Listening to:
Thinking of:
Professors regard that a class of blank looking students as a bunch of potential mind readers...
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Higher... and then FLIP!
Listening to: Higher, The Cardigans
Thinking of:
Conceivable the world's largest aircraft (though its still being contested by some), the A380 took flight this afternoon in front of thousands of aircraft enthusiasts. In one of those things, you don't get the pilot telling some engineer to pump up the gas or to throw in more coal.
Flip through the history books and then realize that approximately 150 years ago, the notion of seeing a man made mechanical device lift off the ground voluntarily was as close as a zoo having a whale on skates as it's side show.
A sudden thought of the scariest job in the world then creeped into the cocktail of sea mammals and flying pachyderms. It seems to me that test pilots have the scariest job in the world.
"Hi hunny I'm home! Nothing much, just a couple of barrel rolls and 5km drop... got home by parachute though... All in a day's work"
I mean seriously... and in the midst of that 5km fall, you're supposed to remain calm, get a reading on your bearings and location while telling the blokes on the radio that you're just on your way to the "Happy Hunting Ground." Yet, so I've been told, test pilots tend to regard their everyday miracles (of mere survival) as just everyday jobs.
On a more personal front, I've not had a chance to go people watching lately and I'm feeling a bit pressed due to work. All in a day's work...
Thinking of:
Conceivable the world's largest aircraft (though its still being contested by some), the A380 took flight this afternoon in front of thousands of aircraft enthusiasts. In one of those things, you don't get the pilot telling some engineer to pump up the gas or to throw in more coal.
Flip through the history books and then realize that approximately 150 years ago, the notion of seeing a man made mechanical device lift off the ground voluntarily was as close as a zoo having a whale on skates as it's side show.
A sudden thought of the scariest job in the world then creeped into the cocktail of sea mammals and flying pachyderms. It seems to me that test pilots have the scariest job in the world.
"Hi hunny I'm home! Nothing much, just a couple of barrel rolls and 5km drop... got home by parachute though... All in a day's work"
I mean seriously... and in the midst of that 5km fall, you're supposed to remain calm, get a reading on your bearings and location while telling the blokes on the radio that you're just on your way to the "Happy Hunting Ground." Yet, so I've been told, test pilots tend to regard their everyday miracles (of mere survival) as just everyday jobs.
On a more personal front, I've not had a chance to go people watching lately and I'm feeling a bit pressed due to work. All in a day's work...
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
I Spy with My Billion Dollar EYe
Listening to: Feel Good Inc, Gorillaz
Thinking of:
You know you're old when the majority of the people you meet don't know what the heck you're studying... For example... Infrared Measurement of Sea Surface Temperature.
I've starred at you for ages, looking lustfuly as I turn you around inspecting every detail of your back. Thoughts prevalent and flourish as I scrutinize your spine. Yet, I turn you back and position you back onto the shelf where you belong, until the week before last... Midnight's Children! Finally! After years... On my bookshelf.
Thinking of:
You know you're old when the majority of the people you meet don't know what the heck you're studying... For example... Infrared Measurement of Sea Surface Temperature.
I've starred at you for ages, looking lustfuly as I turn you around inspecting every detail of your back. Thoughts prevalent and flourish as I scrutinize your spine. Yet, I turn you back and position you back onto the shelf where you belong, until the week before last... Midnight's Children! Finally! After years... On my bookshelf.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
smurfette
Listening to:Moonlight, HardKandy
Thinking of:
AHA!
The mutable behaviour patterns of blogger were spurned yesterday evening. My post was actually saved. Instead of having me pulling my hair out, I'm quite pleased. Here is hoping that its an omen for the day...
C'ya!
Thinking of:
AHA!
The mutable behaviour patterns of blogger were spurned yesterday evening. My post was actually saved. Instead of having me pulling my hair out, I'm quite pleased. Here is hoping that its an omen for the day...
C'ya!
