**********

I went home early today, my laptop got some blue screen error and I can't boot up my windows this morning. In the afternoon, I drop my laptop to the HP IT staff and let them fix the problem for me. I won't be back to the office until next Monday, so I let them have my laptop so they can work on it on Friday.

The IT staff ask me what is my password. By right I shouldn't tell him. But then I can't sit with him and wait for them the whole day so they can fix my laptop in front of me. I have no choice but to give away my password. Sigh, my little secret has exposed to him after I gave away my password, it was a name that I use for easy remembering, we got too many passwords to remember, so I just make it simple.

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

The recent air strike from Israel on Gaza Strip is way too much. Innocent civilians and UN officials were killed during the air strikes, such action will increase the hatred between two parties from one generation to another.

If the Israelis' retaliation started like what Israel has claimed - Hamas fire rockets to the south of Israel. Then, I would like to ask why the hell Hamas militants provoke such a fight with Israel?

History has showed that the Israeli's style means if you hit me with a RPG, I am going to drop 10 pcs of 500lbs bomb on you, go and watch "Munich" and you will know. So, you don't mess with Zohan! I don't think either party will stop their fight now due to both sides need to save their face, I won't if I am Hamas militants head or Israel government. Someone will need to be the middle man and ask both sides to cease fire!

On the other hand, there were a group of 500 people demonstrated in front of US embassy yesterday. If I am the ambassador, I will be like, "What the hell?" Is like the neighbor on your left and right are fighting with each other, the neighbor who stay opposite of you demonstrated in front of your house. Hahahaha

One of my colleagues think that such attack might be political motivated as some interest groups are behind such attack so they can push the oil price up by creating war. I think he got a point here.

You better buckle up!

I think our one of our ministers has gone crazy again, I started to curse someone when I saw this headline on the news, it states that if you don't buckle up sitting at the back of the vehicle, you will end up in jail!

Common people like us have common senses, even though a person doesn't buckle up doesn't mean that it is a big offense and he or she deserve to go to jail, may be our jail has only 5% occupancy rate, I have no data on that. I am willing to take a bet of RM100 from anyone (with the max of RM200 on total bet). I bet that the flip flop government will revise the going-to-jail policy when you don't buckle up. Personally, I think it is pretty stupid to put someone into jail if he or she doesn't has the intention or forgot not to buckle up.

Okay, let say if they intend to send some scape-goats into jail by scaring the people, I wonder if our prison has enough space to cater all the offenders? Given our lousy government planning. I think we might have some problem with the jail cell. Perhaps, you will need to take a ticket and wait for your turn before they got a space to lock you up. Or may be, you have to share rooms with other 5 persons, when the cell is design for 2 person only. Then I will foresee some "government-linked" companies will be very busy with their new projects, someone will propose that we need a new and bigger prison, then we will end up having the biggest jail in Southeast Asia.

I foresee that the Prison Break TV series new season will be shoot in Malaysia, hopefully I am not the victim under this new policy, or else I will pinpoint to you which jail cell that I stay there before when I watch Prison Break II together with you.

Ok. Now let say our minister scrap the idea of putting someone in jail, they issue a RM300 fine on you when you get caught without wearing seatbelt. What I forsee that our police officers will be damn busy, when they are busy, they become thirsty. As we all know we have a very hot wheather in Malaysia. Coffee is something good which you can quench your thirst, you know what I mean.

In short, buckle up is always good but implementing in Malaysia is a problem, at least for now.

My Cousin's baby full moon party

Just came back from my cousin's baby full moon party, the main reason that I want to go there is because of my auntie's "nasi lemak". The nasi lemak is so good until they get some sort of popularity in the little town called Kuala Selangor. They can make more than five hundred Ringgit in half a day selling nasi lemak in front of their grocery shop, the money is better than a general manager in Malaysia.

Over the party, I also get to try some of the Martell's Gordon Bleu. I can't even call myself a social drinker in real life, that is the reason I am not sure the word, "Martel/Martell", got one "L" or two "L"s. I never like the taste of alcohol. I drank some because I am very curious what is the difference between a RM300-400 whisky compare to a RM100 whisky like JW Black Label? To me, it is the same. I don't understand how can it be 'smooth' when it comes describing the taste of whisky. To me, if you want smooth, try some yogurt drink or Lassi, that is what I called "Smooth!".

Then, another auntie ask me to go and entertain her husband, so I follow her advice and went to sit next to my uncle, our topic begins with Mini cooper, he initiated that. After some sip of Gordon Bleu, he started to whisper to me when his daughter-in-law refuse to change the diaper for her kid, saying that the diaper has finished. My uncle told me when you want to look for a wife, don't look for those who are lazy, blah blah blah... he filed a complain against his daughter-in-law, and told me some stories and how he warned his son and how his daughter-in-law 'potong trip" and got herself pregnant. Well, I just said nothing and sat there and be his good listener, I fine it quite funny but I refrain myself from giving any comments. I try to be neutral when it comes to other people's family matters.

Anyway, for those young guys and young girls out there, if your parents disapprove someone, I would suggest that you listen to your parents or at least keep that in mind. I know some people might argue that you are adult and is over 21 y/o, you have your own thinking and you have the liberty when it comes to doing whatever is good for yourself; you think you also know how and who to choose or not to choose. But after seeing a lot of real life cases, I would say that due to the elders have more real life experience than us, their advice should be taken into consideration, most of them can tell right through their eyes whether the guy or gal you bring home is suitable to you or not. In the party, there is my cousins' cousin who is going to divorce soon, I think she looks quite young and pretty, I guess she is around 26-27 y/o only, I see that soon we are going to have a new member enlisted to the Malaysia's Single Mom list. That is sad fact mixed with stupidity element...

