South & North Korea Conflict, what next?

A South Korean’s navy ship sank at the disputed water at Yellow Sea last month, heighten the tense relationship between the North and South Korea. 46 sailors on boards were killed. Case is being investigated, alleged torpedo assault from North Korean’s submarine. Pyongyang has denied involvement.

Let’s speculate, what if Pyongyang tells lie, South Korean’s immediate military revenge would probably be activated though some analysts bet otherwise saying that South Korea can’t afford to harm the export driven economy. US and Europe for sure would standby Seoul. A good excuse to eliminate the nuclear facility in North Korea, and to emancipate the long suppressed communism in the name of humanitarian.

I guess Pyongyang’s traditional ally, China would try to dissolve the dispute peacefully and prevent possibility of war eruption. The main reasons would probably be shunning off US influence in the region, or maybe keeping North Korea to counterbalance the power of Japan and South Korea. For whatever reason it might be, Beijing can’t provide backup officially.

Leçon de Français

Franchement, je suis tout à fait profiter de la classe de français mais parfois je me sentais la pression d'apprendre une nouvelle langue. Mais il est bon de sortir plus tôt du bureau des œuvres. Après 2 mois, j'ai réussi à comprendre quelques phrases simples et le libellé. Pendant la lecture d'articles en français, il m'aide à comprendre plus facilement. Cela me fait sentir l'effort vaut la peine. Cependant, je dois admettre que cette langue est vraiment compliqué. Pas étonnant qu'il ne pouvait pas être la langue la plus populaire au monde.

Outre de celui-ci, il est agréable de rencontrer d'autres étudiants à travers le monde que je suis l'aîné. Ils sont si polis qu'ils ne m'appelle pas «mon oncle».

(Traduit par Google)

Bangkok Riot

The month-long “Red Shirts” protest has eventually turned riot on Saturday. The supporters of the exiled ex-Prime Minister Thaksin stormed the parliament and several governmental buildings earlier demanding resignation of present Prime Minister Abhisit and re-election. The government declared state of emergency on 07-Apr, and deployed tactics to dismiss the crowds. When the dispute heated up, violence followed.

People’s power is forceful, but could be ruined by a handful of people who has other intention. Who knows the terrorists in the southern Thailand are taking chance to mess up the situation to achieve their own goals? Who knows there are huge mobs waiting to loot the banks and shops?

The persisting tabulating political situation has tarnished the confidence of investors and tourists. If “Red Shirts” would win from this protest, you can’t be sure the equally strong opposition “Yellow Shirts” would organize the similar protest again to fight for their interest.

Just Do It!

Sports news is focusing on the return of Tiger Woods on the green course. Why people is so curious about his affair. This is his own business, why public keeps biting his tail? With his fortune nowadays, he can easily laugh it off. Well, I guess somehow he must bow to his sponsors who keep stuffing chunk of greenbacks into his pockets.

Nike must be glad to have Tiger as their brand spokesman. If you have balls, Just do it!

I Slipped My Tongue

It’s public holiday today in Rwanda, commemorating 1994 genocide.

Yesterday evening, as usual, while saying goodbye to a local colleague, I added “Enjoy your holiday!” He walked out from my room and returned after 5 seconds, said, “I can’t enjoy this holiday.” Oppss… I realized immediately I said something wrong and apologized to him. People is reluctant to recall and talk about this gory incident. Too many sad stories 16 years ago and they are trying hard to forget the past but time is too short to bleach the memory.

Buying House

Sis has made up her mind, with the nod of mom, to look for a new house in KL. She asks me to share buying a new unit, of course I would contribute the bigger part.

She has been searching around for a month, considering factors of convenience, safety, low density, a landed properties etc, in KL, this wouldn’t come cheaper than 200TEUR. I realize that if we don’t buy it now, the price would be rocketing beyond the pace of salary increment and inflation. On the other hand I do not wish to apply hefty loan as I always oppose to “work” for the bank by paying the high interest of 6%-7%.

This would be the main task after finishing my work in Rwanda.

French Lesson

Eventually I have accomplished the French course – Level Beginner 1. The size of the class reduced from the beginning 9 students down to 6 after 2 months. It was fun indeed, atmosphere was good. This language itself is so complicated with lots of rules and exceptions. It is distressing for a person like me who hates memorize all stuffs by hard.

We had a dinner at Chinese Restaurant yesterday, to thank our teacher Angelique. Was a nice gathering, an occasion of cultural exchange. It was interesting to observe personalities from different corners of the world.

