Losing Confidence

Was a little disappointed that the pressure from the opposition party is diminishing lately to exert greater pressure to the government.

The outcry to overthrow the incumbent government has forced the present Prime Minister to announce his stepping down in the next election, and his successor would be the present Deputy Prime Minister, Najib, if nothing goes wrong.

The recent statement of Najib has placed his political stand is parallel with the main opposition party leader Anwar, of which they both announce the present advantages enjoyed by the Malay and the New Economy Policy which is said harboring the cronies of the politicians have to be liberated gradually.

Najib’s announcement has been deciphered in mixed reviews. Some said his action is governed by expediency, to save the losing votes and halt the threat from Anwar in this very moment. While the optimistic comment is that Najib has foreseen the urgency to integrate the citizens of all races. The 2nd comment definitely won’t please the fanatic groups. Personally I don’t believe this idea would be realized too, considering the present political structure is more racial orientated rather than the benefit of the country.

The delayed action of Anwar to oust the government has granted the ruling party sufficient time to re-position themselves and exert different strategies to counter the attacks, it has also shaken the confidence and faith of the middle voters.

Formula 1 – Superb Ideas!

I’m not a big fan of Formula 1, but just enjoy the crowd when making jokes with colleagues. There is not a team or driver I like particularly. Since most of the people support Ferrari and Schumi (ok, he has retired), naturally I have to support the opponent to demise the red team spirit. Good that Hamilton (McLaren team) is leading by 7 points on the driver championship now.

I couldn’t figure out how F1 hypnotize the diehard. It’s not a sport in my opinion, just a driving race circling the circuit for 50ish rounds. I do agree the drivers need extreme high concentration… what else? The same title and function, the F1 driver could earn astronomical figure, while the ordinary taxi and bus drivers are making pitiful.

After watching Malaysia has the first F1 circuit in South East Asia, of course Singapore “must” also have one with a good idea of night race. I felt like being cheated by Singapore F1 organizer. Why? They advertise “night race”, I was expecting the race should be run in pitch black environment… that would be damn exciting! In fact the street race was brightened up like day time.

I wish any Africa country would organize a safari race in future… imagine a school of elephants cross the track, the cheetah or leopard jumping out suddenly biting off the hands, chasing by the raged buffaloes… hmm… exciting… more exciting than rollercoaster.

Tabloid

On 04-Oct-08, we arranged a gathering for all of our staffs in a local restaurant. It was fun… of course after some drinks it was getting wilder… Unexpectedly a journalist from local tabloid came in and made a short brief interview. This is the report…


(Translation)

The team of Mr.Hans-Dieter Spiegel from company SAG chose to chill out at Pizzeria “Bordeaux”. The representatives of the management personnel who are coming from different places all over the world were noisy and happy and they have proved that who can work hard also can have a glorious fun.

Teoh from Malaysia was the attraction of the party with the complicated steps and movements on the dance floor. For him they say that he is the brain of the German company. He is not married and he is looking for a Kyustendil girl who will fascinate his tender soul.

Bart from Scotland in a distinguished way gentlemanly made advances to the female attendance of the table.

The owner of the elite restaurant Emiliyan Angelov was looking for the comfort of his elite guests in a skilfull and professional way.

USD 700bn Rescue Plan

So excited to watch the live telecast of the US House of Representatives voting on the USD 700bn financial rescue plan to the ailing financial sector. Apparently the proposal didn’t convince 1/3 of the congressmen. Somehow the majority has the opinion that measures have to be taken to cease the deteriorating US economy, which threatening globally.

Guess the published economy statistics this week have deepened the worries of some congressmen. Dropping of payrolls, home sales continue diving, climbing of unemployment etc have definitely persuaded some voters shifting their stands.

In fact no one could tell if this astronomical figure is sufficient to revive the teetering economy. I was expecting the US share market would leap high immediately when the news announced. It wasn’t, but pointing downwards? I couldn’t understand why.

Personally I doubt this decision would improve the status quo, I do think it would ease the breath of financial institutes. But how long would the effect last? The speculators would be please to learn that fresh capital to be injected into the market and it’s a great opportunity to gain fast money again.

What I hope is… the share market would stabilize to save my investment.

Where Is Your Conscience?

