Musing of an Expressive, Ordered and Restless Mind

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Art classes - Part 10

2012-02-02T09:36:00.001+08:00

Tanjung Rhu Resort has a very nice art class centre that can teach participants the art of batik painting and wood carving. Here, my two kids are trying their hands at batik painting for the first time.

The resort's resident woodcarver is very good. Below are some of his work.

The woodcarver at work.

He is using the sample flower as his inspiration.

Was told that a lot of the wood carvings at the resort was done by this man.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Caving with a boat - Part 06

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Fish Farm - Part 07

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The SPA - Part 08

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Visiting a cave complex - Part 09

Book Review: Das Afrika Korps: Erwin Rommel and the Germans in Africa, 1941-43

2012-02-01T21:25:00.000+08:00

Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
This action-packed history of the Germans in Africa in World War II covers one of the most famous military units of all time under one of the best commanders.

Bought this book from Amazon for USD26.95. Below is a review from Sci-fi and history reader (NJ, USA) that sums up my views about the book.

-------------

Franz Kurowski's narration of the German perspective on the fight for North Africa in World War Two reads quickly in this book. The primary focus is on the fight prior to Tunisia and provides a general overview. Von Mellenthin's Panzer Battles provides greater detail on the operational and strategic fight during his time there.

This book is a good introduction for those seeking to learn about the battles in North Africa. A key point to this book is how critical logistics (fuel and water) is to the success in desert warfare. Rommel's panzer forces simply did not have enough supplies, equipment, and most importantly tanks, to survive the attritional battle to attain victory. The key to the Allied success was the convoy interdiction at Malta that prevented German reinforcements and replacements.

The book does describe the Italian effort and gallantry while fighting under Rommel's command. Rommel did have his weakness in being overly aggressive in sending his overextended and understrength units to attack numerically superior Allied forces. In one case, this resulted in the destruction of an entire German battalion against the motivated and hardened Australian 9th Infantry Division at Tobruk. Had Rommel been more patient in attacking fixed locations, those setbacks could have been avoided.

Rommel's brilliance was in the defense/ counterattack and his knack for directing the tactical battle at the key moment. Even after the Battle of El Alamein, where the British started with approximately 1,000 tanks to the roughly 200 German tanks, Rommel and his key leaders were able to prevent their Army's destruction while retreating to Tunisia.

Overall this is good book to borrow from the library. Kurowski's Ace's series of books is more entertaining to read and own.

Book Review: Jump into Hell: German Paratroopers in World War II

2012-01-31T08:53:00.000+08:00

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
For the first time in English, this action-adventure narrative about elite German airborne troops covers recruitment, organization, training and combat on all fronts.

Bought this book from Amazon for USD27.21 (hardcover). It was a very good book. Anyway, below is a review from one reader, David L. Poremba "the past in review" (Windermere, Florida) that sums up what I feel about the book.

--------------

German World War II veteran Kurowski does for the paratroopers what he has done previously for other branches of the German Armed Forces - recount their complete battle history from the small unit viewpoint in an informative narrative, replete with first-person accounts.

Beginning with the formation of airborne forces, Kurowski describes the proposed World War I drop by American forces led by General Billy Mitchell (which never occurred as it was scheduled for 1919). He then moves to the Russians, who were developing their airborne tactics as early as 1923. During the same time period, he states that the Germans were acquainted with the idea of airborne envelopment but it remained in the theoretical stage until the mid-1930's, when the Fallschirmjager was established and kept secret until the invasion of the Lowlands in 1940.

The main event in Jump Into Hell is the large scale paratroop drop onto the island of Crete in May, 1941. Although the Germans eventually secured the island, casualties were so high that Adolf Hitler forbade any more massive drops. The chapter on the campaign in Russia, followed by Sicily and Italy to the end in 1945.

Based on eyewitness interviews after the war, Jump Into Hell is an excellent history of one of Germany's elite fighting units.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Visiting a cave complex - Part 09

2012-01-30T13:20:00.001+08:00

Another activity we did while in Langkawi was caving. There are a number of interesting caves that you can visit (even if you have kids with you). As usual, a small boat ride is required to get to the cave.

A very interesting looking house boat.

Fisherman boat.

In the cave, you can see bats.

Large opening. A nice paved walking platform is provided for your comfort.

The mangrove swamp.

Our tour guide with his charge explaining about the animals and plants around this area.

Young kids will definitely enjoy themselves. Mine did.

Tired not because of the tour but taking care of the small one!

At certain parts of the cave, the ceiling is very low and you need to bend down to get through.

Very sharp stalagmites.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Caving with a boat - Part 06

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Fish Farm - Part 07

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The SPA - Part 08

Princess 32 metre Vessel

2012-01-30T09:06:00.000+08:00

One of the most beautiful modern yachts to come out from Britain. The Princess 32M is a well balanced boat with all the amenities needed. Enjoy the photos that was taken from the SuperyacthTimes.com.

The main saloon, features vast windows on each side and sliding glass doors on the starboard side. Aside from providing guests with spectacular views, the vast windows flood the main saloon with large amounts of natural light, complimenting the contemporary interior design within which a pleasantly warm and nicely balanced dark palette of colours has been applied. Visually unobtrusive and gracefully modern furniture are used in the main saloons’ interior, where a sitting area with large dark leather sofas and a set of comfortable chairs is found, aft of the grand dining table.

The Princess 32M is offered with either four or five guest cabins. The owners’ suite is located on the main deck, with large windows displaying excellent views outside on both port and starboard side. The bathroom is fitted with a large shower area and separate whirlpool bath.

