Tuesday, September 27, 2011

History of science in masterpiece on futurism

There is certainly a perspective of history of science in Alvin Toffler's Third Wave and other works on futurism. The books are still relevant for some people, and available in most major bookstores in Malaysia. Indeed, the dispassionate study of history and rational exploration of the future is, as Toffler's works have shown, mutually complimentary.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Stories of quantum leaps in history of science

The rediscovery and reaffirmation of helioentrism by Galileo Galilei is only one of the many epoch-making ''stories'' in the history of science. There are, at least, 99 other quantum leaps as Jon Balchin tells in his book 'which seems to be selling very well 'in Malaysia in recent weeks. Now, Sam Harris'' latest book titled The Moral Landscape is available, as ex-nun Karen Armstrong's A History of God is not banned anymore.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

'Old' dinosaur extinction theory now in doubt

Now, new data has reportedly cast doubts on the traditional theory on the 'sudden' extinction of dinosaurs on earth. Well, for more than two thousand years before Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) made the then very controversial observation, 'almost all the people in premodern Europe thought, as a matter of 'fact', that the sun revolves around the earth. However, Galileo''s observation was not entirely new even at his time as heliocentrism was first proposed by Aristarchus of Samos ('310 'BC - 230 BC), a mathematician in ancient Greece, 'in the 3'rd century BC.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Dr. M.K. Rajakumar remembered in new book

Glad to be given a complimentary copy of 'An Uncommon Hero : M. K. Rajakumar in Politics and Medicine '(Petaling Jaya, SIRD, 2011). The new book records the recollections of the late Dr. M.K. Rajakumar by his friends, 'like Said Zahari, as well as some of his personal writings.
This new English book was written and compiled by Ms Tan Pek Leng. Meanwhile, Dr. Kua Kia Soong, an UK-educated sociologist and also a former MP for Petaling Jaya, 'is going to launch his latest book titled Patriots & Pretenders : 'The Malayan People''s Independence Struggle (Petaling Jaya, Suaram, 2011) on 23 Sept ( 8.00 pm ) at the KLSCAH.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Zainal Kling clarifies position on Britain's rule

Reportedly, Dr. Zainal Kling has written to Harakah to clarify his view on British "presence" in Malaya in the form of direct and indirect rule. According to him, 'both formats of British rule were colonial in effect. Meanwhile, it must also be recorded that no street picket was held by folks who strongly disagreed with Dr. Zainal Kling''s earlier statement. Now, the question to be explored in depth as well as width is whether Merdeka has turned into a condition described traditionally in a Malay-language proverb lembu punya susu' (tetapi) sapi (saja) dapat nama.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Don Quixote de la Mancha in world languages

Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote de la Mancha has been available in many languages of the world, including English, 'for a fairly long time. Also, this masterpiece of Western literature has editions for children.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Zainal Kling enjoys right to respond to critics

'Historian' Zainal Kling, who asserted that Malaya was never colonised by the British Empire, certainly has the right to respond to his critics, such as Malaysia's former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Also, whether Zainal Kling's assertion represents the official views of Umno, MCA, MIC, 'Perkasa and 'Biro Tata Negara is fairly noteworthy.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Teaching of modern Malaya' s history in 2099

In 2099 CE, 'children and teens in Malaysia may be formally taught in schools that Claude Fenner 'was actually born in Mentakab in Pahang. To be fair, 'however, 'no professor of history in Malaysia has denied, so far, 'that the IGP of Malaya from 1958 to 1966, 'was London-born.

Debate on economy on earth in 21st century

Many modern and world'-historic ideas have been amended and been changing over time. For example, Adam Smith's 'free market' theory has been modified by 'John M. Keynes' ''mixed economy'' since 1930's. There is no more absolutely ''free market'' or completely state-owned economy on earth now. 'The only questions for public debate are '(1) purpose, degree, form and sector of the role of state' s intervention and (2) whether there are elements of corruption, cronyism or / and nepotism in the implementation of the policies of state intervention.

Friday, September 09, 2011

British High Court to review Batang Kali case

There is now a legal breakthrough in the Batang Kali massacre, which happened 'in 1948 in Malaya. 'At that time, ''Malaya was ruled directly in some areas and 'indirectly in the other areas by the British Empire. Recently, four elderly Mau Mau persons have also been allowed to sue the government in London for alleged tortures during the era of 'anti'-colonial or national independence movement in 'Kenya fifty years ago.

Saturday, September 03, 2011

International book fair at KLCC draws crowds

The book fair held at KLCC has been very crowded. Many children and teens were brought by their parents 'or 'grandparents to visit the fair. The Chinese-language translation of ex'-PM 'Dr. Mahathir Mohamad' s autobiography, appeared first in English, is also openly available now.

Thursday, September 01, 2011