Tuesday, June 30, 2009

THE H1N1 FLU IS HERE!

Oh my gosh! That's the first reaction I had this morning when I saw on the front page of the local dailes the dreaded H1N1 swine flu that is now sweeping the world. It's already here! I am not saying this because I'm happy, but my way to say that I can't believe that it's has finally reached this town.

Well, it's not the only dreaded disease that is life threatening, as there are others that are far more dangerous. It's that up unitl now there's no antidote to the viral sickness, except the 'kamiflu' drug. Up until now there have been hundreds of people perished due to the sickness.

Honestly, I am having a slight runny nose, but I am absolutely sure that it NOT the H1N1! It's just that I'm lack of sleep as couldn't sleep well last night.

Guess, I have to wear the MASK today and I'm going to call the Minister looking after 'public health' today and ask him of what can be done.

Well, let's brace for its onslaught.

What's your take?

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Monday, June 29, 2009

RAJANG RIVER CRUISE

Today is a historical day for Sibu's tourism industry - in-bound tourism that is. For today, the famed Pandaw Cruise will be launched by the Tourism Minister, Datuk Michael Manyin. This ship, which will begin its maiden cruise along Malaysia's longest river, is called RV ORIENT PANDAW.

Local tour operators which bring in foreign tourists will sure stand to benefit. Though, the chairman of the Tour Operators association has reservations about the potential benefits the local players are about to benefit from, that's because most of them are serving the out-bound tourists.

July 1, will see the maiden cruise of Pandaw Cruise along the Rajang River, which will take NINE days to make the complete round of itinerary. Along the way, visitors, most of whom are from Europe and the US, will stop by at riverine towns, longhouses and get themselves the taste of local cultures, food and beauty of the country side.

I'll give more details in the next blog, as I've got to attend a function, now.

THE MIGHTY HORMBILL...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

HAPPY MONDAY

Most people I know, especially Americans, dread facing Monday. This is especially true with my former American colleagues when I was working in Oil Companies back in the 80's.

They didn't seem like to face Monday, especailly the work, the boss and of course the pressure they get from their superiors. They hated Monday - may be every working day for that matter - that they have come with a term called "TGIF", short for 'Thank God,It's Friday'.

While this may apply to some people even here in Malaysia, for me I have no problem with Monday. I am just grateful that I have a job to do and income for the family. The only downside to it is that the salary is small that I have to work at least THREE jobs, to have enough to cover the family's need.

Now talk about 'dreaded' Monday! To a lot of people around the globe, jobs means food on the table! So Monday is not an issue at all.

What about you, friends?

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL....

Saturday, June 27, 2009

EXCITING WORLD

Must say that I am living in this generation where high technology including the internet makes life so much fun.

Not only that it is fun, it is also very important part of life's 'must have' in making work and play very efficient.

Having used the service of the inernet, I can't imagine myself of not having one. I use to tell my friends that by not having a laptop connected to and internet is like living in a remote area and not having a car.

Well, there's a lot to talk about on this matter. Just a few years back, it's unimaginable to just "chat" with someone one the other side of the world. Now that's happening.

In fact, just a while ago I was "chit-chatting" with an acquaintance from the Philippines! The day before that, I was chit-chatting with another person in Kuching. And of course, I'll chit-chatting with more friends across the globe soon.

Isn't that wonderful?

The Mighty HornBill...

WHO WILL REMEMBER YOU

For some one whose achievements or position in life make him or her well known all over the world, there will be people to remember him or her, "leaving" this world forever. In fact, the "world" would mourn their deaths.

Some of the examples are John Lennon, Bruce Lee, Princess Diana, Elvis Presley and recently Michael Jackson.

But when ordinary guys like most of us leave the world nobody notice, much less remembering us.

Not to worry, there's One who will NOT forget you, nor let you go unnoticed. He is the CREATOR Himself.

For me, I would rather be remembered and noticed by HIM even though the 'world' does not notice nor remember me.

What's your opinion?

The Mighty Hornbill...

Friday, June 26, 2009

GLOBAL WARMING

In 1988 when I proposed to my wife at her village in mountainous Long Semadoh, it was very cold that I shivered very much and had to wear a thick sweater.

Twenty years later, in 2008 it's not as cold as it used to be. Why? Simply because of the global warming. Twenty years ago trees were still standing, not many have been cut down, but now many have been felled, which in part contribute to the warming weather. But, I certainly believe that the harvested trees play only a minor role. It's the overall global warning that is to be blamed.

Again, the cause of global warming takes does not need a scientific mind to pin point who aare at fault. It's man's greed! Factories that run 24 hours emitting smokes into the air are one of the thousands of examples. The open burning of hundred thousands of rainforests is another examples, which happen annually since 1997!

Yea, man's greed! Yet there's not much anybody can do about it. Or is it?

Give your opinion.

