This Ain't Armani Exchange

Read Carefully!

Paradox - Education

Dutch politician Geert Wilders has put an anti-Islam short clip titled "Fitna" on YouTube, despite opposed sternly by the Dutch government worrying this would trigger another bout of violent protest as of the controversial blasphemous cartoon. The contents stir my emotion. It means to frighten non Muslims by equating terrorization with the religion. This is unfair to those good Muslims.

Our brain and education give us the power to think and judge conscientiously. The irresponsible fanatic evil talk of some leaders have brainwashed and engraved hatreds on the followers, mostly the uneducated crowd… well… education… just thinking aloud… if these fanatic followers are more educated, would there be more 9.11 and Madrid train bombing incidents or the world would achieve greater harmonious state?

Venturing Share Market

The recent subprime crisis has driven almost worldwide financial industry down. The Bear Stearns case caught lots of investors off guard and spurring panic. Majority believe the recession is looming. It is really interesting to follow up the swiftly change development daily.

I have started venturing my first step into the European and US share markets, simply because the prices are really attractive. Most of the global gigantic financial stocks have plummeted from their all time high less than a year ago to less than half presently.

Of course I do not have much money to play with… somehow I guess it would give better return than the pitiful bank interest rates in mid long term (3-5 years, in my definition). Friend D warned me that in case the recession spreads, no one knows what would happen next and might last indefinitely. I agree with that… well, investment is a risk itself. No risk no gain!

I placed myself as a balanced investor… can't cope with the high risk investment tools while not interested with conservative money management. I do not know how to analyze company data… basically follow the trend, pick mainly blue chips, and read the latest relevant news.

Babel Fish

Have just added Babel Fish on this blog. The literal translation is not very good but the basic meaning of the article is understandable, sometimes it's quite hilarious.

Protocol, protocol, protocol…

The bureaucratic system of this country is awfully terrible. We are currently preparing the tax revision for the previous year. The tax officer requested a protocol confirming that our imported materials have been handed over to subcontractor. Well, we prepared the doc to satisfy his needs (we have 50+ shipments, 1 protocol for each shipment!).

Now, he needs other protocols confirming that our subcontractor has handed over to their sub-subcontractors and proof of installation, otherwise he will not approve to release the tax owing to us. Gosh… how many protocols does he want? Real stupid idiotic procedure, senseless!

I reckon this country needs longer period to accommodate themselves to European standards!

Riot in Tibet

The riot in Tibet has attracted world attention lately. The holy city Lhasa has mobs looted and burned the shops. Another holy center Xiahe was infested. Curfew was imposed. Dalai Lama announced he is striving for Tibet independence in "middle way" and in peaceful manner. He vowed to step down if the situation deteriorates. His idea wouldn't be accepted by hot tempered younger generation who believe physical force rules.

Obviously there is no better chance for Tibetans to pressure China authorities to give greater concession. The forthcoming Olympic Games is handcuffing China in certain extent. Foreign influences are said undermining the present situations. Why politics is linked up to Olympic?

"Free Tibet" has been shouted for long by so-called humanitarian and peace organizations. Meanwhile why we don't see much sanctions and punishment to Israel on Palestine issue? Aren't the Palestinians deserved to claim back their land too? Dalai Lama wants to rule Tibet under "1-country-2-systems" model. China rejected the proposal, probably worrying of losing sovereign control and might set precedence to other provinces especially the north western regions.

World politics… developed countries are not willing to see the uprising China or India altering global politics and economy influential map. Likewise, we see the fall of USSR and Yugoslavian in the recent history.

Bitches

I had planned since a month to have a short vacation in Italy from today for 10 days. I left my town at 3:00am in order to board WizzAir's early 6:00am flight to Rome. I arrived at Sofia Airport on time and checked-in smoothly.

At the passport control, the lady border police scrutinized my passport page by page. She said I couldn't get on board because I do not have the required visa to Italy. To my surprise, I explained with Malaysian passport I can travel to any EU country without visa, proven by my recent visit to Czech and Germany. She showed my documents to her chief, came back and concluded the same statement, said WizzAir refused to take me on board. I tried to explain to her again. She prompted with the arrogant attitude, "I'm the border police." Goodness… she implied that she is judging the rules! Bitch!

At 5:30am, she led me out of the passport control and instructed WizzAir to withdraw my checked-in luggage. I managed to contact Italian Embassy in Malaysia and they confirmed what I said. I conveyed the message to WizzAir check-in counter, but I received another no-intention-to-help response, and she quickly disappeared herself. Bitch!

