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.
As expected, the Bloggers's Meet on Nov29 was quite, shall we say, explosive? It was, like The Finals of a Championship - Makan Championship, that is. It was, after all, the final meet for the year 2008. InsyAllah, many more meets will be planned for next year. Perhaps, as Jeejah of ...in deep thots and Doc Toakasid mentioned, the Melaka Bloggers will host it next. The pictures below were taken from different cameras, but many, off course, from our bro, Mat Salo. Download speed may be affected as I try to put in as many pictures of everyone, my apologies.
The Finals. Continuing from the first Bloggers' Meet in Asam Pedas, the Knights and Knighties reassembled again, but this time at The Terrace, opposite their old castle Asam Pedas which has been torn down.
Then the Championship began. Ansara and MCOBA however, seem to patch their difference here through bangkai and Mat Salo.
A Yellow T-shirt guy reporting for duty while bangkai and Jeejah notes his particulars. Hey! Didn't this guy wore the same yellow T-shirt at the last meet? Think, that t-shirt is his only wardrobe.
A Bookie arrives. On being told of the Championship, how can a bookie not? Salah is warmly greeted by (l to r)Mat Salo, Yellow T-shit guy, Cikgu Nazir, Doc TA, kerpie, and Razlin. Wonder what the odds were.
One can take the profession away from a man, but not the man from the profession. Cikgu Nazir seen here seeking volunteers to help him with the marking of his students works. Mrs Nazir however, seem preoccupied in a conversation (left).
Champions mesti ada gaya! Haslizam seen giving Doc TA the finer tips of wearing Bally shoes.
Million Dollar Babe! "I'm gonna beat you to a pulp!", Elviza seem to be saying as she picks up a camera, perhaps mistaking it for a pair of boxing gloves. MS, her trainer echoes her sentiment while the YTG - one of the officials - looks on.
"I'm ready!" says kerpie, in response to Elviza, and getting the support of wanshana, who's telling her hubby-doctor to give kerpie a clean bill of health for the Final Match.
The match begins. Saiful (hubby Queen Raden), DocTA (kerpie's trainer) and an official watch from afar.
The spectators. (l to r) Fauziah, Queen Raden, Nuraina, and Elina, totally immersed watching the match.
A Free-for-all? A tussle nearly breaks out during the match. (l to r) kerpie and MS (partly hidden), Doc TA and son, Hafiz.
Match over. Melvin and Galadriel, as match officials, explaining the decisions made to MS. Jeejah stated a rumour that Melvin may soon head the Kelab Penyokong Sarkas, due to his in-depth knowledge.
The Champion's Pose. (l to r): Jeejah (partly hidden) and hubby, Saiful, Cikgu Nazir (match promoter, ala Don King), Doc TA, Cikgu Ali, and the Champ, kerpie.
A Sad YB. YB Khalid Samad feeling sad at the outcome of the match, while the Ipoh-mali fans try to console him. (l to r): Cikgu Ali, YB Khalid, Zainal and Azizul.
A Happier YB. In an effort to cheer him up, he was given the honour to blow the candles on Elina's birthday cake. However, someone forgot to bring the cake. (Elina did celebrate her birthday a week earlier).
The Dispute. Players and officials in disagreement about the match outcome. In the background, 2 ladies hug each other in joy. (No fair! They did not hug me).
The Appeal. Pak Idrus, presenting his case to former High Court Judge, Dato' Syed Ahmad Idid. Looking on is Pi Bani and MS.
The Evidence. Pokku, as the appointed Independent Investigator, looking at the evidence MS presented, while Dato' Syed Ahmad looks on.
The Denial. "I'm innocent!" cries Nuraina as the former Judge listens on. The court was adjourned and will resume at the next meet.
When the dust settled. A brotherhood of bloggers got together the night after at Ayam Golek Halim. (l to r) MS, Muteaudio, Doc TA, kerpie, cakapaje, and Cikgu Nazir.
To all: while the pictures are real, the accompanying text are not. Should anyone feel offended, do forgive me - the text were written in humour and nothing more.
Many people when they were mere toddlers, develop words or 'kata manja' of their own, most of the times due to necessity as they have yet to learn the correct words to describe a feeling or an object. Other times, it could have been the inability to pronounce such words. With the passing of time, and the presence of self-consciousness, many chose to discard such words either for want of self-improvement, or simply ashamed of using it. To the family and close friends however, such words will always be remembered and perhaps, even trademark the person to it.
An elderly lady passed away this morning. She was 76, the same age as my Emak. Arwah Mak Nyonya's family (her real name is Nyonya), was close to Emak's family, having helped raised 3 of Emak's sisters at a time when my arwah grandmother developed phobia of raising kids, due to her losing 3 children (and later 4). Thus, while my aunts' children are close to the arwah's family, I was not. In fact, I think I have only met her twice. She was, I was told, a kind and gentle lady, always ready to go out of her way for her family members and friends. It was thus not surprising then that quite a number of people - friends and relatives - turned up for her funeral. I did not go to the burial though, as Emak have trouble walking distances or standing long periods, and we left soon as the jenazah was brought to the mosque for prayers before proceeding to the cemetary.