Kids having a good time outdoors

2012-01-29T12:28:00.001+08:00

Spent a solid 2 hours walking around Putrajaya's lake area. Here is a picture of the kids having fun on one of the many exercise machines along the route of our walk.

Pruned my mango tree

2012-01-28T12:56:00.001+08:00

Pruned my mango tree. It was getting too tall and difficult to harvest the fruits. In a couple of months it should start flowering.

Barred from using the pool at the Loft Condominium due to the fire in 348 Sentral

2012-01-27T14:51:00.002+08:00

Saw a big sign that the main pool at the Loft condominium is out-of-bounds at the moment on the directive of the Fire Brigade Department. The possibility of debris falling from the top of the 348 Sentral due to clearing work after the fire incident is there. Hopefully, this can be completed soon enough.

Previous postings on the same subject:

The afternoon after the fire at the 348 Sentral Building (Shell Malaysia's New HQ)

Fire at the new Shell HQ in Sentral - Towering Inferno at the 348 Sentral Building

Went to watch the movie: Journey 2 - The Mysterious Island

2012-01-26T09:46:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, for the first time in 5 years, I went to the theater to watch a movie. The movie, Journey 2 - The Mysterious Island staring Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine is about Sean Anderson partners with his mom's boyfriend on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.

An entertaining movie. Not too dramatic yet something that you can watch with the whole family.

Book Review: Panzergrenadier Aces: German Mechanized Infantrymen in World War II

2012-01-25T10:09:00.000+08:00

Book Description
Publication Date: July 16, 2010
Exciting stories of the infantrymen who supported Germany's tanks
How tanks and infantry cooperated at the small-unit level
First time in English

The panzergrenadiers were the footsoldiers who went into battle alongside the Third Reich's feared tanks. Whether in the Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS, these troops endured all the horrors of infantry combat--fighting hand-to-hand, storming enemy positions, and rescuing fallen comrades--but they did so in the shadow of thundering giants like the Tiger and Panther. Kurowski tells the stories of some of the very best of these mechanized infantrymen, bringing them and their actions to life.

Bought this book from Amazon for USD15.00. Below is a review from Sci-fi and history reader (NJ, USA) that sums up what I feel about the book.

----------------------

This book is similar, but shorter than the others previously published by the author. The stories of eleven German Knight's Cross awardees is presented. Each chapter starts with a first hand account of a battle, then a brief summary of the soldier's background, and then into accounts of their experiences in combat.

Each chapter is very short, from 16 to 27 pages, providing a quick glimpse into each soldier's experience. Not as detailed in Infantry Aces I and II or Panzer Aces I and II.

The introduction is interesting to read on the formation of the Panzer Grenadiers along with their expected lifespan in combat. For a platoon leader, it was seven days. There are also many interesting photos of the different vehicles and weapons used by there German Army in World War Two.

Appendix B provides a listing of the unit formations that formed each significant Panzer Grenadier formation. This is very helpful for those who play miniature wargames and want to re-create accurate scenarios or campaigns.

What is interesting about each of their experiences is how they were successful in battle when combined arms were used. Tanks with mechanized infantry, supported by artillery and engineers in their "fighting groups", gave them the combat power and flexibility to defeat more numerous Russians, who initially had better armored and larger caliber guns on their tanks (T-34 and KV-1). When combined arms were lacking, operations were much less successful.

What the book lacks is explaining how each unit performed their refit and training back into a combat effective formation. The book does describe how depleted and devastated formations were pulled form Russia and sent to France and Italy to reconstitute and refit prior to being sent back into Russia. Learning how the Germans (the officers and sergeants) performed their unit training (if training maneuvers of regimental size were performed) would help explain how their staffs and units gained proficiency and cohesiveness to endure the high attrition rates.

Did find Chapter 10 very interesting on how an anti-tank gunner managed to survive so many engagements and wounds. Details of how he endured multiple wounds while the rest of his crew fell under the deadly tank and machine gun fire is truly remarkable. Somehow, this soldier was able to engage and destroy multiple tanks and anti-tank guns in those engagements.

One interesting note from the different chapters is that weapons malfunctions and jams are described and recollected. Things went wrong in combat, from broken extractor pins to misfires.

Another point of interest was how the German light machine gun was the prime weapon that allowed them to drive to ground the attacking Russian infantry. Once the trailing infantry screen was eliminated, the Grenadiers were able to close assault Russian tanks with mines and satchel charges.

Overall, this is another solid book. However, am not sure if the cost versus the brief chapters is worth the purchase for most readers. Many might be satisfied to simply borrow from a library instead.

Have a prosperous Chinese New Year

2012-01-23T21:41:00.001+08:00

HAVE A PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR. MAY THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON BRING JOY, HAPPINESS, WEALTH, HEALTH. FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY.

From The Blogger.

Book Review: Panzer Aces III: German Tank Commanders in Combat in World War II (Stackpole Military History)

2012-01-21T19:51:00.000+08:00

Book Description
Publication Date: June 3, 2010
Action-packed stories of legendary tank soldiers in combat
You-are-there approach lets readers relive the experiences of German panzer crews
First time in English

With the same drama and attention to detail that made Panzer Aces (978-0-8117-3173-7) and Panzer Aces II (978-0-8117-3175-1) such thrilling reads, Franz Kurowski tells the stories of more German armored officers during World War II. Extensively researched, these gripping accounts follow panzer crews into some of the bloodiest engagements of the war, from the deserts of North Africa, the monumental battle of Kursk, and the hedgerows of France to frightening clashes in the black of night on the Eastern Front.