We left around 11:40pm...

Job Hopper Champion

I find it hard to resist not to talk about this guy... a "job hopper champion"who used to work for our vendor. I am not sure if everyone out there you know can break his record. It is not easy to win the 'Champion' title, I came to know it during lunch from my colleagues. Of course, I won't mention his name in my blog, at least you get a hint that it is a guy. :)

My colleague told me that this guy has changed 12 jobs in 6 months! To confirm what I heard is correct, I ask my colleague again, "Do you mean 6 jobs in 12 months OR 12 jobs in 6 months?". And what I got is the confirmed answer of, "12 jobs in 6 months", the shortest job is he worked in a company for only few hours, I repeat, "a few hours", I am not sure if is over half day or not. To me, is like some lights suddenly shines on top of his head, he started to ask himself why I am here? He found out that this job is not for him, and it doesn't meant for him, so he just pack and leave. I am not sure if he officially tender, and I don't think he bother to mention on his resume that he worked in this company before, I almost dropped my jaw listening such thing, I never knew such record does exist.

I still remember that there was a mexican who used to work for a chinese restaurant that I worked there as a waiter during my study in the US, this fella quit his job in one day, I still remember the way he threw his apron after work. He just leave without even a 1 hour notice, he just disappeared after work. I guess he don't care to work for such a shitty job for 1k USD washing dishes. I recall he didn't ask for any pay for that day, may be restaurant business doesn't meant for him.

Anyway, I find such act is uncool, if you ask me if I will hire a job hopper, my answer will be negative even though he or she has the skills that I want. I won't hire such a person as a IT professional or for whatever work. I can't believe it, is like he change his job every bi-weekly in average. What a record!!

One good thing is at least the IT professional got high demand in Malaysia, we have labor and skill shortage, job opportunity is everywhere. Like the message that our government try to pass down to the public, "Recession is coming? Where got?! Semuanya Ok! (Everything is ok)"

Food Price and Petrol Price

Petrol price has gone down to Rm1.80/litre, I can notice a lot of people drive faster recently. I also speed like 110-120km/h every morning when I head to work, for me, it is not because the petrol price drop, it is because my fear on traffic police has gradually disappear after I got my speeding ticket 2-3 months ago. Besides that, speeding also keeps my mind conscious.

On the other hand, the food price doesn't react to the drop of petrol price. The result - You can see a lot of people walk like a zombie in shopping malls, pasar malam, etc.. they walk really slow, I need to 'over take' them most of the time because they are blocking my way, I call it "path-hogging", may be is me, I am walking too fast...or perhaps not enough money for good food?

RM3 Dividend

I received a dividend cheque from a company, I am not going to disclose the name of the company to save its' face. They really have the 'heart' to reward their investors despite the dividend is only RM3!! I wonder why they don't accumulate the dividends so they can send out a RM10 cheque all together later. With the time and money invested to print and mail this cheque, it could be more than the value of the cheque. Or maybe they worry they would have spend away the money if they don't give it to the investor, I don't understand.

Holding a RM3 cheque, I start to think what can I buy with RM3 and how far I can stretch with RM3...

I figure out if I purposely drive a car to the bank and deposit the cheque, I would have received less than RM3 because my rough estimation will be, out of the RM3, RM1 will be allocated as fuel charge for the round trip. So, I only have RM2 on hand.

With RM2 on hand, I can buy a drink at the coffee shop and buy a "barley ice" or without ice, or go for a Milo with or less sugar, with some small changes left. There won't be any other extra cost if I spent it in the coffee shop, because the coffee shop is walking distance from my house. Or with RM2, I can buy one or two slice of bake bread for a 'extra light' breakfast. I still remember that when I was in high school, I can get 1 litre of Dutch Lady full cream milk for 99 cents (Low fat milk at RM1.29). Now it is selling at Rm4.39! At that time, full cream milk is cheaper than low fat milk, but today, both are at the same price, may be the supply for low fat milk has increased due to people are more health conscious nowadays.

So with the RM2, let say you are very lucky... RM2 can get you a maximum of RM7k if you strike 4D, RM30k for 5D, RM200K for 6D if you place a RM2 bet! Now if you look at another perspective, the RM3 can mean something provided you are very very lucky... well, I don't think I have that kind of luck, I deposit it into the bank so it will be used as part of the annual bank maintenance charge, I just let it disappear without me knowing it.

