Corruption

Had a casual chat with friend K, we talked about the politics and corruptions that commonly exist in the works. Unexpectedly he commented that I should take the chance if someone offers me “gift” for some favours, provided that it doesn’t hurt anyone else. Principally I despise such deal.

An ex-colleague once said, “Everyone has a price.” Would I lose my conscience if someone offers me a very attractive amount that permits me retiring soon? I couldn’t give the answer right now… I think this probably would not happen as those bosses in higher management are more enthusiastic to handle the deal themselves.

As Usual…

As usual, all the good news and bad news happened in the past year were pouring in, to keep me informed of the life changed in my family and relatives. I’m trying to avoid the bad news, because it won’t make me feel good and I’m helpless sometimes…

As usual, money seems to be a crucial element in life. Sisters are working hard to strive for higher earning for family sake. Glad to know that their babies give them more pleasure than anything else. This commitment will be too stressful to me…

As usual, mom and sis again plan to introduce girlfriends to me, the “target” is a Japanese lady this time.

As usual, I feel bored to stay at home… start planning where to escape for a couple of days… Beach? Diving? National park?...

14-Feb-07 Scenes at Skopje’s Alexander The Great Airport

- A small boy was screaming loud when the airport security instructed the mother to remove the toy pistol from his baby knapsack.

- A mother with 3 young kids came to the waiting hall. She broke down and wept, barely caught anyone else attention. From her muddy PVC shoes, simple hairdo and inexpensive clothing, I could figure out her living background. The eldest daughter has a bunch of beautiful curly long blond hair and the 2 younger sons are wearing energetic handsome boyish look with big blue eyes. Their shirts are clean and the nails are tidy. They behaved well and never upset other passengers. I stared at the blue eyes, was thinking possibly my kids would have the same if I marry a Caucasian?

p/s: It’s Valentine’s Day but found no one on the plane to flirt with.

Hectic

Hectic work occupied the full past week, tried the utmost to clear off some pending issues and handed over some tasks to my colleagues. I should have delegated the assignments earlier for them to have more hands-on practice with my supervision. Quite doubtful if they could handle the assignments well.

The secretary would probably lose my support during my coming 3-week vacation, hope this pressure would give her good experience to be more independent.

Going Home Soon

Will be travelling back home next Wednesday for Chinese New Year. It has been almost a year since last playing with my chubby twin-nephews. To my family and friends, I’m just like a tourist visiting them routinely, tops 3 weeks a year. While I see the baby faces metamorphose yearly, probably they would in return observe more grey hair is growing wild on my skull. I’m grateful to my brother sisters for taking care of the family, so to lift my worry while working abroad.

落叶归根

一套不该错过的影片。虽然欠缺一些逻辑性，人情味有点儿泛滥但不煽情。特喜欢赵本山与宋丹丹和午马这两段戏。

Oral Surgical Plan

Had another sleepless night, the pain was torturing. I almost couldn’t recognize me in the mirror, the upper lip was heavily swollen (the moral of this case is that if I will ever consider performing plastic surgery, lips thickening definitely won’t make me looking good).

The very first thing done in this morning was to rush for x-ray screening, it shows serious infection on my front tooth where root canal was done 25 yrs ago, fractures and spots of pus were seen. The dentist extracted 5ml pus from the gum without anaesthetic - PAIN PAIN PAIN! The pulsing made me weak. He lays out an operation plan for me... quite simple - remove the 2 crowns of both front teeth (because the roots are broken), then root-canal 2 teeth on the left and right side respectively. ONLY 6 teeth are involved. It is hair pricking to hear this plan... cost around Euro 500. Well, money has to be paid anyway, but the procedure would take weeks... imagine the pain to suffer…

Based on the distinct smell, I judged the clinic was well disinfected. But I could see a layer of dust rest on the tray and dental chair. If this basic cleanliness is not taken care of, how could I expect the dentist would look into very fine details of his works?