While there, Azman, my cousin, mentioned that we should now be more prepared for the eventual to happen. I have to admit, I am fearful of that day. Not for anything, but being alone, would I be left in a state of shock, sitting motionless and unable to do or call anyone, as did happen to a distant uncle on the news of my grandfather passing away? And later, left in the solitude of this house, how would I face the loneliness of calling her name but not hearing her reply...her voice. It scares me. I can only pray that Allah s.w.t. will give me the strength to face it.
On the way back from arwah Mak Nyonya's house, Emak tells me several stories of a distant past, at a time when she and her sibblings were of lower primary school age. Then, Mak Nyonya's sister, arwah Zainun, taught Emak and her sibblings a word which she still remember fondly to this day.
About 6plus then, arwah Zainun would sometimes complain about the portion of food she gets. Unable to find the correct word to use, she would refer to the small portion as 'Toon-Tit'.
It is from Allah s.w.t. that we come from, and it is to Him we shall return.
The venue for the scheduled Blogger's Meet this November 29, 2008, has been changed. Bro Mat Salo who spoke to the Manager of Asam Pedas, was offered an alternative in view of the higher number of bloggers expected to come. The new venue 'The Terrace', is a sister outlet of Asam Pedas, and is located at the entrance of Royal Bintang Hotel facing Asam Pedas (opposite the latter).
I have also been made to understand that Teh Tarik will be free flowing, and there will be a buffet of light food, and that the management will be charging RM25 per head. For those with extra, kindly contribute more to the bowl.
Venue: The Terrace(Opposite Asam Pedas), The Curve, Damansara. Time: Lunchtime onwards. Date: November 2008.
As a reminder to all, please note, all bloggers are welcome to join, irrespective of political leanings. This, is not be a political forum, but a Get-To-Know-You thingy. See you guys there! IsyAllah.
This is a joke I received via email from a friend and I'm quite sure many have read it. And when you reflect it on real life situation here, one involving a young fool, you might just applaud the ending. No bulls, just cocks.
STUD ROOSTER A farmer went out one day and bought a brand new stud rooster for his chicken coop. The new rooster struts over to the old rooster and says, 'OK old fart, time for you to retire.' The old rooster replies, 'Come on, surely you cannot handle ALL of these chickens. Look what it has done to me Can't you just let me have the two old hens over in the corner?' The young rooster says, 'Beat it: You are washed up and I am taking over.' The old rooster says, 'I tell you what, young stud. I will race you around the farmhouse. Whoever wins gets the exclusive domain over the entire chicken coop.' The young rooster laughs. 'You know you don't stand a chance, old man So, just to be fair, I will give you a head start.' The old rooster takes off running. About 15 seconds later the young rooster takes off running after him. They round the front porch of the farmhouse and the young rooster has closed the gap. He is only about 5 feet behind the old rooster and gaining fast. The farmer, meanwhile, is sitting in his usual spot on the front porch when he sees the roosters running by. The Old Rooster is squalking and running as hard as he can. The Farmer grabs his shotgun and - BOOM - he blows the young rooster to bits. The farmer sadly shakes his head and says, 'Dammit.....third gay rooster I bought this month.'
Moral of this story? ....
Don't mess with theOLD FARTS / COCKS :
age, skill, wisdom, and a little treachery
always overcome youth and arrogance!
And when you reflect it on real life situation here, one involving a young fool, you might just applaud the ending.
Nov29 Update: 1. Al Husseyn (Check my must reads. Very keen to come). 2. Tok Mummy (Via Elviza) 3. Puan Nurina (via Elviza) 4. MRT Gang (also via Elviza) 5. LanH (Interested) 6. Sofian (aka Danny Devito, my evil twin brother). 7. Rerama Salju and hubby 8. Alin, with hubby Zunar and friend.
For full list to date, see here and here. At the same time, Dato' Kadir Jasin seem also interested to join but unable to confirm as yet. Also, I have received a request for a map to The Curve. Now, I'm not good at drawing on the PC thus, I've screen captured Google Map for it and as below.
Map1
Map2
Map1. From KL, take the Jalan Duta toll into NKVE and head towards Kelang. Take the Damansara Utama exit and make your way towards Kepong. Just after One Utama Shopping Complex at Bandar Utama, turn left into Persiaran Surian towards Mutiara Damansara / Kota Damansara. Soon as you are on Persiaran Surian, The Curve is on your right. Look for Royal Bintang Hotel. The meet, insyAllah, will be at the Restoran Asam Pedas, directly behind the hotel. Though Map2 gives a more detail picture, it does not include The Curve nor the Hotel.
ps. For 1st person witness on the Perak MB's incident involving a photographer, please read here. Also, for a free copy of Qiadah, the Perbadanan Menteri Besar Kelantan Corporate Magazine, please read here.
