martz

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

2010-04-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

The title of this post takes its cue from the well-known Bob Dylan song, a song which I remember singing as a hymn in church as a kid. Well, using it to described my perception of the passage of time i.e the passing of day to day.

It does feel as though time is speeding up..that the days are shorter. Darn...its going to be May in a couple of days. Where did time go? Or is this how 'time' feels like when one gradually gets older. I suppose its comes with age...like the grains of sand in an hour glass...it seems to trickle at the beginning and speeds up just just before the last grain of sands empties the top half of the hour glass. I guess...its the fear of mortality combined with the fact of aging as the plausible answer for the perception of time speeding up as one gets older. Its like seeing time slipping by. Sigh.

Well, I have been keeping a closer eye on the recent global happenings, both on natural occurrences and on geo-political developments. Besides the frequent earthquakes around the world (Taiwan and Indonesia on Monday), the recent volcano eruption in Iceland is something worth keeping tabs on. That goes for the building tension between North and South Korea (following the sinking of a South Korean navy vessel) and tension in the Middle East. (Israel/Iran with regard to the latter's nuclear program). Very interesting times ahead.

At least I did managed to get some satisfactory shots with my trusted G9 recently. I thank God for the life He has given me and pray that He will keep my family and me safe.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Missed That One

2010-04-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Its been quite a week with work and what not. First there was the father and son-in-law from Merlimau whose wife and daughter (high risk categories) died days apart due to health complications after contracting the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

On the brighter side of things, managed to capture both a dawn rainbow and a glorious sunrise on the same day, same locations and minutes apart...cool. And there was the deep orange sunset prior to the 7.8 earthquake that hit Sumatra today at about 6.21am. Dang...missed that one...although Karen related it to me the minute I woke up, only moments after she experienced the building swaying slightly for several abrupt moments.

So much I can say for that..the global signs of climate and Earth changes are present and it is only a matter of time...before the shit hits the fan. God have mercy and I pray for His protection and Grace.

p/s finally got a decent hand phone Nokia e63, more apt for business use and work. Love it and trying to get it upgraded to be able to receive GPS capabilities.

To None I Wish Ill And To All I Wish Peace And Love

Holy Week

2010-03-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year again where Catholic faithful all over the world begin the Holy Week observance after some 40 days of 'fasting and sacrifices'...well...most Catholics....except me. I guess I am a sinner and just hope that Christ will have mercy on when He comes. Never claimed to be an angel nor the devil in disguise...just a regular trying to get by short wonderful yet chaotic life.

Ah..'faith'...now that's something. It can never be fixed, measured, counted or quantified...but only felt...akin to the emotions evoked by our senses. That is what faith means to me. To know that everything that happens in my life...happens for a reason...good or bad in my human perspective...knowing that God, in His divine love and knowing...is merely exacting His Will.

I thank God for life and for my family and the love that God sown in my life. I pray that He will continue to keep me and my family save in His loving arms. I make this pray through His Son Christ Jesus my Lord in union with the giver of Life...the Holy Spirit. Amen.

To None I Seek Ill But To All I Seek Peace And Love

Sharing Some Thoughts And Love Of Music

2010-03-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Its been quite a long week of work despite being on 'official' leave. (trying to clear off back log of leave as requested by HQ but...alas...news doesn't stop ya). Some poor 18-year-old bloke got bumped off by his 'friends' over a girl. Now that is sad and tragic. Poor chap came from a broken home, raised by his grandparents, dropped out of school and eventually got mixed up with the wrong crowd. God have mercy on his soul.

The weather has cool a bit following several days of intermittent rain following almost a month of hot dry spell. (That has put a damper on my plans t take Kyra for a swim). Promise to take her out on Monday as I am off till Tuesday.

So its Sunday night and I am going to take a break to listen to some music and pick up a few guitar tips on the Tube. God Bless.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Keep It Simple

2010-03-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

Yup...like the title says...I would love to just keep it simple. Life...as it is...is full up and downs, rights and wrongs and do's and don't's.....and never simple to most. Really...if you think about it...life is simple if we allow it to be so.

Pray that my faith in God, in life and love....remains uncluttered, clear, true and simple. That is all I ask.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Here Comes The Sun

2010-03-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

How amusing is the folly of men. In these days of confusion, climate change and natural disasters...there are still lots out there who bicker and fight over the most trivial of things. Life is already short...and I sense that it will get even shorter soon than most think.

There are signs that we, as a race, are headed towards the abyss of our own doing. Greed of a few had caused the collapse of economies on a global scale last year. Peace have eluded wars that trace their roots to the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Then, there is the rising tension among several nations over unresolved issues.

The weather has also been freaky both on Earth and the Sun. In late December and early January, temperatures drop by almost three-degrees to a cool 26 Celsius before the blazing heat caused the mercury to hit record highs of almost 38 Celsius in February. There were also extreme blizzards and storms over most parts of Europe and China including recent flooding in France during this period. As for earthquakes...there were three big ones. Haiti was struck by a 7.0 earthquake on Jan 12 followed by a 7.0 near Ryukyu Island off Japan on Feb 26 with Chile hit by an 8.8 the following day.

Well, the same goes for the Sun which is is in its 24 Solar Cycle. The 24 cycle was initially predicted to put on a show of record sunspots and solar flares. However, the Sun remained blank and quiet for an extend period...a record not seen since 1935. Only in February did the Sun wake up and gradually showing signs that Cycle 24 is going to be a blast. (Cycle 24 and its sunspots and solar flares incidentally peaks on 2012).

So...there you go. As for me and my family....we got the air-condition serviced to make it a little more cooler at night. And I got my 'flint' for my 'end of days' rucksack...lol. Just pray that God will keep me and my family safe when the shit hits the ceiling fan.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

The Year Of The Tiger

2010-02-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

It was one long Chinese New Year and festive holiday. On the whole, it was a good holiday...spending time with family, playing tour guide to two of my cuz friends from England, drinking loads of wine and a wedding dinner-cum-family reunion. However, the weather has been really hot...not warm..but blazing hot.

Well, its back to the meat grinder and work....which is not too bad as it adds a sense of purpose to life. Just hope the Lunar New Year will bring good health, prosperity and peace for my family and loved ones.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Just Another Day In The Life

2010-02-08T03:42:00.000-08:00

What a week...the blazing Sun with its unrelenting and unbearable heat. The air-conditioner in our room is set at 16C but the thermostat shows 29C to 30C. The only respite was on Sunday when there a shower helped cool things down a bit. But Its still bloody hot.

Hats off to the Prime Minister who was down in Malacca on Thursday....part of his visit included a 'walkabout' covering several locations and combined distance of about 1km. Poor guy was perspiring yet kept his composure and 'cool' throughout.

Had Saturday off and worked on Sunday. Had quite a pleasant time with my Aunt and her family from Australia who are down for a couple of days. Was to take today off to do some house cleaning. Alas...news doesn't stop and some poor chap and his entire family from Telok Mas perished in a horrific accident in Senawang. So my house chore therapy was naturally interrupted by calls.

So there you go...a day in the life. Thank God.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Two Weeks To The Year of The Tiger

2010-01-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

Two weeks to go before Chinese Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Tiger. Its been quite hectic at work and with two new interns from UTAR. Well, hope that the two gals, Michelle and Alicia, will be able to learn something the next couple of months. (Good things I hope and some lessons in life).

Was in Johor Baru last weekend to cover the funeral of the Sultan of Johor. It was quite a scene with most of the nation's royal family and top leaders present. Alas, it was work and I decided to leave me G9 in the safety of a colleagues car..so missed out on some historic shots. It was tiring, considering being dressed in a black suit and songkok while covering the event, mostly under the the blazing sun. (Drive up at 7am and drove back home later that night)

This weekend was also quite full with the launch of the Chinese New Year Carnival at Jonker Street on Saturday nite before heading for A Famosa Resort for an early day of paint-ball. It was my first time at paint-ball and it was great. Our team got eliminated after two rounds of combat but I managed to avoid being shot and took out four guys in the process. Got my knees scrapped though owing to playing the game in my shorts and barefooted. (The paint-ball guns are kinda accurate at about 25m).

Well, so there you go..despite work, I am getting on with life and enjoying every bit of it.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

Coming To Terms With The Frailty Of Life

2010-01-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Like most, my day started off as usual and seemed like any ordinary day. Little did I know that it would be anything but ordinary. Once again, I was came into contact with the life of another that would set right my perspective of 'life' and drive home the meaning that life is short...that we should cherish every moment given to us.

A 21-year-old girl named Sandra Wong had her life abruptly cut short in a road accident on Thursday. This bubbly young lass was in her prime...full of life and enjoying every minute of it. She even had a blog entitled 'Joy Of Living'. Yet, fate denied her the chance of living her life to its fullest. It was heart wrenching as she enjoyed a special bond with her mother who now had to endured unspeakable pain, anguish and sorrow. At this moment, everything else pales in comparison and no words could ever comfort her bruised heart.

This brings home the meaning of 'life' and what really matters most. It also begs the question why did God allow such an awful thing to happen? Where is God when Wong's family needed Him most? What is faith when it is shaken to its core?

I can only offer a pray that God in His unfathomable ways...give comfort and solace to Sandra's family....and somehow allow them the consolation that she is now at peace and in a place filled with joy and beauty beyond our earthly comprehension. May the Light of Christ shine on Sandra Wong and may she enjoy everlasting life in His presence.

To those who are still blessed with the gift of life...please stop to smell the roses and appreciate the simple joys of life. Love as much as your heart can give.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A New Day

2010-01-11T08:47:00.001-08:00

A week has passed and waking up early for 'school' seems a little refreshing start to 2010...thanks to Kyra. She is taking her new schooling experience pretty well and thank God for that.

New start for the New Year is the order of the day and that goes for work life too. Chen Pelf Yeen, a stringer with The Star in Malacca will soon be leaving to do her Master...good for her. Just hope that she had found her stint with with us here an enriching one with memories that will last a lifetime. But as news never stops.....so life must go on....and this is where two new interns from UTAR have come into the picture. The two lasses will be with the Star for the next couple of months and I hope that I will be able to guide them well.

As for the country....I pray for peace and harmony...that God will continue to bless our nation in 2010 and beyond despite its shortcomings and frailties.

"The Lord Is my Shepard and in Him shall I trust"

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.

What To Do..what to do.

2010-01-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

What a day...of running around getting chores done and chasing stories..then only to have a row with me Karen...much to Kyra's dismay. In the fit of anger...certain hurtful things were uttered by Karen and me. So much anger...and it can be very dangerous. (as noted in earlier post which of course is being edited after things have cool down)

Sigh...I do love Karen and Kyra tremendously and dislike it when we quarrel. Anyway, must learn not to 'bark' orders at Karen...which I do. (too much like in the army).

Pray for peace and healing and that God will continue to bless us.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.

One Step At A Time

2010-01-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

It was a momentous moment for Kyra, Karen and me when Kyra began her schooling life. She started Primary One at Infant Jesus Convent or IJC, a missionary school steeped in tradition. Both my sisters went to IJC and it is still one of the best schools in the country and Malacca.

Anyway, Kyra's ear problem flared up on the 1st day of school and she had a fever...but alas...that didn't put a brake on her enthusiasm for life and new experiences. She's fine and tough as a nut. The first two days have been relatively good and Kyra seemed to have enjoyed every bit of it.

However, the early morning wake up and previous life style of late nights have had their toll. She now sleeps at 8.30pm. Well, its not her life that has changed but also ours as a family. Added responsibilities and readjustment of time....something that I too am looking forward to...a more settled phases in life.

Not expecting much and don't want to set expectations for Kyra...just encouragement and allowance to let her to develop and discover her talents at her own pace. It is after all, her first foray into the adult world....which has enough of its own expectations and pitfalls.

Just pray God will grant us peace, love and good health....and that He sends a legion of angels to look after Kyra through her schooling life. May she find joy in her quest for knowledge and God...and take one step at a time.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Rare Blue Moon For 2010

2010-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Another year. another chapter in the wheel of life. Didn't really give much thought to any New Year 2010 resolutions. I guess being a better human being would be best to sum up the positive changes needed to be made. (just got some of my mum Irene Carvalho's new year chicken pie placed before me and thought of a resolution....watch my waist line..lol)

Well, still maintain my basic notion that life is short, so live it to the best with as little regrets. The profound meaning of this simple yet true cliche was driven home just before the New Year when a horrific road accident claimed the lives of a father and three young sons, leaving behind a grieving wife and year-old son who survived. It was heart wrenching.

So there you go....my motivation for doing some of the things I have done and will continue to do. As I mentioned to Karen my wife as I was about to go for my usual hour long guitar session at the playground...'I play because I can'. By that, I mean....I relish the life that I have and that I am able to enjoy it by simply doing something that brings joy..to the heart...music. I am grateful to God and thank Him not for the riches that I have but merely that I am alive and can give Him praise.

On a lighter note....what does Liverpool FC and astronomy have in common? Answer....you only get to enjoy them in the wee hours of the morning. Screwed up my sleep pattern over the past couple of days. The first was the year end game between Liverpool and Aston Villa (a one nil win) that ended at 5am.

Then there was the rare Blue Moon plus partial lunar eclipse that took place between 3am and 4am on Ja 1 2010. A Blue Moon is a term used to described a full moon that occurs twice in a month. What was even more rare this time was that it happened on the very 1st day of the new year coupled with a partial Lunar eclipse. Darn cool...had in fact set up my G9 and packed up the equipment at about 3.30am when cloud cover obscured the moon and had rushed to set the camera up again at about 4am when the skies partially cleared. (I took the photos because I can....but not as good as I hoped they would turned out...lol)

Lol.. another happy high light was that me and Karen went for Kyra's (I love her because I can) Standard One orientation at IJC on New Year's eve and later celebrated the countdown with Jaspal and Fiona's place in Klebang. Sigh...how fast time has passed.

So there you go....a Happy New Year experience. May God bless, guide and protect my family and me. May Jesus Christ shine His Light on us and may His Spirit fill our hearts.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.

Post Xmas Cheer

2009-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

It was truly a family affair this xmas at A Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah. It was in a sense an escape from the mesh of the expected xmas crowd in the city although most parts of the resort was packed with families on their holiday break.

It was food galore at the rented bungalow and food hunting by night in nearby Tampin. (a quaint little town that is split between Malacca and Negeri Sembilan). There was also the Wii which everyone enjoyed...so much so that Pops or Andrew, my 80 year old dad has decided to get for himself...to play golf of course. Even had the good fortune of taking a shot of Orion's Belt....hanging in a cloudless Xmas nite.

And sleep was something the boys and kids skipped the three days we were there. Waterworld was also fun although it was packed like a sardine can. I must note that Kyra is one brave nut who coaxed me into going on a super toboggan ride...it was great and she had a blast. I was hanging on to the harness for my dear life each as it seemed as though we were going to fly off the toboggan.

It was one of the best family xmas and I thank God for life and the its simple joys. I pray that He keeps us safe and continue to shower us with His mercy and love.

