I was reading through some of my old postings. Not for any reason, but that I found myself different than when I was first forced into the blogging world. Can't explain it as well as I would like to, but I guess when you add this and that of life, then yes, I think I have totally deviated.
Let's see now, there was the GE12, and the BERSIH 10-11 March before that; the antics of some goons and their followers who have been insisting to the world that they, and only they, have right to steer this country to where ever they think Malaysia ought to be (forgetting that for the past 22years and the 35 before, we were somehow in a much better place without them); the 6 long years of sending news each night except for holidays (it got so that now I have developed a phobia just to open my working emails!); the unwarrented attention I have been getting from some authorities; the medical attention I have not been able to seek (can't seem to find the right medical personnel, it seems. Tak serasi, as the Malays would put it); and about a million and one more reasons. Well, that last bit maybe a bit of an exeggeration, but...
Anyway, while reading through, it dawned upon me that I have unwillingly and much to my quiet protest, grown to be more serious in my outlook! That, is a very drastic change for some who likes to talk only, wouldn't one agree? I mean, at 46, I suddenly find myself a grown-up man! Unthinkable, but true. And after going through a self-examination (wish a Doc could do that to me. A lady Doc, mind you), it then cross my mind that I need to go back to where I was, and thus, the need to get a new blog just to write whatever the mind pleases (can't do it here for reasons told in the the blog), leaving this blog only for matters which concern others in a more serious matter and manner.
The new blog, Personal, will be like its namesake, more to personal matters. And, as the url would most implicitly suggest, there the mind would run free. A mind, or a guy, would certainly need to do so in a world that has really gone mad. Also, as mentioned but quite the opposite of it, at 46, I do find the need to go crazy every now and then.
Showing posts with label Personal History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal History. Show all posts
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Semi-Old Tiger
Amongst the family of the big cats, tigers are one of the few that lives a solitary life. It does seem odd that for a creature that's known as the King of the Jungle, these big pussycats do not know how to socialise. Or perhaps, it is in their nature.
To some, tigers are seen as aloof, distancing themselves from all other citizens of the jungle. Then again, perhaps due to his very nature, nothing is more correct than the opposite. After all, when one goes to meet another, even if the other is acknowledged as a king, one really do not wish to be served as the main course, do one? I mean, not everyone wants to be like the male specie of a black widow spider - the moment after she's sexually satisfied, the male is then served as the meal. Not quite like breakfast-in-bed, I think. But then...
Anyway, tigers normally live up to 26years in captivity and about half of that in the wild. Born with claws that at a later stage could rip through the tough hide of a wild buffalo or hog, they are basically nothing but real adorable while still suckling milk from their mother. After about 2 to two and a half years of in-house training, each grown cubs would need to search a turf or territory of their own. That, is where the real trouble begins.
In the wild, a male tiger would have a larger territory that would include several female turfs. But as mentioned, that's in the wild; a life some consider barbaric and...well, wild. These wild tigers now number less than 5,000 worldwide and are coming close to extinction due their shrinking habitat caused by human encroachment. Worse still, they are being hunted by some solely for the belief that their body parts contain aphrodisiac for humans. Hmm...not much different than the life of the black widow's male, is it? But that's in the wild. Now, more and more are being kept in a...shall we say, civilised manner? I mean, though the space may be limited, being fed daily like a royalty is not bad.
However, do not ever mistaken a captive tiger for a tame one. Never! For coarsing in their veins, are the blood of a ferocious animal that should never be taken for granted. Like the guy below.
Oops! My apologies. That picture above is of a kitten taken from Alin's blog. Somehow, when you need a real good picture to show your true self, you just can't find it! Sigh...
Anyway, in searching for his own turf, many a tiger travel far and wide, some even to distant lands. Still, there are those lucky individuals who just sit around and bide his time, quite like the very nature of a tiger in stalking a prey. Just as in hunting where a predator average out something like a measly one meal out of 8 or 9 attempts, likewise it is with the tiger who bides his time; many of them meet their maker first, leaving the territory open to others. Poor guys. One particular tiger however, is still holding on as best he can.