I went to information desk seeking help… of course helpless. I called again Italian Embassy asking if they could fax any statement to clarify this issue. She apologized for particular reason. Meanwhile the lady border police walked to me and saw me calling someone, she asked with challenging tongue, "What's your problem?" I forwarded my phone hoping that Italian Embassy could convince her. She took over the phone, listened impatiently and insisted sternly a visa is required. Gone… I know it was absolutely helpless now.

I went to the ticket counter, the officer shrugged her shoulders. At 6:00am sharp, the lady border police walked slowly towards me with a phone pressing on her ear. She stopped in front of me and said after checking in detail, Malaysians indeed do not require tourist visa! FXXK! I almost exploded! The plane has just left and she came with this answer. The WizzAir officer made no effort to call or help me on board. Bitch!

The lady border police stood besides me like a pitiful puppy begging for food. "I'm sorry, I'm deeply sorry. Maybe you can change your flight to Sunday." I was abnegating my anger. She spoiled my plan entirely! Furthermore who is going to pay the additional charges of EUR200 to change the air-ticket? And the cancellation charges on my booked accommodation? I felt so sick to see her standing there. Pretended to be a gentleman, I shook her hand and let her go.

I called my local colleague, explained the situation. He was more emotional than me. He fxxked everything concerned with the lousy system. He drove all the way to Sofia to pick me up, and assisted me to file a report to the border police department.… took us almost 6 hrs!

Back to office, I cancelled all my accommodation reservation. Don’t mind to waste the returned air-ticket… just feel like fxxking sick and fxxking frustrated to think about this issue. I don't know when I'll plan to visit Italy next.

As my Client always cynically said, "Welcome to Bulgaria."

出家

一直有着短暂出家的念头。很想学习如何抛开尘俗与执著，学习原谅。情感是生活的润滑剂，太丰富难免容易受伤，少了固然乏味。不晓得出家人是否真的无情无欲。我想我做不到这一点，家人有困难需要援手我不能置之不理。但是我想我的主动让他人觉得理所当然，却未从中吸取教训而再从蹈覆辙。真地感到失望！

出家不是我要解决烦恼的方式，只是想让心灵平静尝试从另一个角度看同一个问题。

Travelogue Updated

Finally made up my mind to update my Travelogue - added Czech and Macedonia and updated Bulgaria, was such a time consuming task. Anyway I'm glad to have it done now.

General Election

The forthcoming General Election on 08-Mar-08 is heating up nationwide. At this very time most of the sleeping hidden politicians surface and make publicities to draw votes, blaring lots of empty promises and unrealistic visions. Rumours and pamphlets are flying around aim to backstab or unveil the dirty records of opponents. Tons of e-mails congested my mailbox daily.

The election is never clean, I deeply believe still. The dominant ruling parties backed up with strong financial supports have plenty of tricks to increase their votes. Wouldn't be surprised if they will sweep more than 2/3 of the parliament seats to continue their empire.

Opposition parties vow for a change. In fact, the limited votes on hands wouldn't change the status quo. How many politicians are really sacrificing for the country and people? Based on the pitiful salary, almost all ministers are possessing luxurious mansions and cars. How do they generate fortune? Did our anti corruption division able to investigate and sue these crocs? If we succeed to change the government (very unlikely), can we be sure corruption cases will be eliminated / reduced?

Politics and money can't be segregated. How could we attract highly professional candidates to run politics with general low pay? And we can't raise the salary drastically in consideration of various economy factors. The bad cycle continues…

Oil Price Breaks USD 100

The cruel effect of soaring oil price has surfaced around the world…. even the oil rich Gulf countries are not exempted. Read this interesting article from International Herald Tribune,

In the oil-producing Gulf countries, governments that are flush with oil money can soften the blow by spending more. The United Arab Emirates increased the salaries of public sector employees by 70 percent this month; Oman raised them 43 percent. Saudi Arabia also raised wages and increased subsidies on some foods. Bahrain set up a $100 million fund to be distributed this year to people most affected by rising prices. But all this government spending has the unfortunate side effect of worsening inflation, economists say.

I wonder for how long this strategy would work. This move would bog down their economy in long run and spoil their people. The labour market will be too expensive, it will ruin their effort to curb the inflation. OPEC has no intention to exert any effort to stabilize the oil price, but crossing their legs and smoking shisha leisurely.

Study

Some friends are still pursuing higher study at this age… MBA, PhD, professional certificates… It's not easy to take care of studies while having a full time job. It is even tiring when there is a family to take care of. One must be having a persistent will to accomplish the task. Qualification is the bet to achieve higher job position, especially in the international companies nowadays.

I don't see the necessity to have kind of MBA degree in my career now. The nature of my job simply doesn't require one. If I would pick up any course in future, it would largely for my hobby sake.