OK, it seem more or less confirmed now that the bloggers of The Knights of Asam Pedas will be meeting again this November 29, lunchtime onwards. This piece of news which Mr Barns (see previous post) is afraid of, has been published by DocTA (read here). This meet is not an exclusive thing, anyone bloggers may join. For those who missed the first meet, kindly read here. The list of attending bloggers currently are (from DocTA):
1- Mat Salo 2-Shah Cakap Aje 3-Kerp 4-Dato' Jaflam 5-Pak Idrus 6-Fauziah Ismail 7-Tokasid 8-Muteaudio 9-Unker Zorro(according to Kerp) 10-YB Khalid Samad 11-Jeejah Mantra 12-Edeilweiss 13-Sheih Kickdafella( according to Shah Cakap aje)* 14-Elviza 15-Capt Yusof (Ancient Mariner) 16-Cikgu Nazir of Kata Tak Nak
*** 17-Amin Black* 18-Hazrin (A film producer friend)*
*Strong chances of attendance. Sheikh, however, will be in KL the week before the 29th for some official business. It should be noted that YB Dato' Hussam Musa was very interested to come, but the date clashes with his commitment in Kepala Batas. Hopefully though, Sheikh may use his good office.
At the same time, I will try to get RPK, Harris of People's Parliament, and a few others to come. On the last meet, RPK could not attend at the last minute due to his workload. InsyAllah, he might just this time.
Now, please note that this is a social meet for everyone to know each other in person, and not a forum! Its a good PR (that's Public Relations, not Pakatan Rakyat, mind you), for everyone, especially those in the business. I should also mention that food and drinks are not free; either one pay for one's own, or put it in the bowl (Mat Salo) to share (we do hope several individuals would put in more).
Venue and Time:
Venue: The Curve Date: 29th November 2008. Time: At the last meet, it was lunchtime onwards. For this date though, the time will be decided later by Mat Salo.
Hope to see everyone there!
ps. A prominent figure might just turn up for the day - I sent him a text several days back, but he has yet to reply. Honestly, I do not expect him to, just as he did not when I sent him the text regarding the death of my uncle earlier this year. But he surprised everyone when he did come all the way from KL, where he was then. Still, no promises.
Many a bestseller, whether novels or films, have their characters - main, and even the supporting roles - based on true people and events. Sometimes the idea to write or produce were inspired by these people, sometimes not. Well, at least not entirely as the story would more often than not, depict the persons or events with a slight exaggeration...or more. This entry, is based on true observation. Unlike a well written novel or production where the antagonist role is defined as good or evil, or evil turned good, or vice-versa, his nature here is left entirely to the readers to decide.
I do not know where or how to begin. But I am getting old and have been afflicted with one ailment after another, that some say my death is near already; I find that last bit, too gruesome to accept. Unlike the 1,000year Reich which ended within 2 or 3 scores of its promised life, I intend to live throughout and more, the prophecy of the 6th generation which was my destiny. At this juncture, I should warn you that I am not a single man or two. I, am an entity.
What I am, who I really am, I cannot tell you. It is not because I do not want to, but I am just unable to. My entire life has been one confusing state of affair. Perhaps, were we a building, I would be one of the smaller rooms - important to some, loathsome to many others; the latter could never be more right for within the wall of my room, 2 worlds collide. That said, it would then be better to look back from the beginning.
It may seem hard to believe that I was sparkling clean early in my days with not a spot to be found. No germs, no bacteria, of whatsoever. The people who came to me, found me to be a joy to be with. Soon, word spread and more and more people came. Perhaps that was when things change. I can't find the correct words to use, but if any, an old Malay proverb may suit the meaning here: "Kerana nila setitik, rosak susu sebelanga".
Due to my ever increasing schedule, a thought crossed the mind of a few and before long, my visitors were being charged a small fee. "Just a token", my keepers said. And I consented, thinking that it could lead to better things. How wrong I was.
As more and more people visit me, they wittingly or not, brought along with them dirt which may not be seen by the naked eye. And in embracing them and their needs, soon the dirt found its way to me and stick it does, like a feeding leech. Whatever 'token' taken, became insufficient and thus, was increased. But instead of making me better, I became worse. My keeper, especially the ones sitting on a 'throne', refuse to do anything positive and in fact, contribute further to my worsening condition, causing a laureate to write in the foulest manner possible. For that, he was ridiculed by my keepers. In the meantime, the condition of my being slips to a point of ridiculous where broken tiles and dirty water flood the floor. To make matter worse, crimes are now being committed without conscience. Still, visitors come to me. Not as many as before as a high number have decided enough is enough. The evil thoughts that now reside within me, laugh at those ingrates; do they know not, that I am by far the most important thing in this house?
Yes, it does seem the laureate was correct in his words. But what care do I have for them? My loyal visitors, throng to me in numbers not known before. Drunks and misfits they may be, but I love them to bits. Without them, my life would be empty. However, a worrying presence is beginning to manifest itself.
