My father was on the violin playing call-and-response with a bird in the backyard. "See," he said, "if you can talk to birds, you can definitely talk to people’s hearts." That was the biggest lesson that he taught me.
- Carlos Santana -
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Santana's lesson
George Town's heritage status: It's coming to one year already!
An extract from a Bernama news report today:
Lim (Guan Eng) also said that the state government was considering a proposal to declare July 7, 2010 a public holiday to mark the recognition of Georgetown as a world heritage site by Unesco. "We will celebrate the first anniversary of the recognition on July 7 this year, and we are considering declaring a public holiday on that date next year," he said.Good for George Town. I mean, the public holiday is secondary but the celebration of the UNESCO recognition is primary to George Town and by extension, to Penang. And I hope come this month-end, UNESCO will clear George Town of any wrong-doing in the controversy surrounding the four proposed high-rise hotels in the city.
Anyway, Bernama should also be taken to task for continually mis-spelling the name of the city. Someone should tell the Chief Editor that it's GEORGE TOWN (two words) and not Georgetown (one word).
Monday, 8 June 2009
Fusion food
I had an interesting exploratory buffet lunch with one of my friends, Eric, who drove up from Kuala Lumpur to escape the heat there. Trouble was, the heat followed him here.
Anyway, these pictures showed part of my lunch with him yesterday at a fusion food restaurant in Autocity, Juru. These are some of the dishes I would recommend to diners: crabmeat with cheese, scallops baked in some unrecognisable sauce, cod grilled in teriyaki sauce and sashimi.
There were others but we were too hungry to snap their pictures before they found their way down the gullet!
Anyway, these pictures showed part of my lunch with him yesterday at a fusion food restaurant in Autocity, Juru. These are some of the dishes I would recommend to diners: crabmeat with cheese, scallops baked in some unrecognisable sauce, cod grilled in teriyaki sauce and sashimi.
There were others but we were too hungry to snap their pictures before they found their way down the gullet!
Chess archive: First Asian team chess championship 1974 (Part 5)
Finally, these were the stories on the first Asian team chess championship that had appeared in the local newspapers at that time.
HOPING FOR A CHESS CHAMP OF OUR OWN
PENANG, Fri - Tun Abdul Razak expressed the hope today that Malaysia would one day be able to produce an lnternational Chess master.
"The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Australia and New Zealand have their own masters. But Malaysia still lacks one," he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing of the first Asian chess championship at Dewan Sri Pinang here, marking the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of FIDE, the world chess federation.
Tun Razak presented to the Philippines the Asian chess team championship challenge trophy which he had donated and dedicated "to every chess player in Asia, and also to world peace."
Mr F Campomanes, manager of the champion team and a deputy president of FIDE, received the trophy on behalf of the Philippines.
Keen Interest
Mr Tan Chin Nam, president of the Malaysian Chess Federation, said the championship - the first in Asia - had generated tremendous interest in the country, particularly among chess enthusiasts.
If a greater number of youths in the country could be persuaded to take a greater interest in the game, they could be kept off the streets and away from anti-social pursuits like drug-taking.
Prof Dr Max Euwe, president of FIDE, predicted 35 years would suffice for Asian countries to improve their standard of performance.
"Chess originated in Asia, and Asians have a natural talent for it," he said.
With China's entry, the World Chess Federation now covered the whole world, Prof Euwe said.
He paid tribute to the Malaysian Chess Federation and tbe Government for organising simultaneously the first Asian chess championship, the FIDE seminar and bureau meeting.
"The organisation of these three activities here is among the best I have ever seen," Dr Euwe said.
Tun Razak described chess as "a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness."
In its ultimate analysis, it is a victory of brains over brawns," he said.
World peace
Although chess originated in Asia, the Fischer-Spassky contest brought home the point that Asians had been left far behind and that some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation.
