good earth. Only good to the survivors like Razak Baginda and patient listeners of his gospel.
But to this writer with someSherlock Holmes training, this highly publicised press conference -- with lots of international media coverage - did throw up many UNANSWERED QUESTIONS which even the NST did run. I went to its Online edition BUT COULD NOT PICK UP THAT PORTION so curio cats here would have to invest RM1.20 to get at that story: I am not so patient to copy it longhand as first inclined to educate you, OK!
:
:
:
One troubling question that many of my NON-MEDIA friends have been bugging Desi with is:
WHY ARE THE TWO MURDER ACCUSED FACNG CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IF CONVICTED OF THE MURDER CHARGE and WHOSE DEFENCE HAD BEEN CALLED BY THE JUDGE ALWAYS HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF THEIR FACES TOTALLY COVERED UP?
I may have to ask some officer at THE BAR COUNCIL for an expert opinion -- anyone has a direct line to Datuk Ambiga the BC Prez? -- to unravel this Malaysia Boleh puzzle.
Meanwhile, you have a crime of MURDER committed on Malaysian soil, but no one remaining on tehe scene who could be a likely suspect with the MOTIVE -- mens rea in legal jargon -- so what gives?
The remaining two Malaysians who have indicated to the court they would give evidene under oath in their defence -- I have yet to know how they look like after almost two years of side-shows -- are merely the "minions" caught in the whirlwind of a highly-powered political drama. One cannot be blamed if he/she thinks the one who knows more are walking still -- and this word has got two connotations, Desi is pretty democratic, it's your pick! -- in the Malaysian CORRIDORS OF POWER. And one Blogger is still probing like Sherlock Holmes to arrive at some proximity of the Truth Let Desi roam the corridors at night and come up with an Midnight Voice account by end-March 2009, OK!
Meanwhile, I can only say that the Truth is hidden among the almighty US DOLLARS. Razak Baginda and his backers have handled lots of it, not Desi or the two accused still covered up from my sight whenever they go public. Can someone now offer to pay Desi that 20million for the script to the next Hollywood blockbustier and Razak Baginda can make a cameo appearance. Let's talk DOLLARS and SENSe when the Hollywood boys come a-calling, wit' Midnight Voice a-waiting.
When confessed lover onceuponatime/dime of deceased Mongolian Altantuya, Abdul Razak Baginda, held court at a Press Conference after three weeks of freedom to think, imagine and scribe following his acquittal fromm an abetment to murder charge, this professed renowned Malaysian to a question by the media about "how he knew" that DPM Najib Razak or his wife had never met Altantuya at all and therefore not involved in the murder, his answer which all Malaysians must accept as gospel truth was: "I just know". Quoting The Star Online, viz: "When asked how he knew Najib was not involved, Najib’s former political analyst smiled, looked at his lawyers and then replied: “I just know.”
IS THIS GUY A COURT JESTER, or IS HE AN ANOINTED SON OF GOD TO DELIVER US POOR MALAYSIANS -- AND PERHAPS ALL MONGOLIANS TOO -- FROM THE CHAMBER OF DARKNESS...TO SEE THE LIGHT OF TRUTH OF ALL THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE BODY OF A MONGOLIAN BEAUTY BEING RENDERED INTO BITS, BITES AND PIECES FLOATING IN THE AIR AND SOME PARTS BURIED ON MALAYSIAN SOIL AND SOME COLLECTED AS ASHES?
Perhaps, we can press this guy and the diligent Malaysian authorities to try harder in the quest for Truth by first locating the PI BALASUBRAMANIAM'S WHEREABOUTS...and not make him another court jester?
I had refrained from writing much about the ongoing trial which can catch any commentator unwittingly with "subjudice" breaches, so it's with restraint I pen this piece because we are at an important -- in fact, near "fatal" crossroads -- We have arrived at a point where we are faced with an unusual decision by a murder prosecuion which is so "generous" to Abdul Razak, the main protagonist thus far, by "NOT APPEALING" the accused's acquittal, and he is using public appearances like YESTERDAY's PC to give his side of THE story. Meanwhile, the victim's voice -- along the ultimate TRUTH-BEARER -- is gone from this mother good earth. Only good to the survivors like Razak Baginda and patient listeners of his gospel.
But to this writer with someSherlock Holmes training, this highly publicised press conference -- with lots of international media coverage - did throw up many UNANSWERED QUESTIONS which even the NST did run. I went to its Online edition BUT COULD NOT PICK UP THAT PORTION so curio cats here would have to invest RM1.20 to get at that story: I am not so patient to copy it longhand as first inclined to educate you, OK!