Have been observing the tainted milk case in China. The Melamine which has been detected and “known” in the production and to the authorities surprisingly was not curbed in the very early stage. What a shit bureaucratic and corrupted system. The head of the Chinese agency that monitors food and product safety has resigned amid the scandal. Does it help?

This case certainly tarnishes the image of China food products, “unsafe” and “poor” will be labeled. To the people add this Melamine into the milk, where is your conscience?

Photos Uploaded - Hungary

Photos of Hungary trip are available in my Travelogue.

Damn Lehman & AIG

The recent financial storms are staggering… Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy, the turnabout rescue of AIG by the Fed, the merger of Lloyds and HBOS, Russia stock market shut for 3 days after plunge, Morgan Stanley is in talks to sell part of its stakes… any one of these news would have shattered the financial industry in the normal days, but they all happened concurrently within a week.

To prevent the disastrous financial turmoil worsening, US swiftly introduce measures to rescue the teetering global markets, with Central banks inject huge capital to reinstate the confidence of the investors. Major share markets bounced back today, how long would it last? If the root problems are not tackled, the effect would fade soon.

The present financial system has to be monitored and controlled, short selling should be curbed. The share market is not a safe heaven for investment, but a huge gambling pool instead.

Damn Lehman & AIG… made me lost in my investment!

Spirit

I came back to the hostel (in Budapest) late night on Friday, met 3 Norwegian young men in the same dorm. Seriously they asked if I felt safe in this hostel, I replied absolutely yes. “No no no… I don’t mean security… I mean if you observe any spirit in this grungy building.” They showed me a photo taken in the room, with 1 suspicious blurry white spot on it, apparently that was no mirror reflection. Anxiously they explained acc’ to the Norwegian folklores, the white spot indicated spirit was present while the photo was taken… They were disturbed… grrr…arrhh….

To pacify their concern, I convinced them I had never heard of such case in the hostel. Acc’ to the Chinese folklores, the spirit would avoid naked body. I suggested they should sleep in nude to scare off the uninvited. But I didn’t tell them what if the spirit was a gay?? They end up went out for weekend happy hour and returned the next morning.

I like these 3 guys… so funny and friendly.

Hungary - Bits and Pieces

Have just returned from Hungary 1 week trip yesterday. Probably I had visited Prague and Rome earlier and over expected the same from Budapest, I was slightly disappointed instead. I don’t mean Budapest is not interesting, the city is just lacking of monuments or structures or tourist spots that could drop my jaw.

Budapest was a combination of once 3 towns (Buda, Obuda and Pest) till 1873.

Budapest boasts the 1st underground on the Europe Continent. The Metro wagons are though not new, but absolutely efficient, so as the other public transportation means.

I was staying in the tourist area 1 block away from Danube River, of course most of the restaurants and souvenirs were over pricing, easily EUR 15 for a simple meal. Some distance away less touristy, a meal between EUR 5-8 could be dealt. I really missed the goulash soup!

As usual, gypsy was not welcomed by the Hungarians, the same comments I heard from Bulgarians.

The radio stations were suck. Boring music!

Some huge shopping malls to fulfill shopaholic, it seemed to be always crowded. The sales was going on and I bought 2 shirts, 2 shorts and a pair to shoes with great discount! I wanted to buy more but I know my knapsack could fit in no more.

I bought some salami from the market near to the hostel. Later on I found the same salami at Tesco for almost ½ price! The money is 1 thing, but I didn’t like the feeling to be slaughtered!

People are so friendly, especially in the scenic town Pecs. I loved their smiles.

Waiting For A Change

The return of Anwar to the politics on 26-Aug-08 and becoming the leader of the opposition coalition (People’s Justice Party) has granted him a step forward to topple the incumbent government. While the ruling party (mainly UMNO) is nervously holding their seats tight, the Prime Minister still couldn’t control his dogs giving racist talk publicly of which dangerously humiliating the Chinese ethnic and destabilizing the social integrity. It definitely aggravates more hatred to the government!

Anwar vows to seize power on 16-Sep, 2 weeks from now. Most likely the PM won’t hand over the power easily, reckon he would dissolve the parliament and push for another election again (last election was 08-Mar-08). This option will be both time consuming and costly, of course eventually paid by the civilians’ tax.

I’m waiting for a change… to better or worse, no one could tell, but at least the government has to understand the meaning of democracy.

