330. GOODBYE 2010 HELLO 2011

Catatan: muzill.mansor

Setiap tahun 31 Disember lah hari yang paling sibuk selesaikan urusan syarikat dan urusan sendiri. Tetapi kali ini semua urusan kena dicepatkan satu hari pasal cuti Dato’ Najib bagi kerana Malaysia menang Piala AFF Suzuki.

Tahniah pasukan Malaysia. Baguslah sebab bolasepak Malaysia pun dah lama malap. Sesekali menang takkan salah nak raya sakan…

Apa pun hari Khamis saya ligat pusing keliling Bandar selesaikan banyak benda.

Agenda pertama ke Pejabat Agama Islam Negeri Perak di kompleks Islam. Bayar zakat, barulah rezeki jadi berkat.

Dari situ ke Pejabat Socso, bergegas pulak ke bank bayar ansuran dan terus ke pejabat KWSP bayar caruman bulanan.

Senang bila semua bayaran dan caruman dikemaskini dan tak ada tunggakan lagi.

Masih ada masa ke pejabat penasihat pelaburan, jenguk sekejap semak portfolio pelaburan dan ambik cek jualan saham. Lega sungguh bila saham-saham dalam portfolio dah bernafas semula dan boleh diurusniaga seminggu dua nie. Best giler bila kaunter yang baru beli, regenya dah mula naik tinggi. Thank you Auntie... Syukur...dah boleh pasang angan-angan buat projek baru tahun depan.

Singgah kejap kat kedai kain. Sambar sekeping dua kain nak buat baju Melayu. Spare untuk tahun 2011. Mana tau ada aktiviti macam sambutan Maulidurrasul atau satu dua aktiviti yang sewaktu dengannya…

Senang hati bila banyak kerja beres menjelang tengahari. Masih ada masa untuk buat posting jam cantik kat blog LT dan peruntuk masa di waktu malam buat yang tersayang.

Jumaat ada Pertandingan Paintball NPOC kat Sungai Petani lepas solat Jumaat. Pegi jangan tak pegi. Seronok sangat jumpa rakan-rakan sepasukan termasuk coach. Lama sungguh tak main dalam pertandingan sejak pulih daripada sakit.

Tahun 2010 memang best. Walau pun ada satu dua insiden kurang selesa seperti kena demam denggi berdarah tapi lagi banyak peristiwa gembira. Syukurlah pada Yang Maha Esa atas bertambahnya rezeki dan kurniaan yang paling berharga.

Tahun 2010 tinggal beberapa minit untuk berlalu pergi…pergi dengan sejuta ingatan, kenangan dan susulan.

Terima kasih semua…

SELAMAT TINGGAL 2010 dan SELAMAT DATANG 2011.

Semoga kita semua menjadi manusia yang lebih bertaqwa dan berguna.

Assalammu ‘alaikum…

329. The Magnificent Rolex Explorer II

By muzill.mansor

My focus with Rolex Explorer I and Explorer II was more or less zoomed in after a few friends began inquiring about Rolex Explorer I.

Looking through the inventory, a unit of Explorer I and two units of Explorer II are available for retail. Hence the posting on @LT Watch Gallery a few days back. The responses on the postings especially on the Explorer I were exhilarating.

Thank you so much.

An excerpt on the Rolex Explorer II as extracted from http://www.secondtimeround.com was reproduced below for the benefit of Rolex explorers lovers and enthusiasts.

The History of Explorer II

Introduced in the early 1970's as model 1655, it is in essence a GMT Master with a fixed bezel. It has the same calibre movement as the GMT (1575) and has a forth hand which rotates once every 24 hours. This hand was read using the 24 hour engraved steel fixed bezel.

Rolex introduced the watch as an essential tool to all 'speleologists' (more commonly known as 'cave explorers' ).

Rolex also claimed that the speleologist "soon loses all notion of time: morning, afternoon day or night." For these intrepid souls Rolex developed the watch that could tell them whether the "2" on the dial was 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. (14:00). This may well be true, but there are other things with a higher demand than speleologists. The limited popularity that it had was because of people in the aviation field, air traffic controllers, etc.