Listening to: Girl from Ipanema, The Gilbertos (Astrud and Joao), Stan Getz
Thinking of:
The sound of hard heels clicking on the shining floor and the whirr of the floor polish machine leaving the floor leaving buff and smooth. All of that were turned indistinct by the rapid beating of my heart. In the bag was a large report most of the engineering students will tell you, ate them alive for the past week or so.
Upon sliding the beheamoth of a report down into a filing cabinet, silent strangers exchange cordial smiles at handing in the report at the same time while heaving a sigh of relief that it's down the chute and not to be seen for the next 4 weeks (thats when the marks come in and the grumbling of a dozen denizens of the engineering school).
Anyway, onto easier, lighter and definitely more cheerful things. The usual lunch with the blokes from the engineering school, closely followed by coffee with the Greeks. Somehow my heart is still racing at the thought that it's all done...
The floor is no more accented by reports of MicroElectronicMechanical Systems and electrothermal V- Beam actuated devices (if thats urrr... Greek to you, take a number). The refrigerator rack finally displays some form of substance and I've got proper breakfast material (and a Roald Dahl book at that too). On top of that, both my Gilberto CDs arrived today and I'm rather thrilled. Heck, thinking about it, I've got the entire family collection, Bebel, Astrud and Joao (thats daughter, wife and husband for you). Whee...
Heard while walking to the library after coffee: "Have you see a duck orgasm?!"
"Yeah, you see it all the time and do it all the time"
"Those ducks"
One could easily suspect that the above would have had a pretty close walk with Mother Nature and are in fact doing a highly informative infomercial on duck mating behaviours or, or... DUCK PORN! On the other hand, I think its easier to blame the impending exams for random student behaviour... Oh welll... Its now time to cook dinner.
Thinking of:
The sound of hard heels clicking on the shining floor and the whirr of the floor polish machine leaving the floor leaving buff and smooth. All of that were turned indistinct by the rapid beating of my heart. In the bag was a large report most of the engineering students will tell you, ate them alive for the past week or so.
Upon sliding the beheamoth of a report down into a filing cabinet, silent strangers exchange cordial smiles at handing in the report at the same time while heaving a sigh of relief that it's down the chute and not to be seen for the next 4 weeks (thats when the marks come in and the grumbling of a dozen denizens of the engineering school).
Anyway, onto easier, lighter and definitely more cheerful things. The usual lunch with the blokes from the engineering school, closely followed by coffee with the Greeks. Somehow my heart is still racing at the thought that it's all done...
The floor is no more accented by reports of MicroElectronicMechanical Systems and electrothermal V- Beam actuated devices (if thats urrr... Greek to you, take a number). The refrigerator rack finally displays some form of substance and I've got proper breakfast material (and a Roald Dahl book at that too). On top of that, both my Gilberto CDs arrived today and I'm rather thrilled. Heck, thinking about it, I've got the entire family collection, Bebel, Astrud and Joao (thats daughter, wife and husband for you). Whee...
Heard while walking to the library after coffee: "Have you see a duck orgasm?!"
"Yeah, you see it all the time and do it all the time"
"Those ducks"
One could easily suspect that the above would have had a pretty close walk with Mother Nature and are in fact doing a highly informative infomercial on duck mating behaviours or, or... DUCK PORN! On the other hand, I think its easier to blame the impending exams for random student behaviour... Oh welll... Its now time to cook dinner.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Listening to: The gentle hum of the laptop which brings a certain fear at the thought of my work.
Thinking of:
solipsism
(noun) [SOL·ip·siz'·ahm, SOE·lip·siz'·ahm]
1. the philosophical theory that the self is all that you know to exist: "The originality of Nina's work stems from her creative solipsism."
additional noun form: solipsist
adjective form: solipsistic
Thinking of:
solipsism
(noun) [SOL·ip·siz'·ahm, SOE·lip·siz'·ahm]
1. the philosophical theory that the self is all that you know to exist: "The originality of Nina's work stems from her creative solipsism."
additional noun form: solipsist
adjective form: solipsistic
Friday, April 22, 2005
Listening to: Time Consumer, Coheed and Cambria
Thinking of:
So engineering school organised a day long career guidance thing for MSc students and attendence is regarded as compulsary for the day long program which was placed right smack in the middle of the busiest time of the year where most students would have at least an assignment due in every week.
