Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

What’s In A Name?

 

One of the things which have always bothered me about this blog is its name. I have always hated the name ‘Cross-Cultural Conversations’. For one, it sounds pretentious, like a snooty academic trying to impress the rest with his unlimited intelligence (which I don’t admit to having).

 

Having a blogname 7 syllables long doesn’t help either. And what exactly is ‘Cross-Cultural Conversations’ suppose to mean?

 

I only occasionally blog about cross-cultural issues (mainly about Australia and Malaysia) and the only conversations that are happening are the ones I have with myself! This not only puts me in an unflattering light, it also raises serious questions about my social competence.

 

I originally intended to name this blog Tobacco-Tembaga, as this is a phrase which I’ve somehow adopted as being a part of my identity (That is why the URL for this site is http://www.tobacco-tembaga.motime.com). However, ‘Tobacco-Tembaga’ has even less of a meaning than ‘Cross-Cultural Conversations’!

 

And so, unable to think of a better name, I’m forced to stick with the one with the triple-Cs.

 

As the background voice in an ad for a multinational corporation famously asked, “What’s in a name?”

 

In my case, absolutely nothing!

 

 

 

posted by: Tembaga2 at 04:02 | link | comments |

Fishy Business

 

In an endeavour to add variety to the boarders’ diet, the dining hall occasionally serves us fish for dinner. Tonight, however, we noticed a slight change in the menu. Tonight, according to the chalkboard, we were to be served ‘Fresh Fish’.

 

Happy as I was at the prospect of eating something a little different, I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of fish they have been giving us all this while.

 

 

 

 

posted by: Tembaga2 at 05:36 | link | comments |

Justice Is Served (Bon Apetit!)

 

After 6 years of incarceration, Anwar Ibrahim, the ex-deputy prime minister of Malaysia, has finally been freed. The court has overturned his conviction on the grounds that the evidence used against him was found to be insufficient.

 

If that is the case, should not the original judges who presided over his trial 6 years ago be made accountable for their error? Their grievous misjudgement cost a man and his family 6 years of suffering and pain.

 

Anwar’s freedom alone does not bring an end to this horrendous political saga. There are still some serious judicial debts that are yet to be settled.

 

They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Perhaps justice is a three-course affair. By god, they better serve the main course soon, because many people are getting hungry. And we all know a hungry man is an angry man.

 

posted by: Tembaga2 at 05:35 | link | comments |