Bought this book from Amazon for USD14.63. Very good read. Below is a review written by Sci-fi and history reader (NJ, USA) that sums up my own personal view about the book.

-----------------------------

Franz Kurowski presents short biographical summaries of 18 German soldiers who earned the Knight's Cross in World War Two. Each chapter is 12 to 26 pages long and starts with an action scene describing one of the key battles they fought in. The chapter then describes the soldier's life background, how they entered military service and then what key leadership positions and battles they participated in. It is very interesting to read that many of the awardees served in the same unit or were led by a common commander, such as Erwin Rommel with the 7th Panzer Division in France 1940. Many of the accounts correspond to other chapters as the soldiers had served together at critical battles.

This book is not as detailed as Panzer Aces I or II, and is much shorter at 293 pages, but has many photos. Panzer ace Ernst Barkman's story is only 21 pages in length, but can be found in greater detail in his biographical book. Tiger tank ace Otto Carius' chapter is 22 pages in length, a mere fraction of his life story in comparison to his book titled Tigers in the Mud. In comparison, Panzer Aces II has 486 pages describing the entire career and detailed engagements of just six soldiers.

It is good being able to read a summary overview of the careers of these 18 remarkable soldiers, such as Heinz Guderian and Hermann Hoth. Both were heavily involved in the development of the Panzer Corps and both were relieved of command for disobeying Hitler's foolish orders to hold arbitrary ground at all costs. Armchair historians can debate what if more German Generals had the same courage as Guderian, Hoth, and Rommel to disobey similar orders and saved their soldiers from senseless encirclement and destruction.

This book does briefly explain the German perspective on how Panzer forces were developed after World War One and how their tanks were initially inferior to the T-34. Their main tank guns could not penetrate the T-34 of KV-1 at distance. It was only their ability to maneuver and attack en masse to get the disabling hit and follow-on close range shots to kill the better armored and gunned T-34.

Some armchair "historians" will disagree and state that the T-34 was inferior tank, but in 1941, it was superior to any other tank in armor, speed, maneuverability, and gun penetration until 1942. The German Panzer veterans who destroyed dozens of T-34s state this, who are we today to disagree with their accounts?

Good reading for those with an open mind, willing to learn from the German veteran perspective. Panzer Aces I and II provide much more detail on each soldier's career, almost like a biographical book similar to Audie Murphy's to Hell and Back (WW2) or Beyond Nam Dong by Roger Donlon (Vietnam).

The afternoon after the fire at the 348 Sentral Building (Shell Malaysia's New HQ)

2012-01-20T09:44:00.000+08:00

By noon, the building was free from fire. From this picture you won't think there was a raging fire just 5 hours earlier.

The fire at 6:20 am.

More information, pictures and video can be found in my earlier posting:

Fire at the new Shell HQ in Sentral - Towering Inferno at the 348 Sentral Building

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The SPA - Part 08

2012-01-19T09:07:00.000+08:00

The Tanjung Rhu Resort has an extensive SPA service. A section of the resort has been transformed into a treatment area. Although I didn't go for any of the treatments (only went to the sauna and the jacuzzi), I was able to take a few photos.

Below is their outdoor bath area. After your treatment in the small bungalow attached, you are supposed to bath in flower. The garden is secluded.

The flowers used in these shots were roses and "chempaka".

In this picture you can see the stone walls surrounding the garden to make it secluded.

Picture taken from the treatment room towards the garden. At the end of the garden is another treatment area under a gazebo.

The bowl of water with flowers under the bed is to help the patient focus on something beautiful while his or her back is being treated.

The gazebo is so romantic.

All along the pathways throughout the treatment centre, there are flowing waters.

Note the roof is actually bare which mean if it rains, this place does get wet. Nevertheless, the concept of being "one" with nature can really be seen.

The jacuzzi that I often use.

In the picture below, the room at the end of the passage is the changing and shower area.

Some of the plants used in the treatment.

The gym. On the roof every morning yoga is taught.

One of the many small ponds.

The landscaping is very nice. The chairs is the reception area for the SPA.

The signage of the SPA.

The registration counter. The treatment is Balinese.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Caving with a boat - Part 06

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Fish Farm - Part 07

Fire at the new Shell HQ in Sentral - Towering Inferno at the 348 Sentral Building

2012-01-18T11:40:00.000+08:00

This morning at 6 am was woken up by a call by a fried that told me that my building is on fire. Got up immediately to investigate but then found out it was the building next door that was on fire, the new Shell Malaysia's corporate HQ or also known as 348 Sentral. This building is still under construction.

At 6.20 a.m., I took a photo with my camera. Location of the shot is on the 36th floor of the Suasana Loft. At that time only one floor is on fire.

By 7:20 a.m., 3 floors are already on fire (picture below). You can hear the cracking of the exposed metal bars as they expand due to the heat and cracking sounds of concrete. You can feel the heat from where I was standing.

Saw a few firemen already on the top floor but they cannot do much as there is no water pressure available to push all the way up to the 36th floor. Instead, they are using the water on the roof of Suasana Loft to spray the fire.

Took a video of the fire as well.

Traffic around KL Sentral is currently standstill.