海角七号 (Cape No.7)

“每个人心中都有一封寄不出的情书，不管是寄到天涯，还是。。。”

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我经常在报章上看到关于“海角七号”的新闻报导。在台湾的朋友也说，最近在报章上主要是写两种新闻，一就是写陈水扁，二就是写海角七号。那天买DVD时，听见一位客户问店里的老板这部戏怎样。在客户把光碟盒放下以后，我马上叫老板给我一片海角七号，好让我满足我的好奇心，看这部电影到底为什么在台湾那么红？

刚开始看“海角七号”时，可能不是很专心的缘故，再加上有许多部分都是讲台语的，所以不知道它在演什么，只能靠下面的中文翻译。不过，慢慢地，也开始跟上电影的节奏了。我看完了以后，还倒回去看前面的片段，重新理解一遍。

故事讲述发生在横春的一些生活点滴，我想台湾人看这部电影会觉得更搞笑，就像星马一带的人看“钱不够用2" 一样。因为它放映了他们的生活，以及人与人之间的沟通与相处，有许多搞笑以及幽默的地方。当然，故事也少不了赚人热泪的爱情情节。内容环绕着几个人物，凶巴巴的代表；叛逆的临时邮差；勤奋的米酒销售员；恋上老板娘的“鼓手”；梦想当模特儿的乐队“监督”；自称“国宝”的老头；日本教师和他的台籍女友等等。唯一遗憾是电影没有交代林晓培和她祖母的关系。

我一向来很少看台湾连续剧或电影（除了小学时看过一些林青霞的旧作，如“旗正飘飘”之类的）, 近几年来看过周杰伦的"不可说的秘密"觉得还不错；“天边一朵云“这种烂片，恕我不会欣赏（难怪有人说纯粹是一部很烂的三级片，但是又不够三级那种，你看了以后你就会明白为什么那么烂！）。下来，我真的要推荐这部"海角七号"了，因为它绝对值得一看!

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Other blog reading regarding Cape No.7: http://4bluestones.biz/mtblog/2008/08/kuso.html

Cyberjaya = City of Crows?

Look at the black dots on the photos, it is not because of dirt on my phone lens. There are actually birds flying in flocks at Cyberjaya! I am not sure if the birds are actually crows.

Ericsson Party

My fellow colleagues were guessing that the "Ericsson's annual dinner" has replaced with "Ericsson Party"...

Buffet dinner was catered by Sunway hotel, so the food is still okay, we have free flow of beer too, most people might have break some rules in the employee manual - "No drinking of alcohol in office premises" :).

We have some band singing in the office building and also some staffs who show their talent by picking up the mic and sing. I do notice that quite a bunch of Malay staff are quite good at singing. You might not see any of them in Redbox or Newway but I guess they might have secretly practice the skill with a DVD + karaoke player at home. There is a lady Malay staff who sang the song, "My endless love" very well. Me and my colleague actually stops in the middle of a conversation to see her sing... wow!

The party is scheduled to end at 10pm, but I left at 9pm, feeling a bit sleepy after drinking some beer.... (yawn). I gave all my lucky draw tickets to my colleague who is going to stay longer, don't bother to win any great prizes though.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Unimates II

Thanksgiving Dinner with Unimates I

Eng Keong and Mae Gan family

Met up with Eng Keong and Mae's family when they came back for vacation. The little baby is Colven and the elder baby boy is Justen, Mae said that they are still Malaysians, hmmm... I guess it is safer to travel as a Malaysian than American nowdays. :) I called Justen "侧田". Heheheh, just like I call his mom Mae Gan (梅干), I am so bad la... :)
Mae said that she is a loyal fan of my blog. (Sorry la, I didn't bring my pen, so I can't sign your autograph). I thanked her for her support and also for those who are reading this; because of you guys, I manage to write more BS... hahaha. Anyway, I believe quite a number of people will envy Ah Mae's life, a loving husband and two gorgeous kids. When she is free, she just drive her husband's mercedes C Class together with her kids to shopping mall and do some window shopping. No stress at work, and she just have to worry a bit when the cost of the rice went up too high. Sometimes a simple life means happiness.

Carrying Colven is like carrying a 'mini meat bolster'.... "Hey.... there is no sweets or candies inside my mouth, stop digging it!"

"R" and "D" a.k.a Reverse and Drive

That day I went to the petrol station trying to pump like RM25 to my car so that it will last for 2-3 days till the flip-flop government revise the petrol price as promised.

I notice there is a Perodua Viva parking inside the petrol station shop, my first impression is Perodua is having some creative sales promotion. Within seconds, I notice there were glass pieces on the floor. It seems that some idiot can't even differentiate between "R" and "D" crashes his car into the shop.

After I analyze is a bit (not difficult to do so). This idiot steer the steering wheel to the left and stomp the gas pedal real hard when he is ready to go. Instead of engaging "D", he did a "R". Fortunately there are nobody get hurts.

I think this kind of "effing idiot" (please allow me to use the "eff" word), he is either too blur, on drugs or alcohol. They should have barred on getting a license or double their car lesson hours before they even allow to drive, such action is to prevent their do any dmages on human lives.

Nowdays you still can see a lot of people trying to save his or her car's battery power, because they refuse/forget to turn on their lights when is getting dark. I know they still can see the road ahead when it is not completely dark yet, but they miss out the point that turn on the lights is not only for you to see the road ahead of you, the most important thing is, let people see you at the back. A lot of drivers still doesn't catch it.

Last time while I was in Sri Lanka, there is a Chinese driver who also hit someone's car because of engaging the wrong gear. The most piss off part is he refuse to admit his mistake, he claimed that the 3 yrs old Toyota Vios "got problem". It sounds fishy that Toyota has produced so many Vios in Asia, don't tell me that they can't tackle such a major flaw on its' product, I ask him to give me the car keys so I can test out the car. Later on, my friend told me he admitted his mistake to another colleague that he engaged in the wrong gear. This fella doesn't have a driving license some more when he drive on the street, a lot of staff always love to use company's asset to practice his driving skill till the company need to release a notice and tell them to bear the own repair cost if there is any damages to the car. I have heard story that some not so talented driver even spoil the gear box of a brand new Honda City. I am glad that these people are not flying a commercial plane.