For the past several years, brickbats have been hurled towards me by some writers, causing a considerable damage to my reputation. Initially, I had thought them to be silly and undignified people with nothing better to do but write unfounded allegations against me. But now, I take a slightly different view: they are, admittedly, people with conscience and noble intention. Come this 29th November, I have been informed of another secret meeting that may probably take place at their Castle of the Kinghts of Asam Pedas (read here).
I would be lying to say that I do not fear them. Working alone, many of them has managed to cleanse the minds of the people. Together, they can easily bring me to my knees. What more, I hear this time, apart from my nemeses DocTA Strangeglove, Goldfinger Madsalo, Ironside kerpie, and Aristotle Jaflam organising the meet, a Cikgu No from Penang will be attending it too. The meet this time, I was told, would be to discuss the people's 'Quantum of Sorrow'. This, could well be my death knell.
My name, by the way, is Barn. Jarm Barn.
Though the video seem to have been purposely blurred many have heard it, do listen to the music and lyrics of the theme to my life.
Just before Raya, Cikgu Nazir made an entry about his high school friends, and how several have passed away while another cannot be traced. I found the entry touching as I think many of us can relate to the story. In wanting to assist Cikgu trace the friend, I made an entry of my own and hoped it would be passed along the line of bloggers - friends and strangers alike. But both - Cikgu and my entry - were made at a time when most people were busy with Raya or could not go online.
Though I have very few readers compared to Cikgu or other bloggers, I hope this entry would be able to assist Cikgu in his search of his friend as in the text below. I know I ought to edit it, but I'm just not the kind of person to do so.
To all my blogging friends and visitors, could you kindly copy and paste the below, or even write in your own words to help Cikgu in his search of a long lost friend? It would not cost you anything at all, just a few minutes of your time. But your kind effort may assist to rekindle a frienship. Just think of it as another episode in 'Jejak Kasih'. Thanking you, in advance.
Some people say that friendship is like a commodity which can be bought or sold. Perhaps to them it is as their friendship too can be bought and sold. But true friendship is one that is lasting. It need not be present all the time, but when it is, it warms the heart beyond imaginable words. It can be borne out of a lifetime of knowing another, or a short particular period where the spirit of comradeship takes place. In rare occasions, it can be bonded within the wink of an eye. In whichever circumstance, true friends will remain as such and cherish their moments together, sometimes passing down the relationship built to their children. This, is especially true in friendships of old.
This entry, is dedicated to Cikgu Nazir and his friends, and their quest in searching for another - a bunch of young boys (then), who called themselves JACHFRINS during their schooldays in Bukit Mertajam. The picture below, was one taken during their final days in school and the story can be read here. Of the boys in the picture, Cikgu and his friends are searhing for Radzi, who ironically is not in the picture. Perhaps, Radzi was the photographer. Still, if any visitors recognise anyone in the picture and do know of Radzi, kindly contact Cikgu at cikgunazir@gmail.com . May Allah s.w.t. reward you for your kind assistance.
Some people say that friendship is like a commodity which can be bought or sold. Perhaps to them it is as their friendship too can be bought and sold. But true friendship is one that is lasting. It need not be present all the time, but when it is, it warms the heart beyond imaginable words. It can be borne out of a lifetime of knowing another, or a short particular period where the spirit of comradeship takes place. In rare occasions, it can be bonded within the wink of an eye. In whichever circumstance, true friends will remain as such and cherish their moments together, sometimes passing down the relationship built to their children. This, is especially true in friendships of old.
This entry, is dedicated to Cikgu Nazir and his friends, and their quest in searching for another - a bunch of young boys (then), who called themselves JACHFRINS during their schooldays in Bukit Mertajam. The picture below, was one taken during their final days in school and the story can be read here. Of the boys in the picture, Cikgu and his friends are searhing for Radzi, who ironically is not in the picture. Perhaps, Radzi was the photographer. Still, if any visitors recognise anyone in the picture and do know of Radzi, kindly contact Cikgu at cikgunazir@gmail.com . May Allah s.w.t. reward you for your kind assistance.
As I write, I am also listening to ydiana's recording of 'Could It Be Magic?'.
Back a week or two, I had made the request for her to play this song. Ydiana graciously accepted the challenge, and in the short time between then and now, I must say she played remarkably well for someone who has just picked up playing the piano. Bravo! And if someone ask me how well do I play to comment on someone else, the answer would be 'I don't play well!'
Forced to picked it up at 13, I never progress beyond beginners level. Years later, repeated attempt to get professional teachers only saw me being chased out as they thought I was just fooling around with them. So no, I don't play well. But my playing style would definitely be different from the way ydiana played. For this song, I would definitely play it loud at the chorus. Still, playing styles always differ from one song to another, most especially the mood one is in.
Coincidentally, I see ydiana's performance being related to Dato' Jefflam's entry about Unesco declaring Melaka and Penang as World Heritage Site. My view is simple; heritage is related to tradition, and tradition is related to music, where music has a universal appeal no matter the style or beat. Off course, one person's preference may be another's poison. Now, that brings us to a topic which I have just read.
