VOI: June 2003 Archives

[To a fellow Malaysian blogger]

I've been asked the question "What is a blog?" so many times, both offline and online and in print. I needed to have an answer, not just because people asked, but because i needed to understand it myself. I looked hard on the Internet for a suitable definition, looked around at bloggers who have been around for a long time, looked around at what existed before the word "blog" was ever even mentioned. The answer i finally settled on, even back then when i first spoke about it in public, was certainly an answer that i knew would provide two separate outcomes:

# Many existing bloggers would disagree, some, very much so.
# For many others, expecially newer bloggers, it would act as a guide and provide a direction, in case they needed one.

There almost always is a positive and negative reaction in such decisions. I weighed both very carefully, and settled on my current course of action with a clear conscience.

I've never said to anyone, in any forum, that a blog isn't a personal journal, or diary (in fact, i would argue that 95% of blogs are the personal thoughts of an individual in an online format) . I've never said either that a blog must be about a particular topic, subject or matter. I've also never said that a blog can't be what you want it to be. All i have said is that the content should be presented in a particular manner so as to adopt the features of a blog. What are those features? I've publicly voiced my opinion for the answer to that question numerous times, as you know. That's all. I've never said that my opinion is better than anyone else's nor have i said that i think all other definitions of what a blog is was wrong.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* Go naked and "scare a shark to death":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/06/13/offbeat.scared.shark.reut/index.html.
* The Spurs have "won the NBA Finals":http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/us_sport/2992722.stm.
* Why is Harry Potter "so damned addictive":http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/12/60minutes/main558428.shtml?
* Will Real Madrid "spend it on Beckham":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-715359,00.html?
* Its been 50 years since "we figured out how humans work":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/06/15/genome.show.ap/index.html.
* A BRILLIANT IDEA - use "iPods as portable DJs":http://boingboing.net/2003_06_01_archive.html#200422830.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* The world has lost a "true statesman of the silver screen":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/12/obit.peck/index.html.
* Drink some soup, be "great is bed":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/06/13/offbeat.viagra.food.hk/index.html.
* Not a good time to be a Muslim or Jew in the UK - "bleeding animals to death to be banned":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/06/13/britain.meat/index.html.
* Re-civilizing Iraq: "the first steps":http://www.forbes.com/markets/newswire/2003/06/13/rtr1000029.html.
* The "Mac IE is dead":http://news.com.com/2100-1045_3-1017126.html. Long live "Safari":http://www.apple.com/safari/.

Tim Yang, a founding member of PPS had these "unfortunate words":http://timyang.com/archive/2003_06_01_theedge_archive.php#95576181 to say about some of his fellow bloggers and "Project Petaling Street":http://www.petalingstreet.org/. The following is my response:

------------

Dear Tim,

I'm sorry you're still sore with me and the rest. Your latest posting shows your dissatisfaction very clearly. Even then, i want you to know that i really appreciate all you did for PPS - the offer of the server space, the offer to register the domain name, etc. Looking back at the spirit of cooperation we had, i suppose that's the reason why it hurt so much more to read the things you said; a lot of what you wrote is untrue - a quick examination of the "About PPS wiki":http://yat.ch/piki/?ProjectPetalingStreet disproves many of your assertions.

But its ok, i guess. We're all entitled to our opinions and i respect yours. Let us leave it at that and move on. Once again, thanks for all you've done, and if there is any way for me to repay some of the kindness you've shown me, and PPS, please do let me know.

Peace,
Aizuddin Danian

UPDATE: A less polite "response by Dinesh Nair":http://www.alphaque.com/article.php?sid=332 (he doesn't pull any punches, but he is absolutely right in his observations and analysis).

UPDATE: Oon Yeah, "our resident referree":http://www.oonyeoh.blogspot.com/2003_06_01_oonyeoh_archive.html#200417619.

