More Rallies

Shortly after the BERSIH Rally held on 10-Nov-07 to campaign for electoral reform, another HINDRAF Rally was organized by the suppressed Hindu Community on 25-Nov-07 to voice out their dissatisfaction. 3 leaders were arrested and charged under the Sedition Act.

Malaysian prime minister obviously felt shaky and uneasy, sternly warned that the government will use the notorious ISA (Internal Security Act) on the demonstrator if needed. The government controlled media sharply criticized the HINDRAF Rally, the spokesman publicly referred the protestors as thugs. One clever politician said rally is not Malaysia culture. Idiotic talk!

Another 3 massive rallies are planned to show up in Dec. These waves would be getting stronger each time. Guess the recent rallies have brought Malaysian to international attention. I don't believe/ expect the government would change anything which may jeopardize their privileges and benefits. I guess they would speed up to consolidate their political supremacy so to eliminate any opposition for good.

小舅

下午收到妹的短讯说小舅意外身亡。消息有点儿愕然，马上给家通了电话。妈强装镇静但仍可以听出微微颤抖的声音。小舅身染恶习，屡劝不听不改逐渐心灰意冷。虽骂这没出息让他自生自灭，姐弟情毕竟还有余温的。

我和小舅之间没什么沟通，偶尔只在碰面时打个招呼。只记得小时在他房里翻读龙虎门，因为爸妈认为这是不良书刊不给我买。当时王小龙还健在、石黑龙初练成金钟罩第八层、王小虎的毒龙钻令人闻风丧胆。

小舅没家室，身后事将由阿姨们筹办。接下来的几天妈的情绪肯定会很低落。人去了，一切憎恶也该烟消云散了。半百、一事无成，小舅对家庭对国家没什么建树，却不能不提他对患上老年痴呆症的外婆临终前几年的悉心照顾。一宗意外结束了残弱的生命。对他，对身边的人，是残忍或是怜悯？

Next Project

This project, insyalah, will be accomplishing by mid of next year. Gradually we (all freelancers) are starting to extend the tentacles to inquire about new job. Some new projects are under bidding stage in Asia and Africa, all located in less developed countries.

If choices are available, Africa would be my preference provided that the social and political aspects of the country are stable. I like genuine traditional black African cultures. Love to travel and explore this mysterious continent to experience the culture shock (I always recommend friends to visit Ethiopia for this reason).

Discussion on Bersih Rally - Al-Jazeera

Planeta Payner Disco

Went to the newly opened disco in this small town yesterday. Nicht schlecht! At least this one looks like a proper disco with dancing pool. We just enjoyed watching the skin-tight ladies shaking their bon-bon with the deafening beat and rhythm. Young people like to show off, dressing up trendily and posing stylishly, but acting childishly (just recalled my silliness 20 years ago!)

The admission is unbelievable expensive - EUR 1 per person (haha…) I paid EUR 10 for a bottle of wine and a glass of Ouzo. Pretty cheap eh?! Most of the youngsters have only a bottle of coke or a glass of vodka to quench their thirst throughout the night. We were hoping some foxy ladies walking pass and ask, "Can you buy me a drink?" Guess I wouldn't let them down… but this dream didn't come true.

Shits

The work permit is expiring in 2 days, the renewal process is on going. Same stupidity like last year! Sick with the bureaucratic system. Shit!

Climate condition is getting worse, snowing, raining… disturbing our site activities, progress is down. Shit!

Head office implements stricter cash control to this project, affecting our on-going operation. This fxxking decision gives me headache. Shit!

Cartoon

Extracted from webpage MalaysiaKini.

The author is teasing the cowardice of the Prime Minister and Nazri in this case of facing people's power challenge. Unbelievable, the words "pondan" (sissy), "bodoh" (stupid) are blaring out from our dearest politicians.

