Merciless power of Mother Nature!

Just as I begin to draft topics on Thermal Basics, including Water properties (a preamble to Humidity discussions). Our world seem to be going through unusual times. I can't recall any part of my life calamities on such scale occurred within a short span of time. The Japanese search and rescue team was rushing back from Christchurch to a much larger disaster on home turf.

From super storm Yasi (2nd Feb, Australia), earth quake devastating Christchurch (NZ) and now 8.9 Richter scale quake off Japan triggering Tsunamis across the Pacific Ocean like waves rippling across a swimming pool. Across Californian coast, a man lost his life, swept off by waves out on photo taking!


















Huge ocean whirlpool, the boat caught in there was totally helpless!












Water so essential to support life as we know in every form, when charged with enormous energy can release such destructive power! For all we know, "know how" and technology, humans are completely at its mercy!

Whether air or water, can carry enormous amount of energy. The wavefront of the Tsunami, 10m high & tens of km long, reportedly at 800 km/hr. What! Compare to airliners cruising at subsonic speed under 1,000 km/hr., that's 80%.How much energy is out there!

A cubic meter of water weighs one ton. Tsunami that hit land with velocity reportedly at 60km/hr. The classical mechanics formula of kinetic energy E = 1/2 (mass x velocity^2). Wow.. it's the square of velocity that tells how much "mind-boggling" energy Tsunamis carry.

A learned friend once posed me a question: "What's pervasive throughout the universe?"

Its no other than "ENERGY".

How did Albert Einstein's came out with his genius formula e = mc^2 that relates energy to mass? It literally states the same.

A few billions years down the road, our Milky Way galaxy now on collision path with a much bigger one will come to head. Our galaxy will be torn apart, swallow up wholesale with the "Black Hole" at center of both galaxies merge to form a even bigger galaxy. That's power of Mother Nature at much higher order.

All life forms on earth will be extinct before that event occurs. Our very own sun is burning itself out too. With less mass, hence reducing gravity holding its gaseous mass as time passes on, it will swell to engulf the nearest planets including our mother Earth. Again, life forms will extinct before that occurs.

This is no science fiction, the odds are stacking up. Our existence is merely transient. The universe will carry on without us as passengers. It won't happen anytime soon. Even then folks, "live the moments" while it last!

Farmers help Farmers

A value to foster among members.










A peek into current activities:

Case 1: A member needs some assistance on his humidity system set-up, after an initial assessment, the proposition:

"Hi... As you will come to know some members are very experienced. Think we all can assist you to improve your BH. Here can be a case of true spirit of "Farmers help Farmers".

If you agree I will feature as a case study. I suggest you create a 3-D model with SketchUp from Google. It is free. We use this software to share design ideas, so you might as well pick it up and model your BH as an exercise.

I'll approach the solution to your humidity problem with a scientific explanation behind. My intent is to uplift everyone's knowledge at basic level."


Case 2: Tweetybird initiated a topic to retest the accepted norm of BH temperature.

Following an exchange of opinions:

Tweetybird: We need everyone to report on the daily and seasonal temperatures of their ranches and the results & observations relating to those conditions.

Charles: Good suggestion for group participation. A case of synergy through group learning.

Final words:
A member expressed to me the goals of Open Learning Network as ambitious. Idealistic perhaps, frankly I never think that way..

Sometimes, we have to be Idealistic. Values are Ideals, aren't they?

If we foster the right attitude and spirits, we are on the way.

Time will prove it right or wrong.

There's life in the "bottle".

The "Open Learning Network" to me is also like an experiment in a "bottle".

I begin to see signs of life, just need to keep nourishing it.















Interacting with a few early starters, the concept put to test is gaining traction. It hasn't produce synergy of any significance yet. No doubt it will come with time.

The open exchange of opinion & experience with some is just like meeting of the minds. While others seek opinion/assistance in one way or other.

So far 2 BH designs were privately shared & reviewed. One is under construction while the other is kicking off. Another member consults for his humidity set-up.

Behind doors, technical discussions kicked off dealing with electrical hazards in BH and re-examine established norms of micro-environment.

