//Mouth2Mouth & Lips Inc\\

[::..LOVE - The Sound Of Silence..::]

As common as the phrase "love" is in our culture, love is not always an easy thing to feel. Why? Because loving people requires setting self aside momentarily and focusing our devotion, attention, and affection upon someone other than ourselves. Love is, above all things, unselfish. And most of us are more self-centered than we care to admit.

Still, it is relatively easy to feel love compared to how difficult it is for many to express theirs. I always believe that love is rooted in giving, and giving is most fulfilling if that which one gives is received. Does the possibility that we might not receive what we desire to give, makes us vulnerable? Of course vulnerability carries with it the possibility of rejection, and in that, embarrassment and an emotional sting. For many people, love goes unexpressed because love carries this risk. These people rarely know great moments of joy, because they fear the possibility of pain.

Way back in 2004, I had the pleasure of discussing this topic with one Zizi Ezlina. This evening, I made a fortunate discovery by accident - an archive of our MSN text conversation. My beautiful niece was barely 17 then, but she was already exhibiting all the distressing sign of growing up with a tremendous potential to mix up the meaning of love in its true essence.

Being acknowledged as her favorite uncle is very flattering indeed, but I do not take “me too” for an answer when I said "I love you." - Not from this 17 years old. Not from a girl that I pedaled to school when she was just 7. Not from my cherubic mascot. Then, ever so obliging, I would cycle her right through the school compound among her congregating friends - her assembly of lawful juveniles. Just like Erin now, Adek was flaunting me then. Of course Adek was flaunting me then all for a reason that she knew best, but Erin is flaunting me now all for a reason that I know best. I am Erin's complete package - a papa, a movie star and a celebrity. What's fine by Erin is fine by me; howsoever her friends chose to repackage me.

Surely "LOVE" is an easy word to spell. What had me worried then was her obstinately unyielding perception against expressing her feelings, love, devotion, or affection. I realized what an incomplete view she has of the word. The archive chronicled an hour-long session that tested our will in the battle of persistence. Obviously, her keyboard was deficient of all the necessary consonants and vowels to spell "I love you too."

I happen to come from a family bloodline that does not yield easily. My problem was, she too came from the same bloodline. I refused to let her set the rules and limits. She refused to allow me to dictate the pace of the play and govern the match. Finally at 1.15am, the tilt of the game changed. I realized one thing - she has what I don't, and I have what she doesn't. She has to sleep, she has to go to school, she has homework to do, she has test to take, she has exams to prepare for, and SHE HAS TO LOG OUT sooner or later. I on the other hand, I have what she doesn't - I have all the time in the world than all the clocks put together.

When she tried hard to wrench herself forcibly away from the topic and every step vanquished her effort, she at last relented with "I love you too Uncle." Equivocally or unequivocally expressed, coming from this Little Miss Muffet, it was worth the weight in gold.

I simply refuse to allow her to grow up to be a miserable person. I will not accept whining or any whimper of despairing hopelessness. I won't listen to any mournful sound of a leaking vascular. I just want to see a happy face, and more importantly, a happy woman above all else. At 20, she is now able to express love freely in the language that I can understand. And the good news for me is that there is no more rewarding enterprise on the face of this earth than to love and be loved by this child.

If I can leave behind a legacy to remember me by, I just want to remind all in my family to 'always' give unselfishly. Don't ever confuse the feeling of love with the fact of love. As a matter of fact, love is more than a feeling. And the fact is, many a time, love runs deeper than words. So I say, "let's love each and love all." But if we don'’t have love that runs deeper than words, don't let our word runs faster than love. Stop the unnecessary gossips. Gossips can hurt feelings.

As for all the nieces in my family, my edict remains never to be tampered with. That - All women in the family, after my generation, shall remain the sole and good keeper of their own chastity. Within the bounds of safe sex and morality, chastity must be seen to be protected until the age of puberty or menopause; whichever is later. The word puberty herein implies an age of 30 years or after, and chastity herein refers to virginity. You shall not, willfully or otherwise compromise your chastity or break your virginity before the stipulated age - NOT EVEN IN INSTALMENT!

"Virginity is like a bubble; one PRICK all gone" – Confucius

Your virginity can only be broken once. Just don't go breaking one at will, or one too soon. And if you have to protect it, please don't protect it forever. I don't want to see an OLD MAID in the family. Trust me, I've seen it all, I've heard it all...I just don't want to imagine at all.

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 5:32:00 AM

Friday, January 25, 2008

[::..Jazz A Simple Guide To Survival - SNAKE ATTACK!..::]

Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify and because some non-poisonous snakes have markings very similar to venomous ones, the best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.

