Class of '74 & '75 Meow, Meow!

Our Own Facebook Group!

2011-08-27T08:51:00.001+08:00

Although I have already sent out invitations to those of you who are on my facebook friends list, this is just a heads up to those of you that I for some unforgiveable reason have missed you out in sending out the invitations!

Those of you who have already been invited, please assist by also inviting our other classmates who are on your facebook friends list.

Why this facebook group?

Everyone is on Facebook already and I encourage you to sign up on Facebook now if you haven't already done so! It is a great way to keep in touch.
This blog is in the public domain - everyone who chances on it can read (and spy?) on us whereas a Facebook Group is private. It is set up as a closed group and strictly by invitation and postings cannot be viewed by others who are not part of this group.
There is a LIVE group chat function in that everybody who happens to be on facebook at the time can chat with each other! The other night Geok Lian, Edward Tan, Justin Tsan had our first group chat.
It is FREE!

I am sure there are other very good reasons that I had not thought of or am aware of yet.
So join in and contribute. Looking forward to seeing you in our facebook group soon!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/181670601904515/

Charity Ride from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching - November/December 2011

2011-08-19T10:35:00.001+08:00

My dear old friends - to celebrate my 55th birthday on the 29th November 2011; I'll be doing a charity ride from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to Kuching which is about 1,300kms away, on my own. I feel very blessed to be able to do this epic ride at an age when we are supposed to "retire"! I know I have all your support; so please go to the "Donate" page of the charity ride website for information on how you can make your donations - www.kk2kuchingcharityride2011.blogspot.com

I will report back here after I have completed my ride on Sunday, 11th December 2011. Wish me luck! Thank you.

Reunion Dinner in Kuching 3 April 2011

2011-04-04T11:52:00.003+08:00

The 2 'Singaporeans' namely Edward Tan Teck Hoo and William Tay were coincidentally in town over the weekend for "cheng beng" and we took this opportunity to catch up over dinner at "The Venue" restaurant; where we chatted till well over the closing hours. It was a good thing that Pang Kia Siew (who again delivered on the choice of great food) knew the owners (it also happened that William's brother was also one of the owners!) and who also kept us all duly entertained!

Everyone talked about having a "big" get together dinner and yours truly for one is keen but I do need help from all of us to make this happen! See all the empty chairs waiting to be occupied! ;-)

See you all at the next reunion!

A Thought to Ponder

2011-04-04T11:13:00.002+08:00

The Dalai Lama was asked,
“What thing about humanity surprises you the most?”

His answer,
“Man because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. Then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present. As a result, he doesn’t live in the present or the future. He lives as if he’s never going to die. Then he dies having never really lived."

Chinese New Year Visiting in Kuching 2010

2010-02-24T17:12:00.004+08:00

After visiting my house we proceeded to Anthony Bong Joon Khoi's house.

Pre Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner - Sunday 7 February 2010

2010-02-09T11:04:00.006+08:00

When an old classmate - Lam Chui Peng (living in London now) is in town, it's as good a reason as any to get together for a good meal and yarn; and thanks to Pang Kia Siew (whale shark anyone?) who was able to deliver on both counts! ;-)

The good doctor Philip Bong won the 'fight' with our still heart-broken lawyer Lian Kee to pick up the tab and as good friends we naturally stay out of the scuffle!

It was also great to meet up with Kah Mee after more than 3 decades! With more notice we hope we can invite more of us to join in on our next dinner.

Irene Lim Kim Ho

2010-01-25T07:07:00.002+08:00

Guess What?

2010-01-18T14:48:00.004+08:00

Yeah. Guess what? Another year has passed and the last post was many months ago!

Trust that all of us are keeping well despite the silence here; and here's wishing all of us a healthy, prosperous and happy 2010.

Guess where??

2009-07-09T20:16:00.005+08:00

Ai yoh, why so quiet. My itchy hands decided to post something. Let's see if there's any response. These were taken during my recent holidays.

from the hotel room

A golfer with the whole golf course to himself. I had the opportunity to walk the 18 hole course. huff & puff with the up & downhill!! but its really beautiful.

This photo sure give the clue already lah!!

Make The World A Happier Place

2009-05-03T18:18:00.003+08:00

More than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. With just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! I'm sure Edward Tan would enjoy this - so this one is for you!

In My Life

2009-04-05T14:07:00.003+08:00

Hey! It's already April and March went by without a single post ... And just so that April will not be without a post as well (tsk tsk) here's an old Beatles song that I suddenly recalled and loved.

Enjoy and do post something once in a while - 'can or not'???

In My Life

There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life i love you more

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Good Bye Mom!

2009-02-28T08:37:00.001+08:00

A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped. Furthermore she kept staring at him.
She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said,
"I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease；it's just that you look so much like my late son."
He answered,"That's okay."
"I know it's silly, but if you'd call out'Good bye, Mom'as I leave the store, it would make me feel so happy."

She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out,"Goodbye, Mom."
The little old lady waved, and smiled back at him.
Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day, he went to pay for his groceries.

"That comes to $121.85," said the clerk.
"How come so much ... I only bought 5 items..."
The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your Mother said you'd be paying for her things, too."

AAADD - Know The Symptons!

2009-02-24T10:33:00.003+08:00

AAADD - KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!!

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests itself:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway,

I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,

I notice mail on the hall table,

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table,

Put the junk mail in the waste bin under the table,

And notice that the bin is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the rubbish first.

But then I think,

Since I'm going to be near the post box

When I take out the rubbish anyway,

I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my cheque book off the table,

And see that there is only one cheque left.

My extra cheques are in my desk in the study,

So I go to my desk where I find the cup of tea I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my cheques,

But first I need to push the tea aside, so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The tea is getting cold, so I decide to put it in the kitchen to wash up.

As I head toward the kitchen with the tea,

A vase of flowers on the worktop catches my eye -- they need water.

I put the tea on the worktop and

Discover my reading glasses that

I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I'd better put them back on my desk,

But first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the worktop,

Fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.

Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,

I'll be looking for the remote,

But I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,

So I decide to put it back in the sitting room where it belongs,

But first I'll water the flowers.

I go to pour some water in the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor;

So, I set the remote back on the table,

Get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to Remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

The car isn't washed

The bills aren't paid

There is a cold cup of tea sitting on the worktop

The flowers don't have enough water,

There is still only 1 cheque in my cheque book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

And I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,

I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day,

And I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,

And I'll try to get some help for it,

But first I'll check my e-mail....

Do me a favour: Forward this message to anyone you know,

Because I don't remember who the hell I've sent it to.

Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

Reunion @ The Heritage Restaurant, Kuching 16 February 2009

2009-02-23T15:31:00.008+08:00

Peng Jackman was in town and we got together for a chinese dinner at The Heritage Restaurant on the Monday night of the 16 February 2009. Lim Lian Kee (Peng's old "sweetheart!") and Lim Soh Kim arranged the dinner. Millionaire Lim Lian Kee also generously paid for the dinner despite our ~~weak~~ protests. (We did not want to deny him the opportunity to impress his old hearthrob.)

Also present that evening was Lau Bee Yian, Tan Suk Khim, Bong Siew Fah, Pang Kia Siew, Anthony Bong Joon Khoi, Dr Philip Bong and yours truly. We were all witnesses to the pledge with regards to the Royce Rolls! So think hard and think again Peng! ;)

Here are some of the snaps I took in between the dishes and let's see if you can put the faces to the names!

The Bald Truth

2009-02-22T16:32:00.004+08:00

Looking back I must admit that I'd been quite silly and vain as there's nothing one can do but face the naked truth that once you start losing your mane; there's nothing really much one can do - a daily dose of propecia application, hair weaving, hair transplant, etc not withstanding.

Anyway having resigned myself to the above fact; it was therefore a no-brainer when I decided to "go bald" for the Sarawak Children Cancer Society last weekend.
And something for me to post on this blog to say hello to all of you. I know that we are all so busy with our lives but I trust that all of us are well and taking the time out to spare a thought for the less fortunate than us and also to smell the roses. Whatever. Be Well. And Do Post!

Breakfast Reunion on Thursday, 5.3.2009, 7 – 9 am

2009-02-13T20:46:00.002+08:00

Attention: All Thomians of Sixth Form (1974-75)

RE: Breakfast Reunion on Thursday, 5.3.2009, 7 – 9 am

Venue:
C121 Food Station (new double corner shops, opposite Kuching Specialist Hospital/Goody Goody) at Lot 80 -1, Stutong, Jln Setia Raja, 93350 Kuching. 016 89 222 02

Occasion:
Visit of Angela Chan Gek Bee together with husband to Kuching from 4 – 10.3.2009.
Menu:
Choose and pick your own: Sarawak Laksa (RM3.50 to RM8), Kolo Mee (one of the best around), Dim Sum, Penang specialities, Teh Si Peng etc and plenty of smartly dressed waitresses!

Confirmed attending: Irene Lim, Francis Ho, Clarence Lei, ... Do Join Us!

You are most welcome to this casual meeting, especially if you want to meet up with Angela and family. So c ya at C121!

Gong Xi Fa Chai

2009-01-23T17:37:00.005+08:00

Thought I'd try to find out what the 'gong xi gong xi' song means, but my Hokkien is not very 'chim'. I could make out lots of 'it tien shien kong'(don't know what this is), 'seng li hor', 'seng li chin chia hor'and 'kim lian chai por'(??). Not sure what kim lian(gold chain) has got to do with chai por (preserved turnip), but still...

A very Happy and Prosperous New Year with lots of wishes for your good health, wealth and happiness and hope your seng li chin chia hor.