:
:
:
One troubling question that many of my NON-MEDIA friends have been bugging Desi with is:
WHY ARE THE TWO MURDER ACCUSED FACNG CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IF CONVICTED OF THE MURDER CHARGE and WHOSE DEFENCE HAD BEEN CALLED BY THE JUDGE ALWAYS HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF THEIR FACES TOTALLY COVERED UP?
I may have to ask some officer at THE BAR COUNCIL for an expert opinion -- anyone has a direct line to Datuk Ambiga the BC Prez? -- to unravel this Malaysia Boleh puzzle.
Meanwhile, you have a crime of MURDER committed on Malaysian soil, but no one remaining on tehe scene who could be a likely suspect with the MOTIVE -- mens rea in legal jargon -- so what gives?
The remaining two Malaysians who have indicated to the court they would give evidene under oath in their defence -- I have yet to know how they look like after almost two years of side-shows -- are merely the "minions" caught in the whirlwind of a highly-powered political drama. One cannot be blamed if he/she thinks the one who knows more are walking still -- and this word has got two connotations, Desi is pretty democratic, it's your pick! -- in the Malaysian CORRIDORS OF POWER. And one Blogger is still probing like Sherlock Holmes to arrive at some proximity of the Truth Let Desi roam the corridors at night and come up with an Midnight Voice account by end-March 2009, OK!
Meanwhile, I can only say that the Truth is hidden among the almighty US DOLLARS. Razak Baginda and his backers have handled lots of it, not Desi or the two accused still covered up from my sight whenever they go public. Can someone now offer to pay Desi that 20million for the script to the next Hollywood blockbustier and Razak Baginda can make a cameo appearance. Let's talk DOLLARS and SENSe when the Hollywood boys come a-calling, wit' Midnight Voice a-waiting.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Penang & Seremban vigils on hold until further notice
YES, that's the VIGILS ALERT from malaysia-today.net which I picked up belatedly.
I had received an advisory email from co-pilot angelA 001 for the Seremban Candlelight Vigils that the one planned for TODAY, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2008 at 8.00pm at Dataran Seremban Park is deferred until further notice.
Further information will follow later today.-- Desi as it'sow 2.21AM and YL has to visit zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzland.:) GOoDNite!:)
PS@10.50AM Friday November 21: THE SEREMBAN CANDLELIGHT VIGILS (one schdeuled for tonight 8pm at the Dataran Seremban Park, which saw the vigils succesfully held for the previous THREE FRIDAYS:):):) ARE PUT "ON HOLD" (DEFERRED!) INDEFINITELY AS VIGILERS FROM KL HAVE URGED THAT FURONGKNIGHT COORDINATORS APPPLY FOR POLICE PERMITS FOR FUTURE GATHERINGS:( or :) -- Desi
I had received an advisory email from co-pilot angelA 001 for the Seremban Candlelight Vigils that the one planned for TODAY, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2008 at 8.00pm at Dataran Seremban Park is deferred until further notice.
Further information will follow later today.-- Desi as it'sow 2.21AM and YL has to visit zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzland.:) GOoDNite!:)
PS@10.50AM Friday November 21: THE SEREMBAN CANDLELIGHT VIGILS (one schdeuled for tonight 8pm at the Dataran Seremban Park, which saw the vigils succesfully held for the previous THREE FRIDAYS:):):) ARE PUT "ON HOLD" (DEFERRED!) INDEFINITELY AS VIGILERS FROM KL HAVE URGED THAT FURONGKNIGHT COORDINATORS APPPLY FOR POLICE PERMITS FOR FUTURE GATHERINGS:( or :) -- Desi
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A princely speech and a social activist's commentary
Today I reprise TWO speeches worth your little tea-timerumination. Chew the foodand work thy brain -- that's called multi-tasking! -- Desi:)
From the Sun (print edition for which YL paid 30sen,
unlike some kedekuts I no who lined up b4 sunsrise to grab
multiple copies of frreebies at 7ELEVEN, re-sell at 15sen
at SEVEN11? -- Joking-lah, yourlegs aren't that long like my nama!
page 2:November 20, 2008:
Raja Nazrin warns against
modern-day tribalism
PETALING JAYA: Mankind is failing badly at creating a sense of community and is instead allowing race, culture and religion to dominate discourse, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said today.
"When we think of social fragmentation as good rather than bad, something is awfully wrong. Our moral gyroscopes have gone completely awry. If we continue on the present path, great dangers lie ahead," he said in his speech at the Diversity Matters Forum on Diasporas in the Commonwealth held at Monash University, Sunway Campus here.
Raja Nazrin cautioned against falling into a "new and destructive form of modern day tribalism".
"Cultures can co-operate as much as clash. We need to reclaim religion from those who would distort its truths. We must reject radicalism and extremism of all types. If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion," he said.
Raja Nazrin said multicultural societies are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception.
"Contrary to the rhetoric, however, it is not becoming a source of strength. Mankind is failing - and failing badly – at creating a sense of community. Instead race, culture and religion have become the dominant discourse."
Raja Nazrin said diversity is not only something to be cherished but is essential.
"I know this as an educationist for the store of knowledge does not increase until and unless there are differences in thinking. It is when there is stultifying uniformity that stagnation occurs.
"I know this as a Muslim for Islam recognises other religions. Islam itself is built on a history of myriad traditions.
"I know this as a Malaysian for what has built this country and made it strong are the contributions of its different communities. Malaysians of different races and religions have come together to put their shoulders to the collective plough despite their differences, something that many countries have not been so fortunate enough to share."
He said the idea behind multiculturalism is that countries with people of different cultural backgrounds should allow them to live a free life without being forced to do things they don't want to do.
"What characterises democratic life is that it is the person who decides whether he or she wants to adjust more and be absorbed or remain aloof. At the same time, the need to forge a community of people with shared values and interests remains paramount," he said.
Link to Other Stories:
***Full text of speech by Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah -- Please surf to sun2surf.com ~~ Desi
*****************************
From cpiasia.net where I get to put some kaya to top up two layers of Skippy
on my bread&butter to simulate the ORI from YutKee's opposite Wilayah Complex;
located aptly along Jalan Kamunting!:(
Written by CPI
Thursday, 20 November 2008 11:09
Press Statement on Presentation by Dr. Lim Teck Ghee at 5th “Diversity Matters” : A Commonwealth Forum, 19 November 2008
In his plenary presentation to the Commonwealth 5th “Diversity Matters” conference currently ongoing at the Malaysian branch of Monash University, CPI Director Dr. Lim Teck Ghee spoke on what happens when diaspora communities such as Malaysian Indians are excluded or marginalized in the nation’s development. Focusing on the HINDRAF movement as a case study, Dr. Lim attributed the growth of the Malaysian Indian under class to two major factors – government neglect and the massive influx of foreign labour which has provided competition to the Indian working class, and in many instances displaced Indian labour or reduced their wage returns.
He called on the Government to acknowledge the legitimacy of the concerns expressed by the HINDRAF movement and to address these concerns fairly and transparently, notwithstanding the extremist language used by some of the movement’s leaders in drawing attention to the plight of the Indian under class.
According to Dr. Lim, the main stumbling block to integration of diaspora communities in Malaysia stemmed from a narrow nation building paradigm and from state policies that sought to differentiate settled “immigrant” from longer settled “Bumiputra” communities. He pointed out that developed and resilient nations are marked by
• high social cohesion and low conflict
• inclusion of all social groups
• access and equality of opportunity for all citizens
• rule of law and vibrant democratic institutions
• a neutral and race-blind bureaucracy
• open societies
He called on all stakeholders in Malaysia, especially the Government, to learn from the lessons of the past but at the same time to not be imprisoned by past paradigms. Noting that full social rights should not be delayed or reduced because of economic disparities that were far more complex than the conventional ethnic typologies used by Government to address them, he argued that there was a need to match rhetoric with action in practicing tolerance and fairness. All communities should engage in positive tolerance and practice and internalize fairness as a prerequisite for the healthy growth of our modern pluralistic society.
Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2008
From the Sun (print edition for which YL paid 30sen,
unlike some kedekuts I no who lined up b4 sunsrise to grab
multiple copies of frreebies at 7ELEVEN, re-sell at 15sen
at SEVEN11? -- Joking-lah, yourlegs aren't that long like my nama!
page 2:November 20, 2008:
Raja Nazrin warns against
modern-day tribalism
PETALING JAYA: Mankind is failing badly at creating a sense of community and is instead allowing race, culture and religion to dominate discourse, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said today.
"When we think of social fragmentation as good rather than bad, something is awfully wrong. Our moral gyroscopes have gone completely awry. If we continue on the present path, great dangers lie ahead," he said in his speech at the Diversity Matters Forum on Diasporas in the Commonwealth held at Monash University, Sunway Campus here.
Raja Nazrin cautioned against falling into a "new and destructive form of modern day tribalism".
"Cultures can co-operate as much as clash. We need to reclaim religion from those who would distort its truths. We must reject radicalism and extremism of all types. If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion," he said.
Raja Nazrin said multicultural societies are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception.
"Contrary to the rhetoric, however, it is not becoming a source of strength. Mankind is failing - and failing badly – at creating a sense of community. Instead race, culture and religion have become the dominant discourse."
Raja Nazrin said diversity is not only something to be cherished but is essential.
"I know this as an educationist for the store of knowledge does not increase until and unless there are differences in thinking. It is when there is stultifying uniformity that stagnation occurs.
"I know this as a Muslim for Islam recognises other religions. Islam itself is built on a history of myriad traditions.
