The Big Four Oh

For those of us who studied in "Peralihan", the year 2010 will be the year we officially hit middle age. The rest of us can still look forward to another year of counting down :)

I've been thinking about this quite a lot lately. I reflected back on how, 20 years ago (1990), we were in the final year of our secondary of education. The last 20 years seems to have flown past, especially when we started to work, and later, started a family. When I thought about what will things be like in the next 20 years, I realized, by gosh, that we would be 60 years old by then!

I think it is during times like this, that we begin to realize how precious our time is, and not to waste it. How often do we spend long hours in our work, away from family and friends? Do we make time for our elderly parents? Such questions become more pressing with each passing day.

I suppose spending time with our loved ones has to be an intentional effort, not something that we hope will just happen naturally. So, hopefully every morning as we wake up, we will remember that, and we let that guide our lives.

Carpe Diem, my dear friends! :)

TV Nostalgia Part 2

Apologies for my long silence - writer's block, etc. Many thanks to Stephen for faithfully updating the blog regularly. Also, congrats to Paul for managing to pull together a lunch reunion at short notice this year :)

Anyway, continuing on my TV Nostalgia series, this show was something that my whole family loved back in the late 70's and the early 80's. My mom, despite her lack of English literacy, still managed to fervently follow it. Yup, I am talking about none other than Little House on The Prairie.

The kids in the series were around the same age as me when I was watching it, so I guess I could identify with some of their adventures, challenges, etc then. Coupled with that was a heart-warming theme of family togetherness, of facing adversities together, making for a very compelling and watchable programme.

In the 80's, I got to read to the actual books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (did you know that she lived to be 90?) in the Sibu Sacred Church library.

Anyway, just to relive those memories again, here's the theme from Little House on The Prairie, courtesy of Youtube:

22nd SHS8890 Reunion

What A Nice Gathering Here...Well done, Paul ! I am glad to have such a friend who can be counted upon when needed and for all attended you have make a lot of people proud and envy showing your care without thinking whether you can fit in or not...two new faces are Hua Ming & Kok Soon...I learnt from Paul...all together a perfect 10 ! came to our reunion though a last moment event after the original chairman could not do it...

Friendship is easy to have but is hard to maintain...being a true friend means going all the way for another person without asking for a return. do not do it because of self interest, unselfish one would go all the way to meet and gather friends. It is indeed a blessed opportunity for many but many would not have it. In fact it is a commitment to be a true friend !

Our chain of tradition is still intact by the smiles shown by those inside the photo. TQVM. I sincerely hope next year we could plan a grand reunion calling for reunion among the teachers, headmasters and creation/launching of a SHS8890 scholarship for less fortunate for our school students...the planning starts now...(I hope I am not scaring the new chairmanship away...)

Paul, please put up a special post for this just concluded reunion...please share more photos...

22nd Reunion Lunch @ 15th February 2010

Venue : Coffee House, Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu

Date : 15th February 2010 (Monday)

Time : 12.30pm to 2.30p.m

Entrance : Free

"Sekali ditipu, dua kali takut" Tapi sekarang sekali lagi ditipu orang...now 4 kali takut !

But it is okay, we will rise to organise this reunion together with David, Paul & myself. We have immediately set up the venue at the coffee house of Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu. The serving will be on Ala Carte menu and entrance is free. We have set a humble figure of 20 pax but all are welcome, we can easily extend the seating. We may not have the luxury to have the stage, dancing and performance, but definitely all who attend this simple reunion session will provide the best present for everyone.
To ensure the best reunion for future and many years ahead after two years of disappointments in a row, taking the lead from Sie Chiong in my personal blog, I am proposing to set up a life time organising chairman/committee members for our Reunion (until such time...real election can be organised). These members have proven their unselfish acts of contribution and support over the last 22 years since we left school...and they are;

a) Paul Ting
b) Ling Sie Chiong
c) David Kuok
d) Eric Phang
e) Ivy Puah
f) Anthony Ting
g) Ngan Tuong Kiew
h) Thadeues Allu Bartholomew
i) Tiong Kwong Siong
j) Joseph Sia

The post for the chairmanship will be rotated accordingly. For 2011, I am proposing Eric Phang to lead the dinner planning (funny...if this is a nomination for MP/ADUN...everybody will be fighting each others).

By tradition, it has been said that everyone will have one time opportunity to organise the reunion but the last two years have taught many loyal supporters of the reunion that this tradition is just not possible for whatever reason, not all are passionate about reunion with one another.

