When He Was 64

My late father was born in 1922. He chose the date 4.4.44 to marry my mother. He was still only  a few months shy of 22. My mom was then only 17.

By the time he was 40, going on 41, they already had 9 children. Mom was just 35, 36. The gynae suggested that she had her tubes tied, to which she agreed. Otherwise there might have been 3 or 4 more of us.

The years passed, we finished our schooling. Dad made sure we all went through tertiary education, and got decent jobs and.... got married. By the time he was 64 and Mom 59 they've already had 15 or so grandchildren, and my youngest sister 23 years old.

Year: 1986

 

So I guess they could breathe easier with everyone grown up.

I am 57 now and if I get to see 64 my youngest would be 25 years old. No more school uniforms to be bought, even since last year for that matter.

It's just that I have a couple of 64, 65 year-old friends, albeit on Facebook, who still have teenagers running around them. And they are not the grandchildren.

These coots look youngish and spritely though. I'm just wondering whether they treat their young children as children, or grandchildren... because these daddies are old enough to be grandfathers anyhow.

I remember my own maternal grandfather had 3 little girls in his sixties when he re-married after my grandmother passed away. They were very much younger than me and I think he doted on them  as he did us, his grandchildren.

Usually grandchildren get away with things that would definitely be frowned upon by the parents.

Like peeing on grandpa

This is my nephew Rez

 

Or punching him in the eye

This is Amin

If my father were still alive, he would be 88 and probably enjoying his 31 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren like Mom is now. He passed away at the age of 71 with 9 additional grandchildren. May Allah bless his soul and place him among the righteous.



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Just A Post

There is "NOT" and there is "DOG"

Put the two together and you get


...oops


There is "TON" and there is "GOD"

Put the two together and you get

T.O.N.G.O.D

TONGOD

pronounced as TOW-NGOD

So what is TONGOD?

A junior Medical Officer in Sabah might know.

Is it a disease? Or what?





Clue...

AHA!!! It is a PLACE.

A very small town, if you can call it such.

Or just a post.

Population: seems like very few

The "pekan" consisting of a row of about 10 shops.


The MP must have done his job well - there is electricity - notice the street lamps.






And a Kelinik Kesihatan...

With staff quarters!

 

My son Amin the MO, just out of housemanship, says he is very happy to be posted here.

TONGOD, smack in the centre of  Sabah - 2 hours from Sandakan by proper road (not dirt track). 

Again, Good Job, MP!

Are those telephone lines? But whatever, MAXIS connection is ultra loud and clear.

Here is a map of Sabah. Tongod is not even shown but it is 50km away from the nearest civilisation which is Telupid.

 Go for it Amin. Serve the villagers here sincerely and professionally.

You won't regret it, Insya Allah...

Dr Amin

Why Some Teachers Go Mental (from my Inbox)

Up Terengganu Way

This time last year when we drove home from a short holiday in Terengganu, we took the less popular jungle route that passes through the new township of Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah. I remember that this route was not very well maintained some stretches of which were clearly marked as dangerous. Our GPS very frequently warned us about school zones, hence to slow down. I lamented about the yet to be completed Terengganu section of the new East Coast Expressway (ECE).


Last weekend we had occasion to be in Kuala Terengganu (KT) again and this time we returned via the more scenic coastal road; the expressway still uncompleted. This route takes us through the more developed areas of Terengganu which naturally offer more pit-stop possibilities than the other one. However, as soon as we entered the district of Dungun, we had to contend with endless traffic light intersections from Bukit Baok all the way to Kemaman near the Pahang border. I counted altogether not less than 23 such junctions, which make for a very slow drive indeed. It took us 7 hours from KT inclusive of a Kopi O and Roti Kaya break at the famous Kedai Kopi Hai Peng in Kemaman, and a prayer break at Gambang R&R. The drive on the ECE portion from Gambang to Subang was a mere 2 hours only.


Next May school-holidays we'll be making the trip again. I wonder if the Terengganu section of the ECE will be completed by then. I hope so but then again I don't think so. It'll be yet another super long tiring drive but one which we will have to make. My no. 3, Adeen aka Amal the airline pilot, will be getting married then.


