Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

A Proud Achievement...

2011-12-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

Graduated with a Ph.D in Business Administration from Bulacan State University: 10th December, 2011.

The Happy Couple...

2011-11-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

My Beautiful Wife...

2011-11-15T06:37:00.001-08:00

Noor and I at Hazril's Birthday Dinner: October 2011

2011-10-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Successful Ph.D. Defense- Bulacan State University: September, 2011

2011-10-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Some pics taken with the Doctoral Committee at the presentation of my Certificate of Approval, after my successful defense of my doctoral dissertation.

Taken with my Leica D-Lux 5.

My Darling and I...

2011-08-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Christmas,2010

2011-07-13T23:37:00.000-07:00

Hair Permed

2011-06-25T07:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, darling; love your perm!

Attending a Recent Graduation Ceremony, KL, Malaysia

2011-06-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

My Favourite Subject

2011-06-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

My beautiful girl...

Sun Over Cherating Beach, Kuantan, Malaysia

2011-06-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

A number of interesting shots of the late afternoon sun, taken at Cherating Beach, Malaysia, on our recent family holiday.

All pics, except the last, was taken with my Leica V-Lux 2. The last pic was taken with my Lumix G1.

Boolac...Rural Australian Scene

2011-06-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

Railway station, shed and grain storage remaining unused after the closure of the rail line 27 years ago.

A beautiful rural scene, typical of the landscape in areas of Victoria and New South Wales.

Taken by my brother, Doug Mackechnie, with his Nikon

VW Passat CC

2011-06-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful design. Planning for this to be our next car!

Bulacan State University: New Ph.D. Class

2011-06-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

Speaking at the opening of a new Ph.D. class for Bulacan State University at the Institute of Accounting and Business Management, Saigon.

Bentley Mulcanna

2011-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Bentley Mulcanna: the pinnacle in British motoring

Wedding-More Pics...

2011-05-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

A further selection of photos taken on Our Day!

Teaching in Vietnam

2011-05-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the students in my MBA class which I taught in Can Tho, Vietnam over the weekend of the 7th-8th May, 2011. The students are studying their degree through Bulacan State University

Wedding

2011-05-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

A few pics from our wedding in some sort of sequence.

Noor having her hair and make up done

"Have I forgotten anything": before leaving the house for the venue

Arriving at the Concorde Hotel suite where the ceremony was conducted. Looking very relaxed...and beautiful...except for those last minute phone calls!

Ironing her wedding dress in the hotel

The groom gladly accepting some help with his dress!

And the end result looks OK!

"Come on, darling...time to get married!"

Just those last minute touches....!

Signing my marriage papers

"Now just where does it say that the wife is to be obedient?"

The gathering for our wedding ceremony. The seating arrangements for the bride and groom will be somewhat puzzling to a Westerner!

Bride smiling for the cameras during the ceremony

And looking absolutely radiant and beautiful....

Our Wedding 30th April, 2011

2011-05-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Some pics from our wedding...

Bride putting ring on groom's finger

Groom very happy to place the ring on his gorgeous bride

Presentation of ring and dowry to bride

'You may kiss the bride...but not on the lips!" Groom obviously not very familiar with this type of kiss!

Husband and wife

Splendid view from the hotel window, looking across to the Shah Alam mosque

Our family: (L to R) Hazril, Imran Ian, Noormala, Helena and Harris

The very happy newlyweds

Another lovely family pic

The perfect couple!

Cake cutting

One of our favourites...

A very happy groom with his beautiful wife

Mr & Mrs Imran Mackechnie

My brother, Doug..

2011-04-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

My brother, Doug, who lives in rural New South Wales, Australia. I am very proud of him!

Goods Train

2011-04-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sent from Doug, my brother in Australia. Goods train crossing bridge in southern New South Wales. Taken in low light and pouring rain!

Some More Favourites...

2011-03-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Recent Pic

2011-03-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T21:09:00.001-08:00

Our first Valentine's Day...together!

Men in Black!

2011-01-23T01:50:00.001-08:00

You could mistake these tough guys for either the Men in Black...or even the Blues Brothers...minus the sunglasses.

But not everyone takes us seriously...

Weekend Wedding!

2011-01-22T23:52:00.000-08:00

A selection of wedding shots! Our wedding? Not yet..that is coming soon. These pics were taken at the reception of a family member...

