Malaysian Artiste For Unity

Quoted from Malaysian artistes for unity website

"bored. so he telephoned a few friends. “how about getting together to make
an anti-racism national unity song and music video?” all said yes without
hesitation. not because pete threatened them with a sharp and rusty knife.
but only because they love Malaysia."

Our artistes have made their move, when will our politicians?

Are You Smarter Than An American.

Stupid American - Funny blooper videos are here


For those who have Astro, you should be familiar with the show 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' . Eventhough you haven't watched, you might have heard about it and have a glimpse of it during its commercial. Some could say that they were paid to look dumb on national television, but I don't think that the same applies for the above video.

If you could answer most of this question, then you are indeed smarter than an american (play fair now, don't use the wikipedia):

1. Name a country that begins with a U.
2. Who's is in the coalition of the willing?
3. What's the religion of Israel?
4. What religion are Budhist monks?
5. Who won the Vietnam war?
6. Who is Fidel Castro?
7. How many sides does a triangle have?
8. What is the currency used in the United Kingdom?
9. Kofi Anan is a drink, true or false?
10. Who is Tony Blair?
11. Which countries are the Axis of Evil?
12. Who's the first man on the moon?
13. What is a mosque?
14. How many kidneys does a person have?
15. How many World Wars have there been?
16. Which state does KFC come from?
17. What are Nagasaki and Hiroshima famous for?
18. Star Wars is based on a true story, true or false?
19. How many Eiffel Towers are there in Paris?
20. Where was the Berlin wall?

Lesser of Two Evils

The same kind of adverts, the same reasons, the same audience, yet different treatment. The first one is easily spotted. You can find it in the local newspaper, TV channels (including Astro), radios, billboards, You tube and most surprisingly in Yahoo Insider which label reads 'paid political advertisement'. On the other hand, the second only gets its place in You tube.

This situation can otherwise be known as asymmetric information. Pardon me for the Economics jargon, it is simply a situation where the customers (electorate/ voters) have limited information about a product (choices/ real news/issues) and tend to make unproductive decision by purchasing that product (voting the less capable candidate) without seeking more information i.e. conduct a survey and etc. An easy example is the situation when your mechanic rips you off because you lack the knowledge about your car.

Free and Fair

This particular scenario shows how free and fair our election process is. The government has access to all possible resources while the opposition is left handicapped relying on their tours and Internet campaigns which will only affect a handful of people (middle class, intellects, youths). By the way have you ever wondered where do all the money for campaigning come from? Makes me wonder too, but I won't waste your time rambling about that. Let's waste it on something else shall we.

Voting could be quite a hassle for the 'voting virgin' and the indecisive type. Marking an 'X' might be simple enough but don't take it for granted as it will give power to the victors for another term of 5 long years. Here is another economic solution that could help you to pick the most eligible candidate. I'll try to be as impartial as I can.

Lesser of two Evils

This method is called the cost benefit analysis. For the layman, it is process of listing the pros and cons of something. However, at the end of the day, your decision will depend on what you value most, either more of this or more of that. So let us not waste anymore time and go on with it.

If you vote for BN, you will get more development, more money in pockets (cronies), maybe a Datukship recommendation at the expense of rampant corruption, the government getting complacent and arrogant, controlled media, unequal distribution of wealth and the mismanagement of funds. If you vote the opposition, there will be new fresh ideas, less corruption ( I hope), freer media, make the Barisan more humble, a right to demonstrate at the expense of less development, less experience and maybe a riot by the BN supporters which could only happen if the opposition forms a government.

By comparing both and evaluating them you will eventually choose the lesser of two evils. Its your choice.