This is encouraging. Similar to a Forex network, "Traders help Traders"... we are into "Farmers help Farmers".

Membership will be capped as of end March, 2011 for the time being. I feel next phase is to settle-in, knowing each other better and work on a clearer road map in the process.

Swiftlet Farmers Handbooks

Preamble to what's in store.

The idea of a Swiftlet Farmers Handbook was mooted more than a year ago. I procrastinated over it on and off wondering if it is worthwhile.

What the hack, does it matter? "Just do it".. and let time prove its worth!














An online medium is the most convenient means for access, materials may be added gradually over time and regular updates. Rather than compile under one umbrella, technical contents are spread into 3 broad categories under:

1) Bird House Design Fundamentals
http://bird-house-design.blogspot.com

1. Thermal basics
- Measurement of thermal energy
- Specific heat capacity
- Thermal insulation/conduction
- Latent Heat
- Properties of air
- Properties of water
- Thermal Energy stored in air, water and water vapor
- Concept of BH Thermal Model
- Thermal Conduction through walls

2. Designs for Shop Units conversion
Case studies of well designed BH + members contribution

3. Designs of Standalone Farms
Case studies of well designed BH + members contribution

4. New Design Concepts


2) Swiftlet Sound System Fundamentals
http://swiftlet-sound-system.blogspot.com

Objectives: (Details as in previous blog)
1. Empowers you audit your sound system & improve its design
2. Empowers you to upgrade your sound system components and its maintenance
3. Knowledge of what constitute a quality tweeter and how to test it
4. Choosing tweeters: cost vs. performance - Fit for use criteria?
5. Getting more out the internal sound system with fake nest/Styrofoam


3) Bird House Management Handbook
http://bird-house-management.blogspot.com

1. Temperature/Humidity monitoring instruments
Application - selection criteria & set up

2. Types of Humidifiers
Application - selection criteria & set up

3. Light Level measurements

4. Sound Level measurements

5. Aromas

6. Bird Sounds (internal, external, pulling)

7. Locations of fake nests/Styrofoam pads

8. Growth rate monitoring

9. Pests Control

10. Harvesting

11. Security issues

12. Remote monitoring

13. Other maintenance related issues
- Routine Hygrostat calibration

14. Innovative experiments

I don't compare with the new BH Design book costing US$200+, its value no doubt will exceeds that many times.

A Brain Teaser

Question:

Can we do away with the roving room?

What is your take, learned friends out there?

I leave this as open topic to all.. take your time to think it over!

Question of Clockwise vs Anti-clockwise?

This is a classic example of "Truth, 1/2 truth, myth & misleading ideas" all confounded and floating out there.

It is also a case of established "knowledge" can be challenged.














Question was raised by Janson:

Does a swiftlet colony fly in one direction only (Clockwise or CC)? Read in a book by famous guy in the industry that it is so.
- My observation from the successful farm told me it couldn't be so as my main entrance to 2nd (floor) is counter clockwise, and staircase to lower floor is clockwise. And lower floor is densely populated. However, I don't know if they might have a dominant/preferred direction."

First he saw a contradiction to his observations. The conflict raises a doubt, so what is true?

My answer:
I don't subscribe the CW or CC theory too. Come in CW also means going out CC isn't it? Just that when the bird come in one direction it continue circle in same direction, rather to made abrupt change, which they are well capable of too.

His response:
Your example is precise enough, didn't cross my mind earlier.

In my limited readings, there is no claim a colony fly in one direction only (I take as in general flights). So this statement can be "misleading". Or as Eugene says some consultants preach one direction only. How true is that? Can be just as misleading.

There are implications in books (though not explicitly) some birds are CC and CW. Does it also imply birds are either one or other, just like us human - left handed and right handed?

When you see illustration in books drawing circles CC and CW all over, looks impressive but there is little content actually. The author need to pad it up, doesn't he?

When such "information" (won't refer as knowledge) floats and regurgitate by many over and over .. perpetuates a myth eventually. Then through perception as reality.

