An Encounter with... Death

Name    : Salina binti Abd Aziz

Age        :  38

Where Are You From?   : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Currently Residing In…   : Kuala Lumpur

What Do You Do For A Living?     : I am a PR Consultant

AEW      : I heard your Mom passed away recently. I’m truly sorry to hear that. How are you holding up?

SAA        : Thank you. I’d like to think I’m holding up well. Being busy at work currently helps.

AEW      : Are you missing her? What about the rest of your family? How are they doing?  

SAA        : Would you think I’m terrible if I told you I’m not missing her? Though I know I’m going to feel it  keenly one day. It’ll be like a guerilla attack because when it happens, it will be so unexpected.  Something like that did happen to me very recently. I dreamt of my mom one night, two months after her passing and throughout the next day, I was crying buckets. I cried at home, on the road and at the same time, stave the memories off as there are people about and I had to focus on the job at hand. It was a difficult, sad day. I think of her everyday…I remember her last days and that grips me.

  As for the rest of the family, they are holding up well..or rather, as well as they can handle it. We   don’t refrain from talking about our mom and recall the things she did and said.

AEW      : I don’t handle bad news about death very well. As in if a friend breaks the news to me, I would actually be lost for words. Because how do you comfort someone who had just lost a loved one, right? Do you think people who handle these situations badly are,… hmm.. morons?

SAA       : No, of course not! Come to think of it, how would you describe badly? Being absolutely  insensitive? Not saying the right words but knowing the intent is genuine?

AEW       : I guess more of not saying the right words, but the intent is genuine. And I suppose moronic are those who are absolutely insensitive, yes? Given the same situation – reversed – how would YOU handle a friend’s bad news related to death?

SAA        : I’d gently tell the friend that it is some comfort that the person who passed on has gone back to God. Death is, after all, a sure thing in life. And give the person a long hug. No point in telling a friend to be strong, but you can remind them to keep the good memories alive and grieve for a little while.

AEW      : I know death in any possible way is hard to deal with. But which do you think is harder to face? Sudden or Anticipated?  

SAA        : Definitely the sudden ones. It rips you apart worse.

AEW      : Actually, I should ask you – what are your thoughts about death itself?   

SAA       : I think it’s a continuation to the next step. That death itself is an experience a living person will go through and now you have shed the shell, there are no more barriers.

AEW      : Do you think you are a strong person? In handling you know, the emotional aspect of losing a loved one? How do you think each individual could survive such situations?

SAA        : I don’t know if I am. There are the normal days and there are days that the tears just keep making tracks. I take it all as part of living and just go with the flow. We feel different emotions everyday on different things, don't we? Anyway, I can’t speak for individuals on how they would survive the emotional aspects of facing death. It would be a great disservice.

AEW      : How would you like to die?  

SAA        : In my sleep.

AEW      : Don't we all :) Thanks, Sal for doing this. I know it is a difficult topic. And because I am bad with the right words, here's a long hug.... :)

An Encounter with... A Trekker

Name    : Raymond Khor

Age        : 33

Where Are You From?  : Malaysia, Earth, Alpha Quadrant.

Currently Residing In… : Kuala Lumpur

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Marketing

AEW      : Do you consider yourself a Trekkie or a Trekker? 

RK         : Trekker.

AEW      : I’m not a fan of sci-fi. So perhaps you could enlighten me more about your own obsession with Star Trek?   

RK      : The idealism in Star Trek was the real attraction for me and later on, through years and years of exposure to the many episodes, I come to realized that it has impacted me in many, many ways from the way I behave to the way I work, the management styles I chose to employ and the people-skill I use most of the time can be related back to Star Trek.

AEW      : That influential huh... Which is actually your favourite Star Trek? Original? Next Gen.? Deep Space Nine?

RK        : OMG how can you leave out Voyager and Enteprise??? Tsk tsk tsk…I personally like TNG, Voyager and DS9. But some episodes are very close to heart from each spin offs. 