Amy Winehouse - The Ska Ep

Oh no... Amy jumps into Raggae. Well, the songs are not bad but Raggae music is not my taste. I can't play it while working. The beat is disrupting my concentration.

Recently

Virus Attack
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My notebook was again attacked by virus since last Friday. Spent the whole weekend to try rescuing my data, was so mad because I couldn’t watch Olympic volleyball final matches on Saturday. Grrrr…. I believe there is still a virus hiding well like Bin Laden, and execute Taliban ambush occasionally.

Olympics Closing Ceremony
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Spectacular! The performances were excellent (except the singing session). Was interesting to note the 8 minutes performance of the next Olympics host – London, emphasizing the urban life of metropolitan. The modern dancing was a stark contrast to the cultural theme of China. But, why Leona Lewis? David Beckham is still the iconic sportsman of UK, luckily Victoria was not present.

Travelling
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I prefer backpacking.
My ex-colleague opted biking around the world for 6 years.
The new project intern hiked all the way from Germany to Spain.
No matter how… travelling is fun! Can’t wait to go to Hungary next Friday!

Gelato
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Sis told me that she prepared some gelato for a country club, particularly served for Malaysia Prime Minister on flight some days ago. She just sent me an overjoyed message that the club said the PM was impressed and wanted to see her. Regardless how true it is, she is encouraged.

Next Project
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This is the latest hot topic in the office, Manager has started planning the infrastructure for this new project in Rwanda though he is not officially assigned yet. In fact, the whole organization in head office is not clear - who would be the boss? who would be recruited? material transportation? infrastructure etc.? I have not committed myself to Rwanda, at least not now. Would like to take a rest and settle some personal matters before starting next project.

Visa To Hungary

Am planning to visit Budapest early next month. Learned from the unpleasant experience being rejected on-board during the last trip to Italy, this time I want to be sure of I won't encounter the same problem.

Yesterday, I was right, the instinct response of the Hungarian Embassy (in Sofia) officer insisted I do need a visa to visit the country, of course without checking his data. After explaining to him Malaysian passport is valid to any EU country without visa for 90 days (as stated on Hungarian government webpage), he asked to call him the next day to confirm the same.

This morning my colleague contacted him again, he admitted no visa is required.

Where is the professionalism? Tired with such attitude!

Olympics Events

Upset… the best hope of Malaysia in badminton men's singles game failed to snatch gold medal. Well, silver is by far the best in our history.

Why swimming event is contributing so many (34) medals? 100m and 400m are fine, why do they need 50m and 200m? Most of the contestants in the 3 shorter distance categories are similar. Maybe FINA will develop 4x50m relay, 150m, 250m… in future to increase gold medal counts of traditional swimming empires.

The basketball games with NBA are interesting. Great shows of slam dunk. I Love This Game!

Jamaica clean swept both men's and women's 100m dash, defeated entirely and severely shook the USA.

Some games' rules are unfair to the athletes. Minor accident/ mistake during execution is like a death penalty, no chance to save the mistake. For instance gymnastics artistic – vault, the average score of 2 trials is counted. But on track & field, hammer throw, triple jump, shot put… are given several trials and the best score is taken.

Swimming events so far have contributed the most world records. Swimmers claimed the Speedo LZR swimsuit made the trick, which was termed by CNN as 'technological doping'. I believe the advance "biological doping" plays greater role.

'Conversion to Islam' Forum

The Bar Council of Malaysia has decided to hold the forum 'Conversion to Islam' despite encountering strong opposition from the ruling government and Islamic organizations. The objective of the forum is to discuss the religion Islam and its status in accordance with Federal Constitution, for instance the conflict between the federal and Syariah court.

An angry crowd of 300 Muslim protestors gathered outside Bar Council headquarter demanding that the lawyers group halt its controversial forum, condemning it is destroying the social harmony and 'challenging' Islam status in the country.

On one hand the Prime Minister recently urged to hold more dialogues to encourage harmony interaction among the different racial and religious communities, on the other hand the Deputy Prime Minister himself expressed his "worry" that this forum might ignite misunderstanding, anger and tension in our society.

Malaysians have been keeping silence so far, not because we are tolerant, but it is forbidden to discuss such sensitive issue in the public. The politicians make use of this 'advantage' to threaten and suppress the others. The relevant issues are getting more and more complicated, but no one is able to untie the knot. How could we achieve greater integrity if we couldn't understand and treat with equal fairness to each other?