Still wild at heart, this tiger has been knocking on fate's door many times before only to be told he's on hold, while the queue keeps getting longer and longer and more younger and physically fitter males keep on pawing at his heels. And keeping all those beasts at bay, is no easy job for a tiger that may have passed his prime. For tonight, at the stroke of midnight, this tiger officially turn 46. And still, that spot of sunlight, that place in the sun, that moment would lead him to greater heights, eludes him.
ROAR! Said the tiger!
Photo credit: fotograf.turkcebilgi.com
To some, tigers are seen as aloof, distancing themselves from all other citizens of the jungle. Then again, perhaps due to his very nature, nothing is more correct than the opposite. After all, when one goes to meet another, even if the other is acknowledged as a king, one really do not wish to be served as the main course, do one? I mean, not everyone wants to be like the male specie of a black widow spider - the moment after she's sexually satisfied, the male is then served as the meal. Not quite like breakfast-in-bed, I think. But then...
Anyway, tigers normally live up to 26years in captivity and about half of that in the wild. Born with claws that at a later stage could rip through the tough hide of a wild buffalo or hog, they are basically nothing but real adorable while still suckling milk from their mother. After about 2 to two and a half years of in-house training, each grown cubs would need to search a turf or territory of their own. That, is where the real trouble begins.
In the wild, a male tiger would have a larger territory that would include several female turfs. But as mentioned, that's in the wild; a life some consider barbaric and...well, wild. These wild tigers now number less than 5,000 worldwide and are coming close to extinction due their shrinking habitat caused by human encroachment. Worse still, they are being hunted by some solely for the belief that their body parts contain aphrodisiac for humans. Hmm...not much different than the life of the black widow's male, is it? But that's in the wild. Now, more and more are being kept in a...shall we say, civilised manner? I mean, though the space may be limited, being fed daily like a royalty is not bad.
However, do not ever mistaken a captive tiger for a tame one. Never! For coarsing in their veins, are the blood of a ferocious animal that should never be taken for granted. Like the guy below.
Oops! My apologies. That picture above is of a kitten taken from Alin's blog. Somehow, when you need a real good picture to show your true self, you just can't find it! Sigh...Anyway, in searching for his own turf, many a tiger travel far and wide, some even to distant lands. Still, there are those lucky individuals who just sit around and bide his time, quite like the very nature of a tiger in stalking a prey. Just as in hunting where a predator average out something like a measly one meal out of 8 or 9 attempts, likewise it is with the tiger who bides his time; many of them meet their maker first, leaving the territory open to others. Poor guys. One particular tiger however, is still holding on as best he can.
Still wild at heart, this tiger has been knocking on fate's door many times before only to be told he's on hold, while the queue keeps getting longer and longer and more younger and physically fitter males keep on pawing at his heels. And keeping all those beasts at bay, is no easy job for a tiger that may have passed his prime. For tonight, at the stroke of midnight, this tiger officially turn 46. And still, that spot of sunlight, that place in the sun, that moment would lead him to greater heights, eludes him.
ROAR! Said the tiger!
Photo credit: fotograf.turkcebilgi.com
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Yet, Another Tag!
I've been tagged...again! And this tag is again, from Rerama Salju. So, if ever anyone tag me next, I'll know who to top the list next ;) <--- evil grin.
Anyway, it start with:
1. Do you think you're hot?
You got to be crazy asking such a question to a guy who lives where there is no midnight sun! And the fact that its an hour to midnight and with the rain-cooled breeze blowing, no, I am not hot. (was that the question?).
2. Upload a favourite picture of you.
Yvonne Ridley and cakapaje.
3. Why do you like the picture?
Well, I actually do not like the way I dressed in there (what, with a vest and long sleeve?). What I like though, is the thought that an amateur reporter like yours truly, was able to grab the time and attention of a world-famous journalist!
I remember asking her how she find it now that her role has been thrown completely reversed - though she still is a journalist, she is more of a celebrity to the Muslim world. She said she's taking it well and not let it go to her head. Her siblings, she said, does the reality check for her. So, she's quite alright there.
