Swine Flu

Death is inevitable. While premature death is a misfortune, we should view it from a more positive perspective that we are not immortal and cannot continue to be who we are now and remain meaningfully attached to life forever. Perhaps it is more acceptable to die at an advanced age when people who live long enough not to be grounded down by life as they have attained many of their aspirations. Premature death can be terrible in the sense that it comes when we still have many interests and desires that propel us forward in life.

The recent global warning that swine flu is threatening to bloom into a pandemic is causing widespread fear. Anticipating death can be a dreadful to the extent that it upsets and unsettles people. Pandemics can cause high levels of mortality with the Spanish flu responsible for over 50 millions death. The Asian flu infected 45 millions people and killed 70,000 and the Hong Kong flu afflicted 50 millions and caused 33,000 deaths.

WHO has declared a Phase 5 outbreak, the 2nd highest on its threat scale indicating that a pandemic could be imminent. Health Minister Khaw said it is only a matter of time before someone with swine flu entered Singapore. Hey, who is playing God here? Have we reached a pandemic level yet? The figures of suspected cases and death are far from a pandemic. What puzzle me is that medical researchers should be well aware of the mutation of flu virus and contingency plans for a possible global pandemic should have been in order long before the swine flu begins its battle. Although it is prudent to be cautious, but unnecessary step up measures only create more panic and achieve nothing but a waste of manpower, time and funds. So, what has been achieved so far… jitters over swine flu worldwide.

Medical researchers have also acknowledged that the swine virus can be easily beaten if treated properly and quickly. Unfortunately, Mexico lacks the capacity to identify the virus and the health care system is not efficient enough to control it. Don’t panic. Everyone has to die one day and we cannot choose when and how we want to die… peacefully in our sleep, by accident, suicide, illness or killed by Sars, mad cow disease, bird flu or swine flu. Que sera sera.

Disappointment is part of life

All of us have to face disappointment at one time of another. That is one sure pledge and simple fact of life. Not everything is always going to go smoothly in our life. How we handle disappointment says a lot about who we are and who we want to be. The true measure of an unbeaten person is one who handles that disappointment with grace and dignity. The last thing you want or need is constant focus on someone or something that has upset you. Disappointment may truly have thrown us a huge blow but still we have to move on so that it will not drag us down and lowers our self confidence. It's easy to get caught in a rut after getting hit with disappointment, pain and regret.

Am I upset about my life? You bet. Have I learnt a lesson? Sure have. Will I remember it? Sure will. After venting my frustration I need to move on too, otherwise my attention will be focused on stuff that only brings more frustration and sadness.

Having an attitude of gratitude always puts me in a better place. By the time I get through thinking of all the great people, experiences and blessings I am grateful for, I usually can’t remember what had made me so disappointed in the first place but of course that takes time too. Does time heal everything? Yes and no. Life is certainly ambiguous to begin with.

Suspect X

I rarely watch movies especially onboard a flight. Most of the time, I fall asleep even before flight take off or when plane is on the runway. However, on my flight back from Tokyo recently, I had a peep at the movie my friend was watching when the stewardess woke me up for meal.

I found the plot of “Suspect X” intriguing and intricate. It presents the equation question and answer upfront while taking time in divulging the process that happens in a philosophical explanation of a simple murder made complicated. In mathematic equation questions, one is often required to solve x or when the answer for x is given, one would be required to explain the steps in solving the equation. The answer was simple and yet when one approaches the question with a certain viewpoint; it would be hard to figure it out. It definitely tests one’s astuteness that unsolvable questions need to be looked at from a different non conventional perspective. The vigor of “Suspect X” lies in the intellectual one-upmanship between the genius Mathematician Tetsuya Ishigami and the brilliant Physicist, Manabu Yukawa while unrevealing the “why” and “how” of the murder. It marks the beginning of an antagonistic battle of wills between the two very intelligent men to outwit one another.


This movie also underlines the issue of social isolation that is so common in Japan. This seclusion often leads one to commit suicide as a way out of their misery. In order to understand why the Japanese are often seem as reserved and untrusting, it has to go back to the root of 2nd world war. Their ambiguity towards life is the aftermath effect of the atrocity and cruelty as aggressor of the war. Isolation in itself is a very painful and stressful in and of itself. It produces physiological changes, which if prolonged, can produce serious morbidity or mortality and even highly brilliant person cannot escape its grasp as in the case of Ishigami.

Beside the crime solving, it also attempted to present an equation on love and the perplexed question of whether the mystery of love could be solved. One must have the ability to notice the fundamental meanings of unconventional love. For those who are able to read between the lines, they would be able to see a touching presentation of unrequited and altruistic love.
It is a lovely blend of murder mystery and the mysteries and concept of love.

A fool for God

Love is a great thing… it carries every burden unencumbered. It spurs us on to do great things without expecting any momentary gain. Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger, nothing more sublime, nothing more expansive, nothing more joyful, nothing more abundant. Yet, because of love, I suffered and get hurt. While I am not looking for gratitude or earthly rewards, I can’t help feeling the pain when others bite the very hand that feeds them.

How enormous is human frailty in doing things that should not and how can one not embrace love and gratitude in a reciprocal manner? Many said I never learnt my lesson … once bitten twice shy, twice bitten never try. Oh well, but I rather be a fool for God than an advocate for the devil. Can love really change the world? Can love really change everything? Can you feel the love? I hope so.

Be grateful

Most times, it is so easy to forget to express the appreciation that we should feel for the little day to day things that happen in our lives, the many overlooked blessings we receive from God and the importance of expressing thankfulness for the things, so many of us often take for granted.

Sincere gratitude empowers us to focus on the positive aspects of life and develops into greater awareness and appreciation of little blessings that make up an awesome experience and gratitude is always the sweet memory of the heart. Do bear in mind that silent gratitude doesn’t mean very much to anyone at all. Therefore, be grateful always and express it!