So what is 1/2 truth?
Yes, we see birds flying both in CC and CW direction in the roving/nesting rooms continuously.

Then what is the truth?
Got it yet? Take a clue from Janson's remark:

"if you see how swiftlets maneuver along the small lanes during the evening, they're better than any jet plane pilots around"

What is more true than:
These birds are amazing flying creatures!

Have you watch them making "about-turn" in mid air along a narrow passage?

They are unafraid of large predator birds in the sky.. knowing they can out maneuver them. So does the idea of CW & CC hold as Eugene states.. out there they fly in all directions with ease! Why are they call swiftlets in the first place?

In open sky while gliding, turning is simple movement in shifting wings elevation and body weight. So is there a left-wing/right wing tendency? I doubt so, correct me if I am wrong.

When birds fly into tighter space such as roving room, max. speed is to circle around the boundary (like us taking corners on the roads, right?) Or one can explain with Newton's laws of motion & momentum.

Where is the need to reverse suddenly unless threatened?
A same bird may well come in CC and next time CW while exploring the BH. Once they are settled, they are 'programmed' with the fastest route in/out, dependent on nesting location. So logically from this perspective, a colony would take the same path in/out. CC or CW can be a random mix among the population from different nesting spots. Did you see juveniles doing "figure 8" in the BH?

Above are my take to elaborate.. of course, there can still be "Truths, 1/2 truths, myths and misleading ideas" embedded within!

I begin to feel an "Open Learning Network" can actually work.
What have I learned in this exercise? Pick a topic from a member and bring into focus - one at a time. Agree?

A BH Design related question

A question was posed to me the other day.

"Questions on design
Does a swiftlet colony fly in one direction only (Clockwise or CC)? Read in a book by famous guy in the industry that it is so.
- My observation from the successful farm told me it couldn't be so as my main entrance to 2nd (floor) is counter clockwise, and staircase to lower floor is clockwise. And lower floor is densely populated. However, I don't know if they might have a dominant/preferred direction."

Answer being sought in consideration of the above to the internal layout of BH.

I have given opinion in response. To readers out there, anybody care to comment?

Let's see if this is a good test case of group synergy.

A Chemistry Experiment

A reader wrote with this opening line, "I would think that a flood of swiftlet farmers would make a beeline to join your network."

To which my response was, "As for participants, I keep my fingers crossed. I deliberated on this for weeks - in the end I treat this as another experiment. What I want to do I am doing it anyhow, with group participation or not." Here, I am not an optimist!

I listened to Professor Peter Singer, a philosopher at Princeton University, delivered an address on "Ethics and Evolution" at Sydney University the other day.











In the lecture, he contents that "altruism", a human trait is part of human evolution, as a survival skill. "You help me and I'll help you in return. You scratched my back, I'll scratch yours. If I helped someone and it wasn't reciprocated, then why should I do it again?" Sure, we behave like that, don't we?

He went on, "Since it is a survival skill, it can be faked to better one's personal agenda." Sure again, don't we see such characters in our midst too?

There are all sorts of people around us. In cyberspace, people's behavior are accentuate further (or amplified) under anonymity.

Often there are emails or comments dropped in from the cold. I would normally acknowledge and respond to them. Soon as people get the information wanted, you don't hear from them again. Some may not even leave a word of appreciation.

At the other end, there are generous people who are willing to share what they have, even a little.

In between the spectrum, there are the "sincere impostors", with footprints everywhere, to befriend for the sole objective of "sucking" knowledge. I choose not to ruffle more feathers here. One takes time to observe before making judgment.

So what's the experiment?

A lesson from Chemistry... solutions are often clear, can't tell between acidic or alkaline. The test is simple - a litmus test (remember?). Pink or Blue, you can tell instantly after one dip.













In the first premise, intention is to give back something to people who offered their generosity. So what is a better test than this?

It is a good filter. At the end of the day.. it will show up PINK or BLUE, the count is irrelevant and doesn't matter.

Art of BH Design

Just as I deliberate on this topic, a reader wrote and summed up his thoughts with this line:

"I think swiftlet farming is not only science but also art as well."