All the Best for 2011

2010-12-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

Taken at the Curve at 12.10am, 1st January, 2011.
Wishing you all the the very best for the coming year.

The Best in 2010...

2010-12-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Noor coming into my life was the best that happened to me in 2010.

Pool Pics from Langkawi...

2010-12-26T22:27:00.000-08:00

Some lovely pics from around the pool at Langkawi...

Attending a Recent Graduation

2010-12-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was invited to help officiate at a graduation ceremony held in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. With only a small number of graduates, I thought it would be a good opportunity to initiate Noor into my world of convocations! Her beautiful smile after the ceremony showed she survived wonderfully!

Shutter Bugs!

2010-12-23T22:20:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems to have caught the shutter bug! A selection of the keen photographers.

2010-12-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

A few pics taken of Helena, the delightful daughter of Noor and I, whilst on holidays in Langkawi. These pics were taken with my Leica V Lux 2.

What a beautiful smile!

The look on every teenage face when asked to do something!

My Noor...

2010-12-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

My beautiful darling...

Some Pics of Happy Hazril...

2010-12-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

A sample of pics of happy Hazril, the youngest son of Noor and I, taken with my Leica V Lux 2, in Langkawi

Photo Study of Handsome Harris

2010-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

A sample of some of pics taken of Harris, the eldest son of Noor and I, with my Leica V Lux 2 in Langkawi.

Photos Taken by My Brother...

2010-12-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Doug, my older brother, who lives in the country town of Young, in New South Wales, Australia, with his wife, Elaine, recently sent me a selection of pics taken with his newly acquired Nikon D70, using a variety of lens, and under some adverse weather conditions. The results are quite stunning.

Needless to say, Doug is also a train enthusiast- or should I say, fanatic- and has many thousands of trains pics taken all over Australia.

His work is great, and I hope he will share more with us...

His pics include a cattle yard in NSW, with a storm looming on the horizon.

The rainbow is a stunning shot..

Disused railway station

Locomotives on NSW country lines

Recent Birthday Pics

2010-12-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

Some recent pics taken at my birthday party at TGF, The Gardens, Mid Valley, and some other favourite shots.

Some More Wonderful Moments...

2010-12-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Taken one relaxing day, with our Lumix and a tripod. The expressions say it all!

One of My Favourites...

2010-12-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Very Happy and Contented Couple

2010-11-26T17:20:00.001-08:00

Noor's Children

2010-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Harris, Helena and Hazril, with mum, on our recent family holiday in Langkawi.

Langkawi- Our Pics

2010-11-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

Noor and I were holidaying recently on Langkawi
Island, Malaysia, and have attached a few of our favourite holiday pics

Enjoying the pool!

On the beach!

Nice camera! Beautiful Noor!

Mmmmm...so sweet!

New Leica V-Lux 2

2010-11-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

The Leica V-Lux 2 has just been released in Malaysia and I am now a proud owner of this high spec model.

As you can see by the self satisfied look on my face, I am also a very happy man!

'Surprised by Joy'

2010-10-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

"Surprised by joy -impatient as the wind I turned to share the transport - Oh! with whom But Thee,..." by William Wordsworth

"What are you reading?"

2010-06-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a question that is asked of me from time to time. So, then, what I am I currently reading?

Well, I normally read a number of books at the same time. Also I have a number of papers and magazines which are a part of my daily, weekly or monthly staple diet of reading.

Curently, my reading looks something like this:

Daily: Financial papers 'Malaysian Reserve' and 'Financial Edge Daily'. Rarely read the local papers as they are mainly political rubbish!

Weekly: "Economist" magazine..packed full of international news, business information and other subjects such as science, technology, book reviews and so on. "Weekly Edge" most weeks.

Monthly: "National Geographic", "Digital Photography", "Off the Edge", and "Autocar"

Cuurent book reading can be divided into areas of interest:

Politics: Just finished reading "The End of the Party" by Andrew Rawnsley, a fascinating account of the Blair and Brown Labor Party in the UK.

Religion: "The Inquisition" by Toby Green, a reminder of the dogmatic and authorative nature of religion when it has the upper hand in any society!

Business: "The House of Morgan" by Ron Chernow, a page turner, detailing the history of the family, the personalities and bank of J.B. Morgan; a great insight into early American and international banking and the men involved. A great book! Chernow is a good author.