UPDATE: Oooh, Jeff did a Dinesh, "just with fewer words":http://www.jeffooi.com/archives/000495.php.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* Beckham, Beckham... "GONE":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/06/10/britain.beckham.offer/index.html!
* Register a patent, "become a millionaire":http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/06/09/BU213833.DTL.
* Arresting a "decline in sexual health":http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0600uk/content_objectid=13055188_method=full_siteid=50082_headline=-Sexual-health-services-in-crisis-name_page.html?
* Begging for "larger boobs":http://www.giveboobs.com? The silly practice of "cyber-begging":http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,59165,00.html.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* Homo-phobes avoid this: "what they did":http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,11711,974220,00.html at the Tony Awards 2003.
* Bloomberg expects "stronger growth":http://www.iht.com/articles/99004.html. Let's get rich, people.
* First the Israelis say "they wanna go":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/06/09/mideast/index.html, then they say "they wanna stay":http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-2771279,00.html. * sigh *
* "Intelligence on Iraq" is "almost an oxymoron":http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32394-2003Jun8.html of epic proportions. Almost as large as "military intelligence".
* Bush's "current take":http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-wowmd0610,0,5321263.story?coll=ny-worldnews-headlines on Iraqi WMD: "...Saddam Hussein at least had a "program" for such weapons". Depeer and deeper into the muck of lies.
* Why "hairless humans":http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2975914.stm are better.
* Solve "the problem":http://www.superliminal.com/cube/cube.htm that has (24!x32!)/2 x 16!/2 x 2^23 x (3!)^31 x 3 x (4!/2)^15 x 4 different possibilities.
* "V" is "back to the small-screen":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/09/television.visitors.reut/index.html! OH YES! I LOVE THIS SHOW!
* The "end of the world":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/06/09/doom.predictions.reut/index.html. Our odds are at 50-50.

It is with great sadness that i discovered that "Hani will be shutting down":http://hanishoney.pitas.com/#20030608 her "Shrine of Honesty of Sorts":http://hanishoney.pitas.com/ very soon. And while she says she will put something in its place, i think we all know that it won't be exactly the same. As for her reasons, she says:

bq. I find myself having slowly changed over the past few months, and I find that I don't really feel a need to continue a physical Shrine of Honesty of Sorts anymore. I guess it's because I'm telling less lies in my life.

Hani is the reason why i started blogging; her and the YCCians. Over a pot of hot soup one night, she introduced me to an experience that has shaped my non-working hours for the past 9 months. In that sense, she's the mother of invention; responsible for the "VOI":http://www.aizuddindanian.com/voi/, the "GMBL":http://www.aizuddindanian.com/voi/blinks/Great_Malaysian_Blog_List/, "Visuals":http://www.aizuddindanian.com/voi/visuals/ and even the soon-to-be announced Project Petaling Street.

Thanks, Hani for the inspiration. I think i speak for many when i say our corner of the blogosphere will miss you. To send her your warmest wishes, please drop her an email at hanishoney@yahoo.com.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* I think this is the first time "a chocolate won the French Open":http://www.iht.com/articles/98920.htm. Think "Rocher", the choc.
* Metallica is "alive with ANGER":http://www.suntimes.com/output/derogatis/cst-ftr-metal06.html.
* Is "Bluetooth dead":http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0%2C14179%2C2913885%2C00.html?
* Gollum accepting his "MTV Movie Award":http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1054890864.html. A MUST WATCH FOR ANY LOTR FAN! HILLARIOUS!
* No. 10 Downing Street is "coming apart":http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,973528,00.html. A senior minister makes an admission on the "dodgy dossier"
* Harry Potter and "the Crock of Gold":http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,972879,00.html. The fastest selling book of all-time?
* If you're pregnant, "don't eat potatoes":http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6566117%255E421,00.html!

