Kathiresan Ramachanderam

The first time that he caught sight of the place he knew that there was something there, a story to be told perhaps, or a mystery to unravel. He was intrigued to say the least. It was an old house, located on a decent piece of land, he didn’t know who the owner was, and it looked like it had been just left there for years. It looked slightly rundown and was in need of repair, whoever owned the place didn’t appear to have any intentions of renting it out. He asked around, and discovered that the house had a caretaker who lived nowhere close to it, and when they caught up with him, and asked him about it, he simply replied, “trust me no one would go near the place”, with a touch of confidence that implied that the man was telling the truth. “Why?”, he asked, despite having his suspicions, and the man simply replied, “because it is haunted”. Tim took a deep breath, he’d been in the business for a long time and he knew that haunted places did exist, and researching them and writing about t...

The World of the Samurai The samurai were a class of elite warriors in feudal Japan, renowned for their martial skills, strict code of honor, and dedication to the art of war. Their influence extended beyond the battlefield, shaping Japanese society and culture for centuries. Let’s delve into the fascinating aspects of their world. Origins and History The samurai emerged during the Heian period (794-1185) as the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. Initially, they were provincial warriors who gained prominence by serving powerful landowners and the imperial court. Over time, they became the ruling military class, dominating Japanese politics and society. Bushido: The Way of the Warrior Central to the samurai ethos was Bushido, which translates to “the way of the warrior.” This unwritten code emphasized virtues such as loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discipline. Samurai were expected to live and die by these principles, often sacrificing p...

Nestled in the heart of Province Wellesley, is the Crowne Plaza Penang. It is located in a 23-story building situated on the waterfront along Jalan Bagan Luar, featuring 343 rooms and sitting on the former site of the Straits Trading Co. tin smelting plant. The street in front of the hotel makes it accessible, and from its width, it is easy enough to discern that it is a rather busy street. The hotel has a decent parking area and that makes it all the more convenient especially for those driving down from Kuala Lumpur, or from where I am based at present, Petaling Jaya. The hotel has a nice lobby with a bar, where anyone who chooses to can have a quick drink, with the usual sofas in the seating area where one can wait for guests. It exudes a soft calming ambiance that is nothing short of relaxing. The lobby isn’t overly large, but it is large enough, and it does the basics well. The lobby and the dining area are located on the eighth floor, and the rooms are located on the floors abov...

Introduction Yurei, often referred to as Japanese ghosts, are a significant part of Japan’s rich folklore and culture. These spirits are analogs to the Western concept of ghosts, yet they possess unique characteristics and stories that set them apart. The term “yurei” is derived from two kanji: 幽 (yu), meaning faint or dim, and 霊 (rei), meaning spirit or soul. Origins and Characteristics Appearance Yurei are typically depicted as pale, ethereal figures, often wearing white burial kimonos, which resemble the robes worn by deceased individuals in traditional Japanese funerals. They usually have long, unkempt black hair and lack feet, appearing to float above the ground. This appearance is deeply ingrained in the visual representation of yurei in art and media. Behavior These spirits are often restless and remain tied to the physical world due to unfinished business, strong emotions, or untimely deaths. Commonly, yurei are depicted as vengeful, seeking to right a wrong or s...

In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, the onryō stands out as a particularly intriguing and fearsome entity. This ghostly figure has captured the imagination of many through its chilling tales of revenge and haunting. Origins and Characteristics The onryō is a type of yūrei, or ghost, believed to be the spirit of someone who has died harboring strong feelings of anger, jealousy, or revenge. Unlike other spirits, onryō are known for their ability to exert a tangible influence on the living world, often bringing misfortune or even death to those who have wronged them. Their power is driven by the intensity of emotions they carried at the time of their death. Appearance Typically, onryō are depicted as pale, gaunt figures clad in white burial garments, with long, unkempt black hair. Their ethereal presence is often accompanied by a chilling aura, and their eyes are filled with a sorrowful rage. This haunting image has become a staple in Japanese horror, influencing many film...

Sanun sat astride his horse on a hill and watched the events that were unfolding before him. In front of him, an army was on the move, churning up clouds of dust as foot-soldiers and men on horsebacks trampled forward, and from the size of the dust clouds it was easy enough to discern that it was no small army that was headed their way. The scout watched for a bit longer before he turned his horse around and rode at breakneck speed for the encampment and within the hour he was in a tent and was speaking to the general in charge, a young nobleman of some caliber, and once he was done, he made his way out, to have a meal, while general Ratana, sat back on his chair, and pondered on what he’d just heard. From the sound of things, a large army was on its way and from what the scout had told him, they were more than formidable. He took a deep breath before he called for his scribe and had him transcribe six letters, one for each of the other five generals that were tasked with guarding the...

Love was a strange emotion to say the least, and it was difficult to define at best. It gave her butterflies in the stomach and made her knees go wobbly. Her heartbeat would go up a notch and her palms would get all sweaty whenever she saw him, and she’d try her best not to look in his direction, but she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from doing so every now and again to steal a fleeting glance. She started to lose appetite and she was beginning to lose weight. She struggled with it for months but the feeling did not go away and if anything it only got worse. Auria-lia was at a loss. She didn’t know if the feeling was mutual, she didn’t even know if he noticed her, and she wasn’t confident enough to approach him. He was tall, lean, with shoulder length black hair and his features looked like they were chiseled from a block of granite. Just thinking about him got her all hot and flustered. There was something else about him, there were rumors in the palace that the younger warriors w...