BERSIH rally

The BERSIH rally was successfully executed yesterday despite some clashes due to forceful disperse by the anti-riot police squad. It was quite a peaceful procession somehow. The memorandum called for free and just elections was handed over to the King. As instructed by the National Security Division, all local mainstream media have had information blocked, but don’t forget the public can retrieve the news through many other channels. Webpage Malaysiakini has some reports and photos of this petition assembly.

The Prime Minister condemned the stubbornness of the opposition parties, and their attempt to drag the royalty into the politics. Warned that this attempt will jeopardize the stability of the country by all means. He announced, "I DON’T LIKE TO BE CHALLENGED!"

Our dear ruling party vows to lead Malaysia into developed country, but they want all citizens to be their puppets. The International Trade Minister said our continue support to the ruling party is the only way to keep Malaysia economy growing. I decipher she means hers and her cronies' wallet too.

Led by the former deputy PM, Anwar Ibrahim, together with the leaders of main opposition parties, the rally may mark a revolutionary history on Malaysian people's power. Anwar was ousted by Dr.Mahathir during his term, and is now seen as the most challenging opposition figure to the government.

Just would like to advise our PM, the politics' policies are not fair in the eyes of the public. Do chain your dogs tight and shut their barking! This rally gathered 40,000 people, the next would not be less.

Freedom of Information

A mass assembly for electoral reformation has been called on by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) on Saturday. The police has yet refused to issue the gathering permit. Meanwhile all the mainstream media have been instructed by National Security Division not to publish any relevant news. Expecting the anti-riot unit would forcefully disperse the gathering, as happened previously.

I think Malaysia is retreating backwards instead of moving ahead. Politicians are installing any defensive measures to protect their own interests. If the present racism politics expanding, I would probably think of migrating to other country some day.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is a practice of killing someone painlessly in order to stop their suffering when they are dying or incredible illness.

An article on the newspaper says there are two voluntary euthanasia groups ('Exit' and 'Dignitas') in Switzerland assisting people to die painlessly. The patients wish to take their own lives must have expressed a persistent wish to die, be of sound mind, suffer from an incurable disease and carry out the final act themselves.

I do support to legitimize this practice. When one is suffering serious illness which would not be cured, and/ or the illness might cause permanent disability to live like ordinary people, and/ or etch permanent mental depressions and confidence damage… urging one to depart from this world, but too coward to commit suicide through the "common practice" (sorry to use this word), euthanasia is the choice.

I don't know what religion says about committing suicide, equivalent to crime, I guess. Nothing is absolutely right or wrong, it is relativity. Every person is unique, not one philosophy fits all otherwise we wouldn't have so many wars in the history.

p/s: Those suffering lovesick or love ache and stupidly seeking to end their life emotionally will not be entertained. Pls consult Armin Meiwes.

Oil (1)

The present income from oil export contributes a significant portion to Malaysia economy, it is predicted that the oil deposit in the country will be depleting in 10 years. Petronas, the government own oil company is aggressively investing in new oil fields abroad.

The oil price has soared to record high USD 96 lately, good news to oil rich countries. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Iran and Kuwait are among the countries gaining huge benefits from oil export. Without this natural deposit, what would these countries be… probably poorer than African Continent. The desert is too harsh for agriculture and living. (Yet the people treat foreign workers as second class human being, especially Saudi Arabia. What the hell they think they are more superior then the others?)

The escalating oil price has pressured inflation hiking, inducing price acceleration on broad range of basic commodities, but the salary increment is never proportion to it. The grassroots level would be severely hit.

This is all money business and political games. Lots of hedge funds are investing / speculating on any business which could generate huge fortune overnight disregarding their social responsibility and conscience, a weakness of capitalism. It could easily destroy a developing economy of poor countries. The rich-and-poor gap would be stretching farther apart. Properly this is how the rich to enjoy their dominance.

Free economy must be curbed on basic commodities trading, strict regulations have to be applied, and speculations have to be punished. The risk of continuous oil price hiking would trigger domino effect to global economy. What is the reaction of OPEC lately to stabilize the oil price? I hear nothing…

Therefore it's desperate needful to source alternative substitution for oil.

