Amy Winehouse - The Ska Ep

Oh no... Amy jumps into Raggae. Well, the songs are not bad but Raggae music is not my taste. I can't play it while working. The beat is disrupting my concentration.

Recently

Virus Attack
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My notebook was again attacked by virus since last Friday. Spent the whole weekend to try rescuing my data, was so mad because I couldn’t watch Olympic volleyball final matches on Saturday. Grrrr…. I believe there is still a virus hiding well like Bin Laden, and execute Taliban ambush occasionally.

Olympics Closing Ceremony
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Spectacular! The performances were excellent (except the singing session). Was interesting to note the 8 minutes performance of the next Olympics host – London, emphasizing the urban life of metropolitan. The modern dancing was a stark contrast to the cultural theme of China. But, why Leona Lewis? David Beckham is still the iconic sportsman of UK, luckily Victoria was not present.

Travelling
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I prefer backpacking.
My ex-colleague opted biking around the world for 6 years.
The new project intern hiked all the way from Germany to Spain.
No matter how… travelling is fun! Can’t wait to go to Hungary next Friday!

Gelato
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Sis told me that she prepared some gelato for a country club, particularly served for Malaysia Prime Minister on flight some days ago. She just sent me an overjoyed message that the club said the PM was impressed and wanted to see her. Regardless how true it is, she is encouraged.

Next Project
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This is the latest hot topic in the office, Manager has started planning the infrastructure for this new project in Rwanda though he is not officially assigned yet. In fact, the whole organization in head office is not clear - who would be the boss? who would be recruited? material transportation? infrastructure etc.? I have not committed myself to Rwanda, at least not now. Would like to take a rest and settle some personal matters before starting next project.

Visa To Hungary

Am planning to visit Budapest early next month. Learned from the unpleasant experience being rejected on-board during the last trip to Italy, this time I want to be sure of I won't encounter the same problem.

Yesterday, I was right, the instinct response of the Hungarian Embassy (in Sofia) officer insisted I do need a visa to visit the country, of course without checking his data. After explaining to him Malaysian passport is valid to any EU country without visa for 90 days (as stated on Hungarian government webpage), he asked to call him the next day to confirm the same.

This morning my colleague contacted him again, he admitted no visa is required.

Where is the professionalism? Tired with such attitude!

Olympics Events

Upset… the best hope of Malaysia in badminton men's singles game failed to snatch gold medal. Well, silver is by far the best in our history.

Why swimming event is contributing so many (34) medals? 100m and 400m are fine, why do they need 50m and 200m? Most of the contestants in the 3 shorter distance categories are similar. Maybe FINA will develop 4x50m relay, 150m, 250m… in future to increase gold medal counts of traditional swimming empires.

The basketball games with NBA are interesting. Great shows of slam dunk. I Love This Game!

Jamaica clean swept both men's and women's 100m dash, defeated entirely and severely shook the USA.

Some games' rules are unfair to the athletes. Minor accident/ mistake during execution is like a death penalty, no chance to save the mistake. For instance gymnastics artistic – vault, the average score of 2 trials is counted. But on track & field, hammer throw, triple jump, shot put… are given several trials and the best score is taken.

Swimming events so far have contributed the most world records. Swimmers claimed the Speedo LZR swimsuit made the trick, which was termed by CNN as 'technological doping'. I believe the advance "biological doping" plays greater role.

'Conversion to Islam' Forum

The Bar Council of Malaysia has decided to hold the forum 'Conversion to Islam' despite encountering strong opposition from the ruling government and Islamic organizations. The objective of the forum is to discuss the religion Islam and its status in accordance with Federal Constitution, for instance the conflict between the federal and Syariah court.

An angry crowd of 300 Muslim protestors gathered outside Bar Council headquarter demanding that the lawyers group halt its controversial forum, condemning it is destroying the social harmony and 'challenging' Islam status in the country.

On one hand the Prime Minister recently urged to hold more dialogues to encourage harmony interaction among the different racial and religious communities, on the other hand the Deputy Prime Minister himself expressed his "worry" that this forum might ignite misunderstanding, anger and tension in our society.

Malaysians have been keeping silence so far, not because we are tolerant, but it is forbidden to discuss such sensitive issue in the public. The politicians make use of this 'advantage' to threaten and suppress the others. The relevant issues are getting more and more complicated, but no one is able to untie the knot. How could we achieve greater integrity if we couldn't understand and treat with equal fairness to each other?