Previous posting on the construction of the building:

Construction of the 348 Sentral

Status of the 348 Project in KL Sentral

The 348 project site at night

348 Sentral Project: Status @17 December 2010

The 348 Sentral Project: Status as at 25 January 2011

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Fish Farm - Part 07

2012-01-17T09:25:00.000+08:00

On the river, we stopped at a floating fish farm for refreshments as well as a toilet break. By this time we were on the water for more than two hours. At the fish farm we saw a number of different types of fish being breed.

Each type of fish (age groups as well) is grouped into its own individual ponds created by laying down a net in the river.

You can then breed the fish as well as easily harvest them when needed.

I believe this is a Talapia.

Some weird fish from outside sometimes get into the nets. Below is such a fish. I don't think it can be eaten.

Puffer fish?!? Very poisonous if you don't know how to prepare the fish for cooking.

Stingray. Caught by hand!

I knew only then that you can breed stingray in a farm.

Here you see one of the tourist trying to touch a living stingray.

Turtles. But we were told by the owner that this is not for sale or for food. His pet!

Azhar having a whale of a time.

One of the oldest living fossils - the Horseshoe Crab.

Sea urchin.

Eels.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Caving with a boat - Part 06

2012-01-13T12:03:00.000+08:00

On the mud, I saw blue crabs. Very pretty.

So cute looking at them searching for food and going back to their burrows.

Mangrove trees.

This is the cave that the boat will slowing crawl into.

You can see the roof of the cave - too close for comfort!

Very dark cave.

Then you see the light at the end of the cave tunnel. Hooray!

See the waterline that goes up to the ceiling? During high tide, the whole cave is flooded.

We are out! Check out the rock formation on top of the cave. Awesome.

Another boat making the same journey. It is just about to emerge from the cave.

We then came to a spot where global mariners stop their boat. Here, there is practically no docking fees to be paid.

The yachts are all over the large river.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

Participated in the RunFest Cyberjaya 2012

2012-01-12T08:56:00.000+08:00

On the 8th January 2012, I participated in the RunFest Cyberjaya 2012. It is a 7 km open to both men and women with no age category. An interesting concept where, you will be part or a tribe. These tribes will be reminiscent and loosely based on the sports houses common in our school. RunFest is made up of 4 Tribes: PowerFool (Ultra competitive); BuzzFool (Hip trendsetters); iFool (Techies, social media) and WhateverFool (LOLs, whatevers). This running event was for 1,000 participants i.e. 250 members per Tribe. It starts and ends at the Sports Arena, Cyberjaya.

The start and finishing line. The flag off was at 7:45 am. It took me 59 minutes to complete the course.

The fun was when you see the Milo van. Hooray! must have downed 7 glasses of cold refreshing Milo.

A number of stalls were opened.

The famous Jules, ex-DJ with FLY FM.

Jules with my wife.

Below is the brochure for the event.
Event Write Up

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Eagle feeding - Part 05

2012-01-11T08:57:00.000+08:00

Langkawi Island is named after its famous eagles ("Lang" ~ Eagles). While cruising along the mangrove swamp, one can see a number of large eagles roaming the sky. Below is one magnificent specimen.

A group has started to converge over our boat.

Here we can see them diving into the sea to fish, just like seagulls.

We counted about 2 dozen birds.

An eagle splashing down.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

Dad's 73rd birthday lunch at the Chinese restaurant Tai Zi Heen Of Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

2012-01-10T10:10:00.000+08:00

On the 1 of January 2012, my dad celebrated his 73rd birthday. We took him out for a Chinese lunch at the Tai Zi Heen restaurant in Prince Hotel. There generations were present, totaling 14 people. We got a room.

The birthday boy.

Ordering the food was a noisy affair.

Very nice ambiance and the food was good.

Waiting for kid to finish school

2012-01-09T18:34:00.001+08:00

Waiting patiently for the bell to ring. Outside Assunta secondary.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Swamp cruise - Part 04

2012-01-09T10:24:00.000+08:00

The next day after the cable car ride, we decided to go for a swamp cruise. We got a small river boat with a Captain and started off just after breakfast. It is a good thing that the Langkawi Geopark is just next door to the resort.

In the picture below is the beach and resort shot from the boat as it heads out to sea.

White beaches.

The many small islands in the Tanjung Rhu cove.

The sand dune with trees is the start of the geopark. From there, its is considered swamp land. By the way, the trees on the sand dune is the Rhu tree.

Because we are in a cove, the water is not choppy. Very nice.

The kids at the bow of the boat.

In the horizon is the Cincang mountain range.

Fishermen with nets at the sand banks.

The tree at the centre of the picture is the Cashew Tree, where cashew nuts are harvested.

The Cashew tree is very low hanging and bears a lot of fruits.

The Cashew fruit. This fruit is very unique as the seed grows below the fruit.

The fruit is tasty but with a bit of rubbery texture.

The mountains are so close to the water line. It looks impressive but not that tall. Nevertheless, very steep.

The mangrove swamp. Look at the intricate root system.

Mud fish.

You can just see the various layers of rock formation. No wonder this is called a Geopark.

Simian inhabitants of the swamp.

An old brick kiln being swallowed slowly by the jungle. People use to make charcoal from the mangrove trees.

Water teeming with fish.

A family of monkeys observing us.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Cable car ride on Mount Cincang - Part 03

2012-01-05T10:54:00.000+08:00

Since there were a lot of things to enjoy in the resort, we decided to do the cable car ride up Mount Cincang first i.e. do all the things that we need to do in Langkawi before we really vegetate in the resort. The first on the agenda is the cable car ride.