An Officer and a "Manager" II

Today I check with my HR manager regarding my job title, it seems that there is some miscommunication between them and my director. So now I got back my "M" title, still a Partner Manager. :p

Case closed...

An Officer and a "Manager"

Sigh... today I feel like I was demoted, I have got my title changed from Partner Manager to "CMO". CMO is not "Chief Management Officer", it is "Contract Management Officer". So I actually feel that the only star on my shoulder was stripped off and was being replaced with three stripes.

I was wondering why my "M" title is replaced with "O" title instead, is it because I didn't manage anyone in the office or is it because the "O" title is more suitable for my job in a corporate setup? Seriously, I don't think an officer is higher rank than a manager. Alas, I just lost my "M" Power.

Thanks to my very caring boss, she gave me a very good adjustment this year, so good that it is over my expectation especially during such a tough time, if I was in my ex company, I think I need to wait for 2 years to get such an increment, but then, this will makes my salary to high for an officer, unless the manager level is making hell lot of money in my company.

Whatever it is, I wrote a short email to the HR director, which I knew her from my ex company. I need to check with her and see why there is such a downgrade on my job title despite my salary was being upgraded on the other hand. Do I have less responsibility now? I also ask her the job description of a CMO. Well, I expect the answer will be, "you can check with your boss." To me, a reasonable officer salary should be around 3-4k/month, unless you are referring to someone that has a title that starts with "Chief" and ends with "Officer". Or may be I am wrong.

If the company put a extra zero at the back of my monthly income or annual income, frankly speaking, I don't mind you give me a title that reads "Asshole". I don't care anymore, you can call me anything you want. Hahahahah

Product Review: G2000

This afternoon I told my friend I want to blog about G2000, I told him that probably this would have be my final G2000 merchandise. Why? This is because I think it is not value for money, the materials are so so only.

Yesterday I spent 2 hours shopping at KLCC Isetan after I finish my basketball game, contributed Rm400+ to boost Malaysia's economy, like I am trying to fill a lake with my piss.

I bought one Van Heusen shirt, an American brand, one of my favourite budget shirt which give away good discount, the shirt regular price is Rm169.00 and they are giving away 70%(one day only), a very tempting offer. I only get one cuz I have enough shirts inside my cabinet.

Then, I saw some shirt on sale at G200o counter too, Rm89 with the discount of 50%, I touch the material but I don't really like it that much, however, the color looks okay to me. So I decided to get one because after 50% off, it is going to be around Rm44.50 only. The shirt was wrapped in plastic, so I didn't check if the shirt is actually 100% cotton. From my first impression, the shirt quality belongs to those that worth Rm20-30 (max)range. The only good thing is the cutting is still okay.

After I went home, my mom saw the stuff that I bought. She said the cloth material is not good, after checking the tag, it reads "55% cotton, 45% Polyester". I was like, "Oh Shit! I am so regret!". Buying a shirt with less than 100% cotton, it means that your sweat will be more likely to trap inside your shirt. It is not a good choice if you wear something with polyester in the country that is hot and humid. On the other hand, she commented that the Van Heusen (VH) shirt is nice, she rather pay Rm20 extra for the VH shirt.

Sometimes I don't know what is so good about G2000 in Malaysia, before that, I didn't even heard about it before I came back to Malaysia. I know quite a lot of guys buy their products. G2000 is a HK brand where the cutting is well fitted for Asians. One thing I found out that G2000 pants got one problem, I am not sure other Asian guys have this problem or not. Perhaps is my problem! I am going to bring up this issue today, I find that I can't wear their pants with a boxer, reason is because their pants are too fit, since it was designed for Asians, they assume those who wear G2000 are skinny and with small butt. To be honest, my scrotum doesn't feel comfortable when I was wearing the tight working pants with a boxer. In terms of pants, I would say Dockers are damn good, nice cutting, and your scrotum gets to breath. The only problem is their pants are quite expensive in Malaysia. Shirt wise, my favourite is Brooks Brothers, a old brand from U.S.. According to Wikipedia, the time when Abraham Lincoln was murdered, he was wearing a Brooks Brothers' jacket. Let's not mixed up "Brooks Brothers" with "Brooks".

So after this experience with G2000 (trying to sell a 45% polyester product at RM89 regular price) I have decided not to buy any of their products anymore until they make me feel that their product is value for money. I will reconsider when it comes to pants. For similar price, why not get a Van Heusen that offer better material and nice cutting too?

Between G2000 and S2000, you better pick something like a S2000 which has better value. Good performance that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket.

"Tom Clancy: Rainbow Six - Mumbai"

About less than 3 YEARS ago...

About less than 3 DAYS ago...

I never know what is the name of this 5 stars hotel until recently... I couldn't believe it was under attack by the terrorists, more than 100 innocent people killed in several locations in Mumbai. This is not "Die Hard 5", and this is not the Tom Clancy's game. It is real...

This is my weapon of choice when it comes to dealing with the gunmen inside such a hotel setup. The Heckler & Koch MP5 with silencer (as shown above)with 5 cartridge clips, one Colt handgun with one extra clip, 3 grenades, 3 flashbangs ,and of course, a Kevlar bullet proof vest! Hey, it is normal to request for a Kevlar vest, most people are "kiasi"(afraid of dying) okay?