Olympic 2008 Opening Ceremony

I skipped from my working desk at 3pm local time to watch the highly anticipating Olympic 2008 Opening Ceremony. The live broadcast has 2 narrators speaking in Bulgarian unceasingly from the beginning till the end (gosshh… they showed no sign of tiredness). Their voices shadowed the actual scene, the music and the cheers on the background were vague, I couldn't feel the atmosphere!

The show was no doubt high quality, but it doesn’t mean really entertaining. History and the cultures were the topic of the show, was a little bit "heavy". Other than the spectacular 2008 drums beating, rest of the programs are kind of lacking of upbeat rhythm (possibly because I couldn't hear the music clearly).

Each performance involved lots of people, far too many in my opinion. All performers were just an ant size in this huge stadium. I was expecting some sort of gigantic features parade with clean swift simple choreograph instead.

The Appeal – John Grisham

Just finished reading this latest novel - The Appeal - of John Grisham. It is boring instead, no climax and he simply wants to deliver the message that judiciary is influenced by politics and business. No unexpected plot, the introduction of the book tells the whole story.

Archeological Site

The town where I'm living now – Kyustendil once attracted settlers from Thracian, Greek and Roman periods. Basically it is built on top of the vast archeological sites. The land next to our office is planned for commercial construction, a team of archeologist is working to unearth precious history since 2 months ago. So far we heard a set of skeleton carrying a rifle was found.

Once the team confirmed nothing else worth to excavate, the commercial plan would be launched and these precious historical ruins would be destroyed. Pity…

Product Image

Adidas China 2008 Beijing Olympics commercial is a successful idea, aptly address the integrity and unity that China wants the idea to be broadcasted worldwide. At the end of the commercial, it prints Adidas' slogan "Impossible Is Nothing".

It reminds me the similar slogan of China's largest sport apparel company – Li Ning, apparently "inspired" by Adidas and it reads "Everything Is Possible".

Li Ning's logo design is based on its own initial letters L and N, quite similar to Nike's trademark.

What is so difficult for Li Ning to come up with its own genuine image or idea? For foreigners, this is just a copycat without own identity. Personally I won't buy Li Ning's products just because the brand image gives me the impression of 2nd class.

I have also noticed the name of the sponsors printed on the jerseys of China sport teams - BIGGG! guess they are afraid no one could read it clear. It's fathomable for advertisement sake, but the design of the logo is quite ugly and not artistic. They are still not aware of these trivialities would promote public image.

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Has been curious since long why electric car was not popular till nowadays. In terms of technology, what is so sophisticated if man could travel to space and land on the moon in the late 60's?

By chance I found clips titled "Who killed the electric car?" on YouTube. This 2006 documentary film unveiled some hidden facts that the electric car was indeed marketed in 1990. The oil industry was accused manipulating the politics and car companies to scrap this plan so to defend their trillion-dollar business.

It is sad to learn that the short vision of a handful decision makers and the greediness of unscrupulous businessmen have cultivated the oil crisis today, and the global warming indirectly.

扫兴

昨日原本是乐融融的一个午餐聚会，却因酒精催化情绪以至同事之间发生嘴角冲突。我讨厌类似场面而先自离开。

某些人认为率性和豪饮乃真汉子也，其他人被归纳为不够豪爽潇洒有心计之人。幼稚！率性是否包括口不择言、固执蛮横？谈不拢就拳脚交加？

黄耀明 - MOOV LIVE

黄耀明似乎不想定型于华丽音乐之作，稍微返璞归真更为动人。很欣赏他对于音乐创作的理念和坚持，林夕与周耀辉填的词是一大关键。

Thinking Aloud - Fear

The oil price keeps rocketing high, governments are losing control gradually on inflation. Pessimistic statistic figures are deepening worries and igniting fears globally, positive news is too weak to assure confidence of economy recovery.

On 28-Jun, "De Financiële Telegraaf" reported that Fortis expects a complete collapse of the US financial markets within a few weeks.

This statement is quaking most investors! How could this influential bank give such threatening speech at this fragile moment to enhance fears? Financial market has been tumbling since. If the US, the world's biggest economy body is collapsing, what would the world be? I'm too afraid to think of the domino effect triggered. Would I or my closest family and friends lose the job? Would the social get much disorder? How long would it need to recover?