Snakes come in different forms of sizes. There are some historical reports of early European explorers of the South American jungles seeing giant anacondas up to 100 feet long. Like pythons, anacondas are members of the boa constrictor family of snakes. They are fully capable of killing a grown person, and children are even more vulnerable to attack. The good news is that most pythons will strike and then try to get away, rather than consume a full-grown human. Somehow, they are aware that some fights can be too big to swallow. The venomous king cobras, rattlesnakes, sidewinders and coral snakes come in smaller sizes. Do not confuse snakes with worms. Worms are harmless creature. And do not confuse worms with maggots. Maggots are a white semi circular crawly creature with a talent of repulsing everyone. It feeds on manure and decaying food. The edible version is called Macaroni.

How To Treat A Bite

1 - Wash the bite area with soap and water as soon as you can. Snakes are known to have bad oral hygiene - be they poisonous or not. They curse and swear a lot, and they talk and think ills of others all the time. In an emergency situation, if you do not have the time to rush yourself to seek medical attention, rush the snake to the dentist instead.

2 - Immobilize the bitten area and keep your anger close to your heart. This will slow the flow of the venom. Snakes are vicious reptile. What they can’t do to kill, they will threaten to shame. Never fear, just exercise enough discretion to refrain yourself from retaliation. Snakes have the natural tendency to self-destruct. One of the most venomous species is known to expose its own weaknesses, shames and shortcomings when it is vulnerable.

3 - Get medical help as soon as possible. A doctor should treat all snakebites unless you are willing to bet your life that the offending snake is non-poisonous. A bite from any type of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even bites from non-poisonous snakes should be taken seriously, as neurotoxin venom from bad oral hygiene can affect the brain, causing stupidity.

4 - If you have a first aid kit equipped with a suction device and a compendium set with a "snake and ladder" board, follow the instructions for helping to draw the venom out of the wound without making an incision. Generally, you will need to place the rubber suction over the wound, roll your dice, and then WHACK the snake with the first aid box. Stay calm and stay happy, because "what does not kill wouldn't hurt."

What Not To Do

1 - Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth, where it might enter your bloodstream.

2 - Do not attempt to charm a snake. Snakes have its own snake charmer. It operates in communities that dance only to its own tune. Some species have a tremendous sense of hearing. It can respond to a single bugle boy all the way from Singapore, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, India, USA, East Of Paris and probably all other unchartered plains and terrains on earth.

3 - Do not enter into a habitat known to belong to snakes. Just like sharks, snakes are territorial too. Avoid any "CONCRETE CUBICLE."

4 - Do not run to your mother. When bitten, the neurotoxin venom can be very infectious. She can get sick. You don’t want to get blame for that, do you?

How To Avoid An Attack

1 - Snakes are known to have a very raw nerve. When agitated, they will hit and strike, curse and swear, and much too often when push comes to shove, they can't take as much as they give. So when a snake bares its fang, DO NOT FEAR - just role a dice and WHACK it again with the first aid box.

2 - When hiking in an area with poisonous snakes, always wear thick leather boots, long pants and a BANDANA.

3 - Although snakes are cold-blooded and need sun to help regulate their body temperature, it is always safe to avoid a place where "The Sun Don't Shine, And The Rain Don't Stop." That's exactly what a snake's life is all about.

4 - Do not try to get a closer look at snakes. Snakes are just snakes, anything better, nicer or more beautiful to look at, they would be ME.

"Jazz A Simple Guide To Survival" will try to feature "How To Survive Adrift At Sea" in my forthcoming entry. The principals behind all these guides remain a simple one. You don't fucking have to if you don't fucking want to...but - YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!

In the words of John F Kennedy, I stand a true believer "Let every nation, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 4:14:00 AM

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

[::..Jazz A Simple Guide To Survival - SHARK ATTACK..::]

Module 1 - How To Fend Off A SHARK

1 - Hit Back.
If a shark is coming toward you or attack you, use anything you have in your possession - a camera, harpoon gun, computer, keyboard or any measure of means and hit it at the areas most sensitive to pain,

2 - Make quick, sharp, repeated jabs at these areas.
Sharks are predators and will usually only follow through an attack if they have the advantage, so making the shark unsure of its advantage in any way possible will increase your chances of a good fight. Hitting back simply tells it that you are not defenseless.

Module 2 - How To Avoid An Attack

1 - Always stay in pair - sharks are more likely to attack an individual.

2 - Do not wander too far from shore. This isolates you and creates the additional danger of being too far from assistance. If you have to wander away from shore, don't forget to bring your camera. Sharks love to look at pictures. This might help or it might not.