Clearing the stack of old newspapers and magazines in my room, I came across a 2005 issue of WWF's magazine, Green Heart. The topic which interest me most was on Malaysia's own Tarantulas, as well as turtle nesting season. For the former, insyAllah, I will write about it some other time; its the turtles that I wish to share.
Reading the very short article, I was surprised that there are still turtles coming to Terengganu to nest. I mentioned surprised, as I had thought Giant Leatherback Turtles are already extinct, or at least on Malaysia's shores.
Apart from having been a tourist attractions in the past years, the very activity which pulled in the tourist drove the turtles away as they are normally timid creatures from the deep. Part of the reason why they come ashore to lay their eggs at night, is to ensure safety of their nest. But with tourist clambering all over just to gawk at them, they lose their privacy and begin nesting elsewhere in the pacific. Apart from the tourist distraction, their eggs are also poached by people wanting to make quick money; turtle eggs after all, are considered a delicacy by some. It was a good thing then that the Fishery Department managed to reduce the egg-poaching activity and began moving newly laid eggs to protected sites. Whether it was timely or not to save the turtles, only Allah s.w.t. knows. Now, I was not a witness to this, but was told of the tireless effort by our marine officers in looking after this natural heritage we have.
As soon as the eggs in the protected sites hatch, the officers would scoop them by the pail-load, and take them far out into the sea where they are released by hand, several at a time. But many of the baby turtles - attracted to the electric lights on the mainland - swims back to the shore. There, before predators swoops in, other waiting officers pick them up, and the process is repeated again. This, goes on for 3 nights until the last of the baby turtles are nowhere to be found on the beach.
Anyway, I'm not about to write a thesis about turtles now. Just that, next when someone offer you to eat turtle eggs, perhaps it would be better to think of our of the efforts of our marine officers. For those interested to know more, this site here, might assist.
So, what has these all got to do with the title of this entry, one might ask. Well, nothing direct actually. The title was just a headline proposed to a client some many years ago. When another was chosen, I used it as my own tagline. Got the idea from the Wolverine character in Marvel's Uncanny X-Men comic books. Basically, the meaning is straight forward. Like nature for example, you cannot expect it to change to our wants and desire; rather, it is we who should blend into them. Hey, nature don't need humans! But we certainly do need them.
ps. Now that I had another look at the picture, I think it is a Hawksbill and not Giant Leatherback.
What do one say to another, who have laboured 5 years to achieve a measure of success in life? Words, are too cheap and incapable of expressing the desired message across. And for the intended recipients, many such words would fall unheard; lost in euphoria and floating on cloud nine, they have no need for words to utter or hear, for the joys illuminated on their faces and the faces of those who greet them, are loud enough.
Waiting in queue to reach the stage with their gowns half floating, their walk across the hall feels more like a glide. Though the moment may be only a few seconds short in reality, to many, it feels like time has stopped still, and the moment cherished for life. This, is their moment of glory.
To several young blogging friends, I can only convey my heartiest congratulations to you via this entry. Sadly, many of you would be too busy now to be browsing the net, what else reading this.
Fatin, Hatta (PN, next year I think), Minci, Yani; I believe all of you will be walking up that stage wearing your gowns and mortarboard to receive your scrolls. SubhanAllah! May Allah s.w.t. bless you and guide you to bigger success in this life, and hereafter. Keep your mind focus on the job that you have dreamed of, and turn it into a vocation if you can. Give your contribution to the society gladly, and do not ever feel it as a pinch. InsyAllah, Alllah s.w.t. will reward you greatly for it.
As I mentioned, words are insufficient. As such, do enjoy the song, old as it may be.
I had planned to write this earlier but somehow forgotten about it till today. So, I thought perhaps its wiser for me to do it now before I forget again. After all, I did miss the previous occasion recently, and will not be able to log in for this particular day until late at night.
During one of my working trips to Jakarta, the local business manager had offered to assist me around. As we were newly acquainted, we tried to find a common ground. And what other things could be more in common for the people of this world but food. As we were talking I asked about some of the colourful looking stalls we passed by, particularly what food they serve. The guy, Budi by the name, did not look enthused at all to my questions. Perhaps, I thought, he felt I might not like them. I soon drop the matter but after thinking out loud that some of the food at the stalls might be very tasty. The statement was not totally sincere, but I just wanted to make him feel easier.
That evening, around 7, he called my room and asked me to dress up for a meal outside. Trying to be a gracious guest, I accepted the invitation. Now, when I stepped out of my room, I had no idea at all where the destination would be, but guessed it would be one of those fastfood outlets. But to my astonishment, he drove into a small road, and parked right beside a food stall. At that moment, I remembered my earlier statement in the day, and my mind went like "oh, oh! Me and my big mouth!"
But since the host was being gracious to satisfy my curiousity, the guest should never say no. Thus, there I was enjoying the food ordered by Budi. Apart from being afraid of the drinking water served (hot lemon!), the food was actually good, and the stall is just like any stall one would find in Malaysia. After we've had the food, Budi drove me around for a while before dropping me off for the night. Before he drove off, he said he'll be coming at 9am the next morning to fetch me.
