Went out to pyramid yesterday with some friends, did a little shopping and bought 2 CDs. Yeah, though I sometimes buy pirated CDs, i still say that piracy is wrong and sometimes its better to own the original thing itself. Ironic, isn't it? But how can you resist the call of two great bands, U2 and the GooGoo Dolls?

[I cried to my daddy on the telephone "how long now?"
"Until the clouds unroll and you come home," The line went
But the shadows still remain since your descent, your descent]

That phrase was taken from a collaboration between U2 and Green Day, called The Saints Are Coming. Its an uncanny match, not to be expected by many to start with, but what amazing chemistry they had on the song! It was originally made in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster that occured at New Orleans some time back. It's amazing how disasters and tragedies, much like on happy occasions can bring people together for a good cause. I would prefer to think that humans are creatures of remorse, and are always ready to help those who need it, unfortunately at the same time there are those people who take advantage of other's kindness and generosity.

I'm sure most people are aware of the recent disaster here in Malaysia that many areas especially in Johor and elsewhere have been badly affected by the floods. The worst part is, that it just had to be in "Visit Malaysia Year 2007". Yet, despite thousands of people losing their homes and their livelihood, the government isnt doing their part. Instead of focusing to help these people who are suffering, they're too busy working on the tourism industry that is set to bring in RM40billion++ to the country's economy. Well, imagine what kind of image people will get when they come down only to see houses in ruin. I think it'd have an adverse effect of leaving a negative impact instead of a positive spin on people's hearts and minds.

No, this is not some propoganda mission slamming the government per se`, but they should be more aware of this than anything else. While the government ARE doing something about it, i still feel its not enough. Now, here are the people that really annoy me. In reports published in the Malay Mail and the Star, it was stated that there are people that have registered themselves multiple times under the government's flood relief fund programme, all in order to get more money out of the situation. The best part is that some people who haven't been involved in the whole incident still have the cheek to sign up for it anyway! It pisses me off to see people take advantage of situations like this. It's saddening and disgusting on so many levels.

For the record, Malaysia is recorded on the world's top 20 most Corrupted Countries in the world. Many of which are comprised of 3rd world countries. Not exactly a status we want, but its something we need to be aware of.

Such is the generosity of humans, there is greed. Sad indeed