North Korea's Dictator

The newspaper reported recently that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il‘s eldest son – Kim Jong Nam has for the past three years lived in Macau. He has been seen staying in the 5-star hotel, gambling in casinos and dining in restaurants. His lifestyle is extremely luxurious compared to the poor economy of the last communist country on earth. Yet we heard the news of famine and starvation occasionally suffered by its people while President Kim thinks nuclear weapon would lead North Korea to achieve better development. Idiot!

His dictatorship is only benefiting himself. He isolates the country from the world. If the public has access to the free info available on the internet, this government will for sure be toppled.

Toothache

The toothache bothered me since yesterday, two at the same time – front tooth and a molar. The pain killer could barely relieve the pain for a couple of hours, and the irritating pain creeping back again and again. It’s persisting though not extreme, but kept me awake throughout the night and distracted my concentration.

The dentist said I’m having gum infection, but he wouldn’t do anything before examining the x-ray film. I have to rush for an x-ray screening early tomorrow. Guess tonight would be another sleepless night.

John Legend

Though John Legend was 3 Grammy Awards winner, his debut album “Get Lifted” (2004) did not impress me. The influences of the producers – Kanye West and Will.I.Am were easily traced on the album.

His 2nd album “Once Again” lifted my stereotype on him, it’s more matured with his unique music style. If I would describe the voice of Tunde Baiyewu (Lighthouse Family) is innocent, John Legend’s lightly husky voice is carrying a touch of sadness. I like both voices greatly.

This album is beautiful, especially “Save Room”, “P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)” & “Where Did My Baby Go”.

Arrogance

I met the consultant of our Client for the first time today after an inspection. I approached and greeted the gentleman. In return, he started introducing (I would rather use “emphasizing”) his massive experiences in this field, without a hint of smile, and walked away without an excuse. Another arrogant chap to work with!
p/s: he couldn’t even express in English.

Treetops Hotel

On 06-Feb-1952, the night King George VI passed away, Princess Elizabeth was at Treetops (Aberdare NP, Kenya). The visitors' log book has these famous lines:

“For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into a tree one day a Princess and after having what she described as her most thrilling experience she climbed down from the tree next day a Queen — God bless her.”

The original Treetops, built on a 300 year-old fig tree was burned down in 1954, and was rebuilt in 1957. It has become fashionably exotic landmark to tourists. The hotel is well facilitated with hot water supply, library, dining hall… but no TV, no radio, no party. Everyone should talk silently not to frighten the animals, move lightly not to quake the fragile wooden structures.

No one is allowed to stay out of the building without companion of ranger. The hotel is rather small, the main attraction is to stay on the balcony watching wild animals gather at the waterhole for saltlick. To prevent the waterhole drying up for attracting the animals sake (for tourists eventually), water has to be pumped from other waterholes and salt is sprinkled into it.

It is not exceptionally fun, but the atmosphere is unique.

The Queen

Through the accident of Princess Diana in 1997, the movie reveals the response of the private chamber of Royal family. I know very little about the monarchy. How much fact we could believe from this fictional account of real event?

- Queen Elizabeth II was crowned as The Queen of the UK in 1952, age 26, when her father passed away for health sake. It was definitely no easy task for the Princess. The movie defends her sacrifice and love to her people, but it portraits an image of non-decisive and lacking of own firm view.

- Prince Philip seems to be the most selfish guy in the movie, like a parasite to the Royal family.

- Obviously the director is depicting a totally different image of Prince Charles - soft hearted, loving the late Princess Diana… but not our familiar “tasteless” (his choice of Camilla) Prince of Wales.

- Michael Sheen failed to impress / present us the unique charm of PM Tony Blair, and I missed the beautiful British accent.

The movie is not really fascinating but the clips of Diana documentary are mesmerizing. Of course Helen Mirren’s performance is remarkable!

Paradox

If I’m not mistaken, Quran stated that Muslims are not allowed to renounce their religion, the apostasy is punishable by death according to some Muslim scholars. In Malaysia it is often defined Malay ethnic as Muslim, and non Muslim must convert to Islam if they want to marry a Muslim.