I can't agree more. Yes, in every aspect of it. A good case to illustrate is architecture - beneath its creative expression in form spans a diverse engineering knowledge across many disciplines.












A "green roof" to provide thermal insulation and breed insects is not a bad idea, as somebody implemented already.















Allow me to rephrase as:

"Understanding is science, application is an art."

BH designs need not to be alike. There are certainly common denominators among successful designs.

Some examples of group synergy in knowledge sharing:
1) A reader suggested earlier a topic on "effective design" - that is a valid point in addition to functional & economical considerations. To me the added perspective is towards a "minimal energy" BH design.

In natural caves, there is no "energy input" to its maintenance. While our "artificial caves" habitat require energy input & technology to regulate its application.

The "minimum energy" measure is how effective a design is - i.e. close to the ideal.

To this end, my starting point is the concept of thermal model. If one has a clear understanding from this perspective, there is a lot of clarity in trouble shooting and improving the micro-environment too.

It probably served me well as I lost power for 2 months not long after the new BH began operation. It could have been worse if not for the considerations in its design.

For those who are using exhaust fans/sun screens for their BH, only if they could understand the basics better, their solution would be different.

2) Another reader informs of his intention to build a new BH, to which I responded:

"Hi W..., before you proceed building your new BH, take a trip to Thailand. I'll walk you through what's the state of art here. Perhaps review your design. You'll find it worthwhile."

3) I did several design reviews over time, all on goodwill basis. As of now, a reader invite opinion in his BH extension with "open roof" design. I recommended the use SketchUp to model the layout and his reply:

"Thanks for the recommendation of the Software. Yes, it's a very powerful and good one. Manage to sketch something out of it. Hope the design is easier to see."

And further advice:
"Actually I intend to do 3-D models in new BH Design blog, including open roof designs, for benefit of members.

I have use SketchUp right from the beginning. You can model in exact dimension with as much details as you want. What's more you can place 3-D model on Google Earth on scale 1:1, orientate its placement.. wonderful!

You can use this model to check on flight paths obstruction if model accurately. Worth the extra effort."

I went through these in early days. Used it to adjust position of entrance hole in relation to both light and flight paths into roving room and nesting areas.

Finally, have we learn "all there is to know" on this subject?
There is certainly sufficient knowledge around to build good bird houses. To make it better.. there are still plenty room for advancements.

For the new BH Design book by Drs. Arief Budiman, at hefty price of Rp 2,500,000 (US$232), surely there are new knowledge in there (being an optimist). But how much is "new knowledge" and how much is "rehash of existing knowledge", I am eager to find out too.

As mentioned before, if I am to do it over again from a blank sheet, it is going to be different.

Sound System fundamentals

Simple stuff, isn't it? The system was set up and works fine a long time, what's more to do/know?

Points to ponder:

1) Aware simple laws such as above.. the spread of sound power intensity?

2) Able to audit/assess the quality of the system set-up and improve further?

3) How would you overlay additional "pulling sound" circuit to the BH?

4) To increase the tweeter density, can the amplifier handle?

5) Are there redundancy to ensure only partial system failure when an amplifier fails?

6) Amplifier replacement - confident to replace with other models/brand?

7) When there is power failure, how to stretch the operating time of back up system?

8) Choosing tweeters: cost vs. performance - what's the fit for use criteria?

9) Getting more out the internal sound system with fake nest/Styrofoam

As I went about designing my sound system 2 years back, thought there is enough material on the subject to put together. My design is a flexible and robust configuration not seen in the BH so far.

The list of topics drafted:

1. Personal safety & tools

2. Electrical wiring & overload isolation

3. Speaker Wires & wiring configurations

4. Dual & Redundant System

5. Wiring Maintenance & sound level deterioration

6. Installing fake nests & Styrofoam pads

7. Understanding sound basics - frequency range, frequency response & harmonics

8. Tweeter performance test

9. Internal tweeters - piezo & cone types

10. Nesting Modules (new idea to test)

11. How loud should the internal sound level be?

12. External sound: tweeters, horns & hexagon

13. Long range calling sound - bazookas, parabolic speaker

14. Sound players: CD, SD & USB, sound changers

15. Amplifier selection & replacement

16. Know your system power consumption?

17. Battery back-up operation - deep-cycle battery, mains inverter/charger, Solar power

Open Learning Network

In essence, the notion of "Open Learning" entails learning without boundaries. Objective is to advance knowledge frontiers incrementally & continually; test accepted norms and seek understandings at fundamental level.