"It is, therefore, an honour and a source of pride for me and for Malaysia to donate this
trophy which we dedicate to every chess player in Asia, and also to world peace," the Prime Minister said.
"With this first contest I hope there will be renewed interest and enthusiasm in the game, so that chess will be made popular to every man and woman of every age, especially the young."
(New Straits Times, 21 Dec 1974)
TUN CALLS FOR STEPS TO CATCH UP WITH WEST
PENANG, Fri - TUN ABDUL RAZAK today said urgent steps should be taken to break the West's domination in chess so that Asia would reign supreme in the game which originated from the region.
"We are proud that this game has caught up with the imagination of the Western world and in fact has spread to every country in the world," the Prime Minister said.
"Unfortunately, due to lack of patronage and other factors, we Asians not only lose the game but have to be contented with the fact that supremacy in this game had to be decided between the two modern super-powers.
"The Fischer-Spassky contest brought home the poInt that we are left far behind and some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation, particularly in Malaysia," he added.
He was closing the First Asian Chess Team Championship at the Dewan Sri Pinang here.
Tun Razak said it was still disputed today whether chess originated from India or China but according to eminent orientalists, the game originated during the Mogul period in India about 570 AD.
"Chess is a game depicting war between countries and it is a vlctory of brains over brawn,'' he said.
"But, unlike modern warfare, where tanks and missiles predominate, it is a war of the old-order - where horses and elephants were in theIr prime, where soldiers were still strong on the feet.
Patient
"In fact, it is a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness," Tun Razak said.
"I mention this not because I encourage war nor do l condone it. Our country is a small country and we can ill afford to indulge in the luxuries of war with its catastrophic consequences." he said.
In the game of chess, Tun Razak said: "We learn to be patient but not complacent. We learn to be alert, to be always vigilant to the many pitfalls that face us. We learn to be disciplined, as chess is an exercise of self discipline. Above all, we learn to be friendly and tolerant."
Also present at the closing ceremony were Chlef Minister Dr Lim Chong Eu, former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, the President of the MCF, Mr Tan Chin Nam, the president of the Federation International Des Echecs, Prof Max Euwe.
(The Star, 21 Dec 1974)
WHY ASIANS FARE POORLY AT CHESS
PENANG, Fri - Due to lack of patronage and other factors, Asians not only performed poorly in chess competitions, but had to be content with the fact that supremacy in chess had to he decided between the two modern super powers, said the Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.
Tun Razek was speaking at the Prize Giving and Closing ceremony of the First Asian Chess Team Competition at the Dewan Sri Pinang here this morning. Tun Razak later declared the championship closed and also presented the prizes to the successful participants from eight countries.
Earlier on arrival Tun Razak was greeted by a Kompang and Silat group. Also present was the Chief Minister, Dr Lim Chong Eu, and the former Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
"The Fischer - Spassky contest brought home the point that we are left far behind and some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation, particularly for us in Malaysia," he added.
Tun Razak pointed out that although there is some dispute as to the origin of chess it could not be disputed that chess started in Asia and Asians should be proud of that fact.
Honour
"We are proud that this game has caught up the chanipionshlp the imagination of the Western World and In fact has spread to every country throughout the world without exception," stressed Tun Razak.
the Prime Minister said it was an honour and a source of pride for him and the country to donate the challenge trophy which is dedicated to every chess player and also to world peace.
Tun Razak praised the Malaysian Chess Federation for successfully organising the championship and hoped that it would mark out its plan for the future in pursuit of attaining greater and higher standards of the game in the country. Tun Razak added that he was confident that the MCF would live up to the expectations the country has concerning the future of this very taxing and highly intellectual game.
"It is said that chess is a game depicting war between two countries. But unlike modern warfare where tanks and missiles predominate, it is a war of the old-order where horses and elephants were in their prirne, where soldiers were still strong on their feet. In fact it is a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness. In its ultimate analysis it is a victory of brain over brawn," continued Tun Razak.
