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.

Aliens (3)

During the trip to Egypt years ago, the tour guide explained that no one knows how the Giza pyramids were built because no written records was found, the knowledge was taught and imparted verbally from father to sons. This explanation does not convince me. The Giza pyramids (image taken from Lonely Planet) are so huge and constructed with precise technology, archaeologists presume hundred of thousands workers were needed to accomplish this sophisticated project. I can’t believe not single record is preserved. Could it be the aliens were involved? Like the mysterious crop circles?

Aliens (2)

The aliens are always depicted with wrinkled skin, slim limps, big head but with tiny nose, small mouth… perhaps this image is based on imagination, or from the “witness”, it does have scientific logic.

The modern technology helps people mobilizing from a place to another conveniently, powerful robots and machines are invented to replace manpower, almost all the works are done by computers… in short, people is working less physically. It wouldn’t be surprise that the future generation no longer needs muscle, but just a bigger brain / head to think and manipulate the computers.

The pollution would be so severe then that the air is corrosive, therefore the wrinkled skin is evolved. Foods are all genetically mutated to grow fast to meet the consumption of expanded population. Possibly easy digestive nutrition substitution is created, teeth are no longer required.

With the tendency nowadays of slim = beauty, this could be the future look of human being.

Aliens (1)

I believe in extraterrestrials living in the outer space. Among the uncountable stars and planets in the universe, there must be many more planets that suitable for living creatures, even if they could be light years away. Our present knowledge and technology are too meagre to understand and explore the universe.

Space travelling has been commercialized lately but exclusive for the super rich people. Sooner or later it would become popular when the technology is more mature and economic. I wish this would be realized before the end of my life.

It is worrisome to see some countries abuse the technology and race to develop weapon of mass destruction. Possibly the earth would be destroyed earlier than it should be.

思乡 / Homesick

有点儿思乡，不知道确切的缘故。可能是因为项目发展不顺利所产生的挫败感？抑或是前几天小病了一场，怀念家人的慰问？又或者是看见旁人兴高采烈地筹备圣诞假期之旅而自己因为签证还没办妥未能落实回家的计划？


Feeling mildly homesick, couldn’t tell the exact reason. Perhaps frustrated over problematic project? Or could be missing family’s care when I was ill recently? Maybe because of not able to plan a trip back home due to visa issue while watching others cheerfully planning their Xmas vacation?

Apartheid?

The chaotic politics is soaring lately, was never so intense in the past. Does it mean the public has more freedom to express their opinions nowadays? Hell no way!

The Neptune encourages all fishes to voice out their constructive opinions to help solving the problem. Unfortunately it turns out to be another blah blah blah as majority politicians, when the benefit of particular group (i.e. the sharks) is concerned.

Somehow several politicians were “encouraged” boldly and sneaking chances to blare their racist motto in the most important assembly of ocean’s largest political party. It was broadcasted live. The irresponsible speeches undermine the fragile social structures. Worse, the Neptune did not halt the speeches promptly but allowed the sharks barking furiously.

The small fishes were shattered, and protested. Reluctantly, to pacify the anger of the rest, the Neptune summoned the racist sharks and “advised” them accordingly, no punishment was placed. This will definitely set up a precedent for other sharks to follow…

Years ago our Marine Committee boycotted and strongly condemned the inhuman apartheid political system in other coral reef. This trace is obviously and openly fostered on our own reef.

Unfortunately the Neptune was not elected publicly, the chief of the sharks is nominated to lead the ocean automatically.

马背上的法庭

最近看了这一套很不错的叙事电影，讲述中国法制和云南少数民族地区的现状。少数民族有自身解决纠纷的方法，虽说国有国法，政府的介入是否恰当？少数民族世代住在偏远的山区，思想牢靠着传统文化。对我们来说可能不文明，但是把我们的逻辑学强行套用在他们的生活上管用吗？

可能是因为少见多怪，这一类故事电影很容易引起我的共鸣。听说此片在中国惨淡收场匆匆落画，很可惜。导演刘杰的另一部电影《十七岁的单车》也很值得推荐。

Dan Brown’s Novels

Quite disappointed after watching movie “The DaVinci Code” yesterday. It is less intense compared to the page-turner novel, perhaps I was expecting too much. Sure it is no easy task to condense every single detail on the masterpiece into the 2-hr movie. Lastly, I think Tom Hanks doesn’t fit the character.

“Angels and Demons” is another great novel of Dan Brown though the story is not realistic. I enjoy the way Dan Brown integrates the history, myth and existing structures. It triggers my interest to visit Vatican.

“Digital Fortress” is not impressive comparatively, the storyline is weak.

