Policy analyst, political satirist, armchair historian, Trekkie, microbehunter, stargazer, retro-computer geek, wargamer and cat worshiper - me in nutshell.
Cambridge, UK
Joined February 2009
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You can literally see it from space, on Google Maps - the 'American flag blue' Lincoln Memorial Reflecting is now puke green.
A Nest of Pirates - G.A. Henty's Malaya: This Victorian writer's popular boys' adventure books portrayed a common colonial stereotype of the Malays: as treacherous and violent pirates. If you enjoy videos on the history of the Malay world, go to youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
When people think of double-decker buses, they usually think of the iconic red buses found in the crowded streets of London. But few people realise that Malaysia once had its own double-decker buses. If you enjoy videos on Malayan history, do visit youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
Johor's Golden Letter to Napoleon: In 1857, the ruler of Johor sent a magnificent letter to Emperor Napoleon III of France. And it may be one of the most beautiful - and mystifying - diplomatic letters ever written in the Malay world. For more videos go to youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
The Miracle of the SS Jeddah: One of Joseph Conrad's greatest novels, 'Lord Jim', was probably inspired by a real event - the apparent sinking of a pilgrim ship called the SS Jeddah. For more gripping sea tales, go to youtube.com/playlist?list=PL…
Kuala Lumpur Kapitan Cina, Yap Ah Loy, introduced a number of new military innovations, including the employment of men "expert in shooting fire darts" - rockets. To know more about the Battle for Kuala Lumpur, go to youtube.com/watch?v=TxKxc5Dv…
In 1814, British newspapers reported the execution of four "Malay pirates" in London, thousands of miles from the tropical waters of the Malay world. Yet who really were they? youtube.com/watch?v=7TMJ8TI-…
Napoleon's Forgotten Malay Companion: A French Emperor who had conquered much of Europe, and a Malay slave stolen from his homeland, find a common bond on a lonely rock in the Atlantic Ocean. For more videos on the history of the Malay world, go to youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
In 1812, a Malay sailor stood trial in London for killing a fellow seaman. This strange case offers a fascinating glimpse into the brutal lives of the Asian sailors serving aboard British ships during the age of empire. Malayan Chronicles: youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
How Kids Were Punished in 1849: Thanks to the famous writer Munshi Abdullah, the Hikayat Abdullah has a detailed account of how naughty children were punished in traditional Malay schools. If you enjoy videos on the history of the Malay world, do visit youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
Terang Bulan: The Melody Behind Malaysia's Anthem. It was born as a lament of love, became a balm to comfort the pain of exile, and then was carried home to honour the hopes of a new nation. If you enjoy videos on the history of the Malay world, do visit youtube.com/@MalayanChronicl…
The Martini-Henry, Britain's Wonder Weapon in Malaya: The Perak War in Malaya in 1875 was where the unequal nature of this new form of colonial warfare was first demonstrated. To view a full documentary on the Perak War, go to youtube.com/watch?v=BPp8CiSa…