Well, frankly thats past so I'm not going to care too much.
And then, the Foreign Office has raised the price of student visas for students outside of the EU from 36 pounds to 85 pounds, citing the growing demand and administration costs. However the Guardian reports that the Home Office however is considering upping the game by increasing the charge of visa renewal from 155 pounds to 400 pounds.
Foreign students however contribute 10.2 billion pounds to the British economy per year on top of the 4 billion pounds a year to higher education itself. The value of foreign students towards higher education assuming the numbers remain roughly the same would be 15% a year no thanks to increase of fees and what nots. Considering that the inflation rate in 2003 was something along the lines of 1.4%, it is hard to justify the increase of 15% other than labelling foreign students as cash cows.
The easy argument for the British are that foreign students don't pay taxes to the government. However when you consider not only the ammount paid but the red tape evoked upon foreign students to require basic needs and requirements like banking, jobs and renting of property, it does not seem justifiable to say "Foreign students don't pay taxes." Well for one, it's bollocks... to a certain extent whatever I "earn" from my bank accounts, a portion of which is deducted off as tax taking into regard that I've been in the country for slightly more than 3 years and hence I'm now taxable. I've known of some parents who have gotten permanant residence status in the country and pay tax while still having to pay the full 10 grand a year in university fees.
2/3rds of international students have found struggles in job applications as compared to 1/4 of EU students due to their status as internationals (work permit issue)or the lack of the national insurance number. Those who have are taxed higher than EU students due to the lack of the national insurance number (though, really that's due to a mentality issue). Most have put off getting a job also due to the mentality that it's impossible to get one.
I'd go on rambling, unfortunately I've got to make my money worthwhile... However, on this note, I feel thoroughly short changed by British Education. They say, vote with your feet... but when so much is at stake, is anyone willing to compensate the total of close to 60 grand spent? Have something to chew on...
Thinking of:
So engineering school organised a day long career guidance thing for MSc students and attendence is regarded as compulsary for the day long program which was placed right smack in the middle of the busiest time of the year where most students would have at least an assignment due in every week.
Well, frankly thats past so I'm not going to care too much.
And then, the Foreign Office has raised the price of student visas for students outside of the EU from 36 pounds to 85 pounds, citing the growing demand and administration costs. However the Guardian reports that the Home Office however is considering upping the game by increasing the charge of visa renewal from 155 pounds to 400 pounds.
Foreign students however contribute 10.2 billion pounds to the British economy per year on top of the 4 billion pounds a year to higher education itself. The value of foreign students towards higher education assuming the numbers remain roughly the same would be 15% a year no thanks to increase of fees and what nots. Considering that the inflation rate in 2003 was something along the lines of 1.4%, it is hard to justify the increase of 15% other than labelling foreign students as cash cows.
The easy argument for the British are that foreign students don't pay taxes to the government. However when you consider not only the ammount paid but the red tape evoked upon foreign students to require basic needs and requirements like banking, jobs and renting of property, it does not seem justifiable to say "Foreign students don't pay taxes." Well for one, it's bollocks... to a certain extent whatever I "earn" from my bank accounts, a portion of which is deducted off as tax taking into regard that I've been in the country for slightly more than 3 years and hence I'm now taxable. I've known of some parents who have gotten permanant residence status in the country and pay tax while still having to pay the full 10 grand a year in university fees.
2/3rds of international students have found struggles in job applications as compared to 1/4 of EU students due to their status as internationals (work permit issue)or the lack of the national insurance number. Those who have are taxed higher than EU students due to the lack of the national insurance number (though, really that's due to a mentality issue). Most have put off getting a job also due to the mentality that it's impossible to get one.
