Saturday, October 27, 2007

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.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

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.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

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?)

Friday, October 05, 2007

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!

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

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/

Friday, September 28, 2007

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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

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".

Friday, September 21, 2007

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.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

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.

Monday, August 20, 2007

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

Thursday, August 02, 2007

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。

Monday, July 23, 2007

Islamic State / Secular State

Malaysia society has developed into unprecedented chaotic lately, due to some power eager barking politicians. These bastards intentionally provoke sensitive racial issue to unearth and intensify the fragile relationship in this multi racial society.

The recent announcement of the Deputy PM cited that Malaysia indeed is an Islamic state. What is his intention to bring up this issue while Malaysia is going to celebrate the coming 50th independence anniversary? Being one of the most respectful politicians in Malaysia, his statement for sure receive resonant echo from the fanatic voices. Meanwhile, our PM, as of his common practice, does not interfere to silence the dispute, guess he would let this issue boiling for a longer period. In case of the protest is mild, Malaysia would be crowned as Islamic state officially. Otherwise the present status being recognized as secular state would be remained for a slightly longer term and does no harm to the majority Malay ethnic.

Probably this is another dirty trick of politics to divert the concentration of non ruling parties from the more desperate crucial topics like NEP (New Economy Plan).

2 week ago former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan publicly praised Malaysian government for their efficient effort in managing the multi racial society, which should be consider as a successful model to other countries. He must be blind(folded) and did not see the real event. What should we expect to hear from this Diplomat? If he doesn’t know the background, pls shut up!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Professional

I think I'm working with a bunch of idiots around. Everyone claims to be expert, professional, specialist, but none of them has any hands-on experience. Their fantastic comments stretch my nerves to breaking point. The 12 year experience I had on the job seems to be total shitty… Fxxk!

Friday, July 06, 2007

1st Reply

Glad to receive the 1st reply from my sponsored Thai kid today. Letter was written in Thai language with English translation (probably done by WorldVision). A blue roofing small purple wall house is drawn at the corner, with the orange windows over size the yellow door. He briefly introduced himself in the letter - typical essay structure I used to learn in school. Well, what should I expect from a 10 yr old kid to write something thoughtful to a person he has never met? Hope to meet him someday.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

挫折

妹最近学做生意,经过几个月的筹备上个星期终于开张了。正满怀信心开始大展拳脚之际,却收到新业主逼迁的通告,原来妹没签署有效的租约,无处投诉只能自责粗心。他给我通了电话,说了缘由,还被我批了数句。我不是落井下石,只是出于关切。只能劝他 take it easy 别屈于这小小挫折。罗文曾唱过“小小苦楚等于激励。。。”

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Irresistible


This album cover is simply irresistible… J Lo's first ever Spanish language album Como Ama Una Mujer is an instant #1 storms the Billboard Latin chart. The album is very Spanish, a good change after getting fed up with her previous hotchpotch hip-hop albums.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Survey

Went with my colleague to learn site survey today (probably this is the first time in my career). This work is fundamental in our project, of course it is easy to describe theoretically, but the site work is tiring. In fact I did feel a little boring. Walking and transporting equipment and material consumed most of our time. Not to mention the summer heat was enhancing lactic acid production causing muscle fatigue.

The main idea I planned this trip was to experience and understand the site works, would be useful to manage the project.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

The Satanic Verses

British author Salman Rushdie was awarded knighthood on Sunday in Queen Elizabeth's birthday honours list for his service of literature. The Islamic world immediately recalls a death warrant on him with lucrative award.

I read the controversial novel "The Satanic Verses", frankly I have stopped flipping the pages after going through 1/3 of the book. The story was so dull (do not expect any commercial element). A simple topic occupied pages to describe the details. Secondly my English level is simply too poor to understand his powerful vocabularies, causing me losing interest on it.

P/S: I do not know which part of the novel has committed blasphemy against Islam…

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Minimum Wages

An article on the newspaper today has listed the minimum wages among the EU countries.

Highest : Luxembourg (€1570), Ireland (€1403), UK (€1361)
Lowest : Bulgaria (€92), Romania (€114), Latvia (€172)

I do admit the life in Bulgaria is cheap (comparatively), therefore it is advisable to travel to the east bloc countries before the living standard soaring high.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

粤剧

孩时妈总在做饭时扭开收音机听粤剧,偶尔哼上两句。当时觉得这戏曲就是嘈,千篇一律。时代转移,现时空气播送的尽是流行曲,皆因粤剧捧场者越是见少。

今天上网看到了这熟悉的名字-
唐涤生,察看了他的资料。原来他对粤剧影响重大,可惜在四十三岁就逝世了。我只对两段粤剧有兴趣-《帝女花之香夭》以及《紫钗记之剑合钗圆》。曲词皆佳不落俗套。