Am looking forward to proceed with next Level in mid Apr.

picture: Tobias (German), Teoh (Malaysian), Angelique (Rwandaise), Carlos (Spanish) & Harriet (Kenyan).

Euro Zone

Addressing the economy crisis of Greece, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there should be mechanisms to allow for the expulsion from the Euro Zone of countries who repeatedly flout fiscal rules. This clause has to be added on the treaty.

I thought this was already a mandatory condition on the EU foundation? Didn’t those regulation enactors have in mind of such cases might happen? Did they really think EU concept was flawless and each member could develop abreast with Germany or France? Or EU was a humanitarian organization?

EU couldn’t afford to salvage the heavy debt ridden members, which in turn will drag down the overall economy. The statement of Merkel definitely doesn’t please some members. She is right. Instead of sinking together, let the poorly performed members re-organizing themselves and assist them as necessary.

Exclusive Interview President Kagame

CNN broadcasted an exclusive interview with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The questions of Amanpour focused on the alleged unequalled political rights, genocide, press freedom etc. all sort of “prejudiced” opinions from the outside world. President Kagame tried to give a clear statement of his country’s status quo, I doubt most of the audiences would be convinced. Indeed this is a rather safe country to live in, otherwise UN wouldn’t plan to shift its regional head quarter to this country.

Amanpour asked, does reconciliation (after 1994 genocide) need an authoritarian hand? President Kigame didn’t provide a straight answer, said a clear mind is needed. My opinion is – DEFINITELY. In fact the incumbent government is trying hard to impose a disciplined and fairly democratic system. I believed all poor and underdeveloped countries need strong hands to keep the nation integrated and functioning.

Repeatedly President Kagame advised the host not to judge certain issue based on the statement of a handful people, the voices of the 11 million should be listened instead. I think he was too diplomatic to tell Amanpour to do her homework before accusing blindly the country’s policies.

The interview was too short to address the problems in the country. I think it’s rather an advertisement of Rwanda to clear misconceptions to foreign countries.

操心

前几天与雇主商讨了续约的事宜，雇主提议将合约延长两个月至六月。同事们都接受了建议除了我之外。不想呆在这儿了！同事劝我留下保持整体的队伍。

我们聘雇的当地员工知晓后都怀着不安的心情，担心我们的离去也是他们被革职之时，因为他们不属于地头帮分子。一向来我们都把项目上的疑点和违规的勾当呈报给雇主，不晓得他有太多顾虑、受制于人、无能或另有图谋，始终未能清理败絮。这让地头帮更加为所欲为，而我方却束手无策。对如此散乱的管理感到非常失望。算了吧！反正这不是我的公司、也不是我的国家，何必为此操心！

Boring Oscar

I watched the Oscar some days ago. After finishing the show, I realized that for what I wasted my time watching this senseless award presentation event? People talked the same things every year – thank so and so, a wonderful team, excellent script… boring? I don’t know who is who, but I just appreciate good movies. No doubt The Hurt Locker and Avatar are excellent, the foreign movie Un Prophete is good too… Up In The Air, The Blind Side are good to kill time… I need Oscar to tell me which movies are worth for watching.

Foreign Labours

Malaysia imported lots of foreign labours for the jobs they dislike to involve in, mainly the construction and plantation industries, and restaurant service sector. In the early stage, our narrow minded government opened the market mostly to Indonesians because of religion sake. After some years of residency, these immigrants were given a PR status, followed by citizenship. This was the tactic to increase the percentage of Muslim in Malaysia within the shortest period so to weigh up the political influence. Comparatively, other countries offered citizenship to the brilliant mind so to improve the quality of the country, but our stupid politicians apparently had no such vision.

The economy downturn and fear of terrorism have forced several European countries tightening their immigrant policy. The elimination of African illegal immigrants in southern Italy, the ban of burqa in France, and the prohibition of constructing minarets in Netherland have triggered protests.

Bangkok

I spent a night in Bangkok before flying back to Kigali. First of all, I still don’t like the new airport. It is further out from the city, less organized, looks like a huge factory storage.