I'd go on rambling, unfortunately I've got to make my money worthwhile... However, on this note, I feel thoroughly short changed by British Education. They say, vote with your feet... but when so much is at stake, is anyone willing to compensate the total of close to 60 grand spent? Have something to chew on...
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
C is for Cookie no more...
Listening to: Children of the Night, Art Blakey
Thinking of:
Cookie monster has indeed gone a little off tangent. Last year, it was reported that before eating his first cookie, the blue hairy one spoke out against his critics about the lack of his name. Apparently, Cookie as we all know him, revealed before his first cookie on set, has a name... Sid. Yup, it's Sid.
Other things that you probably wouldn't care about about Cookie: He's played by Frank Oz, who does the voices for Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear.
Sesame Street representitives have also spoken out against Cookie's all cookie diet and now have insisted that Cookie adopt broader eating habits. This does not coincide with the emergence of talking aubergines and carrots on the set on the muppet television studio. Though that said, it'd be interesting to see Cookie take a bite at a terrified carrot running around the stage. Apparently, as part of his deal with the studio, Cookie will now tell "kids" that "A cookie is a sometimes food" and will start giving out healthy eating habits. Does that explain the shiny sheen of his blue coat along with the lack of crumbs?
A spokesperson from the studio has insisted that they're not putting Cookie on a diet but instead teaching him moderation. That makes me a sad Cookie Monster... I do wonder what they'd be doing with Oscar the Grouch.
Over the past few years, Sesame Street characters have taken upon themselves a more political stance as well shaped their furry little characters to more modern day scenarios. So far Big Bird has stuck his feathers in the Middle Eastern peace process as well as the muppet company introducing Jewish and Arab muppets (not in the shape of Osama bin Laden, I can assure you). Elmo has turned into a capitalist and was sponsored by Merril Lynch to explain business to American pre schoolers.
Thinking of:
Cookie monster has indeed gone a little off tangent. Last year, it was reported that before eating his first cookie, the blue hairy one spoke out against his critics about the lack of his name. Apparently, Cookie as we all know him, revealed before his first cookie on set, has a name... Sid. Yup, it's Sid.
Other things that you probably wouldn't care about about Cookie: He's played by Frank Oz, who does the voices for Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear.
Sesame Street representitives have also spoken out against Cookie's all cookie diet and now have insisted that Cookie adopt broader eating habits. This does not coincide with the emergence of talking aubergines and carrots on the set on the muppet television studio. Though that said, it'd be interesting to see Cookie take a bite at a terrified carrot running around the stage. Apparently, as part of his deal with the studio, Cookie will now tell "kids" that "A cookie is a sometimes food" and will start giving out healthy eating habits. Does that explain the shiny sheen of his blue coat along with the lack of crumbs?
A spokesperson from the studio has insisted that they're not putting Cookie on a diet but instead teaching him moderation. That makes me a sad Cookie Monster... I do wonder what they'd be doing with Oscar the Grouch.
Over the past few years, Sesame Street characters have taken upon themselves a more political stance as well shaped their furry little characters to more modern day scenarios. So far Big Bird has stuck his feathers in the Middle Eastern peace process as well as the muppet company introducing Jewish and Arab muppets (not in the shape of Osama bin Laden, I can assure you). Elmo has turned into a capitalist and was sponsored by Merril Lynch to explain business to American pre schoolers.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Friday, April 08, 2005
Listening to:The Space Between, Dave Matthews Band
Thinking of:
First, I've got a volley game at 7... thats 45 minutes to go. More importantly, before I let loose on this entry, I'd like to apologize to those who might get peeved off by this. If anything, drop me a line and I'll explain it all, and if you think I'm wrong about this, and if I think I'm wrong about this, I'll apologize.
No, I didn't intend to write a 3rd post today.