Germany Trip

Just came back from Germany to visit ex-colleagues. Was a pleasant trip though facing minor problem at Munich Airport on arrival. The young immigration officer was not so polite, though not rude, while checking my passport. Felt like being treated as 2nd class people. He asked for return ticket, traveling program, invitation letter etc. My annoyance was growing and I threw back a question to him, "For visiting a friend?"

I used to visiting Germany almost yearly since 1995, have never been interrogated as such. He ordered me to stand aside until finished examining rest of the travelers' doc. At last he flipped through each page of my passport scrutinizing under the light and hoped to find a hint of fake detail. After stamping my passport I grabbed it away without saying "thank you".

----
It was nice to meet ex-colleagues again, exchanging news and sharing stories, though the time was slightly too short.

----
Also visited Cathedral of St. Peter in Regensburg and Walhalla.

Rambo 4 (I killed Someone…)

Sylvester Stallone is never my idol, but I just want to watch if the aging John Rambo is still capable to save the world. Frankly, the story is suck, the selling point is the intense brutal killing scenes. Tons of explosions tearing the limbs, blood splashed fiercely… quite "entertaining" indeed.

I had a weird dream that night. I couldn't recall the whole story… I just remember I was holding a grenade and threw to someone… I killed the "bad" guy. A lady rushed to me begging me to stop it. I snarled, "You know nothing!"… wow… I was so macho! Look closely, the lady was my ex-secretary! This was scary!

Reunion Dinner

An ad of Petronas - the national oil company. This year's theme is "Reunion Dinner". This is not the first time I'm away from home during Chinese New Year. To me, it is not necessary to have this reunion dinner on this very day. Any day can be if we want to. Cherish the love... Happy New Year.

Live For The Others

Colleague B was asking me how many years more I plan to work abroad. I replied, if only for myself I would plan to retire in the next years, but the actual situation at home might defer my plan. I'm glad to help my family members so to ease their burden. On the other hand, I have to be cautious not to let them over dependent on me.

I'm still single, no plan to get married, till now. Am reluctant to commit myself to someone. Friends said this is love, is blessing… I should have learned to appreciate. Maybe they are right but the responsibility is enormous. 2 people staying together, trust and understanding have to be fostered, and sacrifice to fit each other. I know my stubbornness and chauvinistic character could hardly compromise. (Or I'm too afraid?)

A friend is encountering this problem lately. I don't know what to say but giving these "theoretical" advice. Hope they could solve this crisis rationally and develop a stronger bond to walk abreast continually.

"Eye" Catching

Mazda Furai

Lexus LF

Recent News

Kenya – Post Election Riot

The post election riot erupted in Kenya has turned out to be a threatening ethic cleansing act on the minority Kikuyu tribe where the incumbent President Mwaki Kibaki belongs. He won the election in narrow margin last month. Kikuyu tribe is resented for dominating the politic and economy in the country. Hope this would not cause food shortage and eventually turning to the safari to source supply.


US – Election

The Democratic presidential candidate US Senator Hillary Clinton was interviewed recently on TV. It is obvious she is playing women card. As expected, she was asked about her opinion on Lewinsky's case. She said she has forgiven her husband, and weeping. What a show… cheap trick!

Cloverfield

Enticed by the trailer distributed on the net, I paid the hefty Euro3.5 to watch this monster yesterday… What the heck, the whole movie was shot with handy cam. The whole screen is so shaky THROUGH OUT the movie! (worse when you're in front of the big screen). It is nauseating. The movie terminated unexpectedly after 1 hr without ending? What about the monster -- killed or kept rampaging Manhattan? I have no idea how the monster looks like???

State of Fear – Michael Crichton

Have just finished reading the 675 pages novel of Michael Crichton, State of Fear, telling a story of global warming threat. This novel has many scientific research footnotes, probably he meant to convince the readers with them. It has drawn strong criticism from climate scientists of his fact distortion intention, and misleading the readers. He said the ice in Antarctica is not thinning but thickening; the increasing Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is not the culprit of global warming etc…. counter attack the "ordinary" statements we used to absorb. I'm really confused who should I believe now.

After all, the novel has only 1 thrilling climax that keeps the page turning, he can really setup an intense pace. But the debates and preaching on global warming are quite boring. The worst part is the end of the story that he involved the unnecessary cannibals in Solomon Island.

Hair Stylist

This is my masterpiece – experiment done on my nephew.

Time To Step In?

The US recession fear has initiated domino effect worldwide. Stock market indexes in Europe fell as much as 7%… reckon the bear will run for the next days. I did plan to sell off the funds on hand in the next days, but just a step too slow to sell it at all time high.

Checking the markets in Europe, financial stocks like Barclays, Citibank, Merrill Lynch have dropped to a very attractive level. Am planning to buy some for mid long term investment. Can't make up my mind should I step in now.