To None I wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Merry Xmas 09

2009-12-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

The year's almost up and its Christmas eve. The family will be spending xmas in Malacca but not entertaining anyone I guess..coz will intend to hole ourselves up in A Famosa. One is to avoid the hassle of xmas crowd in the city and the other is to get some good complete rest.

Everythng seems to be holding up good for the entire family and just pray that God will continue to bless us with His love and protection.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love

Dedicated To My Friend, Mentor..My Father.

2009-12-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

Some 80 years ago, on Nov 30 1929...my father Andrew Bernard Carvalho came into this world...and I thank God for that coz I would not be here enjoying life in its abundance if not for his existence.

To mark the occasion, we threw him a birthday dinner on the Saturday of Nov 28 instead as it meant that more close relatives could attend it. It was a simple yet meaningful gathering that made me appreciate the diversity of my roots and background. There was the Eurasian and Baba-Nyonya side of the family that also included Malay, Indonesian and Indian mix amongst my relatives.

'Papa' as I knew him as a child, 'Pops' when growing up as a young man and now playfully call him by his name 'Andrew'. He is not only my father but also my friend and mentor. He thought me about God, the value of life's principles and the power of positive encouragement. As a person, he had his flaws but they are greatly outweighed by his gentleness, generosity and love. I am in debt to him most of all for the love he had and still gives.

I know that Andrew will one day pass on. When that day comes, my human side will mourn dearly the loss of a friend, mentor and father. Yet, deep inside...part of me will be glad to know that Andrew had kept the faith and ran life's race as best. I only pray that he will receive the reward of everlasting life and peace that God had promised His servant.

To the man who survived the hardships of war...the man who taught me the joy of music and instilling the spirit of adventure...to the man who taught me about love and life....I dedicate this post to that man...my father.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Of Cupcakes, Kites and Glasses

2009-11-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Its been quite while since my last post. Been rather busy with this and that, in particular getting my old faithful in shape again...as in the 13 year old Wira that I own. Its been around and has served Karen and me well over the years...including a miraculous escape from death or serious injury along the highway. So rather than trading me car for another, I decided to give it a treat by making several major changes.

Then, there was Kyra and her cousins who spend the weekend over again. Owing to the monsoon wind, we decided to go kite flying at the Malacca Kite Festival. We also ended up getting our eyes tested and glasses for Kyra and Isabelle.

Well, work is work although the political scene for MCA has been rather chaotic.

To None I Wish Ill But To Al I Wish Peace and Love.

Abraham's Prayer

2009-11-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

It was a tumultuous weekend for me both physically and emotionally. Had to work although suffering from a bad sinus attack. The rapid fluctuation of temperature from warm and hot to cool and damp triggers a nasty respond...sneezing and non-stop running nose.

This was coupled by the fact of me and Karen having a 'talk' of having another child. The topic came about as I had been seething over the past two months with the thought of f time passing us by yet we are still not attempting to have another kid. I do want to have more children...to love and share. We touch 42 next year and the 'clock' is no more merely biological but also one affecting 'age'...old fart in short.

Well, things seemed to be going downhill until about Saturday when a night out with my cuz..helped put things back to perspective. Like love...I shall leave it to nature to take its course (we tried IVF last year but no success). I shall have faith that all will be well. I shall strive to have Abraham's faith and hope to be rewarded as he.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love

Two More Steps To 2010

2009-10-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Another month come and gone...and soon its going to be November. Its been quite a full month with work, meetings and daily chores...leaving me jaded. But I guess that's just part of life. On the whole, its been rather fruitful and satisfying.

However, was hit with the blues on a couple of occasions and a sense of aimless wandering through the humdrum motions of daily life. Seems like a lack of passion....sigh.

Well, there had been some highlights and ups....like making a new friend named Marina at the Malacca Zoo.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

A Festival Of Lights

2009-10-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

The run up to the recent Deepavali festivities on 17th Oct was quite a week. It was also Umno's General Assembly that kicked off on Oct 14th before ending on the 16th. Was called up by HQ at Menara Star to assist in the coverage.

There is always the initial hesitation to be away from home for almost a week of work in an highly charged environment at Putra World Trade Centre in the heart of the nation's capital. Though it was a non election assembly, the gathering this time was significant as it involved significant changes to the party's constitution. A promise of change that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib had to make good.

Well, although jaded from work, the experience is one that I will cherish. It is not merely an occasion of the who's who is Malaysian and Umno politics to gather, rub shoulders with and catch up on with one another. It is also a time where comradeship is forged among the journalistic fraternity and an official reunion of old friendships.

On the whole, the assembly went on smoothly in a very united and friendly atmosphere. There were also the somewhat upmarket version of a city pasar-malam with the hundreds of tents and stalls set up offering a myriad of goods. The delegates and their supporters were out in numbers and for a brief moment PWTC became the focus of the year's most glitzy political affair akin to the Oscars.

I suppose having the opportunity of being a part of the gathering and witnessing history in the making outweighed whatever tiredness as a result of work.

So there you go...my week of work in the Big Town and a run up to Deepavali.

To None I Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Back To The Pool Again

2009-09-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Its been almost three months since Kyra and me spend our usual bonding time at the pool following surgery to her ears. Well, the opportunity came to do so and bought a swimming cap for Kyra to keep her putty in place to prevent water from getting into her ears.

The Hari Raya holidays were here and I thought I'd give Kyra a go at the pool again to see if she still remembered how to swim. (She had just learned to swim when the surgery took place end of June).

In fact it was a bonus for Kyra as she was recently introduced three of her half Baba-Nyonya second cousins Isabell, Idallyne and Ashely who also loved swimming.

So it was a fun day at the pool (a much cleaner pool thanks to a repaired pump) with Kyra and her cousins having a blast. Even took the kids out to the nite safari at Malacca Zoo to cap off a perfect holiday. The bonding helped as Kyra will be starting Standard One next year and she will have her two cousins as friends to keep her company in school.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Blue Skies & Moon Over Malacca

2009-09-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

It was a hectic week again with the unexpected both at work and at home. Had the opportunity on 9.09.09 to witness a mass wedding of 99 Chinese couples, with the number 9 seen as an auspicious number it also sounds similar to the word 'eternity' in Mandarin.

Thought I managed to get some good shots but did not expect what happened two days later on Friday. It was about 9.30am and it was a cloudless and sunny day. Hanging above a picture perfect blue sky was a transparent gibbous Moon faintly lost in its background.

It was a once in a while moment with conditions for a possible good shot with my G9. My mind was racing to position myself at of the many historical monuments dotting the city of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the day Malex mentioned he wanted to take a photo of the 17th Century Kampung Keling Mosque located along Jalan Tukang Besi.

What better monument than that, I thought. I sped to get a parking and walked along the narrow streets to take as many shots as I could within 30mins before rushing off to a function elsewhere.

The Sun was blazing with clouds seen forming over the horizon. So I had little time to think of the angle of Mosque and sky to capture the moment. It was when I was thinking about a shot involving the Mosque's intricate iron lighting rod and its metal ball with the Gibbous Moon against a blue sky, I spotted a twin engine plane approaching my angle of that I was about to take. Bang....sweet...manage to get two decent shots which turned out even better than expected.

p/s - Jalan Tukang Besi (Goldsmith Street) is located parallel to Jonker Street in the heart of the old city next to the Malacca River. The street runs about 100 meters and located on its left row of 17th Century buildings are the mid 1700s Hindu Sri Poothayya Temple, Kampung Keling Mosque built in 1748 and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple built in the mid 1600s. The three houses of worship continue to serve the local Muslim, Chinese and Hindu communities with the street also known as 'Harmony Street'.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

Moon Over Malacca

2009-09-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

It was a long day at work that carried on with a management committee meeting to sort out some major teething problems later after work. The meeting was held at the condominium where I live and I noticed the almost full Moon accompanied by a bright little Jupiter as I made my way for the meeting. Told myself to try and take some photographs of the Moon later but the meeting lasted till 11pm.

Later, at home, I decided to wind down by playing some mindless game on the computer before hitting the sack. It was almost 3am when I looked out the window and saw an awesome sight.

There was the Moon and Jupiter but this time round the bright moonlight scattering to through the clouds created a tunnel like view of the Moon. The scene lasted only about 10 minutes but I managed to get in some shots with my G9.

Awesome sight and a testament to God's beautiful creation.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

The Weather's A Changing

2009-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Its been more than a week since my last post. Been rather hectic with work, Malaysia's 52 birthday and my sisters who were down during the school break. Was hoping for the opportunity for some nice pix when several occasions did present themselves unexpectedly.

Well, one thing is for sure..the weather has been kinda of cold lately..with the rain and what not. Based on my peeve observation of the weather satellite images..the cloud build up around the globe along the equatorial zones has been massive. I expect more rain and a dip in the temperature soon.

Just hope the change in the temperature does not spark a mutation in the H1N1 virus to a more deadly strain Cest la vie...sigh. So..here to life and all it beauty and joys.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love

In Memory Of...

2009-08-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pen a few lines about someone whom I got acquainted with in 2004 during the General Elections. His name was Raja Omar....a short guy with glasses and slightly long wavy hair. A nice man whom I worked with together for a brief moment. Just got the news that he passed away a couple of weeks ago. Though I did not know him well enough but still feel sad at his passing.

To those who I have known that are gone...I pray that they will rise to enjoy everlasting life and peace. For those whom I know that are still around...enjoy every bit and moment of life.....

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Priceless

2009-08-17T20:02:00.001-07:00

It was one of those pleasant weekends where I left the cares of work as a journalist behind and really took a break from the stresses of keeping tabs on the news. It was after all, Kyra turned 6 on the Saturday of Aug 15 and besides the fact that we were suppose to spend the weekend in Bukit Jalil with my -in-laws.

So it it was a welcome break for Karen, Kyra and me, especially Kyra as she is now fully aware of the concept of 'birthday' (Its a day where I can do whatever I want). We did not get Kyra her brithday gift but told her that we would take her to Toy'R'us for her to choose her own present. That was a bummer...being from the 'kampung' and out of touch with the changes in Kuala Lumpur, we drove all the way through the traffic, parked the car, took the lift...only to find that Toy'R'us had moved. (I actually asked a security guard for directions to the toy shop and he looked at me as though I was from Mars before telling me it moved). As they says, all's well that ends well...we finally ended at KLCC's Suria's Toy'R'us where Kyra finally decided she wanted a 'keyboard' set and several little wind-up walking furry toys.

It was also good to be able to spend time with my in-laws, especially Kyra who enjoyed the company of her cousins Jerald and Jeremy. Being from the 'kampung', we also took the opportunity to take go shopping for books with the kids and got quite a good deal...about RM450 spent on at least 30 books.

We left for Malacca on Sunday at about 4pm and with the following Monday on Aug 17 being my birthday. Lol...it was like any ordinary working day for me. Sigh...getting to be an older fart...but wiser one I hope. And there you go...a short but fun filled weekend with the family...something that I consider priceless. I thank God for life and the ability to enjoy it with loved ones.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Almost Six Years Ago

2009-08-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

It was a throw back in time when I covered an event in my former Alma Mater, St. Francis Institution. I left school some 24 years ago in 1985 after completing my tertiary education.

The school, of SFI as we would call it, is one of the oldest school in Malaysia with its birth traced back to 1880. My father, Andrew and his brothers were educated there and it was only fitting that I too was enrolled in the school. What is fascinating about SFI is that practically every community belonging to Malacca's unique multi-cultural society was represented here. It was and still is a school that is rich is heritage and history.

Perhaps the most peaceful and serene place in the entire school is its Chapel. It is located on the main block on the upper floor flanking the quadrangle. A first glance, it looks unambiguous. However, its hides one of the most peaceful and serene site I have ever known.

It like stepping into a different world. The Chapel's interior is made up of arches supported by rows of large columns. Sunlight coming through the hand painted stained glass that make up a main portion of the nave and chapel's side walls is simply breathtaking. The diffusion of light striking the large dark coloured marble altar sets off a soft hue glow within the Chapel.

Well, it was such an experience to walk into the Chapel today. I thank God for the gift of life and also for Kyra, my daughter. Tomorrow, Saturday, will be exactly six years she first came into our lives. It may be only six years but it is still six years of love and memories to last a lifetime.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Having A Ball

2009-08-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it was that time of the year again where I got the chance to accompany my wify Karen to her annual Bar Dinner. Unlike previous years, it was held in a different venue...Holiday Inn.

It was the usual with free flowing beers and good entertainment (except for out local Wacko Jacko's performance). There was also meeting up with two H1N1 survivors. One a doctor whom I had interviewed over the phone and another a lawyer with one kidney (high risk group) who caught it while in Australia recently.

The virus has is rapidly developing into an killer with 26 deaths recorded in Malaysia as of to date. It is worrying and even more so as I have a family. But there you go...there are those who have survived and that is comforting. So, rather than being paralysed with fear and paranoia, I shall continue to uphold my motto....'life is short so make the best of it'. (Yup..I drank to that and got plastered with several beers)

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit

2009-08-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Its been almost three months since I last posted my first note on the H1N1 flu. From a mere several hundreds, it is a now a global pandemic that is gradually infecting a good deal of the world's population.

Estimates that the virus will infected one-third of mankind or some 2 billion people with a mortality rate of at least 5% to 10% or some 200million deaths.

Here in Malacca, H1N1 was detected in mid May and we have since had 169 confirmed cases with four deaths. The worst is yet to come and the virus is expected to mutate by the year's end into a more deadly strain.

Ironically, the gloomy scenario has been made worse by the return of the haze coming from the large forest fires in Indonesia and Sumatra. The haze has blanketed Malacca today with visibility dropping below 500 meters. There is acrid smell of smoke and an odd taste to the air.

My concern is for the safety of my family and my loved ones. I can do nothing but have faith that God will protect us through this trying time.

'The Lord Is My Shepard

There Is Nothing I Shall Want'

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Free As A Bird

2009-08-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just a post to reflect my inner thoughts. Its about a particular local dove or 'Merebok'...a bird which is sought after for its unique call. Some of the more prized ones can fetch more than RM50,000.

I grew up literally surrounded by them as my dad, Andrew, is an avid bird keeper and had a few good whistlers. Oddly, I never fancied birds although looking back now...it was rather nice to hear them sing. I owe my knowledge of birds to Andrew and still appreciate the beauty of their songs.

Well, gone are the days of the bird cages as I now live in a condo, up on the higher floors. Much to my surprise, I heard the distinct call of a Merebok next to our condo window one casual afternoon. It was a wild one and quite a good singer.

Its been more than a year and the bird occasionally sits at the window's ledge and sings. Couldn't help but to capture a part of my childhood through this sneak photograph.

With all the happenings going around the world today...H1N1, strive, hunger and pain...just hope our lives can be...free as a bird...with no worries.

May God in His infinite Love keep my family and loved ones save when He hasten the coming of the end of age.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Just Enjoying Some Funk And Blues.