What got me started on this was the fact I scrolled through a particular blog belonging to someone of the Malay race. We all know how Malaysia is run with its "New Economic Policy" which I believe to be unfortunately out dated. I'm really tempted to write on how the NEP came about and why it was introduced in the first bloody place.
I treasure how Malaysia has not been affected by racial riots of late as our neighbours have expirienced i.e. Indonesia and Thailand. I tolerate the NEP as I think when it was implemented and yes, I do think it's a key factor in mantaining the peace in the country. However, when one bumiputra (translated, princes of the earth... and even bumiputra I think needs to be clarified) writes that she's proud to be Malay because of these "special" rights, thats where I think that one person has stepped the line. Not only have the non- bumiputra community tolerated the NEP, but to have it rubbed in their faces, thats not very nice isn't it? Plus to go on to say in a rather smug fashion I think, "Keistimewaan Bumiputra" (translated, the bumiputra advantage) I think, that's gone past the line... I'd like to go on, but I've got a volleyball game to play. If anything, don't read too much into this... placed in perspective, my volleyball game is more important.
On the other hand, I do believe that the Malay race have lots to be proud of, and frankly... this is not one of them.
Thinking of:
First, I've got a volley game at 7... thats 45 minutes to go. More importantly, before I let loose on this entry, I'd like to apologize to those who might get peeved off by this. If anything, drop me a line and I'll explain it all, and if you think I'm wrong about this, and if I think I'm wrong about this, I'll apologize.
No, I didn't intend to write a 3rd post today.
What got me started on this was the fact I scrolled through a particular blog belonging to someone of the Malay race. We all know how Malaysia is run with its "New Economic Policy" which I believe to be unfortunately out dated. I'm really tempted to write on how the NEP came about and why it was introduced in the first bloody place.
I treasure how Malaysia has not been affected by racial riots of late as our neighbours have expirienced i.e. Indonesia and Thailand. I tolerate the NEP as I think when it was implemented and yes, I do think it's a key factor in mantaining the peace in the country. However, when one bumiputra (translated, princes of the earth... and even bumiputra I think needs to be clarified) writes that she's proud to be Malay because of these "special" rights, thats where I think that one person has stepped the line. Not only have the non- bumiputra community tolerated the NEP, but to have it rubbed in their faces, thats not very nice isn't it? Plus to go on to say in a rather smug fashion I think, "Keistimewaan Bumiputra" (translated, the bumiputra advantage) I think, that's gone past the line... I'd like to go on, but I've got a volleyball game to play. If anything, don't read too much into this... placed in perspective, my volleyball game is more important.
On the other hand, I do believe that the Malay race have lots to be proud of, and frankly... this is not one of them.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Listening to:Timberwolves at New Jersey, Taking Back Sunday
Thinking of:
Taking a cue from Roy and a piece of my juveneille thoughts. I've come to realize that over the course of time, a year since I started writing this blog, I'm finding it harder each day to write about what I do and my thoughts with regards to my immediete environment.
So many wants, not fulfilling the needs. In a world where paradox and irony rule, I find myself a little afraid and really, I find myself having an affinity to being stuck in this retarded position, no progress... just merely surviving.
You can run, but you can't hide... The IRS is gonna get'ya.
Thinking of:
Taking a cue from Roy and a piece of my juveneille thoughts. I've come to realize that over the course of time, a year since I started writing this blog, I'm finding it harder each day to write about what I do and my thoughts with regards to my immediete environment.
So many wants, not fulfilling the needs. In a world where paradox and irony rule, I find myself a little afraid and really, I find myself having an affinity to being stuck in this retarded position, no progress... just merely surviving.
You can run, but you can't hide... The IRS is gonna get'ya.
Listening to:Mother Father, Dave Matthews Band
Thinking of:
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - Mother, Father
Mother, father please explain to me
Why a world so full of mystery
A place so bitter and still so sweet
So beautiful and yet so full of sad, sad...