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

QUICKER THAN DEW

Life is shorter than the morning dew, says the Psalmer. How true that observation is!

When Michael Jackson died, many people turn their heads and say 'why too soon?' What's too late, then? A ripe 130-year-old man? Either way, it's a fleeting journey.

I remember the year when the 'king of rock-and-roll' Elvis Presley died, every person who idolised him was devastated. In fact, the pain of losing him lingered on for years for these people, as I observed from the media.

But those whose life was not as 'fruitful' or successful as Michael, Elvis and John Lennon, they just come and fade like that....a morning dew.

Well, life is short! That's why there's a need to seriously look at your life while on this earth. But, I am not sure what your religious belief is, but as for me, what is most important is to decicate my life to the One who has saved me from enternal damnation. I'll have to be forever grateful to Him.

For I know deep inside my heart I can't enter that place called Paradise on my own. I just can't, because there's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that is "Good" about me to get me the ticket to enter that Paradise. I have to depend on the "descretion" of the Person who is called God. It's ONLY on His GRACE alone I can be justified and enter on the account of His Son's Death and risen from death can I be justified and enter.

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

MICHEAL JACKSON IS DEAD!

Michael Jackson the so called 'King of Pop' is reportedly dead, according to Yahoo! Anyway, the news about his death is all over the 'Net'.

It's not that I am a fan of his, but it seems that he is truly popular among a lot of people. I remember listening to some of his songs when he was with the Jackson 5 band, a band formed with his siblings. At that time it was either the Jackson 5 or the Osmond Brothers I was listening to. It was either Michael Jackson or Donny Osmond.

That "Wacko" Michael is dead may be a great loss to most people who love him, but for me I do not seem to miss him. Not because I hate him or anything like that, but his image that does not fit neither "there nor here" for me as such, that does not make him my ideal person to look up to.

Yes, he's got one of the greatest talents in the world, but that's how far it is, as far as I'm concerned. I mean, I do not dream to have the kind of talent like he has, as there are other numerous excellent examples I can look up to and copy, including their images.

The Beatles and Elvis' talents are ones that I would like to have or dream to have.

Without passing any judgement to the Wacko, I know that it's not easy to be in the public eye, while you live the lifestyle you're living. We are after all the Fallen Human race, and that's why Jesus Christ came...to look for people who would like to be cured, healed and saved. The problem is not many people like to believe this truth...instead they choose the other way, yet they will never get the answer.

Adios Michael, may your soul find grace from God.

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A MATTER OF IDENTITY AND UNITY

The hottest issue that has swept the Orang Ulu people - literally means 'People of the Up-river' - about the change of name from such descriptive name to one that will reflect dignity, unity and identity.

HOW THE TERM CAME ABOUT.

Yes, the term Orang Ulu to describe the different dialects of these native people of Sarawak has not been well-accepted by many. But some who have grown up to know the name and accept it. To most people, the term is quite derogatory and is not a name that was identified and told to other people out side of this community. It was believed to be given by "OTHER" communities to describe all those living in the upper reaches of the rivers in Sarawak.

THE NEED TO CHANGE IS NECESSARY

It was due to this realisation that a new name to identify all the different dialects within these communities a name was proposed to call all of them with ONE NAME. It was along this line that a name such as the LUN DAYA was proposed to call and identify ALL of these races.

However, it did not go well with many people from several races, especially those from the Kayan, Kenyah races. That's understandable, considering that the Kayan and Kenyah races are quite numerous, but the word did not come from either one. The word Lun Daya comes for the Lun Bawang and Kelabit tribes, which are not as numerous as compared to the Kayan and Kenyah.

For two straight weeks, stinging oppositions were in the newspapers, which did not accept the word Lun Daya. Some said the meaning of the word in their dialects was even more degradable.
But the need to change the Orang Ulu appears to be necessary. After all, without proper re-naming of the OU community, identity crisis of the different races that make up the community continues to haunt them.

GO BACK TO THE PEOPLE TO DECIDE

Since the idea to change the term Orang Ulu to Lun Daya appeared to be mooted by several political leaders as well as some governmental high ranking officers in the community, it has been receiving strong opposition.

To solve matter in a more democratic and acceptable manner, some thing must be done. The best suggestion is to take the matter to the ORDINARY people and let ALL the people from the villages take part and ask them of their views, suggestions and proposals.

A committee must be formed to carry-out the change process.

So, I need your suggestions from now and let us find a solution to not only unite us, but help us create our own identity in this little world of ours. Let me know of your comments, constructive ones, that is!

THE MIGHT HORNBILL...

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

HAZE!

Before 1997, like most people, the term 'haze' was totally foreign to us. Admittedly, my understanding of the word was that it only meant to describe a hazy sun light when there was so much cloud hanging overhead!

Somewhere in mid-1997 when there were thick smokes - literally that is - covered all parts of Sarawak, the term 'haze' became so well-known and ever since the haze would return annually covering, chocking and bringing with it adverse impact to mankind, animals, birds and even trees, especially fruit trees!