AEW       : I didn't leave them out! How much of a die-hard fan are you actually?

RK        : Errmmm….very I guess....

AEW      : As a Trekker, do you, you know, actively meet other Trekkies or Trekkers and forge firm friendships / relationships from there?

RK       : Yes I have. I do have many friends who are trekkers and we talk trek all the time. Its very fun!

AEW      : You ever been to a Star Trek Convention?

RK        : Yes. I have been to one in Singapore in 1999 and it was awesome!

AEW      : There’s this joke I read years and years ago. “Beam me up, Scotty! Very funny. Now you can beam down my clothes.” I actually found that hilarious. Do Trekkies or Trekkers laugh at jokes like these or you guys tend to get, you know… offended?

RK        : Errmmmm ok..... The joke is not that funny la!

AEW      : Hmm... I take it they get offended then :P Any messages for other Trekkers out there?  

RK          : Don't Stop Believing!!

AEW       : Nobody should stop believing in any case, yes? You agree? Anyway, Ray-ray, thanks for sharing some of your thoughts on Trek stuff..... :) Now, Beam Me Up Scotty!! Ok, I do suck at this :P

An Encounter with... Guns

Name    : Randy Lee

Age        : Legal

Where Are You From?  : Cameron Highlands

Currently Residing In… : Petaling Jaya

What Do You Do For A Living?   : I could tell you, but then I’d have to shoot you. *Grin*

AEW      : I’ve noted that you’re quite obsessed with guns. Why is that so?     

RL        :  “Obsessed” is a rather strong word. There’s a lot of negative connotations attached to it. Society looks at obsession as an illness. I’m not gun-crazy. I just have a deep respect and admiration for them. It’s perfectly normal for a person to look at guns as an accessory. So what if I’d love to have a personal arsenal in my basement? Doesn’t everybody? I dare you to call me “obsessed” when you’re looking down the barrel of my nickel-plated Glock 19 with laser sight!

            But seriously, why do I like it so much? The precision and science of it all, I guess – the ability and accuracy of hitting your target from a distance. It’s not much different from other sports like archery or even darts, if you think about it really. Apart from that, it’s also the feeling of security it gives you – knowing you have a better chance of fending off any threat or danger. You may raise an eyebrow or two at my remark but let me ask you this (pause for effect) : Don’t you feel a tad safer holding a can of pepper spray in your hand as you walk to your car in a poorly lit and secluded basement car park? It’s the same thing.

AEW      : If you put it that way.... hmmm... yes. Do you think that with all the rage going on  around the world from terrorism to teenage shoot-outs – guns are actually a very 'politically incorrect' thing to be obsessed with?

RL        : I’ve never been a great subscriber to the whole idea of being politically correct. It’s an oxymoron. To be politically correct means to say/do something that is deemed acceptable by the masses even though you may feel differently about it. Wouldn’t that be lying? But getting back to your question, No, I don’t think so. Why? Because guns are not the cause behind all that’s going wrong in the world today. To say that they do would be buying into the idea that if someone is beaten to death by a broomstick, for example, then the broomstick must be the dangerous culprit.

The real debate that’s been going on, and it’s a never-ending one, between gun advocates and the anti-gun supporters is actually, “do guns kill people?” And in my opinion, the simple truth is guns are not the cause of violence. People are. In fact, people have been waging wars with each other long before guns were even invented.

We’ve got to stop being myopic and stop looking at the issue a**-backwards. The problem is not the gun. It’s the person holding it.

AEW      : So you are in actual fact FOR guns, yes? Don’t need to be PC here.    

RL        : I think it’s pretty clear that I’m all for it. Like any other weapon, when used responsibly, guns are a great tool for self-defence. In fact, I think everyone should familiarize themselves with a gun, really. It’s like learning martial arts or even first aid – it’s a skill that may come in useful one day.

AEW       : Ah-ha! So how much do you know about guns?  