Next morning, I was ready and waiting for Budi at the predetermined time. Waiting...and waiting. At 9.25 or so, he gave me a call on the telephone to apologise for not being able to make it - he was suffering from diarrhea! Huh? I thought I was the foreigner! I later took a cab to his office - his officemates and I were had a good laugh on Budi, and a joke I cracked from a statement by Gusdur, the President then.
In a statement that was widely circulated in Malaysia then, the Indonesian President said "Ya, saya mahu menjadi kawan kepada semua bapak bapak di Malaysia", or something close to that. My mind being my mind, suddenly shot back "Wah! Kalau begitu kata Pak Gusdur, saya kena berangkat pulang sekarang juga!" "Menapa Pak?" asked one of the guys there. "Ya...Pak Gusdur mahu berkawan dengan semua bapak bapak di Malaysia, tapi dengan saya tidak boleh!" "Apa, bapak tidak suka sama Pak Gusdur?" asked one guy in a face that was showing his seriousness. "Bukan...saya belum bernikah, lalu belum jadi bapak lagi!". My instantaneous reply was received by a roar of laughter, breaking the almost serious mood I had set in myself....much to my relief, off course.
Now, at this present moment, I sit here in front of my PC, writing this to wish all my friends out there, alphabetic wise: Accia's husband Pak Azlan, Cikgu, Dato' Jeff, Doc TA, Pak Kassim, Pak Idrus, Pak MB, Pak Mat Salo, Pak Mior, Pak Shah, Pak Zabs, Pak Zawi, Pak Nora, Pak shirzad, Ustaz Maszlee and many more...do enjoy the song. And off course, several anons who dropped by with a comment or 2.
Happy Father's Day to all of you, and to all fathers in the world! And to you too, bro Zul, if you are reading this and that you are a family man.
Muha, in his latest entry, mentioned a small tremor at his home in Kajang, sometime late last night. He is not sure whether it caused by soil movement or some structural fault, but it seem the entire residents of the block felt it too and rushed out of their building. Alhamdulillah, though the fault has not been identified, no untoward incident occurred. In light of this, I would like to share with my friends, several tips which I received via email more than 3 years ago.
Before I put the link and the article, I would like to advise caution - I do not know, nor can I verify the website owner. Still, the tips are good and may be a lifesaver. Undoubtedly, living in a country that has had very minimal natural disaster, one may argue some of the points stated. But do remember, our authorities and we ourselves, have almost no experience on such matters, relying on our so called logic and nothing more. Whatever the case, it is up to the individual whether to heed or not.
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation (UNX051 -UNIENET) for two years. I have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under their desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary and I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn't at the time know that the children were told to hide under something.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them. This space is what I call the "triangle of life". The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the "triangles" you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building. They are everywhere. I trained the Fire Department of Trujillo (population 750,000) in how to survive, take care of their families, and to rescue others in earthquakes.
The chief of rescue in the Trujillo Fire Department is a professor at Trujillo University. He accompanied me everywhere. He gave personal testimony: "My name is Roberto Rosales. I am Chief of Rescue in Trujillo. When I was 11 years old, I was trapped inside of a collapsed building. My entrapment occurred during the earthquake of 1972 that killed 70,000 people. I survived in the "triangle of life" that existed next to my brother's motorcycle. My friends who got under the bed and under desks were crushed to death [he gives more details, names, addresses etc.]...I am the living example of the "triangle of life". My dead friends are the example of "duck and cover".
TIPS DOUG COPP PROVIDES:
1) Everyone who simply "ducks and covers" WHEN BUILDINGS COLLAPSE is crushed to death -- Every time, without exception. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are always crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies all naturally often curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. The reason is simple: the wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room, telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
6) Everybody who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different "moment of frequency" (they swing separately from the main part of the building).The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads. They are horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn'tt collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by screaming, fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked;
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles, says the author. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.
10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Marinie, or Water Lilly, my friend and also an adik angkat, went ranting today about the unfairness of fellow human beings, or rather their insensitiveness to the wellbeing of WL and her friends. Reading her post, I sense anguish and frustration boiling and I feel for her. Maybe, to many of us, life has been easy. And by many standards, it has.
I am not a good writer. But if you would bear with me, let me try to give you a glimpse of a day in the life of those who not as lucky as many of us are. And what I will be attempting, it may not even suffice to raise the consciousness nor the hardship WL may face each passing day.
Waking up early morning to catch the bus to school, I walk the dark streets to the bus stop. The school bus had come by earlier than normal, and I had to give it a miss. Its either that, or missing Subuh.
I have to walk fast or miss the 6.15am bus to KL. But he road is uneven and barely 200 meters walking, my left leg began to feel pain along the calf, so I slow down my steps and begin to hobble. No matter how I try to hide it, some people began taking notice of the awkward steps I am making. Due to the extra energy I have to use, I begin to sweat. By the time I reach the bus stop, my forehead and hair is wet. A smart looking guy at the bus stop could not help himself with his words "Hai...main hujan ke?", when the nights has been dry for many days now. I look at him and just smile in return.