Tun Razak pointed out that Malaysia is a smail country and can ill-afford to indulge in the luxuries of war with its catastrophic consequences and the reason for his mentioning of war was to remind ourselves that in the game of chess every person will learn something of value.
Habits
"We learn to be pa:tient but not complacent. We learn to be alert, to be always vgilant to the many pitfalls and challenges that face us. We learn to be disciplined, as chess is an exercise of self-discipline. And, above all, we learn to be friendly and tolerant:
"This is important both to the person as an individual and in the context of the nation," Tun Razak stressed.
Tun Razak expressed his strong belief that the young would benefit much from the game. He said that although the game depicts war it is most unlikely that it will influence the young minds to warlike or violent activities.
"On the other hand, chess will develop in them the habit of patience, dedication and sound judgment. It will teach our youth to be disciplined and to understand the nature of struggle and the true meaning of achievement," said the Prime Minister.
Tun Razak refuted the common belief that chess is regarded as a serious game and could only be played by the genius or eccentric.
"Chess can be simple or complicated depending on how the game is handled. It is in fact a game which everyone can enjoy, and enjoy it in an intelligent way. furthermore, it has been demonstrated to us that the game can be played alone, like the game of patience. In fact, it is a game which can be regarded as a companion," Tun Razak concluded.
(The Straits Echo, 21 Dec 1974)
HOPING FOR A CHESS CHAMP OF OUR OWN
PENANG, Fri - Tun Abdul Razak expressed the hope today that Malaysia would one day be able to produce an lnternational Chess master.
"The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Australia and New Zealand have their own masters. But Malaysia still lacks one," he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing of the first Asian chess championship at Dewan Sri Pinang here, marking the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of FIDE, the world chess federation.
Tun Razak presented to the Philippines the Asian chess team championship challenge trophy which he had donated and dedicated "to every chess player in Asia, and also to world peace."
Mr F Campomanes, manager of the champion team and a deputy president of FIDE, received the trophy on behalf of the Philippines.
Keen Interest
Mr Tan Chin Nam, president of the Malaysian Chess Federation, said the championship - the first in Asia - had generated tremendous interest in the country, particularly among chess enthusiasts.
If a greater number of youths in the country could be persuaded to take a greater interest in the game, they could be kept off the streets and away from anti-social pursuits like drug-taking.
Prof Dr Max Euwe, president of FIDE, predicted 35 years would suffice for Asian countries to improve their standard of performance.
"Chess originated in Asia, and Asians have a natural talent for it," he said.
With China's entry, the World Chess Federation now covered the whole world, Prof Euwe said.
He paid tribute to the Malaysian Chess Federation and tbe Government for organising simultaneously the first Asian chess championship, the FIDE seminar and bureau meeting.
"The organisation of these three activities here is among the best I have ever seen," Dr Euwe said.
Tun Razak described chess as "a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness."
In its ultimate analysis, it is a victory of brains over brawns," he said.
World peace
Although chess originated in Asia, the Fischer-Spassky contest brought home the point that Asians had been left far behind and that some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation.
"It is, therefore, an honour and a source of pride for me and for Malaysia to donate this
trophy which we dedicate to every chess player in Asia, and also to world peace," the Prime Minister said.
"With this first contest I hope there will be renewed interest and enthusiasm in the game, so that chess will be made popular to every man and woman of every age, especially the young."
(New Straits Times, 21 Dec 1974)
TUN CALLS FOR STEPS TO CATCH UP WITH WEST
PENANG, Fri - TUN ABDUL RAZAK today said urgent steps should be taken to break the West's domination in chess so that Asia would reign supreme in the game which originated from the region.
"We are proud that this game has caught up with the imagination of the Western world and in fact has spread to every country in the world," the Prime Minister said.
"Unfortunately, due to lack of patronage and other factors, we Asians not only lose the game but have to be contented with the fact that supremacy in this game had to be decided between the two modern super-powers.