RL        : Not as much as people in the gun-loving states of America, but enough to know how to use one if the need ever arises - god bless Wikipedia and the internet! I’ve been to a gun range a few times so I’m comfortable enough with the handling of one effectively. My marksmanship is pretty good - thanks to Medal of Honour and Call of Duty 4.

AEW      : Do you own a gun? *Holds breath*      

RL        : Of course, I do! I have several at home: two water pistols, a staple gun, a glue gun, a Stormtrooper blaster, a Boba Fett blaster, a Han Solo blaster, and a few others I’d rather not mention.

AEW      : *Laughs* You are funny! IF you were given the opportunity to own a gun, how would you react?        

RL        : Am I being drafted? *Looks skeptically*

AEW      : *Laughs*. Ok, that is a funny reaction. You're a funny guy! Getting on with the interview... People who go on a shooting rampage – why do you think that is?

RL       : Let’s be clear about one thing: Guns do not make people go on killing sprees. Emotionally disturbed minds do. Repeat after me: Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.

To me, there’s no difference between an unstable person carrying a gun or brandishing a machete. Both are equally dangerous and lethal. Getting back to your question about why…who the heck knows what triggers a person’s mind to snap? The human mind is the most complex machine in the universe. I think it’s got something to do with the pressures of modern life. If you’ve watched enough episodes of Criminal Minds, you’ll see that most people who go on a rampage, be it a dejected lover, a disgruntled worker, or even an ostracized student, they’re out to seek approval. Well, that’s what Dr. Spencer Reid says anyway.

AEW      : I know we say a lot of things which we don’t mean – like “I’ll shoot you, you moron!”. Do you think you have it in you to go on a trigger-happy rampage or you’ve got your senses in check all the time?     

RL        : It’s one thing to be so full of rage that you feel like killing someone, but you’d have to be in a totally different state of mind to actually do it. If you’ve ever watched Jodie Foster in ‘The Brave One’, you’d understand. I can imagine shooting someone if that person was putting my life in danger but going to town on a whole bunch of random innocent people is a different thing altogether. That’s just insane. So, to answer your question, no I don’t think I have it in me to ever go on a trigger-happy rampage but neither am I adverse to the idea of pulling the trigger in a life-threatening situation. Honestly though, I hope I’ll never have to do that!

AEW : I had fun doing this interview. I like guns, but not obsessed and not totally in the know-how to handle one safely without it shooting at my toe or something like that. Anyway - thank you for sharing your views on this. Very interesting indeed and have fun pulling the trigger - ONLY at the firing-range, yes? *winks*

An Encounter with... A Political Rebel

Name    : David Ho

Age        : 49

Where Are You From?  : Penang, Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Jakarta, Indonesia

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Brand Communications

AEW      : I am actually personally intrigued by your political viewpoints – particularly those on
  Malaysia’s political scene.  Tell me, are you actually for or against the incumbent party?

DH        : I think it will be too shallow to say whether I am ‘for’ or ‘against’ the incumbent party. We must remember that it is the mandate given by the people during the election. I am ‘for’ any political party/parties or politicians who are honest, accountable and responsible, have high integrity, principled and committed to serve the people instead of serving themselves.

AEW      : Why? I mean, why is this important to you?  

DH        : Looking at the current state of political system which anyone on the streets know is by patronage, and that it has been going on for the past 50 odd years without any meaningful reform nor any will to change for the betterment for all Malaysians, I just got sick and tired of it all. And because of this political patronage, we've got people who are not qualified to be elected and appointed in the positions of power to administer, run and manage the country. And where does all this leads to? Yes, Corruption, Cronyism and Nepotism and these 3 ingredients are going to destroy the country and the people. Some politicians will even blatantly use the name of God, religion and myopic race-based crusade for their own agenda, so you tell me is there any hope?

AEW      : I have been following the political agenda of Malaysia on and off and at the current moment, it all seems very idiotic from where I am at. You're right. It's a little bleak. But do you think your viewpoints regarding the Malaysian politics are very outspoken. Are you not afraid of repercussions?  

