Saturday, April 30, 2005

the Sun - April 30 2005

Business Features..
1. Don't fear asia's economic growth, Europe told
European Commissioner of trade been working hard to get Europe countries to be more aggressive in Asian trading. He cited the below expectation output as that of European countries' introspections and fearfulness over Asia's astoshining economic growth. --> Well this is actually just to please the public. In my analysis, the commissioner is wooing Europeans to come into the Asian market so to allow more expansion room for Asian ( he was speaking at Singapore) as a favor to Asian countries. According to the article, the published reason for such dry interest of European countries towards Asian in terms of trade is due to issues of intellectual properties, market access for European services(means long term investment benefits) and high industries tariff. The commissioner stressed for one world, one community idealogy, urging Asian countries to put aside historical feelings and focuses on achievements. This is very unlikely for a country with population of one third of the world, many people have no equal opportunity for success.
2. Taking care of family business.
JP Morgan will be organizing an education program called the NextGen Leadership series aiming to help existing rich Asian family business to maintain the wealth to future generations. They are holding a seminar in shanghai coming next month on sustaining family enterprises.. To me they are right on spot because China is the place where there are many rich family enterprises and chinese believes in a fact that a fortune would never last for 3 generations unless there is a third party involves. JP Morgan private banking has always been a lucrative business segment, serving clients such as Magnum and etc. They are successful because of rich clients and the question is wouldn't normal client need their services too ? Therefore, if you are a start-up, it doesn't really matter if you have sound financial knowledge, what matters is you have to make the mark, then you can afford JP Morgan!
3. Banks go big-game hunting in Africa.
International banks are interested in Africa. First of all, we need to understand that Bank make money from interest rates. They provide interest rate for depositer and charge a higher interest rate for loaner, the balance margin goes to their pockets. Therefore, as long as someone needs money, bank is there to stay. Africa is famous for corrupted government, civil wars and presence of uncivilized minority. Unless they are invited by the government, international bankers won't dare big leap into the region. and why would the government wanted a third party to be involved, to me simply is for the reason of being third party.
See.. if an investor has a budget and engaged someone implementer to do it. The implementer have to spend some money to get the things done before asking for collection. In most cases, it is usually risky for the implementer to proceed without guaranteed from a third party because the investor might not have enough budget as claimed to be. If you look at the statistic, there is nothing usual about it. South Africa is growing at 4% to 5% and banks are enjoying 20%+ growth. Nevertheless, probably the market is untapped.
Technology Features
1. Airbus Superjumbo A380 - world first double decker bigger than boeing 747, just pass the flying test. Scheduled to be doing commercial good by 2006, it is publishing illustrations asking for airports to built docking station to meet its requirement. Well, basically it has more than expected, more passenger gates and etc...
So, despite its cost, how does it gonna help airline companies ? Would fetching two times more passenger helps to sort on demand for cost reductions and revenue efficiency ? I am not too sure. The innovating team are still working hard on the testing... risking own lifes and going being the extreme part, such as flying at ice-filled cloud to test the fan and etc. They are not eligible for insurance coverage because they have gone over the limit. What they intended to is to test to make sure that what we regarded as safety is really safety not by assumption of calculation but by solid techniques.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Fwd Email: [hatifriends] Service Civil International (SCI) Workcamp

Dearest all,

For those who has the passion to do their bit for community here is the chance for you. SCI Malaysia is organising a workcamp in May/June 2005.

lt's the time for you to contribute your efforts toward the community. For sure you will find it beneficial and of course enjoyable!Details as below:

Begin:May 28, 2005,
End: June 12, 2005

Topic: Antiracism, antifascism, refugees and ethnic minorities

Campcode:MY-1-1 Termeloh/Pahang, PenangThe camp will be in two parts. The first, is jointly with the Association of the Blind at Termeloh and the second with local partners, in Penang

Work: General maintenance, housekeeping, farm work, paintwork and minor repairs. Post Tsunami relief work in Penang restoration and improvement work on damaged properties.