The bus stop is full of people, and I can only lean on the stand, lifting my left leg a tad above ground to rest it, and putting all the pressure on my right. My face must have shown a grimace of pain or two, as another guy keep turning and looking at me. I begin to feel awkward, like I am the butt of a sick joke, and the feeling of awkwardness shifts to embarrassment and soon, humiliation. Luck was with me as the bus arrive and all of us clamber aboard. Yes, clamber. For this is still a trait in this self declared (by that toyol) Developed State of Islam Hadhari nation, passengers jostle with each other boarding a public transport - a scene quite like any 3rd World Country.
Afraid of having my foot stepped on as it already has a pain of its own, I wait. Soon as the last few is in, I climb aboard. Expectedly by then, all the seats have already been taken. With my bag slung across my shoulder, I clutch the rubbery handhold dangling from a metal bar. I then notice the man who was looking at me at the bus stop, is sitting right in front. I ignore him as he is similar to the pain on my left leg that refuse to go away.
The pain in both legs now begins to throb even more as my body sways with the bus movements as it negotiates corners, bends, and even when it stops to pick up more passengers. With more people, the bus becomes crowded and I stand almost rigid, adding yet more pressures to the left leg. For 40 minutes, I endure the ride to KL.
In KL, I begin the treacherous walk to the school. On mornings such as this, I am faced with a dilemma: either use the road which has a long steep staircase, or use the further route where the gradient of the hill is kinder to my legs but not the distance. Several times in the future of this past, I decide not to use any.
I am now in my classroom with my shirt soaking wet. A mindless schoolmate pass a remark similar to those at the bus stop earlier. Again I choose to ignore. And slowly as the hours pass by, the pain subsides and I can now move around, but as normal as any cripple would. For some reasons, some other mindless students would let out a jeer or two. Later in future life, the jeers would be like 'cendana', quite like Allahyarham Nordin Ahmad's character in the Patung Cendana movie some very many years ago. Sometimes, the pain of these name-calling can be worse than the physical pains of my left leg.
At 1.10pm, the school bell begins to ring, and many of the lower form students begin walking out; their school day has ended while for several others and I, it is time to rest. At 2.30, each of us who have not walked out, will begin our extra curriculum activity.
Even as a toddler, I was fascinated with the Army. Back in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, the road in front of our house was regularly used by soldiers from a nearby camp en route to their foot patrols at a secondary jungle a short distance away. Perhaps, the sight of those soldiers later enticed me to join the School's Army Cadet Corp, thinking my leg condition is as normal just as anyone.
For 3 years, another friend and I had to endure the taunts and shouts of especially a certain senior who was a Sergeant in the Cadet Corp. And because the 2 of us could not execute the 'pacak' drill without the military boots, we became the target of more verbal abuse by the Sergeant and several NCOs. But time pass by too fast, and before we knew it, both of us became 5th year seniors and outlasting many other 'fit' cadets.
Still, the adult life was not kind enough for both of us.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I write this for my friend and 'lift' sister (adik angkat), WL. The pain she and many other people similar to her has to endure in their daily lives may not be visible nor felt by other people. They ask not for pity, but the simple courtesy and kind thoughts one would bestow upon another. Are we, the physically able, mentally handicapped not able to do so? (This is meant for those inconsiderate people mentioned in WL's entry.)
WL, Muha, kerpie, and even Pak Kassim, forgive me if I am unable to portray the true situation each of you face daily.
Saw this video this morning and a friend's blog and well, thought I'd just blog about it. Well, not about the video itself but matters relating to it. Especially how far I am behind times in the progress of music.
A few years back, a friend from Singapore came over to KL. The lady by the name of Lisa, had so much wanted to meet several of her friends here and had taken leave from work especially for the purpose. So on that day she came over, I fetched her from KL Sentral and drove to Hotel Istana where another friend awaits, as he - Radzi, by the name - was attending a conventon there.
After parking the car besides the Kompleks Kewangan building, we walked the short distance to Hotel Istana. Then, out of the blue, she mentioned "Ah, Peter Pan is coming to KL! I love Peter Pan". Hmm...but the thing that went to my mind was "Peter Pan? OK, now they turned it into a musical already!" And we continued to meet Radzi and then adjourned to the mamak shop behind the hotel.
At the mamak shop, Lisa then mentioned the name again but this time to Radzi. And the guy, said he even gotten the tickets already! Deep in my mind I thought "Hullo! I didn't know these 2 are so cultured to be wanting to watch a musical of Peter Pan!"
Look, I grew up knowing Peter Pan as the classical never-wanting-to-grow-up kid of the Neverland. Once you've read the book and seen the movie, do you really need to see the musical? Though its a fairy tale, I like the story and can relate it to Islam as in the hereafter - insyAllah when I make it to Heaven - we will all be at our prime age and not growing old at all. Skewed or not, that's the way I see it. But a musical?