DH        : I don’t think I am outspoken and hence not worried about repercussions *smiles*. There are many outspoken Malaysians out there who speak for justice by the rule of law, equal and human rights as well as fair play. Those are the people who inspire me to listen, learn and find out more about what is happening to the country and from there, make my own analysis and conclusions.

AEW      : Do you have any particular strong support for a single Malaysian politician? As in, you are more forgiving towards him or her, could be you are also more understanding towards  his/her standpoints or if he/she screws up publicly.

DH       : Yes I do. There are a few principled politicians whom I think are doing a good job. Whether I am more forgiving or not depend on what sort of screw-ups they made and how he/she engages and handle the ‘screw-up’. We are humans after all, ya! So far, I am happy to say that I am pleased with the performance of the MP in my constituency whom I’ve voted for and it feels good to know that my single vote was not wasted.

AEW     : Do you think the Malaysians have generally matured in terms of the 'political arena' or are we still light years behind?

DH        : I can only speak for myself but having indulged in conversations amongst my families, friends and peers about Malaysian politics, the answer is yes. However, I think the real danger is in the misinformation from the main-stream media and irresponsible politicians creating and sensationalizing “non-issues” about race and religion in the country.

AEW      : Who do you want to win the next GE and why? What are your hopes if they win?

DH       : Given the current 2 party system, I will vote based on the integrity of the candidate chosen by the party from both divide. Of course, the candidate must be inspiring and have a clear and concise political stance while the party that he/she is associated with is serious in their vision and agenda on how they are going to manage the country.

AEW      : In general, what do you hope for Malaysia?

DH        : At the current rate of plundering and mismanagement, is there any hope? But on a more positive note, there will come a time when a great, inspiring and God-fearing leader will emerge from the ruins to help lead the country and this is the only hope for Malaysia.

AEW      : That sounds very positive indeed! Not sure if we'll ever live to see it? But if whatever you hope for actually takes place, will you consider establishing yourself back home?

DH        : Yes and No. Yes, because of sentimental reasons, family ties, reasonable cost of living and retirement. No, have yet to decide until I can see some positive changes.

AEW    : Well, Pak Ho, thank you very much for sharing some of your thoughts about this and may we all wish Malaysia well then!

An Encounter with...Tragedy

Name    : Anu Venugopal

Age       : 34

Where Are You From?  : Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Malaysia

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Journalist/Writer

AEW      : What does the word “Tragedy” conjure up for you?

AV       : An unexpected event that changes life as you know it and forces you to evolve into someone  different, hopefully someone better.

AEW      : Some people use the word “tragedy” very loosely. What are your thoughts on that?

AV        : It’s true, people tend to describe anything that doesn’t go their way as a tragedy – even if it means missing out on one’s favourite food or being stuck in traffic, but those events are not tragedies, merely inconveniences.

AEW      : Have you been through a tragedy yourself?   

AV        : I used to think being broken-hearted was the worst tragedy, but now the biggest, most significant tragedy I had been through is my father’s passing.

AEW       : I am truly sorry to hear that {HUGS}. How did you survive through the tragedy and after?

AV        : I don’t think I have completely survived it as yet. I am still in the process, by thinking positive, by  remembering dad’s words of wisdom, his perceptions of life and his sense of humour. 

AEW      : I do remember how timely your Dad always appears the moment I light up a ciggie back in the day! Anyway, how much of surviving a tragedy is mental strength and how much of it is physical strength?

AV        : 70-30 I think. You have to will yourself to get past the tragedy, to get past the pain and look for the silver lining. There is always a silver lining, whether it is obvious or not. You just got to look harder sometimes.

AEW      : How strong do you think a normal human being is? What do you think is “breaking-point” for someone? Or do you think there IS a breaking point in the first place?  

AV        : A normal human being is as strong as he or she thinks she is. It is all up to the individual. If you think you are strong, then you are. I think there is a breaking point, but it is not as serious as it sounds. Yes, things can get so bad to a point that you don’t want to wake up, but it is never as bad as you think. It can get better.