In its life the watch for the first 3 years had an orange hand, and up until 1985 it had a red one. The 1655 Explorer II and the 1019 Milgauss are the only Rolex Models which use hands that are not used by any other model.

The Explorer II 1655 was not really popular until 1991, five years after it was re-launched with a sapphire glass and the same movement as the GMT Master II. This allowed the owner of the watch to set the hour hand backwards or forwards in one hour jumps without disturbing the second or minute hands. This facility allowed the owner to change time zones without losing a preset accurate time.

The Legacy of the Explorer is a long and interesting one and will just continue.

328. THE OLD BATTERED WATCH WARRIOR…

This face belongs to Yew Cheong, the friendly watch seller and watch doctor. The wrinkles and the eye bags registered on the face signify the years in time that has passed by him. The face of a man who makes his living selling wrist watches, wall clocks and alarm clocks in a small shop tucked in between a jewellery shop and the many fruit outlets along the main road of Bidor.

Bidor, a little town near Tapah in the district of Batang Padang, Perak is famous for its crunchy guavas and succulent mangoes. Bidor is also the place in those days for cheap petais sold by the Orang Asli.

Yew Cheong has been involved in the watch business for more than 50 years. Starting his trade in the old Hugh Low Street, Ipoh, he then moved on to Bidor in the fifties where he opened his watch shop and stays put till now. Besides selling watches and clocks, he also provides repair and maintenance services. At time he also buys pre-owned and vintage pieces as a community service.

I had the opportunity to get acquainted to this marvelous man years ago when I frequented the town while managing my development projects.

Stopping by at his shop for short chats on watches while surveying for vintage watches owners dumped at his shop was a regular routine then. The first purchase made from him was a wall clock. Followed by a few quality buys including Pagols, Rados, Orient and Seikos secured at decent prices.

Watch owners from as far Teluk Intan and Kampar dropped by his shop to trade-in old watches in exchange for some new fancy pieces.

Some owners hard pressed for cash departed with their watches including some sentimental units.

Yew Cheong never turned away owners no matter how battered the watches might be because he knew the owners were cash desperate. I guessed his long association with the Bidor put him in good stead to really know his community and picked the right people to help.

It has been a while since I last saw him. On the way from a project nearby, I decided to pay him a visit yesterday. The old man looked excited to see me. Nothing much has changed. The old cheap stock of watches and clocks are still there. Some vintage wall clocks sent for repairs some time back are still visible at the back of the shop, an indication that perhaps work are falling back.

Upon my enquiring, Yew Cheong lamented that after half a century maybe it is time to hang up the tools. He said at 70 years plus, the body is aching, the hands are trembling and the failing eyes can take no more.

Yet when talking about old watches, his eyes lit up again while showing me a traded piece of Longines quartz with the fading words "KHIDMAT SETIA 1989" scripted at the case back. He insisted on me taking the watch at the same price he paid to the original owner desperate for cash. I just obliged…

Even at this advanced age, he is still serving his community as the watch doctor, seller and financier with a smile.

He sure knows how to restore watches and put life back to old vintage watches but whom does he turn to during this advanced age of his aching body, trembling hands and failing eyes…

327. BACALAH…

Oleh: Muzill.mansor

Sempat singgah di sebuah kedai buku di Kinta City untuk membeli beberapa buku. Ramai bebudak tekun baca buku walaupun terpaksa duduk kat lantai.

Ada yang memilih untuk membaca sambil berdiri. Seronok giler tengok deme tekun baca.Tak kiralah buku apa yang dibaca asalkan ada hobi membaca.

Lagi seronok tengok kedai penuh orang menunjukkan rakyat Malaysia sukakan ilmu.

Teringat waktu kecil dulu, ayah selalu gak bawa kami empat beradik lepak kat kedai buku. Ayah cari buku novel dengan buku ilmiah, kami melilau cari komik. Macam-macam jenis komik kami baca. Suka tengok lukisan, suka juga ikut jalan cerita. Adik-beradik pakat-pakat jimat wang saku supaya boleh beli banyak jenis komik. Cuma bila banyak komik nak beli kena minta ayah tambah sebab fulus memang selalu tak cukup. Sudahnya mana komik yang kami suka macam GILA-GILA, ayah terus langgan saja setiap bulan.