2009 Contract

2008-12-30T21:35:00.011+08:00

After receiving this mail from our friend Ng Teng Seng, I thought this is really wonderful to share with others and zoom, I just forward it to my list of Thomian friends. I am pleasantly surprised with the responses & thought I should post this to share with others.

Happy reading and wishing all a great year ahead.

"geoklian kueh"
23/12/2008 01:35 PM To"Angelia Lin (Bee)" , "Anthony Bong" , "Arthur Lee" , "Beatrice Naeg" , "Bee Yian Lau" , "Clarence Lei" , "Deborah Law" , "Edmond Song" , "Edward Tan" , "Emily Ngang Siang Yeo" , "Francis Ho" , "Jack Kho" , "Justin Tsan" , "Kia Siew Pang" , "Lai Choo Lee" , "Lian Kee Lim" , "Mui Thin Lai" , "Ng Cheng" , Poh , "Raymond Tan" , "Ricky Ng" , "Rita Lau" , "Rodney Tan" , "Shirley Aw" , "Siew Fah Bong" , "Sim Kheng Boon" , "Simon Lai" , Simon Lim/AULSY/AP/COLPAL@COLPAL, "Sok Kim, Amy Lim" , "Sylvia Lee-Wee" , "Teng Seng Ng" , "William Tay" , "Yian Kwan Ang"

2009 Contract

After serious & cautious consideration.....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009 & beyond!
It was a very hard decision to make.
My Wish for You in 2009

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy
May the problems you had, forget your home address!
In simple words ............

May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!

Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!!

From: Geok Lian & Family

Responses

Hi,
Thank-you and hope all of you & your families & love ones also have a Blessed Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas.

Regards,
Simon Lim
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sim Kheng Boon wrote:
Thank you geoklian. Merry Christmas and bountiful happiness for 2009 to you all. Cheers !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Dear Geok Lian,
Wishing you and Family a Joyous Christmas and A very Happy New Year for 2009.

Luv,
Sylvia and Family
P/S And to you friends who are copied in this message as well.
Do let us know when you are visiting Melbourne
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear all,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families.

Angelia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Clarence Lei Chang Moh wrote:
Merry Christmas to all.

Please note my NEW email address:

clarencelei@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi
A blessed Christmas and joyful New Year to all.

Cheers!

Deborah & family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Lovely People!

Here's Wishing Each & Everyone of Us - Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays!

Best Wishes
Francis Ho & Family in Kuching
24 December 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Tay wrote:
Hi all
It is glad to see so many familiar names!

Wishing you and your family all the bests and prosperity for the New Year!

Let's celebrate a happy new year!

Which reminds me of an old joke to brigthen up your day especially during these difficult times as the world suffers from its worst financial crisis!

Apologies in advance if anyone of you find it offensive or 'blasphemous'......

-----------------------------------
A new pope is installed. So he is brought to the secret chamber to view the original 'Bible'.
He came out very angry and flustered!
Why, the accompanying Cardinal enquired are you so upset my Holiness?
He said: why no one told me there is a spelling mistake in the old documents over the years? It said 'Let's Celebrate Life' for priests and not 'Led Celibate Life'!

And I have remained celibated my whole life because of that blooming typing error! And even if I want to 'celebrate life' now, it is too late because I can no longer perform!

Cheers and let's celebrate life.......
Sharing by William Tay

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry White/Wet or Dry Christmas to all of you. Prosperous & Happy Cow Year(Right?)

Poh(Agatha)-Adelaide

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lai Mui Thin responded:

Dear GeokLian,
Thanks a lot for giving us hope in this challenging time by renewing our
contracts. Let us pray and hope that 2009 will be a good year and all will
enjoy peace,joy and good health .
Here is something to share with all of you.

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT,
YOU BETTER NOT CRY,
YOU BETTER KEEP CASH,
I AM TELLING WHY,
RECESSION IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!!

IT IS HITTING YOU ONCE,
IT IS HITTING YOU TWICE,
IT DOESN'T CARE IF YOU HAVE BEEN CAREFUL AND WISE,
RECESSION IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!!

IT'S WORTHLESS IF YOU GOT SHARES,
IT'S WORHTLESS IF YOU GOT BONDS
IT IS SAFE WHEN YOU GOT CASH IN HANDS.
SO KEEP CASH FOR GOODNESS SAKE. HEY!!!(REPEAT ONCE)

Wishing all a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Best Regards
MT
Phone: +6072535001, Mobile: +60193381374, E-Mail: muithin.lai@basf.com
BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Johor Malaysia, 81100

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Edward Tan wrote on 28 Dec, (last one to respond so far) :
Dear GeokLian,

Thank you for your renewal of friendship. I have only just got to read your email tonight! And it is gladdening to read the 'renewal' responses to your email from a number of our old schoolmates and classmates.

So here: I renew mine for another year as well. I wish everyone a cheerful and meaningful 2009! Stay fit and healthy too!

Best regards,
Edward

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!

2008-12-23T12:23:00.003+08:00

Merry Christmas!

If you celebrate the above, here's my hearty season's greeting to you:

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1626689451719&source=jl999

: - )

Edward

Art Design - How To Say That

2008-10-20T21:53:00.005+08:00

The is from a Japanese website - TAMALOG, and clever though I am, don’t know how to read Japanese! Nor Chinese, Bahasa, etc. So I have no idea what this is all about; but i like it, it is beautiful and I hope you all like it too. I love designs of all sorts.

BTW, its October now and once again the year seems to have sped by! Scary isn't it how time flies. So let's make the most of it and make time to share the things that we like or love - HERE.

Vitamin B12 May Protect the Brain in Old Age

2008-09-04T15:12:00.003+08:00

Oh dear! I'd not posted in ages; so here's some useful health information. AND I need to take some Vitamins B12 and so do the rest of you ... *wink*

Vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish and milk, may protect against brain volume loss in older people, according to a study published in the September 9, 2008, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Eva & Sylvia meets in Singapore

2008-08-22T21:00:00.006+08:00

The blog has been so quiet so I have to post this gathering, after some encouragement from the members in this photo.

It was by chance that we had 2 visitors, Sylvia from Melbourne and Eva from London. Friday 15th, was the only evening when the 2 were in Singapore, before Via takes off to Melbourne & Eva's first day in Spore. Deborah & myself, the "local residents" met the 2 at Chilli Padi, a Nonya restaurant.

It was great catching up. For Sylvia, Eva and Deborah, its their first meeting after we left St Thomas. Thanks to the blog, we have glimpses of how each one of us has matured over the years. So, not loud surprises when we see each other.

The young girl among the four ladies is Gemma, Eva's "bao bei"

The Right Stuff: Performance Food

2008-06-09T13:41:00.004+08:00

Yeah - I'm back in Kuching and back to the grind after looking at the crystal clear beautiful waters of Fiji ... I'd also made a brief stopover in Sydney but did not have time to look up Simon Lim Poon Kiat. Next time perhaps. As is with most things in life; there had been a lot of changes since my last visit to Sydney years ago. Sydney is a most beautiful city and definitely warrants a visit.

Anyway here's something that I came across that may be of interest to most of us I think. (Except perhaps for the "Trying to get Pregnant" one!) So happy eating but eat right!

Certain foods can actually help you get the things you want: a good night’s sleep, a big raise, a long-awaited pregnancy, and more. For the lowdown on the perfect fuel, we asked the experts for their secrets on what to eat to gear up for life’s little (and big) challenges.

Battling the sniffles

Best to eat: Warm fluids, plus garlic

Why: Liquids help by thinning mucus, easing a dry cough, and fending off dehydration due to fever, Heller says. “Garlic has disease-fighting compounds that can give your body a little boost,” she adds.

Try: A soup that has garlic or onions. Either can easily be added to chicken or vegetable broth.

Dreaming of sleep

Best to eat: Whole grains with protein

Why: If you toss and turn in bed, the right snack can help you unwind. Whole grains have carbohydrates that will increase the serotonin in your brain. Eating a meal with carbs, along with proteins that have the amino acid tryptophan, can help insomnia.

Try: A half-cup of whole-grain cereal with skim milk about an hour and a half before sleep. Other picks: hummus on a whole-wheat pita or a rice cake topped with tomato and a slice of turkey breast.

Trying to get pregnant

Best to eat: Complex carbs and protein, plus folic acid

Why: The carb-protein duo keeps insulin levels stable, and that helps fertility, says Jeremy Groll, MD, coauthor of Fertility Foods. “High insulin levels prohibit normal ovulation,” he says. Take a prenatal vitamin (ask your doctor), Dr. Groll advises, and fill up on foods rich in folic acid to reduce the risk of spinal-cord defects.

Try: A fruit smoothie with yogurt and protein powder. For folic acid, eat more asparagus, leafy greens, oranges, and fortified cereals.

Before a workout

Best to eat: Light snack with carbs and water

Why: A small bite a half-hour to an hour before a workout will give you staying power but won’t weigh you down. “It takes the edge off hunger and gives your body some calories,” says Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, author of Managing Your Mind and Mood Through Food.

Try: Yogurt and a few whole-grain crackers if you have an hour or more before the workout; half a banana or 6 ounces of orange juice if you have less time, because they turn into energy (glucose) faster.

Hitting the road

Best to eat: A low-calorie meal that travels well

Why: Since you’ll probably be sitting for hours in a car or plane, you don’t need a lot of calories. You may not be able to keep foods fresh either, so nonperishable, portable foods are also a smart bet. And a healthy snack will keep you away from fat-filled fast foods.