"Network" embraces a group of individuals in knowledge sharing without barriers and participation to achieve group synergy.

Lofty goals it may be, but that's the sight I set in the horizon.

Framework overview:

1) Knowledge resources:
Collation of established knowledge base.
Education resources to enrich scientific understanding:
1) Sound system fundamentals - foundation knowledge to maintain, upgrade and implement new design.
ii) BH Design fundamentals - foundation knowledge in good design principles: flight paths, light control, internal layout & "minimal-energy" concept BH.

2) BH management "know how"
Application of technology in:
Micro-environment management
Operational issues
Security issues

3) Experimental learning & mutual consultations

4) Open agenda: Innovations to break new ground?

How does it differ from open forums?

1. The differentiation factor should be in knowledge content.
I would author topics under "Sound System & BH Design fundamentals" in new 2 blogs.
A 3rd blog to cover topics 2 to 4.
All "membership access" controlled.

2. "Closed-network" to foster "true" open sharing.

3. Ideal in fostering a "Culture of Altruism" to assist group members.

4. Open to adopt new ideas and better guidelines.

5. Informal meetings as and when appropriate.

6. Anything missed out or better ideas to add?

Admission criteria:
Principle is to reward "generosity with generosity" - made a contribution to : Swiftlet Community Education Fund". Amount? Up to your heart - which always has been.

Registration of Interest: By 31st March 2011

There are more ideals I wish to instill into the group - especially to replace "selfishness with selflessness" in participation.

I hope some years on we can all look back at achievements made together as a group.

Sincerely,

An Invitation to Open Learning

A friend commented recently.. my blogs have return to live. Guess he has taken for "Dead". Many would too, as I have no time line restarting my "engine" again.

Yes, indeed. 25 posts so far this year compared to 12 for the whole of 2010. Main reason is a 10 mths hibernation last year. Being away 3 weeks now, there is time to reflect upon my learning path.

In spite of the lull period, the statistics counter continued to click. It was baffling, as if there is life of its own! Still haven't figured that out.

My other thoughts are sorted out though.. I am extending an open invitation to participate in knowledge sharing "network".









To those who appreciate the contents here, I thank you. While others may regard as "Hot Air" - or saying "alot of NOTHING". I can agree on that too.

Blogs are just windows to my thoughts and activities. In-depth knowledge entails a fair bit of time & effort to write. Thought of a book someday but frankly I lack the motivation.

Some blog readers touches me with their generosity recently. They came forward with contributions to the school building project. I did not solicit, it was purely out of their hearts. Links to recap:

http://my-swiftlet-farm.blogspot.com/2010/11/visitor-on-special-mission.html
http://my-swiftlet-farm.blogspot.com/2011/01/swiftlet-community-education-fund.html

Not that I went out of way to do charity, it crossed my path. Somehow activity here connects the "needy" with "generosity". In appreciation of contributions from them, the donation was in the name of "Swiftlet Community Education Fund".














I feel we are fortunate to be in swiftlet ranching. At some point in life we seek to do something meaningful too. The "Education Fund" idea extends beyond a single project.

Once a poor student having to earn pocket money by giving tuition. A scholarship make a world of difference! I know what that is like.

To those who contributed, I want to offer something in return. None is expecting it, for this is being revealed first time.

I would share my knowledge and experience acquired, details in coming posts.

Experience taught me genuine knowledge sharing is within a "close-network". When people of right chemistry comes together after knowing each other - only then barriers come down.

This is an open invite to others too. If the idea appeals to you PM me chng.charles@gmail.com

Feng Shui for BH?

Talking of "spirits" bring on another topic I know nothing about. This is one aspect I count myself out. Pardon my ignorance here.