2009-07-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Still a little shell shock and jaded from work...and the tragedies surrounding two major stories covered over a span of almost two weeks. There was the tears, grief and of course the pain of loss shared amongst the two separate families.

And there was also the political drama and circus revolving around one of them. Yup..read it right..the dirty and profane word...'politics'. (which is not a bad as those who profess to belong to that caste of so called humans).

Well, had to part work the half of Sunday...sigh and then my Canon G9 shot button got screwy on me....much to my dismay...a double whammy. This was because it meant that I would not be able to capture scene for about a month owing the time spent to get it fixed.

Managed to squeeze of a few shots before my G9 went totally when bust on me. Well, before sending it off to service, it did no harm to try and give it a good clean and a pray to see if it would work. And presto....much to my delight...it worked.

So, the simple joy of getting my G9 working, no matter how insignificant it may seem to some....meant a lot to me. It made up for the two weeks of running around. To cap it off, I am now trying to embark on some Funk and Blues with my guitar, courtesy of YouTube.

There you go...may two weeks in a nut shell...and some shots prior to my camera going nuts on me and a shot of my little rascal when it did finally work right again.

p/s Going to play some funk and blues to chase those H1N1 away.....Amen.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Losing Track Of Time

2009-07-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

The week seems to have never ended for my with work being sort of a dejavu experience since almost two weeks now. So much so that I have lost track of the day and date.

Thought I wouldn't get the opportunity to take some get some shots with my G9. Was glad that the chance came and in a some what unexpected way. There was of course the batik painting press conference at the art gallery and that was a good place to get some shots. Much to my delight, it was Mother Nature that presented the other chance to get more shots.

So...there you go....just have to keep the eyes open and stop to appreciate ones surrounding to appreciate the apparent but hidden beauty of life.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

The Cycle Of Life

2009-07-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

It been a rather hectic and strange week of work involving two separate but equally impactful deaths. One was that of a 22-year-old Koh Keat Lee, the son of a high ranking police officer who perished in high rise fire at his home. The other was is the unresolved death of a 32-year-old Teoh Hock Beng, the political assistant of a politician, who fell to his death from a high rise building.

The two may have had lived separate lives yet their deaths were connected to Malacca somehow. It was unfortunate and tragic that both lives had been cut short in their prime.

Keat Lee, a Japanese chef who loved playing the electric guitar and Manchester United Football Club, was to have gone to Japan recently to honed his culinary skills. Hock Beng was to have gotten married soon and was eagerly waiting the birth of his two-month-old child. Now, all their dreams and plans are no more.

Heart wrenching was witnessing the grief of their parents and family members, in particular their mothers. So much expectation and hope, all gone without a word or reason. The pain and anguish of loss must be unbearable and one I am unable to fathom.

For the souls of the two young men, may God in all His mercy and love, forgive their transgressions and accept them into the presence of His Light. As death is merely the beginning, may they rest in peace and rise to everlasting joy in the life that is to come.

For their families, I pray that their pain and grief are comfort with the passing of time. May they find understanding that will allow God's peace to flow in their hearts.

For the living, life is short...make the best of it and love as much as possible while there is still life.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Colours Of Life

2009-07-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

It was quite a busy week with work and what not. Like the previous week before, it was work during the weekends. Well, at least I can take sometime off during the coming weekand do more song recordings for YouTubue (to feed my on fledgling ego of course)

However, did managed to get some good shots of the Melaka Unesco World Heritage Site 1st anniversary and the Hokkien Baba-Nyonya Christian 30th anniversary dinner. Both occasions were interrupted by some incident involving me G9 camera. At the heritage thingy...rush to the event...found a great parking...fast walked to the venue some 150meters away and...forgot to load my camera battery...lol. At the Babe Nyonya thingy...got some great shots...but freaked out when couldn't upload them due to corrupt file on memory card. Lol...finally managed to recover the files..much to me relief.

So here they are...the almost never materialized photos.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Look Up Into The Heavens

2009-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yup...what a month. It's the 40th anniversary since man's first stepped on the moon this coming July 21st. And what a bang to mark the occasion as there will be a in total solar eclipse the following day on July 22nd. It will be the longest solar eclipse for the 21st Century (6mins and 38.8secs) with the next longest one taking place in June 13 2132. So, going to try not to miss it and try to take some shots of it.

see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_July_22,_2009

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009.html

Will also try to catch the Full Moon on July 7, tonight. Hope to get some good shots. Also interesting is the appearance of several large sunspots for Solar Cycle 24. Its been a while since the Sun was active.

See: http://www.spaceweather.com/ - July 4 to July 6.

Also happening at a very rapid speed is the H1N1 global flu pandemic. Only nine case were detected in late April and the official numbers have shot up to almost 100,000 as of to date. Some suspect more have gotten the bug and the second wave has yet to begin.

I pray God keep my family safe in His arms.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

And He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

2009-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

It was a nerve wrecking and emotionally draining week for Karen and me. After more than two months of treating Kyra's ear infection, it finally came down to the decision of putting her through surgery last Friday.

Both of us knew that it was the best for Kyra as treatment stopped the infection but left her hearing impaired by 35% to 40% and the only recourse was surgery to allow it to heal completely. The two weeks leading up to the surgery proved to be uneventful except for the initial protest.

Though it was a simple procedure of inserting two very tiny (1.1mm) tubes in Kyra's middle ear, it had to be done under general anesthesia (GA). Was very uncomfortable that Kyra had to be GA as it meant that she would be left all alone in the 'void' for 30 minutes and I would not be able to to be there for her.

The day before the surgery, we had to take her in for one final test...my heart was hoping that the doctor would say that she was fine and that there was no need for the surgery...but that was not to be. Had to get her x-rayed and blood tested(which she cried when it was extracted via a syringe)

On Friday, we had to check Kyra in the hospital at 7am as surgery was scheduled for 9am. Instead of the procedure taking estimated 20 minutes, the doctor informed us that Kyra would be under GA slightly longer as he wanted to clean her sinus.

No amount of words can described the anxiety and worry. As a father, Kyra means the world to me...and I would have gladly exchanged places with her if it were possible. A 1,001 thoughts were racing through my head...a battle of letting go of Kyra to God's will, that whatever happened...she would be in His hands.

The night before the surgery, I lay beside Kyra and watch her sleeping. My firstborn and only child whom I have loved as best as I could.

When it was time, Kyra was very cool. She was wheeled in to the operating theater at about 9am. Karen and I said our goodbyes to her and waited for the longest hour of our lives. At about 10am, I spotted the doctor and he gave me the thumbs up, much to Karen's and my relief.

Well, Kyra being Kyra...even under GA...she opens her eyes and says..'already done?' She later took a 15-minute nap and was up and about, running around and playing in the ward. She was discharged at 5pm and even with the supposed effect of GA, Kyra did not sleep any further but spent the entire day awake and being herself. She finally went to bed at 2am.

All there is to say is...thank you Lord for keeping Kyra safe in Your arms.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Save You

2009-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

How unappreciative we are of life...going through it without a care of how precious it is and why it should be cherished. For most, getting through the day is like any other day...preoccupied with the basics such as 'what should I wear and what am I too eat today? For the less concerned and the more 'kia- su', daily issues such as 'should I use my ultra expensive mobile phone, Ipod or shoes to show off today?' seems to be the agenda of the day.

Most don't give a damn about the more important things in life until they come face to face with their mortality. All of a sudden, things are put into perspective and the little joys in 'life' that were once taken for granted becomes highly appreciated.

This post is in dedication to those who have been stricken by cancer, for most of whom would mean an agonising, painful and slow death. It strikes irrespective of age, colour, status or creed. No one can say that they truly understand what it must be like for those with cancer unless they themselves have gone through the agony. I will not pretend that I too understand but can only try to imagine. They say, 'dying of cancer robs one of a dignified death'.

Theirs is a struggle both emotional and physical. How does it feel to be told that your life will be cut short by a premature death? To undergo countless medical procedures and chemo therapy? To wake up screaming in pain and agony? To watch your hair fall off and become bald while your body literally become skin and bones? To know that your loved ones are witnessing all this and unable to do a thing to help save you?

That's the very reason for title of this post...'Save You'...a song by the group Simple Plan..a song accompanied by a very powerful video with regard to those suffering from cancer. I recommended that it be given listen and viewing.

So, spare a thought and offer a prayer of thanksgiving once in a while for the life that some of us have and remember the millions who face a daily struggle to just stay alive.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Just A Thought.

2009-06-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just thought of putting up this sunset photos before blogging coz me kiddo is bored and bugging the crap out of me...to play with her of course....lol.

Well, a day has passed since I posted the photos of the sunset and its the end of Father's Day today. Had quite a full day...with work, with my Pops Andrew, Kyra and later condo management meeting and all.

Was rather jaded when arrived home 6pm but decided to take Kyra for a swim. It'll be one of my last swim with her and the end of our weekend bonding session at the pool for at least three months. (till August or October).

This is because Kyra has to undergo minor surgery to her ear. The doctor wants to place a small tiny tube in her ear it to allow it to heal following a bad infection that has left her hearing impaired by at least 35%.

The procedure will be in about two weeks time and she will have to lay off swimming for an extended duration of at least three months. As a father and Kyra being my only child...I am worried and extremely concerned as she has to be under general Anestassia (GA) for about 45 minutes. The very thought of her being under GA scares the crap out of me. I suppose its for her good and long term benefit of getting her hearing back to normal.

As I have always surrendered my life to Jesus and believed in Him, so shall I surrender Kyra into His loving hands. I will wait in continued assurance that Kyra and me will continue our swimming session once she has fully recovered. Amen.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

To Those Who Moan and Bitch About Life.

2009-06-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

To me, music well written or composed in which ever era, remains a work of art that endures the passage of time. Its similar to any form of art that is able to move my soul, be it in the form of a painting, thoughts worded out in book or a tastefully taken photograph. Yup call me an old fart for all I care but a good song remains a classic.

Well, that brings me to the song 'Streets of London'...a piece composed in 1969 but released as a single in 1973 where it became a hit. Its a song about the plight of the aged homeless and lonely that is forgotten by society. At the same time, its a message to listeners to count their blessing and be grateful for what they have rather than moan and bitch about how sad their lives are.

This is exactly what struck me most when I was doing a special report recently and had to come face to face with the reality of the aged who are abandoned by their families. No matter how hard I tried to sugar coat the situation they were in, there was no way of masking the reality of their loneliness, pain, hopelessness and anguish. It did not matter whether they were blameless or not for the predicament they were in. It was still sad.

So for those who moan and bitch about their lives and how sad it is...'why can't I have this or why am I not like that'...please listen to the 'Streets of London'. I have met those who have been abandoned by their own family, forced to fend for themselves, put in a home with strangers with no visits from loves ones...and saddest of all...to die alone with no one to mourn their passing. So if you think you had it bad...think again my friend.

So, that is why I am grateful for the little that I have and make it a point to count the blessing in my life. I am thankful for what God has given and not given me.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Time Of Reckoning

2009-06-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

From the initially handful of less than 10 H1N1 cases first reported in Mexico in late April, it is now almost 26,000 in less than 60 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to declare H1N1 at Level 6 or that it has reached global pandemic stage.The last time world faced such a viral threat was 41 years ago.

As mentioned in earlier postings, there is no way to contain the virus and it will infected the entire global. What WHO is concern is the 'second wave' of infections. In past global pandemic, the first wave is usually marked by mild symptoms while the second wave turned deadly. Spanish Flu of 1918, 1958 and Hong Kong Flu all behaved in that manner.

Question is what is to happen at Level 6? How bad will the infection be and how deadly will it become? (Spanish Flu...deaths estimated at between 20million to 100million). However, just as in the days of Noah...mankind will go on merry making and getting drunk with greed and materialism....until it was too late. So it shall be with our present generation.

So live life to the fullest and love as best as you can. The end for some may come sooner than they think if H1N1 turns deadly in the months to come. If you have not lived life to the fullest...there is still a little time left to:

~ to smell the roses and awe at beauty of a sunset.

~ give a hug to a loved one.

~ to say sorry for the wrongs.

~ to give forgiveness where it is sought.

~ make peace with oneself.

As for me...I will face whatever comes with the firm conviction that I have lived my life as best as I could and loved as much as I can.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Is the Glass Half Empty Or Half Full?

2009-06-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Though they may be often quoted cliché or adages, some aptly reveal how some tick and give away their disposition towards life in general. Like the saying goes...'is the glass half empty or half full?'.

I say it because I recently came across an FB posting by a one time colleague that tickled me silly for several days. It was a short saying but it described how he felt about life I suppose. It went like this...'different day, same shit'. Hilarious, because life does seem routine for most of us whose life revolves round work and earning enough money to pay the bills. (most of us will actually work our entire lives for the bank to settle housing, car and cards loans...lol)

Well, I try not to view life in absolute black or white but to accept it as it comes...good or bad. Though bogged down by work and the every day nitty gritty, I try to look beyond and cherish whatever comfort, joy and beauty that comes my way while going through the day.

So for me, I'd rather look at the glass as being half full for me and that there life has still much to offer to quench my soul.

Two incidents this week deserves a mention. One is the effort by 40-year-old Frankie Tan of Ujong Pasir who has embarked on a trishaw journey from Malacca to Penang in memory of of his grandmother while raising money for charities (http://www.thetrishawman.com/).

Another is the Malacca Air Carnival where there was a display of micro-light aircraft. The state is offering a loan of RM6,000 to those interested to learn how to fly and get a micro-light license. Hmmm...sounds very interesting....I wonder whether the plane would be able to lift off with my 76kg and all? Would love how to learn how to fly.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Phew....Sizzling Hot.

2009-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Is it me but the heat over the past month has been stiffling warm and humid. And experts says that it'll get hotter over the next couple of decades...phew. You can actually feel the heat of the blazing afternoon Sun...similar to when you feel the heat on your arms and face as you get to close a well lit camp fire. The heat literally sap the energy and makes you feel lethargic. Only consolation is the pool that Kyra and me have been enjoying over the last two weekend.

Besides the heat...another hot thingy is my discovery of the wonders of YouTube. (a little late but better late than never for an old fart like me ya). Now I can learn some new swanky guitar pieces (like the acoustic intro for Hotel California). I even created an account under a very apt name MrMartz09 and uploaded three recordings. Looove it...although I must say, much to the dismay of my ego, I could have done better at the recordings.

Well, shall post a few shots I took while out at 17th Century Cheng Hoon Temple along Malacca's Temple Street. Like St.Peters's Church is to Catholics here, Cheng Hoon Teng is the oldest serving Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess Kwan Yin.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

My Little Piece of Rainbow

2009-05-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

In today's world gone mad with humanity losing its reason, where everything seems bleak and depressing, there is really very little around that my soul finds joy in. However, despite all the despair and haplessness, ultimately happiness is what one makes of it.

Like the calm in the eye of the storm, I find solace, comfort and peace in my family and the beauty that music and art has to offer despite surrounded by all of humanity's despair.