高人一等

某家庭一家四口可以说白手兴家，有自己小型公司。也不属于富裕，但在这小镇还过得去。女主人的态度可真的不可一世，目中无人，对人说话总是笑里藏刀。家中掌握大权，夫慈子孝衍生於铁腕政策。可能效仿慈禧垂帘听政吧？

不晓得这一类人何以觉得自己高人一等。察觉到身旁确实有不少人有此‘暴发户心态’的潜意识。小小的财富已经这么骄傲，憎人富贵厌人穷，如果腰缠万贯的话就更加为所欲为了。

要知道比上不足比下有余，做人还是低调随和比较好。

辐射 / Radiation

日新月异的工艺快速发展，体积日趋细小及包含无线功能是新产品的导向。

我们的生活环境持续的暴露在辐射之下，如手机、蓝芽以及其他来源。没有确实的证据证明过份的暴露于各种辐射会对身体或脑子造成任何生理影响。这虽未对生命构成威胁，但是长期会引发不适。如果可以看得见无线电波的话，这应该是一张厚密不可透视的网。

研究报告说长期暴露在高压输电线路所产生的电磁场辐射下会至癌，所以住所应该距离远一些。

想象微波炉的运作原理。任何物体吸收辐射后都会产生热能，这是物理学的理论。长时间的通话当心手机慢慢地把你的脑袋烤熟，虽然生产商声称辐射的危险微不足道。


The technology is progressing exponentially that we could hardly walk abreast with, every new inventory has a tendency to be smaller and wireless for convenience sake.

We are consistently exposed to the radiations in our living environment, for instance mobile phone, Bluetooth and thousands of unknown sources. There is no concrete study proving that excessive exposure of various radiations would have any physiological effects on the human brain or human body. These are not life-threatening problems but could cause a lot of discomfort in long run. Imagine if all radio waves are visible, the net must be so thick and vision impenetrable.

Research advised that constant exposure to the electro-magnetic field inducted by the high voltage transmission line is cancerogenic, therefore the living area should be distanced away.

Think about microwave oven operation principle. The object that absorbs radiation would be heated up, as stated in physics energy transformation theory. Beware of the mobile phone is cooking your brain for long tele-conversation, though the manufacturers claim the radiation risk is negligible.

翻译 / Translation

在一个没有共同语言的地方工作很不方便，我依赖同事给于翻译。不恰当的用词很可能扭曲原来的意思，这一点翻译员的语言水平很重要。

口头翻译不是件轻松的事，尤其牵涉到技术词汇。原本的意思必须迅速完整地表达，不能添加个人的想法，还要剔除无须要的情绪。

翻译员的表情有助于了解第三者的当时情绪。我最近留心到了一些翻译已经融合了个人观点，这对原有的故事描绘了不同的画面。我必须谨慎地做出判断。


It is inconveinient to work in the environment without lingua franca, I rely on my colleagues to help translating. Improper use of words might distort the idea of the topic, therefore the language ability of the translator is essential.

Oral translation is no easy task especially involving technical terms. Exact meaning must be translated promptly without imposing personal opinion, while filtering out the unnecessary emotions.

The expression of the translator helps us to define the emotion of the 3rd party. I have noticed recently some translations have been infused with personal opinion, a different image of the original story is depicted. I have to be prudent to judge accordingly.

语言 / Language

大部份受过教育的马来西亚人民都能掌握二至三种语言，是因为多元种族结构的社会和选择学校源流的自由，这政策在印尼是被禁止的。

我们的日常会话混淆着不同的语言。表面上似乎是一件有趣的文化异变，那其实是一件可悲的学术灾难。人们不再应用正统的语言，却罗致其他语言或方言弥补贫乏的词汇。

我对自己的语文能力有自知之明，不奢望达到native speakers 的水平。我在尝试提升自身的能力尤其是中文，毕竟这一方面我只受过六年小学教育。


Most of the educated people in Malaysia could handle 2 to 3 languages, due to the multi racial structure society and freedom to pursue knowledge from schools of different media, such policy is banned in Indonesia.

Our daily communication has turned out to be a hodgepodge of languages. It seems to be an interesting culture mutation, it is literacy disaster instead. People no longer speak genuine language but to adopt words from other languages or dialects to compensate the poor vocabularies.

I’m well aware of my weakness in language, never expect to be as good as native speakers. Am trying to improve in this aspect especially Chinese, after all I had only studied it during the primary 6 years.

兑换率 / Exchange rate

苏丹蓬勃的经济大部份由石油工业支撑着。在2001年，1美元兑换255苏丹第纳，这个汇率直到2005年5月我离开时相对上稳定。

前几天一位苏丹旧同事说美元兑换率已经涨到204第纳，难以想象在短短的18个月里头苏丹币值劲升20%！这对外国投资业者影响重大，本土劳工与开销支出相应提高。

有谣言散布说短期内币值将会继续被推高到150第纳。我不是经济学家，但是我可以预测许多经济问题接踵而来。极有可能这是另一幕政治手段。


The booming economy of Sudan is largely supported by petroleum industry. In year 2001, the exchange rate was USD1 = SDD255 (Sudanese Dinar). It remained relatively stable till I left Sudan in May-2005,

A few days ago, a Sudanese ex-colleague informed that the exchange rate recently has appreciated to SDD204, an incredible 20% hike within 18 months! This would create problems to foreign investors on the increasing local costs (labour, facilities etc).

Rumours said this exchange rate is going to be pushed up to SDD150 within short. I’m not an economist, but I could foresee lots of economy chaos will follow subsequently. Very likely this is another political ploy.