Bosch Windshield Wiper

I hope it will rain today, and it did...
Reason that I hope for rain?
After spending half and hour figure out how to replace my old silicone wipers with the new Bosch Windshield Wipers, I hope it will rain so I can test how's the performance of the wipers during the rain.

The china made Bosch wipers are not cheap, I spent close to RM40 for a pair. The cheaper one that was made in Taiwan will only cost Rm18.99 for a pair. Changing wipers are suppose to be a simple task which you can finish it in few minutes, but the problem is, you don't change your wipers like you change diapers. So you might forgot how you did it last time.

It takes me half an hour to change the wipers because I receive three different spare parts that comes with the wipers, I have to think of how can I make use of all the parts available. I was hungry and I started to loose my patience after twenty minutes. Until I reach a point and slow down, and try to look at the pictures slowly, then finally I figure out I only need one out of the three parts that were provided to me.... damn.. so confusing and misleading, no wonder I can't study Mechanical Engineering, it is not my kind of field.

Product Review:
Item: Bosch Windshield Wiper (with rubber for tropical country)
Smoothness: **** (Okay but not perfectly smooth)
Value: *** (Pricey compare to other brand)
Durability: Unknown

Is Year End...

Is year end, the "National Fatwa Council" need to deliver some fart to meet his year end KPI (Key Performance Index). At least, you are aware of their existence and they can be continuously funded by someone.


First, the "Fart-wa" want to ban Tomboyism among Muslim girls, if Winona Ryder is a Malaysian Muslim and she wanted to visit Malaysia in 2008, she better do it on mid 2009, wait till her hair length grow until her shoulder; Let say if you don't cut your hair and it becomes as lengthy as "Rapunzel", I can't guarantee to you if is okay or not, cuz anything can happen in this "Truly Asia" country.

Ladies better check with the "Fart-wa" council, I hope they have a website that you can browse, or check with the cone head minister, Shit Hamid, make sure your Rapunzel-styled hair is not a threat to National Security, I am not sure if you need any permit for that, you better ASK. You see, it makes some ppl feel uneasy if you got hair and I don't.

For your further information, luckily there is no complain or any sort of ban on "longkang" exposure or butt crack exposure. Or else Levi's jeans will have to ship their low cut jeans out of Malaysia.



Today, I read the news (http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/24/nation/2628119&sec=nation), that the "Fart-wa" wanted to ban Yoga... Please take a look at the above picture, doesn't it look scary? The name of this fella is "Dhalsim", you can find him in Street Fighters arcade game. During my highschool day, I have seen this Dhalsim guy stretching his arms and legs before like the fella in Fantastic 4, besides that, he can spit fire too, what a threat to the society! No wonder Yoga is banned...Hmmm... is Qi Gong going to be the next?

The Black Screen: No Escape

As a movie lover, I find this ad from Microsoft quite creative, it looks like a horror movie poster... like "The Ring". The message they try to deliver to you is, "Please use genuine Windows program". Sorry I know I am a bit long winded, I just want to make sure you know, or else the money throw onto advertising will be totally wasted.

Microsoft: "They said they can escape, but they lied".

But I said, "No, 'they' didn't lie, they did escape."

If you ask a rich friend how he or she escape? They will tell you to spend a few hundred to get the genuine Windows, Microsoft is giving discount too, So I would like to urge you to buy the genuine product and respect Intellectual Property if you can afford.

Let say if you throw the same question at those smart friends around you how they manage to escape? They will be able to tell you the simplest method. Well, the trick is- Don't bother for "Automatic Update", disable this feature and you will be able to escape. We are always obsessed with latest product, latest version, latest design, latest technology, etc... if only you can ignore that, the Black Screen will never come because the copy you purchased at Low Yat still delivers... so, please have a seat with your pop corn ready and wait for the black screen comes, don't let the virtual ghost scare you. :)

My windows is cool, no black screen...

Long and Cold Winter Ahead

I chat with my friend in US recently, he was telling me that this coming Thanksgiving Holiday spending is like an indicator of American consumers confidence. If the sales is far less than everybody expected, it is going to be a hard hit for the retailers, not only that, it means people are very reluctant to spend and the economy is in really really bad shape.

Another friend was telling me that he heard some rumors that my company is going to cut down 1000 head counts in Singapore. I guess 1000 headcounts for Singapore will be too much, because I don't think there are 1000 people there. However, if 1000 headcounts spread through the entire Southeast Asia region, I think that will be possible. My boss went to Singapore yesterday, I guess he went to some management meeting. Singapore is the regional office, who knows what will happen?

Let say if the rumor is true, out of 1000 headcounts, I think Malaysia will be the one that hit most. I notice there are a lot cars in the office for the past two weeks, things has been slow. My colleague was joking that it is because all the projects had finished and people start coming back to the office.

It reminds me of what happened in US 7-8 years ago. At that time, I was working in the factory, every week, I saw the blue collars packing their stuff and leave the factory batch by batch. The manufacturing cost in US has no way to match China's cost, we cut down from 3 factories to 1. The shipping department cut down half of their work force and I see people even cry when they walk out of the office. The morale was low, very low. Everyone was like waiting for their turn to pack-and-leave. I joke with my ex ex ex .. colleague, Joi, that this winter is going to be very cold... I still remember how she chuckles after hearing what I have said.

During that period, it starts with blue collar, then the white ones. I witnessed one of the founders got laidoff, I wondered if he had fully paid off his new BMW X5, even the HR manager got herself lay off by the company, then the CEO, the stock room manager, etc. It was a stressful experience I would say.