Study: Encourage Life-long Peace activism; To identify / develop / promote ;The Art of Peace; and to provide a resource for continual peace education. Multi-Ethnic integrations and social harmony. Lessons we can learn about how a country can benefit by successfully integrating its diverse ethnic population and achieve social harmony.

Accommodation: Participants will be housed either in quarters or tent nearby. Toilet and washing facilities are modern Language: English Qualification: Prepared to do manual work and shared responsibility

Terminal/Region: The meeting place will be at Kuala Lumpur. Participants will be directed to a central meeting place called Sentral at the heart of the city

Extra: Sleeping bag, light musical instruments & songs, clothes for work, play, games and water sports. The participation fee is US 100(for international participants)

For those who are interested please contact Malaysian Co-ordinator: Stephen Nah at email: stephennah@yahoo.com or sci_malaysia@yahoo.com

Saturday, April 23, 2005

The genius of Genting Highland

Pecah!

This would be the usual slogan for casino lepak-er at the blackjack gambling table. It was shouted out (not really but sometimes) by patron as a scorn for the banker (Genting) to “explode”. But why don't they say explode, or bao (exploded in cantonese) and etc ?? Well perhaps it due to superstitious reasons. If you notice, they don't utter pecah in the correct pronunciation, it is chanted as “bea-cah” (sounds like buying car in Hokkien). My analysis is this, they want to say bao(explode in chinese) but can't do it because “bao” 暴also means 暴才。Instead, they chose “pecah” and pronounce it in a funny way (off peak way), or it is because of the broken Malay or the so called slang of chinese (the patron) who made such pronunciation a trademark.

Casino de Genting (the main casino) has since been much better, cleaner, more organized and less crowded. Or perhaps this time round is no peak season, nevertheless there is another casino at first world hotel which is called Starworld. Another thing is that they are easing on the rules and regulation, such as no more strict attire compared to previous ruling which requires men to wear proper formal dress or batik shirt. Perhaps during those days, they wanted to instil high class image to it (Casino) but since it is also been “beacah” standard, they might as well take it off. Now, it is much different. Anyone can go in there except nudist, police officer still stand guard to shield off potential underage God of gambler wannabe.

The only difference between Casino de Genting and Starworld is that the later are operated by freshies; supervisors and croupiers are mainly of younger generation. So perhaps this place act as a training ground for the young generations before they could serve at Casino de Genting which is operated by old hands. Anyone, I believe that they have successful transform casino from gambling to gaming image, with the ease of attire code and having a second arm run by youngster. This is important because if you lose money in a game it would fetch much better comfort than losing money in a gambling, just a game dude. Although I didn't attempt to play any of the games, it did make me wonder if the betting amount allowed for Starworld is much lesser than Casion de Genting.

Nevertheless, the setting up of Casino at Singapore is good thing for the industry because it makes the players strive harder to be of better in terms of quality and etc. Competitions make the industry better by instilling the need for excellency as well as make someone stronger. A winner would feel better glory in an arena of many competitors compared to those which rule by monopolies. However, if I run a software business, I would hope for some form of competition because it acts as a way to define sanity in the society. For instance, if a company specializes in human cloning, it would have to bear all sort of human rights allegation and etc if it were the only one in the market. Having other competitors around would prove the business concept to be more acceptable and more sanity. Thus Genting would always welcome the establishment of a Casino in Singapore because this would actually enforces the image of gaming to the Casino business since the latter is known for its strict regulations and high standard of living in South East Asia.

Some analyst claimed that Genting would lose its customer from Johor and Singapore, I would say that unless they are referring to “big” customer, then there is a possibility in the long run. I wouldn't visit Singapore just because of its Casino, this means that the effect on tourism would not be significant in the short-run. However, I would visit Singapore Casino if I were blacklisted by Genting. Therefore, there must be a reason on why Singapore want to allow for building of a casino since it is not expecting much of the local to be part of the revenue by having many rules and regulations. And since it won't benefit much of tourism yet while they have to scratch their head to determine a good location for the Casino, this project is simply not a regular development project. Or perhaps it is the China factor?