Philosophy: "An Inquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals" by my old friend David Hume, who helped free us from the idea that morals are only from God, and are really just standards that human beings develop in all societies to enable us to get along with each other...and oursleves!

"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by another old mate, Adam Smith, which I read constantly as it is a part of my research, as well as enjoy, providing a fascinating insight onto human behaviour.

Biography: "The Life of David Hume" by E.C. Mossner, which is the best on Hume's life. Re-reading and enjoying again.

Self Help: "The Success Principles" by Jack Cranfield is always uplifting reading when I need a bit of encouragement or inspiration to keep going in life to achieve.

Love to hear what you are reading!

"It's About Discipline and Direction"

2010-05-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

In his early acting days, Anthony Hopkins made a very important discovery: that the path to success in his career required the two key ingredients of discipline and direction.

Hopkins also made the interesting observation that: "What you choose at any hour or any day is what you are."

Be Sure You Can Deliver!

2010-05-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

A little boy waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store is approached by a man who asks, “Son, can you tell me where the post office is?”

The boy replies “Sure. Just go straight down the street a couple blocks and turn to your right.”

The man thanks the boy and says, “I’m the new pastor in town. I’d like for you to come to church on Sunday. I’ll show you how to go to heaven.”

The boy replies with a chuckle, “Oh, come on! You don’t even know the way to the post office.”

Be Careful How You Use the Bible!

2010-04-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia

(It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian :)

Watch Out, Roger Federer!

2010-04-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

After many years, I took up the racket and enjoyed a game of tennis with my son's wife and the family whilst in Australia recently.

The crowd were on their feet. How could I ignore them!

The defensive backhand, then the crashing forehand!

Winding up for the big serve!

Getting by with a little help from my little friend!

..and back in the winner's circle again!

Sunset Over Coff's Harbour, New South Wales Australia

2010-04-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

As the sun was setting over the harbour, the sky displayed its reddish hues to our delight!

Afternoon Singapore Bound Train at Bahau

2010-03-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

The famous 'jungle' train: the local train that stops all stations from Tumput on the Thailand border to Singapore. The train leaves very early in the morning and arrives in Singapore late in the evening.

The train has been notorious for being late. The last time I travelled on this train, it was 2 hours late. This day, it was running 3 minutes early!

Shots captured with my Leica D-Lux 1.

Notice there were quite a crowd on the station, waiting to take this train.

The driver still had a good sense of humor, even after such a long hot trip!

Notice the use of flags both on the train and platform.

The driver is very careful before leaving the station.

Possibly travelling on the step of the carriage was cooler than inside!

Making its way from the station, through the first level crossing, and heading for Gemas.

Late Afternoon Sky...

2010-03-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Some quite stunning shots of the sun hidden by the later afternoon clouds.

Taken with my Leica V-Lux 1.

Midday KL-Singapore Express Entering Gemas Station

2010-03-17T01:29:00.000-07:00

The midday Singapore bound express snaking its way into Gemas station.

My Lumix G1 with 70-200mm lens captured these shots.

An Interesting Face....

2010-03-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Train Bound for Kuala Lumpur

2010-03-17T00:38:00.000-07:00

The later afternoon express rumbling through Air Kunning crossing, with the sun nicely reflecting on the passing carriages.

Taken with my Lumix G1.

Some Malaysian Railway Friends

2010-03-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Three of my good railway friends who man the Air Kunning level crossing

Later Afternoon Express to Singapore

2010-03-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

Late afternoon express train to Singapore in 2010. Camera used was Lumix G1 with 70-200mm zoom.

Midnight Train to Singapore

2010-03-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Life as a level crossing attendant can be lonely, especially during the long hours of the night.

My Lumix G1 was used to capture these shots.

Trainspotting: Gemas, Malaysia

2010-03-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

These pics were taken over Chinese New Year, at Gemas station with my Leica V-Lux 1. The train in the station is the midday Singapore bound express

Fireworks- Chinese New Year

2010-03-09T23:26:00.001-08:00

Over CNY, I took many shots of fireworks, but this was the best; captured with my Lumix G1 camera.

Sunrise over the city...

2010-01-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

KL skyline, at sunrise...

Teaching MBA in Guangzhou, China

2010-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I was in Guangzhou at the opening of a new MBA class; the first class which I then taught over the weekend.

