Latest news with #MacGyver
The Star
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
72YO retired Malaysian engineer repairs toys and gives them back to charity
Tan Guan Poh, 75, hung up his tools as an electrical and electronics engineer over 25 years ago – but he never stopped tinkering. His favourite project these days? Faulty toys. 'I worked as an engineer for decades, so I am familiar with electronics. 'When I open up a faulty toy, I can see the wires – I know how the circuit works and where the power flows,' he says during a chat in Subang Jaya, Selangor. When I open up a toy, I can see the wires – I know how the circuit works and and where the power flows,' says Tan. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran In the 1980s, Tan was inspired by the popular TV series MacGyver , which featured secret agent Angus MacGyver who could fix or find solutions to almost anything with everyday objects. 'In my eyes, MacGyver was so cool. And I wanted to be like him. 'I liked how MacGyver used his intelligence to solve things,' he says with a smile. 'Now I repair toys. It keeps my mind active, and I enjoy breathing new life into old toys.' At his home in Subang Perdana Goodyear Court, stacks of old toys fill plastic boxes belonging to his grandchildren, who usually visit him on weekends. In a few cardboard boxes are toy cars and robots, some broken, brought in by his church for Tan to fix and donate to underprivileged and Orang Asli children in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Angus MacGyver (played by Richard Dean Anderson) was the coolest fix-it guy on the telly in the 1980s. Screengrab: Culturapoparigor/Instagram 'Most of these battery-operated toys stop working because of simple issues – faulty circuits or missing parts. 'It is easy to throw broken things away, but if they can be fixed, why not (salvage them)?' Fondly known as Uncle GP, Tan is one of many senior citizens who believe in staying active. While some opt to pursue their hobbies or take on part-time jobs, he uses his expertise to help others. The Kedahan believes active ageing helps seniors remain mentally sharp and socially connected. Tan (right) with his church members and the Orang Asli community from Kampung Chemperoh, Bentong, Pahang. Photo: Tan Guan Poh 'Retirement doesn't mean you stop living. 'Look at me – I feel younger doing this. And the best part is, I get to play with toys,' says the grandfather of nine, who once worked as a process engineer in Kulim, Kedah. A 2020 research titled Health Promotion and Active Ageing Among Seniors in Malaysia finds that seniors who were mentally and physically active tended to have an overall positive assessment of their well- being. The study, published in the Journal Of Health Research, also states that health promotion and active ageing are two central components in enhancing quality of life and allowing seniors to retain a sense of control in their life. Reuse, reduce and recycle Tan's community work began during the pandemic, when he offered toy repair services at the now-defunct Re:Play Toy Hub and Toy Library, a free play space run by social enterprise Play Unlimited at a mall in USJ. 'One day, I walked past and saw toys inside the store. 'Curious, I stepped in and found out some of the preloved toys were faulty. 'I offered to help – it was my way of giving back,' says Tan, who was born and raised in Kuala Muda, Kedah. He was with Re:Play for almost two years and repaired hundreds of battery-operated toys – from remote-controlled cars and light-up educational toys to interactive plushies. While at Re:Play, he even trained a few volunteers to repair toys. Tan is a firm believer in the 3Rs – reuse, reduce and recycle – and wants to help build a more sustainable Malaysia with less trash and plastic waste. Through toy repair, he extends the life of items that would otherwise end up in landfills, and also teaches children to value their belongings. 'Kids these days have everything. 'Sometimes they lack the passion and motivation to learn because they are given too much. 'Parents should not pamper their kids too much,' says the father of three. An active lifestyle helps seniors maintain purpose, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran He recalls his own childhood, where toys were a rare luxury. 'My father worked at Sungkap Para Estate in Sungai Petani. 'We couldn't afford toys, so I made my own. 'I used matchboxes to build toy cars and Coca-Cola bottle caps as wheels. 'I was about eight then,' he recalls. That early resourcefulness never left him. As a boy, he learned to sew from his mother, who used a Singer sewing machine. Tan uses his trusted sewing machine to mend torn toys, giving them a second life before donating them to charity. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran Today, he still uses an old sewing machine he bought for RM200. 'I sew pillowcases and repair teddy bears by hand before donating them to charity,' he says proudly. He adds that while kids today are lucky to have access to phones and technology, he believes they must also be guided on how to use them creatively. 'They can play games, but also use the phone to learn and discover new things. That is important.' A bigger mission Tan's passion for helping others extends beyond toy repair. Tan is passionate about giving back to the community and caring for toys. He also serves as a chaplain (a person who provides spiritual and emotional care in communities) at a church in USJ 1, Subang Jaya. Part of his duties include visiting nursing homes and being a standby pastor for a funeral company in Kuala Lumpur. 'In life, we must do what we can to help others. 