Along The Ridge

This touching Italian movie is lovely. The story is seen through the eyes of the kid. It just reminds me an ex-colleague was in the similar situation. I was staying with his family for a month in Germany 4 years ago. I could feel the bond between the father and 2 sons, and the living situations of a single parent family. I missed them.

Bet you won't have any reason not loving this young actor Alessandro Morace after watching this movie.

Prague – Bits and Pieces

Transportation

The public transportation network in Prague is excellent. The metro, trams and buses are well linked and punctual to schedule. No difficulties at all to understand the operation. A 15-days unlimited pass costs only €12. The underground metro is quite deep, probably that is the reason vibration is not felt on the surface.

Food

Czech cuisine is quite similar to Germans' – smoked pork, grilled pork knee, potato dumpling etc… of course not to miss the goulash. An average meal in the restaurant costs around €6. There are many Chinese restaurants in the city, offering the cheapest foods (value to money) in general, around €4. A local said, it happened once that the authorities found dog meat in the fridge in a Chinese restaurant, since then rumours were spreading and shaking their trust 'cause they are not sure what is served on the dish.

Likewise in Kyustendil (place where I'm staying presently), many Vietnamese were around in the last decade. My local colleague said ever since their settlement in the town, the amount of stray dogs and cats were reduced drastically… I thought he was joking, probably I could link up both cases. Well, no comment, I never try dog meat.

Czech beers are good.


Hospitality

In the pub, I could feel certain coldness against Asians (not hostile). So as when I was in the shopping mall and railway station, my questions had been responded in Czech language without a hint of smile on their face. I'm quite annoyed to such attitude. Maybe I was wrong, could have categorized them individually instead. During this short trip, I didn't really mingle much with the locals, couldn't judge better the general attitude of Czech to Asians. Don’t get me wrong, my trip was fun and enjoyable, and met many helpful people too.

Snow Clad Mountain

After the overnight raining / snowing, the mountain is coating with snow.

(This picture is taken from my balcony)

First Snow

We have the first snow of this year today... too early... hope this is not the sign of bitter winter. Ohh... please... I hate freezing cold.

Prague

Tired... came back from Prague yesterday. Immediately have to plunge my head into the pile of documents rest on my desk. Just feel too lazy to sort out the photos and prepare the travelogue (hope I still remember how to update my Travelogue webpage...)

The country is studded with medieval castles and buildings. The atmospheric Prague is exceptionally beautiful at night, but the tourist crowds are too dense, hardly found any good shot without single tourist decorated the backdrop. After many "woo-and-wah"s, I found myself get lost in the maze of old quarter... and ended up at the famous Charles Bridge... (Remember the scene where Tom Cruise was framed in Mission Impossible?)

Laying Off

We employed a driver last week, a 19 year old young guy who has just accomplished his national service duty. Due to some reasons we have denied his driving capability, he was laid off just now.

This morning I handed over a pair of brand new safety shoes to him, I could see his happiness blossomed. But the moment we announced our decision, a glimpse of upset surfaced. Personally I feel sorry for him, he is lacking of self confidence and fresh to the society. I understand everyone must be given chance to learn and experience new things, somehow working environment is uncompromising. Who would like to be fired? Hope this won't shake his confidence.

He regained his composure, and we shook hands, exchanged a few formal sentences. The feeling was unpleasant for both of us. Good luck boy!

杂菜饭

Just a movie preview!

Transformers

Longing and carrying big hope to recall my childhood's biggest idol, but something has gone wrong somehow. Possibly my expectation was too high, the movie does not satisfy me. The computer graphic is no doubt exciting, but the screenplay is weak. Too much unnecessary comedic touch but not humorous; the relative size of the transformers are varying from one scene to another; civilians were running wild in the midst of battling scenes; the sound effect was not "roaring" or forcefully compact; and and and……

Internet Radio

Well… this is nothing new indeed. But I just come across the idea of searching internet radio recently. Am really excited to tune in listening to the familiar voices. During the university era (1989-1994), the Singapore radio stations accompanied most of us for 5 years (only because Malaysia radio stations were so suck then).