Bangkok city center especially Silom area has more mega size shopping malls sprouting. As usual, I have visited the famous 4-faced Buddha beside Erawan Hotel. Delicious foods can be found easily. The nightlife at Patpong was lively as usual, every 20m someone would approach and offer me various kind of “entertainment”… well, this is Patpong especially when you are a bachelor strolling alone in the area… ha ha…

Bombs in Kigali

Alert! 6 bombing cases within 2 weeks in Kigali, stirring panic in the city. Grenades were thrown in various spots, the latest was into a public transport. The victims suffered light injuries, news reported. No one claimed to be responsible for the crimes. Speculation said the act was to destabilize the politics and thus influence the coming national election in Aug. Seems that these bombs were just a warning, otherwise a greater destructive explosive would be detonated.

Chinese New Year Vacation

Back to work now after spending 2 weeks Chinese New Year vacation at home. Since this trip was not planned and most of my friends were not informed, basically I spent mostly on eating and sleeping and babysitting my niece and nephews. Have gained some weight swiftly which I had tried hard to get rid off in the past months.

Unwillingly

Went to immigration office this morning trying to extend my work permit, but in vain. Have to leave this country before the expiry on 14-Feb. The officer rejected my request for 1 month extension while waiting for police clearance process from Malaysia. I begged for 2 weeks… 1 week… No! No! No! No more concession granted. I said I would pay for penalty. No! No! No! You must leave.

Frustrated! I had no plan to go home though 14-Feb-10 is the Chinese New Year because I plan to leave this project by end Apr-10. Furthermore time is too short for me to handover my works to someone else. Also I have to skip 6-7 basic French lessons which I’m enjoying a little lately.

PIIGS

Goodness... just sense a hint of global economy recovery, and there comes the news of Europe countries - PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain) are bogging deeper into economy crisis due to spiraling debts. Governments are forced to slash their spending to help contain their annual budget deficit. The worsening situation might trigger greater recession in the region. The question of bailing out these countries would become desperate, would Germany or France able to help? Very very difficult… Very likely before this turmoil is settled, east Europe countries would follow the pave.

Would someone be dropped out from EU eventually? I think the pace of expanding EU zone is far too fast considering some poorer members are not ready to catch up the infrastructures needed to develop along with the western members.

Comparing to BRIC (Brasil, Russia, India and China) that group the strong growth countries, the name of PIIGS is humiliating.

Shit, EURO has dropped drastically recently. I have told all my friends to invest on US Dollar since months but I don’t have the saving to gamble on it.

Driving In Kigali

What a blessing… yesterday’s rain has swept away the heat that grilled Kigali in the past week. Somehow it caused traffic jams in the city for unknown reason. I had to detour and reached home ½ hr later for just a distance of 7km.

Though the traffic queue was long, but rarely some undisciplined drivers jumped the queue from the opposite lane. They deserved a credit!

Day before my car broke down in front of a restaurant, it was too heavy to push. It barely left enough space to let other car passing through. Eventually a gentleman assisted me to tow my car, but we blocked the road for a few minutes. A snobbish idiot blared its horn CONTINUOUSLY signaling us to give way. Axxhole!!!

Earthquake in Kigali

Minor earthquake shook Kigali in the midnight, twice. I was wakened, felt like someone shook my bed, but I thought was just a dream. But my colleagues who stay on the higher floors felt vigorous shaking. They said dogs in Kigali were howling, many residents ran down to the open space… I was not aware at all. Maybe a volcano in the region will erupt soon.

人在江湖

逐渐体验到人在江湖身不由己的处境。我不耍心机、不计算他人，奈何却未能阻挡暗箭。整个佈局我只是一颗棋子。若我抽身离去将会影响部分的运作令到同事的负担雪上加霜。友说我蠢，何必为公事太执著？我想这是因为自我要求过高及珍惜现状的团体精神。友劝亦应学习如何放手。

Haiti Earthquake

Have been >2 weeks since the earthquake shook Port-au-Prince. The city is left with a huge pile of rubbles, enormous figure of casualty and death toll… Foods are scarce and expensive, no shelter, 5000 prisoners escaped, lawlessness is fostering, the city falls disorder. The calamity has worsened the struggling life of this country - among the world’s poorest.

I don’t know what would I do if the home I built up was shattered overnight, and lost everything. I wouldn’t have the time to re-build what I’d lost. I’m always curious, what keeps these poor people to live their life? Many of them have to struggle for foods, sickness, education and all kind of problems that couldn’t be solved without money. Don’t they feel tired? What’s the meaning of life?

Our Driver Is An Artist

Patrick, one of our company drivers, is a part time artist, fairly well known in the country. Our Client knows him more than our boss. He attracts some fans wherever he goes. He has released a new album recently. Two songs have been uploaded to YouTube.

