A Walk In The Park

Went for a walk in the park this morning. It was about 7.15am and the air was cool with a gentle breeze blowing. The sun was still sleeping. The birds were chirping high up in the trees and I felt fresh and enegertic as I walked along the footpath, enjoying nature and what it gives us for free when all of a sudden there was this piercing sound coming from behind me. Systematically done at a certain beat.

I turned around and there was this person clapping and walking. The clapping produced a sharp piercing sound and was amplified due to the quietness of the surrounding. I wasn't sure if the clapping was following the heart beat or some music inside this person's head but it sure spoiled the tranquility of that place at that time. I decided to stop and let this person go ahead of me as I got irritated by the clapping. I have no idea how the clapping is helping this person in keeping healthy. But I guess this is part of our democratic system. The right to clap in the park! What a bummer!

I'm Still Alive

I came across this humorous poem in one of our local newspapers entitled 'I'm Still Alive'. I just had to post it as you don't come across such humour that often.

I’m Still Alive

Just a line to say I’m living,
That I’m not among the dead;
Though I’m getting more forgetful,
And more “mixed up” in the head.

For sometimes I can’t remember,
When I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something,
Or I’ve just come down from there.

And before the fridge so often
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away, or
Have I come to take some out.

And there are times when it is dark out,
With my nightcap on my head,
I don’t know if I’m retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.

So if it’s my turn to write,
There’s no need in getting sore.
I may think that I have written,
And don’t want to be a bore.

So remember I do love you,
And I wish that you were here.
But now it’s nearly mail time,
So I must say, “Goodbye, dear.”

There I stood beside the mailbox,
With a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter,
I had opened it instead!

Originally posted at Seniors-Site.Com
[http://seniors-site.com/poetry/mixedup.html
Sent in by dicgall@worldnet.att.net -- My Aunt of 81 years gave it to me and said she had had it for some time. Thanks.]

Flood In Johor

The southern most state of Malaysia - Johor, has been badly hit by floods in most parts of the state. More than 104,000 people have been evecuated. When the first round of the flood waters started receding, everyone breathed a sigh of relief even though the houses were in a sorry mess and properties damaged by the flood waters. Suddenly came another round of torrential rain and the flood waters started to rise again, sending the victims scurrying to safer ground, salvaging whatever they could on the way.

We had some of that experience last year just before Christmas though not as bad as what the Johorians are going through. It is a terrible time to rough it out in a relief center, and knowing that your possessions will be floating down the river while you are helpless to do anything about it. The government and the private sector have mobilised relief volunteers to help distribute goods for the flood victims. Below are some pictures of the flood situation in Kota Tinggi, one of the affected towns in Johor.

Wet Weekend

The Meteorological Department warned us on Thursday that we are going to have a wet weekend due to strong northeast monsoon winds blowing from South China Sea. The winds are expected to reach a speed of 65kph and will pass through north Peninsular Malaysia which is where I live.

True to their 'prediction', it has been raining all day today. No strong winds or lightning or thunder. Just rain, rain, rain, rain.... Water everywhere and this has caused some traffic jams in our fair city. The rain is not totally to blame of course. The situation has been compounded by development works along major roads which the City Council has seen fit to implement simultaneously just when the school terms begin. A number of traffic lights were also knocked out by sub-contractors who were digging the road.

With no policemen around to man this mess, it took much longer to get back home after picking up my son from school. It's a jungle out there with the motto 'who dares wins' attitude of many a motorist! I hope the rain will stop tomorrow. Otherwise it will be another hectic drive to town and back. I never liked city life which is why I moved back to my quiet hometown but it looks like the city is catching up with me and I have to learn to put up with it.

With this kind of weather all outdoors activities are off. No more tennis or golf. Karaoke anyone?

Dumpsite Treasure Hunt

RM 80,000.00 find sparks a treasure hunt at the dumpsite along the Kuantan-Segamat Highway reports the Star today. What was a tragedy to many people seems to be a boon to some people. A lot of people have started scavenging through the rubbish hoping to find valuables that were washed away from the flooded homes.
Picture from the Star:


There is a fine for such an activity - RM 500.00, but these people are not bothered with that. For the person who found RM 80,000.00 in cash, it would mean less RM 500.00 only. No big deal! Many have found gold chains, gold coins and other jewelery which people usually keep in their homes. It never occured to any of them to return the valuables or at least make an attempt to return them. It looks like finders keepers policy at the moment. No time to sympathise with those who have lost so much because of the flood.

It reminds me of some scenes I have seen on Animal Planet where one animal is left behind because of sickness or injury. The poor animal can't keep up with the rest so it gets left behind. The predators who are lurking not too far away move in for the kill and get their lunch. Whatever is left behind is cleaned up by the vultures. Nothing goes to waste. Looks like some human characteristics are quite similar to those of the animals!