Back to Work

After spending the torturing 11.5 hrs on the narrow seat of economy class from Bangkok to Vienna, my legs could hardly be stretched. Why Austrian Airlines do not place 9 seats per row instead of 10 in this class like Thai Airways do? I should be lucky not having a giant size passenger beside me whose shoulder would have invaded half of my seat.

Worse, I had 8 hrs transit in Vienna Airport. I don’t like this airport, it does not provide free wireless internet access; no TV / movies for the passengers; foods and drinks are ridiculously expensive… the airport is simply not 'humanitarian'.

At last, back to work again, after 4 weeks lazy vacation. As usual, clean up the works piled up in a month.

Tough Life

The only thing observed in KL is that more high-end shopping malls are popping up in the past year. Is the consumption power of Malaysians so high that luxurious market is so ample and profitable? I doubt it… probably this is driven by the illusion of bullish stock market and the election ahead.

Newspapers are reporting the inflation on almost every basic commodity, everyone is complaining the salary is barely sufficient to fulfill their needs. The fuel cost is expecting to soar, government excused themselves that the subsidy of petrol is draining national income. This would definitely trigger domino effect on everything. I reckon the government's long proposed Value Added Tax would be implemented after the election. I really hope a great rally would sparkle to overthrow this blood sucking idea.

Value of money is decreasing, and the life is getting tougher!

Krabi

After visiting National Park, I bought a ticket to Krabi (Thailand) for sun and beach. I made a dive near Phi Phi Island (am trying to dive at least once a year to refresh and practice diving skill), was so glad that I could manage myself fairly well in the water. It was truly amazing to be surrounded by school of fishes. Sadly quite a large extent of corals is dead, leaving the dull grayish dead corals lying on the seabed - the consequence of tourism exploitation.

Compare to Phuket, Krabi is no doubt having nicer beach, but smaller, more expensive, night life is dull, less choice of night entertainment (ahem… whatever means…) I was planning to try rock climbing, but the lousy agent failed to organize without informing me in advance. It left me a reason to return to Thailand again next time.

After spending a couple of days under the sun, I'm satisfied with the tan reddish (lightly sunburned) skin colour. I enjoyed this trip greatly!

Taman Negara

I changed my traveling plan, abandoned both Taiwan and Nepal trips but heading to the Taman Negara (National Park) in my country. This world’s oldest rainforest sounds mysterious. I was carrying much hope to enjoy myself but it turned out disappointing instead. The programs organized by the agent are suck, far too short to explore/ experience the charm of the nature. These standard packages are not eye-opening at all, rather bored. They are over commercialized, trails have been seriously rampaged and not one monkey is seen. The guide didn’t provide professional knowledge to help understanding the rainforest better.

Reluctant to leave the NP with disappointment, I extended another day in the park and explore the trails less traveled by the “ordinary” tourists. It was much much better… Trekking in the forest, mostly alone, enveloped in the shades of trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of tiger or bear (I know the chance was meager)… a mixture of scary yet excitement… wonderful though tiring. The time was too short to venture into the deep forest, have only encountered a hoard of wild boars walking pass, buried their nose digging for food; colourful chickens hiding alertly among the branches… again, no monkey…

Some native tribes are still residing in the forest, practicing the primitive life style. Mostly close to the river, sheltering under palm leaf huts, living in poor hygienic environment, hunting and fishing are their source of foods, no cannibal.

I would love to visit again this NP, but to make a longer trek into inner jungle.

Credit Card

I purchased a few small items from United Colours of Benetton (in Sofia), and presented my credit card to the cashier. He scrutinized my card and asked for my passport to confirm my identity. I felt offended on the spot and confronted him for what good sake was that. Never had I experienced before anywhere else. I was using it to pay for the mere Eur 26! I would be insulating myself if I had to cheat for this amount?

Hitman

Watched newly released movie Hit Man on Sunday, it is just good enough to kill time. Somehow I felt like being cheated by the movie foolishly. The story was running mainly around St. Petersburg, instead most of the scenes were shot in Sofia. Goshhhh… the director must be thinking all audiences are stupid. Sofia's biggest church, shopping mall and railway station couldn't be mistaken.

Flying Home

Though the visa is not ready yet, but I have purchased an air-ticket to fly home on Monday. Hope the exit process is smooth. Keeping my finger crossed.

Due to the tight and unavailability of the flight schedule, the earliest flight return will be on 15-Jan-08… not bad after all (hehe)… long vacation... So, am starting to plan a trip traveling somewhere this year end, most probably to Taiwan or Nepal, but couldn’t decide which is better. I prefer Nepal but the bitter winter scares me off… Taiwan's climate would be much more pleasant but I do not know what else are interesting other than the National Palace Museum.

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.