Olympic 2008 Opening Ceremony

I skipped from my working desk at 3pm local time to watch the highly anticipating Olympic 2008 Opening Ceremony. The live broadcast has 2 narrators speaking in Bulgarian unceasingly from the beginning till the end (gosshh… they showed no sign of tiredness). Their voices shadowed the actual scene, the music and the cheers on the background were vague, I couldn't feel the atmosphere!

The show was no doubt high quality, but it doesn’t mean really entertaining. History and the cultures were the topic of the show, was a little bit "heavy". Other than the spectacular 2008 drums beating, rest of the programs are kind of lacking of upbeat rhythm (possibly because I couldn't hear the music clearly).

Each performance involved lots of people, far too many in my opinion. All performers were just an ant size in this huge stadium. I was expecting some sort of gigantic features parade with clean swift simple choreograph instead.

The Appeal – John Grisham

Just finished reading this latest novel - The Appeal - of John Grisham. It is boring instead, no climax and he simply wants to deliver the message that judiciary is influenced by politics and business. No unexpected plot, the introduction of the book tells the whole story.

Archeological Site

The town where I'm living now – Kyustendil once attracted settlers from Thracian, Greek and Roman periods. Basically it is built on top of the vast archeological sites. The land next to our office is planned for commercial construction, a team of archeologist is working to unearth precious history since 2 months ago. So far we heard a set of skeleton carrying a rifle was found.

Once the team confirmed nothing else worth to excavate, the commercial plan would be launched and these precious historical ruins would be destroyed. Pity…

Product Image

Adidas China 2008 Beijing Olympics commercial is a successful idea, aptly address the integrity and unity that China wants the idea to be broadcasted worldwide. At the end of the commercial, it prints Adidas' slogan "Impossible Is Nothing".

It reminds me the similar slogan of China's largest sport apparel company – Li Ning, apparently "inspired" by Adidas and it reads "Everything Is Possible".

Li Ning's logo design is based on its own initial letters L and N, quite similar to Nike's trademark.

What is so difficult for Li Ning to come up with its own genuine image or idea? For foreigners, this is just a copycat without own identity. Personally I won't buy Li Ning's products just because the brand image gives me the impression of 2nd class.

I have also noticed the name of the sponsors printed on the jerseys of China sport teams - BIGGG! guess they are afraid no one could read it clear. It's fathomable for advertisement sake, but the design of the logo is quite ugly and not artistic. They are still not aware of these trivialities would promote public image.

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Has been curious since long why electric car was not popular till nowadays. In terms of technology, what is so sophisticated if man could travel to space and land on the moon in the late 60's?

By chance I found clips titled "Who killed the electric car?" on YouTube. This 2006 documentary film unveiled some hidden facts that the electric car was indeed marketed in 1990. The oil industry was accused manipulating the politics and car companies to scrap this plan so to defend their trillion-dollar business.

It is sad to learn that the short vision of a handful decision makers and the greediness of unscrupulous businessmen have cultivated the oil crisis today, and the global warming indirectly.

扫兴

昨日原本是乐融融的一个午餐聚会，却因酒精催化情绪以至同事之间发生嘴角冲突。我讨厌类似场面而先自离开。

某些人认为率性和豪饮乃真汉子也，其他人被归纳为不够豪爽潇洒有心计之人。幼稚！率性是否包括口不择言、固执蛮横？谈不拢就拳脚交加？

黄耀明 - MOOV LIVE

黄耀明似乎不想定型于华丽音乐之作，稍微返璞归真更为动人。很欣赏他对于音乐创作的理念和坚持，林夕与周耀辉填的词是一大关键。

Thinking Aloud - Fear

The oil price keeps rocketing high, governments are losing control gradually on inflation. Pessimistic statistic figures are deepening worries and igniting fears globally, positive news is too weak to assure confidence of economy recovery.

On 28-Jun, "De Financiële Telegraaf" reported that Fortis expects a complete collapse of the US financial markets within a few weeks.

This statement is quaking most investors! How could this influential bank give such threatening speech at this fragile moment to enhance fears? Financial market has been tumbling since. If the US, the world's biggest economy body is collapsing, what would the world be? I'm too afraid to think of the domino effect triggered. Would I or my closest family and friends lose the job? Would the social get much disorder? How long would it need to recover?