I didn't survive after "n" rounds of layoffs. There were 4 people in my team, 1 citizen, 1 green card holder and 2 visa holders. Being a visa holder and the one who draw highest salary, there is no way you can avoid being chopped. I know my salary is 50% higher than the lowest one in the group. Anyway, after quite some time, the cycle has come back again, winds of layoff started to blow.

Well, when the moment comes, I think I will be enjoying my long vacation then, if I sell my Public Bank share may be can last me for extra half a year if I have to. :(

I forsee long and cold winter ahead... during the cold winter... I can only hope that there is still turkey out there for me to hunt.

Latest Christmas Carol for 2008

Latest Christmas Carol for 2008....
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It's hitting you once,
It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town...

The Winner Takes It All

Finished listening to the entire CD, personally I think the previous Mama Mia Musical CD which I have is better, may be that is the first version that I listen to. So my advice is, if you want to get your one and only Mama Mia CD, go for the musical version which the above lady on the CD cover.

One of my favourite is the "poker game song" - The Winner Takes It All:

ABBA - The Winner Takes It All lyrics

I dont wanna talk

About the things we've gone through

Though its hurting me

Now its history.

I've played all my cards

And thats what you've done too

Nothing more to say

No more ace to play.

The winner takes it all

The loser standing small

Beside the victory

Thats her destiny.

I was in your arms

Thinking I belonged there

I figured it made sense

Building me a fence

Building me a home

Thinking I'd be strong there

But I was a fool

Playing by the rules

The gods may throw a dice

Their minds as cold as ice

And someone way down here

Loses someone dear

The winner takes it all

The loser has to fall

Its simple and its plain

Why should I complain.

But tell me does she kiss

Like I used to kiss you?

Does it feel the same

When she calls your name?

Somewhere deep inside

You must know I miss you

But what can I say

Rules must be obeyed

The judges will decide

The likes of me abide

Spectators of the show

Always staying low

The game is on again

A lover or a friend

A big thing or a small

The winner takes it all

I dont wanna talk

If it makes you feel sad

And I understand

You've come to shake my hand

I apologize

If it makes you feel bad

Seeing me so tense

No self-confidence

(But you see)

The winner takes it all~

The winner takes it all~......

(Something is not right with the formatting, I can't leave a space... may be blogspot trying to save hard disk space)

MAMA MIA!

Last time I won't able to secure cheaper tickets for the Mama Mia show during end of this year, so I told myself I will buy a ABBA original CD to appease my "lost" even though I already have a puh..pie...uh hmmmm (cough, cough)... CD copy from my ex ex ex ex Taiwanese colleague, Joi. Argh... I still remember her, she always said she want to slim her waist which in fact, it is already perfect.

I really want to watch the Mama MIA show live, but the only seats left are for those VIP, which obviously, I am NOT. The ticket cost more than RM300 after early bird discount, so I figure out might as well I spend Rm50 on one original CD, why pay RM300+ for a non-Las Vegas performance? :)

On my way to the barber shop just now, I walk by the CD store playing the Mama MIA soundtrack, so after my haircut, I went into the store and check out the Mama MIA album.. I think I better refer it to "Mama Mia" from now on, cuz "Mama MIA" sounds like "Mama Missing In Action". You don't want that happen!

To my surprise... yes, I was really surprise, perhaps is because I haven't buy an original CD for quite some time... Shhh....I want to buy, I know writing a song is hard and singing it is not that hard, but.... the price is too steep for a poor and humble citizen like me mah, not worth it you see... Guess how much they are selling? The CD is selling at the price of RM29.90! Wow, "Special Malaysia Edition" some more! Well, I guess may be is a polite way to say something like "Special Malaysia Edition" instead of "Hey, I know you Malaysians are cheap skate, love to share stuff, cuz sharing is caring, not willing to pay for Intellectual Property Rights; and we know most of you ain't going to pay RM50 for the CD because you aren't making as much as your neighbor down south, so now I am selling you cheap! So please buy originals okay? This edition is for Malaysia market only, Got it?"

In additional to that, there is a Malaysia flag logo on the CD cover too, buying the CD makes me feel so patriotic for a second. I feel like buying a "Buatan Malaysia" (Malaysia Made Product), even though ABBA is from Sweden.

While typing this article, I tested the CD with my ASUS blueray DVD-ROM, my RM200+ Creative Audigy sound card processed the sound out from the CD, and deliver the results to my RM400 Altec Lansing speakers.... Well, to be honest, there is no difference between my puh....pie...rrr.. (uh hummmm) CD copy... damn... why I cough whenever I mention the "P" word... you want a hint what is the "P" word? Okay... the hint is "Somali".

Nevermind, I will test it downstairs next time with better equipment.

Fishbones

One day, The Son and the Father are having dinner together. There are veges, fish, tofu, etc. on the table. After the meal, the Son do the dishes and clean the table. His dad is still working on the fish, trying to clear whatever is left on the fish by spitting out all the bones on the table.

The Son got mad, due to the table is terribly messy, and now he had to clean up the mess, he complained to his dad for being so untidy because there were fish bones all over the table.

The Father said, "Son, I let you had all the meat on the fishes, I am just trying to clear what is left on the fish."

After hearing what the Father said, the Son feel bad about himself, he did not say anything, but clean out all the mess quietly, do all the dishes and wipe the table clean without any complains...

"The Father" is my dad and "the Son" is ME...