Try: A prepackaged green salad with chicken at the airport, or soup and a whole-wheat roll. For a short flight, shoot for a protein bar with about 15 grams of protein, Wurtman says. For a long road trip, Heller suggests trail mix made with whole-grain cereal, nuts, and dried fruit.

Asking for a raise

Best to eat: Lean protein and whole grains, plus caffeine

Why: You want to be alert and upbeat when you’re hitting up the boss. Protein foods have an amino acid, tyrosine, that helps increase mental alertness, and whole grains have been shown to improve energy, says nutritionist Samantha Heller, MS, RD. Also, caffeine improves attention and short-term memory. The effect is strongest if you down one to two 8-ounce cups at least 20 minutes (but no more than an hour) before your sit-down with the boss.

Try: An egg-white and spinach omelet, or a whole-wheat bagel with low-fat cream cheese and java.

Speaking to a crowd

Best to eat: A high-protein, low-fat meal

Why: It’s the perfect combo to help concentration and keep those butterflies in check. “Amino acids from the protein will not only help you with the ability to learn and recall information, but they’ll also enhance your ability to concentrate and stay alert,” Moore says. Combine chicken, fish, beef, or tofu with some veggies or whole grains, but go easy on the greens, which have fiber that can make you feel gassy or bloated.

Try: A lightly dressed tuna salad with whole-wheat bread or grilled chicken on a small bed of greens.

By Ziba Kashef; Photos by James Worrell

Battle at Kruger Park

2008-05-28T17:48:00.000+08:00

A friend directed me to this.

Thomian Reunion

2008-05-28T09:16:00.001+08:00

27th May 2008

Dear fellow Thomian,

RE: Old Thomian Association Dinner: 160th Anniversary of St. Thomas' School on Saturday,19th July 2008, Crowne Plaza Riverside at 6.30 pm, RM80 per pax

Dr William Voon (who is organising the above dinner) sold me some tickets for the above. He requested me to disseminate this information to as many old Thomians as possible to make this a viable occasion. May be Francis Ho can also put it on the blog site. For further information and purchase of tickets, his contact is as follows:

Dr William Voon
Klinik Rakyat
No. 8, Jalan Petanak
93100 Kuching
Tel: 082-248416
e-mail: wehvoon@yahoo.com

He can arrange for the tickets to be delivered.

I look forward to seeing some of you at the dinner.

Yours sincerely

DR CLARENCE LEI CHANG MOH

Pig farms bloom in Muslim Morocco

2008-05-14T16:16:00.004+08:00

Moroccan Jewish farmer Jean-Yves Yoel Chriqui at his farm in Agadir.
Photo: AFP

Shunned by most Muslim countries where pork consumption is a religious taboo, pig farming is booming in Morocco thanks to a growing tourist industry and pragmatic breeders.

"If there's tourism, it would be better to have pigs," said Said Samouk, 39, who raises 250 porkers at his farm 28 kilometres (17 miles) from the seaside town of Agadir.

After being battered by a wave of bird flu, he launched a pig operation 20 years ago in partnership with an elderly Frenchman.

Today, Samouk spins dreams of doubling his production within three years to help meet the demands of some 10 million tourists expected to visit Morocco in 2010 - up from 7.5 million who flocked to the north African country in 2007.

"I'm a practising Muslim. I don't eat pork and I don't drink alcohol but it's just a breeding operation like any other and no imam has ever reprimanded me for it," he said of raising pigs -- whose consumption is prohibited in both Islam and Judaism.

Outlawed in Algeria, Mauritania and Libya, pig farming is nonetheless authorised in Tunisia as in Morocco, to cater to the flocks of European and other non-Muslim tourists who head to north Africa's spectacular beaches and deserts.

"Our clientele is 98 percent European. They want bacon for breakfast, ham for lunch and pork chops for dinner," said Ahmad Bartoul, a buyer for a large Agadir hotel. Signs are posted on buffet tables to avoid any confusion about the meat's origin.

Morocco's swine industry comprises some 5,000 pigs raised on seven farms located near Agadir, Casablanca and the north-central city of Taza. The breeders include a Christian, two Jews and four Muslims.

Annual production is currently estimated at 270 tonnes of meat, bringing in some 12 million dirhams (1.6 million dollars) in revenue.

The breeders include Jean Yves Yoel Chriquia, a 32-year-old Jew who owns the country's main pork processing factory along with a farm of 1000 pigs. Chriquia also buys pigs from Samouk and another local farmer at 22 dirhams a kilo.

Four times a month, he goes to the slaughter house in Agadir -- but must enter from a door other than that used for deliveries of meat that is halal, or authorised under Islam.

"We have a special place for this sort of slaughter. After cutting up the meat and getting the veterinarian's stamp, we transport it to the factory and put it in cold storage," Yoel said.

Almost 80 percent of his products are earmarked for hotels in Agadir and Marrakech. The rest heads to supermarkets and butchers -- and to feed some 220 Chinese workers building a nearby motorway.

"My wife was certain we would never find pork because we were in a Muslim country," said French retiree Bernard Samoyeau, as he ordered pork at a butcher in Agadir. "We have been pleasantly surprised."

Yoel is also pleased.

"We have more than doubled our sales in three years and it's starting to snowball. But since we rely on tourism, we must be careful," he said.

The Moroccan farmer speaks from experience: the 1990 Gulf war, the 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq ultimately forced him to shutter his last business burdened by 2.8 million dirhams of unpaid bills.

Three years ago, he opened up a new company that employs 31 people.

"Hotels all over Morocco are calling me up for deliveries, but for the time being I can't respond to all the demands. We're getting there, little by little," Yoel said.

Nor does he see a conflict between his job and his Jewish faith.

"Religion is a private matter. What I do is just another way to earn a living and my rabbi has never said anything about it," he said.

AFP

Tun Mahathir's Blog

2008-05-05T14:56:00.003+08:00

Dr Mahathir Mohamad our former Prime Minister has started his blog - www.chedet.com on 1st May 2008. Chedet is his 'pen name'.

I.KIA - Learning Hokkien

2008-04-15T21:31:00.001+08:00

Kayaking “Vacation” @ Lake Toba, North Sumatera. Indonesia

2008-04-05T06:31:00.006+08:00

FH2o in his element @ beautiful Lake Toba - largest volcanic lake in the world. 24th March 2008. Photo by Mindy (talented Singaporean photographer)

I think most people around our age would prefer a quiet and placid golf or a cruise liner holiday. I do too … But I’d rather be kayaking out on the blue yonder in some wild places! Which is what I did on the long Easter (and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) weekend; with a group of other adventurous spirits – 2 from Australia (one was a cameraman from Al Jazeera), 2 Germans, 1 retired Brit who now lives in Pattaya, Thailand and 4 Singaporeans, when we went on a kayaking expedition on Lake Toba visiting the shorelines of places less travelled (definitely not on kayaks!).

Holding up our paddles and me the flag for Malaysia on this Kayaking Expedition. I'm fourth from the right.

And a fine vacation we had indeed when on the first day of kayaking we were on the waters for more than 15 hours and were caught up in a fierce storm in the middle of the lake in the middle of the night! That was the ‘highlight’ of our trip although we would gladly forsake such ‘highlights’ in future …

Anyway here are some photos of my ‘kayaking vacation’ for the contemplation of those who think ‘oldies’ like us should be snug up in bed reading novels or at the most on the bowling green instead of messing around in the lake in the middle of the night! I don't think we are ever "too old" or "too busy" for anything - it's just our mindset and attitude. We only have one life - Live It, NOW. Be Well.

Elections In Malaysia 8th March 2008

2008-03-09T21:15:00.005+08:00

It was Elections Day in Malaysia on Saturday, 8th March 2008. Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition (as usual) was returned to power BUT with a greatly reduced majority (no more two thirds majority) this time. The winds of change was finally blowing this time round. *sigh*

And like any typical, responsible, tax-paying loyal citizen of Malaysia who wants to make himself happy on that fateful day .... I went kayaking!

Visiting Fiji

2008-03-06T16:00:00.007+08:00

On a boat ride to the island on my last day in Fiji.

I'd never thought that I would visit Fiji one day but I did! On a business trip from the 13th to the 20th February 2008 flying from Kuching to KL then to Sydney where we change plane for another 3 1/2 hours flight to Nadi, Fiji. Suva is the capital city but most international flights land in Nadi about a 3 to 4 hours drive away - figure that out!

Magical islands and beautiful waters abound in Fiji.

I had a great time and here are a few photos - I had posted more at my personal blog. Coups or no coup - Fiji is a most beautiful island replubic. Cheers.

With such beautiful waters - naturally I went kayaking. Corals are just at the beach's edge. Amazing.

Hysterical

2008-03-05T03:15:00.001+08:00

Chinese New Year Greeting!

2008-02-04T22:51:00.000+08:00

Sin Nien Tau Ler, Won 4ze Lu Ee, Sin Nien Kwhy Ler

Wishing all my Chinese ex-school-mates a happy lunar new year, one that will be filled with abundant wealth and good health.

Happy Chinese New Year 2008 Wishes

2008-02-03T15:37:00.001+08:00

Chinese New Year is on Thursday, 7th February 2008 and here's wishing all the Monkeys all the Best in the Year of the Rat.

Credit card

2008-01-08T19:02:00.000+08:00

There are so many credit card scams going on all the time, so when a friend emailed this to me (and quite a few other people as well), I thought this might be of interest to all.

Happy New Year 2008!