Could this be a conspiracy of middle-east oil rich countries who wants to destroy the US in a much brilliant way than 9-11 plot? They will later come to extend their help to salvage the best core businesses and properties with just a token of their reserve. Practically this is just a copy of IMF's tricks on Asia monetary crisis in 1997-98. Now they turn their target to the US and rule the world! What a great Capitalism!

The oil price has now been the most influential economy indicator. Any news related to disturbing the regular production is definitely spurring panic in the market. Meanwhile Iran is rushing to develop nuclear weapon. Israel launched a massive military practice recently simulating attack on Iran. They for sure will do their best to stop Iran to obtain the technology. I'm really afraid this would be the cause of 3rd world war.

A friend has just returned from the US, told me that the life has changed drastically due to the high oil price. The weak Dollar is to be blamed, people said. I agree with (not entirely) the US to keep their role as global police, on the other hand they are too selfish to rely on foreign countries on energy resources. Why don't they pump oil from their own huge offshore reserve? Would this strategy for future resources still practical in the next century?

I guess the world won't like to see the US economy collapse. But who has such a huge fund to revive the struggling economy, if the US does not initiate a better defensive measure to rescue themselves?

中餐馆

有一中餐馆在这小镇刚开张营业，昨晚与同事去吃晚餐。店主是来自中国吉林的一对年轻夫妇，他们已经在保国住了八年。上个月才搬到这儿开餐馆。很高兴现在多了一个选择。

点了个酸辣汤、三鲜面和铁板鱿鱼。很可惜那并不是我所期待的正宗中餐而是偏向老外的口味，且太过油腻。希望下一次会好些。

现在这小镇总共有四个亚洲人了！

Gym

Finally made up my mind to join the gym again, just hate to see the stomach protruding bigger. It's a nice place, new equipments, not crowded... and it's cheap - EUR 18 for 5 weeks! I need to spice up my life a little bit and expand the social circle.

I do feel curious to see the young men beefing up their muscles like Arnold. Are the extra thick bicep and exploding pecs looking good? Mmm... not to me... it needs lots of effort to maintain the shape or the muscles would turn flacid like Sharpei dog. I'm also too lazy for that.

My muscles are sore now, but I like this feeling. Gambate!

Manners – On The Phone

Often I picked up the phone and the person on the other line end apparently couldn't speak English. Some of them are so rude just drop the line without a word. Is "sorry" or "thank you" so difficult to speak out? Some don't introduce themselves, no greeting, just speak out the person's name who they want to speak to. Neanderthal manners!

The Day Is Brave - Brendan James

Discovered this new artist / album accidentally. If you like James Blunt, then you shouldn't miss Brendan James. He has such a good clear voice. Feel like he is telling the stories very calmly, so homely.

The First Song On Air

I used to turn on my radio when I woke up in the morning. Last week, the first song on air was Bee Gee's "Tragedy". The share market in US and Europe plunged. I lost all the gains accumulated earlier.

The next day, the first song on air was Enigma's "Sadness". The share market continued diving. Red figures appeared on my investment balance sheet.

You see, the first song on the radio could tell the market trend of the day more accurate than the analysts. Hope the DJ will throw R.E.M.'s CD titled "Bad Day" away from his collection!

Tommy

The first e-mail popped up on my screen this morning telling me that Tommy has just passed away in Melbourne. I have expected so, but not so soon. My ex-colleague fed me his news regularly. Tumor on the chest and the cancer on the spine were deteriorating fast. Indeed he had planned to initiate treatment today, but… too late. The first diagnose was just 3 months ago.

He was Hungarian descent, lived in UK. He met his present wife in Mexico and was working in Australia till now. We worked together in Philippines (1998) and again in Malaysia (2000) for a short period. A good colleague to work with, and very helpful.

Was thinking to call him the day before, but I just didn't know if he really wants to have some calls, especially we have not been in contact for 8 yrs. I was afraid I would increase his sorrow and pain.

Brainless Stone

This grandmama is apparently brainless, simply blurted out stupid thinking lingering in her mind in the hope of aggravating anti-China sentiments. The 80,000 lives lost in the earthquake don't concern her a bit. Probably she thinks 9-11, Tsunami, Katrina and all disasters are Karma too… Hey, something's wrong with her.

Energy

The oil price hit record high USD 136!!! Despite President Bush's personal begging to Saudi's King Abdullah, OPEC has no intention to increase output to sooth the crisis which leads to subsequent global inflation effect. OPEC said the culprit is the oil price speculation in the capitalism system, and blamed the weakness of USD. The oil reserve is dwindling faster than we expect, alternative energy resources are urgently sought.