3 -Avoid being in the water if you are bleeding from an open wound or if you are menstruating- a shark is drawn to blood and its olfactory ability is acute especially when it has an EGO that bleeds.

4 - Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid showing any fear. Never surrender your liberty to shark and give it the sensory advantage.

5 - If a shark shows itself to you, it may be curious rather than predatory and will swim on. Depending on its species, some will leave you alone, but most will eat you alive. You have a good chance of defending yourself if the shark is not too large. However, do not be deceive by its sheer size and look. Shark can be nice too - but only the FINS.

6 - A shark attack is a potential danger for anyone who frequents marine waters, but it should be kept in perspective. In the United States the annual risk of death from lightning is thirty times greater than from a shark attack. In Singapore there are more sharks on land than there could ever be in sea. So let's forget about my chance of being struck by lightning.

Module 3 - Three Kinds Of Shark Attack

1 - "Hit And Run" attacks are by far the most common. These typically occur on land with an unlimited broadband access. The victim seldom sees its attacker, and the shark does not return after inflicting a single bite or slash wound.

2 - "Bump And Bite" attacks are characterized by the shark initially circling and often bumping the victim prior to the actual attack. These types of attacks usually involve innocent children, and also occur on land with an unlimited broadband access.

3 - "Sneak" attacks differ: the strike can occur without warning. Injuries sustained during this type of attacks are usually quite serious. Frequently resulting in severed limbs and RELATIONSHIP.

BE AWARE:

Most shark attacks occur in near shore waters typically on land. Sharks congregate in this area, because their natural preys are land mammals. Almost any large shark, roughly five or six feet in total length that walks on land, is a potential threat to humans. Sharks are only dangerous when they operate in groups and they are also known to be quite territorial. Never try to swim in a territory that belongs to any species of shark. It’s as if they own the world and rule the ocean.

Jazz A Simple Guide To Survival will feature "How To Survive A Poisonous Snake Attack" soon enough. Be prepared, we all make mistakes. Overcoming them is survival as well - You Just Never Know!

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 2:57:00 AM

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

[::..Jazz A Simple Guide To Survival.....::]

When a life is imperiled or a dire situation is at hand, safe alternative may not exist. To deal with some of the worst-case day-to-day scenarios, I highly recommend/insist, that the best course of action is to consult a professionally trained expert. Do not attempt to undertake any of the activities described from this guide yourself. But because highly trained professionals may not always be available when the safety of individuals is at risk, this guide describes the techniques you might employ in an emergency situation. Jollyjack.blogspot.com disclaim any liability from any injury that may result from the use, proper or improper, of the information contained in this guide. All the information in this guide comes directly from my own survival instinct, and I do not guarantee that the information contained herein is complete, safe, or accurate, nor should it be considered a substitute for your good judgment and common sense. Under no circumstances should you rely on your committee, relatives or any other noisy convention to stay alive. If you happen to lack the good judgment, common sense, intelligence or all the necessary ingredients to survive an ordeal, just don’t panic, be happy and hope to die.

Let’s just say that I’ve learned a few things about survival over the years. Whatever the situation, whether you’re in the mountains, on board a plane, or driving cross-country, to “survive” meaning “To outlive, to remain alive or in existence; live on. To continue to exist or live after.” After all, that’s what it’s really all about – about continuing to exist, no matter how dire the circumstances.

The principle behind this guide is a simple one: YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

You can never really know what curves life will throw at you, what is lurking around the corner, what is hovering above, what is swimming beneath the surface and who to trust in your household. You never know when you might be called upon to perform an act of bravery and to choose life or death with your own actions.

But when you are called, I want to be sure that you know what to do. And that is why I write this guide. I want you to know what to do when you see that shark heading toward you. I want you to know what to do in this and other life threatening situations, from being forced to jump from a bridge to being forced to swallow your ego, from taking a punch correctly to outsmarting a charging bull terrier, and from escaping friends with bad mouth or relatives with bad breath.

Within this guide, you will find simple, step-by-step instructions. It also provides other essential tips and information that you must know. Any and each of them could save your life. So keep this guide handy at all times. It is informative and entertaining, but useful, too. Give a copy to your friends and loved ones. I’m sure you have lots of them. Just in case you don’t have any, don’t worry; don’t panic; be happy; because it’s not your loss.

Like a Boy Scout, I am always prepared. As for you; YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

These survival guides will kick-off with How To Fend Off A Shark Attack in the next entry.