Singapore has always been generous with Chinese from the mainland of China and China reciprocates by allowing direct entry of a Singaporean passport without visa into the vast land. Many China-man already know about Singapore, but since they are gaming-enthusiast, Singapore casino would make them travel harder to Singapore hoping to earn Singaporean dollars from the roulette. The high expectation for inflow of China-man into Singapore would strengthen the relationship between China and Singapore. We have to bear this in mind, Singapore has a lot of inventions but limited market while China too has a lot of inventions but unlimited market. Nobody would ever gets enough of a country where even one province has more population than the whole of Malaysia and of course Singapore which is only the size of Selangor. Thus is China the last frontiers of human civilization, what is next after China, assumed that it would be conquered one day, nobody even cares!

I really been wondering... why is Genting successful? Is it because of the Casino which many visited but only a portion of patrons are into it. Yes, it is operated on 24 hours basis and 365 days a year. So Genting is marking a lot of money from people but it also contributed much to the society by having a workforce of nearly 11 thousands. If you convert it to year, that would be 30 years as compared to you for just one day. It means that Genting one day is equivalent to your 30 years. Needless to speak, they spend a fortune on salaries monthly, therefore what is it that Genting is so unique ?

I figure figure figure and then I noticed the unstopping constructions that are happening around the highland. They are just not stopping it, they have the ability to provide you with things which other can't afford to. Sunway group can't match them because they are expert in highland contructions where it seems that they are able to link almost any part of the resort as a single entity and they did it with the most successful way, and they are all victories. So I guess that Genting is unique because of its engineering feat. Would construction contributes to much of its revenue ? Thus, how does a construction company makes money ? Identify funding and develop the project with the cheapest way possible, thus benefiting from the balance. Genting has its own factory, engineering expertise and workers, how much benefits can it have ? Perhaps the winner is cash flow management, where in Genting the tap will never dry.

Friday, April 22, 2005

孝训 - Filial

孝训对一个成功者是非常的中要,因为一个成功者通常都是从小就开始有成就了,加上父母的鼓励,成年就冲天劈雳!


一个不成功者同常都是在小时候有好多问题,夫母也拿没办法,因为觉得无寥,所以对该孩子的鼓励也没所喧扬,对以这类式的人,一般上都效难成功,因为要等到自己找到自信,方能有成就。


所以,一个成功人如果是因为累集的公德而成就;就是说如果这个从小时候的成绩到大学都是一流,那如果他小时候父母也不断的投资希望与鼓励,我们可以说他的有成就,父母有劳!所以,在这情形,孝训是第一,自豪第二。

我们试想想,世界富家比尔-格次(Bill Gates),都共认父母是他的支子。反儿,名星比如汤悟斯(Tom Cruise)及基努里维斯(Keanu Reeves)是与父亲不和的。但是后两不是靠学历来成功,而是二十岁后的努力,在三十多岁才受人注目。

因此,我们可以说,一个成功人孝训是很重要。 而一个不成功者孝训也重要。但是一个不孝训的人就难成功,因为如果你不孝而成,就会造逆。除非你是孤儿,学力不好,又可以成功,那可能你要当仪人,或者要当那些不需成绩非凡的事业。

blogger problem...

I just realized that I made mistake by exposing my real identity to the blogsphere ... the reason is that I can't write as frank as possible.. because by law I am liable for damage. Thus, since I already expose myself, I have to be careful with my writing now.. because if ever I become famous, I could get into trouble. So from now onwards, I would be writing at a greater precaution.. and I might also create a totally new blog with anonymous identity..

What you gonna see over here would be pure but often filtered to certain degree.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

吃素 - Vegetarian

有人问我,吃素有什么好处?
答:我不知道对你有没有好处,对我就有好处。但是你如果要少杀生,就可以试试。

哪吃素对你有什么好处 ?
答:我吃的会比较饱。

世界有那么多畜生,都被杀了,不吃还不是浪费?
答:既然是那么多,还算什么浪费 ?要不然,等鱼死了才吃他吧!