4. When was the last time you ate pizza?
Honestly? I think its been more than a year now.
5. The last song you listened to.
'Don't Leave Me This Way' by Thelma Houston. But only because it was on the radio before I got out of the car.
6. What are you doing right now?
This must be a trick question similar to asking what a person should do first when he gets into a car. Anyway, pretty obvious I think - I'm typing this tag down in my blog! :)
7. What name would you prefer besides yours?
I gather this is meant to suggest other than real names. Well, I certainly would like 'Sayang', 'Darling', 'Abang' (in the softest tone possible), and...
Wak Kasiran dropped in my house the other day. He lost his handphone and all the contact numbers along with it. Thus, all he wanted was my number. After he keyed in my number, and as he was about to type my name, I said "Hensem". Thus yes, I would like like to be called "Hensem", too.
Now, the tag calls for me to name several individuals. I only know of 2 who does not mind doing so, where one, I believe, is now in Mekah performing her Haj - kema. The other, well, there's always kerpie.
Anyway, it start with:
1. Do you think you're hot?
You got to be crazy asking such a question to a guy who lives where there is no midnight sun! And the fact that its an hour to midnight and with the rain-cooled breeze blowing, no, I am not hot. (was that the question?).
2. Upload a favourite picture of you.
Yvonne Ridley and cakapaje.3. Why do you like the picture?
Well, I actually do not like the way I dressed in there (what, with a vest and long sleeve?). What I like though, is the thought that an amateur reporter like yours truly, was able to grab the time and attention of a world-famous journalist!
I remember asking her how she find it now that her role has been thrown completely reversed - though she still is a journalist, she is more of a celebrity to the Muslim world. She said she's taking it well and not let it go to her head. Her siblings, she said, does the reality check for her. So, she's quite alright there.
4. When was the last time you ate pizza?
Honestly? I think its been more than a year now.
5. The last song you listened to.
'Don't Leave Me This Way' by Thelma Houston. But only because it was on the radio before I got out of the car.
6. What are you doing right now?
This must be a trick question similar to asking what a person should do first when he gets into a car. Anyway, pretty obvious I think - I'm typing this tag down in my blog! :)
7. What name would you prefer besides yours?
I gather this is meant to suggest other than real names. Well, I certainly would like 'Sayang', 'Darling', 'Abang' (in the softest tone possible), and...
Wak Kasiran dropped in my house the other day. He lost his handphone and all the contact numbers along with it. Thus, all he wanted was my number. After he keyed in my number, and as he was about to type my name, I said "Hensem". Thus yes, I would like like to be called "Hensem", too.
Now, the tag calls for me to name several individuals. I only know of 2 who does not mind doing so, where one, I believe, is now in Mekah performing her Haj - kema. The other, well, there's always kerpie.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Being No.1
There a saying somewhere "It is easier to climb the ladder of success (to be no.1), than to hold on to it", or something along that line. Having observed several nos1 in history, I guess it is true. Maybe its human nature where there will always be someone out there waiting to knock another off his perch in their quest to succeed. But then, being nos2 or 3 is no fun either - seldom does history tell us about the 2nd guy, its always 'The Man' mentioned; the head honcho, the uno numero.
Some many years back, Hertz US launched a campaign to catch up on its rival Avis (or was it the other way round. Can't remember which is which, pardon me). Hertz was no2 then and needed good publicity to outdo Avis who was the top car rental there. A bright idea was presented to them and not long after the campaign was launched, sales for Hertz jumped up. The slogan they used was pretty simple, but a genius nonetheless. All it said was "We are currently no2. Help us be nos1". Their simple honesty and admission reached into the hearts of millions.
Did Hertz reach no1? Don't know. The book I read did not mention it. But it certainly helped them close the gap. The gist of the above is actually related to Pak Zab's entry on 'Kebakaran', and my recommendation for him to get a fire extinguisher brand by the name of Cobra.
Having been introduced to the products (there's 3: extinguisher, repellent, suppression), I was like totally amazed by its capability and safety. And having learnt more about it, I set up an appointment with a telco whose Engineering Department was situated in Subang. There, the team - Cobra Sales Director, Technician, Sales Manager and that cakapaje (who was merely an introducer) - went about demonstrating the products to the Telco's top Engineers as well as Security Officials.