The service depends on the weather. The best time to go is between 10 am and 2 pm. Any other time and the wind could be too strong and they will suspend the service.

In the photo above, you can see the main cable car complex. The cable car complex has a lot of shops. Meanwhile, the photo below show the top of Way Station 1. Below us is virgin jungle.

The kids really enjoyed the view and the height of the cable car from the tree top.

My three offsprings.

Motion sickness?

I do not what to be lost in that jungle!!!

The climb is steep. Within 5 minutes, the base station looks so small. Now you can see the many islands around Langkawi. The Andaman sea. In the far distance is Thailand.

Looks like the Alps except covered in trees! See Switzerland trip - Day 4 - An afternoon on Mount Titlis.

Limestone rock formation which is typical for this area.

From the angle of the cable you can see how steep was the climb.

The famous single span walking bridge (see The World's Strangest Bridges: Langkawi Sky Bridge).

The final station.

Standing on the first station at 652.5 meters from sea level.

Onward to the final station!

You need the nerve of steel to go on this bridge. It sways with the wind! Every footstep can be felt. Very unnerving.

A 1,000 feet drop.

Kids being kids, it does not fazed them at all.

What a view.

Weather was nice, some cloud cover provided respite from the hot sun.

The trip down. An enjoyable 3 hours.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - The hotel room and the environment - Part 02

2012-01-04T12:39:00.000+08:00

When we arrived at the resort, we were immediately shown to our room. The registration was done in the room itself. Because of our number, the hotel gave us a superior room with overlooks the lagoon pool as well as the sea. It comes with two rooms separated by a corridor where the washroom as well as the wardrobe are at.

The picture below is looking at the sitting room area.

This is the bedroom area. The kids have their own mattresses set on the floor.

The bedroom is very spacious. It comes with two sinks, a separate shower room, a bathtub as well as a WC room.

There is a wooden window that blocks the view of the bathroom, just on top of the bathtub, from the main bedroom. Very romantic if you are on your honeymoon.

The room concept uses teak wood furniture. Very natural.

The balcony overlooking the sea. The emerald green Andaman Sea is so beautiful from this point.

The beach is very private. Only guests of the hotel uses it.

As it was just noon, we decided to explore the grounds and try one of the restaurants available at the resort for lunch. This is the scene from the lobby of the resort. A lot of ponds. You must be careful or you may up dropping into one!

The lobby area.

The view of the inner courtyard from the lobby. It has a jungle feeling.

The pathway to the various blocks.

This is the main block. It is the only one with a lift. Those with disability can request for the rooms here.

The various types of fish in the ponds.

The area fronting the beach, the hotel builds a wooden boardwalk. From here, you can take stunning photos of the sea and the small islands just off the beach.

Miles of white sand and not a single person!

One couple spotted on the sand (see if you can spot them in the picture below).

My son was so excited!

My daughters too!

You would notice the sand appears to be raked (see the photo below). Every morning, just after dawn, a tractor from the resort with pull a wide rake over the sand. The purpose is to ensure the beach is perfectly smooth and also pick up any rubbish (cannot see any at all!) or washed up wood and other debris off the beach.

This is a wide beach. Close to 50 meters from the tree-line up to the water-line.

We are now heading towards the main restaurant for lunch.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Pictorial Journal on my family holiday to Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi - March 2008 - Part 01

2012-01-03T15:21:00.002+08:00

In March of 2008, I took my family for a relaxing 4 night beach holiday to Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawai. As readers would recall, I went for a company trip to this place in March 2011 (Photos of Tanjung Rhu, Langakawi). It is because of the March 2008 trip, that I recommended this place to my company.

Took a lot of photos on this first visit and I would like to share them with the readers in this pictorial blog journal.

Early March 2008, the family got ready to go for a vacation in Langkawi. The trip starts early in the morning with a car ride to the Putrajaya ERL Train Station. Below is a picture of my girls.

My wife.

My son.

While waiting for the train to arrive, the kids did some posing.

At the airport, we had a very early breakfast at Burger King (at the arrival hall). My son and me.

My girls and me.

We took a MAS flight. Although I was told that AirAsia would be so much cheaper, I still prefer MAS for the comfort as well as the orderly way passengers are treated.

As my son is still below two, he had to piggyback on his mom. No seat for him.

After an uneventful flight, we arrived in sun baked Langkawi. The MAS plane that we used is in the background of this photo.

An AirAsia flight boarding on the tarmac.

The hotel arranged a pick-up service for us. Here is a picture of the first roundabout after exiting the airport.

My son having a fun time riding 4 types of vehicles in as many hours (taxi to the train station, train to KLIA, airplane to Langkawi and finally an MPV to the resort).

Paddy fields.

The Andaman sea - so blue!

The private road to the resort. The resort gets its name from the Rhu tree which is abundant in this area. Tanjung Rhu means the Rhu Peninsular.

TO BE CONTINUED

Happy New Year and may 2012 be a more profitable year for everyone!

2011-12-31T13:32:00.001+08:00

At a wedding at the Tun Rahah Hall, Menara Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

2011-12-31T13:29:00.001+08:00

This is the first time I attended a wedding at this hall.

Boat ride on the Putrajaya Lake with my Sri Lankan Friends (with video) - April 2006

2011-12-30T14:36:00.001+08:00

In April 2006, two of my friends from Sri Lanka, Prakash and Nazeel come down to Malaysia for training. I took them out for an outing in Putrajaya.One interesting activity that we did was taking the boat trip on the Putrajaya lake.