我身清,头脑清,为什么还要吃素?
答:神仙不用吃。将那些钱都捐给须要的人。

吃素贵?
答:素鱼,素鸭,素鸡都是贵的,因为较难做。普通的都是便宜的
一个吃素鱼的人不一定是素食者。

吃素不够营养,很容易累?
答:少林和尚都是素食者。你须要一至两年的过渡期,才可以见效。每个细胞须六个月来制造。

人是不适合吃素的。
答:为什么?是不是担心胃会宿小?哪样。。。我不知道了,要闻科学家。

吃素的人只是在骗自己,表面上很好,但是挂羊头,卖狗肉。
答:吃素的人要控制自己。

女生:吃素的人不是男人,我不愿吃身素。
答:哈哈哈,讲的好,讲的好。

我不喜欢素食的人。
答:我素食不关你的事!

p/s: if you can't view chinese font from your PC, then please don't say I don't know mandarin.

Translation:
1. Someone asked me regarding the benefits of going vegetarian ?
Answer: I am not sure how much it would benefit you, but it definitely benefited me. Nevertheless, if you are concerned with animal killing, then perhaps it can help.

2. Then, how does Vegetarian-ing helps you?
Answer: I felt fuller after meal.

3. There are so many poultry farm around, and they are meant to be killed, why waste ?
Answer: Since they are in abundance, what is waste? If you don't mind, wait for the fish to die then only eat it. Don't waste.

4. Too much of poultry animal would bring imbalance to our environment, causing damage to the ecosystem.
Answer : That is why we have WWI and WWII. If you intend to be anti-vegetarianism, you must also understand that those wars are inevitable. Why condemn George Bush ?

5. My mind and body is very pure, why do I need to be vegetarian ?
Answer: Saint no need to eat. Keep the money and donate it for other who needs it.

6. Vegetarian food is very expensive.
Answer: Vegetarian fish, chicken, duck are very expensive because they are customed made. Other natural resources are very cheap. Eating vegetarian fish, chicken and duck don't make you a vegetarian!

7. Vegetarian diet lacking in nutrient, it is very taxing for the body..
Answer: Shaolin monks have proven the opposite. Nevertheless, the transition period takes 1 or 2 years. A human body cell needs 6 months for development.

8. human are not meant for vegetarian diet ?
Answer: Why ? Are you worried that your stomach will reduce in size ? We need to check with the scientist.

9. Vegetarian are just acting, for some reason.
Answer: Vegetarian wanted to take charge of their life.

10. ladies : Vegetarian men are not real man, I am not willing to suffer from 'body' vegetarian.
Answer: LOL!! well said.

11. I dislike vegetarian.
Answer: Please be fair, you cannot dislike me for being vegetarian.

The veg blog..

let me tell you the real meaning behind vegetarianism ...
It simply is ..... Don't overdo something. It act as reminder for many people to realise that don't spend too much time eating or enjoying... life is short and death is reality.

Half vegetarianism like me might have some risk of consequences such as anaemia and etc.. Hard core meat eater would suffer consequences of other ilnesses. In today's society, many things had been automated, thus human need not require to be too strong. For someone to work in office,it actually don't need so much energy.. Many poor people are vegetarian, and they have no problem with health.

Thus, if you are talking about health, it is not an issue, non-vegan by right are more healthy because of the complete nutrient able to obtain. The real issue is spiritual practice. Unless you have problem with my spiritual practice, then there is no problem at all.

I find the following article friendly..

Myths of vegetarianism

Especially the portion where it talks about native american would kill animal for food and offer thanks for them to help them survive. This is very true, many people was made to believe that as long as they buy it(as in purchase it with money), there is no problem, we don't have to consider the merits of those who had sacrifice in order for us to live on. In actual fact, you will repay it later, there is no right or wrong, just a natural consequences law.

There is one thing that vegetarian shouldn't do. -> Don't force people to be vegetarian.

I do have a confession to make. After 3 years of being vegetarian, I felt that it is possible that my body has mutated, changed. I guess that is why despite lacking nutrient, vegetarian would still survive.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

fowarded email: Banana

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!

Bananas:
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.


No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax,
improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


Anaemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the
risk of blood pressure and stroke.


Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more
alert.


Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lowerboth the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature

Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%"!


So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Banana shake, Banana pie, Banana bread, Banana pizz .... Anyone

U.S economic strategies

I like best about reading is the opportunity to learn about something.. broaden my knowledge, most important of all, improve my thinking ability.

today's news from Yahoo..
World Officials to confront economic woes.

main talks about U.S strategies to deal with expected economic problems in the future. Their worries are awaken by the fact that On Friday, Wall Street suffered its worst single day loss in nearly two years with the Dow Jones industrial average plunging 191.24 points, its third straight triple-digit decline — something that hasn't happened since January 2003. This is in turned spurred by the fact that IBM wasn't performed so well for the first quarter. Also the soaring oil prices added to the factors.

Their highlighted strategies:
1. Increase oil production internally.
2. Improve trading.
3. Improve domestic growth.
4. Reduce debt burdens, means they are looking at possibilities of reducing loan. This is likely to spark the worries of poverty relies agencies such as Oxfam International.
5. Stop China from linking its currency;Yuan(RenMingBi) to U.S dollar. The yuan is undervalued by 40% and causes many manufacturers to outsource jobs to China from U.S.A
-->But what does it means of linking yuan to U.S dollar? could it be the fact that trading in China are done in U.S dollar than Yuan ? Thus you have a localized product quoted in U.S, means if you gets all the components from China, and plan to sell it at 10 Yuan, but instead selling it at 10 U.S Dollar. It is obviously cheaper than $10 isn't it. if it is for the case of U.S manufacturer buying components from China and then assemble at the U.S, similiar product might have to be sold at more than $10.
--> China should switch to a currency whose value is set by market forces. and China reply by saying the following:

Chinese officials continue to insist that they need to do more to prepare their financial system for an era of floating rather than fixed currency rates.

an alibi.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

UNNAMED HEROES

It has been three months since the world was reminded of how powerless it was when faced with Nature's wrath.

December 26th 2004 not only moved the earth in the most shattering manner, it also moved the hearts of many, world over.

And in the midst of chaos and emotions in Banda Acheh, there was one volunteer tour de force that the global media should not have politely neglected – the Indonesian university students.

Answering the call of their motherland, students from all over Indonesia immediately found their way to Acheh in aid of their countrymen. Tirelessly, they formed stations throughout the state to ensure the provision of supplies and support. An exemplary model was one particular outpost that the locals affectionately nicknamed, "Sudirman 80 Volunteer Group" (after the street they stayed at).

Armed with passion and dedication, this young team soon became one of the central stations for body evacuations. Coordinating over 30 posts, `Sudirman 80' ensured government agencies and locals worked shoulder-to-shoulder in carrying out the primary role of evacuating and excavating dead bodies. This was a crucial element in assuring that home rebuilding, sanitation as well as psychological healing may begin appropriately.

A young professional, team facilitator Cakra Achmad and, the father figure of the team, evacuation leader Sir Winarso Puspojudu (fondly known as Pa' De) led the `Sudirman 80' team members through strenuous days and nights of relentless work.

This dynamic duo not only took charge of the daunting responsibility of the students' safety, they also looked after the students' emotional and spiritual well-being.

Every day, before the start of each venture and at the end of it, a prayer (irregardless of faith) is held in thanksgiving and forgiveness. Thanksgiving, in recognition and appreciation of their own safety… Forgiveness, in remembrance and respect of those who have passed.

As working in 10-day shifts is mandatory (in light of possible trauma to the volunteers themselves), many of these students longingly look forward for another return to Acheh. To them, every day is a new experience and every discovery is a journey.

In the words of one student volunteer, Ririn Shodikin, "Never before have I experienced such strong kinship with people that I've never met. This experience was beyond anyone's expectations and it has given me hope in light of such disaster."

A young newly wed, Desi and Yudi, who had chosen Acheh as their honeymoon destination, further echoed these sentiments. The couple, both undergraduates in medicine, proclaimed that they could not imagine being anywhere else but working side by side in service of their people.