Let's the few of us burn our energy and love for many others, be the uniting force for them throuigh generations. I look forward to your comments so that we are able to chart out more concrete plans ahead. Remember, how many 10 years do we have ? Just do it ! Cheers.

Last but the least, though I am away from Sibu for this Chinese New Year, my heart with all good friends and I seek my apology for unable to be with you all. It was a last minute arrangement as my parents came out to Kuching to celebrate with my sister and brother. The least I could afford is helping to spread the news and encourage many to attend our Reunion Lunch 2010.

NO NEWS

Two days before our reunion dinner on the eve, I have not received any news on our SHS88-90 reunion dinner. I hope to update all but the organiser had not make known to me until now though he has assured to get back to me on the details (I have just texted him to remind).

Something is brewing somehow...so those of you going back to Sibu, please keep yourself contactable...I hope a simple gathering can be organised. I shall check with him again.

Next Chance

The news to our 22nd Reunion Dinner in Sibu is coming soon...

Just an update, I have contacted the O.C and he promised to revert to me soonest when all details have been finalised...

Well, folks (especially those who are going back to celebrate CNY or just for holidays), please block your time on 2nd night of CNY (15th February 2010), timed 6.30pm to 10.pm (or past midnight for late party goers)...

Volunteers are needed here too.....to spread out the news when the full details are available.

For ladies....this will be our 20th reunion !...

Cheers !

Age Is Not Just A Number !

My dear friends, I read a sad and shocking FB message by Ted last night declaring that one of his friend/nephew has a cardiac arrest and gone to the Lord. First of all, may his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shines upon him.

Guess what...his age is only coming to 38. Well, he is about our age +-1 or 2 years old. Think about it...No ? Some 3 weeks back, Mr. Tee also posted a message about one of his cousins suffered a stroke and now is still recuperating at Normah ($$$)...guess what, his age is also near to ours.

Okay, think about Frankie ? one of our closest buddies. Oh...yes, I bet now you are more sober...

Hmm, trying to share this out but more towards reminding myself sincerely, I need to cast these 2 Rules into stones ;

1. 2010, practise a super healthy living (but do not ask me to let go my swing once a week ok !)
2. Remember the Rule No. 1.

Do whatever it takes to stay in shape and constantly check our condition (especially those clocking the "40", as for ladies....very soon pausing here and there :-) ), if we want to help to better the mortality table of Malaysian manhood. Or else, the visit to St. Peter will be very soon.

So, friends, do not wait for annual reunion for keeping in touch. When and where possible, just make the call and we can meet up...Cheers!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

May All Our Good Dreams Come True & True...

And May We Always Stay In Great Shape & Enjoy The Fruits Of Our Life Fruitfully...

And May You Always Keep In Touch With One Another Throughout The Years...

God Bless. Cheers !

Merry Christmas

My dear friends, today Christian in the world are celebrating the birth of Christ, our Saviour (whilst the rest are celebrating the Season End festivities) and usually, it is the starting of the long week celebration to sing the "auld lang syne" for all to prepare to say bye bye to the current year whilst welcoming the new year. Indeed it is a wonderful period of celebration as we do realise time really flies and waits for no one.

Now, let's do our YEAR END celebration a better way this year if we have been doing it year in year out...and if we have not done anything previously, let this year be your maiden act to do it great !

So now...little older girls and ever young handsome boys (...erhmm..) and few virgins, do not let any second pass without appreciating it and those many seconds coming along it....

Cheers !

45 Lessons In Life

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the local newspaper "The Plain Dealer", Cleveland, Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Want privacy on Facebook? Here is how to get some

By BARBARA ORTUTAY,AP Technology Writer - Friday, December 18

NEW YORK – Over the past week, Facebook has been nudging its users _ first gently, then firmly _ to review and update their privacy settings.

You might have procrastinated by hitting "skip for now," but Facebook eventually locked you out until you did so. After finally accepting Facebook's recommendations or tweaking the privacy settings yourself, though, you might have made more information about you public than what you had intended.

At the same time, Facebook has given users many granular controls over their privacy, more than what's available on other major social networks.

So if you want to stay out of people's view, but still want to be on Facebook, here are some things to look out for as you take another look at your settings.

1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone.
Everyone can see your name, your profile photo and the names of work and school networks you're part of. Ditto for pages you are a fan of. If you are worried about a potential employer finding out about a quirky fetish or unorthodox political leaning, avoid becoming a Facebook fan of such groups. You can't tell Facebook you don't want those publicly listed. Your gender and current city are also available, if you choose to specify them. You can uncheck "Show my sex in my profile" when you edit your profile if you don't want it listed, and you can leave "Current City" blank.