AEW      : That is something to ponder about really. Hey, have you heard of Panic At The Disco? J   

You        : The rock band from Las Vegas with the cool songs and videos? Yes!

AEW      : So do you consider yourself writing sins or writing tragedies?

AV         : A bit of both - sins and tragedies. But I am trying to write more sins than tragedies *grins*. Life's more exciting that way.

AEW      : You're right. It is indeed more fun that way! I myself write a lot of sins too! *giggles*. Anyway, Anu, thank you for sharing today. And be strong.

An Encounter with...Chocolate

Name : Leigh Ann Seto

Age :  46

Where Are You From?   Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – Land of dancing trees, double rainbows and Hawaii Five-O!

Currently Residing In… : Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia

What Do You Do For A Living?  I whip cream, play with chocolate, and paint with edible glitter.  All part of my day as a pastry chef.  Oh, I do bake too.

AEW : What is Chocolate to you?

LAS :  Chocolate is what makes people happy. I personally don’t eat a lot of chocolate myself.  But I love working with it. It’s an ingredient, it’s a canvas, it’s paint and it can be a lifesaver. It’s amazing all the things that can be made with chocolate - whether it is for consuming or viewing.

AEW : Tell me, or rather, share with me your thoughts on why chocolate is such a big fuss the world over.

LAS : The ancient Aztecs and Mayans believed it to be an elixir. So the Spanish carried that with them back to Europe. As time progressed, chocolate became a symbol of romance and love. Through the years though, chocolate has become more refined and the quality has come up a great deal. Now that the medical field has found that chocolate can be good for your health too, more people are happy that some delicious temptations can actually be good for them.

AEW : Tell me about the temptation bit. I really have to try hard to fight a chocolate binge! Hmm... Have you learnt any lessons from Chocolate itself? Maybe it was inspirational? Maybe it was cultural? Anything?

LAS :  When I first started working with chocolate, I found that it could be VERY temperamental. I’ve had a few 'bad chocolate' days. Like when I’ve rushed the chocolate and it didn’t come out nice. I soon realized that the chocolate is ready when it wants to be ready. And when it is ready, you better drop everything for it or you start all over again. 

AEW : Chocolate is your ‘thing’ as a Pastry Chef, yes? Why?  

LAS : It’s a good medium to work with. Many things can be made with it. There are also so many savory dishes that can be made with chocolate. Chocolate is also available with different percentages of cocoa, which reaches out to more consumers, different consumers.

AEW : And what’s YOUR special chocolate ‘thing’ to make as a Pastry Chef?

LAS : Everyone enjoys a good chocolate mousse. I make several styles of mousse. My personal favorite is a smooth cream style. It’s like eating a brulee that melts right as it hits your tongue. 

AEW : You know, Chef, eversince I've met you, I've been putting on some "fatty weight". Your chocolate desserts are simply superb! But what about Vanilla? Are you also a Vanilla person? 

LAS :  I love vanilla. I prefer vanilla ice cream to chocolate ice cream. Vanilla is a very subtle ingredient. It’s actually almost in everything, though it may go unnoticed. I even keep a vanilla pod in my sugar canister just for a hint of the aroma.

AEW : Well, I don't mind Vanilla every now and then too. But Chocolate dominates for sure! What is actually good quality chocolate and what is bad quality chocolate? No, no, don’t tell me about the raw stuff. I’m talking about the types of chocolates that mortals like me can readily eat J

LAS : Good quality chocolate is made with cocoa butter and not vegetable fats. The higher the cocoa, the better. But most chocolate bars in the market are made with vegetable fats. 

AEW : Would you care to share an easy home-cooking recipe using Chocolate for the readers? Errr, hopefully, a low-fat one J

LAS : Sure, but I don't do low fat! For low fat, melt some 65% chocolate and have a fruit fondue instead!

AEW : I should've asked you all about Low-Fat vs Full-Fat as a pastry chef! But perhaps, I shall keep that for next time! Thank you so much for your time, Chef! I'm going to go get me a slice of Devil's Food Cake now!