Could this be a conspiracy of middle-east oil rich countries who wants to destroy the US in a much brilliant way than 9-11 plot? They will later come to extend their help to salvage the best core businesses and properties with just a token of their reserve. Practically this is just a copy of IMF's tricks on Asia monetary crisis in 1997-98. Now they turn their target to the US and rule the world! What a great Capitalism!

The oil price has now been the most influential economy indicator. Any news related to disturbing the regular production is definitely spurring panic in the market. Meanwhile Iran is rushing to develop nuclear weapon. Israel launched a massive military practice recently simulating attack on Iran. They for sure will do their best to stop Iran to obtain the technology. I'm really afraid this would be the cause of 3rd world war.

A friend has just returned from the US, told me that the life has changed drastically due to the high oil price. The weak Dollar is to be blamed, people said. I agree with (not entirely) the US to keep their role as global police, on the other hand they are too selfish to rely on foreign countries on energy resources. Why don't they pump oil from their own huge offshore reserve? Would this strategy for future resources still practical in the next century?

I guess the world won't like to see the US economy collapse. But who has such a huge fund to revive the struggling economy, if the US does not initiate a better defensive measure to rescue themselves?

中餐馆

有一中餐馆在这小镇刚开张营业，昨晚与同事去吃晚餐。店主是来自中国吉林的一对年轻夫妇，他们已经在保国住了八年。上个月才搬到这儿开餐馆。很高兴现在多了一个选择。

点了个酸辣汤、三鲜面和铁板鱿鱼。很可惜那并不是我所期待的正宗中餐而是偏向老外的口味，且太过油腻。希望下一次会好些。

现在这小镇总共有四个亚洲人了！

Gym

Finally made up my mind to join the gym again, just hate to see the stomach protruding bigger. It's a nice place, new equipments, not crowded... and it's cheap - EUR 18 for 5 weeks! I need to spice up my life a little bit and expand the social circle.

I do feel curious to see the young men beefing up their muscles like Arnold. Are the extra thick bicep and exploding pecs looking good? Mmm... not to me... it needs lots of effort to maintain the shape or the muscles would turn flacid like Sharpei dog. I'm also too lazy for that.

My muscles are sore now, but I like this feeling. Gambate!

Manners – On The Phone

Often I picked up the phone and the person on the other line end apparently couldn't speak English. Some of them are so rude just drop the line without a word. Is "sorry" or "thank you" so difficult to speak out? Some don't introduce themselves, no greeting, just speak out the person's name who they want to speak to. Neanderthal manners!

The Day Is Brave - Brendan James

Discovered this new artist / album accidentally. If you like James Blunt, then you shouldn't miss Brendan James. He has such a good clear voice. Feel like he is telling the stories very calmly, so homely.

The First Song On Air

I used to turn on my radio when I woke up in the morning. Last week, the first song on air was Bee Gee's "Tragedy". The share market in US and Europe plunged. I lost all the gains accumulated earlier.

The next day, the first song on air was Enigma's "Sadness". The share market continued diving. Red figures appeared on my investment balance sheet.

You see, the first song on the radio could tell the market trend of the day more accurate than the analysts. Hope the DJ will throw R.E.M.'s CD titled "Bad Day" away from his collection!

Tommy

The first e-mail popped up on my screen this morning telling me that Tommy has just passed away in Melbourne. I have expected so, but not so soon. My ex-colleague fed me his news regularly. Tumor on the chest and the cancer on the spine were deteriorating fast. Indeed he had planned to initiate treatment today, but… too late. The first diagnose was just 3 months ago.

He was Hungarian descent, lived in UK. He met his present wife in Mexico and was working in Australia till now. We worked together in Philippines (1998) and again in Malaysia (2000) for a short period. A good colleague to work with, and very helpful.

Was thinking to call him the day before, but I just didn't know if he really wants to have some calls, especially we have not been in contact for 8 yrs. I was afraid I would increase his sorrow and pain.

Brainless Stone

This grandmama is apparently brainless, simply blurted out stupid thinking lingering in her mind in the hope of aggravating anti-China sentiments. The 80,000 lives lost in the earthquake don't concern her a bit. Probably she thinks 9-11, Tsunami, Katrina and all disasters are Karma too… Hey, something's wrong with her.