2. Your list of friends may also be public.
Facebook also considers your friends list publicly available information. Privacy advocates worry that much can be gleaned from a person's list of friends _ even sexual orientation, according to one MIT study. But there is a way to hide the list. Go to your profile page and click on the little blue pencil icon on the top right of your box of friends. Uncheck "Show Friend List to everyone." Either way, those you are already friends with can always see your full list.

3. You can hide yourself from Web searches.
There is a section for "Search" under Facebook's privacy settings page, which is accessible from the top right corner of the Web site under "Settings." If you click the "Allow" box next to "Public Search Results," the information that Facebook deems publicly available (such as photo, fan pages and list of friends), along with anything else you have made available to everyone, will show up when someone looks up your name on a search engine such as Google. The stuff you've limited access to in your profile will not show up.

This is useful if you want people you've lost touch with, or potential work contacts, to be able to find your Facebook page. If you'd rather not be found, uncheck this box.

A second setting, controlling searches within Facebook, lets you refine who can find you once that person has logged on. Limit searches to friends only if you think you have all the friends you need and don't want anyone to find you when they type in your name to Facebook.

4. Beware of third-party applications.
Quizzes and games are fun, but each time you take one, you first authorize it to access your profile information, even if you have made that available only to your friends. You're also letting the app access some information on your friends.

Under "Application Settings," Facebook lists all the apps you have opened your profile up to. If you no longer want to authorize access to "Which Golden Girl Are You?" you can always remove it by clicking on the "X" next to its name. Apps you use regularly, such as Facebook for Android if you update your status from your mobile phone, should stay.

Next, by clicking on "Applications and Websites" on the privacy settings page, you can edit whether your friends can share your birthday, photos and other specific information. Remember that applications can access your "publicly available information" no matter what.

The security firm Sophos recommends users set their privacy settings for two of Facebook's own popular applications, notes and photos, to friends only.

5. Go over your list of friends.
The average Facebook user has 130 friends. But many people interact with a much smaller group when commenting on status updates, photos and links. So it doesn't hurt to occasionally review your list of your friends to get an idea of just who can view your status posts, vacation photos and funny links you've shared over the years. Don't feel obligated to add anyone as a friend, even if that person adds you first. For professional acquaintance you don't want to snub, send them to a LinkedIn profile you can set up. Some workplaces and schools have rules about Facebook interactions between bosses and employees or students and teachers.

6. Create custom friends groups.
If you have friended a lot of people, sort them. Think of the groups you interact with in real life _ co-workers, college buddies, girlfriends, grandma and grandpa _ and organize your Facebook friends in these groups, too. Go to "All Friends" under the "Friends" button up top, click on "Create New List" and fire away. Then decide what aspects of your profile, and which status posts and photos, these people will have access to. Or, simply create a "limited" list for acquaintances or distant relatives and limit their access.

7. Customize your status posts.
Type "I'm hungry" into your status update box. Click on the little lock icon. You'll see a range of privacy controls pop up, letting you either allow or limit access to the post. If you want, you can even hide it from everyone by clicking "Only Me" under the custom settings. Click on save setting. Repeat with each post, or create a default setting for most updates and increase or decrease privacy as you see fit.

8. Let your friends know you have boundaries _ in person.
Many of us have woken up on a Sunday morning to find that an overzealous friend has posted dozens of photos from that wild party we barely remembered _ the good, the bad and the hideous. Chances are, they didn't do this to embarrass you, though if they did you have bigger problems. Rather, they probably don't know that you don't want these photos posted. Sure, tweak your photo privacy settings on Facebook. But if someone starts snapping pictures of you at a party, ask them to check with you before posting it anywhere.

9. Never assume complete privacy.
Even for the most tech-savvy person, unflattering photos, incriminating text messages or angry status posts about work have a way of worming their way out in the open. Just saying.

TV Nostalgia Part 1

Ok, let me take everyone down memory lane again with a new series of TV Nostalgia, this time English TV series.

First off - Hong Kong Phooey! Hong Kong who? You probably ask. Well, my earliest memory of this cartoon series was probably around Primary 2 or Primary 3.





Anyone else remember this show?

Makan Meet 3 in Singapore

The evening was 31st October 2009. According to the locals, Singapore does not usually rain that hard nor thunder that loud. It was practically raining cats & dogs when Louis picked me up at around 7pm, with Mike and Alice in the car too. And the thunder and lightning was no less spectacular. STILL, the die-hard Sarawakians in Spore went ahead with the meet-up at Alexandra Village for Hongkong Street Food (you all will have to correct me if this part is wrong!).

