Vampire Hunter D

The animation is quite good despite being made in 1985. The plot is very action oriented and reminds me very much of Blade in many aspects.

The story does not explain much in terms of D’s background. For example, what is D’s Left Hand and why is it so powerful ? I hope the sequel will do a bit more of the explanation.

Malaysia, wake up! The Bumiputra issue is hurting the economy of all.

An Australian newspaper The Age has a fascinating report on how Malaysian government’s strong desire to facilitate the Bumiputra is actually a counter productive strategy. The article basically says that the government is much more interested in increasing the percentage of financial equity owned by the Bumiputra and keeping up with appearance to the international audience rather than increasing the actual size of the total financial equity.

In reality, because of the government policies to favour the Bumiputra in almost every aspect (financially, educational access, socially, politically); the non-Bumiputras feel they are unfairly discriminated against and would rather take their skills and money elsewhere (Singapore, Australia, UK, USA, etc) where they are given fair access, rights and respect.

The news article concludes with the following words:

“Bank bale outs, a formula one racing track, an entire new capital city — Petronas has paid for them all. It’s been an orgy of nonsense that Malaysia can ill afford.

Why? Because Malaysia’s oil will run out in about 19 years. As it is, Malaysia will become a net oil importer in 2011 — that’s just five years away. So it’s in this context that the latest debate about race and wealth is so sad.”

Malaysian officials elegantly shrugs off these comments by challenging the author’s foregin nationality (Australian to be precise), rather than the contents of his report with a veiled warning to any Malaysian who might make similar comments.

Well, if this is our attitude towards constructive criticisms, then Malaysia Bodoh indeed.

PS: For those of you not familiar with the racial issues, please see the very well and fairly written Wikipedia entry on Bumiputra.

Sun’s Project Blackbox

I want one of these for my next birthday!

Here are some sample scenarios of where the blackbox could be deployed.

Bleach updated!

Just caught up with all 104 episodes of Bleach in the last week. Quite repetitious and predictable. Basically, the good guys get their asses kicked very badly and then find the resolve at the last minute to overcome the baddies. Oh, and I hate the long flashback and overly long fight scenes. Would recommend more character and plot development.

I have been pondering over the following points. Wonder if anyone has any insights into them.

a) Why “Bleach” ? Besides Ichigo, who may have bleached his har to orange (is that how it works?), I cannot think of any other reference to the Word Bleach.

b) Why do Shinigamis, who are essentially spirits, are unable to walk through tangible material such as walls when they can defy other physical laws such as gravity?

c) Why is there a poor quater (i.e. Rukongai) in the Soul Society? Why is there povery, hunger and greed in a spirit world?

d) Why do Shinigami’s in the real world communicate to Soul Society through cellphones?

e) How did Ichnose get into the Seiterei without one of 4 gate guardian’s approval? And how do Shinigami’s generally more in and out of Seiterei and Rukongai?