The idea of bio-diesel was aggravated but it spurred food price escalation. So, now what? Coal generates pollution, hydro and wind power are limited by geographical conditions, solar technology is not efficient though… nuclear is the good resource, but the waste disposal is a tricky subject. Scientists have no solution to handle the threats of nuclear waste and radiation economically, swiftly and effectively.

Iran, the crowned "axle of evil" by the US, is aggressively developing nuclear technology, giving developed countries sleepless nights. Can't imagine what President Ahmadinejad would do once the country possessed matured nuclear technology. Coupled with the country's immense oil reserve, this Arab country will stir the world.

Protectionism?

News reported that the gulf of repelling immigrant sentiment is spreading in Italy lately. The illegal immigrants have been accused for social disorder. "Coincident" in line with the policy of new Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who suggests stricter immigration control.

Similar cases but more violent were also ignited in South Africa last week. The locals blamed the foreign immigrants mainly from Zimbabwe and Mozambique have stolen their job opportunities by cheaper wages. The locals are demanding higher pay, more benefits but reluctant to contribute more competitive effort. Who should be blamed? In the mid of worsening economy and hiking inflation, small group of right-wing hard-hitting grassroots level would channel their anger and disappointment on someone else.

Camden, a small town on the outskirt of Sydney has voted against the proposal to build a Muslim school for 1200 pupils. The proposal has drawn fierce oppositions and critics from the locals, obviously felt uneasy with and fear of Islamization on their land. They claimed no sense of economical or education needs in the small town. The mayor stressed that the decision was not made on religious or nationalistic grounds.

Serious

This is me and my secretary... I look so serious when pointing out her very small mistake... he he..

Disappointing

International Court of Justice (IJC) at Hague has recently judged 1 of the 3 islands – Pulau Batu Puteh under Singapore sovereignty. Look at the map, the 3 islands are very close to Malaysia mainland, The nearest tip of Singapore island is 3 times farther the distance. Our dear minister said this is a "win-win" solution for both countries over the 28 years dispute.

The loss is blamed to the lack of activity on the island for over 100 years and the letter written by the Johor acting state secretary to Singapore in 1953. Clearly our respectful governor had no vision of the critical and strategic geographic location of the same. Under the Law of the Sea, a country’s territorial waters stretched 12 nautical miles (22.2km) from its shores or any piece of land. Very disappointed!

Next – Michael Crichton

The author probably intends to show off his research on genetics instead of composing a solid sensible story. He spent too much time depicting various scenes which are not well linked and paved for the story development. I don't feel like turning the page continuously. In his other book State of Fear, he involved the cannibals (goodness… what a lousy idea!); and in this book he inserts an orangutan, humanzee (human + chimpanzee breed) and a talking parrot who could think and speak like human being. Another lousy idea… Not recommended.

Post Assault

The unprecedented assault on Khartoum by Darfur rebels erupted on 10-May. The government imposed martial law and curfew on the city immediately. The President accused neighboring Chad for supporting the rebels and undermining the stability of Sudan, thus announced cutting ties with the country the next day.

Friends in Khartoum said sporadic gun firing was heard, bridges were close, army stormed into houses searching rebels… was quite worrisome at that moment. Khartoum is peaceful now, but military patrol is enhanced.

These pictures are taken after the coup attempt. The government displayed the arms confiscated and burned the vehicles of rebels.

Unnecessary to Compensate

I filed a report to the "border police department" of the incident they rejected me on board (read this article) on 14-Mar-08 to Italy, and claiming compensation for my loss (air ticket, taxi and booked accommodation).

I receive their reply today. As expected they denied their responsibility in accordance with the travel regulations and pushed all blames to WizzAir. They did not apologize, said it is UNNECESSARY to compensate my loss! Not even punishing that bitch but promise they will carry out their works more efficiently. What a joke!

Photos Uploaded – Italy & Vatican City

The photos of this trip have been uploaded to my Travelogue. I'm not really satisfied with these photos… I'm sure I will dispose my Sony F717 soon and look for a new camera.