And the results of the evening? The photos speak for themselves.

From left to right: Soo Chin Hion, Pui Eng Soon, Albert Chin, Mike Tan aka Hung Yang, Louis Wong.

From left to right: Anne Kho, Irene Tan Kin Lim, Alice Wong, me, Caroline Chin

Eleu came much later, he was attending some military course, but made it all the way to meet us at almost 9.30pm....thanks to Carol, he had a beautifully arranged plate of left-overs to devour into, hehehe.

Group photo, with Eng Soon's family joining us. Carol was taking the snap.

Don't have any photos of the dishes we had cos I forgot to bring my camera, in the excitement of rushing out of my brother-in-law's apartment as soon as Louis called. Could have kicked myself for that. But the food was excellent. If you've never tried bitter gourd with pork ribs, you better fly to Spore, loved it!

Topics of the evening? Too many to mention! But the one that stood out most was Eng Soon's story of TV3 and Kapit....he's now officially the ambassador for Kapit in matters related to the "Akan Datang" case of TV3! Spore/Msia/Sarawak politics, children's education, tax, speeding fines, school days, how to address relatives in foochow (ku-ku & ka-ka), Eleu's "pai-kia" days in SHS, and many more. You name it, we talked about it.

We left the open-spaced restaurant at about 11pm and moved on to McD. Some had gone home already, it was just the 7 of us - Louis, Mike, Chin Hion, Albert, Eleu, Carol & myself. Some more stories till 1am+....I reached the apartment at 2am....luckily didn't have to sleep at the balcony.

A BIG thank you to Louis for getting everyone together to meet. And he's challeged me to do the same if anyone of them Swak-bred-half-Sporean-citizens drop by in Kuching for a visit. So boys & girls in Kuching, plee....aa....se response when your duty calls for you.

p/s it's called Makan Meet 3 cos it's the 3rd meet for our friends in Sg....but then they recalled it might have been the 4th meet....whatever!

Setia - 21 years on

Picture by Choo Choy May

The man who was responsible for that famous (infamous?) patriotic song of our Form 5 year, Tok Rahmat, recently wrote a memoir of his times as Information Minister. You can read the write ups here and here.

Now ailing with cancer, Tok Mat did not hold anything back in his book, and he revealed that the song was actually an UMNO propaganda song to counter the split in the party during Tengku Razaleigh's challenge to Mahathir in the late 80's.

Still, I have fond memories of the song. Stephen Chung and I used to love to sing it, it was emotionally stirring to be reminded that we have this "Negara yang Tercinta" to serve. At the age of 17 and looking forward to go out into the world, it was really heady stuff then.

Now, with most of us reaching middle age, it is easy to be cynical about the song's lyrics. But I prefer to believe that most of us do find it within us to believe in them. Actually, how we felt did not really change. What changed was some people destroying our perceptions about our place in this country. And that realization hurts every time I relive the song.

Malaysia Day Holiday

Finally, it was announced that 16th of Sep will be a public holiday to commenmerate the formation of Malaysia. Yahoo !

Do we really care about the formation of Malaysia ? Do we really care about unity seriously ?

If yes, what are we going to do during this holiday of Malaysia Day ?

Do we need a holiday to show unity ? to remember the formation ? Isn't it all in the mind ?

I tend to agree with Tun Dr. M about too many public holidays we have in Malaysia and do we need another one since we have 31 August for the Merdeka Celebration. How much does the nation lose in productivity for a day of holiday ? Does anyone know ?

Well, with the good intention to share with the young ones....those who were born after 1963 the meaning of this freedom, independence and formation of Malaysia, I believe it is worthwhile, as a start to drill this respect into the minds of the young ones and to remember how the elders had sacrifice their life for the freedom for us.

I hope every one could use this extra holiday to spend meaningful time to share with family members and friends on the formation of Malaysia and how important to keep the fire of unity and patriotism alive...beside celebrating Ardy's birthday ! Also to recover the lost times, everyone must work smarter and harder to provide real productivity to Malaysia, our beloved country. The progressive and dynamic country does not only lies in the hands of the few leaders or politicians...but at the very centre of rakyat's commitment to uphold justice, truth, unity and progress.

How about holiday for Deevapali in Sarawak ?