《帝女花之香夭》


女:落花滿天蔽月光 借一杯附薦鳳台上
帝女花帶淚上香 願喪生回謝爹娘
偷偷看 偷偷望 佢帶淚帶淚暗悲傷
我半帶驚惶 怕駙馬惜鸞鳳配
不甘殉愛伴我臨泉壤
男:寸心盼望能同合葬 鴛鴦侶相偎傍
泉台上再設新房
地府陰司裡再覓那平陽門巷
女:唉惜花者甘殉葬
花燭夜 難為駙馬飲砒霜
男:江山悲災劫 感先帝恩千丈
與妻雙雙叩問帝安
女:唉盼得花燭共諧白髮
誰個願看花燭翻血浪
唉我誤君累你同埋蒘網
好應盡禮揖花燭深深拜
再合巹交杯墓穴作新房
待千秋歌讚註駙馬在靈牌上
男:將柳蔭當做芙蓉帳 
明朝駙馬看新娘
夜半挑燈有心作窺妝
女:地老天荒情鳳永配痴凰
願與夫婿共拜相交杯舉案
男:遞過金杯慢咽輕嘗
將砒霜帶淚放落葡萄上
女:合歡與君醉夢鄉
男:碰杯共到夜台上
女:百花冠替代殮裝
男:駙馬珈墳墓收藏
女:相擁抱
男:相偎傍
合:雙枝有樹透露帝女香
男:帝女花
女:長伴有心郎
合:夫妻死去与樹也同模樣

《紫钗记之剑合钗圆》

李益:雾月夜抱泣落红,险些破碎了灯钗梦。唤魂句,频频唤句卿须记取再重逢。叹病染芳躯不禁摇动,重似望夫山半崎带病容。千般话犹在未语中,心惊燕好皆变空。
(喊白)小玉妻。
小玉:处处仙音飘飘送,暗惊夜台露冻。雠共怨待向阴司控。听风吹翠竹,昏灯照影印廉拢。
(序白)雾夜少东风,是谁个扶飞柳絮,
李益:是十郎扶你,
小玉:生不如死,何用李君关注。
李益:愿天折李十郎,休使爱妻多病痛。
(序白)剑合钗圆,有生一日都望一日呀,
(续唱)并头莲亦有根基种,权势尽看轻只知爱情重,与你做过夫妻胜梁鸿。
小玉:坟墓里可尽失相思痛,憎哭声,喊声将霍小玉叫回俗世中。
(序白)生生生,我虽生何所用呢,
(续唱)你再配了丹山凤。把白玉箫再弄。则怕你红啼绿怨,由来旧爱新欢两边也难容。祝君再结鸳鸯梦。我愿乞半穴坟,珊珊瘦骨归墓冢。
李益:云罩月更迷濛,是谁个误泄风声播送,瑶台未有奇逢。
小玉:你既非负心,胜业坊与太尉府只是一街之隔,你胡不归来。
李益:泪穷力竭严如落网归鸦困身有玉笼,一朝翅折了怎生飞动。
小玉:谁信你,想你见我变卖头上紫钗,已知我今非昔比,我想那卢家小姐,
(接唱)佢在你乘龙日半绕盘龙髻,插玉燕钗腰肢款摆上画阁中,投怀向君弄髻描容,佢斜泛眼波,微露笑窝,将君轻轻碰。指玉燕珠钗不惜金买来耀吓威风。
(白)你又可知新人髻上钗,会向旧人心上刺。
李益:郎未变爱,针锋相迫刺郎未免阴功。
小玉:我典珠卖钗,以身待君,盼君望君,醉君梦君,你到今竟再婚折害侬。
李益:盟誓永珍重。我未负你恩义隆。枕边爱有千斤重。大丈夫处世做人,应知爱妻兼尽忠。
小玉:真既,(接唱)既尽爱何以未洁身自重。
李益:咪再错翻醋雨酸风,当知衷心隐痛。
小玉:侯氏报消息那有不忠。
李益:经拒婚摧恶梦。
小玉:未信君你入赘绣阁,敢拒附凤与攀龙。
李益:十郎未惯同床异梦,更忆小玉恩深重。
小玉:柳底问有摺摺薰风,且听君将在颂。
李益:日挂中天格外红,月缺终须有弥缝。
(序白)千差万错,错在我吹台赋诗,有不上望京楼之句,
(续唱)佢便借诗中意谣言惑众,有心逼我乘龙。玉燕钗又再相逢,我誓死不向遣贵附从,吞钗拒婚拚命送。
小玉: 十郎十郎, 你可曾為我吞釵拒婚, 不慕權貴.十郎, 若是真情以釵還我, 自釵燕失春風, 憔悴不出眾,我再將紫釵弄漸露笑容, 玉潔冰清那許有裂縫, 今宵壓髻有紫釵用.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

The Italian


An Italian couples came to Russia to meet their chosen child for adoption has stirred the orphanage. 6 year-old Vanya was chosen and was nicknamed "Italian" by other mates. He was deemed having blessed and would escape from the unpromising fate in his homeland. While everyone else envies Vanya having this good opportunity, a thought to find his maternal mother sprouted. With assistance from the elder mates, he escaped from the orphanage and started his journey.

The little actor is truly adorable, but the director has endowed the character a far matured thinking. This Russian movie is not bad.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

WiTricity

Among colleagues we used to joke if electricity power could be transmitted wireless like the electronic signals, everyone has to be cautious not to be electrocuted.

Yesterday the newspapers worldwide reported that the scientist at MIT has successfully demonstrated this significant breakthrough based on the concept of magnetically coupled resonance instead of electromagnet radiation. They have dubbed it "
WiTricity".

When this technology turns matured and commercialized, that's the time I have to look for new job.