"Feng Shui" literally translates to "Wind" & "Water". My narrow understanding relates "Wind" to ventilation & "Water" to humidity and both unified by concept of thermal energy in the BH. Come to think about it, there is always wind and water "energy" around the BH, isn't it?
















I've have seen many BH with "Feng Shui" plaque mounted at a prominent spot, some above entrance hole. Some placed to face physical obstructions far away, such a steel antenna tower, chimney of a temple crematorium or even neighboring BH! An application of super-natural energy?















My curiosity remains confined to the cultural links between the octagonal "Feng Shui" symbol to the Dharma wheels...









seen at Buddhist and Hindu Temple gates.











I was visiting a friend's BH under construction in southern Thailand last year. There is a 90 deg. turn from main entrance to the passageway leading upstairs. Still in time to make adjustment I thought.

"So why not move the entrance to align with the passageway?" I suggested.

"The Feng Shui master said the entrance should face that direction to match my personal "attributes"." came the reply.

Oh..wow, that is beyond my comprehension and end of story!

Feng Shui masters are more empowering (& better paid) than consultants I guess. Another angle for CON-sultants to ponder... for

"Perception is Reality"

He provides the "X-factor" for the success of your BH,
else not his problem if otherwise!

I once watch a TV interview of Malaysian "Feng Shui" master on job matching "employee's facial" attributes to work roles. It is based on scientific principles too.. blah..blah..blah. Amazing, why I can never think like them?

As he was challenged, does it really work? "We only provide the guidelines, it's up to management to implement correctly", how adept was the answer.

"Head" he wins, "Tail" he doesn't loose either.

Same, same, how nice!

Renovating an existing Bird House

Believe me, this can be scary!

In the process of building my standalone BH, I couldn't wait for its completion to gain hands on experience. An opportunity arose and I acquired an existing shop unit BH. I was buying time in a way, rational was to prepare myself prior to the new BH start up.

Photo taken before realizing it was for sale.




















It was a neglected 3 storey BH. Sound system had broken down, humidifiers were not running!

The previous owner was superstitious too, there were deities at corner on ground floor with red electric candles and a "cosmetic powder kit" next to it... huh, (female?) spirits residing there or what?

It was really bizarre! Imagine the eerie feeling when walking there in darkness! Later on even renovation workers dared not remove it for fear of bad omen. That was not the real "scary" experience. Even I don't believe in ghosts, still a bit scared when in there alone. Ever heard of haunted house converted to BH? :o)

Birds were residing on the 2nd storey only, non on other levels. Reasons were obvious, internal layout was simply BAD among others.

It had to be renovated. Question was what and how much to change?

My friends cautioned me not to be drastic to minimize impact on resident birds. But I decided otherwise. It was a bold decision to disregard advice from the experienced. Looking back I had only "half-baked" knowledge then.

My heart sank soon as the renovation works began. All juveniles were gone! The empty feeling was scary as I inspected the work in progress each day, wondering how many adult birds may remain upon completion. The point of no return crossed - putting my beliefs to test and come what may!

I may not know exactly how many birds did not return.. but now almost 2 years on the nests count has more than doubled. Other floors are well populated now. Had I not proceed with necessary changes, I doubt this would be the outcome.

No big deal to brag about really, at least know I "bite the bullet" and did the right things. The BH is still imperfect and shall continue to enrich my learning.

Believe me, in the process I also took risks putting to test the significance of several factors. It was an invaluable learning experience neither books, seminars nor forum discussions can provide. What has become general knowledge are quoted and repeated by everybody. Nobody ranks their significance.

There is little to learn from the "public domain" after a while. Not that I know everything, there are more hypes promoting products and services out there than the kind of knowledge I am after.

Most people seek "quick remedies" like bird sounds and aroma to improve their BH yields. That's perfectly understandable. IMHO there are more to that.

Perhaps those "in-the-know" would agree tacitly. Can we count to hear from them? Good luck.

In the Kingdom of the BLIND...

Someone left this comment earlier:

"In the Kingdom of the Blind, one eye Jack is the King". A point for musing here.




