"The Fischer-Spassky contest brought home the poInt that we are left far behind and some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation, particularly in Malaysia," he added.
He was closing the First Asian Chess Team Championship at the Dewan Sri Pinang here.
Tun Razak said it was still disputed today whether chess originated from India or China but according to eminent orientalists, the game originated during the Mogul period in India about 570 AD.
"Chess is a game depicting war between countries and it is a vlctory of brains over brawn,'' he said.
"But, unlike modern warfare, where tanks and missiles predominate, it is a war of the old-order - where horses and elephants were in theIr prime, where soldiers were still strong on the feet.
Patient
"In fact, it is a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness," Tun Razak said.
"I mention this not because I encourage war nor do l condone it. Our country is a small country and we can ill afford to indulge in the luxuries of war with its catastrophic consequences." he said.
In the game of chess, Tun Razak said: "We learn to be patient but not complacent. We learn to be alert, to be always vigilant to the many pitfalls that face us. We learn to be disciplined, as chess is an exercise of self discipline. Above all, we learn to be friendly and tolerant."
Also present at the closing ceremony were Chlef Minister Dr Lim Chong Eu, former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, the President of the MCF, Mr Tan Chin Nam, the president of the Federation International Des Echecs, Prof Max Euwe.
(The Star, 21 Dec 1974)
WHY ASIANS FARE POORLY AT CHESS
PENANG, Fri - Due to lack of patronage and other factors, Asians not only performed poorly in chess competitions, but had to be content with the fact that supremacy in chess had to he decided between the two modern super powers, said the Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.
Tun Razek was speaking at the Prize Giving and Closing ceremony of the First Asian Chess Team Competition at the Dewan Sri Pinang here this morning. Tun Razak later declared the championship closed and also presented the prizes to the successful participants from eight countries.
Earlier on arrival Tun Razak was greeted by a Kompang and Silat group. Also present was the Chief Minister, Dr Lim Chong Eu, and the former Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
"The Fischer - Spassky contest brought home the point that we are left far behind and some urgent steps must be taken to redress the situation, particularly for us in Malaysia," he added.
Tun Razak pointed out that although there is some dispute as to the origin of chess it could not be disputed that chess started in Asia and Asians should be proud of that fact.
Honour
"We are proud that this game has caught up the chanipionshlp the imagination of the Western World and In fact has spread to every country throughout the world without exception," stressed Tun Razak.
the Prime Minister said it was an honour and a source of pride for him and the country to donate the challenge trophy which is dedicated to every chess player and also to world peace.
Tun Razak praised the Malaysian Chess Federation for successfully organising the championship and hoped that it would mark out its plan for the future in pursuit of attaining greater and higher standards of the game in the country. Tun Razak added that he was confident that the MCF would live up to the expectations the country has concerning the future of this very taxing and highly intellectual game.
"It is said that chess is a game depicting war between two countries. But unlike modern warfare where tanks and missiles predominate, it is a war of the old-order where horses and elephants were in their prirne, where soldiers were still strong on their feet. In fact it is a battle of the fittest - the triumph of strength over weakness. In its ultimate analysis it is a victory of brain over brawn," continued Tun Razak.
Tun Razak pointed out that Malaysia is a smail country and can ill-afford to indulge in the luxuries of war with its catastrophic consequences and the reason for his mentioning of war was to remind ourselves that in the game of chess every person will learn something of value.
Habits
"We learn to be pa:tient but not complacent. We learn to be alert, to be always vgilant to the many pitfalls and challenges that face us. We learn to be disciplined, as chess is an exercise of self-discipline. And, above all, we learn to be friendly and tolerant:
"This is important both to the person as an individual and in the context of the nation," Tun Razak stressed.
Tun Razak expressed his strong belief that the young would benefit much from the game. He said that although the game depicts war it is most unlikely that it will influence the young minds to warlike or violent activities.