2007-12-30T08:24:00.000+08:00

Christmas is over (no 12 days of christmas?) and now the new year is just around the corner. Another year older and hopefully happier and wiser! 2007 has gone by in a flash for me and I'm planning on dragging my feet in 2008 to slow it down! Here's wishing you all the best for 2008 and more sharing/contributions from all of you. I'm just as busy as all of you but if we want to - we can make time and put in the effort to keep in touch. And much thanks and appreciation to all those who supported this blog and let's keep it going in 2008! Thanks for visiting on us.

Wishing One and All Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T20:19:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas from London

2007-12-18T22:50:00.001+08:00

Merry christmas to all from Eva, Geok Lian, Chui Peng, and an ex-Marian, Maria Wee and the photographer, Rodney Tan. Lunch was at a Malaysian restaurant since the Londoners miss their spicy Malaysian food.

Be Strong

2007-12-16T19:52:00.000+08:00

A man breaks into a house to look for money and guns.

Inside, he finds a young couple in bed. He orders the guy out of bed and ties him to a chair. While tying the homeowner's wife to the bed the convict gets on top of her, kisses her neck, then gets up and goes into the bathroom.

While he's in there, the husband whispers over to his wife:" Listen, this guy is an escaped convict. Look at his clothes! He's probably spent a lot of time in jail and hasn't seen a woman in years. I saw how he kissed your neck. If he wants sex, don't resist, don't complain . . . Do whatever he tells you. Satisfy him no matter how much he nauseates you. This guy is obviously very dangerous. If he gets angry, he'll kill us both. Be strong, honey. I love you!"

His wife responds: "He wasn't kissing my neck. He was whispering in my ear. He told me that he's gay, thinks you're cute, and asked if we had any Vaseline. I told him it was in the bathroom. Be strong honey. I love you too."

World's Largest Dogs

2007-12-13T17:43:00.000+08:00

Hmm ... it's December already and Christmas will soon be upon us and yet no one is posting ... *sigh*

So I might as well post something BIG!

And I wonder what the food bill would be like keeping one of these!

Woof, woof!

Have a good week...........

2007-11-19T23:42:00.000+08:00

Hope you have a good start to the week and may it continue in the same vein

... any volunteer to be goalie?

- laughter the best medicine -

The NEW Malaysian Dilemma

2007-11-19T20:01:00.000+08:00

The cycle goes like this ...

Get Vietnamese workers, dogs missing.
Get Bangladeshi workers, Malay girls missing.
Get Indonesian workers, money missing.
Get Indian workers, jewelery missing.
Get Chinese workers, husbands missing.
Call the police, the evidence goes missing,
Call the lawyers, the judge go missing,
Call the ministry of transport, the reports go missing,
Call Putra Jaya, The PM IS SNORING...

... Check on this blog and all the old classmates are missing! *sigh*

Lai Mui Thin - But Not So Thin Now!

2007-11-14T20:19:00.000+08:00

Remember "bell-bottoms"?

Lately there has been a number of emails flying around and here's the latest one. Unfortunately it's kinda hard to teach ~~stubborn~~ old monkeys new tricks. So I "tow hung liaow" *sigh* Blog Administrator.

Lai Mui Thin & Dr Clarence Lei smiling after a hearty laksa breakfast, 9th November 2007

Dear Old friends,

Thanks for the mails.
It is really good to meet up with good old Clarence after all these years.
At my(our) age,I have to apologise if I cannot remember all the names. If I
see the
faces, I would definitely be able to recognise all of you.
As I will be on business trip tp KL and Nanjing for the next two weeks, I
would not be able to respond to all your mail individually yet.
I will be back in the office beginning December.
If any of you are in this area, please give me a call.
Best Regards
MT Lai
Director, Manufacturing

Phone: +6072535001, Mobile: +60193381374, E-Mail: muithin.lai@basf.com
BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Johor Malaysia, 81100

Softball team - who's the ~~crazy~~ one waving her arms to get more attention?

Drink Warm Not Cold Water?

2007-11-11T13:12:00.000+08:00

NOTE: I'd been getting repeats of this email from several quarters over a period of time now and so I thought I'll share it here. For me I usually have a nice hot cup of coffee after meals.

This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about heart attacks . The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine . Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer . It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life. So,! please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

Dedicated To All The Sleepy Kuchingnites ... where ever they may be now!

2007-11-05T07:33:00.000+08:00

I'd guessed all you folks must be comfortably snugged away somewhere in this world .... But it would be nice to hear from you once in a little while! Thanks Ed and MC for your comment in the chat box! BTW the last photo is dedicated to William who has gone MIA ...

Anyway enjoy these cute photos of sleeping cats. Oh - if anyone of you is reading this; mind if you drop a comment or two? Cuteness to the infinity right? Meow!

This one is for you Willie! ;) This place is kinda dull without you lah!

Hello? Where's Everyone? I'm PISSED!

2007-11-04T19:13:00.001+08:00

I guessed everyone has been busy - yours truly included; but hey! I still drop by from time to time. So surely if you can find time to piss, you can find some time to pop in to leave your comment if not a post. And if you are taking a piss - I hope for you that you'll find some where equally nice as this to do so ... *sigh*

Too Busy & Too Lazy To Learn The Truth?

2007-10-28T11:01:00.000+08:00

I'd been too busy as well as lazy in my postings here ... *tsk, tsk* Slack!

However we all should not be too busy or lazy to check out the truth and facts about Cancer. So I highly recommend that you watch these (6) videos with an open mind as your own life and the lives of your love ones are at stake.

How to cut boredom.

2007-10-13T12:46:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

I was wt my fmly in Songkhla (Thailand) recently fr a much-deserved break frm the hustle n bustle of KL life. Beside the good n reasonably cheap seafoods, v managed some time to tour the museum fr a bit of intellectual exercise while the gourmet dishes slowly made d way into our digestive system.

Guess what I found. Here u c two shots showing a rather creative, exotic (or perhaps erotic) way of overcoming the mundane chore of scrapping coconuts!

The rest? U may let ur imagination run wild. Hehehe.

Best rgds,

Ricky

SELAMAT HARI RAYA 2007

2007-10-13T11:53:00.000+08:00

Hi there!

After a whole mth of testing their faith n inner strength to comply wt the rules of Ramadhan by our Muslim frens, it's now a fitting time to take tis opportunity to wish them "SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI. MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN".
Enjoy the break n value the time spent wt ur families, n remember to drive safely.

Cheers,

Ricky Ng

2007-10-09T23:15:00.000+08:00

Since, the post has been a little quiet, I thought I'll just share this pic.

That's Kuching!! I thought it looks quite nice from the plane & took a quick snap of it. Of course it is not professional but I like it anyway.

I always love the meandering river. Not sure whether the little mount is Santubong or Matang.

Have you seen the movie "Evan Almighty"? It's hilarious..and a good tonic for de-stressing! LOL

2007-09-23T16:43:00.000+08:00

THE WOODPECKER MIGHT HAVE TO GO!

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark... One: Don't miss the boat. Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat. Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Six: Build your future on high ground. Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Nine: When you're stressed, float a while. Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. NOW, wasn't that nice?

Sarawak Club

2007-09-19T21:41:00.000+08:00

f2ho, why didn't you post photos of the new rebuilt Sarawak Club for the exiles?

Raymond Crowe - A Wonderful World

2007-09-17T22:54:00.000+08:00

Remember back in the sweet old days when we were still little kids in Kuching - when we had little for entertainment (no Televsion then remember?) and we used to entertain ourselves with shadow plays using our torch light? No?

Anyway here's a shadow play that I came across which is simply amazing! Enjoy this my busy dear old friends ...

Hey there Delilah

2007-09-13T22:25:00.000+08:00

You know those times when you have a tune/song that you can't get out of your head? Well one is currently doing that to me..

The children who survived the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 1980!!

2007-09-13T20:40:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded this to me, so have a read fellow 'toughies'

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese and things like tuna from a tin, etc., and didn't get tested for diabetes.

After that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in cots coloured lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the ‘risks’ we later took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we rode in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

Riding in car’s dickie seat on a warm day was always enjoyable.

We drank water from the garden hose, and not pre bottled.

We and our friends shared and drank from the same soft drinks bottle and nobody actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank drinks made with sugar but we weren't overweight because,

WE WERE ALWAYS OUT DOORS PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day as long as we were back home before dark.

No one was able to reach us all day and we were all right.

We would spend hours building our trolleys out of soap boxes and old perambulator wheels and then ride down hills, only to find out that we’d forgotten to fit it with brakes.

After running into thorn bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have play stations, Nintendo's , X-boxes or video games .

No 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......

WE HAD FRIENDS because we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given cap guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

We organized football games and not everyone could be in the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! < BR>
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all!

If YOU are one of them, congratulations!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as free spirits, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives ‘for our own good’.

While you are at it, forward it to your children so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Well !

Relax ,Take It Easy

2007-08-31T21:37:00.000+08:00

This guy(Mika) seems so gay to me but he has such a nice catchy song with a fantastic music video to boot!

So Relax, take it easy on Merdeka Day and enjoy the video!

Anthony meets long lost friends

2007-08-27T00:27:00.000+08:00

Anthony visited Singapore last week. He sent an email about his visit and we only got connected by mobile on Thursday. He had 2 more evenings in Spore & we quickly arranged a little get together on Friday. Anthony has a prior appointment for Saturday. Deb managed to get long lost friend Will, who is very busy with his new job & very luckily was back in Singapore that week. Edward & Rita could not join us that evening but Edward met Anthony & his family on Saturday.

Anthony escorted his wife & children to the Night Safari & left them there to venture on their own. He must meet up these 2 friends whom he has not seen for years - since leaving St Thomas in 1975, he claimed! He had to endured 2 hours of standing in the MRT before he met up with us. It's the peak hours of course so, MRT is pack!! But its a trip he will not miss.