There is a case of a female, born a Muslim, has converted her religion. She has been facing tough procedures and critics for years on demanding her new name and new religion to be edited on the identity card. The case is being appealed to the court.

Malaysia’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, while in parallel the Sharia court is handling personal law such as divorce, child custody and inheritance of Muslims. The decision of the federal court is pivotal to resolve the paradox of religious freedom. It will set up a precedent if she succeeds.

The conservative Muslim groups condemned fiercely while the threats to the lady and her lawyers were circulated by the fanatics. This issue would not echo if it is a case of converting to Islam.

Il Divo – Siempre

Has been enchanted by this fantastic vocal group Il Divo since their self titled debut album in 2004. The quartet aptly integrates classical performance with contemporary style. This new album - Siempre inherits the high standard. It is cozy…

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Watched this movie because the critics rating it hilarious and among the best in 2006. In fact, I found it disappointing. The ideas are unimaginative, derogative and unrealistic. Some clips are available in YouTube, funny but low level. The movie doesn’t lead you to think in depth, comparatively Mr.Bean’s character is more solid.

Budget Airlines Teaming

The present budget airlines mainly focus on regional services, cross-continental flights are rare. News saying that three of the world’s main low-cost airlines – AirAsia, Virgin and EasyJet are teaming up to establish a global network. Once the cooperation proposal is materialized, it would give another hard blow to the conventional operators. A good news to low budget consumers!

War in Somalia

The Horn of Africa is referred to the easternmost projection of the African continent, includes Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. This region is poor, political unstable and the relations between neighboring countries remain tense. Conflicts have never ceased for decades.

Click here to understand the background of Somalia upheaval since 1991.

The present Transitional Federal Government (TFG), formed in October 2004, is comprised of Somalia warlords and civilian leaders. The so-called rebels - Islamic Courts Union (ICU) is a group of Sharia Courts vows to build an Islamic country and government, who has gained the confidence from the civilians on their effort in reinforcing laws and re-establishing economy. We couldn’t judge who is decent or otherwise.

The Christian-Orthodox dominant Ethiopia is always staying alert of the threats from Muslim dominant Eritrea and Somalia. It is not difficult to define Ethiopia political stand and intentions on their recent intervention in the on-going war in Somalia.

Worrying that ICU would turn out to be another Taliban and is alleged harbouring Al-Qaeda, the US has supported the secular Somali warlords with the assistance from the region’s strongest military power Ethiopia, because they couldn’t afford to bog down into another war zone like in Iraq. Ethiopia has the following advantages,

- extending diplomatic intimacy to the US in exchange of some favours
- announcing their anti-terrorism effort
- keeping the ruling Somali TFG as strategic partner
- eradicating threats along the Ethiopia – Somali borders
- might make use of Somalia coastal line to compensate the geographical deficiency of the landlocked country

According to the report from UN, a number of countries including Ethiopia’s persevering enemy Eritrea, are contributing equipment and financial aids to this war zone. Hoping that this would not drag the whole Horn of Africa into endless crisis in the name of holy war.

Saddam Hussein – Execution

I don’t understand why the execution moment of Saddam was recorded and circulated to all media. Do they mean to set up an “educative” warning to the world? The news is no doubt sensational but this broadcast would certainly heighten the anger of fanatic supporters in the Arab world… more hatred…

Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was hanged today for his infamous crimes, the end of a notorious dictator.

During his reigning era from 1979-2003, he stunned the world by initiating Iran-Iraq War in Sep 1980 that last for 8 years, genocide in the killings of Kurds during the Anfal campaign against Kurdish rebels, and invading Kuwait in 1990 for accusing the latter illegally slant-drilling petroleum across Iraq’s border.

Today is the beginning of religious holidays for Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest dates of the Muslim year. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence but a deliberate choice, maybe they’re hoping that the festival would divert the concentration of the Arab world and minimize the backlash from Sunni insurgents. On the contrary, the jubilant Shi’a, oppressed under Saddam, was celebrating the news (the image below – from Wikipedia - shows the distribution of both Muslim sects).