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 9:11:00 PM

[::..Floats Like A Buttterfly. Stings Like A Bee..::]

If you can’t grow up or grow old gracefully, you can have my cake and eat it. I will let you play what you want; perhaps even grant you the coronation that you so desire. Whatever arguments that are probably true and eminently sensible to the neutral is not always about reason. People with no more than a few years left of their lives have the right to get the best possible deal for themselves. After all, it’s not as if we were all raised as children of the lesser God.

The intensity and bitterness of any rivalry, more often than not comes with a price. As always as any case may be, who gets to speak what, is the price of ruptured ego. We all know that rivalry spiced by visceral loathing makes for great spectacles. That’s why boxing fans still talk about the fight between Marvin ‘Marvellous’ Hagler and Tommy ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, which took, place 22 years ago. These fighters were not playing. They really detested each other and entered the ring with an appetite for destruction that produced three thrilling rounds of unforgettable savagery. It wasn’t for the faint hearted but it was the stuff of competition. It’s the gripping entertainment that has foreign speculators desperate to lay eyes on top stories. Be they bloody or bloodless duel, the great attraction unites people from the various shores of the different continents.

I believe that good and upright character must be demonstrated. It has to be observed and articulated in a manner of conduct that commands respect. If we are what we speak, then Confucius must be right to insist that language must be properly used if things are to get done, if justice is not to go astray and if people are not to ‘stand about in helpless confusion”. He disapproved of those who misused words to hide their true intentions and actions.

To my mind, there are many challenges in life, but the one that stands out most is that of having to balance the need for change with that of continuity. I could try to change from being “me” to the person I am not, or I could continue to be the person that I am not. Hence my confusion… when I try to be the person I am not, or continue to be the person that I am not, I become “YOU”.

In recent times, it has become usual to try to place the blame for the disintegrating state of family turmoil on my doorstep. This is a misunderstanding of the first order. Naturally, when one is confronted with unsolicited opinions, it produces a strong reaction in the form of a desire to engage. I am not prepared to negotiate my way through and around these differences. The love for Ziehan is among my strongest motivations known to me and have been at the foreground or background of practically every conflict that has ever been waged. Quite simply, I happened to be an advocate of my own constitution that encapsulates my rights, hopes and aspiration in a way that no other could relate. So you can give me one reason or ten thousands of it, your problems with the world affairs should remain yours in entirety, and I am not the cause of societal dystrophy.

I may be your one reason, but there could also be more than one reason that are privy to these conflicts. There may be a friend with questionable interest, others with ulterior motives; all with a common interest to partake a passive or active role in your play. I don’t care about the swings of your pendulum, what seems to be a reality is that individuals end up worse off when they act out of self-interest.

I am not sure if there are many who are deeply troubled, or many who are elated at the state of this conflict. What I have tried to do today is disabuse you of the notion that there are any “quick fix” solutions. But if you look close enough, you will find there have been episodes of silence on my part that was not fairly reciprocated.

Today I assure you that I will not allow any form of assault to touch me unchallenged. I will do my best to guard both Ziehan and I against cynicism and hopelessness. And I know that Ziehan and I will both stay the course; because failure is not my option.

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 1:30:00 AM

Sunday, January 20, 2008

[::..While My Heart Gently Weeps..::]

Yesterday on Asyura, the Tenth night of Muharram, as I gazed in awe at the spectacle and wonder of your nature, alone I drifted through the night. This night my breath moves in my body, whirling me to the winds. I can feel the swell of beauty, the rippling tides you sought in me, and through the gift of your greatness, you breathe life to my soul. Through you I have spoken to who I am. The weight of this life however, is fast becoming a test of my endurance. I can feel my urge to sink, the pull of my soul calling. My heart is heavy with it, gaping. Between now, tomorrow, and the pain ahead, I know that it is just your heart that beats within my chest. Not mine.

My vigils I have continued into the night, long after all have surrendered. . I am no rock, no stone, no blade. My will to live I have torn, and rivers of tears I have shed into the soft valleys of my battered body, but I am no fallen man. You have taught me this. You are teaching this now, even as I pursue the urge to die.

My head is constantly bowed in prayers. But how can I accept this burden of your trial and tribulation without breaching my faith by senseless betrayal. You spoke of redemption. There is a part of me, that doubts. Is there no end to this suffering? I have not the strength to bear the burden of your test. My own burden weighs heavy on my soul. It sinks me to my knees. I pray to your name, yet the heart of my body speaks only of despairing hopelessness.