Two such recent occasions brought added sense to life. One was me being rekindled with James Taylor and two of his songs. Spend several days tracking down the song 'I Don't Want To Be Lonely Tonight' and also stumbled across 'Carolina On My Mind'. Excellent guitar pieces that I thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with again.

Then there was the musical fountain night assignment which I decided to take Kyra along. Thought she would enjoy it and anticipated right. It was the soft launching of the fountain and of all the kids that were present, Kyra...being Kyra (my mischevious genes) was the only one who was literally drenched wet from head to toe. Wasn't really mad at but rather happy that she was just being herself and enjoying the moment.

So as the song goes..'some where over the rainbow'...I am glad that I am able to find my little piece of rainbow in the simple joys of life.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

There's Always A Bigger Fish

2009-05-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

'You should never think you are the biggest kid on the block as there's always someone who is bigger," someone once said. How true. Andrew, my good old Pops, always taught us the importance of humility...no matter if one has the advantage or talent...one should always be humble. However, it is usual for most to think highly of themselves.

Was enjoying the wonders of YouTube and looking for a James Taylor song 'I Don't Want To Be Lonely Tonight' (excellent guitar piece with lovely chords and melody). How wonderful...to be able to learn the chords via the net...unlike days gone by when you had to rely on exchanging tips with another guitar player...'live'.

Well, stumbled across this Korean kid named Sungha Jung...and was moved to tears. The 10 year boy is a wonder that has the rare and exceptional gift for making music with his guitar. Its just unbelievable.

Its funny how many out there think they are terror with the guitar just because they can strum a tune. This humble and angelic looking kid would put many experience guitarist to shame.

It people like Sungha Jung that gives me hope in humanity....that there are those out there who are able to touch the souls of other through the expression of their sense.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

If A Picture Paints A 1000 Words.

2009-05-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Really love the song by Bread... 'If A Picture Paints A 1000 Words'. One of my first song on the guitar...excellent lyrics and chords. Truly a classic.

Art in any form or expression evokes passion within my soul. Be it through music, a painting, ones thoughts in writing or even nature's splendor....they all move me if considered a thing of beauty in my eyes.

So I try to absorb as much of beauty life has to offer. Even more so now as humanity faces the threat of the H1N1 virus that some say is going to reach pandemic levels soon. As of to date, 10,243 infections worldwide with 80 deaths...in about 20-odd days. So, one day at a time...and keep my eyes and heart open to life's beauty.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

What A Laugh

2009-05-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Ah...the folly of men (yup...emphasis on the male specie here although women too can be an enigma at times). Here we are, the human race, poised at the crossroad of its existence...yet still worried and continuing to play the 'money' and 'political' games.

On the global front...the term 'world economic downturn' seems to be the recent catch phrase on everyone lips. Every nation and almost every society is so embroiled in its own quest for money.

And then there is, closer to home..'Perak'.. where grown educated men have made a mockery of democracy and behaving like little school kids squabbling over the most trivial of things in the school yard with theirs zippers down and snort dribbling down from their noses.

Its so mind boggling that I don't know whether to cry or laugh at the folly of men.

Since April 28/29 over 6,000 people are now infected by H1N1 with the first reported case in Malaysia coming today. Virologists anticipate the virus to infect one-third of the world's population or roughly 2 billion. If fatalities are between 5% and 10%, that would translated to 200million dead. Very interesting indeed...as I wonder if we will still be clamoring over money and power if that happens.

Exactly a decade ago in 1999, Malaysia was struck be a deadly virus named Nipah virus. It came from flying foxes...transmitted to pigs...and finally became a deadly human infection that claimed over 100 lives. The current H1N1...is really going to be a bang when the second and third wave hits later this year.

There is also the real threat of global warming. Experts have gathered to ponder the future of our precious corals with a prediction that they won't last this century. Duh....don't need a bunch of experts to tell me the obvious. Hello?...the glaciers and large Antarctic ice sheets are rapidly melting away...something which had not happened over the last 10,000 years or the present Holocene period.

So to all out there, enjoy life to its fullest and live as best as you can. Let not the worry of today get to you...just live for the moment and love all things...because...afterall...doesn't love conquer all.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Tribute to Nature

2009-05-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Its been quite awhile since I last posted shots of nature. Well, managed to take a few shots recently and decided to post them...instead shots of my good looking self....lol....darn.

The irony is that I took some of the shots while in Tiang Dua, Jasin, the epicentre of the recent outbreak of deadly meningitis. Was there to cover a story about some kids in a Chinese primary who were ask to remove their face mask, much to the dismay of several parents. Their school is located about 300 meters from a Road Transport Department Training Academy where the outbreak occurred.

The only wore the masks (given through the initiative of the school's teachers-parents association) for a day but was asked to remove them the following day 'as the situation was under control and the authorities did not want to create undue panic'.

Anyway, the entire meningitis episode (one fatality, 400 over quarantined and over 40 hospitalized) is a wake up call for everyone...both public and government officials to the threat f infectious disease. I suppose it was a 'live' drill and a precursor to the actual H1N1 global pandemic that is bound to happen....sigh.

Well, cest la vie and life goes on ya. Just hope everything will turn out alright for everyone.

p/s also managed to get some pix of the sky just before a storm at about 1am. The sky was partly orange and reddish in colour and I even got a shot of how bright it is when lighting lights up the night sky.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Testing...Testing...123...

2009-05-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

What a tumultuous week....or should I say, the last three days beginning Friday night.

It uncannily coincidental that there was a bad outbreak of bacterial meningitis at a training academy in Tiang Dua on May 4. Some 400 over people were quarantined following one fatality with 20 others warded. Spent three days and night chasing the story. Tired and exhausted both mentally and physically but interesting anyhow.

The infection was first detected on May 7 but spread rather rapidly causing infection to at least 100 people. Thank God the outbreak was contained through the swift response of local health officials.

Fortunately, they medical staff at the Malacca Hospital had been in the midst of implementing the National Pandemic Preparedness plan as suggested by the World Health Organization in light of the H1N1 global outbreak. This helped as they were prepared to deal with the meningitis outbreak here. I must say they responded pretty well.

What is even more scary is that the incident hit home the seriousness of the issue at hand.i.e we need to be prepared for possible H1N1. The prospect doesn't look too rosy based on the rising number of cases around the world. From a mere 80 over on April 28 to 4,000 over on May 9. That's quite a jump.

Did managed to celebrate life with some of my fellow journalists over the last two days and decide to post some of their photos. They say that 'death is the only certainty in life' but pray to God that when the time comes, He takes us home in a gentle and peaceful manner.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Ouch..It Still Hurts

2009-05-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

A week has passed and me fractured toe still feels kinda of numb and painful. What can I say but...ouch..lol.

More than a week has passed since the global swine flu...which has yet to abate although reports are saying that number of infections are stabilizing in Mexico. Well, though that may be, the virus is till being detected at around the globe and has passed the 600 mark. Hope its not a repeat of the Spanish Lady or Spanish Flu 1918 where it broke out in three main waves over an eight month period...the worst being the last waves at the end of 1918. Estimated 40 to 50 million deaths worldwide and the present virus, if becomes deadly enough, could take 200million lives....scary ya.

Nevertheless, live goes on and should as it should. All I can do is live it to its fullest and be thankful for being alive and able to love and be loved.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

We Are Living In Such Exciting Times

2009-04-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Some say we are the fated generation to see the end of days. Somehow I agree with it. Our generation belong to that where man has progress by leaps and bounds in such a short span of time.

It took our ancestors thousands of years to learn how to put clothes on their backs and gradually learn how to forge metal and cultivate the land. Yet, in about 100 years, we have advanced to a point where we have conquered the heavens, split the atom, and even peered into infinity. It used to take literally ages for news to travel but today it travels at the speed of light at just the touch of a button.

Progress and advancement in the sciences has led to better agriculture techniques and better health care. But with progress comes a heavy price. The world has seen two world wars, population explosion from 1.8billion people in the early 20th Century to estimate 6.7billion in less than a 100 years. This has placed a great strain of natural resources and environmental degradation of the environment.

Today, we stand at the crossroad...global warming is no more a theory but a fact. The ice sheets and glaciers which have been stable over the last 10,000 years are fast melting. (the temperature over here has been really hot and its not only Malaysia but also in several parts around the world. The air con in our bedroom is set at 16 Celsius throughout the night but the thermostat shows 27 Celsius).

And now we have the so called Swine Flu and the threat of a global pandemic. In 1918, estimated 40 million to 50 million people around the world died after contracting the Spanish Flu. If it happens again to day, some 200 million are expected to die.

Is its nature way of keeping check on us..that a great die-off must occur to keep humans from devouring the Earth? Are we, humans, not the real virus that has infected the entire Earth and gradually killing it?

Well, whatever the reason maybe...life is short...so make the best of it while we still can. This is my prayer......

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD,
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,“ says the LORD,

”I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation”

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love

A Leap Of Faith

2009-04-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well, the heading for the post says it all....'A Leap Of Faith' or should I say 'A Leap of A Fool and Pain'.

Took Kyra down to the poolside at about 3pm and was waiting to attend a meeting to form a new residents committee. Had some time to kill so accompanied Kyra and helped her blow some bubbles and just have some fun.

There is this small 4meter x 1.5meter water purification pool next to the main pool. Here I was, a 76kg and 41-year-old bloke trying to impress his kid that her dada could still leap across the pool like a graceful Gazelle.(Buffalo)

To be honest, the pool didn't look that wide and I was confident of making the leap. So, after some consideration and judging the distance I needed to 'fly'....I took my leap of faith (or should I say now, the leap of a fool filled with pain).

Bam...landed just millimeters short with two toes of my right foot slamming at the edge of the pool. The toes took the full force of my flying body and I almost peed in my pants at the excruciating pain that followed.

As a result of my folly, I think I fractured my big toe. My toe and foot has swelled up and I am now unable to walk properly. Lol...I pride myself in having a high threshold for pain but I guess I was wrong....I am in insane pain at the moment.

Popped two panadols and tried to keep the swelling and pain down in a small bucket of ice. I will have to get my toe x-rayed tomorrow.

When my toe heals.....I am going to give that darn pool another try. I know I am capable of making the leap. Once again I shall throw caution into the wind and take my leap of faith and hopefully not ending up taking a leap of pain instead.

p/s - couldn't take the throbbing pain and ended up at Mahkota Hospital at 10.30pm where it was confirmed via x-ray that I fractured the tip of my toe. Took a jab and pills to bring the swelling down but...darn...it bloody hurts to high heavens.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Aw...Come On...

2009-04-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

I was brought up with the notion that 'the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world', that a man should always treat a lady with respect and that only a balless coward man raises his hand against a woman.

Men and women are unique in their own right, each with their own strength and weaknesses. Unfortunately, we live in such a male chauvinistic society with women usually ending up getting a raw deal.

Well, spotted a anti Aids advertisement on the back of a bus and could not resist taking a pot shot at it. The ad, in my opinion, may have been done with good intentions but the graphic example accompanying it was rather tasteless and hilarious.

Was on my way to work and stopped behind a bus at the Kota Laksamana traffic lights. The lights were red, so I did my usual of flicking through the radio stations trying to look cool in my beat up Proton. Looked up and bam...I didn't know whether to cry or laugh at what I saw.

Here was this huge anti-Aid ad on the back the bus that calls for one to be faithful to ones partner and avoid casual or unprotected sex. Sounds decent enough ya but accompanying the slogan was a picture of a pair of long sexy legs, that I presumed to be that of a woman.

Firstly, I found it rather distasteful as the words..'Jauhi Seks Bebas' (Avoid Casual Sex) were placed between the half spread eagle legs. Aw...come on...the ad makes it seems its the woman's fault i.e, that woman are born seducers and harlots where sex is concerned. Darn...as far as I know...its us men who are really the 'fuckers' 99percent of the time. (literally speaking).

Darn...they should also put up anti-prostitution advertisement similar to the wildlife protection ads that carry the slogan 'when the buying stops, the killing stops too' and just change it to 'when the buying stops, the fucking stops too' over the picture of a ham-sak looking man.

Anyway, took a photo and decided to blog about it. Almost fell of my seat when I took a closer look at the photo. Now I know why they choose to put up that particular poster...the legs don't belong to a woman...they belong to a man! So I guess they got it right with the slogan and picture after all...'avoid casual sex with a man' whether dressed as woman or not. (have a closer look at the legs and you'll see what I mean...darn they are as hairy as mine...lol)

p/s - decided to post photos of some good looking models took during the Chula international fashion show just to balance off the photo of the anti-Aids ad.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

So You Think You Have A Problem?

2009-04-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Most, if not almost all of us, are so caught up in our everyday lives that we fail to pause for just a moment to relish life and count the little blessings that surrounds us.

We tend to forget that our lives is but a fleeting moment in time and that most of our precious time is spent on selfish wants and inconsequential things. We are so clouded by the now that we are blinded to how insignificant and how short our lives really are.

We have lost our child like innocence to appreciate simple beauty and joys of life, the ability to stand in awe and wonderment at the little blessing that we have.

Just some food for thought after coming across a post in the web on how big the known Universe is and a documentary on Höcker Album (or Hoecker Album) and Auschwitz.

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread454951/pg1
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2706/spaceb.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoecker_Album
http://www1.yadvashem.org/exhibitions/album_auschwitz/10-13.html

Have you spend just one minute of out of the 1440 minutes of your day to:

brighten up someone day with a smile today.

tell someone close how much you love them.

stand in awe at nature's beauty or

be moved by music or art.

appreciate the security and comfort of home or

be thankful that there are those who care for you.

ponder that you have just one life to live and

how to make the best of it.

To None I Wish Ill But All I Wish Peace and Love.

Being Part Of History

2009-04-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Every job, be it the guy that is responsible for keeping our streets clean or the neck-tied bloke getting to work in his Merc, has its ups and downs. For me, it was a bit of both when having the good fortune of covering the recent Umno General Assembly held at PWTC Kuala Lumpur.

Being an election year and one where transition of power was to take place, the four-day event was quite an experience both for work an as an observer. It had everything from the excitement and anticipation, the mesh of people and continuous crowd, the roar of cheers, jeers and claps, tears of joys and agony of defeat, the rush for interviews and deadlines, the ordinary common folks and the dignitaries and of course the one or two special personal moments. (which included losing my phone on the last day and picking up the flu from a colleague)

I consider myself lucky to have be able to both record part of history in the making as a journalist and as an ordinary bloke.

To none I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

The Beauty Of Life

2009-03-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Had the good fortune of taking a lone drive up to Tanjung Tuan or Cape Rachado across the Linggi-Negeri Sembilan border about 80km from the city to cover Malaysian Nature Society's Raptor Watch Week. It was a double bonus for me just to be in Tanjung Tuan as it is one of the most scenic sites in the country which is truly unique in every sense of the word.

Though some15km across the Negeri Sembilan border, Tanjung Tuan, covering about 100hectares, belongs to Malacca. It has been that way for as long as anyone can remember with the Portuguese, Dutch and British recognizing this since the 1500s.