Babel

Babel means a state of confusion caused by many people talking at the same time or using different languages.

The movie is comprised of four stories.

1- Two Moroccan boys shot an American tourist accidentally while testing the newly bought rifle. The elder was killed by the police on their escape.

2- No proper facilities to save the wounded tourist, and the couples were abandoned by other selfish frightened companions in a desert village.

3- A Mexican nanny was desperate to bring her two baby-sit kids out of the desert. She was arrested and deported subsequently though she has been considering the States as her home after 16 years of living.

4- A mute-deaf Japanese teen girl was upset to be a virgin. She was looking for love and her initiative to seduce men failed repeatedly.

The director weaved the stories and presented in stark culture contrast among each other, but sharing a common ground – undesirable ill fate. It’s slightly heavy, lack of commercial element, but flowing smooth. Recommended.

圣诞礼物（二）

逢过年过节，分包商都会登门拜访派发一些小礼物给员工，当作慰劳吧，让小员工也受到一些尊重。分量一般都根据职位有所区别。实质有些小礼物不仅仅表达心意，却包含贿赂的成分。

曾遇过一位业主的财政人员准时地抛一张清单给我上司要求处理，否则可能会有一些小问题拖延付款。这容易办，至少明目张胆，我们知道对方开个什么价，可以谈。最难应付的是那些伪君子，从不明示。给太多我们觉得不值，给太少又怕他老羞成怒。难缠！

圣诞礼物（一）

上个月我告诉同事不必为我准备圣诞礼物，因为一向以来都没这习惯，我不是基督教徒这不是我的传统。秘书小姐很惊讶地问，如果其他同事都收到礼物除我之外，我不会觉得被侮辱吗？我答说不会。再者同事的工资不高，我不想他们破费。也想着日后运送回家也挺麻烦。

同事还是为我准备了礼物，很感谢他们的心意。管家送了我一件衬衫，黑灰间条。他夸说知道我的喜好，但确实不是我的品味。我穿上的话会看起来很土，不穿的话有可能伤了他的心意。

失策

今天的超市挤满了圣诞购物的人，竟然等上了50分钟才轮到付款。后来才知道标签扫描器坏了，所有的柜台员工都必须把物品编号逐个输进电脑里，真累人。早该把下周长假的必需品储备好。失策!

A Day Trip to Skopje

Travelled to Skopje (capital of Macedonia) to apply my Bulgarian visa yesterday. It is ridiculous that I must apply the visa abroad though I’m currently staying in this country. To make it more fun, I received my work permit 8 months after my first application, the bureaucratic process is tedious.

At the Bulgarian custom - border to Macedonia, my finger prints and photo were taken (like fugitive) for profile record. I was ordered to sign a Bulgarian language statement (no one translated to me and I couldn’t understand at all), confirming that I have no objection to be penalized for overstaying in the country. The decree will be given later.

The roads beyond the custom authority of both countries are well paved, but the 50m potholed zone between the 2 offices is an eyesore. A tiny duty free shop is available, selling only liquor, tobacco and perfume.

Skopje is smaller than Sofia (capital of Bulgaria). In general, the roads are narrower, drivers are less disciplined than Bulgarians, insufficient parking place, more Islamic mosques in the city…

There was a long queue in front of Bulgarian Embassy, guess these Macedonians were hurrying for last minute visa application. Note: The diplomacy status between the 2 countries will be changed when Bulgaria will join EU on 01-Jan-07. Till end of this year, both countries’ citizens could travel freely without visa.

Unfortunately visa section was closed at 12:00pm. Thanks to my colleague’s relentless effort, the Ambassador granted special permission to process my application. The gentleman is polite and helpful.

We took a taxi, but was charged €5 for a couple of km distance, obviously we were slaughtered. A friend said it should cost €1 only!!! Shit! We have to learn from experience.