"On the other hand, chess will develop in them the habit of patience, dedication and sound judgment. It will teach our youth to be disciplined and to understand the nature of struggle and the true meaning of achievement," said the Prime Minister.
Tun Razak refuted the common belief that chess is regarded as a serious game and could only be played by the genius or eccentric.
"Chess can be simple or complicated depending on how the game is handled. It is in fact a game which everyone can enjoy, and enjoy it in an intelligent way. furthermore, it has been demonstrated to us that the game can be played alone, like the game of patience. In fact, it is a game which can be regarded as a companion," Tun Razak concluded.
(The Straits Echo, 21 Dec 1974)
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Flawed airspeed readings on the Airbus?
A report from today's news services say that more than 300 aircraft similar to the missing Air France jet — an Airbus A330-200 — are in service worldwide. The report continues that investigators still do not know if Flight AF 447 was travelling at an incorrect speed as it crossed a storm cluster.
An aviation expert said the plane’s airspeed sensors, called pitot tubes, work on air pressure and might provide incorrect readings if they get obstructed by objects such as ice.
The tubes are heated to prevent icing at high altitude and there was no immediate information on what went wrong. If pilots believe the flawed readings are right, they might mistakenly alter their speed, jeopardising their plane.
Airbus said the correct procedure when confronted by unreliable speed indications was to maintain thrust and pitch and start trouble shooting. The Airbus telex has revived a long-standing debate among pilots over whether the Airbus planes are overly complex.
“This is a plane that is conceived by engineers for engineers and not always for pilots,” Jean-Pierre Albran, a veteran pilot of Boeing 747s, told Le Parisien newspaper. “For example on a 747, the throttle is pushed by hand. You feel it move in turbulence. On recent Airbuses, this throttle is fixed. You look at the dials. You don’t feel anything.”
My question is this: which airlines flying within or into Malaysia are using the A330-200? If there is any, what do they have to say about the safety of their aircraft and, inter alia, their passengers?
Japan's Kanchubai
My friend Ted loves all kinds of Japanese food. Ask him to recommend the best Japanese restaurant in the city and he'll tell you where. Right now, his favourite seems to be the restaurant at the G Hotel in Gurney Drive. All he does is to tell the chef Anything Goes and the chef will whip up off-the-menu items just for him.If he's in the mood, he'll also recommend you the best sake - Japanese wine - to go with your food. That's it in the picture. Goes by the name of Kanchubai but please make sure that you pronounce it properly when you order. Wouldn't want to be misinterpreted or misunderstood, would you?
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Where have all the water gone?
Dashed expectations: Lily pond at Penang Botanic Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens has an official website. About the Lily Pond, the website gushed enthusiastically:
"This area is pleasant and enchanting, with a cool, serene and tranquil ambience. Visitors to this area will definitely feel the difference and be mesmerised with the vegetation and greenery which set the Lily pond apart from its surroundings. With the background of a hilly terrain on the left and right sides, the Lily Pond is covered with the natural vegetation of the primary forest. A rippling waterfall flows into the pond decked with aquatic plants. This is indeed beautifully landscaped."When I visited the Botanic Gardens recently, I told myself that I must visit the Lily Pond. I hadn't been here for more than 20 years. Would it still retain its old charm and character? With a lot of expectation, I trod along one of the parallel paths that led inwards to the pond. Lush greenery surrounded me on both sides of the path and I could feel the temperature dropping by one or two degrees. Mmm ... refreshing.
And pretty soon, I saw the signboard that announced, ta dah .... the Lily Pond.
But what did I see? I didn't see a Lily Pond "covered with the natural vegetation of the primary forest" or a rippling waterfall that flowed into "the pond decked with aquatic plants." What did I see? I saw this:
Is this what has become of the Lily Pond at the Penang Botanic Gardens? It's dry and barren. I'm so flabbergasted that this attraction has degenerated into such a poor state. No water, no pond, no Lily plants, least of all, no waterfall cascading into the pond. How many more people have turned away disappointed? I don't know how it is going to be done but the Lily Pond must be rehabilitated to its former splendour. And in the meantime, the official website continues to be misleading.