Mother, father please explain to me
Why forests march to desert speed
While snowcapped mountains melt away
What do we tell our babies, when do we say, oh
Mother, father please explain to me
How a man who rocks his child to sleep
Pulls the trigger on his brother's heart
He digs a hole right to the middle of this storm of hatred
Mother, father please explain to me
How it could be so this world has come to be
A precious balance in between
Such cruelty and such kindness please
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be
Unequaled in her blessings, oh, I see
Unbridled hatred so extreme, please tell me
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be so
Twisted between time and dreams
Oh, mother, father please explain to me
Oh, what's all this talk about?
All this talk about it
Spinning down, down, down, down, down
All this talk about
Endless words without
Nothing's done
Mother, father do you know
Why one man's belly overflows
Another sleeps in hunger's bed
Oh, we trade our world for a piece of bread
Oh Mother, father please explain to me
How this rare world's come to be
A place so full of color yet overflowing
Always in black and white
Drowning in the waters of our...
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be
While still blessed in all the things we see
Such a sad, sad home for you and me
Come out, and hold,
Come on out you
Come on out you
Come and save yourself
Come on out you
Come on we're taking the water
We're taken the water
We're taken the water
But you know
We got the freedom
We got the freedom
There's no God above
And no hell below
Oh, it's here with us
It's up to us
To keep afloat
How this sweet world has come to be
Oh to keep afloat
Mother, father please explain to me
How this rare world has come to be
Oh, let the blue planet
Let the blue planet
Mother, father please explain to me
Mother, father please explain
Thinking of:
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - Mother, Father
Mother, father please explain to me
Why a world so full of mystery
A place so bitter and still so sweet
So beautiful and yet so full of sad, sad...
Mother, father please explain to me
Why forests march to desert speed
While snowcapped mountains melt away
What do we tell our babies, when do we say, oh
Mother, father please explain to me
How a man who rocks his child to sleep
Pulls the trigger on his brother's heart
He digs a hole right to the middle of this storm of hatred
Mother, father please explain to me
How it could be so this world has come to be
A precious balance in between
Such cruelty and such kindness please
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be
Unequaled in her blessings, oh, I see
Unbridled hatred so extreme, please tell me
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be so
Twisted between time and dreams
Oh, mother, father please explain to me
Oh, what's all this talk about?
All this talk about it
Spinning down, down, down, down, down
All this talk about
Endless words without
Nothing's done
Mother, father do you know
Why one man's belly overflows
Another sleeps in hunger's bed
Oh, we trade our world for a piece of bread
Oh Mother, father please explain to me
How this rare world's come to be
A place so full of color yet overflowing
Always in black and white
Drowning in the waters of our...
Mother, father please explain to me
How this world has come to be
While still blessed in all the things we see
Such a sad, sad home for you and me
Come out, and hold,
Come on out you
Come on out you
Come and save yourself
Come on out you
Come on we're taking the water
We're taken the water
We're taken the water
But you know
We got the freedom
We got the freedom
There's no God above
And no hell below
Oh, it's here with us
It's up to us
To keep afloat
How this sweet world has come to be
Oh to keep afloat
Mother, father please explain to me
How this rare world has come to be
Oh, let the blue planet
Let the blue planet
Mother, father please explain to me
Mother, father please explain
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
Listening to:
Thinking of:
Frankly, I don't have much of an opinion on Terri Schiavo's death. Personally, I do hope that her passing would have caused her soul much relief instead of an image of discord between her husband's, parents and the will of the state.
Her death however I believe is not in vain. It's taught many the importance of having a will as well as a step by step guide should one turn into a vegetable. On top of that, I'm sure a couple of lawyers would be making a quick buck on the trend. I personally think however the case was presented with too much fiasco. I suppose the media available to this part of the world is biased predominantly to the western news and occurences.