Last weekend he and his sweetheart, Cikgu Akma, were engaged.

I'M GOING TO BE A MOM-IN-LAW!!!


..............

OILIES...

Without realising it, I think we have struck oil - in my household that is.

We have oils in the kitchen, oils in the bathroom, oils in the bedroom.

In my kitchen pantry I have our regular cooking oil - Malaysian palm, almost always Seri Murni, sometimes Knife brand. There's  Beta-Carotina Oil which hubby sometimes mixes with his budu as a salad dressing. I use it occasionally to saute diced tempeh which I snack on. Mostly I use olive oil for this, I love the "lemak" flavour of tempeh after being sauted with extra virgin olive oil.

There's also toasted sesame oil. I only use it in my recipe for Ginger Beef which is a family favourite. When my daughter cooks her fusion Spaghetti Bolognaise she drops a teeny bit of it in the sauce which she has also had sauteed some dried chillies.

And then there's a small bottle of virgin coconut oil which I used to swallow a teaspoon of every night before dinner, but I can't remember what for.

You can also find the untoasted sesame oil in my bathroom. I had read that sesame oil is effective as a medium for oil-pulling. That is you use it is as a kind of gargle to detoxify your mouth and teeth with. Some people swear by it. You can read about it here.

I see a small bottle of oil with a picture of an Indian lady on the label. I'm not sure how long it has been there but I don't think I have ever used it as it smells a little rancid. Will be chucking it out soon.

Let's see what else is there. AHA! My favourite massage oil - also that of my masseuse. Based on sunflower oil, it is transparent and has floral overtones, obviously. My masseuse used to smother himself with this every time he stepped into the sauna until someone else said that the oil can cook your skin in the heat of the sauna. Now he uses Vaseline instead and I don't think he can scratch a line on his arm with his nail any longer.

On my cluttered dressing-table in the bedroom, there is an unopened bottle of nutmeg oil, also unopened is a bottle of ginger oil. These are purportedly for joint aches and pains, which I am happy to report we have not had to use to date.

Did I say I have virgin coconut oil (VCO) in my pantry? Well I also have some on my dressing table. Lately I have taken to use this oil quite liberally. It is excellent as a facial moisturiser. After rubbing my face with it, I run my fingers through my crowning glory leaving the traces of oil there which makes it easier to brush. It leaves a shine too and black looks even blacker.. hehehe.

I apply VCO on my feet as well when they feel dry and ravaged, in fact you can use it on any dry patch that you might have and it's incredible how nice and soft the area feels after. It's a really marvelous oil but it has to be virgin pressed and you need to get a good quality brand.

So those are the oils I have around my house. What's absent is the aromatherapy ones. Perhaps I'll get one to make the bedroom smell nice after the nightly onslaught of Shieldtox spray. Maybe then I might go to bed earlier than my usual time.

Anyhow, if anyone's interested I've copied-pasted here the Earth Clinic page about VCO. It seems to be some kind of miracle oil and I guess that was why I took to drinking that nightly teaspoon.

