Greenpeace in Southeast Asia

One of the radio stations I love to tune to whenever I get the chance (especially when I'm in KL) is the BusinessFM, famously known as BFM 89.9. Today, I just missed out one of the most interesting radio interview featured on the Breakfast Grille (brought to you by CIMB Group), which was an interview with Greenpeace International Campaign Director Shailendra Yashwant. In the interview, Shailendra elaborates on legal actions taken on the individuals and the organization, funding Greenpeace, issues on governmental relations, its' role in Southeast Asia, sustainable development, climate change and of course, going through the accomplishments the Greenpeace has achieved.

Listen to the podcast which you can get from this link on BFM 89.9 titled , "Saving the World Step by Step, Inch by Inch" and you can tune to the podcast here.

Just to make it clear and I quote from Mr. Shailendra Yashwant, "Greenpeace is not an anti-palm oil industry organization."

Unfortunately, I won't get to be home for Christmas

Before I start, yes, I do notice that it has been almost a year since I last updated this blog.

Why?

All I can say is that I do have the tendency to get carried away with work, and although I'm currently working as a part time debate coach with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, I decided to take this opportunity to write what's been bothering me.

Having to grow up in the Philippines since I was 8 years old, I'll never forget how Christmas was like back in `90s. From learning the phrase Maligayang Pasko to learning to play Christmas carols on the trombone and tuba (for my school symphony concert), there's no where else I want to be for Christmas other than the Philippines.

At the same time, my situation isn't that worst. I mean, there are those people who are literally away on this joyful occasion. So to those who misses celebrating Christmas like the good ol' days, or will be missing Christmas due to any reason, I dedicate this song video, Rascal Flatts' "I'll Be Home For Christmas" to all of you. Happy Holidays!

"Jingle Shell"

"Jingle Shell"

by Azimi Azmin, Co-Founder of Help Our Penyu (HOPE)

*just tune to the lyrics of Jingle Bell song*

Surfing through the corals,

On a gigantic open wave,

Through the splash and all,

Enjoying all the way,

Anemones waving by,

The clownfish come out of hide,

How sweet the beach life is like,

As we sing this song with pride.

Owh, jingle shell, jingle shell.

Jingling all the way!

Oh, how awesome it is to swim,

On a wave through thick and thin.

Jingle shell, jingle shell.

Jingling all the way!

Oh, how awesome it is to swim,

On a wave through thick and thin.

As I recall last year,

The waves weren't so tough.

Surfing with not much fear,

I didn't enjoy the rough.

Then when I think twice,

I shouldn't find this so strange.

With all the melted ice,

It's the sign of climate change.

Owh, jingle shell, jingle shell.

Jingling all the way!

Oh, how awesome it is to swim,

On a wave through thick and thin.

Jingle shell, jingle shell.

Jingling all the way!

Oh, how awesome it is to swim,

On a wave through thick and thin.

What I finally realized in the 34th week of 2009..

I know I haven't been updating my blog, so I'm just gonna do so in with a KISS, as in "keep it short and sweet."

Among the responsibilities of my job as a Daily Paid Assistant over here in WWF-Malaysia in the Observer Programme of Peninsular Malaysia Seas Project, here are of the following:

• go on to the fishermen boat and record data as in their catch and whether a turtle is caught entangled in their nets;
• assist my supervisor, Mr. Ernest Chiam, on his work duties;
• and to write the Turtle Bycatch Report in Melaka.

When I came here, I assumed that my supervisor would know exactly what he wants to do with the report. However, as time progress, my suspicion of him not knowing how to write a scientific paper got more obvious. The real tip-off was when I asked him about what to include in the 'Abstract' section. I really wish he had told me from the very beginning that he lacks in skills of writing a proper scientific paper so that I can carry out the Observer Programme on my own. As a scientist, one depends heavily on the data to make further analysis before passing any judgement. Although, I do sympathize that my supervisor is currently undergoing a lot of stress from work and on other matters as well. So I am thankful to him that he has helped me out at my time of need (like how I have been waiting for the past 3 weeks just to get my salary for the month July).

Anyway, so that's my life at the moment. I hope I get to blog on other marine related issues, but that would have to wait until I have more free time. Also, I would like to wish to all my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters a Happy Ramadan, and may they enjoy their time fasting. (",)