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* 2 Fast 2 Furious - "a review":http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21865-2003Jun5.html.
* Death for terrorists - "a stronger Patriot":http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21414-2003Jun5.html?nav=hptoc_n.
* 18 dead, scores wounded. "Death in Russia":http://www.guardian.co.uk/chechnya/Story/0,2763,971712,00.html.
* "A Cataclysmic Event for American Journalism":http://www.mediainfo.com/editorandpublisher/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1907657 - don't you just love the American penchant for hyperbole?
* Saddam is even "more interesting than Rambo":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/06/05/sprj.irq.saddam.video.reut/index.html.
* So long, farewell, "Serena Williams":http://www.dailytelegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/06/06/wtenis06.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/06/06/ixnewstop.html.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* "Have cork, will bat":http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/04/entertainment/main557036.shtml. What's the beef Sosa?
* Not "a single death yesterday":http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=98536316-785B-479F-B8E4625A25952624. The worst is surely over?
* Passing the buck, the buck for war. President, Sec of Def... next stop? "A lowly aide":http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/05/international/worldspecial/05PENT.html?ex=1055390400&en=746b68919a515408&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE? (NY Times, requires registration)
* Hubba, hubba, a "new Miss Universe":http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2879437!
* Hold hands in Ipoh, "pay a fine":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/06/04/offbeat.hand.holding.reut/index.html! OUTRAGEOUS!

As i read the amazing tale of a group of 10-year old kids "who took 7 years to reshoot":http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2003-05-30/screens_feature4.html "Raiders of the Lost Ark" shot-for-shot, "frame-for-frame":http://www.drafthouse.com/trailers/raiders.mov, i realized that they had done what so many of us cannot: they lived a dream.

(For those of you too young to remember, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was the first Indiana Jones movie, an instant classic)

When we're kids, we aim for great things. Personally, i wanted to be "King of the World" when i was 7 years old. My parents and my friends laughed at me and when they asked me how i was going to do it, i said i didn't know. Later, after giving it much thought, i decided that i would get really rich and buy countries. Once i owned enough countries, then i would declare myself "King".

Silly thoughts, i know, but its what i wanted to achieve in life from a perspective of a young boy. Perhaps its too late to be King, now that i'm 27 and not even a "Prince". But i still think about it sometimes, in that brief moment before sleep takes me each night, wondering what a crown would look like my head.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* "Salam Pax":http://www.dear_raed.blogspot.com/ makes his "debut appearance in the Guardian UK":http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,969950,00.html.
* When "only a dog gives you comfort":http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/06/03/national0151EDT0423.DTL, you know its time to end it.
* "Iraq Part Deux":http://famulus.msnbc.com/FamulusIntl/ap06-03-230730.asp?reg=EUROPE?
* I love you, i love you not. Which way will the "rose petals fall for MSN8":http://news.com.com/2100-1032_3-1012915.html?
* I'll bet lots of money you don't know "who is Atticus Finch":http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-ftr-hero04.html!
* And i thought Linux was free. Perhaps "not anymore":http://news.com.com/2100-1016_3-1012947.html.
* The Curse of the Red Planet. Will it "claim yet more victims":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/06/03/mars.curse.reut/index.html?
* Definitely "not a good time to have breasts":http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2955552.stm.

The Daily Sho(r)ts is a simple collection of links i've found interesting each day. They are sourced from websites i visit regularly e.g. CNN.com, Slashdot.org and Google News

* Now you see them, now you don't. The question is whether we ever saw them. The question is whether WMD stands for Weapons of Mass Destruction or "Weapons of Mass Disappearance":http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030609-455828,00.html?cnn=yes.
* Wanna crawl the walls of KLCC like Spider-Man? "Here's how":http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/06/02/offbeat.spiderman.reut/index.html.
* Using Kazaa, Gnutella, "eDonkey":http://www.edonkey.com/ or "BitTorrent":http://interviews.slashdot.org/interviews/03/05/28/1133252.shtml?tid=95? "Shame on you":http://news.com.com/2100-1026_3-1009742.html.
* I had no idea Malaysia had one of "these":http://www.andante.com/article/article.cfm?id=21072.
* Back to P2P: "get paid to share files":http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-1011827.html?tag=fd_top!