CRK Umnumzaan

I think I'm going nuts over Chris Reeve's Umnumzaan (um-num-zahn) [Zulu]Sir; Mister; Boss (colloq.) folding knife.It took Mr Reeves nearly 20 years to develop this edged tool and having tried and
tested his large decorated Sebenza, I'd say that the Umnumzaan is the next step.So, I am looking at a possible early Xmas gift for myself. Well, it sucks to be a
knifenut cos people tend to give you stupid gifts on your birthday and wedding
anniversary.The Umnumzaan itself yield plenty of features for everyday carry and robust field
use.Its incorporated with a glass breaker with a solid textured grip on its titanium
handles.And having the S-30V steel as its standard blade material is a blessing for our hot
and humid Malaysian weather.I asked Dan Delavan of Plaza Cutlery if Chris Reeve is planning to make a small
run of Umnumzaans with a decorative doggy paw logo and his answer is a definite
'no' at the moment.Decorated versions of this knife is expected to be released sometime next year
and as it is, the Umnumzaans are already out of stock at dealers in the US.

Adventure Show Asia 2009

The show has been on for three days since last weekend.

Its the last day and well, I am least excited about it.

Had to catch up with an old buddy from Singapore and we've been entertaining him since Friday.

The show was so-so.

Nothing really new on my radar with the exception of some fishing kayaks and canoes offered by Corezone outfitters.

One of the highlights at the show was meeting up with my old college mate Simon Chua.

He now runs a surfing school in Cherating and Padang, Indonesia.

Other than that, there's really nothing much happening at the so-called 'premier' outdoor show in Asia..

Verbal diarrhea

One of the traits that I have failed to excel is in the field of Public Relations.

I suck at that.

And today, I was tested.

Sufian, an old buddy of mine had invited me over to his parent's home in Bukit Damansara for their open house.

For me, its an excellent opportunity to catch up and basically touch base with an old friend.

Now, little did I know, the party was packed with high-powered folks.

Since I don't like to mingle and rub shoulders with rich folks, I decided to park myself at an obscure corner.

Then came Sufian's relative Azam, whom I have never met.

The guy was chatty and drew a good first impression.

Slowly, but surely the table was getting filled with guests.

An elderly man came and joined in the conversation and the next guy Sufian had introduced, was a middle-aged Chinese man who was introduced as 'Chong'.

We engaged in small talk and the first thing I noticed was that the guy was second-guessing every sentence I made during the conversation.

I never tell strangers what I do for a living, so, at most times, I was spared from much agony from taking questions and answers.

Over the years, mainstream journalism had taken a hit from the educated lot.

The extreme elite and blaming everything they could see on plain sight, right down the smallest molecule for the country's failure in many aspects.

They are read, write, express and are opinionated on many things.

Things that I felt, are too petty even to discuss.

And this Chong guy was whining and ranting about local politics, global economy and so on.

From a conversation, the entire situation was turned into a monologue.

It ruined the great meal I had and was wearing me out.

Listening to a middle-aged guy rant about things that are factually incorrect is like being tortured with a hot iron skewer.

Sufian was doing his bid, entertaining guests, so, I couldn't blame him for setting me up with a 51-year-old educated retard.

From my point of view, overeducated people who made money as 'fund managers' are simply retarted in thinking.

All they could think of -- is taking advantage of the political and economical climate to earn a few extra bucks.

And when they don't get their money, they start the 'blame game'.

Everything is wrong. They are right.

To me, I don't give a blue fuck about politics, money and fame.

Neither do I pay any attention to successful people or the who's who in the circle.

My day at the party ended with thanking Sufian for being an excellent host.

I apologized to him for being an ass.

While Chong was blabbering like a retard, I told him off.

I asked him to shut the fuck up because I hate talking about politics.

And I don't have to feel bad about this because I am not obligated to listen to morons.

So, after two hours at the high-powered lunch party, I made my way home.

It was a relief to be able to walk off without any guilt or hard feelings.

So, note to self: before going for another social party, screen the situation and when a guest starts to give verbal diarrhea, fake a stomach ache or tell him your relative just died..