Most of the participants were successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, so the weekend was very much an interchange of ideas and experiences, laced with some critical examination of theory.

Guangzhou is a thriving city, indicative of the progress of that great country. I was also able to visit several of the universities and witness the massive emphasis the country is placing on teriary education.

'We are what we ...'

2009-11-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

There is an old saying that: 'We are what we eat.'

Eating does affect our health and well-being, but so do other influences.

Genetics have a profound effect on our make up and personality, as well as our tendency to certain illnesses.

How we think and act also greatly influence who we are and how we feel; contributing to our own sense of dignity and happiness.

The choices that we make in life; whether in terms of what we eat and how we act, certainly have a profound effect on who we are, and on our own happiness and those around us.

Nature seems to teach us that the wrong decisions that we make in life may give us short term pleasure but usually long term pain. And the right decisions may require short term effort and pain, but usually result in long term pleasure and gain.

The Qualities Most Useful to Us

2009-11-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

Extract from Adam Smith's 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments'

The qualities most useful to ourselves are, first of all, superior reason and understanding, by which we are capable of discerning the remote consequences of all our actions, and of foreseeing the advantage or detriment which is likely to result from them: and secondly, self–command, by which we are enabled to abstain from present pleasure or to endure present pain, in order to obtain a greater pleasure or to avoid a greater pain in some future time. In the union of those two qualities consists the virtue of prudence, of all the virtues that which is most useful to the individual.

Private Rail in Malaysia

2009-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

'Star' Newspaper Monday November 16, 2009

Waste of funds if KTM can’t compete

KTM, along with the Government, are definitely in the wrong with their first procurement of “new” trains to ply the newly completed section of the RM17bil electrified double track.

It is unbelievable to think that the Government is spending RM30mil to purchase four diesel multiple train sets, which are 20 years old and which several South American countries have managed to purchase for around RM10mil.

But what is even more surprising is that these well-used trains can average only 80kph on a track that was built for 120kph trains, and they are diesel trains running on an electrified line!
To say that the Government has “no money” to buy decent fast trains defeats the whole purpose of the huge expenditure on this project. If KTM cannot, after the completion of double tracking, compete with its main competitors in the bus companies that ply these inter-city routes, then the whole project has been a complete waste of taxpayer funds.

The alternative is to throw the whole industry open to private train services, where private companies would supply their own trains and lease the track from KTM. Express train services between the main cities of Malaysia would be a safe, fast and competitive alternative to existing bus services.

Dr IAN MACKECHNIE,
Kuala Lumpur.

Reflection in a Chair

2009-08-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

Night Scenes in KL City

2009-08-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Some images of night life on a typical Friday evening in Kuala Lumpur city

My Friend Henry

2009-07-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Now children, don't take fright. This is not something from a horror movie or Jurrasic Park. This is a recent picture of my best friend from my school (and post school) days- Henry Pook.

I mentioned Henry in my last blog as my fellow enthusiast in all things photographic. In fact, he was more than that to me; he was my constant friend and companion right through our high school days.

Henry and I lived about 15 kms from each other in towns which were beyond the suburbs of Melbourne. We travelled to school on different school buses, and I always felt so happy to see Henry in the school ground on my arrival. I think our close friendship helped us journey through the social aspects of schooling happily.

Henry and I were like chalk and cheese in our viewpoints on life. He was a strong socialist and I a capitalist. He opposed anything remotely connected with the Americans; I supported. During our school days, the Vietnam war was raging, and every morning, we would read the newspaper and debate endlessly about politics...and religion, history and social issues. I found that Henry could always support his ideas because he read books and magazines. Henry taught me to read! He may not have thought I read the right books, but he taught me this valuable habit.

During school holidays, we would spend our holidays together, hiking and camping...with hours of endless discussion. We took train trips, photographed everything of interest, stayed at each other's homes, visited numerous bookstore-of left and right wing persuations, and generally thought life was pretty good for us.

After high school, Henry went on to university, completing a Master of Arts and also publishing several books. He was a school teacher for a number of years but has now moved into a position of director at one of Melbourne's leading colleges. He is also pursuing his Ph.D. He is married to a delightful lady and has children who have obviously inherited their parent's brains and their mother's looks!

