Shiva's and Metta's Mother's Sutra

I went for a run today - sanity once more. I just have to run daily, there's all there is to it. And since I can't do it outside, I'll have to do it indoors. So I also cleared up the living room. And I'll do the table soon. I've decided to stop commenting on the haze. It's pointless. It's also too late now. Too late. Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic and hoping for the best. I can't be bothered anymore. I've done my bit, literally. And no one wanted to listen. Maybe I should have done more. Like Naomi Klein's son said, did you do enough to stop Trump? Did I do enough to stop the destruction of the rainforest? Well, I was thinking while running today, what could have been done. The three countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore - could have set up a Rainforest Action Plan. This would have had three aims.  1. To stop deforestation by transitioning to an economy which does not rely on the destruction of the remaining habitat. 2. To mak...

I consider it an absolute privilege to look after Ma. This task was given to me by my father. It is so filled with grace, but it is also very sad. Sad because I recall her in her heyday when she was this formidable presence. When she was the tallest woman I knew, even though she was just of regular height. When her word was law, which it kind of still was, but there would be no questioning of it. When she would do everything with zealous efficiency. She couldn't bear people who took too long to get and do anything. She was as sharp as a whip. Well, now that is not the case. She relies on me for everything. Her knee has given up on her and she won't go for an operation. She hobbles about and is wrecked with pain. I do physio with her twice a day. She won't go anywhere and I have to drag her out on the regular. Yesterday we went to drop Oisin off at Changi. I was just about able to make her come along. It has been such a rollercoaster since Pa passed. She looked after the bot...

Oisin told me that I was being very negative yesterday when I laughed at Elon Musk's stupid flipping car. I was like why do you need a car like that? He said, cos its fun. I said, is it fun to spend money on doing stupid things when the world is on fire? And he gave me a sarcastic nodding head... I said, are you patronising me? He said, you've been very negative lately. I said, have you see the state of the world lately? Apart from the planet being on fire, the corruption and the greed, the mass stupidity, the ... Anyway... Singaporeans are generally stupid people. This I have decided. They cannot process anything that's not in front of their faces nor if they have not been steeped in it. Independent thinking is beaten out of you, one year at a time. By the time you have reached 16, you are either someone who is a true believer, and will go on to 'do well' but be utterly miserable, or you will end up leaving, or if you stay - you will just believe that this is your ...

Yesterday was seven months since Pa left us. It has been so much change I can't even begin to tell you what that's been like. There are little mercies. For a start, there is the gaping hole which Pa has left. Ma, of course, feels it the most. He was her steadfast companion and he helpmeet. It is tough for Ma. Very tough. In that time, we have steadied her but the last few weeks has seen her mobility go down. Just did a physio session with Ma. Anyway - it is really depressing to watch her just be so resigned. It is resignation really. I can't motivate her to do anything. Anyway, here is a song about the haze in the style of Count on Me Singapore. Alamak Singapore (sung to the tune of Count on me Singapore) We have a vision for tomorrow (Just believe, GDP) We have a goal for Singapore  (Just believe, GDP) You and me, we'll do our part Consume and work hard, never stop  We're going to show the world what Singapore can be Good GDP, good GDP There's something down th...

Why is it that when people are left with the right and the wrong thing to do, they always choose the wrong thing? It is unfathomable.

in a democracy shouldn't the judiciary be free of political influence? The principle that the judiciary should be free from political influence is a cornerstone of most modern democracies, often referred to as judicial independence. This independence is intended to ensure that legal disputes are decided based on the law and the facts of the case, rather than the preferences of the party in power or the pressures of public opinion. When judges are insulated from political influence, they can protect the rule of law by holding government officials accountable to the constitution and statutes. If the executive or legislative branches could dictate judicial outcomes, the courts would cease to be an impartial arbiter and instead become a tool for the government to target opponents or legitimize illegal actions. This protection is especially critical for safeguarding the rights of minorities and individuals who may be unpopular with the majority or the ruling party. However, achieving to...