Below is the scene from the car park to get to the boat jetty. Very scenic.

The boat is the traditional Terengganu Perahu design but with a hidden motor. Made of wood, it is very sturdy and very ornate.

The jetty is a modern one with floating pontoons. In the background of the picture below is the Selangor Sultan's palace that was given to him for allowing the Federal Territory to take over this area to become Putrajaya.

The boat trail starts at the main mosque. I realised from this trip that one can boat into the mosque through an opening just beside the main pillar (see the picture below).

Then, off to see the Wawasan Bridge.

The Prime Minister's office.

The Putrajaya Yacht Club. You can get sailing boats here.

My two Sri Lankan friends.

The Prime Minister's official residence.

The King's Palace. The smaller set of buildings on the right is the Shangrila Putrajaya Hotel.

Below is the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens. The building at the end of the lake with the brown roof is the seafood restaurant. Meanwhile the building with the grey slopping roof is the Botanical Centre.

The commercial centre for Presint 10. There are some restaurants and shops there.

The perimeter fencing for the Prime Minister's residence. You can boat ride beside it and you would not be chased by armed guards.

The business district of Putrajaya, Presint 2.

Below is a short video of the boat ride.

The construction of Mid Valley's Garden Mall in September 2005

2011-12-29T16:38:00.000+08:00

While looking at my digital photo collection, I stumbled upon a set of pictures that I took of the foundation construction for the Garden Mall back in September 2005. These pictures were taken from the 5th floor of the Singature offices.

Compared to the Mid Valley mall, the Garden Mall is slightly smaller in size.

It is impressive to see the construction coming along.

Assunta Secondary school orientation day

2011-12-28T14:23:00.002+08:00

With my eldest at her new school for orientation. Parents are required to attend. So, here I am waiting to hear the briefing. I hope it would not be too long.

Jalan P9 B1/14

2011-12-26T17:41:00.001+08:00

Photo taken from a playground.

IOI Resort

2011-12-26T12:10:00.001+08:00

Some photos taken from Chinese Restaurant.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:02:00.000+08:00

Have a Merry Christmas!

Memorable quotes from the airline industry

2011-12-23T09:54:00.000+08:00

These are some of the more memorable quotes from the airline industry as compiled by The Economist. Have a good read!

“If the Wright brothers were alive today Wilbur would have to fire Orville to reduce costs.” Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines

“We don't fall over ourselves if they say ‘my Granny fell ill’. What part of no refund don't you understand? You're not getting a refund so fuck off.” Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair
“A recession is when you have to tighten your belt; depression is when you have no belt to tighten. When you've lost your trousers—you're in the airline business.” Sir Adam Thomson, founder of British Caledonian

“The best thing we can do with environmentalists is shoot them. These headbangers want to make air travel the preserve of the rich. They are Luddites marching us back to the 18th century.” Michael O’Leary trumpets his green credentials

“If someone wanted to pay £5 to go to the toilet I would carry them there myself. I would wipe their bums for a fiver.” Michael O’Leary again

“Running an airline is like having a baby: fun to conceive, but hell to deliver.” CE Woolman, founder of Delta Air Lines

“The worst sort of business is one that grows rapidly, requires significant capital to engender the growth, and then earns little or no money. Think airlines. Here a durable competitive advantage has proven elusive ever since the days of the Wright Brothers. Indeed, if a farsighted capitalist had been present at Kitty Hawk, he would have done his successors a huge favor by shooting Orville down.” Warren Buffett

“It takes nerves of steel to stay neurotic.” Herb Kelleher

“Think and act big and grow smaller, or think and act small and grow bigger.” Herb Kelleher

“You fucking academic eggheads! You don't know shit. You can't deregulate this industry. You're going to wreck it. You don't know a goddamn thing!” Robert Crandall, boss of American Airlines, to an unnamed Senate lawyer in 1971

Video of the walking platform on top of Langkawi mountain - February 2006

2011-12-23T09:14:00.000+08:00

Video of the walking platform on top of the mountain in Langkawi. This was taken from the cable car after first station.

Samurai! (Classics of Naval Literature)

2011-12-22T08:33:00.000+08:00

My comments as well as from some readers as well.

Saburo Sakai was Japan s greatest fighter pilot to survive World War II, and his memoir is one of the most popular and enduring books written on the Pacific war. First published in English in 1957, it gave Americans new perspectives on the air war and on the Japanese pilots who, until then, were mere caricatures. Today, the book remains a valuable eyewitness account of some of the most famous air battles in history and a moving, personal story of a Samurai warrior. A veteran of more than two hundred dogfights, Sakai reportedly shot down sixty-four Allied planes, but he is best known for flying his crippled Zero nearly 600 miles to safety while partially paralyzed and nearly blind from multiple wounds.

Langkawi Cable Car - February 2006 - Video

2011-12-21T13:39:00.001+08:00

Video on top of station one at the cable car ride in Langkawi. You can see the Andaman sea as well as Thailand.

Porta Malai Sea Port, Langkawi - February 2006

2011-12-20T08:52:00.000+08:00

This was the scene at the Porta Malai Sea Port in February 2006. This port caters for luxury yachts. There are some shops at the main building, even a Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food joint.

This picture is taken from the first floor of the main building where the shops are stationed. Most of the boats are sail boats of less then 35 feet length.

Japanese Destroyer Captain: Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Midway-The Great Naval Battles as Seen Through Japanese Eyes

2011-12-19T18:24:00.000+08:00

My comments as well as some others on the book. I got it via Amazon.