'Even small deeds can make a big difference,' he says. After retiring in 2000, Tan served as a pastor at several Methodist churches across the country. In 2008, he pursued his studies in Clinical Pastoral Education at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford, Texas. He later worked for five years as a hospital chaplain in Singapore. 'My job was to support patients emotionally and spiritually. When they feel more positive, they're more likely to take their medication and, over time, respond better to treatment.' He returned to Malaysia just before the pandemic – and quickly found new ways to contribute. 'When I came back, I felt the need to serve the community. 'So I used my skills to repair toys at Re:Play,' he says. These days, he continues to offer his services at PARC, a community hub in Subang Jaya, where he fixes broken items on Wednesdays and Fridays for a small fee. Tan is a firm believer in the 3Rs and wants to help build a more sustainable Malaysia with less trash and plastic waste. His technical know-how has led him to invent simple solutions. For example, he now converts battery-powered toys to USB-powered ones. 'Most toys run on five volts, just like on a USB. 'So I open the toy, find the terminals, and connect a USB cable. 'That way, there isn't a need to keep replacing batteries.' At home, he is always learning, especially when something new challenges him. 'I go to the Internet to learn. I didn't know how to match a transmitter and receiver for a remote-control toy, but now I'm learning it bit by bit.' Passing it on Looking ahead, Tan hopes to run repair workshops for senior citizens, teaching them basic electronic and toy repair skills. 'Many seniors feel bored. I believe in sharing my knowledge. So far, I have trained a few women when I was volunteering at Re:Play. I know I can train more.' He believes that with some guidance, anyone can learn the basics. 'As long as you know how to open up a toy, identify positive and negative terminals, and not mix them up, you are halfway there. 'The mechanical parts are easy. Electronics just need a bit of practice – changing parts, understanding wires and soldering.' A few basic tools are all you need to carry out simple toy repairs. Some USB cables (the kind used for toys), he notes, only have two wires. 'Once you get that, and know how to use a screwdriver, you can start fixing things. 'You don't need an engineering degree.' Tan also highlights the emotional value of toys, especially for the elderly. 'Toys aren't just for kids. They can bring back memories. 'For dementia patients, old toys can serve as powerful reminders of their past,' he concludes.
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MacGyver (2016)
Youthful reboot for the handy secret agent Year: 2016-2021 Certificate: 12 Watch now on 5 (Ch5) Like the MacGyver of the 1980s, the secret agent at the centre of this reboot series solves problems with science, not guns. Lucas Till plays the younger MacGyver, bringing some golden retriever energy to the role after making his name in teen shows, including Hannah Montana. In this reimagining, Angus 'Mac' MacGyver is a 20-something good guy with a swiss army knife and a gentle twinkle in his eye who is tasked by a secret government agency with missions to save lives and prevent catastrophes. The show is soft-centred, wholesome stuff that might lack charisma but is super-charged with fun as MacGyver solves problems with whatever is in front of him - paper clips, gum and duct tape being especially handy. (Five series)
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
From Barack Obama to Emmanuel Macron, global leaders hit by AI and deepfakes
In the latest deepfake scam using artificial intelligence, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has turned out to be the victim as his impostor sent fake voice messages and texts mimicking his voice and writing style to at least five senior officials including three foreign ministers, a US governor and a Congress member, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday. While the impostor is at large, it is found that the aim was to 'gain access to information or accounts' of powerful government officials. A probe has been initiated in the US over the breach of security and the incident has again brought the issue of AI impersonators into limelight. The recently held elections across different parts of the world including India and, US witnessed significant usage of AI, and incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of an AI-generated video of him dancing during the poll campaign. Trump shared fake AI image of himself as Pope Francis Following the death of Pope Francis, Donald Trump shared a fake, AI generated image of himself as the Pope. While sharing the image on his Truth Social account, Trump jokingly stated that he should succeed the late Pope. The photo depicted him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger clad in white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace. Joe Biden Amid heated election campaigns in the US, fake robocalls mimicking Joe Biden did rounds among New Hampshire voters. People were urged not to vote for his Democratic party and Steven Kramer, a Louisiana Democratic political consultant was indicted over the calls. The Federal Communications Commission imposed a $6 million fine on him later. The election campaign also witnessed former US Vice President Kamala Harris being spoofed, celebrating Biden's decision to withdraw from the poll battle. Trump's voice was also cloned, insulting the intelligence of Fox News viewers. Barack Obama In 2023, former US president Barack Obama's voice was cloned and he was heard defending himself against an explosive new conspiracy theory over the sudden death of his former chef. 'While I cannot comprehend the basis of the allegations made against me,' the voice said, 'I urge everyone to remember the importance of unity, understanding and not rushing to judgments.' The clip was published by one of 17 TikTok accounts pushing baseless claims. Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy As the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022, deepfake videos spreading misinformation as rampant online. In one of the clips, Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring peace did rounds online and there was another video showing Ukraine's president talking of surrendering to Russia. Meta and YouTube took down the videos. Emmanuel Macron After deepfake videos featured French President Emmanuel Macron grooving to a 1980s euro disco hit and inserted into an influencer's hair tutorial and the action hero TV show MacGyver, Macron acknowledged that he had become a meme among online users and he shared it saying: 'Its pretty well done, it made me laugh.' The video was posted by Macron two days ahead of AI Action Summit in Paris in February this year and his post triggered debate in France whether Macron should be trivialising deepfake videos when they can be used for harm. In October, Macron told Variety deepfakes 'can disinform, which can upset our democracies'. He said they should be regulated 'by imposing responsibility on the people who disseminate this content to moderate it'. Rishi Sunak Last year, a slew of more than 100 deepfake video advertisements impersonating former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were paid to be promoted on Facebook, The Guardian reported. The ads had likely reached as many as 4,00,000 people, spending more than £12,929, from 23 countries including the US, Turkey, Malaysia and the Philippines. One of the ads featured faked footage of a BBC newsreader, Sarah Campbell, appearing to read out breaking news that falsely claims a scandal has surfaced involving Sunak secretly earning 'colossal sums from a project that was initially intended for ordinary citizens'. The clip also contained false claim that Elon Musk had launched an application capable of 'collecting' stock market transactions and followed by a doctored video of Sunak saying the government had decided to test the application, eventually leading to a spoofed BBC News page promoting a scam investment. With inputs from New York Times, The Guardian, The BBC
Sunday World
28-06-2025
- Sunday World
Family of stab victim James Berney say he was ‘taken too soon' ahead of private funeral
People have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake' A private funeral will be held for stabbing victim James 'Jake' Berney, it has been announced. According to his notice on the 53-year-old who died in Tallaght Hospital last week after being attacked in his home over a personal dispute, was 'taken too soon'. It states that Jake will be forever 'sadly missed' by his loving father Andrew, his daughter Lorita, his son Aaron 'and all of his immediate family'. 'Taken too soon but forever loved by all of his brothers and their wives, aunts and nieces, extended family and friends,' the notice reads. In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake.' Stab victim James 'Jake' Berney News in 90 Seconds - June 28th Another adds that 'it was with deep shock and profound sorrow that I heard the terrible news of Jamesy's passing'. 'Fifty-three is far too young, and to be taken in such a cruel manner is truly difficult to comprehend. Love and sympathies to Andy, Willie and all of his family and friends,' Another writes that 'Jamesy' was more than an acquaintance, 'he was a fixture of our childhood on Foxdene Drive'. 'I'll never forget him babysitting, letting us stay up late for MacGyver, then attempting to lull us asleep before the folks got back with his dramatic rendition of 'Lady in Red'. 'It's a very sad day for Clondalkin,' another adds, 'he was a gentleman. I will always remember your kindness, smile, laugh and chats. May you RIP. Thinking of all your family, gone too soon.' Another mourner said: 'I only knew you from passing by, you were such a friendly person and never bothered anyone.' Another added: 'Couldn't believe what I was hearing, you didn't deserve that Jake. (I) knew you 20 years and not a bad bone in your body.' Berney, who lived at the home on Foxdene Drive in Balgaddy with his elderly father, was stabbed multiple times during a fatal attack following a personal dispute on Wednesday night. A male teen has emerged as the chief suspect in the attack and while he has not yet been arrested by gardai, it's understood that he was known to Mr Berney, although they were not related. One source told the Irish Independent: "He is well known around the area and his name spread around in the hours after this happened. He hasn't been seen since the stabbing on Wednesday night but he is the chief suspect." Meanwhile, Jake's daughter, Lorita, and pal Rebecca, have set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the victim and his family 'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s,' the page reads. 'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest. 'Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support,' the page continues. 'If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.' James, who is known as Jake, was killed after the suspect forced his way into his home on Wednesday night. He was stabbed several times in the back and chest. The Sunday World understands that a number of other people were in the property at the time and witnessed the attack. The suspect fled and emergency services were alerted. Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene and the victim was transferred to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sources described Mr Berney as a 'harmless man' who was well known in the area. 