It is the only coastal hill forest in the West Coast of Malaysia which is a protected forest reserve and a bird sanctuary. Besides this, it is also the site of the country's oldest light-house built by the Portuguese in 1520s over a much earlier structure of unknown origin or date.

Each year, between mid Feb to mid April, more than 20,000 various species of birds of prey fly overhead Tanjung Tuan on their migratory route from Asia to Siberia, China, Japan and Russia. The large birds ride the thermal drafts near the coast to propel them higher for their long spring-winter migration. To see an eagle fly is sight to behold but to see flocks of majestic birds of prey circling high above is truly one of nature's wonders.

Though there were only four sightings at Tanjung Tuan for that particular Saturday, I was fortunate enough to spot a flock of them between Linggi and Tanjung Tuan.

The view from the sea from the cliff next to the light-house was breath taking. It is a humbling experience as I stand in awe of God's creation, knowing how insignificant my pettiness becomes when compared to the beauty of life and its blessings.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Story Lost In The Mist Of Time

2009-03-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Malaysia's history has always been a fascination to me. By that I don't mean 15th Century Malacca Sultanate Empire but a time dating back to pre-history.

It is interesting to note that Peninsula Malaysia was once part of a large landmass called Sundaland that included Borneo, Indonesia, Thailand and parts of Vietnam and Myanmar. This landmass was made possible as sea levels at around 18,000BCE when sea levels were between 80meters and 120meters lower than present day level owing to water locked in during the last Ice Age.

There was abundance of life here as the landmass was sparred the ravages of the Ice Age. However, this began to change when the ice thawed between 12,000BCE causing sea levels to rise rapidly by up to 5meters above present day levels before stabilizing 7,000BCE.

There have been scientific evidence that humans have inhabited the Malaysian Peninsula as far back as 30,000BCE during the neolithic period following the discovery of the Perak Man. There is also evidence of iron-age settlement dating back more than 2,000 years based on recent discoveries in Kedah.

However, it is unfortunate that our country's rich past isn't being appreciated or studied closer. It seems that we only choose to see our history going back 500 years to 800 years, whether for political reasons or otherwise.

There are some artifacts that are undeniably older than their assumed age or origins. One such are the only known standing stones found in the Peninsula at Pengakalan Kempas in Negeri Sembilan after the Linggi River that bear strange carvings.

There are wave or flowery patterns, animal motifs including what seems to be a solar disc carved on two of the stones, suggesting pre-Islamic origins. Islam prohibits representations of animals in art work including fashioning stones as objects of veneration such as indicated by the Penkalan Kempas stones.

The controversy centres around the Islamic 'kalimah Allah'or name of Allah found carved on one of these stones. It is therefore assumed that the stones are the work of people who had converted into Islam and later Islamized the stones.

No consideration had been given to the possibility that the stones may have been the work of ancient seafarers or much earlier settlers whose date and origin are unknown. It was only the last few hundred years when migrating Muslim Indonesians from Sumatra and Java arrived here and subsequently 'added' on the 'kalimah Allah'.

Such is the case where ancient standing stones in Europe where Christianized with symbols of crosses at a later point in time. Incidentally, Muslim graves are usually located near these stones as they were initially assumed to be graves. However, archaeological excavations have proven that the these were not used as grave markers. This mistaken assumption can also be found in megaliths sites in Europe where christian graves are located nearby.

So my question is...who the heck were the people responsible for the Pengkalan Kempas decorated megaliths and the several hundred other plain standing stones found scattered between the Malacca and Negeri Sembilan borders? When were they erected and what were their purpose?

I strongly believe that the stones were erected eons ago by a people lost in the mist of time.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

The Truth Will Set You Free

2009-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Though I am a believer in the word of God and His promises, I am still human and have erred in more ways than once. Often times, my fall from grace is due to my willful blindness of the 'truth'.

"I have always believed in Him who is the Word

Who came down not to teach profound doctrines

But the simplicity of Truth

And how it can set one's soul free"

~Martz Carvalho~

"Those who see wrong where there is none,

and do not see wrong where there is,

follow false doctrines on the downward course.

But those who see wrong where there is wrong,

and see no wrong where there is none,

follow true doctrines on the upward course."

Verses 338-339 The Dhammapada

To None I Wish Ill But To All Wish Peace and Love

Fire In The Sky

2009-03-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Have several things to blog about but will only do so when time permits. Just thought I post this photo which I took at dusk on Saturday.

Was on the way home after covering Malaysian Nature Society's annual Raptor Watch Week in Tanjung Tuan and had swung by Pondok Kempas, Negeri Sembilan to take a few shots of one of the most mysterious megaliths in Malaysia.

Was driving towards the city at about 6.55pm along Tanjung, near Pantai Kundor when a bright glare cuaght my eye from the rear view mirror. It was this really odd looking shimmering cloud in the sky.

Pulled the car to the side of the road and took several shot my G9 before the cloud dissipated. Got home and showed my nephews and bro-in-law who were down for the weekend. Though it was merely a cloud, it did look like a UFO. Even So, it was one of the weirdest cloud I have ever seen.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

An All Indian Affair

2009-03-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Phew...its beeen quite a while since my last post. Been rather busy and also educating myself on the world of Facebook. Its been the usual humdrum routine until early Monday morning...and I mean really early in the morning.

Was suppose to be off on account of the public holiday but nevertheless decided to put in some work. It was to do with the Hindu annual Marsimaham festival. It involved a 12km procession from the country's oldest Hindu temple, the 18th Century Sri Poothya Temple in the heart of the old city to an equally old temple located in the outskirts of the city in Krubong.

It was slated to start at about 5am. With it being so early, I did not want to assign any of my stringers to cover it (with such nice chilly weather to snooze) so there was only me left to 'volunteer'. Being afraid that I would sleep through the event, I decided to stay awake the entire night instead.

I must admit that I am still blurr from lack of sleep but it was worth the while covering the event. It gave me the rare opportunity to experience the practice and belief of another faith up close...I mean really up close. (So close, that I almost stepped on a devotee's offering at the temple)

To each his own, they say and so be it. Being human...all of us have our own beliefs and faith. At the end of the day, I guess its how we live our lifes that really matters most.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Those Whitening Creams Better Be Spot On.

2009-02-22T03:07:00.000-08:00

It was in one of my early post that I touched on the mysteries of Pulau Besar located some 25km off the city's coast. Well, the I was presented with opportunity to taking another boat ride out the one of the four smaller islands close to Pulau Besar called Pulau Nangka (Jackfruit Island) that is also shourded in mystery and lost treasure.

The trip was with a group of Tourism Malaysia and Malacca Museums Corporation personnel on a familiarization and clean visit to the island. Assigned Pelf Yeen to cover the assignment and tag along to get my first had visit of the island.

The weather was good and the island, less than 4 hectares had not much to offer except clear enough waters to see my toes at a depht of a meter and a coral reef for snorkeling.

The island is 'special' in a sense that it has been associated with lost treasure since time immemorial. Even the country's famous mystic, Datuk Harun Din, was said to have spent 44 days on the island trying to coaxe its spiritual keepers to give up the location of the treasure.

The boatmen that ferried us there, in particular a seasoned 60-year-old seahand named Pak Siran mentioned the island's significance prior to the 1400s. He said that it was one of the very few island along the West Coast that provided fresh water to ancient martime ships that sailed the monsoons.

What is evenmore interesting was the island was bought by a local Chinese tycoon in the 1990s and later bought back by the Malacca Museums Corporation in 1997/98. Curiously enough, Pak Siran said that there was talk of the waters off the island being scoured for treasure over the years.

Several museum staff said that some of the treasure seekers had even blown up large boulders and rocks with dynamite in an attempt to located the mystical carvern of treasure and gold beneath the island but to no avail.

After lunch at at Pulau Nangka, the group decided to head for Pulau Besar for a 'one-hour'tour. Upon arriving on Pulau Besar recently, both of us decided to opt to wait for the group at the jetty as we had 'tour' the place on previous occasion.

So much for that though as things got really hot later for Pelf and me. Both in terms of heat and the annoyance of waiting...the one hour dragged on to more than three. There was not much to do but to wait much to the annoyance of the boatmen who were also kept waiting. To make matters worse...the oppressive heat changed when we noticed an inland storm brewing towards sea. It was almost 6pm and I had to rush back to clear a story while Pelf had a dinner date.

The only light moment I had in all the waiting, and to added to Pelf's already going Hakka mad, was when I noticed her arm looking like a boiled red lobster. Told her about it and she didn't really see the extent of it until I took a shot of it to show her the contrast. Bamb....mistake....bamb....as this led to Pelf going going ballastic and whipping out her umbrella and portable mini-fan. (which made me laugh even harder).

She was going on about wearing 'long-sleeves' and staying in doors for the next two weeks excluding saying...'those 'Fair and Lovely' or Olay whitening cream better work'. (She have never used them before). So much for that. The strom came and we finally made it back to the Parameswara Jetty with the group at about 6.20pm with dusk rapidly falling.

It was when I reached home that I realized that the last laugh was on me instead. Took one look in the mirror and almost fainted..with both Karen and Kyra having a good laugh too. Well, a picture speaks a thousand words...they say...and they also said those 'Fair and Lovely' cream works...really...they better.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Age Is A State Of Mind

2009-02-16T07:58:00.001-08:00

Yup....Age Is A State Of Mind....that's what I would like, or should I say...used to think. As with the saying...'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'...and so it is with me.

Used to pride myself that I had a full shock of black hair eventhough hitting 40. Attributed it to the years of use of the former hair oil 'Vitalis' which was taken out of the market several years ago.

Well, everything seems to be going down hill after 40. First to go was my 20/20 vision...it was those darn fine prints which got me squinting, resulting in my first pair of 'reading glasses'. (Ahem...only fine print..so I need to be careful of lawyers).

Then came the increasing strands of white hair....darn. Know that it was inevitable and thought I would age gracefully by looking a little more distinguished with some white hair on my head. Never thought I would resort to 'dying' my hair...but alas...my ego got the better of me.

Well, there's a first for everything and got it dyed today...much to Karen's worry. A married man at 40 pushing on 41 and dying his hair would surely set off the warning bells of a midlife crisis. (Darn...I think I broke Karen's warning bells years ago much to her dismay).

Its not like I am going out there looking for a bonk...its more of me being unable at this point in time to resign to the fact that I am an old fart. Told Karen that at least I wasn't dying it shocking blond or burgundy...including getting one of those man wavy perm hairdo. (Karen wouldn't be the only one worried if I did that...I would too myself).

So there you go....a 21-year-old kid trapped in a 40-year-old body...and that is the state of mind I am in currently. Darn...why is it that I still don't feel young....Lol.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Night Out At The Jetty II

2009-02-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well, its truly been a long and draining week for me, bothmentally and physically. Have been working for one straight week including working late to get my stories in. Then, there was also the domestic issue (or should I say my issue) that Karen and I had to deal with. Yup...it was quiet a week and literally jaded greenon both fronts.

So came Valentine's Day, a day that I think is too over rated and over commercialized. (Love should be expressed and lived everyday and not merely one day out of 365). Anyway, after having been introduced to the 'jetty', thought I take Karen and Kyra on a foray there for Valentine's night.

Kyra was all dressed and hyped up to go when it was about 7pm while I was struggling to finish a story on some dumb crocodile sighted off Tanjung Tuan. (measuring 2.5m...small enough for me to whack it over its head if I could). I, too, was impatient to get to get going as I had planned to take some shots of our night out and the city lights from the jetty. Even clean my G9 and packed my tripod.

Finnaly got there and took a stroll down the jetty and scouted for a good spot for din. The last time I was there, I only saw the karaoke side of it and this time ventured to the open air patio. It was quite a pleasant surprise as Karen, Kyra and I were impressed at the ambience and setting.

Then after getting comfy at out table...bamb....I realized I forgot to put in the G9 battery that I had been charging. So there you go......memory does go with age...and no shot of my Valentine's night out. (no big deal as there always another day).

So, I had to settle takign a photo of Kyra holding up a tacky Valentine's chocolate cake (that's was what it was suppose to be) that was originally given to my mum by a family friend but ended up with us instead.

Happy Valentine's Day.

p/s darn...think I am going to dye my hair soon...everything seems to be going white after 40.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Out By The Jetty.

2009-02-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Darn...it was a quite a throw back last Sunday when was invited to meet up with Aly for a 'karaoke' session at the jetty. Heard about the place but never really ventured there so thought I join in. (yup also to satisfy my ego too and show off me talent at the mike...lol) It was a simple pre-Chap Goh Mei get togther and to celebrate Aly's 26th birthday.

Pretty niffty joint and dejavu experience as Aly's boyfriend and me were the only non Chinese there. So it was half a night of listening to Chinese songs. Some pretty nice tunes.

Managed to do a couple of numbers. Ayiah...have to learn some current songs lah instead of singing 80s numbers. (lol...the songs were from an era when most of them were still in their diapers).

Anyway, still had a decent time and even squeezed in a few shot of the view from the jetty and the almost full moon minus the partial eclipse.

p/s Aly's the 26-year-old one standing on the sofa and looking like an iritated 6-year-old who wants a go at the mike.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Furry Little Balls Of Fun

2009-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

After much ado...we finally got a 'life' pet for Kyra. Will get to that but first a little background where pets are concerned. Aside from a mini-zoo at home, we grew up in a family of dog lovers. My dad also had an aviary with over 50 birds in our garden.

Besides, birds, there were also the odd pets that I had as a kid such as a squirrel, a snake including crabs.Being a dog lover, I was only introduced to cats much later in life when I met my wife Karen.

Having a pet is something that nurture the concept on love, companionship and responsibility in a child.Well, didn't want Kyra to miss out on the experience but living in condo made things a little hard. So, we tried as best as we could and Karen got her a Digi pet for Xmas...one of those key-chain sized where you get to 'rear' one fo 35 animals...lol including a dinosaur.

Alas, it didn't turn out to well...the pets Kyra tried to rear died. Don't blame Kyra though...darn things had to be fed, taken to the loo, read too, taken for medical check ups even play bowling with it...at frigging odd hours...thank goodness they died! (It was a prequisite that Kyra kept at least one of them alive to prove she was worthy of a real life pet)

Nevertheless, she has been wanting the next closest thing...hamsters. So collected her ang-pows and eventually got her a pair of Robisky hamsters.(A fitting hamster breed that is the least aggressive, smallest and fastest hamsters..just like my energetic Kyra...lol). Its hilarious...they are kinda of cute (Karen has a masive 'geli' attack just looking at them).