Henry and I met in Kuala Lumpur recently when Henry was over on business. We had such a delightful few hours together, reminising about days gone by. He was the best friend I have ever had, and his many positive characteristics had, and continue to have, a profound effect upon my life.

New Camera

2009-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

During my younger days, my friend, Henry, and I spent many wonderful hours indulging in our favourite hobby- photography.

Now, those were the days when the only film- yes, film, not digital- was black and white, and the only money we had to develop our pics was our 'pocket money' or allowance that we got from our parents, or later on, some part -time work.

But that never dampened our enthusiasm and whereever we went, our cameras were always slung around our necks.

In those days, we struggled to buy a small Kodak camera, then after many months of saving, a second hand camera with a variety of shutter speeds and lens openings. It was only when we started working, that we could afford anything that had adjustable lens and exposure meter. Yes, it all sounds so prehistoric, doesn't it, to this generation!

Our dream was to one day own the best camera in the world- the one that the Queen of England has- a Leica.

Well, to cut a long story short, I just recently purchased my first Leica! I was so excited, I even convinced the agent to give me a Leica shirt! My friend Henry told me a year or so back that he had also purchased a Leica.

How many years did we wait for this fantasy to come true? I also have a fantasy of owning a Rolls-Royce car. But that may have to wait a little longer...!

Never give up your dreams...and never lose the 'child' within you!

Teaching in Vietnam

2009-07-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

During the past few months, I have made several trips to Saigon, in Vietnam, to teach in DBA and MBA classes.

I love Saigon, the city, and the students there are also delightful. They are keen and we experience lots of good interaction, even though we have to use a translator in all classes.

These are students from my last MBA class.

Faces in China

2009-05-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Visit to Baoji, China

2009-05-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

My lastest trip to China last week took me to the lovely city of Baoji, close to the famous Xian. During my visit to this city of about 4 million people, I was a guest of the Baoji Vocational Technology College which has a current enrollment of about 16,000 students. When the college construction is complete, this number will grow to over 30,000 students. The college currently offers 3 year courses in a range of faculties, including English, nursing, engineering, agriculture, and teaching

The campus is quite vast and modern, having just opened in 2007

The college has a rich history, commencing over 100 years ago, and is the result of the amalgamation of 6 colleges which were scattered around the city

The building project is still continuing and their plans are ambitious and exciting

Still more work to do...

Time to take a tour! The attractive lady on my left is my translator, Dong Li, a teacher from the English department

Trying my hand at being a medical doctor! Fortunately, the patient is only a dummy!

I made a new friend who shared with me his weight loss secrets!

The engineering department, with some of the students working on a lathe

My translator invited me to take a couple of her English classes. This was great fun!

And the students were so friendly!

The teaching material used by the college is first rate!

I was part of a group from Malaysia and Hong Kong discussing providing future overseas programs with the college, so there were meetings and much discussion.

The visit was concluded with the signing of an agreement.

Check out their website: http://www.bjvtc.com/

Sunset over Xian

2009-05-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

At the end of my recent trip to China, I was standing in the departure lounge of Xian airport, waiting for boarding, when I noticed a plane pass in my view with the setting sun in the background.

The sky changed colors quickly as the sun began to drop into the horizon, between the trees.

It was a splendid sight.

Setting suns are not only ending to a day, but often are like endings to an experience, a feeling, a desire, or just the hope of a new and even better day.

Mum Left Us- February 2009

2009-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

My final farewell to mum at the graveside; what was I thinking? I was just thinking that she was the most wonderful mother and friend that any son could ever wish to have. I was also thinking what a blessing that she had gone so quickly without any suffering. She had finished her life's journey and now she was resting... A precious moment; never to be relived...

Mum carried Neil and I into the world; we carried her out!

My son spoke with such feeling, yet humour, about his 'granny'. Mum adored Matthew, and he was such a wonderful grandson to her...

The hardest 'last lecture' I ever had to give...

Yet, what an honor to honor one's mother!

Funerals are always 'catching up' times; my brother and I in deep conversation about something...but at least we were together, and we were talking. Distance, in all its meanings, has kept us apart for too long. And mum, lying beside us, would agree....

My Mum's 90th Birthday-June 2008

2009-05-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Mum has left us now. However, thought I'd share what was such a memorial event in her more recent life- her 90th birthday.
Her church friends organized a surprise party.

I love these pics; mum and I enjoying a few moments in conversation. The scarf I was wearing was purchased in Scotland and is the clan colors of my mother- McLean. I wore this scarf just to honor her ancestory. Yes, I am very sentimential at times...

There are moments in our life that are so meaningful and we can never recapture... yet the memory lingers...

Four generations represented here: mum, myself, my son, Matthew (and his lovely wife, Rebecca) and their son, Alexander. Unfortunately my daughter, Miriam, and my brother, Neil, and his wife, Elaine, could not make the party.

Trainspotting in Malaysia

2009-05-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite past times is to chat with gate attendants at the railway level crossing, and watch the KL-Singapore trains.

These guys take their job very seriously, yet enjoy what they are doing!

And here comes the mid day Singapore to KL passenger train

One of my passions...

Something more 'creative'

2009-05-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been 'complaining' about the lack of pics on my blogs; here are a few attempts at some 'creative' photography.

All pics were taken with my Lumix G1 camera.

Firstly, some bottles...

'His and hers'...

Who won the football?

Locks...

Kiss this frog and it may turn into a Prince...or Princess!

Love the brand...

Lamp at dusk...

Clouds, as the sun is setting....

Man's World

2009-05-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was so happy to share a drink and light meal at Man's coffee shop with several of my dear 'old' degree students at YPC- Derrick, the beautiful 'Riddick Sparrow' and the ever delightful- and very skinny- Janna. They were all looking fairly stressed about the presentation of their thesis, however, they were generous with their time to spare me a few minutes for a relaxed chat. Thank you, my friends!

Yes. my blogging has been neglected. I was telling them how I admire their ability to tell such mundane stories about their everyday life in such an engaging and interesting manner, together with lots of pics of people, food, cats, and whatever happ[ens to be around them. What a talent! You are all so brilliant and I am sure you all have such wonderful futures awaiting you.

Death

2009-03-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

On the 23rd February my mum passed away after suffering a massive stroke the day before. With me being in Malaysia and my mum in Melbourne, I was unable to get to the hospital before she died. However, she had only remained conscious for a short time after being admitted so maybe distance did not make a difference.

Mum turned 90 last year and we had a wonderful suprise birthday party for her, with family and all her close friends. She still talked about what a wonderful event it had been. She was a very independent lady right up to the last; living alone in her own house and still driving her car. In fact, she had her stroke whilst driving her car to church! So her life was full and vibrant, right up to the end. What else could one wish for?

It seems like an end of an era in my life. My father died 30 years ago. Mum had spent a third of her life as a widow. I now no longer have a 'home' in Melbourne. But maybe it's time to spend more time with my children who are both in Queensland....

2009...Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my dear friends! Another year..and we are always 2 days into it! No time to lose; carpe diem..."seize the day"!

Over the past few years, I have had a habit of taking time out to plan for the coming year. In fact, this year I have 6 pages of plans and desires to achieve for 2009. Usually I succeed in about 80% of my New Year goals. This year, I am hoping for 100%!

What are some of your goals for the coming year? Love to hear them..I will share some of mine later...

Have an inspiring and successful 2009!

Hearing Clinton....

2008-12-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I went to the KL Convention Centre and join the lucky thoasands who managed to get a ticket to hear former US President, Bill Clinton, speak.

What an impressive man! He arrived late (had been out to Putrajaya to see the PM and got caught in KL traffic - I thought he would have a police escort!) but everyone expects that in Malaysia!. He spoke for 45 minutes and then took 4 questions.

He speaks so well- interesting, engaging, entertaining and with much passion and conviction. Since leaving the presidency, he has been working in his own charitable foundation and doing much good work worldwide, providing medicines for AIDs sufferers and children with life threatening diseases.

A wonderful afternoon and hope to post some pics which I took soon..

Quite Some Time...

2008-12-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry to those who read my blog. But firstly, my computer caught a virus, then work seems to have piled up even though I am not enjoying my Wednesday classes over the exam/ semester break.

This afternoon, I have been fortunate to get a ticket to hear former US President, Bill Clinton speak at a conference here in KL. This is the first time I will have ever seen a US President! Quite thrilled at the prospect.

The closest I have come to political proximy in this country was when I met Dr M wandering around KLCC a couple of years ago. We walked along by the outdoor lake for a few minutes and had a brief chat. Quite spontaneously, I put my arm around him, which obviously his bodyguards were not too too concerned about as I am still alive to tell the story!