Obviously, the Lily Pond has seen better days. Even one year ago, the pond was alive and still teeming with vegetation as shown by this photo by Kazuo Lim:
By the way, I noticed these two pillars. Was work already being carried out at the Lily Pond? If so, it sure looked like an abandoned project to me!
Friday, 5 June 2009
Plastic bags
This is a good start but it is not enough.
If the Penang government is serious about going green, making shoppers pay for plastic bags only once a month is not enough. It's only like a symbolic gesture.
More can be done, for example, imposing this rule once a week and not once a month. Also, why Monday? This policy should be imposed on weekends when people really come out to shop.
If the Penang government is serious about going green, making shoppers pay for plastic bags only once a month is not enough. It's only like a symbolic gesture.More can be done, for example, imposing this rule once a week and not once a month. Also, why Monday? This policy should be imposed on weekends when people really come out to shop.
Wise words from a champion
“I have to accept my defeat as I accept my victories.I have to keep a cool head to try and analyse what I did wrong. I need to learn and you learn more when you lose than when you win. I need to work on those points on which I wasn’t good and from there, try and do better for my next tournament. So this is not a tragedy. This is sport.”
- Rafael Nadal -
(after getting knocked out of the French open 2009)
Thursday, 4 June 2009
More emphasis on George Town's heritage?
I just noted a slight reshuffle in the Penang state government yesterday. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has assumed responsibility over heritage, which I deem as a good move. He has got to take over this role in order for the Penang government to be seen as serious in protecting George Town's UNESCO world cultural heritage listing. Good for him, good for George Town and good for Penang!
In the meantime, with the swearing in of the new Deputy Chief Minister (I), the reshuffled list of executive councillors and their portfolios are:
In the meantime, with the swearing in of the new Deputy Chief Minister (I), the reshuffled list of executive councillors and their portfolios are:
- Lim Guan Eng - Land Affairs and Land Development, Entrepreneurship Development, Information and Heritage Committee
Email: limguaneng@penang.gov.my - Mansor Othman - Industrial Development and International Trade, Cooperatives and Community Relations Committee
Email: - Dr Ramasamy - State Economic Planning, Education and Human Resources, and Science, Technology and Innovation Committee
Email: ramasamy@penang.gov.my - Chow Kon Yeow - Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee
Email: chowkonyeow@penang.gov.my - Lim Hock Seng - Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee
Email: limhockseng@penang.gov.my - Danny Law Heng Kiang - Tourism Development and Culture Committee
Email: lawhengkiang@penang.gov.my - Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim - Religious Affair, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee
Email: abdmalik@penang.gov.my - Phee Boon Poh - Health and Welfare and Caring Society Committee
Email: pheeboonpoh@penang.gov.my - Wong Hon Wai - Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee
Email: wonghonwai@penang.gov.my - Law Choo Kiang - Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee
Email: lawchookiang@penang.gov.my - Lydia Ong Kok Fooi - Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee
Email: ongkokfooi@penang.gov.my
Party time
It's time to party hard in Penang.
The Hard Rock Hotel is set to open its doors in Batu Ferringhi this September. It'll be one of only 10 around the world. The others are in Bali, Pattaya, San Diego, Chicago, Biloxi, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Macau and Tampa. So these cities will keep Penang in very good company! Apart from the American-sized meals that we'd expect from the mainstay Hard Rock Cafe, we can now look forward to savour the Hard Rock hospitality business.
It's their first in Malaysia but it's not going to be cheap. I understand that the hotel's opening special package starts at RM368++ for a Hillview deluxe room and RM418++ for a Seaview deluxe room, valid between 19 Sep and 18 Dec 2009.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang (occupying the former Casuarina Hotel land beside the sea) will have 249 rooms and suites with unprecedented view of the hill and sea, and they are fully equipped with DVD/CD players, LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and WiFi connectivity. But there's no mention whether each room will come equipped with a sound system for a totally private audio-visual experience. I suppose not.