Anyway, I guess I'll be helping Kyra (photos of her with her fake Digi pet and hamsters) have fun taking care of her pets who are aptly named 'Grim' and 'Mandy' after the cartoon characters.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

A Different Kind Of Lunar New Year

2009-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a slightly different Chinese Lunar New Year for me as I did not spend the eve with Karen and Kyra at the in-laws in Bukit Jalil. Felt that I had taken a break for Xmas and needed to work although it was both a public holiday and press shutdown. So made a day trip to KL and shot back to Malacca to cover the New Year Eve countdown at Jonker Street. (It drizzled...lol)

So here I was all alone...just me, my guitar and a bowl of Maggie Mee (Asam Laksa of course) for New Year dinner. Wasn't that bad although it got a bit quiet. (without Kyra around) Spend New Year's day working and trying to catch the Annular Eclipse although zonked out on a couple of beers later that evening.

The second day of the festive season proved a little more exciting as when on photo hunt (or should I say photo shoot). Had quite a ball clicking away although wished had more time to compose better shots of the subjects.

Had some spare time in between the two days and did a little posing for the camera myself....all dressed up. (tripod and timer of course). Anyway, as mentioned, had a quiet but interesting Lunar New Year.....

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Starry Starry Night

2009-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Finally managed to catch Venus on the rise on a clear cloudless nite. Have been waiting for the right opportunity to try out this el'cheapo telescope to see if it works as claimed. Bought it more than a year ago from a hypermarket (hence el'cheapo more of a toy than real telescope) and used it to view the Moon. Pretty cool.

Well, Venus was really bright and nice. (Look west between 8pm and 9pm about 30 degree up to locate the brightess 'star' i.e which is actually Venus) Managed to view it and it was merely a small little 'half-moon' dot through the telescope. Thought it would have looked bigger but still a satisfying experience nonetheless. Even got Kyra to view it and she said it 'look like half a moon'.

Anyway, this Chinese New Year on Jan 26 will also be a significant date in astronomy as there will be a 'Annular Eclipse' visible to most parts of Asia. Cool. What a coincidence ya.....to usher in the new year with a spectacular heavenly event.(http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2009.html)

Love the song 'Vincent' by Don McLean, a very poetic piece depicting the tragic life of Vincent Van Gogh and thought it apt to dedicate as the title of this post. Also posted a painting by my Uncle Jolly Koh, a renown artist whose works can be found in the hands of several prestigious private and instituitional collectors.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Happy New Year...Chinese style.

2009-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

The Chinese Lunar New Year is just round the bend and will usher in the year of the 'Golden Ox' this Jan 26 i.e that the animal represented in the Chinese Horoscope has completed a full cycle ( 1 cycle = 12 years x 12 cycles = 60 years ).

To all, I wish a Happy Chinese New Year, may it bring prosperity, good health and peace. May the wheel of time continue to turn....

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Veritas Lux Mea

2009-01-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

Its strange how we easily forget that if we strip away the layers of enculturation, artificial labels and social conformity, we, all of us, are human.
In that respect, no one is born Christian, Buddhist, Muslim or Hindu. We come into being and into this world as a 'human'....one that is driven by a myriad of emotional states and differing level of consciousness and controlled by both weakness and strengths.
To deny ones 'humanness' is to deny ones true self and limit the possibility of self discovery. Its the misconception of who we truly are, i.e merely human, that has led to a lot of inner strive.
To each his own and I believe that ultimately 'faith' will be the light that guides us out of the darkness of ignorance.

Psalms 23

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Amen

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Blowing Hot and Cold.

2009-01-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

The weather has really been freaky lately...by that I mean that its gotten pretty chilly the past week or so. Its usually kind of warm with tempretures hitting 30 Celcius and drops between 27 and 26 Celcius when the air-conditioner in the room is set at 21 Celcius to 22 Celcius.

However, even without the air-conditioner on, the mercury has dropped to between 27 Celcius and 25 Celcius. Even the heater at maximum does not feel its usual 'hot'. (England is facing is coldest period or cold snaps since the lat 15 years while certain parts of US is facing really cold weather). That's not all, the winds have been blowing rather strong, even gale like over the last few days.

So, is it just the change in the monsoon or the so called North winds..during the Chinese Lunar New Year period?

Well, we seem to be mimicking nature as we, humans, are getting a little more confused and unstable. War in the Gaza, ongoing killings in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Sri Langka, Thailand, global economic crisis and so forth. Its a matter of time before somthing snaps or gives.

As it is written, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord' and 'Your Will be done' .
Just pray that things will work out though.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Faith That Everything Happens For A Reason

2009-01-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

'For those who have faith, no explanation is needed'. I am such a cartoon and hilariously baffling at times...a paradox wrapped in an egnima.

By that, I mean that I would like to consider myself a logical person who believes in hard facts or rationale scientific or plausible explanation for most things. (lol..although I sometimes behave beyond my own logic or age).

A good example is me having taught Kyra that there is no such thing as ghosts (i.e such as potrayed in the movies) or even Santa Claus for a matter of fact. Tell jer that there is and her reply would be 'talking silly..no such thing'.

Yet, there is also the side of me that also holds on to the belief that there are things that defy logic and ought to be taken on 'faith'. Like the concept of 'time' or 'beauty', faith is a relative matter and can mean a 1,001 things depending on how its viewed. (lol...like my sis in Selangor who prays to the Almighty, the creator of the Universe, when hunting for a parking space at the mall..and presto...she finds one).

For me, I do firmly believe that everthing happens for a reason, be it good or bad. It does not matter if good fortune smiles on me or if life seems unfair at times....it just part and parcel of a higher purpose that is beyond the comprehension of my limited and human mind. However, this only applies where freewill is dormant, i.e..that we are able to forsee and shape the consequences of our action.

In this respect, its been more almost 20 years since I have been following world events....the latest being Israel's invasion of Gaza....this too, to me is an event that is happening for a reason. There are certain things which must come to pass and they will.

I take all things as happening for a reason and have faith the everything will somehow work out fine...because I do believe that there is a God who is and will continue to look out for me and my family.

I pray that those whom I have come to know through my life's journey are fortunate enough to share the same faith...and remain safe in God's love.

To Him All Glory, Honor and Praise.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Lights, Action.....

2009-01-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

As posted earlier, had to cover the Chinese New Year Chinese Lantern Festival at Jonker Street on Jan 10, an event I was looking forward too despite having to walk and literally being on my feet for several hours.

This was so because being at work also meant that I had the opportunity to take sneak a couple of shots of the year's brightest and biggest full Moon, called a perigree Moon. Must admit that I wish I had done better with my G9 but nevertheless managed to get one or two decent shots. (well worth my aching feet)

Hope that will be able to catch the Moon later in the wee hours of morning as will be up to catch Liverpool play Stoke City live on tele.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

A New Moon For The Lunar New Year

2009-01-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

I was aware on Friday that the full moon on Jan 10, Saturday would be the brightest and biggest for the year and was planning to catch some shots. Was having a dip in the pool (butt freezing cold) with Kyra when I noticed the moon was already out in the evening sky at bout 6.30pm and managed to squeeze in several shots.

This weekend's full Moon is the biggest full Moon of the year. It's a "perigee Moon" as much as 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser Moons (Spaceweather.com - one of the sites that I have been visiting on a daily basis since 1998 and is related to my obession with 'signs of the endtimes').

Wanted to take more shots of teh moon later that night but had to rush over to the reclaim area in nearby Padang Temu to cover a story about a Chinese bloke living nearby who was stabbed to death in his car. (Tragic end to life)

Anyway, the Chinese Lunar New Year (Year of the Golden Ox) is just around the bend and will be out later to cover the ceremony to light up Jonker Street. Should be good opportunity for photo hunt.

To the living....life life to the fullest...coz when its over...its over. (at least till we rise again to be judged)

p/s - Love feeding my sis's dog Tushy, this old female Beagle, that had this knack for non-stop eating during the xmas holiday.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Its Official...Darn.

2009-01-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

Yup...its official. I've been piling on the kilos resulting in a expanded waistline due to stuffing myself silly with food and not because of hormonal imbalances in my once stunning body. Got my results back from the docs and they showed that my hormones are balanced and my hyperthyroidism is well under control.

So...there goes my chances of losing weight the hyperthyroid way. Believe me you, hyperthyroidism causes rapid weight loss eventhough one may be stufffing his or her face silly with food. You could eat and eat yet not put on weight owing to increased metabolism which burn away everything. (the down side was that my heart rate was between 110 to 120 as opposed to the normal rate of 76 beats per minute and my metabolism was so high that it was burning away not only at my fats but also my muscles)

At the height of my hormonal imbalance, I weighed 56kg compared to my usual 70kg (boo, hoo., hoo I am currently 76.4kg....more than six kilos off my ideal weight). I was able to fit into one of my older jeans, size 29...and was darn proud of it as that was what my waistline measured when I was 18. (boo hoo hoo...my size 32 has now expanded to 34 plus). As I am not blessed with height (only good looks), putting on weight and an expanding waistline are my biggest fear...fear that I will look even shorter. (my nickname in school was Jepun Pendek or short Japanese)

So I guess its a matter of self control and discipline if I ever want to regain my once perfect body...lol. Its back to plain good old fashion abstinence from excessive face stuffing and exercise. I guess that will be my New Year resolution.....lose some weight so that I can pretend to grow taller....lol.

Posted some pix that shows the progression of my 'fat' and me growing shorter due to the optical illusion caused by an expanding waistline. Photos cover a period between 2000 to present.

p/s Founder of Apple Mac, Steve Jobs has confirmed that he is seeking treatment for hormonal as there was lots of speculation over his rapid weight loss.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Are We There Yet?

2009-01-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

It is hard, if not mind boggling, to imagine that there are billions and billions of stars, some 200 billion in the known Universe and we merely inhabit a lone piece of rock going around a single star we call the Sun.

Also incomprehensible is the vastness and expanse of space. We have so far been able to peer distances equating to some estimated 13.7 billion lights years. It is said that the known cosmos has a diamter equivalent to 93 billion light years.

To put things in perspective...light travels at an approximate speed of almost 290,000km per second. So, one light year equates to light travelling non-stop at 290,000km x 60sec to a minute x 60min to an hour x 24hours to a day x 365days to a year.

And that's how far light travels in a single light year. Now multiply that figure by x 13.7 billion light years. That's how 'big' the Universe is. Even if one is able to count its distance beginning from zero, it would take more that 1,000 life times of non-stop counting before actually coming to the end of the figure or entire sum.

And here we are, the humanrace, scurrying about in our little speck of rock called Earth, behaving as though we are the centre of all things and master of everything. If you consider the vastness of space....we are truly insignificant.

Yet, each time I gaze at the heavens, I stand in awe and humility...realizing that my presence and being is a mere atom in the vastness of space and time. What seems beyond understanding is how the humanrace continues to live with the insatiable lust and greed for more...more of everything yet devoid of meaning and peace. As it was aptly put...'what does a man profit if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul'.

I hope more will pause for a moment, take a step back on a cloudless night and look up at the heavens to ponder God's wonderous and magnificant creation...then maybe, just maybe..we may come to a realization that we are nothing and learn to live life with a little more respect and dignity.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Here I Go Again

2009-01-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been rather blue for me...in a sense that I have been feeling restless and pensive. Its as though there's something missing, a feeling of being lost and finding myself brooding a lot and being grouch.

Been pondering what may be the reason or reasons. It stem from me putting on lots of weight over the last two months and dislike seeing my waistline expanding (besides having all my clothes not sitting well).

The other reason may be biological, i.e. hormone imbalance owing to my thyroid going haywire on me again. I have been on the pill (not that kind of pill) for the last year or so for hyperthyroidism. Its an over active thyroid that leads to excessive hormones resulting in rapid heart rate, anxiousness, mood swings and rapid loss of weight. I can safely say that I know what a woman feels when she goes through during her monthly menses as some of the symptoms are similar to pre-mentrual syndrome caused by hormonal changes. (not to say that I know what it feels to wear a pad).

Hyperthyroid is the total opposite of hypothyroid where one become lethargic and begin putting on weight. There is a possibility that the medication that I have been taking has done its job. So, I shall put this to rest by a trip to my doctor tomorrow and getting my hormone level tested.

Lol...just hope its my hormones coz the other reason why I may be feeling this way is due to me getting fatter...which means that I will look even shorter...boo, hoo, hoo.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Tick Tock Tick Tock.

2009-01-04T04:36:00.000-08:00

On a personal level, I think we, the human race, are headed for some interesting times. One has to catch the daily news to see what I mean. Be it man made or natural calamaties, things seem to be headed towards a downward spiral for us.

The Middle East continues to be a hotpsot with the latest being the Isreali ground offensive against Hamas is Gaza. The discord will only get wider and only bring more distrust and hatred between fellow humans.

Catch phrases such as New World Order, World Trade Organization and so on, which were suppose to have ushered in an era of global economic prosperity has not materialized but instead resulted mayhem for all.

Environmentally, it a similar secnario. Talks in Rio De Jenario and Kyoto have remained mere talk. Nations are still plundering the Earth's resources, carbon emmission are up, global warming and large scale natural calamaties are now a norm. (Besides the continue loss of glacier and sea ice, there have been recent earth movements in United States and parts of Asia. Seasonal monsoon rains have also been eratic)

If there is a more screwed creation of God, then I am of the opinion its us....we are like some kind of virus and cancer that has eaten away not only the Earth but our very selves. I just hope and pray for God's Second Coming...as this would signify the end of the present age.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Go Forth And Multiply

2009-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

2009 marks the 500th anniversary of the coming of the Portuguese to the East following the arrival of Lopez De Sequiera and his fleet of four naus (Portuguese ships) in Spetember 1509. They were the first Europeans to reach the Far East that would eventually change the course of global history.

Ironically, accompanying the fleet was mariner Fernandand Megallen who would also play a role in shaping maritime history via his quest to sail round the world. (Magellan never completed his quest as he was killed off Phillipines. It was in fact his slave named Henry the Black or Panglima Awang from Malacca who is said to be the one who completed the epic voyage around the globe).

The arrival of the Portuguese is seen by some as marking the end of the 15th Century Malacca Sultante Empire and the start of colonialism of Asia by western maritime powers beginning in the 16th Century. All said and done, I would not be posting this blog or enjoying the best of East and West if not for coming of the Portuguese. ( oops.. not 'coming' as in being responsible for sowing his seeds here). There is much debate whether my ancestors were 'white' Portuguese or in fact African or Indian slaves who had converted when captured by the Portuguese fleet while on its journey here. (A visit to Portuguese Settlement here and you will get what I mean).

As to having the best of both worlds, being half Portuguese descent and the other half Malacca straits born Chinese has allowed to view things slightly different and more tolerant towards life in general.

Just hope that my seeds will be around for the next 500 years to come...hmm rather hard with only one kid to my name....lol.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2008-12-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas had come and gone...and as usual, we, the Carvalho family, closed shop here in Malacca and hibernated at my sister Mitch's place in Sungai Buloh for a couple of days. And now year has gone by and the wheel of life continues on into 2009. Looking back, 2008 was not a bad year afterall. As with life, there were the ups and downs and the laughter and the tears...but on the whole, it was a good year for me and my family.

I may not know what may be in store for me in 2009 but one thing is for sure....getting older...sigh. And so the adage 'time is relative' means much more to me....and it helps me take comfort that I remain young at heart. (each passing year does not only add another digit to my age but also to my waistline...boo hoo hoo).