World Depression

2008-11-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Maybe we think we have enough of our own problems without having to think about the current 'world depression' which is knocking on our brains.

What has caused all this? Well, the simple answer is that the US government, which has control over the creation of new money, have been printing too many bank bills. This has created a situation of too much cheap money which has been lent, at low interest, to many millions of American homebuyers who actually cannot afford to buy.

Many of these homebuyers have now defaulted on their payments and this has sent shockwaves through the US banking and finance sectors, and other institutions world wide who are linked with the US economy and financial systems. The US economy sneezes and the world catches a cold!

Now the US government is trying to look like the 'white knight' coming to save the system, when they were actually the 'black knight' in the first place!

Confusing isn't it?

Anyone for another cup of coffee?

Race

2008-11-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

In a tutorial class, I always enjoy seeing students moving around the class room helping one another with the assignment task. But what really delights my heart is seeing students from the different races helping, chatting, laughing and working together.

What is race anyway? It is mainly a pure accident of geography and history. Science has proved that many millions of years ago, the human race developed in the African region and by several migrations, spread to different regions of the world. The earliest migration seems to have gone from Africa, through southern Indian with some moving into Australia. Other migrations headed towards what is now the European region, and others into the regions of Russia, China and through to the Americans. Extensive DNA testing have confirmed these patterns of migration.

So, what is race? Events in history combined with the influences of local geography, weather and other factors which have resulted in the peoples of the world- all a part of the one human race- with slight differences in appearance, language and cultural artefacts.

But Shakespeare reminds us of our 'oneness', in one of his famous plays: 'The Merchant of Venice', when some Christian businessmen were taunting the Jewish moneychanger, who responded with those memorial words:

' I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs. dimensions, senses, affections, passions, feed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and coled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?'

We are all one race...

Coffee

2008-11-12T00:55:00.000-08:00

What wonderful experiences we can enjoy over a cup of coffee! And what nice people with whom we can also share that cup of coffee! And what wonderful people there are who invite us to share coffee with them; entering their space and sharing their friendships and moments of relaxion.

Thanks, guys, for the coffee (and lunch) today. Your friendship and generosity of spirit is much appreciated. And thanks also, gals, for the interesting snippets of conversation we enjoyed... You are all such a special bunch!

Teaching

2008-11-10T23:19:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, I have a full day's teaching at Kolej Teknologi YPC.

Why do I teach? Well, it is a very pleasant way to earn an income. But maybe sitting at a desk, working for some corporation may be more relaxing! Yes, maybe, but teaching is a passion for me; I love to teach!

Firstly, I love what I teach. All learning is a passion and has a fascination for me, but the teaching of business engages us in the commercial world through which human have progressed out of the trees and jungles and into a level of comfort that no one ever imagined. Capitalism and a free market economy that practices modern business practices, that focuses on the needs of customers and provides entrepreneurs and business people with the freedom to serve the needs of consumers is the greatest economic and business system devised by humanity. And I am proud to teach about it!

Secondly, and just as importantly, I love students. I have been one all my life, and still am. Every student is an individual and ever individual is so interesting and has such enormous potential. And their potential is so much greater when they are young. How wonderful to be able to mix with them and teach them!

And thirdly, teaching is about learning. Learning more about what I teach, and learning more about those whom I teach. They have so much to teach me. I love youth. I love what youth should represent; new ideas, creativity, optimism, love, trust, vigor, ambition, striving and hope for the future...

Roll on, Wednesday...

First Post

2008-11-10T02:12:00.000-08:00

Inspired by several of my students at Kolej Teknologi YPC, I have decided to join what looks to be the exciting world of blogging!

I am not sure whther I will be able to share with you my headaches or my heartaches, but maybe something of the things I do, the thoughts I think, the feelings I have, and the books that I read. Maybe I can share with you some of the mistakes I have made in life; lost opportunities, and maybe,ways to energise and give focus and purpose to your life.

My blog title 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness' is a summary of my life philosophy. Live everyday to the full; liberty, to be free to live as human beings and think the thoughts and do the things we wish, and the pursuit of happiness; the goal of everone in life!

Life is such a wonderful adventure. I hope we can share it together through this blog!