Dr Philip Bong's Father 81st Birthday Dinner Celebration

2007-08-13T23:23:00.000+08:00

Big birthday cake for the big birthday celebration!

Birthday boy, Mr Bong Kim Chong flanked by Adeline and Dr Philip Bong

Dr Philip Bong and siblings celebrated their father's 81st birthday on the 12th August 2007, Sunday night with a big dinner celebration with songs and dances.

A toast for life, health and longevity

I was kindly invited by Philip and was on the same table as a few of his doctor friends, Dorothy (wife of Bernard Loh Foh Min) and Lim Lian Kee, his wife and daughter.

All the "Bongs" on stage

Donations to various charities and organisations

It was a very nice dinner with lots of delicious chinese food and drinks. Birthday boy, Mr Bong Kim Chong with so many children - all 14 of them (!); lots of guests were invited and the only venue big enough to accommodate them all was a Church hall (Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre) ! I am lazy to write more as I am nursing a slight flu and cough and the weather of late in Kuching has been very very HOT - so here are the pictures! And here's wishing that all of us will celebrate our 81st birthday in the future! What an accomplishment! Be well.

Dr Philip Bong and lovely wife Adeline

Occupying the entire hall of the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre

I Am Here!

2007-08-08T09:20:00.000+08:00

Change is the only constant and moving with the flow of things, you can update yourself with the status of yours truly here where I had taken up this new challenge since mid March this year.

Although I would very much have preferred that they'd use this photo instead. Cheers!

18 August 2007
NOTE: I inserted the 'wrong' picture actually. I meant this one below!

Shit Happens (but life must go on)

2007-08-04T19:02:00.000+08:00

Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur

AL is my childhood friend and though he has worked in Kuching most of his life, I had worked in a number of countries which had kept us apart, but somehow we had always kept in touch with all the changes that has taken part in both our lives and sharing our aspirations, dreams and heartaches over the past 5 decades.

We are both quite different, personality wise and the years apart had accentuated our differences in religious persuasions, interests and other pursuits but despite this, our friendship had stood the test of time and we had remained good and sincere friends.

And so I was quite distressed to learn that he was recently involved in a horrific bus accident in Iran while on the way to the airport last month. He was part of a consortium doing some projects there. Emergency surgeries were preformed there to stabilize his condition before he was evacuated for further medical attention at Gleneagles Intan Medical Center in KL where he received further surgery to his left arm. To put it mildly he was pretty much smashed up with broken thigh bones, arms, jaw and about half of his teeth had also been knocked off. He was lucky to be alive.

I flew to KL to see him and to see how I can help. He was so glad to see me and I have to hold back my tears to see him like this. His wife has to fight back her tears too when she recapped her traumatic experience of the past over 2 weeks of learning about the accident, her flight there with their eldest son (who flew back from Perth) to bring AL back. She was grateful for the help of her church friends and that though AL had previously bought travel and medical insurances it was just recently that he had upgraded it to include travel to Iran. It was God's grace she said.

He has only just been able to take solid food in the past 2 days and receiving daily physiotherapy. Luckily the worst is now over and AL is in good spirits and firmly focused on his recovery which understandably considering the injuries, would take a while.

AL thought that the visitors must be pulling his legs when they told him that you get a wonderful view of KL skyline from the window - and so I took this photo to show him.

Yeah, shit happens; but life must go on. You all take care you hear.

The Petronas Twin Towers from the room where AL is warded.

NOTE: I do not want to identify AL at the request of his wife as AL being the youngest and favourite in the family does not want his ailing mother to know of his condition as her health is quite frail and she might not be able to handle the shock of learning this. AL will let her know when he has recovered enough to be able to let her know himself. I trust my friends who is able to identify AL from my post would do the decent thing and respect their wishes.

Baobab Tree

2007-08-01T17:27:00.000+08:00

Saw a photo in the newspaper yesterday which prompted me to do a search on the Baobab tree, usually found in the African Savannah. Here's a photo of it, which I found on the web

It's also known as the upside down tree, the Tree of Life and the Monkey Bread Tree. This tree is leafless for 9 months of the year. Other than providing shelter, this is a tree where nothing is wasted. The bark is used to make baskets, mats, cloth and paper. The flowers last for only 24 hours, and when dropped provide food for animals. The fruits and leaves are also eaten, and the seeds can be made into a coffee like drink.

Apart from wikipedia, this site has a few interesting things about it.

This African legend is one of the few about the Baobab (extracted from The Times):
'When the baobab tree saw the palm tree, it wanted to be taller. When it saw the flame tree, it was envious for blossoms. When it saw the fig tree, it prayed for fruit. So the gods became angry, pulled it up by its roots, then replanted it upside down to keep it quiet.'

Now those of you who live in or near or are going to Penang, might be interested to know that there is or was a baobab tree which has/had been there for over a century at the Macalister Road - Residency Road roundabout. More information about this Penang oldie can be found here. Does anyone know whether this tree is still there?

Too Busy!

2007-07-26T09:14:00.000+08:00

This is for those of you who are "too busy" .... *sigh*

Too busy to even share something with us - even once in a blue moon?
Evening skies 24 July 2007, Kuching

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other
students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between
each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about
each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment,
and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a
separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about
that individual ...

On Monday she gave each student his or her list.

Before long, the entire class was smiling.. "Really?"
she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!"
and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the
comments ...

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if
they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't
matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were
happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved
on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and
his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had
never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so
handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved
him took a last walk by the coffin.
The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came
up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded:
"yes." Then he said:
"Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to
a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to
speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out
of his pocket.. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We
thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of
notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded
many times.. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were
the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's
classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can
see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie
smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the
top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out
her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I
carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an
eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried.
She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him
again..

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life
will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are
special and important. Tell them, before it is too late. Start with
your family.

And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do
not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful
opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.

If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it
means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.

If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward
this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that
little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?

The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at
reaching out to those you care about.

May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As You Are.

Tequila and Salt

2007-07-23T22:39:00.000+08:00

Since it is SO QUIET here, I think I'd better post something here - I got this in the email from Pang Kia Siew and sharing it with you folks here (the above photo is from me) ... Cheers!

Tequila and Salt

This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.

You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to
be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't
like you.
5. Every night,
SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Some one that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
10 When you think the world
has turned its back on you
take another look.

11 Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.

So.........
If you are a loving friend,
send this to everyone,
including the one that sent it to you.
If you get it back, then they really do love you.

And always remember....
when life hands you Lemons,
ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word
from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Forward to all your friends.
and don't tell me you're too busy for this..
Don't you know the phrase
"stop and smell the flowers"?
See how many "bouquets" you end up with!

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going

Congratulations to Edmund & Caroline

2007-07-12T21:54:00.000+08:00

Congratulations are in order to Edmund and Caroline who tied the knot today celebrated in a private and simple manner. As you all know Edmund and I go back a long way since primary school days in St Thomas's and when we both left for Sydney to do our matriculation and subsequently to the University of New South Wales where he did Surveying and me Architecture. We went separate ways after we graduated and we caught up again years later when I went to work in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. A true friend and one of the most generous and caring person I have ever met; I couldn't be happier for Edmund as I know he deserves all the happiness and love in this world. Our very best wishes and blessings to Edmund and Caroline!

For Edmund!

2007-07-11T13:15:00.000+08:00

What A Great ~~shock~~ SURPRISE!

Congratulations and Our Very Best Wishes and Wishing You Happiness Always and Endless Love!

Lateral Thinking

2007-07-10T23:47:00.000+08:00

Just a quick one. Someone sent this to me and I thought you might all like to have a go...

Think like a wizard . .

man
1.. ------------
board

! Ans. = man overboard

Okay, let's see if you've got the hang of it.

stand
2. ------------
i

Ans. = I understand

OK. Got the drift ?

Let's try a few now and see how you fare ?

3. /r/e/a/d/i/n/g/

Ans. = reading between the lines

4. r
road
a
d

Ans. = cross road

Not having a good day now, are you ?

Redeem yourself.

5. cycle
cycle
cycle

Ans. = tricycle

Easy to figure out, ha!

0
6. ------------
M.D.
Ph.D.

Ans. = two degrees below zero

C'mon give it a little thought ! !

knee
7. ------------
light

Ans. = neon light

( knee - on - light )

I'm sure you'll have not problem getting this one.

ground
8. ---------------
feet feet feet feet feet feet

Ans. = six feet underground

Good One, try this!!

9. he's X himself

Ans. = he's by himself

! Here's an easy one!!

10. ecnalg

Ans. = backward glance

Not even close ?!!?

11. death ..... life

Ans. = life after death

Okay last chance ................

12. THINK

Ans. = think big ! !

And the last one is very fun- - -

13. ababaaabbbbaaaabbbbababaabbaaabbbb...

Ans. = long time no 'C'

Are You Stupid?

2007-07-07T22:44:00.000+08:00

I did the test and found out that I am kinda stupid - what about you?
Stupid enough to spend time posting here while most don't even bother! *sigh*

You're Kind of Stupid

You got 8/10 questions right!
There's some things most people know... except for you.

Are You Stupid?

Important To Have Friends ...

2007-07-07T21:59:00.002+08:00

It's important to have friends; especially in Malaysia. Just ask Dato Eric Chia ...

So where are all my friends here? *sigh*

San Francisco-last "leg" of our US trip

2007-06-17T21:30:00.000+08:00

San Francisco is much colder than I expect but I love it. From the Coit Tower, you can have a splendid view of SF, its long straight street, the famous Golden Gate Bridge & of course its breezy bay & the infamous Alcatraz.