Probably one of the two books anyone interested in the Pacific naval war simply MUST have in his libraray (the other the brilliant 'Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy' by the unfortunately named Paul S. Dull). True experts and affecionados should overlook the occasional mis-identification of ship types (undoubtedly a result of either negligent editing or translation problems), but otherwise a superb recollection of the Pacific war from the point of view of a famous Japanese destroyer captain.

Captain Hara discusses how he commanded a Japanese destroyer in all of the major Pacific sea conflicts during World War II: Empress Augusta Bay, Coral Sea, the invasion of the Philippines, Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Midway. While on a re-supply mission through Blackett Straight in August 1943, upon noticing a fire-ball explosion near the destroyer "Amagiri" in front of his destroyer "Shigure", he ordered for his ship's crew to shoot at Lt. John F. Kennedy's sinking PT-109. He provides a most harrowing description -- as commander of cruiser Yahagi -- how he barely survied its sinking alongside the ill-fated battleship Yamato on their suicide mission to attack the U.S. forces invaiding Okinawa. He details his training of the pilots of suicide motorboats (Shinyo: "ocean shaker") that were designed to ram Allied warships approaching Japan.

Having studied this war and its naval campaigns, one thing that always struck me was the peculiar paradox of the near-deification of Admiral Yamamoto (engineer of the Pearl Harbor attack) by the Japanese at the time, and many foreign historians as well. Frankly, from any objective point of view, it was Yamamoto who almost single-handedly ensured the disasterous defeat of the Japanese navy, first, by not in fact taking out the most important targets at Pearl Harbor (the enormous fuel tank farm, and the even more important ship-repair facilities and machine shops), and secondly, by repeatedly committing vastly insufficient forces at the places of most importance, and invariably sending these elements through the most convoluted and tortuous separate routes to get there (each element could be easily defeated one at a time).

Further, it appears that at no time during the war did the Japanese have the slightest interest in obtaining or using intelligence, by either method or desire, and this led them into one catastrophe after another. Guadalcanal is probably the best exemplar of this failed strategy, where neither the Japanes Navy, nor the Japanese Army had any idea of the strength of the American presence there, apparently weren't even interested, and instead committed and lost battalions, regiments, whole divisions of troops and squadrons of ships again, and again, and again, until both the Army, and Navy were bled white.

The Japanese submarine fleet was even more useless, not because of any real defect in the subs themselves, but the ridiculous manner in which they were used. This is even more stunning when you consider that not only was the Japanese submarine fleet largely founded by German engineers and specialist after the First World War, but the Japanese maintained close communications with the Germans throughout the war, even sending submarines to Germany and back several times, as well as German U-Boats sailing to Japan and being used by the Japanese Navy. Yet despite the continued availability of the very finest in submarine expertise, the Japanese apparently never bothered to discuss the topic of strategy and/or tactics with the Germans. Incredible!

With all my various studies of this war, I never came across any real recognition of these fundamental flaws, until I read this book, and it is apparent that not only were these flaws as real as i thought, but that many members of the Japanese Navy itself were fully cognisant of these same mistakes, and yet, were unable to convince their own senior command of the need for changes, and so went down together.

Infantry Aces: The German Soldier in Combat in WWII; Franz Kurowski (Stackpole Military History Series)

2011-12-16T09:45:00.000+08:00

This book is very engaging. Bought it from Amazon. You won't be able to put it down. First hand accounts and an insight into the personalities of some of the Wehrmacht's best during WW2.

Mr. Kurowski has used his experience as a reporter in the German army during World War II to write a series of books that tell the history of the war from the German individuals point of view.

This book is a set of eight mini-biographies of German Infantry soldiers. Most of them fought through the entire war and surprisingly most of them survived the war, few without wounds. These are not stories of high ranking officers, but of ordinary soldiers of rather low rank who did their job very, very well. They fought in all the theaters of war from freezing in Russia to burning up in Africa.

Andaman Resort Langkawi - February 2006 - Videos of the swimming pool

2011-12-15T16:50:00.000+08:00

More entries on the same subject:

Andaman Resort Langkawi - February 2006

Andaman Resort Langkawi - February 2006 - Videos of Monkeys on the beach

2011-12-14T08:25:00.001+08:00

Below are two short videos of monkeys frolicking on the sands of the Andaman beach. There appear to be more monkeys than humans on this particular beach!

More entries on the same subject:

Andaman Resort Langkawi - February 2006

Canada to withdraw from Kyoto Protocol - something that has been expected for a long time

2011-12-13T09:29:00.001+08:00

I saw this news today. My first impression is disappointment. Then I realized that this is not unexpected. Self-interest will always supersede common sense. This has been going on since the dawn of history and every nation values self-interest above everything else.

Developed nations always want to control the initiative for everything but when it comes to hard decisions which would mean a larger sacrifice on their part, they will run away. Canada decided to go on this path, I bet America and Europe will follow soon.

---------------------------------------------

BBC News: Canada will formally withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, the minister of the environment has said.

Peter Kent said the protocol "does not represent a way forward for Canada" and the country would face crippling fines for failing to meet its targets.

The move, which is legal and was expected, makes it the first nation to pull out of the global treaty.

The protocol, initially adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, is aimed at fighting global warming.

"Kyoto, for Canada, is in the past, and as such we are invoking our legal right to withdraw from Kyoto," Mr Kent said in Toronto.