The case of her death would have also raised several issues underlining the case of most "vegetables." Two major issues that it's raised in my head would be that of morality and of the religious kind. Arguing from a morality point of view, it is just unsaid torture when one is left in the situation as Terri Schiavo for 15 years. Judging from the pictures presented on the news, she seemed like a pretty active person, keen on living. 15 years past and we're back to the present, a tube stuck into her body keeping her alive without any hope of recovery, the silent torture which looms over her body without being given the ability to express her desires in terms of determining her own fate. I suppose in another sense, it can be argued that since she can't express herself, one should let her be. Perhaps...
Then from a religious stand point, the will of man may not be that of the Will of God. It kinda sums up the text book argument on the subject. However, as mortal men with finite wisdom, how could we comprehend the path of which the Lord takes. How sure are we upon the cutting of the string of life. Could it be now? Could this fiasco be planned? Once again, anything can be argued out on this point... Anyone can take the Calvinist view, the Orthodox Christian view or whatever for that matter.
Further into the topic of ethics... The manner of which she was left to decompose. Was it the best way possible? Was removing her feeding tube and allowing her to deteriorate till her death considered ethical? The courts seem to think so. However much as I side towards Terri Schiavo being granted the will to pass, I do think there is much to discuss in the way of how she'd arrive to her destination. Mind the bad line there... And on top of the ethics question. Should another method ie. Lethal Injection be introduced, there should be means of controlling its administration apart from the signature of doctors. End of the day, its going to boil down to politics again. Cest la Vie...
So how then should we view her life and the state before her death? Should we adopt a Kevorkian like point of view with euthanasia? Should governments agree, should there be exceptions? Do we deserve to determine our liberty of life and death? The questions that could be raised are numerous... The ones here are merely based on text books. I'm too stupid to come up with new ones...
Thinking of:
Frankly, I don't have much of an opinion on Terri Schiavo's death. Personally, I do hope that her passing would have caused her soul much relief instead of an image of discord between her husband's, parents and the will of the state.
Her death however I believe is not in vain. It's taught many the importance of having a will as well as a step by step guide should one turn into a vegetable. On top of that, I'm sure a couple of lawyers would be making a quick buck on the trend. I personally think however the case was presented with too much fiasco. I suppose the media available to this part of the world is biased predominantly to the western news and occurences.
The case of her death would have also raised several issues underlining the case of most "vegetables." Two major issues that it's raised in my head would be that of morality and of the religious kind. Arguing from a morality point of view, it is just unsaid torture when one is left in the situation as Terri Schiavo for 15 years. Judging from the pictures presented on the news, she seemed like a pretty active person, keen on living. 15 years past and we're back to the present, a tube stuck into her body keeping her alive without any hope of recovery, the silent torture which looms over her body without being given the ability to express her desires in terms of determining her own fate. I suppose in another sense, it can be argued that since she can't express herself, one should let her be. Perhaps...
Then from a religious stand point, the will of man may not be that of the Will of God. It kinda sums up the text book argument on the subject. However, as mortal men with finite wisdom, how could we comprehend the path of which the Lord takes. How sure are we upon the cutting of the string of life. Could it be now? Could this fiasco be planned? Once again, anything can be argued out on this point... Anyone can take the Calvinist view, the Orthodox Christian view or whatever for that matter.
Further into the topic of ethics... The manner of which she was left to decompose. Was it the best way possible? Was removing her feeding tube and allowing her to deteriorate till her death considered ethical? The courts seem to think so. However much as I side towards Terri Schiavo being granted the will to pass, I do think there is much to discuss in the way of how she'd arrive to her destination. Mind the bad line there... And on top of the ethics question. Should another method ie. Lethal Injection be introduced, there should be means of controlling its administration apart from the signature of doctors. End of the day, its going to boil down to politics again. Cest la Vie...
So how then should we view her life and the state before her death? Should we adopt a Kevorkian like point of view with euthanasia? Should governments agree, should there be exceptions? Do we deserve to determine our liberty of life and death? The questions that could be raised are numerous... The ones here are merely based on text books. I'm too stupid to come up with new ones...
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