Well, turned out to be I was totally embarrassed that day when I found out that the 2 friends were referring to the Indonesian band. Hmm....malu! But, neber mind, too can come up with the same. If Peter Pan is a band now, my Hook was one way before.
As usual, I was on my late round visiting the blogs of my friends, when I came across snowflake and ydiana having the same theme for their entry tonight; both had videos of songs on piano. Being a music fan myself, I could not help butting in. And since they put up their choice of song, I too would like to follow suit.
It was originally written for piano but was made famous on guitar as the theme song for "The Deer Hunter", and then re-released on piano, this has to be my all time favourite tune, along with "Bridge Over Trouble Waters", by Simon And Garfunkel.
Of all the Civil Wars of nations in the world, the English Civil War is perhaps the least known, but the most relevant to us now, said a blogger to me while we were waiting for RPK's court case in Jalan Raja Duta, this morning. I argued otherwise for though I like Cromwell, Malaysia is still a democratic country. Or at the very least, even in name.
The argument led to nowhere for the guy is not even a Malaysian. We however, agreed to disagree and went our separate ways within the crowded reception hall of the Magistrate Court.
Not much for me to say as by now, almost all the news websites and relevant bloggers have written about the tragedy of RPK opting to go to jail rather than pay the bail. No matter which way you look at it, the whole thing was, is, and will always be looked as the day the circus came to town - some people felt happy about RPK's decision, some sad, yet some look up highly on his brave decision. I, stand in the middle - sad and angry.
Camera shy Shar (r) and a blogger I can't recognise (l) - courtesy of Amin Iskandar.
Still, it was good seeing that many bloggers and Pakatan Rakyat leaders there to give RPK moral support. And Wak and I even managed to get Amin Iskandar @ Black for a short say on the camera. Just don't know whether webtv8 will put it up soon or light years from now.
By the way, the charge on RPK is sedition; does anyone really know what tantamount to it. or even what the word really means? I, for one, certainly do not have a clue, even after looking at Sam Harris video below. And if I am not mistaken, neither does the lawyer in Harris.
But looking at the video, does make my mind wonder about my blogger friend's argument earlier. No. We really do not need a Cromwell, do we?
Knights of the Asam Pedas, is a true pictorial account of the event that took place on the Saturday afternoon of March 5, 2008. Somehow, Hollywood producers were informed of the event and turned it into some blockbuster movies.
Before the meet: the knights discussing on issues relating to protocol.
Pak Idrus, one of the 2 senior knights, seen discussing with a Yellow T-shirt guy, Private kerpie, and Saiful.
The Yellow T-shirt guy relaying the orders to akak, Doc TA, Anon Miri, and Salah.
Security Kinght Jefflam, arrives and introduces himself all around.
Just prior to the meet beginning, Jefflam and Pok Ku doing their security check. Jefflam seen here frisking Pak Idrus, while Pok Ku leaves no table unturned searching for explosives.
The Queen (Raden) seen here inspecting her Guard-of-Honour, comprising of Private kerpie, Minister of Health (DocTA), and Minister of Information (muteaudio).
Private kerpie trying to hog Elizabeth Wong to himself as he did with TDM.
Edelweiss, Elviza and the Queen (Raden), in a show of protest at Private kerpie's conduct above.
Salah and Anon trying to figure out how to drag Eli Wong away for themselves.
The actual Round Table Meet. Marina and Elizabeth squaring it out with Speaker(Matsalo) checking the regulations, while Anon of Miri and his wife looks on at the antics of the other knights.
The Backbenchers Club!L-R: Accia, Yati, Elviza, Jacqueline Tegjeu, Raden, Marina. (Hmm...if the men are knights, should not the ladies then be knighties?)
The Knights and a knightie looking in awe at the knighties. Muteaudio informing RTM, Private kerpie in serious gaze, guy in Yellow T-Shirt trying to close his eyes, and a knightie that should be on the opposite side but isn't. (Taken from Jefflam's blog).
Where it all began. Saving Private...was actually taken from this real life picture where the brothers successfully managed to restrain Private kerpie from going for the Backbenchers!
Broken-hearted, Private kerpie seen here drowning his sorrows with a can of coke!
After Private kerpie turn of events, the Yellow T-shirt guy is seen seeking help for his trauma from a professional. (Azlan, Accia's husband is a professional violinist).
The Yellow T-shirt guy (again!) seen seeking 2nd opinion from Doc TA and Anon of Miri.
Anon of Miri (not in picture) released the laughing gas to ease the Yellow T-shirt guy's trauma. Unfortunately, Doc TA was caught in the line of fire!
Doc TA still recovering from the laughing gas, which seem to affect Elvia and Accia too!
In truth, though the pictures of the event are real, the accompanying text are not.
Last night, Matsalo gave DocTA and I softcopy of the pictures which are too many to put in any one blog. Thus I have arranged several here in a light manner and sincerely hope it does not offend anyone. If otherwise, please forgive me.
Yvonne Ridley and cakapaje.