SEE BBC NEWS: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16151310

Andaman Resort Langkawi - February 2006

2011-12-12T14:43:00.000+08:00

In February 2006, I attended a conference which was held in Andaman Resort Langkawi. This was the first time that I stayed in that resort and I was expecting someting magical based on all the lovely reviews. Before I can explore the resort, I had to fly to get there and the 50 minute trip was uneventful. Before my plane started the flight, I got the chance to take a picture of a MAS B747 with a very funky paint job.

Arrived at the hotel late in the evening. Could not do much exploring so after a quick dinner, off the the bedroom.

Above is a picture of my colleague's room with an extra bed that requested for his daughter. He decided to bring his wife and child along for the trip. At this time, I believe my room was not ready yet.

In terms of design, very contemporary and normal. The first let down of the day.

When I woke up in the morning, it was when I realised how close I am to the jungle. This is the attraction of this resort - not sure a lot of people can appreciate this. Below is the picture taken from my window.

Below is yours truly on the way to the conference. Very humid under the trees.

The hotel block when I am staying as taken from the jungle. Monkeys have been known to enter the rooms if the occupants forget to close the windows or doors. So prevalent that warning signs are standard in the room on this risk.

The jewel behind the resort - the beach, kilometres of prestine and quiet white sands and waves.

Because there is no public eminities, no one comes here and hence, this place is like a private beach.

On the steep hillsides, small banglows are built. I was told that these are the treatment rooms for the SPA.

Because it is situated in a cove, no wild waves - everything is so gentle.

There are also some private villas that are available for sale. Ridiculous price of >RM20 million!!

There are more monkey on the beach than humans!

The lounge area for the hotel.

This hotel has many levels - without the lifts, it can get very tiring walking up and down the steps.

The pool.

My 7th cheque payment from Nuffnang

2011-12-12T11:37:00.001+08:00

In my earlier posting (Latest payment from Nuffnang) I mentioned about the latest cheque that I got from Nuffnang. Actually, when I made that entry, it was using my handphone. Hence, I was unable to provide more information about the cheque.

This is my seventh (7) cheque from Nuffnang. Totalling RM194.61, it is the largest amount that I ever got from them. I am so happy. Even now, I note that I am entitled to claim for another cheque but best to keep it to a big amount. It makes the experience sweeter.

View of Ampang from room 2205, Double Tree Hotel

2011-12-11T12:10:00.001+08:00

Spent the weekend at the hotel with the family.

Latest payment from Nuffnang

2011-12-09T23:28:00.001+08:00

Just received my latest payment from Nuffnang of around RM194. Thanks Nuffnang!

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 08 - Desert safari in Doha's outback

2011-12-08T13:03:00.000+08:00

After all the formal functions have been attended. Some private time. My colleagues and I decided to try the famous desert safari on Doha's sand dunes. Below is the picture of my colleagues and one of the two 4WD used. I believe it is a Toyota Landcruiser variant with a 4.5 litre engine.

Yours truly...The guy in the white T-shirt bending over the front tire is releasing the pressure in the tires. For good tranction on the sand, only a 5lb per inch pressure is needed.

The staging point for the dune safari. See the amount of tire marks in the sands.

The start. Our driver is Arabic and cannot communicate in English.

It was winter time and the weather was not as hot as one would imagine. Sand dunes as far as the eyes could see.

A lake in the desert! So unique. In the background is the Persian Gulf.

Looks like small sand dunes.

One of the cars sliding dune a sand dune. Awesome!

A beach without beachgoers. If only I brough my swimming trunks!

Sunset in the desert. Just beautiful.

An arab tent when one can enjoy food and traditional music.

In the middle of nowhere.

More under this series:

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 01 - The flight in

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 02 - Video of the car ride out of the airport

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 03 - Video of downtown Doha

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 04 - Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 05 - Video of the Corniche Avenue skyline

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 06 - Doha's very quiet souk

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 07 - Video of Doha Souk's falcon market

On leave for some errands

2011-12-06T11:48:00.000+08:00

On leave for a day today to do some errands. Supervised the contractors at the apartment. Now taking care of the kids. When can I go for lunch?

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 07 - Video of Doha Souk's falcon market

2011-12-05T16:40:00.001+08:00

This is a video of the falcon market in one of Doha's Souk.

More under this series:

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 01 - The flight in

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 02 - Video of the car ride out of the airport

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 03 - Video of downtown Doha

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 04 - Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 05 - Video of the Corniche Avenue skyline

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 06 - Doha's very quiet souk

Putrajaya Main Mosque for Friday prayers

2011-12-02T13:27:00.001+08:00

Picture of the inner compound in the mosque complex.

Putrajaya Lake Club for lunch

2011-12-02T12:16:00.001+08:00

Having lunch with the kids with the view of the PM office.

Supervising workers for tiling work

2011-12-01T08:30:00.000+08:00

Took leave from work today as I need to supervise some workers for some extensive tiling work on my apartment. Currently waiting for them to arrive at 9 am. Meanwhile, looking at ways to maximise my day.

Doha Trip - October 2006 - Part 06 - Doha's very quiet souk

2011-11-30T16:07:00.000+08:00

In the evening, ventured out to a traditional souk market in Doha city. The mud brick walls are unique and there are a lot of small shops selling loads to different stuff. The only thing that seem weird is the lack of people. From the picture below, there appears to be no shoppers at all apart from my small group.

Where are the girls? Shopping in Doha seems to be a guy thing!!

One shop that is very unique is the falcon shop. A shop that actually sells falcons!

Scary looking bird.

An arabian restaurant that we went. No belly dancers though....

More under this series: