In modern times blackouts have not only been inconvenient but also periods of danger and loss. In colder countries prolonged blackouts during winter had resulted in deaths from severe cold. More accidents would also be likely.
Some years ago, prior to Chinese New Year I had the opportunity to buy from fisherman friends some really (relatively) cheap prawns, bawal putih, senangin and kurau to take home for mum when I went home on CNY leave. I purchased the seafood a month prior to the festive period.
But alas, while I was away for more than a week, a blackout occurred due to an electrical storm. Fallen trees on the cables of the main electrical grid were the cause but after these were removed the following day and electrical supply restored, I wasn't around to switch back on the flat's safety circuit breaker which had tripped during the storm.
By the time I returned a week later, my piscatorial treasures deteriorated into stinking plant fertiliser, wakakaka.
That was my loss, both materially and in the time expended on cleaning up the yucky mess and lingering awful pong in the freezer. And worse, I missed the opportunity to score big with mum, returning home with only some Ipoh pomelos.
More romantic people saw blackouts as an opportunity for romantic interludes by candlelight, with smug grins 9 months later.
I am not sure whether it's true but it's said that in Malaysia one particular organization has more than its share of blackouts, wakakaka, as if some of its members have ownership of light (or its loss), wakakaka again.
Tell me about your experiences, if any, wakakaka.