A Te (To You) - Lorenzo Jovanotti

Was deeply obssessed the first time I heard this song in Rome... I desperately searched for it once back to Bulgaria. So glad I found it... now "To You"... (click the Babel Fish to translate the lyric)

A te che sei l’unica al mondo L’unica ragione
Per arrivare fino in fondo Ad ogni mio respire
Quando ti guardo Dopo un giorno pieno di parole
Senza che tu mi dica niente Tutto si fa chiaro

A te che mi hai trovato All’angolo coi pugni chiusi
Con le mie spalle contro il muro Pronto a difendermi
Con gli occhi bassi Stavo in fila Con i disillusi
Tu mi hai raccolto Come un gatto E mi hai portato con te

A te io canto una canzone Perchè non ho altro
Niente di meglio da offrirti Di tutto quello che ho
Prendi il mio tempo E la magia Che con un solo salto
Ci fa volare dentro all’aria Come bollicine

A te che sei
Semplicemente sei
Sostanza dei giorni miei
Sostanza dei sogni miei

A te che sei il mio grande amore Ed il mio amore grande
A te che hai preso la mia vita E ne hai fatto molto di più
A te che hai dato senso al tempo Senza misurarlo
A te che sei il mio amore grande Ed il mio grande amore
A te che io Ti ho visto piangere nella mia mano
Fragile che potevo ucciderti Stringendoti un pò
E poi ti ho visto Con la forza di un aeroplano
Prendere in mano la tua vita E trascinarla in salvo

A te che mi hai insegnato i sogni E l’arte dell’avventura
A te che credi nel coraggio E anche nella paura
A te che sei la miglior cosa Che mi sia successa
A te che cambi tutti i giorni E resti sempre la stessa

A te che sei
Semplicemente sei
Sostanza dei giorni miei
Sostanza dei sogni miei

A te che sei
Essenzialmente sei
Sostanza dei sogni miei
Sostanza dei giorni miei

A te che non ti piaci mai E sei una meraviglia
Le forze della natura si concentrano in te
Che sei una roccia sei una pianta sei un uragano
Sei l’orizzonte che mi accoglie quando mi allontano
A te che sei l’unica amica Che io posso avere
L’unico amore che vorrei Se io non ti avessi con me
A te che hai reso la mia vita Bella da morire
Che riesci a render la fatica Un immenso piacere

A te che sei il mio grande amore Ed il mio amore grande
A te che hai preso la mia vita E ne hai fatto molto di più
A te che hai dato senso al tempo Senza misurarlo
A te che sei il mio amore grande Ed il mio grande amore

A te che sei
Semplicemente sei
Sostanza dei giorni miei
Sostanza dei sogni miei

A te che sei
Semplicemente sei
Compagna dei giorni miei
Sostanza dei giorni miei

Italy & Vatican - Bits and Pieces

Just came back from Italy and Vatican 2 days ago... this 9-day trip was a little bit too short. The country is massively rich of historical and religious stuffs, hard to understand well within short time. It is a beautiful country, but extremely touristy. In general the living costs are high, higher than my expectation, but bearable to me as a tourist. I have visited Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. The journey was rush and pack (my greediness wanted to see everything within the shortest time)... walked a long distance almost everyday.

The pizza is really delicious, can't compare with anywhere else. The tomato sauce must be the secret recipe. Gelato (ice cream) is the favourite of everyone, but each cone costs around EUR 3 to 4!! It is more less the price of a fairly good dinner in Malaysia. Pizza, pasta and panini filled up my stomach in this whole trip (except 1 delicious Chinese meal). I will stay away from Italian food for a short while from now.

Was surprised to see a fairly large crowd of African immigrants in Rome and Florence. Quite a number of them gathered around the railway station. And most of the illegal street vendors at tourist spots selling immitation brand of sun glasses or Prada handbags are Africans. They are always alert and ready to flee when seeing enforcers around.

Plenty of radio stations in Italy. The Italian musics are good. Scanning through all radio waves on air, I could hardly find a station bombarded with hip-hops... good taste!

WizzAir's check-in counter again asked me for the visa to Italy on my departure from Sofia. I explained to them the last incident and the supervisor insisted the same after returning from her office (with the bureaucratic sour face). At last my colleague had to explain to her "how" and "what" to check. She came back later and said, "I read wrongly under Ethiopian nationality." What a stupid excuse??? Do I look like an African? On the opposite, the immigration officers in Rome Airport are friendly. Starting with 'buon giorno' and ended up with a smiling 'ciao'. I did feel really welcomed.

The driving attitude of Italian has not much tolerance, and slightly undisciplined.

Thanks to the extreme huge crowd of tourists, I had to queue up for 2.5 hr to Vatican Museum, and 3 hr to Uffizi Gallery.