Greeting Cards

After I finished my dinner, I took out the trash. I also check the mailbox and see if there is any mail. I hope I can get a dividend check on such a hard time when all the stocks are 40% cheaper than few months ago.

I saw a letter for my dad; the sender is from Mouth & Foot Painting Artists Sdn. Bhd. I opened up the letter and found there were eight greeting cards inside attached with a cover letter and an order form. I guess my dad must have made some donation in the past and that is why we are getting such letter almost every year (maybe).

Frankly speaking, I hate this kind of “push sales” tactic; I have dealt with something similar in the past while in US– The Columbia House CD. They tend to mail you some CDs, like once in a while, hoping you might thought it is something which you have ordered. Once you opened it, you realize it is something you didn’t order. So you either keep the CD (which is very likely it is not something you like), accept the invoice, or you throw it back at the mail box with the box unopened, labeled it “return to the mailer”, and hopefully they can be returned to Columbia House.

So this Mouth & Foot Painting did the same thing, the only diff is they are for supporting the unfortunate people more than pure profit taking. I have to admit that the painting looks fine; however, I don’t have any use on the greeting cards. I am a mild environmentalist that encourages print less, save papers. Anyway, to prevent them on making any loss, I think I will purchase something which is not needed in the name of my father.

I decided to enclose a check of RM33.00 for the organization, which is not a lot of money, to buy off the cards which I received, I am attaching a note inside the envelope as well, telling them my father has passed away for a few years time and I hope they can remove my father’s name away from the mailing list because the person doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t want they waste their postage in the future if I am not buying it.

However, if you wish to support them, let say you are mailing cards to your clients, customers, friends and family, you can always support them from the below address:

Mouth & Foot Painting Artist Sdn. Bhd.
Lot 327, 2nd Floor, Ampang Park Shopping Centre,
Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Or
P.O. Box 12431, 50778 Kuala Lumpur.
03-21618860, 03-21618502

p/s: A friend want me to sell all those cards to him so he can send it to his customers. All cards sold!

The #1 Bond Girl

The French actress, Eva Green, was voted as the "Best Bond Girl" after beating Halle Barry and Michelle Yeoh. If you ask me to cast my vote, my vote will still goes to Eva Green, she is quite stunning from head to toes. Of course, the killer will be her pair of green eyes other than her figure.
This photo can put her into "Medusa" role, her hair looks like serpents and any guys who look into her eyes will be "petrified"....

In case you don't know, The worst Bond Girl award went to the little "wild thing", Denise Richards.. :)

意大利面

有一次我妈煮了一锅意大利面。 我终于忍不住，自信地告诉她，说我煮的意大利面比她做的好吃，她说又不见我煮给她吃，我说因为家里材料不齐全，所以我也没兴趣下厨。我说如果意大利面选用牛肉会更好吃，如果她一定要用猪肉的话，那么至少猪肉应该和其他葱蒜一齐爆香以后，炒干一点
，那么会比较好吃。 我知道她比较少去意大利餐厅吃西餐，所以可能不知道好吃的意大利面是怎么做的，味道应该是怎样的，所以我说有机会一定要带她去吃。

星期四那天，我妈又煮了意大利面。她叫我试一试意大利面的浆料味道如何，顺便到超市买一包面条。她说她按造我的方式，把猪肉炒干一点才放其他材料。我用一小汤匙，尝了一尝味道，觉得番茄味道又点稀，直接说味道不行。我想一定是她把剩余的Sauce 倒了进去，由于浆料没有剩很多，所以味道不是那么理想。我建议她倒一罐Tomato Paste进去,因为番茄味很淡，即使添加一点番茄酱也无补于事，所以我出去帮她买面条时，也顺便买了Tomato Paste。
放了Tomato Paste 以后，意大利面的浆料顿时好吃很多。 当晚意大利面的销量特别好，我妹也说跟平时的意大利面很不一样，好吃很多。我想，经过这个晚上，我妈在煮意大利面的技术已经升级了！下一次我会传授她如何升级意大利面的烹调方式。

*本人不敢说我的意大利面煮得有多好吃，但是偶尔我也觉得我煮得比一些餐厅好。可能是他们煮得不好，不是因为我煮得好吃。我的基本技术是从我的一位朋友和我姑姑那里学来的。当然也少不了自己做实验和探讨来提升技术。 :p

Peaceful Candle Vigil turns bloody

Last night, around 8:30pm, I almost went for the candle vigil at Amcorp Mall, but when I was about to enter my car, I found out that I don't have my camera with me and I can't find where as my "I-AM-WITH-RPK" T-shirt, so I decided to skip it and go for some groceries at Giant.

And here is what happen that night: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/10/nation/20081110214139&sec=nation. Police has detained 24 people out of the 200+ crowd. Gee, I wonder if I am wearing the I-AM-WITH-RPK shirt, will I be the walking target to them? May be I will end up spending a night at jail lodging report. If I am not so lucky, I will have my RM20 RPK shirt tore into pieces by the policemen, and take a few punches on my abs, don't worry, I will yell out, "please don't hit on my face!". The most terrible thing is, like a Reality TV, after beaten and released around 7:30am, I still have to go home, take a shower, and then head to work, just like Tony Pua who got beaten but still show up in Parlimen early today.

Well, it is a peaceful candle vigil gathering and the police sent out a bunch of FRU units (Federal Reserve Unit) with shield and baton, thinking that the gatherers are going to burn down the building with candles or what? This is what we called "Democracy" in Malaysia... WTF? I don't see anyone is carrying a Molotov cocktail there?