Until today, the emotional roller coaster that is demanded of these students is unimaginable. Reggi, Ozie, Adi and many others can easily recall a myriad of heart wrenching moments during their duties.

There was the discovery of a body of an old woman clutching the Qur'an, bodies of six young female students in their dorm room hugging one another out of terror and even, a small headless baby by her mother's side.

One can easily get deterred into anguish and forsakenness but it is the humility of these experiences that kept the will of the students, for they spurred a spirited vision of releasing Acheh and all of Indonesia from this pain.

According to a student nurse volunteer, Renny Ovita, "It didn't matter to me if all I could do here was menial tasks, it was important that I be here. Help is needed in various forms and I know whatever that may be… is important to the people here."

Pa' De succumb to tears whenever he thinks of these students for he never thought that the younger generation of the world today could muster such strength, "I thought MTV may have spoilt them for life but it is amazing to see these young individuals fighting for those who have suffered, in spite of the hardship here. I know I am the one they look up to but it is them that inspires me."

Countless soulless bodies have been uncovered over the months, and more are to be found. The sheer courage of these future leaders of Indonesia motivated not only their caretakers but also two Polish documentary producers who followed them out in the field diligently, despite the heat and pouring rain, throughout their stay in Acheh.

One of the two producers, Marcin Buczkowski, was also struck by emotions, "It is very tough out there, through the weather and piles of ruins but they do it, and keep doing it. There are other evacuation teams but none with this much of maturity, respect and care for the dead. To go through this at such tender age, I don't know how they can perform objectively and resourcefully, efficiently in fact, day after day and still be able to provide such sweet hospitality to us."

It was the comraderieship amongst these young volunteers that made the gruesome days fade away into cheerful nights, albeit the earth tremors. Oke, an international relations undergraduate, would always remember how the aches of his body would slowly dissipate with the group's late night jokes, resulting in strings of laughter that soon became his lullaby. "It's hard enough that we see these horrible images during the day, we try not to have them in our dreams as well."

Though news of Tsunami and its victims are no longer main highlights in the papers, the "Sudirman 80 Volunteer Group" is still going strong. Working closely with certain Malaysian agencies in the distribution of goods and medical services, it has not only trudged to some of the most remote and `untouched by aid' areas, it has also provided for more than 20 displaced persons' camps throughout Acheh."

Indonesia Menangis" (Crying Indonesia) was an apt local media capture of this nation… It is only fitting to remember that the heroes of this nation's tragedy are her people themselves.

Prepared by:Ellynita Lamin*(March 25th 2005)*An independent Malaysian communications strategist who had the priviledge and honour of having been in Sudirman 80 Volunteer Group's company during her volunteer tenure in Acheh.

history bite

China recent spat with Japan over the following issue

Japan request to have a permanent seat at the U.N council.

reason:
1. Japan is not qualified to become a U.N council because it fails to own up to atrocities before and during WWII. Therefore, Japan cannot win the trust of the people in Asia because it doesn't respect history.

Verdict:
China is trying to replace Japan as a big economic phenomenon, Japan is trying to interfere that. China make use of history as reason for such aggressive attacks.

What a wonder ? I never thought about that.. history can kill you. Just like how those HR managers would evaluate you for a job... they look at your current degree (universities, grades) and then look at your A-Levels, then SPM and PMR then shoot you with case-study. Then they conclude that you are either qualify or not-qualified. Everyone forgotten the fact that we all been worked hard to achieve your qualifications, and we have paid for that.

So history is a mean to classify one to a society. if that is so, shouldn't history be factored in as part of law making process, why would the opposition fight so hard for future issues ? isn't Malaysian history enough to cater for all the dispute ?

I guess sometimes, people tried to avoid looking at the history to avoid giving you the good credits. Particularly in Malaysia, nobody cares about the history except for HR managers.

http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=8451

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

We have 86400 credit each days...

hey guys,

i like statement, we are given 86400 seconds each day... it is time.

http://www.scottstratten.com/movie.html

helps to remind us that we are not getting younger each day... reality has to be met one day.

in religous practice, the reason for "restraining" - such as being vegetarian, non-alcholic and etc.. is to remind us that life is not as easy as we expect.