"We found the following information from various sources over the internet:
You can take coconut oil both internally and externally. Those who are proponents of this cure do both. The typical amount to take internally per day is 3 TBSP. It is recommended that you take 1 TBSP with every meal. Coconut Oil apparently gives an instantaneous energy lift and may help you give up caffeine! Many sports nutrition bars and drinks include coconut oil for its energizing properties.
Warning: Coconut Oil is contraindicated for those with hypertension / high blood pressure! But if you suffer from low blood pressure, this is a great remedy for you.
Lots of research has been done on the subject of Fatty Acids and Monogycerides (found in coconut oil). Some of the reported cures from research are:
WEIGHT LOSS:Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
SKIN/HAIR/BEAUTY
Applied topically, helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off infection; Reduces symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis; Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin; Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking; Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots; Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion; Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.; Helps control dandruff.
VIRUSES/BACTERIAL INFECTIONS/FUNGUS/PARASITES
Studies have found that coconut oil can kill viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases; Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections; Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites;
Coconut oil may provide an effective defense against many parasites including giardia. Like bacteria and fungi, giardia can't stand up against MCFA found in coconut oil. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of MCFA in destroying giardia and possibly other protozoa. By using coconut oil every day, you may be able to destroy giardia. Another possible use for coconut is for the removal of intestinal worms. In India it has traditionally been used to get rid of tapeworms. In one study it was reported that treatment with dried coconut, followed by magnesium sulfate (a laxative), caused ninety percent parasite expulsion after twelve hours. In India coconut oil is also rubbed into the scalp as a treatment to remove head lice.
CHRONIC FATIGUEBy taking coconut oil daily, you may also be eliminating the possibility of developing food allergies, chronic fatigue, and other related symptoms. If you're currently troubled with these conditions, coconut oil used liberally with meals may provide a source of relief. Because MCFA are quickly absorbed by the tissues and converted into energy it seems logical that those suffering from chronic fatigue would gain a great deal of benefit.
DIGESTION:Coconut Oil provides a nutritional source of quick energy; Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance; Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose; Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body; Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis; Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes;
BODY/ORGANS
Coconut Oil reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis; Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth; Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease; Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers; Improves digestion and bowel function; Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids; Reduces inflammation. Supports tissue healing and repair; Functions as a protective antioxidant; Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease; Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome; Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement); Reduces epileptic seizures; Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections; Dissolves kidney stones; Helps prevent liver disease; Supports thyroid function;
CANCER:Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers;
HEART:Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease; Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease;
TEETH:
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
COCONUT OIL FOR POOR CIRCULATIONDo you feel cold much of the time? You might try coconut oil, which is said to increase body temperature (and blood pressure). This is due to increased metabolic rate as medium-chain fatty acids of the coconut oil are burned.
CURE FOR ATHLETE'S FEETThe 8% caprylic acid in coconut oil is said to be effective against fungus, and on skin conditions like planter's warts and athlete's foot.
CURE FOR ROSACEA
Used externally and internally, we read one report on the internet of a 15-year bout of rosacea clearing up within 2 weeks with Coconut Oil!"


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Homicide. Suicide or Misadventure?

Check out this story of a bizarre death from  http://darwinawards.com whose "macabre awards commemorate people who eliminate themselves from the gene pool by masterminding idiotic misadventures"

 

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At the 1994 annual awards dinner given for Forensic Science, AAFS, President Dr. Don Harper Mills astounded his audience with the legal complications of a bizarre death. Here is the story:

On March 23,1994 the medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound to the head. Mr. Opus had jumped from the top of a ten story building intending to commit suicide. He left a note to that effect, indicating his despondency. As he fell past the ninth floor his life was interrupted by a shotgun blast passing through a window which killed him instantly.

Neither the shooter nor the descender was aware that a safety net had been installed just below at the eighth floor level to protect some building workers and that Ronald Opus would not have been able to complete his suicide the way he had planned.

"Ordinarily," Dr. Mills continued, "a person who sets out to commit suicide and ultimately succeeds, even though the mechanism might not be what he intended, is still defined as committing suicide."

That Mr. Opus was shot on the way to certain death, but probably would not have been successful because of the safety net, caused the medical examiner to feel that he had a homicide on his hands. 

The room on the ninth floor, whence the shotgun blast emanated, was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing vigorously and he was threatening her with a shotgun. The man was so upset that when he pulled the trigger he completely missed his wife and the pellets went through the window, striking Mr. Opus.

When one intends to kill subject A but kills subject B in the attempt, one is guilty of the murder of subject B. 

When confronted with the murder charge the old man and his wife were both adamant. They both said they thought the shotgun was unloaded. Thed old man said it was his long-standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her. Therefore the killing of Mr. Opus appeared to be an accident; that is, the gun had been accidentally loaded.

The continuing investigation turned up a witness who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun about six weeks prior to the fatal accident. It transpired that the old lady had cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother. 

The case now becomes one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus.

Now comes the exquisite twist. 

Further investigation revealed that the son was, in fact, Ronald Opus!