"I know this as a Malaysian for what has built this country and made it strong are the contributions of its different communities. Malaysians of different races and religions have come together to put their shoulders to the collective plough despite their differences, something that many countries have not been so fortunate enough to share."
He said the idea behind multiculturalism is that countries with people of different cultural backgrounds should allow them to live a free life without being forced to do things they don't want to do.
"What characterises democratic life is that it is the person who decides whether he or she wants to adjust more and be absorbed or remain aloof. At the same time, the need to forge a community of people with shared values and interests remains paramount," he said.
Link to Other Stories:
***Full text of speech by Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah -- Please surf to sun2surf.com ~~ Desi
*****************************
From cpiasia.net where I get to put some kaya to top up two layers of Skippy
on my bread&butter to simulate the ORI from YutKee's opposite Wilayah Complex;
located aptly along Jalan Kamunting!:(
Written by CPI
Thursday, 20 November 2008 11:09
Press Statement on Presentation by Dr. Lim Teck Ghee at 5th “Diversity Matters” : A Commonwealth Forum, 19 November 2008
In his plenary presentation to the Commonwealth 5th “Diversity Matters” conference currently ongoing at the Malaysian branch of Monash University, CPI Director Dr. Lim Teck Ghee spoke on what happens when diaspora communities such as Malaysian Indians are excluded or marginalized in the nation’s development. Focusing on the HINDRAF movement as a case study, Dr. Lim attributed the growth of the Malaysian Indian under class to two major factors – government neglect and the massive influx of foreign labour which has provided competition to the Indian working class, and in many instances displaced Indian labour or reduced their wage returns.
He called on the Government to acknowledge the legitimacy of the concerns expressed by the HINDRAF movement and to address these concerns fairly and transparently, notwithstanding the extremist language used by some of the movement’s leaders in drawing attention to the plight of the Indian under class.
According to Dr. Lim, the main stumbling block to integration of diaspora communities in Malaysia stemmed from a narrow nation building paradigm and from state policies that sought to differentiate settled “immigrant” from longer settled “Bumiputra” communities. He pointed out that developed and resilient nations are marked by
• high social cohesion and low conflict
• inclusion of all social groups
• access and equality of opportunity for all citizens
• rule of law and vibrant democratic institutions
• a neutral and race-blind bureaucracy
• open societies
He called on all stakeholders in Malaysia, especially the Government, to learn from the lessons of the past but at the same time to not be imprisoned by past paradigms. Noting that full social rights should not be delayed or reduced because of economic disparities that were far more complex than the conventional ethnic typologies used by Government to address them, he argued that there was a need to match rhetoric with action in practicing tolerance and fairness. All communities should engage in positive tolerance and practice and internalize fairness as a prerequisite for the healthy growth of our modern pluralistic society.
Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Because I earn some Moola from cpiasia.net:)
The following is from Frontpage of website named cpiasia.net -- Go visit some interesting bytes for lunch!
Latest articles
LETTER FOR MAHATHIR
Rain or Shine, the Seremban Vigil Goes On ...
ESSAY SERIES: Social Contract and National Unity (5)
Anil proposes, Chamil disposes
THIRD ANTI-ISA Seremban Candlelight Vigil
Blog alliance oppposes Media Council
ESSAY SERIES: Social Contract and National Unity (4)
ColumnistsAnil proposes, Chamil disposes
Insights into the NEP
ZAID IBRAHIM TOUCHES THE HEART OF RACE RELATIONS
LETTER FOR MAHATHIR
Bloggers Buzz
Written by Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad
Wednesday, 19 November 2008 00:00
Assalamualaikum wr wb,
Dear Tun Mahathir,
I think you under-estimate the will of the Rakyat to dismantle racialism. In this era of global competition and high technology - for how long can UMNO shield the Malays from the reality of a free market?
You cannot hide the shortcomings of the Malays. No one stops the Malays from acquiring technology. You yourself sent thousands of Malays to study overseas. Yet where are the returns on your investment in them?
Think of Proton - shouldn't your Malay engineers work double hard to improve their products like the Japanese? Malaysia has lots of flora and fauna. Shouldn't the Malays dive into Biotechnology on account of Malaysia's flora and fauna? Yet where are the Malay scientists etc? For how long can you evade the shortcomings of the Malays?
You see - Malaysia is not unique in this matter. The whole Muslim world faces the same problem. Muslims simply do NOT do enough to chase after and acquire technology! Indeed - there are no industrialized Muslim countries except possibly - Malaysia!!
The NEP and Ketuanan Melayu has been around a long time. The Malays should have used the opportunity they had wisely. Sadly - your own UMNO abused it! Now the Rakyat wants an end to racialism.
So yes - you are right. The Malaysian Malay is going to suffer because they no longer have the crutch. But that’s Malaysia's problem.
