Tugged silently in a corner. Away from prying eyes. The road ahead will be perilous. Tempted by impatience and insecurity, the journey has to continue. Shaping character and defining the essence of oneself, that is the lesson it teaches. It's a roller coaster of sorts. Some revel in these moments. Only time will provide the answer.

Malaysians must learn to laugh more
Wong Yeen Fern | Sep 19, 06 2:10pm

Many of us take laughter for granted. When a person laughs, it’s a sign that he or she is happy.

Looking at the most depressing of elements in a positive light can be the most challenging of art forms. Being able to laugh when sadness fills the air can certainly add flavour that soothes the soul.

Indeed we all should smile and laugh a little more. Not only is it biologically healthy but also spreads the cheer around. It is when we laugh heartily that we momentarily forget the sorrows. The joy, infectious as usual, is welcomed. Tears flow with delight taking our souls to higher ground.

Perhaps this quote sums it all up.

Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life

It is apt that the humble pay of our police force is being highlighted. It is quite absurd to expect an excellent force when we are not giving a fair renumeration for their work. A pay as low as $650 is ludicrous and makes a mockery of the profession. It is no wonder that corruption remains a perennial thorn associated with our police force.

To be frank, I think the entire civil service is poorly paid. Perhaps half of civil servants are living close to the poverty line in an era where inflation and the cost of living is spiralling up. Is the government doing enough to ensure that government servants are properly rewarded for their efforts?

Even doctors, nurses and other paramedical or support personnel are poorly paid. They are expected to put in long and at times inhumane hours but yet receive such a paltry pay. Some have said that it is a sacrifice that doctors have chosen to embark on. Perhaps so but we are also mortals with real life expenses and bills. Who is going to pay for our stethoscopes or the neat clothings and shoes that we are expected to wear? How about the housing rent and other miscellanous costs? Bear in mind a 8-year service medical officer gets a basic pay of around $2,500. It is no wonder that much treasured human resource is lost from the civil service.

Many say the civil service in now deplorable but hey this saying sums it all up. "When you pay peanuts, you get monkeys"!

Just guess what they are spending precious government funds on!! Read this

From Malaysiakini,

Mahathir: Muslim nations should have nuclear arms Sep 16, 06 6:38pm Former Malaysian premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Muslim nations should posses nuclear weapons to deter potential enemies from attacking them.

Fighting fire with fire is hardly a wise resolve to a worsening world crisis. Promoting nuclear weapons will only push humanity closer to total nuclear annihilation. With the world pushing for nuclear dsiarmament, such calls to the contrary is hardly what Muslim nations need in this terror-phobic world. It will only push the world back into the Cold War era where slight tensions can potentially be catastrophic. If airplanes can be used without compassion to champion one's cause, I fear what impact a nuclear weapon will have. Such calls certainly does not reflect the political experience and sound judgement that an ex-premier should possess.

With Malaysia being part of a Non-Aligned Movement, it should dissociate itself from such statements. It should remain neutral and objective in its assessment of world events and not be seen to support one side. Although Malaysia remains a Muslim nation, it should not have to resolve to the use of force or political blackmail for its voice to be heard. Perhaps improving one's economic status should be the focus rather than religious bickering.

The war against terror is not a war against Muslims although terrorists frequently advertise this Islamic destiny. It is the terrorists that would like the world to think that this is a holy war. Falling into their trap will only be foolish and highlight a lack understanding of Islam. One can be easily troubled when religious sensitivites are infringed upon. Such emotions can spiral out of control when fueled by warped beliefs of protecting the dignity of a religion.

It is time for cooler heads to prevail.

A result to savour. Never expected Everton to trounce Liverpool in such a manner. It has been some time since Everton enjoyed such a success at the expense of their more illustrious neighbours.

Everton has been my childhood football team. Perhaps blue is my favourite colour. However, their results over the last decade has been disappointing. There is much improvement over the last few years with qualification for the Champions League in 2004-5 season. This time around Andy Johnson seems like a great buy for Everton. The real test now is whether they can sustain such a form for the entire season and perhaps win the Championship!