Interestingly, despite some having enacted laws in all ASEAN countries to deter opening burning, the work continues to this very day! That's man's greed at it's best and government lack of enforcement at its worst!

It's man's greed in action, but ALL living creations pay dearly.



THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Monday, June 22, 2009

PAY BACK TIME

Man's greed has a direct negative impact on earth as we can see countless examples around us. So, I am going to be blunt about it, not to point at anyone person, but to point out that something urgent needs to be done to unwind the destruction man has done over the centuries.

Perhaps, I am going to dwell on the subject for next few blogs and would like to have your input as to how we are going to chip in or collective ideas to improve our world.

Remember that I said in the preceding blog that man always look at himself as the most important, istead of that of the other people? This ties with it.

Wars had been fought, countries clashed and on the a smaller scale lots of companies blatantly ignore the need of the majority as long as they make 'profits'... One case in mind is the burning of palm oil estates in Southeast Asia.

I'll stop here and wait for your comments and suggestions.

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL....

Sunday, June 21, 2009

MOST IMPORTANT

The normal law as we know it, is to think of and always put ourselves as the most important. Unfortunately, it has not served us well, as many tragedies we have witnessed all over the globe points to this.

When Jesus Christ was on earth He brought in a new law, that is to put others first, then yourself. In fact, He said to put God first! This principle is the most effective law and is admittedly, not easy to practise. That's because we have always think and believe that we ARE the mosrt important.

But, when practised, you'll find enormous joy and peace, then success to you! Your success can overflow to others.

Ok, that's about it for now...the stuff is pretty deep for the fist thing in the mornign, isn't it? We'll continue in the next issue.

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Saturday, June 20, 2009

LIFE'S ACTIVITIES

One of the activities people have in life is to help their children learn to be competitive, responsible and grow as an individual in the society.

Coloring contest is one of those activities that help children towards this direction. Today, for example, I just witnessed the biggest crowd in Sibu town a children coloring contest which involved about a thousand participants in an annual coloring contest at departmental/supermarket joint, Farley.

With mouth-watering prizes as good as mountain bikes as one of the main prizes, who would blame the children, including their parents for going all out to do their best to get them. Not to mention other "smaller" prizes which easily cost hundreds of ringgit each.

According to one of the organisers, the annual event was one of the biggest attractions for customers, especially kids to the supermarket.

But, it's the activities that involved the children that made it quite exciting, as the parents were acting like one of them, cajoling, encouraging their little ones.


THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Friday, June 19, 2009

STILL HOT

I was talking to a friend last night and we were on the subject of blogging and creating a website and how having one is long term dream.



Yes, we dwelled on how good it would be to have a website our your own, considering the endless potential of earning of a website, who would not go for one?



That's why up to this very moment, after having this blog, am still excited...can't believe that I have it! Thanks, Prem! You're the best, lah.



Speaking of Prem, he's just tied the knot with his dream girl and supposedly registered the marriage vow today. Congratulations Prem, may you have a much more fruitful family life. I know that you can make a good father and husband at that, too.



THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

Thursday, June 18, 2009

AN EXCITING DAY

Today is the second day I've been having this baby called blogging and understandably it's exciting for me. For I know for a fact that there'll be limitless possibility what can be done on this 'thing'.

Reminds me of the first time I had my first time when my written article was published back in 1998...It was short one, but I was electrified to see my 'by-line' in print.

We'll for days ahead, I'll look forward to putting in with my thoughts on varied issues that affect all of us...positively or negatively...

THE MIGHTY HORNBILL...

BLABBERING

Allow me once again to blabber how excited I am for being able to blog, at long last. Thanks to my good friend, the handsome, yet intelligent friend...Prem of.... A millions 'thank you' to you, friend.

He's living this June 19 to clear off one of the most important milestones in his life in KL. I do wish him the best of a great future life as a man, a husband and future leader in this country... one day.

From now on, I'll be able to do lots of things on this small space on this immense thing called the 'internet' world. Especially, to get in touch with friends around the globe.

Sure, we'll enjoy our company together and the good information that we'll share from now on...information that will enrich our lives in this wonderful world of ours.

The Mighty Hornbill....

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

BLOGGING, AT LAST

It's here, at long last I am able to truly get on the bandwagon of 'blogging'... and I intend to stay as long as can to share with you on my thoughts and issues on a wide topic that impact us.

Been reading and talking with so many friends on blogging and have gained some insights as well as ideas from those conversations.

Briefly, I would like to share what Sarawak or Borneo has to offer, its rain forests, the flora and fauna, as well as the great peoples living on this Island.

Then of course, there will be the endless issues on politics, cultures, economy as well as the kind of lifestyles these wonderful people have and face daily. Their struggles, successes and contribution to Sarawak's colorful people.

The Mighty Hornbill....