Random Ramblings of a Reconditioned Reporter

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posted by Al @ 10:05 pm |

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We had a special award ceremony on Wednesday for those who went to cover the tsunami disaster, and I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of an event as unprecedented as this.

The photo desk showed a collection of pics, perhaps only the tip of the iceberg, as many pics, of mangled and decayed bodies, were unfit for publication.

The chief editor said it'll probably be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as such a massive disaster would not be repeated.

That set off fresh thoughts in me, as I was so busy that I did not have time to think/feel for the thousands that perished.

I spoke to a photographer who went to Phuket and Medan, and he told me of the stench that came from the corpses, and of having to shoot badly decayed bodies and the scenes of suffering he witnessed.

Some choose to ask, "Why, God, why?'' and question the benevolence of the Almighty, while others remain dumbfounded.

One colleague wrote that she had lost confidence in the omnipotence of God, as by choosing to honour man's freewill and uphold His natural laws, tsunamis and Hitlers are allowed to wreck havoc, and make the world seem godless.

Another colleague, a devout Christian, told me that US preachers have postulated the possibility that these killer waves are God's way of punishing those who have long stood against the advance of his gospel- the staunch Muslim enclave in Aceh, the Tamil Tiger fanatics in Sri Lanka, and the strong Muslim/Buddhist region in Thailand.

Does it matter?

So what?

Will knowing the answer, knowing God's mind and intention alleviate the suffering or save any souls?

I believe the extent of eternal suffering in the afterlife would be worse than experiencing a thousand tsunamis put together, and if it takes a tsunami to save tens of thousands from Hellfire, then I believe a loving God will allow it to happen.

So we must make full use of this opportunity.

The collapse of the USSR, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, the end of Communism in Eastern Europe, the dethroning of Saddam - these are all signs pointing to the coming reign of Christ.

But will the unsaved multitudes believe?

Will mere words and sound reasoning be adequate to convince?

Lord, help your children to pray, to go, to love.

And equip us with Your Spirit, for unless You abide in us, and us in you, we can do nothing.

posted by Al @ 1:52 am |

The week that whizzed by...

Here's what happened...

- Had dinner with Rachel (finally!) and Jasmine (with Jon, Mich & Grace).
- A story I wrote was featured on an ESPN football show.
- Played badminton, then soccer (On Sunday).
- Planned for a short holiday to Hong Kong (hope that works out).
- Exercised three days in a row.
- Never worked two consecutive days (rare for the newsroom).
- I got into an extra sticky work situation.
- Nailed three stories in a day, and they were published together!
- Got a haircut

- Saw my fav team Liverpool lose twice... (man that hurt).
- I saw PM Lee and the Singapore soccer team up close.
- Ate tunch at Pan Pacific.

posted by Al @ 1:41 am |

We are the champions!

It's been a long, long while since we packed the National Stadium for a soccer game.
And boy, were the Lions great!
They didn't disappoint, and the Indonesians were pathetic.

Congratulations all around!

2004 Tiger Cup champions on home soil... what more could we ask for?

Quick Poll: Who's ur favourite Lion?

posted by Al @ 3:00 am |

Help! Prayer needed!

It is 3.30pm, and I'm at my desk expecting an early day when my boss calls me over.

Boss: You're going to Jakarta tomorrow to cover the Tiger Cup final.

Me: ??? (too shocked for words)

Big Boss: And when u're there, make sure u interview some violent, rioting Indonesian football fans. Profile one of them, sit with them during the match.

Me: ???
(thinks: hullo, what if they turn violent on me... anyone ever thought of that???)

Why can't these people be more realistic and efficient, u know like give me a little more than 20 hours notice?!
Well, my only consolation is that I'll get my photo byline, which sadly was taken on a bad hair day... *sigh*

posted by Al @ 1:19 am |

Doha snapshots

Chilling on the golden sands, the Sheraton pyramid.


Hmm... isn't that Roger Federer? Dinner with the Emir's son

Wow! Time to pump up my hump...

posted by Al @ 4:55 pm |

Doha Diary

It's a land where petrol is cheaper than water

Where the Arab male reigns supreme and women hide their Zara and Mango clothes under their black robes

Where the largely South Asian and Eastern European workforce slog under the watchful eyes of their local bosses,

Where only white expatriates, who enjoy tax-free income and large mansions, are accorded grudging respect from their Arab paymasters, who view themselves as divine descendants.

Where the Emir has the final say

But

It's also a place of peace and tranquility

An alluring place of breath-taking desert beauty

A place of fine service and warm hospitality

A place with a rich cultural heritage, where East meets West

A place of enchanting tales and fond memories

Welcome to Arabia.

posted by Al @ 11:31 pm |