Few years ago while I participated on forums and watch activities there, there was an incident someone pleaded for help to nurse chicks he harvested along with the nests. No kidding, it was a distress call. Not long after he metamorphosed as a consultant in blog space. How interesting.

There was another individual who called everyone "Sifus" as their brains being picked. Soon he "self-graduated" as consultant too, stood on roof top proclaiming, "Which consultant did like I do?" a display of "one-up-manship" and getting more confident later - claimed "I don't like it, so do the birds". Huh, did he "check-in" for the birds? How interesting again.

It is not to envy as "sour grapes". These are pretty smart people who are capable of progress through self learning. Point is depth and breath in knowledge really need time to accumulate. It takes 3-4 years to do a basic degree in science/engineering, another 3-4 years for a postgraduate specialty. Even then fresh graduates come into real world as "green horns".

In cyberspace, anyone can put up their 2 cents worth. This is a good thing to propagate and share ideas. On the other hand truths, half-truths, myths and misleading ideas are all confounded. One needs to pick with eyes and mind wide open.

Otherwise, it can be

"In the Kingdom of the Blind, the "One-eyed" man is the King"

IMHO, there are no Kings on "Knowledge Land". Learning is open ended and knowledge frontiers are being pushed forward all the times. To stay still is to be left behind.

Paradigm of Learning

Pardon me being mean to ruffle some feathers in earlier blogs.. (a clash of egos perhaps).

What I am leading to is taking stock of learning from time to time. Humbly share my experience and not preaching "how to suck eggs". Each has our own unique experience.

My first job in private sector was with a US multi-national company. Week 1 was honeymoon - a bunch of young recruits grouped together on an orientation program. I came out with 2 key concepts stuck in head ever since.

1) Towards the end we were each given a "3-D" jig-saw puzzle with a time limit to solve. It was not to test individual ability (else should be prior to hiring), then we were split into small groups and attempt again. It was a demonstration when solving a complex problem - it is more effective with lateral thinking, each member contributes a different perspective. A nice jargon is "Synergy".

I learned this many times over .. "Output of a group > sum of (output of individuals)"
Saw the light beyond arithmetic logic.















2) Productive performance can be increased by 3 ways -
i) Via improve/simplify work flow/process etc, -> incremental results limited by human efficiency.
ii) Through capital investments i.e. mechanization, automation etc. -> more significant improvements driven with technology.
iii) Through innovation "thinking out of the box" -> leads to quantum leap in performance improvement. That's the key point implanting into heads of the new hires.

What's the relevance to swiftlet farm endeavor? Take your own pick from above.

Just as any new venture, we all start from zero base. Good that we can Google search nowadays, join forums and pick ideas from blogs - a good way to kick start. Pick up the art at bottom of learning curve.

I saw that as my stage 1. Novice - "Monkey see, monkey do" like a kid.













Next you learn from your own mistakes as well as from others.

Then came to realize those who really "in-the-know" are having multiple BHs, busy reaping gains quietly and never seen in cyberspace. Why should they?

There are many smart people out there too.. picking others brains and went further through self discovery. Some after a year or 2, promote themselves on blog space as "self-graduated" consultants. Only to tell more if you engage their services/products. Nothing wrong, just business as usual.

Stage 2. The next step up the learning is steep, to increase bird population & yields.. there is "no free lunch" here. Seminars to attend. More expensive book costing US$200+! Birds calls CD & aromas of all sorts of fancy names in the marketplace to check out.



















Some may take a shorter path by engaging a consultant to start off. Will they tell you all even as claimed? As I've witnessed several cases, after payments made and a bit of hand holding, you are on your own again.

Many would form informal groups, certainly helpful but may not propel to the next level.

Somewhere I read, to be an expert in any subject - one has to put in 10,000 hrs typically! That works out to 4.8 years; on 8hr/day, 5 days/wk basis.

Is there a faster path to cross the barrier ? Through innovation perhaps.

Still it is no short cut, one still need to put in the efforts & hours. This also entail taking risks and learn from mistakes on the way.