'He was a decent, harmless man who helped out around the area,' a source said. Gardaí were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination yesterday, but they are expected to upgrade the inquiry to a murder investigation. No arrests have been made, but investigators are following a definite line of inquiry. Gardaí sealed off the house and a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau began early yesterday morning. Neighbours said Mr Berney worked as a painter and decorator, and would often carry out decorating jobs for people in the area, some of whom described him as a 'perfectionist' when it came to his work. 'It's very sad. He was a local handyman, really. Everyone knew him, young and old,' one neighbour said. Another said: 'He was a loveable rogue, I'm going to miss him.' Neighbours said the front door of Mr Berney's house could be opened from the outside unless it was locked with a key, and there were frequent visitors to the property. There was no sign of forced entry at the house, and gardaí dusted the front door for fingerprints as part of their investigation. One neighbour reported hearing a disturbance at the house late on Wednesday night. 'There was banging and shouting and then the ambulance and gardaí started to arrive very quickly,' the man said. 'I've never seen so many squad cars. I knew there was something up when the gardaí put the tape up around the house. It's terribly sad,' another neighbour added. The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer at Lucan garda station. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan garda station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
New York Post
06-06-2025
- New York Post
400-pound monster alligator named Pepe ‘detained' for ‘being a dinosaur without proper papers' in NC
The scales of justice came for Pepe. Cops detained – and rescued – a monster 10-foot alligator they nicknamed Pepe the Gator sunbathing on a busy road in North Carolina and 'charged' him on suspicion of being a 'dinosaur.' 'Witnesses say he was just chilling and snapping, clearly ignoring the 'no loitering or lounging on roadways' sign,' the Onslow County Sheriff's Office wrote in a playful press release last week. 'Pepe has been cited for Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe, and Obstructing Traffic.' Advertisement 3 Deputies and a wildlife officer straddle Pepe the Gator, who was playfully charged with being a dinosaur without proper papers as he sunbathed on a North Carolina highway last month. Onslow County Sheriff's Office The responding deputies and officers from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission who got the call on May 25 managed to safely remove Pepe, but not before posing for pictures where they straddle him like rodeo riders. 'He was 10 feet long, 400 pounds. He was an absolute monster,' Trevor Dunnell, spokesman for the Onslow County Sheriff's Office told the Post Thursday. Advertisement 'They did a fantastic job of wrangling him.' To indicate the scale of the gator, Dunnell pointed out how, in the picture, even with three grown men on top of him, Pepe's still not covered. 'The picture really doesn't do it justice, I mean 10 feet … 10 feet is a basketball goal, that is a massive creature,' he said. Although 10 feet seems big, it's nothing compared to the largest gator on record – 14 feet and 3 and a half inches. Advertisement Deputies and wildlife officials used a towel to cover Pepe's eyes — eye contact is what triggers the animal's notorious death roll, Dunnell explained — and electrical tape to seal his mouth shut. 'It was definitely some MacGyver stuff they had to use,' he said. 'He may not have a good time during the removal, but he was playfully enough about it later to understand that, 'Hey, man, you gotta do what you gotta do.'' 3 Deputies and a wildlife officer in North Carolina successfully relocated Pepe the Gator. Onslow County Sheriff's Office Dunnell said the office received blowback from people online wishing the cops had just left Pepe alone. but Dunnell was quick to point out that leaving the reptile on the side of the road could have posed a hazard not only to residents but also to the gator. Advertisement 'You never know what can happen when kids are running around,' he said. 'And the gator could wind up in the middle of the road. It could hurt drivers but it could hurt him, too.' Dunnell said he hopes to see body camera footage of Pepe's apprehension. The two deputies and the wildlife official in the picture are happy to be riding him, Dunnell said, adding that if authorities encounter another Pepe, they'll know who to call. 3 The sheriff's office dropped all charges against Pepe the Gator, who was playfully suspected of being a dinosaur without his proper papers, after he was returned to his natural habitat. Onslow County Sheriff's Office 'But some deputies were absolutely not fine,' he said. 'When they got back, they were saying, 'You're not going to catch me on that thing. I'm not going to go anywhere near it!'' Pepe was far from home, and Dunnell suspects that it was a hot day and he was looking for a good spot to bask. 'How far he wandered is anybody's guess,' he said. 'It must've been several miles at least.' After further investigation, Dunnell said, they declined to charge Pepe. Instead, they drove him to a boat ramp at nearby Camp Geiger, a satellite facility of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Advertisement 'I think we've touched base with the gator and let him know we dropped the charges,' he joked. 'Pepe's back to his normal routine, he's hanging out near the beach and lounging in his natural habitat, hunting for his food and looking for a girlfriend.'
