I have always been fascinated by different kinds of pop drinks.  When I saw this clip about soda pop obsession at Chow, I was thinking that only in US can find independent soda pop bottlers.  I was surprise when I came across this Melaka made soda pop from Long Chan.  There were 5 flavors, and all are not bad.  It does not have that much gas (carbonation) in it and was rather sweet.  My wife told me that this company have been around since she was small, and for this independent soda pop company to survive so long is amazing.  However, this drink cannot be found at restaurants, nor can it be found at hypermarket.  To get this drink, you will have to go to the local coffee shop (ah pek style and not Old Town style) or the local roti canai shop here in Melaka. 

Tiananmen Square, 20 years ago, students revolt against the China Communist Government.   I was too small to remember anything, but one picture that has always stuck in my head or associated with Tiananmen Square 1989 protest were the ‘Tank Man’.  One guy standing in front of the tank fearlessly.  I’ve learnt today that this guy’s identity is unknown and till today, no one know what happen to him nor what he is doing now.  I have thought the photo of the Man vs Machine to be somewhat inspirational.  At one part, the machine holds enough firepower to blow the guy into pieces of melon squash on a concrete floor.  At the other, the bravery the man display, the David vs Goliath, the hobbit vs Sauron, and this is the inspirational part.

Often in the mundane working like, one less encounter such bravery.  One less encounter where one need to put one’s life at risk for one’s believe.  And hence, one gets lost in living life itself.  Actions like the Tank Man, brings inspiration into the mundane life.  Reminds one self that life, is what we make of it, and we must dare to grab life by the throat and choke every ounce of breath out.  Take more risk, be brave to face to storm, be fearless to stand your ground.

Photo by Balakov

Tiananmen Square protest of 1989 (Wiki)

Behind the Scenes: Tank Man of Tiananmen

Tiananmen Square and Two Chinas

China: From Tiananmen through today

Update:

Time 100: The Unknown Rebel