To innovate, foundation of knowledge has to be at fundamental level. That's the analytical tool to sieve through new ideas and foster its development.

To have synergy, it is nice to have a core group. With or without, I have been chucking along.. slowly.

Knowledge boundaries are still abound to push. The road ahead may be bumpy but still exciting.

Another case of self denial

History is in the making across middle east, razed by political storms in recent weeks. Right now all eyes are on Col. Gaddafi in Libya. As I followed news coverage, he blamed Al Qaeda who drugged the protesters.
















After the first interview granted to foreign journalists.. as BBC reports:
"The Libyan leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi, has denied there is any fighting on the streets of Tripoli and has said that he is loved by all his people.

Col Gaddafi told the BBC's Jeremy Bowen that protesters who had been demonstrating against him were from al-Qaeda.

He said that his people would die to protect him."

How hilarious! It is no laughing matter in Libya though.

This reminds of a recent incident as I read a blog post on tweeters - an article a friend sent "Are we using right frequency speakers". Allow me to add another case as

5) Case of "A little knowledge can mislead."

First I thought it was a post by a CON-sultant, as an explanation was flawed. I traced to the author trying to highlight the error. After a couple of emails exchanges to pin it down.

From final email:
"I see now that the first sentence I quoted from J....'s blog make you confused.
I think it should be written correctly as " the frequency range of a swiftlet sound is between.................... The word "echolocation" in that sentence should be left out."

Huh! So it was someone's (Fullard et. al., 1993) publication that was wrong! Does one quote others' words with "correction" by omission?

It amounts to "Not my fault really, only if the quote is corrected so won't confuse you." Am I confused, really? How hilarious!

Perhaps this cartoon tells the story better...













To deny reality when confronted, is being blind with eyes wide open. Gaadafi or not, is another case of self denial.

One of my past time is "people watching".. many amusing people out there. There is a Chinese saying which translates literally to "Watch the world beneath with laughing eyes".

A little knowledge can be "Dangerous"

"A little knowledge can be Dangerous".. it is a bit of an overstatement, but serves to drive home a good point.

Some cases encountered looking back:
1) Another example of "Didn't do it right first time"
A friend visited my BH before building his. He implement too the concept of pre-humidified the air between double walls. I visited his BH after some months into operation.. guess what?

Water sprinkled onto inner walls! All internal walls were soaking wet to the point nesting planks became moldy. Humidity > 95%!

2) Case of "solving a problem while creating another down the road"
Tweeter sound level deterioration - Solved by a new parallel link all the way back to amplifier. It works.. but unwittingly spun a spider web. Over time, you'll loose track which is what.. from here to where! So what is the root cause?

Worst if a wiring cross over mistake that "shorts" the output instead. It won't blow the amps immediately, but overheats it to failure gradually. Fancy trace wiring inside a dark BH? Better rewire all over again.

3) Case of "Taking a Panadol to cure headache ignoring the cause"
Whenever I came across use of exhaust fans (other than hanging sun screens) to cool the BH. That is like taking a Panadol. Sure it works by flushing out excess thermal energy.. but what is the root of the problem?

4) Case of "I know how" attitude, don't bother "if I don't understand"
Think this is the worst kind - problem is in the head too, not just in the bird house!

Some time back, I read in another blog someone labeled my "stupid logic" as I put in lay term "more humid air" rises.

If only one cares to understand deeper, water vapor being gaseous state of H2O, is lighter in molecular weight than Oxygen, O2, & Nitrogen forming the bulk of atmosphere.

In my application described... the humidifier was placed at bottom of staircase to serve 2 floors. Water vapor being lighter will drift upwards naturally to increase moisture content of upper level.

So the "I know how" attitude was quote:
"Hi v.... i have seen his blog and i think he is explaining with a stupid logic . More humid air is lighter than less humid air . I think i won't believe it . I have solved the room temperature myself and i call it an experience. " as proudly declared.

What was the relevance of its citation? Pretty amusing!

That alone tells how much the underlying issues being understood.

Everything that works, I need to understand how on a scientific basis. I rest my case.