The Hard Rock Hotel is set to open its doors in Batu Ferringhi this September. It'll be one of only 10 around the world. The others are in Bali, Pattaya, San Diego, Chicago, Biloxi, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Macau and Tampa. So these cities will keep Penang in very good company! Apart from the American-sized meals that we'd expect from the mainstay Hard Rock Cafe, we can now look forward to savour the Hard Rock hospitality business.It's their first in Malaysia but it's not going to be cheap. I understand that the hotel's opening special package starts at RM368++ for a Hillview deluxe room and RM418++ for a Seaview deluxe room, valid between 19 Sep and 18 Dec 2009.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang (occupying the former Casuarina Hotel land beside the sea) will have 249 rooms and suites with unprecedented view of the hill and sea, and they are fully equipped with DVD/CD players, LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and WiFi connectivity. But there's no mention whether each room will come equipped with a sound system for a totally private audio-visual experience. I suppose not.Foodies will definitely be spoilt for choice with five food and beverage outlets: the famous Hard Rock Cafe, all-day dining restaurant Starz Diner, the Pizzeria by the poolside, The Shack pool bar and at the Lobby Lounge.
Now, let's see whether this September, I can pick up an authentic Hard Rock Cafe Penang t-shirt...
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Two birds: a reflection
Arrived home last evening and noticed these two birds settling down for the night in the tree outside the house. I looked at them and they looked back. I wondered what it was that they saw in me...
Chess archive: First Asian team chess championship 1974 (Part 4)
This is the fourth of a five-part instalment on what was considered to be Asia's premier chess tournament for teams. Malaysia finished in last place but then, we weren't expected to be first among the eight teams that competed in this inaugural event.
CLOSING CEREMONY Friday, 20th December 1974 | |
| 10.00am | Arrival of YAB Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Hussein, SMN, the Prime Minister |
| 10.10am | Speech by President, Malaysian Chess Federation, Mr Tan Chin Nam |
| 10.20am | Speech by President, FIDE, Prof Dr Max Euwe |
| 10.30am | Speech by the Honorable Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Hussein, SMN |
| 10.45am | Presentation of prizes |
| 11.15am | Refreshmen |
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Penang flora fair 2009
Yes, I did go to the Penang Flora Fair at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday and no, I did not buy anything. I successfully resisted the urge to pick up some plants. Instead, I managed to snap a few choice photos of the orchids on display, including those that were in the flower competition.
For instance, this picture is of the orchid that took the prize for best plant in the competition.
And then there were these too. The first three were competition plants, the last was not.
For instance, this picture is of the orchid that took the prize for best plant in the competition.
And then there were these too. The first three were competition plants, the last was not.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Side by side, ooh baby!
Hopefully, this will soon be a thing of the past with the completion of the Penang Bridge expansion project. Here are two lorries on the ramp leading to the bridge, both unwilling to give way to each other. Luckily at the end, one of the drivers blinked and allowed the other to go through first. But you can imagine the jam if the lorries had collided. It would be worse still for me as I was directly behind their race.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Japanese occupation currency note
A promise is a promise...
...but will the present Japanese government honour it?
Can I hold them to this promise?
...but will the present Japanese government honour it?
Can I hold them to this promise?
Saturday, 30 May 2009
National Instruments secures land in Batu Maung for Penang operations
Last year, I chanced upon a press conference by US-based multi-national company National Instruments to announce their investment of USD80 million in Penang. So this year, it should be appropriate that I follow up on this matter.
Yesterday, National Instruments' vice-president of manufacturing Rob Poterfield (the one shaking hands, on the right) was in Penang to ink a land lease agreement with the Penang Development Corporation. The occasion was witnessed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P Ramasamy.