Well, on the subject of age. Sometimes I forget what and old foggy I am in terms of years...all 41 of it. It takes a particular event to knock some realization that I am such an old fart. To me, the 1980s seemed like yesterday. But upon consideration....the 1980s equates to a quarter of a century ago...darn...that seems like a long time ago ya.

It was like when we were kids in the 1980s where songs from the 1960s and shows like Happy Days were from an era belonging to our parents. All of a sudden, it is us who belong to that 'era'. Our generation belonged to Mc Donalds, Sony Walkman, Breakdancing and Michael Jackson (when he was still partly a man). Heck...the concept of mobile phones was something we watched on 'Six Million Dollar Man', 'Space 1999' and 'Buck Rogers in The 25th Century'. Computers were just begining to appear on the scene and there was no such thing as Windows where one could just click away with such ease.

Anyway, back to what hit me the other night on how old I seem to 'others' (the younger generation of Ipods, Skype and You Tube). Had some time to spare and decided to go to the playground where I live for my nightly dose of guitar and solo jamming. Its located on the first floor of where I live and offers the perfect acoustic.

I usually jam for about an hour and enjoy the solitude. However, owing to my guitar and singing skills ( ha, ha...it should be 'blowing my own trumpet' skills), an occasional passerby or neighbor would stop over and request a song or two. (much to my discomfort as I am more of a bathroom performer). So here I was banging away on my guitar and singing when this South African bloke named Martin Akalla Abraham stops by.

He said he heard music coming from the playground the other day when he was pasing and decided to investigate this time round to see who was behind the wonderful and alluring voice. (pa rum pa rum pam..lol). After some small talk, I asked him his music perference....his answer was.....'classic rock and ballads'....old school songs from the 1980s such as Phil Colins, Lionel Richie and etc.

'Dong'....then it hit me...those songs and singers are from my era...which he described as being 'old school'. (the operative key words here being '1980s and old'). Well, sucked up the deflated concept of my age and did two numbers for him 'Stuck on You' and 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word'. (from my era)

Didn't think much of it until New Year's Eve when I sent my collegue named Pelf (Its an ancient Korean-Hakka name that means "One whom the camera loves and One who loves the camera") to cover a countdown bash at Seafarers in Klebang. Told her to take her better half along and enjoy the night. At about 9.30pm, I get an sms from her saying....'the place is filled with old people listening to 1980s songs'. (once again operative key words here were '1980s and old'). 'Dong'...hit me again...and this time even harder.........I am being identified as one who is from the 1980s era...old school.

I guess, it means I have to be more mindful nowadays of my age. It also suppose to mean that I should be more wise.('wisdom comes with age' thingy). Lol....it really doesn't matter to me because I will continue to be who I am....a young mischevious 1980s kid trapped in a man's body. (whose waistline is getting not so manly lah)

Anyway, to all...may God in His infinte love, mercy and wisdom bless us with peace, happiness, good health and prosperity in 2009.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Ode To Joy

2008-12-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

Like Mozart's Ode To Joy, there are certain things in life that touches my very soul. Be it through senses evoked through sight, sound, taste or smell, the emotion that is close to that of joy and love of life.

After months of merely taking auto shots with my G9, I decided to be a little more creative and adventurous and went on photo hunts with Alison (Nikon) and Pelfy (Sony and her boyfriend who was decent enough to act as her potter). The photos were taken over a three day period of scenes of the Holiday Inn jetty, Malacca River, Selat Mosque and Stadhuys. It was thoroughly enjoyable indeed.

There was also the added bonus of the unexpected blue sky day when I was in Kampung Baru Ayer Salak to get some shots of the 1886 St. Mary's Church. Lo and behold, there was even a half moon high above the vivid blue cloudless mid morning sky.

As Christmas and the New Year of 2009 approaches, I just want to express my thanks to God Almighty for the simple joys in life and the ability to appreciate the splendor and beauty of His creations.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Live Like You Were Dying

2008-12-14T06:48:00.001-08:00

Had started off a post detailing what I went through slightly more than a year ago...decided to put it aside for now. However, the song by Tim Mcgraw 'Live Like You Were Dying' sums it all up for me last year. Well that's that and don't feel like dwelling on the past...a painful and traumatic part of my life that I thank God for the experience and strength given to overcome it.

Spend the weekend doing some spring cleaning before Christmas. It was kind of a full two days beginning with bowling on Friday between my fellow journalists and TM (Telekom) staff. Phew...did slightly better this time round and even brought Karen and Kyra along to watch me bowl. Besides the usual gutter balls, I did score a few strikes and spares. Jason and Alison (that explains Kyra's pose with Jason, the 'koko' that patah my doggy's ear) were on hand and Alison fared much better this time round. (except for the gutter ball she got when she decide style was better than pins when I took her photo)

Also had the opportunity to take a few photos with my G9 of the 'super moon' at about 4am on Saturday morning. The moon was the biggest for the year. Wished I had done better although the moist air and clouds were factors I had to contend with.

(see: ttp://www.space.com/spacewatch/081211-full-moon-biggest.html)

On a more serious note, Razak, the photographer attached with the daily Malay tabloid Kosmo, was involved in an accident. Bumped his face pretty bad and is currently warded. Though I don't know him that well, he strikes me a decent and soft spoken chap. I am glad and thank God that he is alright. Will visit him this Monday to see how he is recovering.

Enjoying my new flat screen monitor (an early Xmas present bought at Mahkota Parade's Pikom Fair) and Mozart's 'Ode to Joy' as I write. Have posted several photos that represented my weekend.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-12-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Before I begin, its uncanny that first first two lines of this post and its heading was written two days ago before I decide to hit the sack. (Its that time of the year (by that I mean not Xmas) where the monsoon bring about the threats of floods in low lying areas in the country)

Since then, things did coem to pass and some 1,500 people had to be evacuated to temporary relief centres following continous rain begining Sunday night to Monday evening resulting in floods in several areas here.

By far it was a good day indeed, considering the fact that got myself and my G9 wet. Had the good fortune of not only covering a flood story but to actually help in the rescue of a mother and a four-day-old daughter who became trapped in their home in Kampung Tanjung Minyak owing to the flood. (Saturday was also a good day when had the opportunity to get up close with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan who was down to receive his award from Governor here).

Coming back to the weather...besides the rain, there is also the possibility of more earth movement this mid December. We will be experiencing an extreme super moon this Dec 15. Just wondering whether that will have any effect on Earth and trigger greater than usual daily earthquakes around the globe?

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Oops..I Think I May Have Spoken To Soon.

2008-11-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

What can I say except I think I may have spoken to soon...about Kyra having my genes. (previous post). In less than a week, she proved my right. It was after a long while that Karen, Kyra and I took a trip up to Kuala Lumpur to see my mum-in-law and the two boys, Jeral, 9, and Jeremy, 8.
You can imagine Kyra excitement and the fun she had.

So much fun that she decided to slide down the slide near the Bukti Jalil home on Sunday not on her backside as any normal kid would do but on her tummy. Yup...that's my girl...most likely imagining herself to be flying with out stretched arms like Power Puff Girl's Buttercup. Result...dislocation of a joint on her left little pinky. It must have hurt like heck from the swelling.

Wanted to get it x-rayed on Monday as the swelling was turning a nice bluish black but the clinic near my home was closed. I had explained to her that there would be no needles involved during the visit to the doc, only a special photo taken to see if she had fractured her pinky. She really wanted her to be x-rayed.

Managed to take her to the doc on Tuesday morning and he didn't have an x-ray machine. (much to Kyra and my dismay). Well, the doc took a look and assured me that Kyra had merely dislocated one of her pinky joint. He promptly used half a tounge depressor and some bandage to fashion a splint to immobilize her finger. Wah...you could tell by the look on her face that it was a big deal getting her finger all bandaged up.

Well, sent her to school and reminded her that her splint was suppose to last for about two days to allow her finger to heal. Thank goodness, I had the foresight of taking a shot of her bandaged finger as her splint stayed on for less than half a day. Irene picked her up from school and the first thing I want to ask her when she got home was about her day in school. Then, I noticed her missing bandaged and before I could question her why it was off....she said,

"Old lah...I try to put back but come out...my hand no more pain also".

Yup...that's my girl........just hope she doesn't take too many more knocks in life. Either way, I will be there to catch her whe she falls...I hope.

p/s Anyway, may God welcome 11-year-old Brenden Foster into His loving arms and give him everlasting life in paradise. To understang my prayer, go to http://cbs11tv.com/health/Brenden.Foster.dying.2.867696.html

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Its Definitely In The Genes

2008-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

They say what goes around comes around and I am beginning to agree with the adage 100% with regard to Kyra, my five-year-old kid. In that respect, I am quite certain its due to the gene she had inherited from me.

To have a hyper kid is one thing but to have one that has a mischevious smirk on her face couple with a vivid imagination is another altogether. I have been told time and time again that I was not that different when I was her age (still am in fact...just a kid trapped in an almost gorgeous but stunted 40 year-old body). Dang, I was quite a dynamo, buzzing around as a kid and most of the time unable to sit still due to my over active imagination. A typical Calvin and Hobbes character. My poor, poor parents...including a neighbor who would usually offer my 20 cents (big money back in those days) just to sit still for a minute which I never manage to collect. A crushed right toe, an almost fatal hornet sting to the right eye, dislocated shoulder and an almost severed left thumb cuased by a sickle are testament of how it must have been like for them over the year.

Anyway, back to Kyra....my collegues had the unfortunate recent chance of seeing up close what I have to put up practically everyday. Decided to bring her along for a seafood dinner at Alai. (much to my wife Karen's happiness as this meant at least 2 hours of peace and quiet) Everything proceeded well for the first 5 minutes and then...bam...she spills her glass of ice pink syrup drink on Pelf, one of the most prim and proper girl I have come to know.

Things got a little better after a stern look from me and a round of apologies. The food arrived and Kyra was pretty much okay for about 10 minutes. Then.....bam again....Kyra's attention was diverted to some dumb stray cat and kittens which had to decided to scavange for food near our table. She spent the rest of the evening pinching pieces baked fish and calamari to feed the cats. Once again, Pelf was the one who seemed most disturbed by this as Kyra's cat feeding antics had lured them under our table. Pelf has this great aversion towards animals...practically all forms except for dead rats and frogs which she had dissected during her science classes. (Oh..and of course turtles and tortises...I suppose its because they don't bark, meow or growl, do not have any fur on them and that they don't move that much)

I suppose things evened out when I was sending Jason, Pelf and her buddy Yen to their respective cars after dinner. Jason, a huge burly chap who lives for good food and photography, decided to play tug with Kyra's new stuff pet dog Patrick. There was this audible crack sound and Kyra when 'you patah my dog'. She was still bouncing about in the back of the car much to the terror of Pelf and Yen. Things finally quieten down during the ride home. Found out later when 'bathing' Patrick (Kyra dropped it on the icky wet floor in Alai) that the 'patah' sound was from one of its ear being slightly torn.

Well I guess its in the genes ya. Had enrolled her for ballet classes to get he to be more lady like and gracefu....sigh. Everything said and done, its all more the joy Kyra being Kyra as she does add colour to my life.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Dang...Its Going In the Drain Again.

2008-11-16T08:25:00.001-08:00

Another week gone by another week older. Work was work with bowling being the highlight of the week. Well, bowling may have been around for the longest time but it was something alien when growing up in Malacca in the 1980s. When the game made its intorduction here in the early 1980s, most us were either involved in other sporting activities such as football, hockey or swimming.

I was, for the most part of my schooling days, blowing my trumpet (excuse the pun but I still do it till today) in the cadet band and had little time left except for a little hockey and cricket. There were of course also time for playing in mud at the mangrove swamp near my home or alone by the seawall with my guitar during the nights. Life was much simpler and innocent then with most things were done without a fee, of course.

So in essence, I would say that I would be aptly termed, as the Chinese would say, a 'Sua Ku' or country bumpkin. What a laugh...because I still am in many respect, in particular where the world of cyberspace is concerned.

Back to the bowling. It was organized by my journalist buddies here. Managed to skip the last two outings but decided to have a crack this time round. It had been years (no kidding) that I last bowled or should I correctly say 'bounced' the ball along the lane. All I remembered about the game was that the balls were f#*king heavy. It was even harder for me with me having thick and broad fingers (proud to day that's not all that is broad and thick on my body). This forced me to opt for the 13 to 14 pounders. But alas, it never helped, those bigger balls. (proud to say that I would aptly fit the the pun 'you got big balls'). I remember well the excruxiating pain each time I tried to get the balls of my fingers only to see them roll into the gutter.

Well, back to the present game on Saturday. I was paired off with my ever gusty colleague Alison, a tough but big hearted person. And what a pair we made. Anyway, thought to myself...'Dang...how hard can it be to roll and bounce a f#*king heavy ball at nine dick shaped looking bottles?' Answer....f#*king hard. Wearing a tight pair of jeans and not being able to bend for 'style' due to a bad spine didn't help either.

For the better part of the game, I kept the gutter along the lanes clean with my big balls although managing a couple of strikes and spares. To added insult to injury, there was a prize giving ceremony later including one for the pair with the lowest pinfalls. Needless to say, I was so relieved when it was the pair next to us that got the prestigious title. Phew....

Now I know why I will remain a 'Sua Ku' where bowling in concerned. Will still go for a game or two once in a while just for laughs though. So, I think I''ll stick to my guitar and G9 instead of bouncing some heavy balls instead. (except mine of course)

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

One of Life's Mysteries Solved

2008-11-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

It was a hilarious episode that I feel warrants a post. My mum, Irene, 66, who is typical Nyonya from Heeren Street, usually does Karen and me a big favour by babysitting Kyra, my five-year-old whose energy seems boundless.

It was another usual day at work and was on my way home when I recieved a call from Irene. (if you've had the pleasure of talking to a Baba-Nyonya, you'd realise that they are well known for being very expressive) She ranting and raving about some blackish mark that had developed around Kyra's upper lip.

The conversation went soemthing like this..."Boy (another typical Baba-Nyonya termed used for a male heir) there's some kind of mark on Kyra's lips. I don't know what caused it. Maybe its the Batman ice-cream I bought for her. I tried to wipe and wash it off but the mark cannot come out. How, how...huh....I am so worried lah."

When I reached home, Kyra was as usual was blase about the whole thing. She did looked a little confused which was most likely caused by Irene's incessant worry and attempts to 'wash' off the mark on her lips. Kyra had this perfect half halo blue-black mark on her upper lips and lok pretty unusual.Upon closer examination, I realised it was not a ice-cream stain but more of a mark or impression when one sucks hard on an object.

Kyra looked hilarious...she looked like as though someone had given her a bad lipstick makeover. She reminded me of a clown or one of those old traditional Chinese ladies with lipstick extending over the boundries of their lips.