Lombard Street looks a very long straight street on the map until we reach junction of the most crooked street. This steep winding street with beautiful flowers by its side winds down in a series of sharp bends, from Hyde Street to Leavenworth. We took the plunge & it is an experience we are glad that we tried.

The famous cable car along Powell street.

We had great time driving along the hilly streets with rows of buildings on both sides. Gives you the feel of a roller coaster ride. My children said that you need strong legs to live in this area.

Golden Gate bridge -

The view from the Vista point across San Francisco is even more spectacular night at night. Pity I didn't get good pictures.

Fisherman Wharf - The clam chowder soup in sourdough bread is a must try & a favourite dish served along the fisherman’s wharf.

View of the Wharf from Pier 39.

Alcartraz – surprisingly prison island is so well visited. Luckily we went early on our last day and only managed to get tickets for the afternoon trip. View of SF from the island.

We visited a few winnery at Nappa Valley. According to one winnery we visted, this is one of the best location for wine making. The cool weather & the water there is conducive for growth of grapes for quality wine.

Overall, we had a very wonderful & memorable trip in California. Full of surprises too. Well, maybe there will be another trip - depends.$$$...

FATHER'S DAY

2007-06-15T22:08:00.000+08:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL FATHERS, GRANDFATHERS, UNCLES....

A brief history of this occassion, celebrated on 17 June this year..

Sonoro Louis Dodd of Washington thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. She wanted to honour her dad, William Smart who raised his 6 children by himself when his wife died at childbirth.

Reaching adulthood, Sonoro Dodd realised how courageous and selfless her father had been when bringing them up, and of all the sacrifices made. She decided that she wanted a special day to honour him and campaigned for a ‘father’s day’ in 1909. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on 19 June 1910, in Spokane, Washington as William Smart, her father, was born in June.

In 1972 Father’s Day was fixed as being the 3rd Sunday in June by President Richard Nixon, and the rest is history

What Makes A Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author is unknown

Fathers are Wonderful People
Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should...

For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills...

And Father struggles daily
To live up to "HIS IMAGE"
As protector and provider
And "hero or the scrimmage"...

And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,

But if you look inside Dad's heart,
Where no one else can see
You'll find he's sentimental
And as "soft" as he can be...

But he's so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife...

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness...
And like our Heavenly Father,
He's a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be alays on our side.
By Helen Steiner Rice

So cheers to all of you
and just a reminder of being a father

The little arrow on your monitor

2007-06-07T20:19:00.000+08:00

How does the small arrow on your computer monitor work when we move the mouse?

Have you ever wondered how it works?

Now, through the miracle of high technology, we can see how it is done.

With the aid of a screen magnifying lens, the mechanism becomes apparent.

Click here to find out the truth.

The image may take a minute or two to download and when it appears, slowly move your mouse over the light gray circle and you will see how the magic works.

Yosemite Park

2007-06-05T23:20:00.000+08:00

The stop at Yosemite Park on our way from Vegas to San Francisco, is the best decision we made. The view is so scenic & weather there is much pleasant than Vegas. You can still see the snow left over on some parts of the park. We arrived there in the late afternoon & took a stroll at the giant sequoia wood. The stroll became a hike through to sunset.

The beautiful sunset in the midst of the giant trees is a fascinating scene and refreshing smell of wood.

The cone from these giant sequoia is as long as your forearm. Really giantic in comparison to those fist sized cones that I used to see.

Snow plant, is a small red plant, which grows between April to Nov. It has no chlorophyll & survived on dead plant material.

On our way back to the hotel, we made a left turn & had the traffic police right behind us. Oophs, that was an illegal turn and we did not see the sign which was high up on the post. Thankfully, the police let us off.

The next day, we made our way to the glacier point & had a fantastic view of the Yosemite valley.

Along the way to the big Yosemite falls (left photo), is the bridalveil fall – exactly like a bridal veil (extreme right photo).

That’s the El Captain, which is the largest granite monolith in the world.

On our way from Yosemite to San Francisco, we chance upon this beautiful view. I later found out it is Lake Don Pedro.

Truely a memorable trip.

Water Into Fuel?

2007-06-03T17:13:00.000+08:00

Reported by Michael O'Mara

Created: 5/22/2007 7:28:52 PM

Updated:6/1/2007 7:16:22 PM

Retired TV station owner and broadcast engineer, John Kanzius, wasn't looking for an answer to the energy crisis.

He was looking for a cure for cancer.

Four years ago, inspiration struck in the middle of the night. Kanzius decided to try using radio waves to kill the cancer cells.

His wife Marianne heard the noise and found her husband inventing a radio frequency generator with her pie pans.

"I got up immediately, and thought he had lost it."

Here are the basics of John's idea:

Radio-waves will heat certain metals. Tiny bits of certain metal are injected into a cancer patient.

Those nano-particals are attracted to the abnormalities of the cancer cells and ignore the healthy cells.

The patient is then exposed to radio waves and only the bad cells heat up and die.

But John also came across yet another extrordinary breakthrough.

His machine could actually make saltwater burn.

John Kanzius discovered that his radio frequency generator could release the oxygen and hydrogen from saltwater and create an incredibly intense flame.

"Just like that. If that was in a car cylinder you could see the amount of fire that would be in the cylinder."

The APV Company Laboratory in Akron has checked out John's amazing invention. They were amazed.

"That could be a steam engine, a steam turbine. That could be a car engine if you wanted it to be."

Imagine the possibilities. Saltwater as the ultimate clean fuel.

A happy byproduct of one man searching for the cure for cancer.

PLAY VIDEO

The Man Who Travelled Forward In Time?

2007-06-03T16:03:00.000+08:00

Some of us may want to go back in time to a simpler (and happier?) time or perhaps to relive part of our (imperfect) lives.

But here's a man who claimed to have travelled forward in time - and met himself? Well, watch this ...

Vegas & Grand Canyon

2007-05-30T23:48:00.000+08:00

Vegas is 270 miles from LA. US is still using the imperial system of miles, yards, gallons, quart, lbs & oz. Brings me back to school days. The metric system is a breeze when compared to the imperial system.

The drive to Vegas is almost 5 hours, similar to distance between KL & Singapore. The drive seems never ending & the desert scene reminds one of the cowboy movies.

See one road sign which can definitely send you "zzz" .

Making a stop-over at a factory outlet is refreshing especially for me. Of course we made quite a few purchases – some items are value for money when compared to prices in Singapore.

My boys just reached their 21st birthday & were eager to try their gambling luck. Maybe it will provide them the "scholarship" for a US university.

No more coins in the Jackpot machines. Just notes, prepaid card & paper for your winnings. I have not heard of Taxas Holden until then. As usual, they had beginner’s luck & were very happy with their first day gains. But soon after that, it was downhill & they kept to their limit. It is good that they learn to control their losses & realised that gambling is not a way to make money. But their dream to a US university is "vanished" into thin Vegas air.

Besides gambling, a stroll along the strip at night is very entertaining for the family. Vegas is very hot & it is unthinkable to stroll around during the day.

You must plan a trip to Grand Canyon when at Vegas. Of course a must stop-over is the Hoover Dam. The white stretch above the lake shows the drop in the water level.
The same scene in the evening on our way back to Vegas.

If you have time, plan a nite's stay near the park. We did not make it to the new skywalk. But I understand that the road is not constructed yet.

Enjoy some shots of the grand canyon.

Does this look like a dynasaur head?

A snap shot of some vegetation at the Grand Canyon.

Los Angeles – Universal Studio & Hollywood

2007-05-26T13:42:00.000+08:00

Our visit to Universal studio on Mother’s day was better than expected. The queue to most rides is shorter than usual, as most families are out at restaurants. Thus we managed to enjoy quite a lot of the shows & rides with less waiting time.
The terminator 3-D show is an eye-opener. Advancement of IT & multimedia may make props a thing of the past. The props are plentiful & used for amateur photography like these.

This is a commercial plane taken apart & used commonly for air crash scene.

So, this is how they do car crash!!

Manns Chinese Theatre is where you can get to see the cemented signature of most of the famous movie stars.

My boys observed that this is only one of those plaques mounted on a wall.

Further away from there along Hollywood Blvd is quite a disappointment, as it looks quite run-down.
Of course whilst in LA, we must have a drive around Beverly hills. Did not see any rich & famous on that day.

Guess who I met in Pasadena

2007-05-24T02:38:00.000+08:00

I just came back from a 10-day holiday in California with my family. This is the first overseas holidays (excluding holidays in Malaysia) for my family together. Studies & work commitment makes it quite difficult for us to find a common date until now.
We decided on a free & easy tour instead of a package tour, as the boys are now bigger. A free & easy tour gives us the freedom to decide on places to visit & length of stay. Nonetheless, there is still a need to plan the itinerary, book hotels etc. We rented a car & the brave man of the family decided to be the driver. Driving in US is on the left & it took quite a fair bit of getting use to it. With the traffic conditions, it ended with him as the sole driver and four back-seat drivers & navigators. We got lost – missing exits on motorways & unexpected one way streets, almost everyday.

We visited Los Angeles, Las Vegas including Grand Canyon, Yosemite park & San Francisco. I will try to write up on the significant places when I have time. The weather in Vegas is hot but San Francisco is colder than expected.

Here's the memoir of the first day.

