Some Information of National Zoo of Malaysia

ZOO NEGARA – A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

THE HUMBLE BEGINNING ~ MR V.M. HUTSON’S 5-ACRE GARDEN

Zoos are found in almost every country and a year after its independence in 1957, Malaya too needed a National Zoo. During the annual exhibition of the Malayan Agri-Horticultural Association (MAHA), the people of Malaya have shown great interest in caged animals on show at the exhibition. Mr. V.M. Hutson (later Tan Sri) Committee Member of MAHA, was responsible for the miniature zoo set-up at the exhibition. There was no doubt that Malayans enjoyed the miniature zoos and through the local press, they voiced their wish for a more permanent showcase of animals. Many of the animals that were exhibited at the annual MAHA exhibition were kept temporary at Mr. V.M. Hutson’s 5-acre garden at the Bangsar Estate (now Damansara). In the collection was an Indo-Chinese Tiger named Nikky, three Orang Utans called Jacko, Suzan and Jane together with six Estuarine Crocodiles and many others. Who would have thought that these animals would be the nucleus collection for Malaya’s National Zoo?

“BIRTH” OF NATIONAL ZOO ~ (ZOO NEGARA)

In September 1958, on the initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources, a number of representatives of Government departments, relevant societies and interested individuals along with Mr. V.M. Hutson met and held preliminary discussions. A working party under the chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources was set up to examine the proposal to establish a National Zoo for the Federation of Malaya and to recommend a detailed and practical development plan to the Minister of Natural Resources. The discussions and investigations were based on the assumption that the Government would be unable to support the project with a substantial sum of money; but it was hoped that it would assist and support the zoo in other ways; by the exemption of taxes and entertainment duties, for instance, and possibly with a small annual subvention. Subsequently all these were granted by the State and Federal Governments. The working party eventually recommended that a Zoological Society should be set-up to finance and administer the zoo which, in early stages, was to be a small area with animals in conventional cages. If enough capital accrued from this and possible gifts, the Society would embark on a more ambitious scheme on a permanent site with ‘Whipsnade’ type enclosures.

For further info, pls visit http://www.zoonegara.org.my/

Digital Signage

Research studies found 48% of people read moving signs while just 17% read the static signage.

Digital Signage is essentially a network of displays used to present dynamic information which is centrally managed from a server equipped with content management software. Other important components include a broadband network solution and services.

From eye-catching advertisements and in-store promotions, to news and announcements and up-to-the-minute timetables and schedules, such systems have enabled :

1. Government and educational institutions to share and distribute information and messages more effectively;

2. The hospitality industry to automatically switch out menus, room assignments, events, directions and more;

3. Financial institutions to provide real-time and on-demand communications;

4. Healthcare providers to inform, entertain and help their patients and visitors;

5. Manufacturers to improve internal communication and boost performance and teamwork.

Go Green = White Solution

The Public Works Research Institute in Japan has experimented with paints with such pigments applied to conventional asphalt surfaces. They made a road that reflects 86% of infrared light, which helps keep the surface cool, yet reflects just 23% of visible light, to keep down glare.

There are other benefifs too. Computer simulations of Los Angeles show that resurfacing about two-thirds ofroads and rooftop with reflective surfaces, as well as planting more trees, could cool the city by 2-3 degree C.That will reduce LA smog as much as total ban on cars and lorries, and cooler roofs could also save a fortune in electricity bills.

Go On, Paint Your Town White.

History of Candles

Candles have cast a light on man's progress for centuries. However, there is very little known about the origin of candles. Although it is often written that the first candles were developed by the Ancient Egyptians who used rushlights, or torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten tallow, the rushlights had no wick like a candle. It is the Romans who are credited with developing the wick candle, using it to aid travelers at dark, and lighting homes and places of worship at night.

Like the early Egyptians, the Roman's relied on tallow, gathered from cattle or sheep suet, as the principal ingredient of candles. It was not until the Middle Ages when beeswax, a substance secreted by honey bees to make their honeycombs, was introduced. Beeswax candles were a marked improvement over those made with tallow, for they did not produce a smoky flame, or emit an acrid odor when burned. Instead, beeswax candles burned pure and clean. However, they were expensive, and, therefore, only the wealthy could afford them.

Colonial women offered America's first contribution to candlemaking when they discovered that boiling the grayish green berries of bayberry bushes produced a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. However, extracting the wax from the bayberries was extremely tedious. As a result, the popularity of bayberry candles soon diminished.

The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century brought the first major change in candlemaking since the Middle Ages, when spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil, became available in quantity. Like beeswax, the spermaceti wax did not elicit a repugnant odor when burned. Furthermore, spermaceti wax was found harder than both tallow and beeswax. It did not soften or bend in the summer heat. Historians note that the first "standard candles" were made from spermaceti wax.