Monday, April 11, 2005

TIPS FROM USA POLICE
This is a good reminder for all of us. You can never Read this too manytimes!
1. Tip from police: The elbow is the strongest point on your body.If youare close enough to use it, do!
2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested inyourWallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet orpurse.RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the backtail lights and stick your arm out thehole and start waving like crazy.The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their car after shopping, eating,working, etc., and just sit (doingtheir check book, or making a list,etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this istheperfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gunto your head, and tell you whereto go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5. A Few Notes About Getting Into Your Car In a Parking Lot, or ParkingGarage:
A. Be aware: look around you; look into your car, at the passenger sidefloor, and in the back seat. (And check out under the car as youapproach.)
B. If you're parked next to a big van you should enter your car fromthe passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pullingthem into their vans while the women are attempting to get into theircars.
C. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and thepassenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest yourcar, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and getaguard/policeman to walk you back out.IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFETHAN SORRY.(And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells arehorrible places to be alone and theperfect crime spot).
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control,ALWAYSRUN! The predator will only hityou (a running target) 4 in 100 times;And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ,RUN!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT!It may getyou raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking,welleducated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspectingwomen? He walked with a cane, or a limp, and oftenasked "for help" intohis vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his nextvictim. Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DONOT open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby cry recorder and uses it to coaxwomen out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by womensaying that they heard baby cries outsidetheir doors ! when they're homealone at night. Please pass this on! and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby. This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on:America's Most Wanted this past Saturday whenthey profiled the serial killer in Louisiana. Please forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. Acandle is not dimmed by lightinganother candle. I was going to forward this to theladies only, but guys, if you loveyour mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass iton to them, as well.

sounds like it is really tough world out there...

Sunday, April 10, 2005

it should be private affair

I just so happened to browse through the following article which debates nudist's rights to be nude.

http://www.spiritualnudity.com/nude_vs_nudist.html

The author concluded that nudist have the rights to be nude and thus nude is nude.

personally I felt that it should be a private affair. Nudist should expose themselves at a private club or beach and no law should impose restriction on their rights. In restropect, nudist can't go around the town without clothes on. One of the reason is that one might think that he or she has a great body but other might not agree, as it might not be a pretty sight. You may want to visit a nude resort or whatsoever, but please don't do it in a public which might shock innocent man like me.

Some nudists fight for a cause..such as against killing of animal for making fur clothes, while some fights for self-esteem.

what about at home ? can you be totally nude at home with the windows opened ? I think the Malaysian and Singapore law forbid that. So fellows, keep the curtain on.

Saturday, April 09, 2005

been busy or busy blogging

I have been so busy contributing blogs at the other side that this part has been neglected..

some people ask me why are you so free ?
My answer is that I have not time to smoke cigaratte, I have not time for Calsberg and I have no time for clubbing.

Some people said "your blog contains adult material"
My answer is "To attract your attention"

Some people said "is your information correct?"
My answer is "sir, please if you have comments I welcome you to post it to my blog so that I can update myself. I thank you very much for that. I never claimed to be correct in the first place"

ok, so what is happening now ? what am I thinking..?
Rumours (rumours only!) circulating around the email-fowarding community regarding the possibility of another Tsunami coming to Asia, between 13th and 15th of April 2005. The prediction is based on the fact that animal could sense it before we do. Evidence is that sea cucumber washed up to the shore at Port Dickson recently and whales tried to walk the beach at Australia.