DAY ONE in Los Angeles
Our very first day was disrupted by a 3-hour delay in our departure. So, the program for the first part of the day had to be cancelled. But I still managed to get to meet an old friend who is now residing in Pasadena, which is 1/2 hour from Los Angeles. Our great Sherlock Holmes managed to track him last year, after being "lost" since 1975 (or was it end of 74) when he left for Canada.
Guess who the guy is? He is a true blue Thomian from the 73 Monkeys Form 5 batch. Most of you would have known him. He’s a great singer & plays the guitar well. Some of us in 74 & 75 may remember him as he had performed on stage with his good friend. Cannot mention name!! as you can easily guess. Those from the "crazy gang of nine" are disqualified from this guessing game.
After some many years away from Kuching, I am one of the first "old" friends he met in US. Next time when anyone of you are in that area, do look up for him. But guess who he is first!!

Brilliant Life

2007-05-20T21:40:00.000+08:00

After a busy and hectic week of work and traveling, I was really looking forward to spend some time on the waters even if it meant waking up at 4.30 am this morning!

But I was rewarded with a brilliant blue sky and water; and where they meet it was almost impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. Life is magical. We just need to get out there and see it. And it's worth it. Be well.

One Night in Bangkok

2007-05-20T21:27:00.000+08:00

On the way back from visiting numerous health spas and resorts at Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Samui we stopped over at Bangkok for the night.

We stayed at Somerset Park Suanplu on the 18th floor and here's the view from the kitchen balcony of the 2 bedroom service apartment. It was a nice spacious and comfortable place to stay.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T14:38:00.000+08:00

I was away for about a week in Thailand on a business trip looking at various properties there. I came back late on Friday night with a missing luggage and had to work again the next morning. But fortunately I managed to get some good rest yesterday afternoon and last night.
I felt like being back to normal - well, almost.Here's wishing all the mothers in our classes a very Happy Mother's Day!
Give yourself a pat on your back because you are beautiful, special and wonderful!

Animal antics

2007-05-10T22:39:00.000+08:00

watch the birdie..

.. and what about a 'watchdog'?

I love that tortoise.

I will survive...

2007-05-08T22:44:00.000+08:00

A song that I'm sure a lot of you remember..

Lots of Clouds But NO Rain!

2007-04-29T16:07:00.000+08:00

There are quite a few of us registered at this blog and a lot more who has not registered yet but are reading it. So why are there so few posting? *sigh*

Lao Zha Bor!

2007-04-23T07:35:00.000+08:00

For those of you ladies who think you are too "old" to be cool or 'happening', then please check out www.laozhabor.blogspot.com. Yes! She even has her own blog! She even has a rap song going! Enjoy and remember you are only as old or young as you think. Don't grow old before your age - so live it up! Cheers!

2 days in Brussels & Paris

2007-04-22T03:01:00.000+08:00

With a few hours free after arrival in Brussels, I had a stroll around the hotel block. The beautiful sunny April sky urged me to take a walk & to leave my preparation for the meeting to later. As this is not the tourist area, there's not much of interest except some old unique European buildings. But I am surprised that they still have tram as public transport & very modern ones too. My French colleague told me it is wise that Brussels did not give up their tram transport & that Paris had reinstate a few lines of tram transport in outer Paris. Tram was re-introduced in Paris after the recent hike in oil prices.

The next day after the meeting, I rush to Paris so that I can at least get to see some parts of Paris by day. During my last trip to Paris in Sept last year , I had a car tour of Paris by night, courtesy of my boss!!

I reached Paris at 2.15 pm & by the time I settle at the hotel, I managed to start my Paris tour at 3pm. So what can we see within half a day. Actually I was surprised at my achievement, all by foot!! Sure a good way to get a good exercise & sightseeing. I started at Gallery Lafeyette & surprisingly ended up at the rooftop by chance. It has the most fantastic view of Paris. Oophs, my camera batteries went flat & the spares not working. I trotted down to ground floor & back up to the 6th floor. Bought some rechargeable batteries but they are of course not recharged. Well, I had to get some more batteries. Wow!! these batteries sure cost a lot more at French prices!! But its worth it.

Along the way to Champs Elysees & Arc De Triomphe, you will see lots of cafe & the typical seating arrangement facing the road.

I also saw this funny structure - guess what it is?? Certainly not a camera trick.

It's almost 7.30 pm, & still too early to go back to hotel. I'm quite surprised that it is still bright by 8pm in April. I don't remember that while in Uni days in UK. I thought that it is only in summer that you get daylight up 9 to 10pm.

So, perhaps, I should try the Eiffel tower. The huge iron structure is still a good attraction. At every hour, they will on the glittering lights & its quite a spectacular sight.

Finally, it is time to go back to the hotel & I tried the metro as my 2 feet cannot go all the way back to hotel from there. So that night I had a real good sleep from the tired legs. Nothing much can be done the following morning as I had to leave for the airport by 9.30 am for my flight back to Singapore.

So, back to Singapore & straight to work . I thought that I should not suffer from jet lag with such a short trip but I don't seem to be able to sleep. So here I am writing this.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

2007-04-20T17:38:00.000+08:00

When we in KL, one of the places that we visited was the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. I stumbled across the sanctuary by chance when I was surfing on the net before my arrival, but when I asked around, I was surprise to find that only one friend has heard about it, but she did not know anything about it. In brief, the sactuary relocates wild elephants, and is near Temerloh in Pahang. It took us about 2 hours by car from KL (about 1 hour's drive from Gombak).

This site has details about the sanctuary and this their activities. Entry to the centre is free, but donations are very welcome. However, there isn't a donation box. Instead I was told me to go to the office next door to 'tulis', presumably to issue a cheque, but as we were in a hurry we left, but you can donate by TT or post a cheque.

This is the elephant ride. One thing I never knew was that elephants had hair, and wiry ones at that. I actually felt quite disrespectful sitting on that 70 year old elephant!

The elephants are given a shower before being fed by the visitors to the centre. There was watermelon, papaya, bananas which were chopped into baskets ready for the visitors to feed them after their wash.

This little one, swiped a fruit from the basket as it was walking past, on it's way to be chained for it's shower. It got a tap on the trunk with a rottan for it's trouble. Obviously the fruits were too tempting, because as it was lying there (as in the photo), it swung it's trunk above it's head to see where the fruits were, but had to be contented with just smelling them as the baskets were too far away

This is bathing with the big elephant...

... and this is bathing with the baby elephants.

The bigger of the baby elephants is very attached to it's keeper. As they were going back to their enclosure, the keeper stopped to talk to someone. When it realised that, the elephant ran back, calling all the time, to get him and was only satisfied when he came along.

Baby Elephant Walk

The female side of the story

2007-04-19T20:47:00.000+08:00

One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, "My dear child, why are you crying?"
The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family.

The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden Thimble set with pearls.
"Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked
The seamstress replied, "No."
The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a silver thimble ringed with sapphires.
"Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
Again, the seamstress replied, "No."
The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble.
"Is This your thimble?" the Lord asked.
The seamstress replied, "Yes."

The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.
Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water.

When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, "Why are you crying?"
"Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!"
The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney.
"Is this your husband?" the Lord asked.
"Yes!" cried the seamstress.
The Lord was furious. "You lied! That is an untruth!"
The seamstress replied, "Oh, forgive me, my Lord It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt. Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney.

And so the Lord let her keep him.

The moral of this story is: Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others.

That's our story, and we're sticking to it.

Signed,
All Us Women

Reasons not to mess with children.

2007-04-19T18:42:00.000+08:00

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.
The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
The little girl replied, "Then you ask him ".

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face."
"Yes," the class said.
"Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?"
A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet ain't empty."

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:
"Take only ONE. God is watching."
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.
A child had written a note,
"Take all you want. God is watching the apples.

Who's Mesa?

2007-04-17T07:14:00.000+08:00

MESA Chen

I feel obliged to answer the enquiry regarding the mysterious Mesa. I have known Mesa for a long long time although we seldom "talk" in school, somehow. Maybe I was just the poor shy rural schoolboy in an urban school. This write-up may also give some perspective into a part of Sarawak history: I think Ling Beng Siew's family is writing a book on this aspect of Sarwak history.

Mesa is Cantonese, from Sarikei, like me. One of my cousin's also married her distant auntie. Her late father (Mr Chen Ko Ming) was not only manager of Sarikei Chartered Bank but also Secretary General of the SCA, Sarawak Chinese Association. My late uncle (father's elder brother) was a supporter of Mr Chen. That was in 1960s. Many Sarawakian Chinese were still inclined towards China and wants to bring communism to Sarawak. A large number (including natives) were against joining Malaysia. The "communists" then went "underground". Unfortunately the so-called "CTs" or communist terrorists also launched a campaign to slaughter those of a different political belief, labelling them as "running dogs". Many people in Sarikei were killed: mostly beheaded or shot. They tried to murder Mr Chen and my uncle but with no luck. My uncle then migrated to HK; hence I have 10 first cousins in HK! Their children had since migrated to Taipei (a doctor) and Chicago (Chinese restaurants). Mr Chen also helped my family business in Sarikei when we had a family associated with the slum of pepper prices in 1965.

Mr Chen moved to 30 Wingli Garden (I think) in 19771. Mesa was in St Mary's School. She was my form mate in Sarikei St Anthony's School Form 1-2 and then classmate in Form 3. So when I was in St Thomas's Lower 6 in 1974, Mesa was again classmate. She went to study in Perth and then migrated to Vancover Canada, to join the rest of her family. She is a dietitian and works in a hospital, like me. So when she came back to Malaysia for a long break, I made a date to have dinner with her, her husband and her close friends on 26.8.06. I finally managed to talk to her! Mesa married Joe Leskosek in 1995 and chose to have no children.