It was during the 19th century when most major developments affecting contemporary candlemaking occurred. In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan introduced a machine which allowed continuous production of molded candles by the use of a cylinder which featured a movable piston that ejected candles as they solidified.

Further developments in candlemaking occurred in 1850 with the production of paraffin wax made from oil and coal shales. Processed by distilling the residues left after crude petroleum was refined, the bluish-white wax was found to burn cleanly, and with no unpleasant odor. Of greatest significance was its cost - paraffin wax was more economical to produce than any preceding candle fuel developed. And while paraffin's low melting point may have posed a threat to its popularity, the discovery of stearic acid solved this problem. Hard and durable, stearic acid was being produced in quantity by the end of the 19th century. By this period, most candles being manufactured consisted of paraffin and stearic acid.

With the introduction of the light bulb in 1879, candlemaking declined until the turn of the century when a renewed popularity for candles emerged.

Candle manufacturing was further enhanced during the first half of the 20th century through the growth of U.S. oil and meatpacking industries. With the increase of crude oil and meat production, also came an increase in the by-products that are the basic ingredients of contemporary candles paraffin and stearic acid.

No longer man's major source of light, candles continue to grow in popularity and use. Today, candles symbolize celebration, mark romance, define ceremony, and accent decor — continuing to cast a warm glow for all to enjoy.

Peking University

The Imperial University of Peking started from its early beginnings at the Red Building in downtown Beijing in 1898, with less than a hundred students and a single location.

It was in 1912, following the Revolution of 1911, that the University adopted its present name, Peking University.

As the successor of the supreme imperial college and precursor of modern Chinese universities, Peking University stood at the center of China's New Culture Movement, formed as the cradle of the May 4th Movement, which advocated democracy and science in China in the early 1900's. It was also a pioneer in enrolling women students in 1920.

Now, the University has grown to four campus, the main in Beijing covering 2.7 square kilometers, Beijing Health Science Center (formerly known as Beijing Medical University) incorporated in year 2000), Chang Ping Academic Research Center and Shenzen Graduate School. The University currently has about 36,000 students.

Something New for Youth in Hong Kong Disney

Groups Ticket Packages How to Apply Instrumental, Choral and Dance groups are welcome to audition for this exciting performing opportunity.

Instrumental Groups
Fifteen (15) or more concert band, orchestra, or jazz performers showcase their talents throughout Hong Kong Disneyland, with marching bands performing on Main Street, U.S.A.

Choral Groups
Fifteen (15) or more concert or jazz performers.

Dance Groups
Fifteen (15) or more dancers. Discover the benefits of having your group audition for the exciting performance opportunity at Hong Kong Disneyland. Download ticket information now.

Participants in Disney Magic Music Days are offered a reduced rate on ticket pricing at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Disney Magic Music Days Packages include:
One day admission to Hong Kong Disneyland
One Disney Magic Music Days Performance
Certificate of Participation for each student
STEP 1. Send in your audition materials along with a completed Disney Magic Music Days Performance Application at least SIX WEEKS in advance of desired performance dates. AuditionTips Application Form – for Hong Kong Application Form – for Overseas
STEP 2. Complete a Disney Magic Music Days Ticket Order Form. Once a Disney Stage Manager has confirmed acceptance of your Disney Magic Music Days Performance Application, Ticket Order Forms will be sent to you. These packages are designed to honor your performing group with the most rewarding Theme Park values anywhere.

STEP 3. Enjoy the Performance of a Lifetime Questions?
Email: youthprograms@hongkongdisneyland.com

Japan Shinkansen

This is the second visit 2 Japan since the virgin Japan Disney Land visiting somewhere 2 years ago. If not mistaken only a few hours journey by Shinkansen on that holiday trip. Recent visit is a working trip, travelling across few provinces like Tokyo, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Yokohama, Hiroshima and Tottori, Shinkansen made the 70% involvement.

What it means by Shinkansen? That’s Bullet Train.

With a 28,300 yen seasonal ticket or JR(Japan Railway) Pass spending, it enable me a week riding, I find that Japan truly makes the rest of the world look pathetic when it comes to Shinkansen.

I told my Malaysian friends by email, most of them thought that it seems that Japan owned one Bullet Train, its more than 50 at this moment, a now introducing Shinkansen 700 Series with nearly hit 400 km/hr .

No joke, no delay, no worry of seats (some two ties, double floors), no smoking, no doubt to get drinks, no dirty toilets, no shaking (without king kong sound), no hesitation…joint me, that’s a genuine wonder of Japan besides 25th Anniversary of Japan Disney Land.