The police in Malaysia, most of the time, set their priority WRONG! They should have spend more time on fighting crimes, patrolling the street instead of putting extra speed traps, harassing civilians in candle vigil like this, or send a platoon of policemen to set up unnecessary road blocks or escort 'opposition politician' to police station. Well, their excuse of detaining the vigil attendees are nonsense, threat to the public la, no permit la, all bullshit!

牛津英汉词典

今天打完球以后去了一趟Kinokuniya买了一本词典，主要原因是近来发觉我那本用了二十年的牛津英汉词典已经过时了，那是很久以前我老爸买的。所以当我回到家时，我妹问我为什么买词典，家里不是有一本吗？她这就错了，打个比喻，可以试下用旧的词典找"Cyber"这种字，我可以保证查无此字。现在我这第六版的词典才有这种更新。明天我打算带我的新词典去公司，把我的旧词典换回来。

新词典售价为马币64。90， 还算可以啦，又可以扣税。如果您家里的词典很旧了，也是时候买新的了。 我个人还是习惯用牛津词典。（在此顺便给它做

免费广告）

New local Yahoo interface

I am quite annoyed by this local/Malaysia Yahoo interface (as shown above). My default home page is always Yahoo website (www.yahoo.com), but now they are trying to be a smart ass by changing my default to (http://m.www.yahoo.com/) automatically and I don't like it!! Even though I try to force it to www.yahoo.com, but it still link me back to this new interface. Is just like facebook trying to make a changes on their old interface (picture below), someone even started a network which you can join if you hate the new interface.
Now I try to re-examine the pictures, the layout looks a bit like the old and new facebook, you can see how they put the key application for the old Yahoo interface, all key applications are placed on the left hand side like the old facebook where as the new Yahoo interface (picture above) move the key applications like mail, finance and stuff to the right hand side which is similar to the new facebook.

I have been very faithful to Yahoo and I have been setting their website as my default PC homepage for the past ten years. Even though people say how good is Google search engine and how good is msn homepage customization, but I don't really care, I just prefer Yahoo homepage because I can easily click "Mail" to access my email everyday. Now they are linking me to this Malaysia yahoo! Sheeeze!

The above is the original Yahoo homepage which my Firefox browser is still keeping it. I wonder why only Internet Explorer will lead me to the new interface which Firefox doesn't try to be smart ass on bringing me to local Yahoo server. I prefer the old one because I can have a quick look on how NYSE and NASDAQ doing in one glimpse!

Herbal treatment for High Blood Cholestrol

I am not sure if this is going to work, got this forward email from a friend:

The beauty of herbal treatment for High Blood cholesterol

I want to share a secret for treating high cholesterol. Three weeks ago l
went for a cholesterol check. To my surprise, it was above the normal
range which should be less than 5.2 mmol/L. My reading obtained was 6.6.
I had been consuming alot of red meat and lamb recently.
After consuming Mok Yee (木耳, "wood ear" in Chinese)for two weeks, l had my cholesterol checked
again and found that my cholesterol level fell to 4.70 mmol/L

My pharmacist said that even cholesterol medication will need 1- 3 months to take effect. She was very surprised and said it is a miracle.

Review:

I immediately followed an advice of a friend who told me about Black fungus
(Mok Yee). He had four block heart arteries, over 90 percent blocked.
His cardiologist advised him to go for bypass surgery, failing which he would
suffer an imminent heart attack. His sinseh ( chinese physician) friend advised
him against surgery as the procedure would be messy, painful and expensive.

He followed the advise of his sinseh friend by consuming Mok Yee daily.
After consuming boiled Mok Yee juice for 40 days, he went for an angiogram. His heart specialist was surprised and shocked that his arteries were all cleared of any blockage and it would not be necessary to see him for another 10 years!

My observation is that Mok Yee juice is not only effective in treating high blood cholestrol but also helps to bring relief to joint paints, arthritis and poor blood
circulation.

The internet info. claims : that Mok yee reduces blood clot, preventing thrombosis, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease,and cancer.Black Fungus contains
abundant protein, ferric, calcium, vitamin, rough fibre, the content of protein is equal to meat.

Preparation :

1) Pick a hand full of Mok Yee and soak in water for 1-2 hours
2) Wash Mok Yee and cut to pieces with scissors.
3) Pour five bowls of plain water into slow cooker (crock pot)
4) Put 2-3 slices of ginger, 8-10 red dates, 20 kay chee(wolf berry)
into crock pot.
5) Bring to boil for 8 hours. One and a half bowls of Mok Yee juice will remain
after boiling overnight.

Consumption : You may consume for 10 to 14 days according to the severity
of the problem. For those with low blood pressure consume less or only
for alternate days.

Drink Mok Yee first thing in the morning with an 'empty stomach'. Consume
at least one large bowl. Take breakfast 2 hours later.

Side effects - you may feel a little tired after 3- 4 days. Consume
multivitamins and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Do not eat oily or fried foods
during this period.

Observation : Dark and oily stool during the first two days.

Remarks : Cholesterol medication is chemical in nature and may harm the
liver. Mok Yee is a plant and does not contain chemicals.

Take blood test for blood cholesterol before and after treatment e.g. at
Caring Pharmacy.
Only Rm 10.00 . Please report results to enable me to enhance update,
research and review.

Thank you and may God bless you with vibrant health.

Paul Lee