Ayah tak kisah kami baca komik sebab kata dia, masa sekolah dulu pun dia suka baca majalah dan komik. MAD magazine, Kid Carson, Tarzan, Billy The Kid, Beano dan Dandy kira favourite dia lah. Kata ayah, Tok Wan bagi duit untuk langgan majalah mana yang suka. Tradisi baca Beano dan Dandy kira kami teruskan je lah.

Ayah cakap komik adalah karya seni halus, sumber ilmu dan inspirasi. Hanya orang-orang hebat dan tajam pemikiran macam Dato’ LAT, sahabat kami yang mampu melakarkan watak-watak kehidupan sebagai cerminan hidup dalam bentuk kartun.

Sampai sekarang koleksi kami, komik Melayu, Cina dan Jepun termasuk Dragon Ball dan Budak Getah tersusun rapi kat rumah.

Yang bestnya sekarang bila sepupu-sepupu datang rumah, cabinet tempat simpan komik lah jadi tumpuan sampai kekadang tak mau balik selagi komik-komik belum selesai dibaca...

Dah besar ni, kira dah graduate ke novel-novel berat tapi komik mana boleh tinggal.

Amalan membaca ni kena pupuk daripada usia muda supaya jadi satu tabiat. Rakyat yang rajin membaca adalah rakyat berilmu. Nak jadi pemimpin pun kena rajin membaca, baru peka.

Kalaulah semua kedai buku macam Borders yang sediakan ruang membaca yang selesa… tentu lebih syok lepak kat kedai buku.

326. A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR THE NEW YEAR…

By: muzill.mansor

The Hijriah year of 1432 is just three days old. Still not too late to wish ma’al hijriah to all Muslim friends all over the world.

Late last year a good friend of mine, an ex-banker handed over what looked like a battered worn out watch with specific instruction to put life back into the watch. He said the watch, a present from a friend was among his favorite just like his Tag Heuer Link. Unfortunately when it stopped running, it was left idling in the drawer.

I was caught up with quite a number of events and festivities especially kenduris, company’s and club commitments to give the watch a second look.

Luckily the mid-week break gave me a breather.

Took the opportunity during the breather to drop by my watch clinic to have the watch examined.

It was a simple task of resuscitation, swift makeover and light polishing at the cost of a few dimes.

To Reza, here’s your Tonino Lamborghini with a new strap, shining and running.

Indeed it is a case of a new lease of life for a new year...

325. PERAK LOST LIVING HERITAGE

A friend of mine, Pak Peter forwarded this e-flyer and requested for the event to be promoted. I took the liberty to paste it on this blog for public viewing.

Please make a date for this event.

324. FROM US IN KELEDANG…TO YOU THE KIDS OF THE FUTURE

It started from observations and conversations among members and familie during the recent Ramadhan breaking fast ceremony at a few orphanages. There seemed to be a common character among the residents of these orphanages viz, timid, low esteem and lack of self confidence.

These observations made through the trained eyes of a medical specialist in the form of none other than our club President, Dr Hj Zakaria and concurred by many other members and families who felt obliged to address the matter in the best possible manner.

Hence, the idea to conduct a motivational course was mooted and Dato' Azmi, the Head of the club's Welfare Bureau was tasked to formulate a motivational course plan including identifying the suitable age group, ideal training location and reasonable budget.

Kem Dato' Sagor, a training centre in Kampung Gajah which Dato' Azmi was very familiar was identified as the right location within the reasonable prescribed budget.

Once, the motivational course module was place in proper perspective, the task of fine tuning and identifying the candidates was handed over to the club's Education Bureau to set the motion. Dr hj Murshid, the Head of the Education Bureau must be commended for his relentless effort in pursuing the orphanages to send the right numbers of participants.

One hundred students who are residents of ten orphanages age ranging from 14 to 16 years old were targetted to attend a full boarding three-day course on character building, motivation and career guidance.

Facilitators from the camp, universities, corporate leaders and professionals among club members were roped in to conduct the course.

On Friday, The 12 NOVEMBER 2010 afternoon, 83 participants turned up at the camp. Regrettably a few participants could not make it due to several reasons including transportation. Registration went on smoothly.