He had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led him to jump off the ten story building on March 23rd, only to be killed by a shotgun blast passing through the ninth story window. 

The son had actually murdered himself so the medical examiner closed the case as a suicide.

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To think that the poor old man could have ended up actually killing his wife with the loaded gun, had this not happened

 

This Is About Nothing

Zero means nothing, and nothing is no thing. You can't count nothing because there's no thing to count. Cavemen didn't need to count much so they got by by scratching a few short vertical lines on cave walls to do their additions and subtractions.  Later on men realised the enormity of having to count lines and so they devised numerals to denote quantities. I would guess that most ancient civilisations used groups of 10 as their counting base, as per the number of fingers on a man's hand.

The Mayans however used 20 as their grouping factor - perhaps they were nimble with their toes as well. Imagine if we had 20 different numerals in our numbering system, we would have learnt to sing "One little, two little...... TWENTY little Mayan boys" in our toddlerhood. And that might not be a bad thing, perhaps we would have started using a lot more of our brains early in life. Also, if grouped in twenties, number symbols won't be repeated as often as groups of ten, so if you are 50 plus of age as I am, in a base of twenty, 50 would be only 25.

It is said that the Mayans were the first to see the need for a symbol to denote zero. It is shaped like an eye. In fact it is interesting how the Mayans represented numbers, with dots and bars.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_numerals

The Arabs however took the bars and placed them vertically, diagonally, horizontally and with a couple of round shapes, designed their numerals. I think their representation of zero is the most efficient. You see, if you need to symbolize nothingness, a void, you'd use something that takes up no space, wouldn't you? Why not a little dot? And that is exactly what the Arabs have used, and I think that's brilliant.

 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_numerals

Unfortunately, although modern civilisation adopted the Arabic numbering system, the numerals themselves did not catch on. Westerners probably did not like the squiggly look of Arabic script including it's right-to-left orientation (but numbers are written from left to right). But they liked how the Indians symbolised zero. If you look at Hindi and Tamil scripts, you can see how curly-wurly the writing is. Yes, it seems that they have taken the Arabic dot and extended it into a little circurl which was subsequently adopted by the West.

The Chinese however have nothing round in their characters from my observations, they are mainly lines fashioned into mini pictures that fit into square boxes.

from lotsasplainin.blogspot.com

Although it sounds pretty cute - "ling", the character for zero looks complicated.

I would reckon doing maths with pictures can get tedious and I suspect that's why the Chinese too are now using the Arabic numbering system. Combined with their skills on the abacus it was hard to beat the Chinese at arithmetics in my day.


Sometimes I just wonder at how different races developed their scripts those long years ago. To a certain extent the styles seem to reflect the way they sound too - most obvious is the Indian roly-poly pronunciation that kind of corresponds with the curly-wurly letters. You'd probably be able to imagine Arabic guttural staccato emanating from their squigglies. And It's not too difficult to associate Chinese sing-song style with the swishy lines of their boxed-in characters - which perhaps also account for the difficulty with rolling their R's.

We Malays have no script to call our own, being accommodating by nature, we use what is plonked upon us by whoever had conquered us. It shows when we speak Malay to a non-native speaker, we tend to pick up the way they sound and speak in the same manner. For example using "lu" and "gua" with a Chinese, or saying "kaloo" instead of "kalau" with a Tamil, even with Indonesians we would go "bagimanaa ini Pak" instead of "macam maner ni" as is usual.

Interestingly though when I was shopping in Singapore one day in the ninety's, a Malay promoter named Yati told me about a "jeeloh" percent interest on something or other in thick Chinese accent. "Jeeloh"? I asked. "Yes, worr.." said she.

I must have looked very much like an Ah Soh.

Oh yes, about zeroes. We have taken them for granted after centuries of use but think how awkward it would be had the Roman empire not implode and we would have to calculate with  letters - and no zero. 10 is X. 50 is L. 100 is C. 1000 is M.

How would we ever write a cheque for Rm1.7 trillion?

How would we even show Zero percent?


Though Zero is nothing it's still a big deal.