What I hope is that you and other Malaysian politicians had better not demonise Singapore in the process. You and others better not look down on Singapore Malays.
We Singapore Malays can hold our head high and proudly so. Because we achieve on merit and not quota. It’s a real achievement.
Well - it’s your country and not mine. I think that you first have to deal with the reality of Pakatan Rakyat.....
Best Regards
Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad
Syed Alwi bin Ahmad
Dr. Syed Alwi Ahmad teaches Applied Physics and Applied Physics Lab. at the Centre for American Education in Singapore. His focus is on Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. His thesis on black-holes and quantum fields has been published in various conference proceedings. Dr. Syed holds a Ph.D Physics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. He obtained his B.Sc from the National University of Singapore.
Latest articles
LETTER FOR MAHATHIR
Rain or Shine, the Seremban Vigil Goes On ...
ESSAY SERIES: Social Contract and National Unity (5)
Anil proposes, Chamil disposes
THIRD ANTI-ISA Seremban Candlelight Vigil
Blog alliance oppposes Media Council
ESSAY SERIES: Social Contract and National Unity (4)
ColumnistsAnil proposes, Chamil disposes
Insights into the NEP
ZAID IBRAHIM TOUCHES THE HEART OF RACE RELATIONS
LETTER FOR MAHATHIR
Bloggers Buzz
Written by Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad
Wednesday, 19 November 2008 00:00
Assalamualaikum wr wb,
Dear Tun Mahathir,
I think you under-estimate the will of the Rakyat to dismantle racialism. In this era of global competition and high technology - for how long can UMNO shield the Malays from the reality of a free market?
You cannot hide the shortcomings of the Malays. No one stops the Malays from acquiring technology. You yourself sent thousands of Malays to study overseas. Yet where are the returns on your investment in them?
Think of Proton - shouldn't your Malay engineers work double hard to improve their products like the Japanese? Malaysia has lots of flora and fauna. Shouldn't the Malays dive into Biotechnology on account of Malaysia's flora and fauna? Yet where are the Malay scientists etc? For how long can you evade the shortcomings of the Malays?
You see - Malaysia is not unique in this matter. The whole Muslim world faces the same problem. Muslims simply do NOT do enough to chase after and acquire technology! Indeed - there are no industrialized Muslim countries except possibly - Malaysia!!
The NEP and Ketuanan Melayu has been around a long time. The Malays should have used the opportunity they had wisely. Sadly - your own UMNO abused it! Now the Rakyat wants an end to racialism.
So yes - you are right. The Malaysian Malay is going to suffer because they no longer have the crutch. But that’s Malaysia's problem.
What I hope is that you and other Malaysian politicians had better not demonise Singapore in the process. You and others better not look down on Singapore Malays.
We Singapore Malays can hold our head high and proudly so. Because we achieve on merit and not quota. It’s a real achievement.
Well - it’s your country and not mine. I think that you first have to deal with the reality of Pakatan Rakyat.....
Best Regards
Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad
Syed Alwi bin Ahmad
Dr. Syed Alwi Ahmad teaches Applied Physics and Applied Physics Lab. at the Centre for American Education in Singapore. His focus is on Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. His thesis on black-holes and quantum fields has been published in various conference proceedings. Dr. Syed holds a Ph.D Physics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. He obtained his B.Sc from the National University of Singapore.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Sterling Write from WHERE IS THE MOOLA?
YL is on the move todie -- not On The Beat, that's for Scaredy PC at Chow Kid!, according to mGf AM**** which I will show relevance later, closing hours of PM maybe --
so here's a Cut&Paste without that 20-mil AP!:)
Through the fire - Chaka Khan (Go visit the ORI to listen to da muzak!--Desi:)
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Difference Between Conviction and Stubborness
Today I saw this posting in a forum titled: The Difference Between Conviction and Stubborness
When is holding on to your beliefs considered foolish stubborness, and when does it constitute "conviction" ? Look at it this way, when Warren Buffett refused to buy tech stocks during the dot.com bubble, he was criticized as being out of fashion and out of touch. But books have always mentioned (on hindsight) that he stuck to his guns and had "conviction" to stick to his beliefs, and thus avoided the inevitable crash that followed.
To take another example, another investor stubbornly holds on to his beliefs that a company/industry is good and growing, yet he is actually wrong and the investment goes on to perform badly in the next 5-8 years.
So how do we separate "conviction" from "foolish stubborness" ? Objective data may guide us, but as the future is always murky, there is no such thing as a sure thing.
Note that mistakes of omission (i.e. not buying something which you SHOULD have, on hindsight) are always easier to bear than mistakes of commission (i.e. buying something which you SHOULD NOT have). In the former, it's just opportunity cost. In the latter, you lose real hard cash.
I like the following reply by d.o.g.
Speaking for myself, I think "conviction" is when you follow the course of action suggested by the facts, against the actions of the herd. But I think Benjamin Graham said it better in chapter 20 of The Intelligent Investor:
You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.
"Foolish stubborness" is when the facts subsequently show that the initial decision was wrong, and yet one continues with the old conclusion.
In other words, conviction can easily turn into stubborness if we are not insistent about staying rational i.e. focused on the facts.
Personally, when the facts change, I change my mind. What about you?
Yes, what about me? For me, this reminded me so much of the post I wrote back in June 2008. I wrote the following posting: Do Not Be Stubborn In Investing!
That post would be my view on this issue. Let me reproduce what I wrote back then again.......
======>
Blast from past. From Sun Tzu On Investing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sun Tzu often warned his generals that it is adaptive strategy that win wars, not persistence.
Persistence can be a fine quality, but blindly, stubbornly and obstinately pushing ahead in the wrong direction is not going to make you more successful.
Your persistence must be rational.
Stubbornly holding onto losing stocks as their business fundamental decay, hoping they magically return to your purchase price is no way to ensure victory, in fact, it all but guarantees defeat.
When the evidence says sell, then sell. Be persistent in the application of your strategy, not in banging your head against the wall or burying it in the sand. Be open to accept new information, face facts and take action as necessary. Ignoring important business developments in your portfolio won't make them go away.
Selling a stock that no longer measures up, or one that was purchased without accurate or complete evaluation is not admitting a mistake or any cause for embarrassment, it's just one more necessary, even essential step toward victory.
If the stock price rises after you sell, don't be frustrated - you made a rational decision, the best you could based on the information you had at the time - and over your investing lifetime this rational approach will win out.
You invest your time and your energy into every business analysis, so after a sell decision you need not write off the company forever. If the business prospects and fundamentals improve later, you can and should reconsider repurchasing. Each decision must be viewed independently from previous decisions. Selling as fundamental decay is essential, as it frees capital to be redeployed into another productive investment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ahh... the most common behaviour I have seen is one tends to be frustrated because after we had decided to sell the stock, that darn stock decides to move up!
Celaka betul!!!
Haven't we not witnessed this before?
It's like we are the sole reason why that rotten piece of stock is NOT moving, and the minute we sell, it flies! It's like they know. It's like they have them eyes on me!
And even for the investor, sometimes after the most intense thorough reasoning, sou searching and consultation from our Auntie May to Uncle Bennie, we finally come to the conclusion that the certain stock is not worth to be invested in anymore. And the very minute we finally gathered all our courage to execute our SELL decision(s), the stock miraculously rises!
Aisehman! #%$^(*@#
Err... so what gives?
Yes, being frustrated is understandable but what else can be done?
Nothing more! I repeat nothing more!
The point is, in the stock market sometimes this kind of stuff does happen, and it would most likely to happen again in the future! This is simply how the game is. All can we can do is say 'Que Sera Sera'!
For me, there is no way I could tell whether a stock is gonna go up or down. It is mere impossible for me to figure out which way the stock is really going to go. Haven't we seen them bad to the bone, them rotten stocks, them almost bankrupt stocks, go up faster than Iron Man on some rocket booster?
It does happen but for me, trying to catch which and when these rotten stocks will go up is the equivalent of buying a lottery ticket.
I simply cannot do it.
Again, let me say out loud again, I am not saying that it cannot be done, all I am saying is that I realise I do NOT have the abilities to play such a game.
And in my opinion, for the investor, the most important issue is making clear logical reasoning to invest in a stock or to stay invested or to cash out of a stock investment. That's the investors edge. Making commonsense investing decisions. That's all that matters. If we take this edge away from ourselves, what then will become of we? Does it make sense to try to play a game that we don't understand too well just so long as we can be a hero?
Remember..
Without faith in his own judgement no man can go very far in this game! - - Lefevre
Or this one.
"A man must think for himself, must follow his own convictions...Self-trust is the foundation of successful effort." - Dickson G. Watts
So what's our investment edge?
The very basic of our edge is we buy a 'good' stock at a cheap price and we sell the investment when either we get a really 'good' price (ie some paying an insane price for our investment stake... but how could i call it insane since this will be a good thingy for me? :P) for our investment or if the investment makes no sense anymore - ie the stock used to be good, but due to for some reasons or another, there are clear signs that the stock won't be good no more! And obviously we also sell if and when we made an investment mistake, ie a wrong stock selection.
Remember the issue of making mistakes? Here's some words of advice yet again...
There is no shame in making a mistake. Despite a great deal of research and analysis, I make plenty of them -- and so does every other investor -- because the future is inherently unpredictable. But there is shame in refusing to acknowledge a mistake and rectifying it. - - Warren Buffett
So if a stock goes up after we decided to sell (ie the stock investment makes no sense no more), what's there to be frustrated?
Should we continue to stick to our game plan and not get bothered? (see this blog posting: Developing A Good Investing Mindset )
Or should we try to get the best possible price out of our mistakes?
(Isn't this like HOPING for the market to correct our mistakes?? Does it make sense? Are we even that lucky all the time that the market will rectify our mistakes? What if that one mistake wipes us out of the game? How then?)
Or some would rather stay delusional by insisting that their paper losses caused by their own flawed stock picking is not real. It's only paper!!?!! ( See Is Paper Loss Not A Loss? and Do Not Cheat Yourself! )
Lastly...
"ppersistence can be a fine quality, but blindly, stubbornly and obstinately pushing ahead in the wrong direction is not going to make you more successful"...
How very true!
Remember ... there is a verv, very fine line between being correct and being stubbornly wrong... hence it is most important that one's persistence must be rational!
Last but not least, in Buffett Partnership letters (July, 1966) there was this really little set of comments which is simply much, much, much better! (Aiyah.. he's the man, Warren Buffet mah!)
"The course of the stock market will largely determine... when we'll be right, but the accuracy of our analysis will determine whether we'll be right. In other words, we... concentrate on what should happen, not when it should happen... If we start deciding, based on our guesses or emotions, whether we will... participate in a business where we... have some long-run edge, we're in trouble. We will not sell our interests in businesses when they are attractively priced just because some astrologer thinks the quotations may go lower even though forecasts... will be right some of the time... The availability of a quotation for your business interests should always be an asset to be utilized if desired. If it gets silly enough in either direction, you will take advantage of it. Its availability should never be turned into a liability whereby its periodic aberrations in turn form your judgements."
Posted by Moola
so here's a Cut&Paste without that 20-mil AP!:)
Through the fire - Chaka Khan (Go visit the ORI to listen to da muzak!--Desi:)
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Difference Between Conviction and Stubborness
Today I saw this posting in a forum titled: The Difference Between Conviction and Stubborness
When is holding on to your beliefs considered foolish stubborness, and when does it constitute "conviction" ? Look at it this way, when Warren Buffett refused to buy tech stocks during the dot.com bubble, he was criticized as being out of fashion and out of touch. But books have always mentioned (on hindsight) that he stuck to his guns and had "conviction" to stick to his beliefs, and thus avoided the inevitable crash that followed.
To take another example, another investor stubbornly holds on to his beliefs that a company/industry is good and growing, yet he is actually wrong and the investment goes on to perform badly in the next 5-8 years.
So how do we separate "conviction" from "foolish stubborness" ? Objective data may guide us, but as the future is always murky, there is no such thing as a sure thing.
Note that mistakes of omission (i.e. not buying something which you SHOULD have, on hindsight) are always easier to bear than mistakes of commission (i.e. buying something which you SHOULD NOT have). In the former, it's just opportunity cost. In the latter, you lose real hard cash.
I like the following reply by d.o.g.
Speaking for myself, I think "conviction" is when you follow the course of action suggested by the facts, against the actions of the herd. But I think Benjamin Graham said it better in chapter 20 of The Intelligent Investor:
You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.
"Foolish stubborness" is when the facts subsequently show that the initial decision was wrong, and yet one continues with the old conclusion.
In other words, conviction can easily turn into stubborness if we are not insistent about staying rational i.e. focused on the facts.
Personally, when the facts change, I change my mind. What about you?
Yes, what about me? For me, this reminded me so much of the post I wrote back in June 2008. I wrote the following posting: Do Not Be Stubborn In Investing!
That post would be my view on this issue. Let me reproduce what I wrote back then again.......
======>
Blast from past. From Sun Tzu On Investing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sun Tzu often warned his generals that it is adaptive strategy that win wars, not persistence.
Persistence can be a fine quality, but blindly, stubbornly and obstinately pushing ahead in the wrong direction is not going to make you more successful.
Your persistence must be rational.
Stubbornly holding onto losing stocks as their business fundamental decay, hoping they magically return to your purchase price is no way to ensure victory, in fact, it all but guarantees defeat.
When the evidence says sell, then sell. Be persistent in the application of your strategy, not in banging your head against the wall or burying it in the sand. Be open to accept new information, face facts and take action as necessary. Ignoring important business developments in your portfolio won't make them go away.
Selling a stock that no longer measures up, or one that was purchased without accurate or complete evaluation is not admitting a mistake or any cause for embarrassment, it's just one more necessary, even essential step toward victory.
If the stock price rises after you sell, don't be frustrated - you made a rational decision, the best you could based on the information you had at the time - and over your investing lifetime this rational approach will win out.
You invest your time and your energy into every business analysis, so after a sell decision you need not write off the company forever. If the business prospects and fundamentals improve later, you can and should reconsider repurchasing. Each decision must be viewed independently from previous decisions. Selling as fundamental decay is essential, as it frees capital to be redeployed into another productive investment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ahh... the most common behaviour I have seen is one tends to be frustrated because after we had decided to sell the stock, that darn stock decides to move up!
Celaka betul!!!
Haven't we not witnessed this before?
It's like we are the sole reason why that rotten piece of stock is NOT moving, and the minute we sell, it flies! It's like they know. It's like they have them eyes on me!
And even for the investor, sometimes after the most intense thorough reasoning, sou searching and consultation from our Auntie May to Uncle Bennie, we finally come to the conclusion that the certain stock is not worth to be invested in anymore. And the very minute we finally gathered all our courage to execute our SELL decision(s), the stock miraculously rises!
Aisehman! #%$^(*@#
Err... so what gives?
Yes, being frustrated is understandable but what else can be done?
Nothing more! I repeat nothing more!
The point is, in the stock market sometimes this kind of stuff does happen, and it would most likely to happen again in the future! This is simply how the game is. All can we can do is say 'Que Sera Sera'!
For me, there is no way I could tell whether a stock is gonna go up or down. It is mere impossible for me to figure out which way the stock is really going to go. Haven't we seen them bad to the bone, them rotten stocks, them almost bankrupt stocks, go up faster than Iron Man on some rocket booster?
It does happen but for me, trying to catch which and when these rotten stocks will go up is the equivalent of buying a lottery ticket.
I simply cannot do it.
Again, let me say out loud again, I am not saying that it cannot be done, all I am saying is that I realise I do NOT have the abilities to play such a game.
And in my opinion, for the investor, the most important issue is making clear logical reasoning to invest in a stock or to stay invested or to cash out of a stock investment. That's the investors edge. Making commonsense investing decisions. That's all that matters. If we take this edge away from ourselves, what then will become of we? Does it make sense to try to play a game that we don't understand too well just so long as we can be a hero?
Remember..
Without faith in his own judgement no man can go very far in this game! - - Lefevre
Or this one.
"A man must think for himself, must follow his own convictions...Self-trust is the foundation of successful effort." - Dickson G. Watts
So what's our investment edge?
The very basic of our edge is we buy a 'good' stock at a cheap price and we sell the investment when either we get a really 'good' price (ie some paying an insane price for our investment stake... but how could i call it insane since this will be a good thingy for me? :P) for our investment or if the investment makes no sense anymore - ie the stock used to be good, but due to for some reasons or another, there are clear signs that the stock won't be good no more! And obviously we also sell if and when we made an investment mistake, ie a wrong stock selection.
Remember the issue of making mistakes? Here's some words of advice yet again...
There is no shame in making a mistake. Despite a great deal of research and analysis, I make plenty of them -- and so does every other investor -- because the future is inherently unpredictable. But there is shame in refusing to acknowledge a mistake and rectifying it. - - Warren Buffett
So if a stock goes up after we decided to sell (ie the stock investment makes no sense no more), what's there to be frustrated?
Should we continue to stick to our game plan and not get bothered? (see this blog posting: Developing A Good Investing Mindset )
Or should we try to get the best possible price out of our mistakes?
(Isn't this like HOPING for the market to correct our mistakes?? Does it make sense? Are we even that lucky all the time that the market will rectify our mistakes? What if that one mistake wipes us out of the game? How then?)
Or some would rather stay delusional by insisting that their paper losses caused by their own flawed stock picking is not real. It's only paper!!?!! ( See Is Paper Loss Not A Loss? and Do Not Cheat Yourself! )
Lastly...
"ppersistence can be a fine quality, but blindly, stubbornly and obstinately pushing ahead in the wrong direction is not going to make you more successful"...
How very true!
Remember ... there is a verv, very fine line between being correct and being stubbornly wrong... hence it is most important that one's persistence must be rational!
Last but not least, in Buffett Partnership letters (July, 1966) there was this really little set of comments which is simply much, much, much better! (Aiyah.. he's the man, Warren Buffet mah!)
"The course of the stock market will largely determine... when we'll be right, but the accuracy of our analysis will determine whether we'll be right. In other words, we... concentrate on what should happen, not when it should happen... If we start deciding, based on our guesses or emotions, whether we will... participate in a business where we... have some long-run edge, we're in trouble. We will not sell our interests in businesses when they are attractively priced just because some astrologer thinks the quotations may go lower even though forecasts... will be right some of the time... The availability of a quotation for your business interests should always be an asset to be utilized if desired. If it gets silly enough in either direction, you will take advantage of it. Its availability should never be turned into a liability whereby its periodic aberrations in turn form your judgements."
Posted by Moola
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