Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Oil Price Breaks USD 100

The cruel effect of soaring oil price has surfaced around the world…. even the oil rich Gulf countries are not exempted. Read this interesting article from International Herald Tribune,

In the oil-producing Gulf countries, governments that are flush with oil money can soften the blow by spending more. The United Arab Emirates increased the salaries of public sector employees by 70 percent this month; Oman raised them 43 percent. Saudi Arabia also raised wages and increased subsidies on some foods. Bahrain set up a $100 million fund to be distributed this year to people most affected by rising prices. But all this government spending has the unfortunate side effect of worsening inflation, economists say.

I wonder for how long this strategy would work. This move would bog down their economy in long run and spoil their people. The labour market will be too expensive, it will ruin their effort to curb the inflation. OPEC has no intention to exert any effort to stabilize the oil price, but crossing their legs and smoking shisha leisurely.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Study

Some friends are still pursuing higher study at this age… MBA, PhD, professional certificates… It's not easy to take care of studies while having a full time job. It is even tiring when there is a family to take care of. One must be having a persistent will to accomplish the task. Qualification is the bet to achieve higher job position, especially in the international companies nowadays.

I don't see the necessity to have kind of MBA degree in my career now. The nature of my job simply doesn't require one. If I would pick up any course in future, it would largely for my hobby sake.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Germany Trip

Just came back from Germany to visit ex-colleagues. Was a pleasant trip though facing minor problem at Munich Airport on arrival. The young immigration officer was not so polite, though not rude, while checking my passport. Felt like being treated as 2nd class people. He asked for return ticket, traveling program, invitation letter etc. My annoyance was growing and I threw back a question to him, "For visiting a friend?"

I used to visiting Germany almost yearly since 1995, have never been interrogated as such. He ordered me to stand aside until finished examining rest of the travelers' doc. At last he flipped through each page of my passport scrutinizing under the light and hoped to find a hint of fake detail. After stamping my passport I grabbed it away without saying "thank you".

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It was nice to meet ex-colleagues again, exchanging news and sharing stories, though the time was slightly too short.

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Also visited
Cathedral of St. Peter in Regensburg and Walhalla.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Rambo 4 (I killed Someone…)

Sylvester Stallone is never my idol, but I just want to watch if the aging John Rambo is still capable to save the world. Frankly, the story is suck, the selling point is the intense brutal killing scenes. Tons of explosions tearing the limbs, blood splashed fiercely… quite "entertaining" indeed.

I had a weird dream that night. I couldn't recall the whole story… I just remember I was holding a grenade and threw to someone… I killed the "bad" guy. A lady rushed to me begging me to stop it. I snarled, "You know nothing!"… wow… I was so macho! Look closely, the lady was my ex-secretary! This was scary!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Reunion Dinner


An ad of Petronas - the national oil company. This year's theme is "Reunion Dinner". This is not the first time I'm away from home during Chinese New Year. To me, it is not necessary to have this reunion dinner on this very day. Any day can be if we want to. Cherish the love... Happy New Year.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Live For The Others

Colleague B was asking me how many years more I plan to work abroad. I replied, if only for myself I would plan to retire in the next years, but the actual situation at home might defer my plan. I'm glad to help my family members so to ease their burden. On the other hand, I have to be cautious not to let them over dependent on me.

I'm still single, no plan to get married, till now. Am reluctant to commit myself to someone. Friends said this is love, is blessing… I should have learned to appreciate. Maybe they are right but the responsibility is enormous. 2 people staying together, trust and understanding have to be fostered, and sacrifice to fit each other. I know my stubbornness and chauvinistic character could hardly compromise. (Or I'm too afraid?)

A friend is encountering this problem lately. I don't know what to say but giving these "theoretical" advice. Hope they could solve this crisis rationally and develop a stronger bond to walk abreast continually.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

"Eye" Catching

Mazda Furai

Lexus LF