4th Kiss On The World Title

Congratulation Datuk Nicol, we are proud of your achievement...you are now placed among the greatest squash players on the planet. One, Two & Three, are very tough achievment....you are giving us the fourth title to be proud as Malaysian !

My hope is to see more and more Malaysian be on the top of the world in sporting arena...please do not stop...but give us the fifth title next year ! Keep continue this dream run as we are fully behind you....

Malaysia Boleh !

(the inset photo is the third kiss, taken in last year's victory...as your fourth one, I was not able to find it as yet...I am not able to google it as I believe everyone is in "awe"...especially when you came back from a shock fourth round loss in the British Open)...

I eagerly waiting to be with all my Muslims friends celebrating this Raya...not because of green paus...or food...but for the joy of harmony, love and peace...

For all our Muslims friends of all races....especially for Ardy & Hansac, our blog contributors...Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri...

Tapi...makan, makan jugak...ada green paus...ambik jugak...hehehe...yang pasti, enjoy aje...

Merdeka - what does it mean to you ?

Today, I have been reading a lot merdeka messages from the newspapers, online news both main stream and alternative streams. It is contrary messages from the ruling government and alternative front. Of course, it is normal but for the true merdeka spirit, what does it means really to us ?

A birthday of our nation has a lot of meaning as to our own birthday too! How many of us sing NegaraKu these few days ? (Ah hem...I did !). Do you still feel proud when singing the song ? (with bulu roma tegak ?) If not something is very wrong here. Let's be clear here and I hope you will agree...the height or depth of the prosperity of our nation depends much on the sum total of each Rakyat's true love and support .

Personally, Merdeka means a lot to me...I am a free man and have my rights under the Constitution to do what I wish in achieving my Malaysian dream for the past 37 years !

It is also an appreciation for our forefathers fighting for our freedom especially against the Japanese, Communists and British. It also means that I do not need to go to war or live in fear like some of the other countries in the Middle East or Africa. I dare not imagine if Malaysia is in such a state to live in.

Whilst enjoying the freedom, I do acknowledge the threats of peace within our neighbourhood such as injustice, racial sentiments, in balance distribution of wealth, corrupt leaders and negative external forces. I pray for the resilience and intelligence of our Leaders from both BN and PR to strive for the common good of our beloved Malaysia. The differences in party understanding is norm among the political front (competition makes the community strong) but do not let it be the difference of our understanding to protect our true "Merdeka" from all the threats.

Merdeka ! Merdeka! Merdeka ! Let the shout of Tunku Abdul Rahman always lives in our mind, heart and soul !

A Father's Love

How deep can a father's love for his son be? Well, in the case of the Hoyt family, watch this video to find out:

The Star

Monday August 10, 2009

Kuching braces for water rationing

By STEPHEN THEN

MIRI: More areas in Sarawak are facing water rationing, including its capital city Kuching, unless there is heavy rain soon, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

He said to date over 100,000 people were affected by water woes and the problem was getting more acute by the day.

“The rural areas in Sarikei and Mukah divisions in central Sarawak were initially hit, but the problems has now spread to southern Sarawak, hitting the state capital as well,” he said yesterday.

Kuching City has a population of about 500,000.

“More than 100,000 are in dire need of water now. It has become very dry. The most critical areas that need attention are Sarikei and Kuching divisions.

“Water rationing has already started in Sarikei. We will carry out rationing in Kuching as well soon. The water shortage is critical, even more critical than the forest fires and haze situation,’’ he said in an interview.

Dr Chan, who is state Disaster Relief Committee chairman, said rationing could not be avoided because the water levels in rivers and dams throughout the state were rapidly falling, some reaching alarmingly levels.

On the delay in cloud-seeding efforts, he said the aircraft was already on standby, but the operations could not be carried out because of the absence of rain clouds.

“Cloud-seeding will not work with low cloud density. For now, we must conserve the remaining water that we have in the dams and rivers as much as possible.

“That is why water rationing is the only option until we can induce some rain,” he stressed.

Dr Chan, who is also state Industrial Development Minister and state Agriculture Modernisation Minister, said the forest and peat fires raging in northern Sarawak were making the situation worse.

“The fires are spreading fast because the ground is dry,” he added.

Dr Chan, who visited the fire sites near the Sarawak-Brunei trans-boundary bridge, said the fires were getting worse.

He appealed to the public to stop all forms of open-burning, adding that without their help, the fires, haze and water-shortage problems would only deteriorate further.

More than 3,000ha of forests and peat land have already been ravaged by fires near the border, with another 1,000ha still on fire, causing massive air pollution.