In the earliest hours of many a night, I sat at your feet in total submission believing that none have showed greater devotion than I. But where are you? Were you ever there for me? Never could I have denied you my deepest surrender, my body, my blood, my most yielding, secret self. Could it be that I am a sin? For my very nature, shall I seek absolution? I know that I have sins; but in my heart of hearts, I hunger for your blessed hand upon my head and the grace of your breath upon my soul. I cannot deny that my love for you is beyond any, and my heart follows you to my death and beyond,

I am lost. You must forgive me if the pain of your test betrays my faith, you must forgive me for betraying my own heart. I longed to share with those that agonise the sacred knowledge that was revealed through my pain. Alas, when you speak through my eyes, they see none of your secret but my pain.

Yes, I am one of your children, the worshipper of your religion, your humble servant, a seeker and speaker of your truth and my own, but I am first just a man. One that is so mortal, one with hunger when hungry, one with thirst when thirsty, one with anger when angry; and surely you cannot let this man suffer in silent when his will to live is badly bruised.

Was my wanting you a sin? If you are here with me now, as you have always promised your servant you would, even in those moments when I am weary, weak and small, I speak this message into your ear, my head bowed in complete obedience against the hard deck of the floor, my prayer to you…reveal to me the immensity of your love, the limitlessness of your acceptance, fill me with your spirit, bless me with courage, give me pain or give me death, just walk me to a home close to you, and conclude the final chapter of my life with a journey to be remembered.

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 11:32:00 PM

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

[::..Scooby DO, Scooby DON'T..::]

Another month has gone by…7 to be exact. I was in hiatus – a time to cleanse and heal the body, mind and soul. A self-imposed exile, hitherto to put myself under restraint from all manner of conduct that can potentially ensue in confrontation. Amidst the chaos of our daily living, it’s good to take a moment to quiet our mind… for activity without thought can be chaos in itself. I wasn’t looking for the perfect opportunity to mend fences, build bridges, or both. I was merely doing my part; I was doing time for spiritual change. A time for connection…mostly with self and GOD.

I now realized with some pain of certainty that less is not necessarily more. Now I take my readers seriously enough to ask for their attention. If they are not careful, I will introduce them to the full measure of my means.

From here, let’s go to a place of open witnessing, no judgment… just observe and reflect. What is…just is. See what is there…are you troubled… do you feel anger, frustration, fear? Acknowledge your feelings. It’s all part of who you are. Give yourself permission to fully feel these feelings. It’s OK. Allow yourself a moment to tune in to your SELF. It’s OK. It’s all just human stuff.

Only when you avoid being honest with yourself, you inevitably cause more problems. You act out your anger, you lose energy to depression, you are edgy and unsettled. What rocks your boat? You might have a clue but can’t quite put your finger on it.

Just don’t you mind us. Ziehan and I, we are blessed in this land of plenty. We are constantly focused in our quest for our own answers as if we are looking at ourselves in the mirror. We see in that reflection all the things about us that we admire. We take our time. That’s right. Make a note of all the things that we’ve accomplished, the things we’ve sacrificed, and the challenges we’ve overcome. Only then we stand in awe of the reflection that is us. And that is how we live believing that we are beautiful people.

We start to live our best life when we pursue our happiness without fear and with lots of faiths. Happiness is, after all our birthright. Just this evening, I received the following sms from a very good friend. She said..

Hai, I asked God “How do I get the best out of life..?” God answered: “Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear..” The He added: “Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don’t believe your doubts and never doubt your beliefs..Life is wonderful if you know how to live!”

What a pity it would be to starve our real self of the happiness it deserves. Think what a burden it would be to live acting a big part of your life ruled by indiscriminate and confused opinions.

Both Ziehan and I we are well placed to surge forward and succeed. We all live our best life when what we think, feel, speak and act is aligned and congruent. Another word that best describes this is “integrity.” How much integrity are you known for? What is it worth to you? Here are some checkpoints that could probably assist your quest for an answer.

1. Do you surround yourself with people who want to control, own or blame you?

2. When are you going to stop blaming your government, your mother, your sister, your boss, your ex-husband, your ex-wife, your friends, your fate, global warming, the cat next door, Mr. And Mrs. Smith.

3. Do you demand respect from others, rather than being focused on earning them.

4. Are you the kind that acts your role to your gallery solely for the end effect of your play.

5. Do you persuade yourself to do right to be right and be really sorry when you are wrong.

Understanding that a prerequisite for happiness is a certain level of control, just how much happiness do you have? If it’s worth that much to you, then go insure your No.1 asset. After all, in our best life, we are the product. Will you invest in yourself? I know I will because I HAVE.

Here, I would like to register my profound gratitude to the one woman that matters most.. the love light of my life, the apple of my eyes. For inspiring my return, for making this gallery playable, with love from me to you, I say THANK YOU.

All Work and No Play Will Make Jazz A Dull Boy - 4:52:00 AM