Tuning in to the internet radio is the first thing I do after booting up my computer lately… and of course I occupy the bandwidth… feel a little bit guilty, hehe,… a good example of technology abuse…

The link below displays lists of available radio stations in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

http://live-radio.blogspot.com/

Inventor of Corruption

"China invented civilization in the East, but as well it invented corruption for all of human civilization," commented by Sen. Miriam Santiago, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the overpriced broadband network contract with China.

Sorry for this lady for giving such irresponsible cum unprofessional statement in the public. Being a reputable senator, her statement only shows that she is ignorant and unqualified to be a leader. Absolutely groundless and non-sensible. She is trying to put China as the scapegoat to the deep rooted corruption culture in Philippines. Her bet is destined to fail (she will apologize to the Embassy of PR China on this issue), but for sure it has bought her some fanatic support from the grass root level.

Years ago, a Filipino friend gave me the same comment. I thought it was only his personal foolish opinion. Guess I'm wrong, some of them do have this idea in mind.

Just want to say… we couldn't force someone to do something against his will.

The Bourne Ultimatum

This movie is marvellous! The action packed scenes keep me holding breath throughout. The close combat and car chasing stunt are pleasing. The screenplay has been slightly modified from the original novel of Robert Ludlum. The trilogy of Bourne ("The Bourne Identity", "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum") are the best stories he has written. Rest of his books are not really remarkable.

Matt Demon, one of my favourite actors, stylish as usual. But I prefer his other drama like "The Talented Mr.Ripley" and "Good Will Hunting".

James Blunt – All The Lost Souls

Getting fed up with the bombardment of hip-hop and rap, the new album of James Blunt – All The Lost Souls is so refreshing. The songs are less the charm of his previous success "You Are Beautiful"… but the overall quality is good!

Veliko Tarnovo

Forgot to mention this spectacular city in Bulgaria. On the way back from Varna, we drove pass this city, and made last minute decision to visit the fortress as recommended by my local colleague.


Goshhh… beautiful! The city is based along a ridge above Yantra River, which winds in a horseshoe bend between 4 hills. The old quarter is neat, packed with shops and alfresco café. Felt kind of simmering in medieval atmosphere.


At the end of old quarter, over the corner, a magnificent view of Tsarevets Fortress display in front of us. The size is not big, it was destroyed when fell to the Turks in 1393. Mostly ruins remain nowadays, while the Royal Palace is under renovation.


Patriarch's Church (extensively restored) is standing on top of the complex. The exterior of this small church is nothing attractive, but the interior is truly impressive. The walls are fully decorated with modern arts murals, which outline Bulgarian history in the 14th and 15th centuries (of course I couldn't understand it). Such painting is very uncommon in any church, was deeply obsessed.

We didn't stay long because there was another 5 hr drive back to Kyustendil. Definitely I would like to visit again during winter to see this once capital (3rd in history) of Bulgaria in snow coating.

Veliko Tarnovo is my #1 pick in Bulgaria, till now.

Black Sea Trip

Varna's Scenes and Sins

Grabbed the opportunity of having 4 straight days off, 2 colleagues and I made a trip to Black Sea – Varna. The climate didn't turn out sunny, windy chill instead. Anyway our program was simply too packed to relax ourselves on the beach.

The beaches on Varna are disappointedly narrow and far from first class standard. Sunbathers moved further out of the city to find better beach and cleaner sand. After all we came here for fun, foods and entertainments were important to us.

The food and beverage prices are irrationally high in my local colleague's opinion (beer €1.50, meal €5-10). I gave no comment. To most foreign tourists, this price level is still much cheaper in their own countries.

Varna is lacking of attractions. The most impressive landmark "Cathedral of The Assumption of The Virgin" is worth for a visit. It is 2nd in size only to the "Aleksander Nevski Cathedral" in Sofia. The internal mural and design are very similar to the latter.