So, if any of you belief in anything, just be careful lar. Don't blame me for spoiling your vacation mood.

also, check out the following sites..
http://www.thesahara.net/asteroid_2002_nt7.htm
please, we are in the web community, whatever that has been posted may or maynot be accurate. Please use your own discretion.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

theSun - 2-3 April 2005

a little bit of highlights on the latest issue for theSun.

cover page: No business like show business.
verdict: the title is pretty attractive because it deals with the entertaintment industry. Even free newspaper like theSun worries about losing popularity.

there are few articles I've read with great interest. the rest of it just didn't catch my attention.
1. Blind trainers aim to inspire.
Verdict: Few blinds, after years of harwork in the local varsity, eventually graduated with various degree from U.M have joined effort to start up a training business called the Practical Learning Services. Their mission is into human development and personal growth programmes.
Email:
practical_ls@yahoo.com
Address: 94-B, Jln Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields
Contact: 03-2272 4959/ 1442
2. On MCA, Utar and more.
Verdict: Interview with Tun Lim Liong Sik.
Tun Lim Liong Sik explained the reason being him as the longest serving party president is that immediately he took over, the solved the following crisis faced by chinese community and politics.
2a. MCA building was going under receivership, owing millions. Interest monthly amounted to RM400
2b. The cooperatives was failing, hundreds of thousands of depositors were crying.
2c. The start nearly went into receivership.
Then, he shared the trade secret into building TARC with limited funds.
First of all, negotiated with Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew to have 20 acres of land for 10.90 per square fit. (The price then was RM15 per sq feet). Now the land worth RM50 per sq feet, thanks to the present of the college. (This is property)
Then as he and his team got smarter, they negotiate a new deal at Johor for not paying based on the reason that the price of the land will be increased after the college been setup.
Then came Utar, their negotiation confidence increased to the next level, that time, they could aks for free land plus RM5 million(to build the college) as goodwill for their intention. And finally, they paid 1300 acres * RM 800 (per acres) for the UTAR campus in perak. What happened to the free deal ? I guess it is give and take..
Then another thing he stressed was the lack of funding for UTAR operations, which now solely dependent on student fees. The fund for building it had been solved at RM 200 mil contribution from the community.He is looking into solutions, to get funding by teaming up foreign university such as University of Abertya Dundee(world biggest computing research on video and virtual game) and University of Warwick wher its yearly research yield some RM500 mil of income. So he plan to channel this money into UTAR, by using manpower from those universities. Because the payroll would not need to be settled by UTAR if it is visiting professor. So this is bad news for local budding lecturers, they might need to apply for job at the other side in order to teach here.
The rest of the talk were pretty much boring.. he closed the conversation by lobbying for bangsa Malaysia concept and praise of God.
3. Title: No business like show business.
verdict: Local film makers express plight over funding problems. The latest hot-topic; Sepet cost RM400k to be produced and they investor had to sell of cars and etc. They managed to receive funding from Nation Film Development Corp(FINAS) eventually, after one year. They also expressed plight over the cencorship board. Their claims were that news showed violence images sometimes while local movies only and sometimes show soft porn. According to Finas, there is a 37.5% increase in local film development. The average profit for one movie is around 0.5 to 1 mil in Ringgit last year.

4. Title: Somke rings around small cigarette packs.
verdict: I particularly respect this author; R. Nadeswaran who described the cigarette boy has being so rich that aside from T.V advertising, they could also spent on below-the-line advertising (means underlying advertising..something which is not made public), sponsorship and etc. But he could be a smoker because he ended by querying the government decision to extend the postponing of ban on small cigarette packs to another year. So he is implying how they(cigarette boys) did it ? u know what i mean. Then he continue to other issue, citing New Zealand petroluem increased of 5 cents as petrol tax with reason to build better roads. He predicted and challenge the local government would use the same technique of increasing tax when there are other means of collecting money from the tolls and etc. He ended with "Is that something for our leaders to chew on?" Finally, he concluded with an Australian issue where MP's husband was found to have stake in a highway company. The husband claimed that he invest in it because he was pushing for opposition of tolls being charged on the road. He used it as an alibi and given reason that even law-maker broke the law by saying "sometimes you wonder if lawmakers live up to their claims of working for people or are just here for the share of financial spoils. He means that law-maker is more guilty than him for being corrupted because they know the twist out.
5.Title:Doping atheletes to win medals.
Verdict: Before the break down of berlin wall, there is a great urge by the communist-loyal to prove to the world that communism stands at the first spot. Their attempts was to have excellence results on the olympics, but giving olympian potential steroid doping, which consists of high testosterone and evetually transfored woman into man.