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.

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……