Rest of the tourist spots like Roman Thermae does not catch my interest.

Striptease show is legal business in Bulgaria. We took the chance to explore a bar named Playboy. The beverage expenses are not high indeed, say double the charges of disco plus entrance fees of €2.50. Atmosphere was sexy, with hip-hop music background, the performers staged and danced seductively but not lusty. The strippers didn't remove the last piece of cloth around their hips.

Without invitation, one fairly stocky lady (compared to my body size) sat beside me. She offered to dance with me, or dance for us. Hey, I know well each dance will charge additional on our bill. Politely I turned down her offer and said, "I just want to stay here and watch nice ladies."

"This club does not offer only for watching," she answered and left us alone. Did she imply that we must be more initiative and give more orders, or she meant we are not generous? I didn't care. ½ hr later, another real good looking lady approached us and offered the same. Again, we turned down her offer.

Out of curiosity, while checking the bill, we inquired the "service charge" of the lady. The manager gave us their rate of €100 per hour!!! Goodness! This is equivalent to the monthly salary of a local labour in Bulgaria.


Balchik

Approx. 30km north of Varna. Jokingly I refer it as the short form of "Bulgarian Chic". I endow a new meaning to this name but it doesn't convince me to return for 2nd visit. This town is much quieter than Varna. It has no good beach either, but packed with tourists seeking relaxing atmosphere, no short of good hotels and restaurants. The Summer Palace of Queen Marie and Botanical Gardens are the main attractions, but they are small and not exceptionally beautiful.


Albena

Claimed to be the most organized resorts in Bulgaria, the beaches here are clean, dotted with hotels constructed during the communism era, and in similar design. Plenty of retirees join cheap tour packages from western Europe. The nightlife is less lively compared to Varna, not my cup of tea.

Job Offer

Ex-employer contacted me 2 days ago offering me a job in Tanzania for better employment conditions. Frankly I long to visit this country mainly because of safari and the culture. I brought up this issue to my immediate superior and friends, detailing the situation. Their common advice is "decide yourself". I reckon my resignation would disappoint my colleagues, and may tarnish my reputation being a freelancer. On the other hand there is no negative internal factor from my present employer that I could excuse myself. As yet I'm still insisting on "personal loyalty" to my present employer, but a friend warned / advised me otherwise.

After Work

Lingering at bar with a colleague has become my routine lately. It is relaxing to stay away from my computer and e-mails. Used to have a couple of beer each time, with a plate of snack, a few nonsense chat exchange with the bartender…and smoking cigarillo, simply for fun.

2nd Letter From My Sponsored Kid

It has been quite some time since I received the first letter from my sponsored kid on 05-Jul-07. Instead I'm too lazy to reply message to him. Unexpectedly I received 2nd letter from him yesterday. Immediately I spared my time to compose a letter. He said he will study English this semester, I would like to send him some books but I couldn't find any in this small town. Will try to ask some friends around…

Busy

My brain was in the state of mess in the past weeks. The hectic work has drained out my energy largely, coupled with family's problem, just do not have time and mood to think about posting article to this blog. Hope I could clean up the pile of doc on my desk within the next 2 weeks

夜

连续五个晚上与同一位同事流连於同一家酒吧喝酒。自己健康不好，也只能奉陪喝上两瓶。喜欢露天酒吧的宁静、侍应生的礼貌（以及美貌）。看着休闲来回的人潮，体会懒散的生活节奏，有感我何必把自己忙得绷紧。

昨晚上喝得比较晚，特意绕了一个圈才回家，借冷风醒醒微醉的脑袋。原来这朴素的小镇午夜过后有另一番景象。有人徘徊在昏暗的公园仿佛在寻找猎物（或等待被猎）、有热恋的少男少女忘情地热吻、有不想回家的孩子三五成群地在街上溜达。突然很怀念国内的大排挡，很想吃一碗皮蛋瘦肉粥。