Sirimongkon Maisuk

Under the Child Sponsorship Program, World Vision sent me the photo of my sponsored Thai kid – Sirimongkon Maisuk (age 10). The money donated is not given directly to him, but to be pooled with other sponsors for long term community project instead. Hope this trivial amount would help those people who wants to live their life bravely with vision.

返老还童

常听说长者的情绪会返老还童，如小孩般需要别人的关注与呵护。最近察觉到有此现象。是否长者生活不够充实感觉无聊而胡思乱想？

South Thailand Insurgency

Murder cases in south Thailand's three Muslim dominant provinces - Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani (close to Malaysia border) are reported almost daily on local newspapers. Statistic shows more than 2000 people were killed in the past 3 years, mostly civilians, monks were not exempted. The Muslim insurgents blamed discrimination by the country's Buddhist majority. Thai government has no control over the escalating unrest to date. This insurgency has gradually transformed into religious conflict. The longer it drags, it would turn out to be another Gaza Strip. Probably this is the conspiracy of the separatists to attract attentions and aids from fanatic Islamic terrorist organizations, to achieve their independence goal eventually.

World Vision – Administrative Costs

World Vision Malaysia has pledged not to use more than 20% of all donated funds on administrative and overhead costs. In considering of this rather small organization and donation received (compared to UN campaigns), this percentage is acceptable.

Previously I used to have a misperception that UN related organizations are kind of voluntary parties to help those in needs and the workers are just collecting minimal wages. I’m utterly wrong. In fact the UN staffs are flying in and out in business class, accommodating in stars rated hotels, collecting above average income, enjoying various allowances and tax free status etc. I don’t see any reason to donate money to these so-called UN organizations who squandering tax payers’ money as such!

UN said they must pay lucrative wages to attract “highly qualified” people to execute the works / projects. I'd love to work with UN family too!

World Vision - Child Sponsorship

I raised the issue of sponsoring a child under World Vision with friends lately. Monthly contribution of MYR50 (Euro11) is all asked to be donated. Simon suggested adopting an orphan instead, but I’m afraid of excessive commitment in the future and it would do greater harm to the child if the sponsorship is terminated for whatever reason. Guess I’m too selfish (???)

Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

My twin nephews caught “Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease” a few days ago. The elder was crying for days and lost his appetite due to the painful blisters inside the mouth. Other symptoms of the infection are short-lived fever and red spots/ blisters on the palms and on the soles of the feet.

The doctor said this particular type of Coxsackie virus is mild, unlike the lethal plague erupted years ago which cause instant pass-out.

Back To Work

This vacation was too short, quite reluctant to pack my luggage and fly back to Bulgaria again. Feeling tired and bored with the working environment, have been thinking over to settle down in Malaysia, but too many aspects need to be considered before making decision.

Phuket - 易装歌舞秀

看了一场免费的人妖歌舞表演，表演者卖力地呈现歌舞，对台下观众异样的眼光不知有何感想？我不喜欢‘人妖’这词，总觉得带有贬义与歧视。我们不了解他们的背景与辛酸，可知道当中有多少人身不由己？短暂的演艺生命不能赋予长期稳定的收入。他们专业的投入应报以热烈掌声，只有没文化的人才会给于嘲笑。

欣赏之际，我忽然想起程蝶衣唱过‘我本是男儿郎，又不是女娇娥’。。。又想起张国荣英年早逝。。。

Phuket - Diving

Just returned from 4-day trip to Phuket. The island once seriously rampaged by tsunami has recovered fully and the jubilant life is back to track again, at least from the eyes of tourists. The beaches are packed by sunbathers, and the bars are crowded with tourists.

I made a trip to Racha Yai for diving, I insisted for fun dives instead of having a refreshing course since I had no dive record in the past 3 years. The 1st dive was fairly good, but the 2nd dive was not satisfactory. The strong current drifted me away and I was acting like a fool to fight against it. I lost my control, I spent most of my time controlling buoyancy instead of appreciating the marine life.

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.