For those who would like to have Chef's Chocolate Cream Mousse recipe - click HERE!

An Encounter with... Love

Name    : Richard See

Age        : 34

Where Are You From?  :  Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Cambodia

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Advertising & Communications

AEW    : What do you think is the greatest love of all? And I'm not talking about Whitney Houston.

RS        :  The love that will endure the pains & struggles but also one that has all the fun & happiness that can be cherished by 2 people. Of course over a very long period of time.

AEW      : It was said that you caught your wife off-guard when you wrote extremely beautiful wedding vows and she said, and I quote “where did you learn how to use those words?” So, tell me – what were your inspiration to write your 2-page-long wedding vows? Were they off Google in actual fact?   

RS        :  I started from zero. Did some research online, and started putting all the bullet points (of what I want to say) together first. Next was the draft.  And then it was the 'craft'. Had to make it good cos she’s going to be tattooing them onto her. I got a mate to double-check on the grammar as well!In the end it turned out to be a little too long! I didn’t know that it was so long! Maybe I just wanted her to know that I was dead serious J.

AEW      : Do you think Love has many stages? Or it is just ONE GREAT BIG MYSTERY?  

RS        :  Not sure you can break it down to stages. Courtship, going steady & marriage, perhaps? But yes, some people say that love is complicated. I guess I agree to that statement because it is hard to break it down into smaller details! I do like that it is "One Great Big Mystery" J. I prefer this. I think love puts 2 people into a journey of a lifetime and the mystery will come from discovering each other and watching the other half change, age, etc and you adapt to each other along the way to slowly and surely become entwined as ONE.

AEW      : Do you think it is possible for you to fall in love again and again and again… you get my drift.

RS       : Hmmm….yes, you can. Maybe not as often but you can. Personally, I don't think I am a very romantic person but I do believe that you can fall in love with someone again and again. It can be just a small gesture but sometimes it reminds you that you are loved by someone or simply in love.

AEW      : Is it difficult – to achieve that? That falling in love part? Especially if it is with the same person over and over again?  

RS        :  Once you’re with someone, I think you are with them for a reason, to love, be loved, to share and hope the other half will be as loving, caring and just be there for you without questions. It is love that keeps you together, so am not sure if you mean loving someone continually is the same as falling in love again and again. For me falling in love is just the beginning and loving someone is a life-long commitment. You don't give up on it.

AEW      : So Love is actually hard work? Does not come naturally or are you being confused?

RS       :  *Sticks out his tongue* I'm not confused! Love is work, sometimes hard, sometimes easy.. but normally nothing comes easy especially if it involves emotions. I think everyone needs to have level of love to function properly, some more than others, and people need to give and receive love. To maintain a relationship, you’ll need to put in effort and invest physically, mentally and emotionally into it. But the return on investment is a fascinating journey of discovery! You get what I mean?

AEW      : My God! Very deep! Throughout your life thus far, how pivotal has Love been in it and what great strengths or inspiration have you gathered from it to do what you do in life?

RS        : It has helped me grow as a person, helped provide me with knowledge and mental strength. Loving someone has given me assurance in myself and enable me to experience closeness and intimacy with another person. So it has been important to me. I think it has shaped me to become a stronger man after falling from love and getting up and believing in love again. It has taught me not to be scared to do something if you really want and truly believe in it.

AEW      : *smiles* Between To Love and To Starve – which do you think will prevail? Why do you think that?

RS        : I’ve heard and read that people go for hunger strike, so I guess that some people do starve for something that they love and believe in. To me – if I starved for Love, I must be sure that it can bring something good to the person I love! If I need to starve for 10 days to make sure that my loved one survives a tragedy – I will do it. If you ask me to choose, I would say I will starve for love J. Will that do?

AEW    : Yes, yes, That will do. Here's wishing you many, many years of love and no starvation :)

** Richard See is undoubtedly, one of the most perfect man, friend, husband a girl could ask for. That is my own personal opinion.