Now, the CSD being a gwailo, must have struck nerves with the Telco's officers. But he soon tackled their hearts with his antics. At one point of time, and to show the user-safety of one the extinguisher, he shook the canister open and poured it into a glass of water after having used the same canister to extinguish a small fire. He then drank the water and fell down on the floor much to the horror of the officers there. As sudden as he fell, his hand rose up and waved to everyone. He then stood up to show he was alright and that it was part of the demonstration, much to the laughter of everyone there. Compared to halon and one or two other products and gases, Cobra claim theirs is human and environmentally safe.
On another occasion, the CSD poured a small amount of Cobra's fire repellent liquid onto a short length of toilet tissue, which he later blow-dried with a hair-dryer. Once sufficiently dried, he poured a flamble liquid (Zippo's refuel liquid) and had cakapaje hold it on his palm. The gwailo lit the tissue and while the top part had flames, cakapaje did not feel the heat, nor did the fire burn through or consume the whole tissue - it died within a matter of minutes!
In a video demonstration, a small canister of extinguisher was thrown into an old car purposely set on fire. The canister exploded soon after due to the temperature. But when it did, it snuffed out the fire as well. The video also showed a demonstration in one of England's most reputable laboratory and experiment center where Cobra surpassed the stringent requirements of the Industry there. Then, an Engineer from the Telco asked the million dollar question "How soon will my generator and machines start if your gas is released in them?" To that, the CSD could not tell for certain and requested a live demonstration. The Engineers there however, were afraid to allow it, fearing their heads would be on the chopping block if their generator could not be started within 5 minutes. Some 3 years before Cobra's demo, their generator suffered a shutdown and subscribers such as cakapaje were left without service for more than 3 days. Each second their generator is down, their profit is severely affected. Thus, while the people in the US were willing to help Hertz make their campaign a success, the Telco's Engineers were not generous enough with Cobra. Last I heard, they are still struggling in their quest to be no.1 in their industry. I can't find their webpage but one can check a link at e-guide here.
Now, one amazing thing about the product is that it was discovered by an Indonesian Professor. Lacking finance, he teamed up with a Dutch and began production in earnest. But the downside is that the team broke up and now there are 2 companies manufacturing them. InsyAllah, in another entry, I'll download 2 pictures of their cannisters as well as the contact number of a friend who use to be with one of the companies.
On another matter of No1, the false king of Malaysia issued an edict of his own about yoga. Now, I know precious little about the subject matter and prefer to keep mum about it but is more in agreement with Dr Asri, the outgoing Mufti of Perlis. Palalah, however, went against the Fatwa, and the decrees of the Sultan of Selangor and Sultan of Perak, where both would like all future Fatwa's referred to them beforehand; they each are, after all, the Heads of Religious matters in their respective states. But Palalah, he seem not to hear this at all. That's hardly surprising since he and his tribe did ignore the Fatwa on Jom Heboh.
And on the No1 wannabe, that Bijan guy, well, if he's relying on the 'Rahman' theory to help him ascend to the throne, I think he better put on his thinking cap. That is, off course, if he has any. Because, if I read My Malaysiaku here correct, people who believe in that theory got it all wrong. Bye bye Bijan.
By the way, Muslims are encouraged not to believe in to the 'Rahman' theory as it is akin to soothsaying.
ps. I almost forget: Check out the blog belonging to the No.1 man in Perak. Kamparin, belongs to the YAB Dato' Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, the MB.
Some many years back, Hertz US launched a campaign to catch up on its rival Avis (or was it the other way round. Can't remember which is which, pardon me). Hertz was no2 then and needed good publicity to outdo Avis who was the top car rental there. A bright idea was presented to them and not long after the campaign was launched, sales for Hertz jumped up. The slogan they used was pretty simple, but a genius nonetheless. All it said was "We are currently no2. Help us be nos1". Their simple honesty and admission reached into the hearts of millions.