At a press conference after the event, Poterfield said that about 1,500 jobs would be created when they begin recruiting workers for its planned research and development facility in Batu Maung. Those recruited would be sent for extensive on-the-job training at the National Instruments headquarters in Austin, Texas, for a year.
“We have secured 6.8ha of land in Batu Maung for the facility which cost us about RM36mil. We hope the site can be ready by next year. The company is developing the facility as part of our ongoing plan to expand our global operations."
"Malaysia offers an exceptionally skilled workforce that can help National Instruments provide engineers and scientists with the hardware and software they need to develop the innovative applications that are improving our world," said Robert Canik, vice-president of R&D for instrument and distributed control at National Instruments. "This talent-rich environment was a key factor in selecting Malaysia, and Penang in particular, as the site for our new R&D operations facility, and we are excited that the people of Penang will be an integral part of our companys success."
The company develops and manufactures software as well as hardware for engineers and scientists. Poterfield said the recruitment included posts in manufacturing, product development, R&D, shared services, information technology and finance. “In the next few years we plan to invest about RM280mil in Penang,” Poterfield said.
"National Instruments is bringing high-value jobs to Penang and we are confident that the people here have the training and aptitude necessary to deliver tremendous value to National Instruments," said Guan Eng. "Penang offers many resources that make it a competitive business environment, and we are pleased that National Instruments is making such a significant contribution here."
See you there?
My wife was a little suspicious when I told her about the Penang Flora Fair 2009. "Are you going there?" she said me. "Don't you think of buying back any more plants," she said. "There's hardly any more space for you to put them."I know, I know, I told her. I'll just be going on a window shopping trip. I'll be going with my camera only, not my wallet. "Want to come along?" slyly, I suggested to her. Who knows, she may end up as the one buying the plants, not me! "Well....." she answered. So I wait.....
Anyway, the one-week Penang Flora Fair 2009 opens tomorrow at the Penang Botanical Gardens at the hilly end of Western Road, not the Dato Kramat end. The first day's the day that you'll find the flower competition going on.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Chess archive: First Asian team chess championship 1974 (Part 3)
The chess articles here are taken from the old homepage of the Penang Chess Association on Geocities. I wrote them about 10 years old, taken from old records and newspaper cuttings in my possession. In this item and the next, I shall continue with the first Asian team chess championship in Penang at the end of 1974. From the souvenir programme:
| OPENING CEREMONY Tuesday, 10th December 1974 | |
| 5.00pm | Arrival of His Excellency the Governor of Penang, Tun Datuk Syed Sheh Barakbah, SMN, SSM, DUPN, SPMK, PSB State Anthem |
| 5.05pm | Welcoming speech by Chairman, Organising Committee, YB State Secretary, Encik Mohamed bin Yeop Abdul Raof, KMN |
| 5.15pm | Speech by President, FIDE Zone 10, Prof Dr Lim Kok Ann |
| 5.25pm | Speech by Hon Chief Minister of Penang, Dr Lim Chong Eu |
| 5.35pm | Speech by His Exellency the Governor of Penang and declaring open the competition |
| 6.20pm | Life Chess display |
| 6.40pm | State Anthem Refreshment His Excellency the Governor leaves for Residency |
| PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES | |
| AUSTRALIA Mr Max Fuller 2365 | HONGKONG Mr Kan Wai Shui 2360 |
| INDONESIA Mr Arovah Bachtiar 2305 (Captain) Manager: Rear Admiral F Sumanti | JAPAN Mr I Haruyama |
| MALAYSIA Mr Abdul Rahman Ahmad | NEW ZEALAND Mr Andrew Day (Captain) |
| PHILIPPINES Mr Rodolfo Tan Cardoso 2335 (Captain) | SINGAPORE Mr Giam Choo Kwee 2210 (Captain) |
Below are the photos from either The Star or The Straits Echo:
Thursday, 28 May 2009
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