The ice breaking session that followed was interesting despite most participants were new to each other.

After tea, they adjourned to their separate assigned dormitories for a good bath and break before dinner.

Ustaz Amir from Sek Men Lambor Kiri who acted as the Imam for the Maghrib prayers gave a kuliah in between the Maghrib and Isyak prayers.

The official opening ceremony that followed the Isyak prayers was conducted by our club President, Dr hj Zakaria who whizzed his way from Ipoh I less than one hour. It was short but very meaningful. This is the first time in the club's 33 years history that such a course specially designed for residents of orphanages in Perak was ever conducted. Credit must be given to the President who envisages such a noble project.

A short paper was presented after the opening ceremony.

It was a long and hard day of listening endurance for the participants and they were release at 11.00 p.m for a decent rest.

Day two on Saturday started as early as 5.30 a.m for the Subuh prayers and a short tazkirah followed by a good healthy breakfast.

Back to the dormitory for a change in uniform suitable by morning drill at the field. A good exercise is always good for the body. Under the command of able instructors, the participants were taken through various rigorous routine to ensure that they are alert and at attention during the talks.

The session that followed was an eye opener.

It was heartening to see the participants reacted warmly to the 'heart to heart' session conducted by Pn Hjh Ainul, the wife Sdr hj Sazali, one of our former presidents.

Sdr Tan Sri Ahmad Azizuddin took over the afternoon session. As a Merdeka veteran, Tan Sri is the most appropriate person to take the participants through the memory lane of independence, the sacrifices and the true meaning of merdeka.

Tan Sri and Puan Sri must have been very pleased with the program and the response to warrant them to give raya to each participant.

Our club member Sdr Cikgu Hj Zabidi, a true educationist made his contribution by following up the Tan Sri's merdeka spirit.

Saturday night was reserved for career talk on various professions ranging from medical, architecture, engineering and accountancy.

Sdr Dr hj Zakaria, our club President who is a renowned neurologist took about half an hour to give an overview on the medical profession. His academic success was built on blood, sweat and tears. A true kampong boy who rose from poverty and a very supportive mother who toiled the morning suns and broke the evening lights to see her kids achieved excellence in life.

Datin Fairuz Hassan 'Adli was tasked to brief on the legal profession. She handled her session with poised and grace. The motherly tone adopted by her charmed the participants.

Our 2002 club President, Sdr Hj Sazali, an established architect in Ipoh came in next shedding some sparks on the architectural profession. Judging from the response, some participants seemed to pay attention.

By the time Ir Khairul Anwar, the immediate past President who is a civil engineering consultant took over the mike it was already 10.50 p.m. In the simplest language possible, he explained the intriguing world of engineering and how our lives are affected.

The last speaker, Dato' hj Mansor Ahmad, the 2000 club President and a chartered accountant with 33 years experience was given the task of explaining the accountancy profession. The time on the wall clock was 11.10 p.m. It was normally bedtime for the participants. Most of the participants in the hall were already half awake.

Observing the situation, he opted to simplify the presentation on accountancy profession through the character of a duck i.e a Peking duck or a Cherry Valley.

The duck was dissected into various components and products generating tremendous potential income for accountants to count. Slowly and surely then the hall came alive again…at least for the next 20 minutes giving enough time for a good wrapping up. Through the duck, the work of an accountant was given a light overview.

Well, we didn't expect them to understand much anyway. The objective was just to give an insight or an overview into the various professions so as to provide a guiding light into the future.

Sunday, the 14th November 2010, the last day was reserved for Dato' LAT's session. IN his usual relax manner, LAT took the boys down his memory lane in explaining that a career in cartooning is possible provided one is willing to work hard, has sharp observation and sincerity in the heart.

It was a long and tiring three day session for participants, the Dato' Sagor's facilitators and the club.

Thanking every single one who contribute towards the success of the program, the club President performed the closing ceremony just before lunch.

Summing up, the motivational program for the students from the orphanages was worth the efforts, the money, the time and resources.

The spirit of KELEDANG shone like a beacon through the program for it was the combine effort of every single member of Keledang family that pulled us through.

WELL DONE KELEDANG, WELL DONE KEM DATO" SAGOR…WELL DONE KIDS.