The Yamaha RXZ 135cc holds a profound sentimental value for me. It was the first ‘big’ motorcycle my late father ever bought for me, a significant step up from the smaller bikes I’d ridden before. This two-stroke machine, with its manual clutch, became my daily companion, transporting me to work and my grandmother’s house. Image source: Wikipedia / lanxism
Read More »Motoring 101: The Yamaha RXZ: A 2-Stroke Legend That Still Rules
Mount Kailash, a majestic peak in the Himalayas, is immense spiritually significant to four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Its imposing presence, coupled with its unique pyramidal shape, has captivated pilgrims and adventurers for centuries. Image source: I, Ondřej Žváček / Wikipedia
Read More »Religion 101: The Allure of Mount Kailash: Myth, Mystery, and Majesty
The Lahad Datu intrusion began in February 2013 when 235 militants from the self-proclaimed Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo landed in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. Their objective was to assert the territorial claim of the Sultanate of Sulu over eastern Sabah. The standoff escalated into a violent conflict, resulting in a decisive response from the Malaysian military and police. Throughout the operation, 68 militants were killed, and the remaining insurgents were either captured or repelled. Image source: Lelarentaka
Read More »History 101: The 2013 Lahad Datu Intrusion: A Detailed Account of Events
Greenpeace was founded in 1971 by activists who sailed to Amchitka Island, Alaska to protest nuclear testing. Their actions sparked a movement that has since grown into a global organization with offices in over 55 countries. The organization uses non-violent direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions essential to a green and peaceful future. Image source: Greenpeace
Read More »Nature 101: The Iconic Greenpeace’s History, Events, and Famous Ships
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta police vehicles holds a special place in the history of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), marking a period in the 1970s when this Italian vehicle was part of the law enforcement fleet. Known for its balanced weight distribution and impressive handling due to its rear de Dion transaxle, the Alfetta was a notable departure from the typical police cars of the time. It featured a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, capable of delivering 130 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, which was quite formidable during that era. Image source: Auto Buzz
Read More »Motoring 101: Police Vehicles – The Rich Evolution & The Future
In the 1950s, Batu Caves was already a significant site for the Tamil Hindu community in Malaysia, with the annual Thaipusam festival being celebrated since the late 19th century. The caves, with their stunning natural limestone formations, had been a place of worship and pilgrimage for decades. During this time, the area surrounding Batu Caves began to develop, although it was not as built up as it is today. The iconic Murugan statue that now stands at the entrance had not yet been constructed; it would become a later addition that further solidified the caves’ status as a religious landmark. Image source: Astro Ulagam
The Brihadisvara Temple, a remarkable example of Chola architecture, stands majestically in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the 11th century by the great Chola emperor Rajaraja I, it is adorned with Tamil language inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the period’s history, culture, and art. These inscriptions, etched in elegant calligraphy, are not just historical records but also a testament to the temple’s significance as a center of religious and social life during the Chola dynasty. Image source: Britannica
Read More »Language 101: Tamil Language: The Powerful Voice of an Ancient Civilization
Car museums serve as treasured sanctuaries for those who have a deep appreciation for vintage automobiles, offering a glimpse into the automotive past through vehicles meticulously preserved and restored to their former glory. Nestled within the Sepang Formula One circuit, Malaysia‘s car museum, although modest in size compared to its American and European counterparts, stands as a testament to the nation’s growing automotive heritage. Photo by Jose Mueses
Read More »History 101: Exploring the World’s Most Famous Old Car Museums
The current military truck with the Malaysian Armed Forces, the HICOM Handalan truck series was developed by DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DefTech) in collaboration with Isuzu and comes in several variants. The first variant, Handalan I, was powered by an Isuzu 6HE1 diesel engine, delivering 180 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission and configured for a 4×4 drive. The third generation, Handalan III, introduced in 2012, uses Tata diesel engines with an output of 230 horsepower. As for the number in service, the Malaysian Army currently operates 2,260 units with an additional 414 on order. Image source: Wikipedia/AstropythonRead More »Military 101: Military Trucks Exposed: The Unsung Heroes of World War II
A screenshot from the 2014 American action-horror-thriller, Jinn that delves into the mythological concept of jinn, creatures made of smokeless fire, as per traditional lore. The film follows Shawn, who, after receiving a cryptic message and a mysterious VHS tape, discovers his family is cursed by a jinn seeking vengeance. With the help of a duo named Gabriel and Father Westhoff, and a shackled mental patient, Shawn confronts the ancient evil to protect his family and uncover truths beyond the visible world. Image source: IMDB
Read More »Paranormal 101: Powerful Jinns in Ancient Lore and Modern Sightings
In Black Myth: Wukong, Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is a central character in the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” written by Wu Cheng’en during the 16th century. This mythical figure is born from a magical stone on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit and acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices. After a rebellion against heaven, Sun Wukong is imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha, only to be released 500 years later to accompany the monk Tang Sanzang on a quest to retrieve Buddhist sutras from India. Image source: South China Morning Post
Read More »Gaming 101: Black Myth: Wukong – Gameplay, Key Characters and Cheat Info
In Hindu philosophy, the concept of sins, known as “paap,” plays a significant role in shaping one’s moral and ethical conduct. According to the Smritis, there are ten types of sins categorized into three groups. Image source: Merchant Circle
Read More »Religion 101: Understanding the 10 Types of Sins in Hindu Philosophy