Burj Khalifa

Formerly known as Burj Dubai, the 828m world’s present highest building officially opened on 04-Jan-10. It’s more iconic rather than realistic. This money burning project doesn’t look so unique, the structure design is not innovative, lacking the elegance of Petronas Twin Towers, can’t beat the gravity defying idea of Beijing’s CCTV building… only tallness is about. For this height, not much can be done on the slim structure.

I’m curious if one would feel swinging on the top floor? How could rescue work be done in case of fire or emergency case? How much energy is wasted to flush the toilet alone? How much time and cost is needed to clean the dust off the glass?

A friend said, it would be a good exercise if you recall leaving the house key on your office desk when you are at the car park!

Arson Attacks

4 churches in Malaysia have been set arson by unknown on Friday. Police yet not solve the case. The Prime Minister condemned this provocative action jeopardizing the integrity and harmonious relationship among the races. He defended his political party would never involve in this crime, another idiot politician warned the public not to accuse them or they might face consequences. Stupid!

Feel so bad that the racial and religious issue has been escalated to another level. Why someone’s brain is so small that they couldn’t tolerate the existence and believe of the others?

If I were the Prime Minister, I would order the full force to investigate this issue and the mastermind to be executed!

The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown

Probably over expected, the latest novel of Dan Brown turned out to be quite boring – I spent 3.5 mths to finish reading (well partly because of the hectic works recently). Apparently the author is trying hard to layout a suspense and mysterious yet with realistic element plot, but it lacks the magic of his previous success. The ending of the novel was particularly uninteresting, too much biblical talk.

New Year Watching Movies

Did nothing but just staying at home watching the following films.

Surrogates – Quite an interesting futuristic idea, story was simple, Bruce Willis was no longer an invincible hero. Not bad to kill time.

Inglorious Basterds – Germans wouldn’t like to watch this movie. The character of the Jews Hunter – Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) was impressive, but Brad Pitt was overacting. So-so…

Where The Wild Things Are – Stopped after 15 min, it was for the kids.

This Is It – The final tribute to MJ, composed largely of the footage of his final concert rehearsal. The film was only presenting the MJ’s dedication to his music, not a hint of any negative element. The choreography was beautiful, that’s what I like most of this documentary.

Christmas Eve

I didn’t want to be alone yesterday night, so I went to the disco near to my apartment, anticipating some celebration or special program. Within 5 min a foxy lady approached me offering her companion. In the next 10 sentences, she started urging me to go back to my apartment, touching my hand, my face, staring at me passionately… I wanted to have someone to chat with but her English was limited for “business” communication. I ignored her later and excused myself.

When I shifted to the dance floor, immediately 2 more ladies came to say hi… not so attractive. They invited me to dance, but I had no intention to move. They caught the signal and left me alone.

At 12:00 midnight, no countdown, no screaming, no artificial snowflake, no whistling, no Santa Claus, no mask, no caroling, no special program, not a bit of Christmas feel… what a disappointment. The whole disco had only countable foreigners… I left after 2 beers, it was showering.

人情味

三日前账房向我索取本月雇员工资表，并说要赶在佳节之前发放。我问点解最后一刻先至通知，我需要时间齐集工作时间表。Alright，无所谓，为咗同事我一日之内赶起畀佢。
寻日下昼，條友先致电问我何解超时津贴过高，担心总部问长问短，可唔可以将工资延至一月直至阿头过完节返来。我话班同事需要呢笔钱过圣诞，唔应该抽起。跟住账房走来话佢地嘅计算方式同我嘅有啲出入，要我重新计算，否则条友唔会签纸。顶！玩嘢啊！为免佢诸多借口，我再做过，明知条友今日亦都唔会发放工资。班井底蛙冇料却揸住鸡毛当令箭。真系滚！
同事话冇钱呢个圣诞点happy啊？

Earthquake

The recent management re-shuffling has caused some colleagues losing their jobs recently in the head office. Sad to learn a few known persons are on the retrenchment list. Ever since working in this project, I realize the cruelty of the office politics, had never experienced so tense as yet. I reckon the flame would spread to this site office sooner or later… see who would be the unlucky. I’m losing my faith and hope to this company gradually.

No Christmas Feel

No Christmas feel in the town - no Christmas songs blaring our loud, no decoration in the public... only a Christmas tree at the airport, a life size Santa Claus model shaking hips in front of the supermarket... very quiet... I don't feel the Christmas atmosphere.