When I questioned Kyra, her reply was "I don't...all I do just now is to suck on my ice-cream grandma buy for me". Questioned my mum on whether Kyra suck on any circular object and she said no. Thus, the mystery only deepened and only added to Irene's guilt that she was responsible for Kyra's odd predicament as a result of the ice-cream she bought. She even called later that night to find out if the mark had gone away. I said it faded somewhat but still present. Had to assure her that I would have the doctor look at it the following day if Kyra still had the mark.

I noticed an empty Vitagen bottle by the table later that night but it did not dawn on my till the next morning when I recieved a call Irene. She had a sleepless night trying to figure out the mystery and finally remembered buying Kyra the Vitagen drink which lacked a straw. Being a typical kid, Kyra merely tore off the core and glupped the Vitagen down before continuing to use the empty plastic bottle as a 'vacuum' toy.

What a cartoon....I wasn't worried at all the night before as I knew that there was some simple and non threatening explanation for the mark. Alas, mystery solved....Kyra was just being Kyra. Posted a photo taken of the mystery halo before it was figured out the next day.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Ode To Joy

2008-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

We, humans, are really a paradox wrapped in an egnima. Capable of the most sublime of expressions of our inner soul through love and art yet at the same time capable of the most grotesque of misdeeds and destruction.

With over six billion souls, I sometimes ponder the very reason of our existence. Do I see a glass half full or a glass half empty with regard to the fate of the humanrace? There are times when the awe and beauty of the soul makes me wish the life would perpetuate. Yet, there are times when human suffering and misery makes me long for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth.

Isaiah 65:17...

'For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind'.

I take this opportunity to pay my last respects to an aquaintance and former collegues Zulkifly, a jovial guy who passed away recently. Excellent as a PR person, he was eventaully posted to Nanjing, China as Malacca's representative there, although some of us used to tease him as being Malacca's ambassador to China. May he find rest and peace in death.

On a more lighter side, I was glad at being able to go bee-chasing at the Malacca Botanical Garden. (Darn, I sound like Spongebob on one of his jelly fish hunt). Managed to get some shots but know that I can do better the next time round. Also caught the adaptation of Syalaman's Night 'The Happening' starring Mark Walberg. Interesting storyline movie and pretty intense scenes. (It only goes to show how fraile and insignificant humans are in the larger scheme of things)

Till He who is Truth and lives forever comes again....

To none I Wish Ill but To All I Wish Peace and Love.

I've Look At Love From Both Sides Now

2008-10-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Wow...its been quite a while since my last post. Loads had happened since then and the most significant and profound was inability of modern hi-tech science to assist my wife and me get another child.

Yup, after a month tests, hormones, earger waiting and more about RM14k, it all came to naught. We were not depressed as there was nothing lost rather more dissapointmented at not being able to have another little budle of joy. Ironically, when going through the process that I realised that I left things to science and not faith. The creation of life between two individual is the highest expression of love. This was the most important ingredient missing. So I have looked at 'love from both sides now' (title to a lovely 70s song)

And there's of course the little Tiger cub named Nicky who was saved from the cooking pot by a good samaritan three years ago. The tiger is now 3 years old and recently had a litter of 4 cubs at the Malacca Zoo. (unfortunately only 2 survived) I was lucky to get the chance of covering a story where the good samaritan decided to visit the zoo and take a look at the cubs. Man, the Malaysian tigers are such magnificient and beautiful creatures. Had the good fortune of holding a tiger cub.

Now that Kyra is old enough to appreciate more things in life, I shall take her to the zoo one of these days. I am sure we will have a ball of a time there.

To none I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

And The Nick Name Of The Founder Of Malacca Is.....

2008-10-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Had the good fortune of meeting up with an old friend of mine, one who has done Malacca proud. He is none other that Dato' Dr 'Dino' Sharma. Though coming from humble beginnings from a family of 11 (he used to joked that it was a complete football team), he has done pretty well in life and now heads World Wildlife Fund Malaysia.

Interestingly enough, he does have a passion for history although better known as the 'man' attuned with nature and animals. As usual, he came dressed in his trademark Malaysianized Indiana Jones outfit comprising a pair of durable slacks, a sleeveless multipurpose jacket atop a t-shirt and a olive-green army cap to hide his long wavy hair. (Far from looking like the Indy played by Harrison Ford, he resembles more to me like a cross between Jesus and John Lennon in glasses).

Anyway, we met up with Jason Yoong of the Maritime Archeology Museum which occupies a tiny section at the Youth and Art Museum located less than 50 meters from the 17th Century Dutch Stadhuys. True to his calling, Jason gave a pretty fascinating discourse on the history of coins and money in Malacca.

We later proceeded to view the ongoing excavation and restoration work being carried out on the ruins of the Dutch era Middleburg bastion that was added unto the 16th Century Portuguese A Famosa Fort. Four human skeletons, dating to cicra 1450CE, were discovered during excavation work with one of them displayed at the Youth and Art Museum. We later headed back to the practically deserted museum about 100 meters away to view the skeleton before ending the day by having some wantan mee in Ujong Pasir.

Besides Malacca's fascinating history (including having a good laugh at the short form name of the founder of Malacca), we talked about climate change and family. I suppose that's the other common ground we share....that at the end of the day.... family does come first above it all.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

Water The Source Of Life...and Fun.

2008-09-30T06:25:00.001-07:00

Its been quite a trying week for me and my wife on a very personal level. There was not only work to deal with but also the flu we had caught during such a crucial in time in our lives. I will not go into just yet as there is 24 hours to 'pray, wait and see' what our future holds.

It has to do with life...life which we are eager to bring forth although it is still really in the hands of God. That brings me to the present life and the little joys and blessings. As the adage goes...'water is the source of all life' and in that respect I do agree as it also holds a special meaning for me.

It is the pool where my five-year-old ruffian of a child and me spend our time bonding. It is here where I first introduced her to 'water' at the tender age of 18 months. Since then, we look forward to our dip in the pool whenever time and weather permits. Being a ball of energy, the pool offers good fun and an excellent way of tiring her out early for bed. If love means sharing, then that is exactly what we do whenever we are at the pool.

In less than 24-hours, my, my wife and our only child will know if we will be granted the opportunity to love even more........till the....here are some shots of my little ruffian taking a leap of faith.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

The House My Forefathers Built

2008-09-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

The week draws to a close and I was not the only one who went as Pintukopak went...'wah weekend already? So fast ah'. Yup, time seems to be accelerating by. Spent part of the afternoon with Pintukopak in the blazing Sun to get some shots for her skeleton and fort ruin story at the heart of the old city.

Work on reconstruction of the Dutch annex at part of the former 16th Century Portuguese excavated ruins should be completed in a month's time. It represents just a small part of the entire fort yet it is quite impressive. (The fort encircled the old city with a radius of about 1.5km. Its base was said to have run as deep as its height) I must say that my forefathers did a splendid job as the fort was breached only once following its construction between 1512 to 1550s. Little did Alfonso know that the name he gave to the fort, 'A Famosa' or 'The Famous', would remain so for almost 500 years.
Work to reconstruct part of the excavated fort ruins has met with both agreement and opposition. My personal opinion, I am glad that it was done as it gives one a good idea and inkling of what Malacca's ancient must have looked liked between 1500s to 1807 when the fort was eventually blown up by the British.

As noted in earlier posts, I will reveal bit and parts of Malacca's fascinating history. So here goes...

Somewhere buried near the ruins of the excavated portion of the fort lies the remains of a Sumatran princess whose fell in love and eloped with a Portuguese nobleman from Malacca. The story of her life would certainly make a great novel.

It was documented that she was buried with much pomp in a solemn ceremony with the inscription 1576 placed in her coffin to signify the year of her death. Her name was Dona Helena and one of her sons would later rise to become a famous adventurer and cosmographer named Eredia.

Eredia would later go on to record what life was like in Malacca in the late 1500s in his book 'Description of Malacca-1613. The book, which was translated into English in the 1920s, offers an astonishingly accurate description of Malacca and its people and environment.

I have taken the liberty to post several photos of the excavated Dutch annex fort and a map of the what Malacca looked like during the Portuguese era in the late 1500s. (Note the Dutch annex is not present in the map as it was added on later by the Dutch after the captured the city in 1641) Also included is a photo of me and my buddy Jason at his Maritime Archeology Museum.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Tribute to Life and Death

2008-09-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

It was certainly an emotionally draining two days at work. The started off as usual on Tuesday with the daily routine of sourcing for news. Was just about to alight from my car after going on a wild goose chase for a fire that did not exist in Pantai Kundor area. It was then that I recieved a call about a student apparently found dead in a toilet at a primary school in Bandar Hilir.

I rushed to the scene with two other colleagues and was far from prepard for the raw emotions that followed. We reached the school at about 2pm and noticed two police cars in the compound and instinctively knew as a journalist that something had gone terribly wrong

There were several people and students milling about at the front entrance of the school building and the scene looked casual enough. However, it was when we were about 20 steps away from the centre of the small crowd that we were confronted with the most surreal scene.

I am not sure about my two other colleagues but I was stunt to see the figure of a child wrapped in white cloth lying motionless on a makeshift 'bed' made up of two small classroom tables joined together. There was a teary eye and sorrowful lady half kneeling and half bending forward at the foot of the table gently stroking the child's forehead. There was no sound of wailing or crying coming from the woman as she kept on stroking the child's head and seemed to be whispering something into her ear.

I was a mere eight feet away from the woman and the child and it took several second for my mind to comprehend the scene. It was a griefing mother weeping quitely over her daughter whose life ceased to be. The child looked as though she was merely alseep as her mother gently stroked her neartly braided hair.

In an instant a wave of emotions swept through me, that of an intense sense of loss and pain. As a father with a five-year-old daughter, I could could only imagine the woman's sorrow at losing her child.

I wouldn't say that I have truly experienced deep sorrow. There are three occasions in my life where I dare say sorrow was not merely an abstract descriptive word but a real tangible emotion that carried with it a physical sense of loss and pain. It was when I almost lost my family through my own indiscretion, when I saw my entire life played out before me as I underwent two MRIs in succession in a coffin like chamber to see if I had a tumor and the loss of twins when my wife miscarried.

It is such events that knocks some perspective in my life as to what truly matters most. It is through the experience of pain and sorrow that one truly appreciates life. Though life is precious, it can also be frail. It is for this reason that I remind myself to stop and smell the roses and to count the blessings for the simple joys in my life. This is why I try to live life with less hatred but more love and to live it to its fullest with as little regrets.

I can only offer my prayers that God, in His infinte wisdom and love, sent His spirit of peace and comfort to the grieving parents of 8-year-old Yap Li Xuen. I pray that Li Xuen's soul find peace in her rest and that the Light and Love of God envelopes her till His coming.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Vanilla Ice Cream Apple Pie

2008-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Another weekend gone. For us old foggies...its exactly like the adage...'time passes you by seemingly slow but the all of a sudden, you look back and wonder where have all the years gone'. Well, cest' la vie.

Went for a surprise birthday party at friend's place and it turned out more of a surprise than I thought. It was the Apple-pie and vannila ice cream that was tickled me silly. The pastry was simply excellent and I assumed it was made by the wife of the 49-year-old doctor whose home was the venue for the surprise birthday. It was in fact made by him, the well composed doctor.

What was pleasantly surprising was that it dispelled the common sterotyping and assumptions we tend to make of people. Here was a family man, a doctor by profession but also an ordinary bloke who had a knacked for pastry making. How interesting life is if we all just stop to consider that we are all just humans.

So, be it a high and mighty politician, a rich businessman, a farmer or a labourer...we are all merely just trying to get by. However, its the simple joys of life makes us all more human afterall.

To none I Wish Ill But To All I I Wish Peace and Love.

p/s....must go on some photo hunt soon....

2008-09-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Though the Sun was blazing, the opportunity of taking a boat ride to Malacca's mystical island of Pulau Besar or Big Island was one that could not be passed. It was last minute thingy and work related but nevertheless something that I would not have missed.

Located about 25km from the centre of the historic city, the Island has a history that spans even further back in time than the founding of Malacca as a trading port in the early 1400s. Being the last remaining island on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia where fresh water can be found, Pulau Besar or Big Island was used by early Chinese and Indian mariners.

The island is mentioned by the Chinese in their annals while a brass gong of 12th Century Sumatran Majapahit Empire is evidence of its ancient history. There are numerous legends attributed to the island and none more celebrated amongst locals than that of its connection to Mount Ophir (Gunung Ledang) and buried treasures that are guarded by fairies and spiritual guardians.

With certain parts of the island surrounded by corals reefs, shallow rocky bottom and fast moving eddies, it is no suprise that the waters of Pulau Besar have claimed many a ships and lives over the centuries. The last being 18 souls who perished when their overloaded vessel sank in heavy weather back in 1997. Such natural accidents have only help perpetuate the island's mythical and sacred status amongst locals.

Over the past 40 years, I have had the good fortune of visiting the island on several occasion. The most memorable was a two day camping adventure (with my then to be wife, sis and thento be ex-bro-in-law and then to be sis-in-law) which included almost four hours of boulder to boulder hopping at the back of the island in the early 1990s. (one slip and it was 4 meter to 5 meter drop into fast moving waters...what bravado when blessed with the advantage of youth)

My take on the island is that it holds more than mysterious treasure as I firmly believe that there is some truth behind the local legend. Is just that the truth is sometime shourded over time to included mythical tales.

My relationship with the island is far from over as I surely intend to return to it one of these days for a closer exploration. Till then, here are some shots of the Pulau Besar and the view of Mount Ophir from the waters off the island.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Fore Warning To All

2008-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

As mentioned, one of my interest is prophecy, in particular that which concerns the future of the world as we know it and the fate of humankind. Over the years, my interest in the subject has grown to include not merely forewarnings uttered by prophets through the ages but also extra biblical sources ranging from prophecies of other religion to so called modern day prophets and clairvoyants, even to the down right charlatan. However, owing to my faith, I tend to lean more toward the biblical prophecies such as the Book of Isaiah, Daniel, Amos, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Matthew and Revelations.

Its been almost 20 years since I first started keeping track of global events. Besides shifting through the prophecies, I have tried to view them in context of nature, science and society at large. There is much strife, hatred, greed and confusion in every aspect of the world today.

In my personal opinion, there are signs showing that we are indeed the generation that will live to see great upheavals leading to the transformation of the world as we know it and the evolution of our very being.

Humankind may have reached greater heights in technological innovation and advancement in the sciences yet we have become more and more 'ignorant' as beings. So much so that it echos some of the words uttered by inspired men of God more than 2,000 years ago. Even recent global climatic and political changes are events that fits the biblical description of the signs of the 'birth pangs'.

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/isaiah/isaiah24.htm

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew24.htm#foot10

http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Rev/Rev006.html

The question, I suppose, is will I be ready when the times comes...when the term 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord' is uttered to usher in the coming of the changes? Will I be at peace with myself and content with the life I have led?

Till that time comes...I shall love without fear, exercise forgiveness for the sake of peace and live life with as little regret.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.