Did Hertz reach no1? Don't know. The book I read did not mention it. But it certainly helped them close the gap. The gist of the above is actually related to Pak Zab's entry on 'Kebakaran', and my recommendation for him to get a fire extinguisher brand by the name of Cobra.
Having been introduced to the products (there's 3: extinguisher, repellent, suppression), I was like totally amazed by its capability and safety. And having learnt more about it, I set up an appointment with a telco whose Engineering Department was situated in Subang. There, the team - Cobra Sales Director, Technician, Sales Manager and that cakapaje (who was merely an introducer) - went about demonstrating the products to the Telco's top Engineers as well as Security Officials.
Now, the CSD being a gwailo, must have struck nerves with the Telco's officers. But he soon tackled their hearts with his antics. At one point of time, and to show the user-safety of one the extinguisher, he shook the canister open and poured it into a glass of water after having used the same canister to extinguish a small fire. He then drank the water and fell down on the floor much to the horror of the officers there. As sudden as he fell, his hand rose up and waved to everyone. He then stood up to show he was alright and that it was part of the demonstration, much to the laughter of everyone there. Compared to halon and one or two other products and gases, Cobra claim theirs is human and environmentally safe.
On another occasion, the CSD poured a small amount of Cobra's fire repellent liquid onto a short length of toilet tissue, which he later blow-dried with a hair-dryer. Once sufficiently dried, he poured a flamble liquid (Zippo's refuel liquid) and had cakapaje hold it on his palm. The gwailo lit the tissue and while the top part had flames, cakapaje did not feel the heat, nor did the fire burn through or consume the whole tissue - it died within a matter of minutes!
In a video demonstration, a small canister of extinguisher was thrown into an old car purposely set on fire. The canister exploded soon after due to the temperature. But when it did, it snuffed out the fire as well. The video also showed a demonstration in one of England's most reputable laboratory and experiment center where Cobra surpassed the stringent requirements of the Industry there. Then, an Engineer from the Telco asked the million dollar question "How soon will my generator and machines start if your gas is released in them?" To that, the CSD could not tell for certain and requested a live demonstration. The Engineers there however, were afraid to allow it, fearing their heads would be on the chopping block if their generator could not be started within 5 minutes. Some 3 years before Cobra's demo, their generator suffered a shutdown and subscribers such as cakapaje were left without service for more than 3 days. Each second their generator is down, their profit is severely affected. Thus, while the people in the US were willing to help Hertz make their campaign a success, the Telco's Engineers were not generous enough with Cobra. Last I heard, they are still struggling in their quest to be no.1 in their industry. I can't find their webpage but one can check a link at e-guide here.
Now, one amazing thing about the product is that it was discovered by an Indonesian Professor. Lacking finance, he teamed up with a Dutch and began production in earnest. But the downside is that the team broke up and now there are 2 companies manufacturing them. InsyAllah, in another entry, I'll download 2 pictures of their cannisters as well as the contact number of a friend who use to be with one of the companies.
On another matter of No1, the false king of Malaysia issued an edict of his own about yoga. Now, I know precious little about the subject matter and prefer to keep mum about it but is more in agreement with Dr Asri, the outgoing Mufti of Perlis. Palalah, however, went against the Fatwa, and the decrees of the Sultan of Selangor and Sultan of Perak, where both would like all future Fatwa's referred to them beforehand; they each are, after all, the Heads of Religious matters in their respective states. But Palalah, he seem not to hear this at all. That's hardly surprising since he and his tribe did ignore the Fatwa on Jom Heboh.
And on the No1 wannabe, that Bijan guy, well, if he's relying on the 'Rahman' theory to help him ascend to the throne, I think he better put on his thinking cap. That is, off course, if he has any. Because, if I read My Malaysiaku here correct, people who believe in that theory got it all wrong. Bye bye Bijan.
By the way, Muslims are encouraged not to believe in to the 'Rahman' theory as it is akin to soothsaying.
ps. I almost forget: Check out the blog belonging to the No.1 man in Perak. Kamparin, belongs to the YAB Dato' Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, the MB.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)