It seems that it is common knowledge amongst the elderly Kuching folks that Mr Chen's first girlfirend in Kuching was Irene Tan. I hear Irene Tan mentioned in St Thomas's Church every Sunday as the pastor prays for "her speedy recovery in London". Then I discovered that Irene Tan is Rodney Tan's mother! Small world.
I thinkl Angelia Lin previously sent a photo with Mesa (AND Agatha). I reattach. Maybe Mesa can tell us more.

Dr Clarence Lei Chang Moh

Making Faces

2007-04-13T07:30:00.000+08:00

Either the food is bad or they're so sad that Eva is only here for a week and Vera even less days ...

I swear that I wasn't making faces or cracking a joke when I took the photo of these two during the reunion dinner with Eva and Vera! Whoever comes up with the best caption for this photo gets a free kayak ride with me! So get cracking! Except for Joon Khoi and Siok Kim whose faces above are already cracking! hehe!

Hello Vera Lee!

2007-04-12T19:59:00.000+08:00

Vera and friend

Vera Lee residing in the land of sarah-lee (Perth lah!) was in Kuching and brought along her friend for the dinner at "The Venue" restaurant for the reunion dinner with Eva Chin. The trouble with sit down dinner on separate tables is that you don't get a chance to speak to the other people who are on a different table! Perhaps it may be a better idea to get a private room and have a buffet style dinner to overcome this shortcoming.

The point of this post is that I didn't get to talk to Vera "properly" as a consequence and this is my small way of making up this slight "over-sight"! So here's a big warm hello welcome to Kuching from me and all the others who did not get a chance to speak with you! Here's wishing you a wonderful holiday in Kuching! Next time you come back, don't forget to bring back some Australian nacadamia nuts or nougats!

Vera taking photo of me taking her!

Reunion Dinner with Eva Chin in Kuching

2007-04-11T06:58:00.000+08:00

Reunion Dinner in Kuching on Saturday,7th April 2007

Gemma and mum Eva

Getting down to the serious business of eating

Eva and daughter, Gemma is back in Kuching during the Easter holidays and Dr Clarence Lei was most kind to organise as well as host the reunion dinner. Thanks doc!

Must be health food as this is what the good doctor ordered!

More serious eating

Here are some of the photos I took between mouthful of food ... *burp* Recognise any of the beautiful and handsome faces?

Eva and Geok Lian Goes Kayaking

2007-04-10T22:21:00.000+08:00

After some serious eating on saturday night at the "Venue" restaurant, some serious exercise is in order; in order to burn off the excess calories the next day. And what better way to do it than some kayaking with the "kayak king" in the beautiful Borneo Highlands area. And what a beautiful Sunday it turned out to be with glorious sunshine and beautiful deep blue skies.Accompanying Eva was her daughter who had been looking forward to the kayaking and Eva's younger brother Victor who was staying in the housing estate just across the road from mine. Geok Lian was a bit hesistant at first about joining in the kayaking but she was glad that she did. After all being in the same boat as the Captain is as safe and relaxing as it's going to get! Here are the photos and we wished you all were there too!

On Monday morning, in Kuching....

2007-04-06T11:56:00.000+08:00

Date: Monday 2/4/07
Time: 9.40 am
Place: In front of the row of shop houses leading to OCBC bank from Hilton Hotel.

Hi! I confessed I was in Kuching from 31 March to 2 April 07. As I was there so briefly, I did not have the time to meet up with old pals. The purpose of the trip was to do 'Chen Meng' (Chinese equivalent to "All Souls' Day").

On the above morn, I left Hilton Hotel, where I was staying, for OCBC bank to do some transactions. As I walked down the hill, along the carpark outside the shop houses (round the corner the bank is located), a Malay guy waved and smiled in my direction. After looking around and behind me for the pal he was greeting, I realised that I was the subject. As I approached, he said "Hi! You remember me? I know you. I also saw you in the airport immigration area. Which hotel are you staying?"
Searching my memory, I tried to remember if I had met him or ever talked to an immigration officer when I was coming in at Kuching airport. Nope, no recall.
Bit baffled, I looked for some clues from him.
"Oh! I cannot remember seeing you before. Sure I was the right person?"
"Yes, I am Awang and I worked at the airport immigration. I saw you at the airport. I am off work now but will be there this afternoon."
"Really? I will be leaving Kuching this afternoon and so will be at the airport by 1 pm".
"Oh! Look for me there! I will be in the second last counter."
Wondering why I should, and still wondering who he was, I tried again: "Were you studying in St. Thomas's Secondary School before? Are you a Thomian? (I wondered if perhaps he knew me in school days..)"
"Yes, I was borned in 1960."
Mmm, few years my junior. That explained it! Of-course juniors remember some of the seniors (Music club? Thomian Magazine? The Square tabloid??? Ballroom Dancing society? The Debating Society?? I was involved with all of these then..).
"Glad to meet you a fellow Thomian. I am going to OCBC. Not much time left before I have to leave for the airport.."
"I do not know how to tell you. You will find it quite a funny situation I am in! You see, my car broke down and I have to go to collect it. Can you lend me RM$50? When you look for me this afternoon at the immigration counter, I will pay back. So embarrassed to ask you."
So, this was it! A day-light con man! I wondered how often he had tried this trick.
"Sorry, I really am not sure if I have met you before and besides, I am in a hurry. I cannot give you any money".
Seeing that I had seen through him, he grinned and said,"Never mind lah. Still look for me at the immigration counter this afternoon ok? I will be there."

At 2 pm on Monday 2/4/07, when I was going through the immigration check, I looked surreptitiously for Awang. No Awang at any of the counters. No Awang approached me to pat me on my back, claiming me as a long lost old Thomian, and perhaps to wish me a good journey.

Hello! Happy Easter Holiday!

2007-04-06T11:52:00.000+08:00

Today is Good Friday and is a public holiday in Singapore. Below is a link for you all...

http://d21c.com/scratch/holidays/egg.swf

Check it out folks!!

Cheers!

Edward

The Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes Of All Time

2007-04-01T14:31:00.000+08:00

Today being April Fool's Day; here's the Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All Time. Actually I'm posting only 10 here but you can read all the rest here!

#1: The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest

In 1957 the respected BBC news show Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in, and many called up wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti trees. To this question, the BBC diplomatically replied that they should "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best." Check out the actual broadcast archived on the BBC's website (You need the RealVideo player installed to see it, and it usually loads very slowly). -More-

#2: Sidd Finch

In its April 1985 edition, Sports Illustrated published a story about a new rookie pitcher who planned to play for the Mets. His name was Sidd Finch and he could reportedly throw a baseball with startling, pinpoint accuracy at 168 mph (65 mph faster than anyone else has ever been able to throw a ball). Surprisingly, Sidd Finch had never even played the game before. Instead, he had mastered the "art of the pitch" in a Tibetan monastery under the guidance of the "great poet-saint Lama Milaraspa." Mets fans everywhere celebrated at their teams's amazing luck at having found such a gifted player, and Sports Illustrated was flooded with requests for more information. But in reality this legendary player only existed in the imagination of the writer of the article, George Plimpton. -More-

#3: Instant Color TV

In 1962 there was only one tv channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that thanks to a newly developed technology, all viewers could now quickly and easily convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their tv screen, and they would begin to see their favorite shows in color. Stensson then proceeded to demonstrate the process. Reportedly, hundreds of thousands of people, out of the population of seven million, were taken in. Actual color tv transmission only commenced in Sweden on April 1, 1970.

#4: The Taco Liberty Bell

In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell from the federal government and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called up the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell is housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco Bell revealed that it was all a practical joke a few hours later. The best line inspired by the affair came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale, and he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold, though to a different corporation, and would now be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. -More-

#5: San Serriffe

In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement in honor of the tenth anniversary of San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semi-colon-shaped islands. A series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that then gripped the British tabloids in the following decades.

#6: Nixon for President

In 1992 National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon's voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little.

#7: Alabama Changes the Value of Pi

The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the 'Biblical value' of 3.0. Before long the article had made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly made its way around the world, forwarded by people in their email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by a physicist named Mark Boslough.

#8: The Left-Handed Whopper

In 1998 Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a "Left-Handed Whopper" specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc.), but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that although the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new sandwich. Simultaneously, according to the press release, "many others requested their own 'right handed' version."

#9: Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers

In its April 1995 issue Discover Magazine announced that the highly respected wildlife biologist Dr. Aprile Pazzo had discovered a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. These fascinating creatures had bony plates on their heads that, fed by numerous blood vessels, could become burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins, melting the ice beneath the penguins and causing them to sink downwards into the resulting slush where the hotheads consumed them. After much research, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of noted Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. "To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin," the article quoted her as saying. Discover received more mail in response to this article than they had received for any other article in their history. -More-

#10: Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity

In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.

The Borneo Post Online

2007-03-26T21:58:00.000+08:00

For those of you living outside Kuching, you can now catch up on the local Sarawak news by logging on to The Borneo Post Online! It's free some more. Nice hor?

proof than man needs wife!

2007-03-26T19:29:00.000+08:00

The English Language

2007-03-20T21:37:00.000+08:00

Something for you to think about when you've a few minutes to spare.

So, you Think English is Easy? Try to read these correctly the first time.

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse .

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. One moose, 2 meese? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down; in which you fill in a form by filling it out; and in which, an alarm goes off by being on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race; which, of course, is not a race at all!

New Budget Airline - Fire Fly

2007-03-17T21:26:00.000+08:00

There'll be another Malaysian low cost airline soon - Fire Fly from MAS. We can all look forward to cheap airfares to more destinations this year. Great!