Dr.M vs. Soros

Hint 1:
During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr.M accused the hedge fund speculation was the culprit that destroying the economy structure in the region. He pointed straight to the massive Quantum Fund managed by Hungarian born George Soros who strongly condemned Dr.M’s policy to impose capital control that against free market concept. Dr.M once referred him a “moron”.

Hint 2:
Dr.M has obviously lost his former cronies’ support politically since he handed over the Prime Minister post to his handpicked successor – Abdullah Badawi in 2003. He recently expressed his disapproval and criticized the new leader abandoning some mega projects which he had been laying out deliberately during his era. Ironically, the once highly respectful Dr.M was attacked by pepper spray as he prepared to address an assembly in July.

A meeting has been held between Dr.M and Soros on 15-Dec, the agendas were not disclosed. Dr.M said it was his “mistake” to accuse Soros for the financial crisis. What could we relate the cooperation of these 2 strongmen with? Another political / financial ploy? A hint of Dr.M’s resurrection? Those betrayer cronies, watch out now!

Another political upheaval is brewing…

Monetary Control – Lifted!

Thailand made an emergency lifting of its monetary control which has just been freshly imposed 2 days ago. The said measure has caused Stock Exchange of Thailand lost 800 billion Baht in value - the largest one-day drop in its 31-year history.

The initial idea is to relieve the pressure of Thai Baht appreciation against USD recently, worrying that strong currency would jeopardize export of the country. They decided that the short term hot money speculations to be curbed. Thai Finance Minister admitted the authorities have underestimated the impact caused.

In fact the regional stock markets and currencies have gained weight too fast in the past 2 months – 15%! The bullish stock market drives everyone crazy, quite irrational in my opinion. Thought the unexpected blow would cool down the fever lightly, instead the market recomposed swiftly after the curb lifting announcement is made. The whole region is again overwhelmed by the “prosperous” sentiment. Hope this is not a flash in the pan.

Thailand has much to do to soothe and mend the shaken faith of foreign investors.

Monetary Control

The regional stock markets of South East Asia fell sharply today after the unexpected announcement of capital controls to curb speculation on the Baht by the Bank of Thailand. The “harsh” measure caught lots of foreign investors off-guard. Does Bangkok sense that another bout of monetary crisis is brewing in the region?

The 1997 Crisis destroyed the emerging countries’ economy utterly a decade ago. The miracle of economy achievement evaporated, the speculators (hedge fund) mercilessly vacuumed billions of hard-earned savings out of the region, while foreign companies desperately retreating their investments to safe havens. Malaysian Ringgit, Thai Bhat, Philippines Peso, Korean Won had devalued almost 45%, and 75% to Indonesian Rupiah.

Prior to the catastrophe, International Monetary Fund (IMF) encouraged developing countries liberalizing financial sector i.e. eliminating restriction on capital flows. They again stepped in hypocritically offering assistance in the aftermath. People in retrospect believe that the well coordinated manipulation of currencies was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region economies, and I believe IMF is the mastermind of this ploy.

Plenty of proposals and packages were presented to help reforming the vulnerable economy, targeted to push the governments to sell off the key assets e.g. bank, electric, water etc, of course cheaply. For instance,
- Indonesia to sell off part of PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's largest retail bank
- Korean Daewoo Motors was sold off to American General Motors

Malaysia surprised the world for not accepting any advice from IMF but imposing series of monetary control. Tons of furious critics against the same, saying this act would lead Malaysia economy to bog down further. The years passed and this tactic convinced and proved to the rest of its success.

IE7

Updated Microsoft Internet Explorer to version 7 yesterday. What a disaster! Everything went slow… certificates didn’t work… and found some negative comments on the internet. So, I uninstalled it immediately. Wasted my time.

Dorm

I come across this nice Thai movie from Teddy’s Blog. It illustrates the friendship fostered between a student and a ghost – another student died in an accident years ago in the same school. The story is touching and the two handsome child actors deserved the credit. I like it, recommended.