Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The New Year Resolution for 2009

Revision of 2008 NYR...

1. Cut down in drinking (It is still a serious matter)
2. EXERCISE more a.k.a getting better in golf
3. Loose at least 25kg (no thanks to mom's cooking and eating outside with Dad)
4. Read more books this year (yes, I do read, I will read about 50 books in 2008)- A.K.A. management and business books and magazines
5. Listen to more classical music and Jazz
6. Get myself well versed with business tools, moreeeee.....
7. Learn to be a better boss in management and businesses
8. Makesure the company will survive this year
9. Build a new house or layout the plan, will not... I will renovate my current condos to my taste... I have more junk in my house now
10.
11. Be a better son
12. Be a better brother
13. Be a better man by being happy
14. Will tried to look for the other half, and stop flirting around...hehehe...
15. Learn a few more cooking methods by collecting more cooking recipes, will set up a blog on cooking.
17. Will be more open minded
18.
19.
20. Will tried to forget and forgive some old nemesis
21. Will makesure my condo in order
22. Will cut down my personal expenses... too much spending...

I am leaving a few slots to be empty so that I can fill them in later!

Have I fulfilled my New Year Resolutions for 2008?


1. Cut down in drinking (It is still a serious matter) Pass
2. EXERCISE more a.k.a getting better in golf Failed
3. Lose at least 30kg (no thanks to mom's cooking and eating outside with Dad) Failed badly
4. Read more books this year (yes, I do read and I did read about 15 of them this year)- A.K.A. management and business books Passed
5. Listen to more classical music a.k.a. going to KLCC's MPO Failed
6. Get myself well versed with business tools Passed
7. Learn to be a better boss in management and business Passed
8. Expand my company to two times of the current size by this year Failed
9. Build a new house or layout the plan Failed
10. Write out some new business proposals to build a new company by end of this year Passed
11. Be a better son Passed
12. Be a better brother Passed
13. Be a better man by being a Machiavellian in business and a bushido man Passed
14. Be a better lover Failed badly
15. Learn a few more cooking methods by collecting more cooking recipes Passed

One last day of 2008

When I started this year, I expected to have a more bullish year... but it seemed I am wrong... and dead wrong. However after doing some SWOT analysis, I am able to figure out what should I do next year... because it is the matter of survival. That's on my business opinion.

My relationship... I met a nice girl this year... however, I found her to be too dependent on me... I have been juggling too many balls on the air now... which make me have to give up on the relationship...by all means it is not her fault, but it is my own damn fault.

State of health... I am still in bad shape... however, I cut my drinking by 3/4 compared to the past two years and I am proud of that....

State of mind... not pretty good.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

The 11 days countdown

There is another 11 days before a new year begin, can't for it... this year is a very bad year!

The fall

I was working hard on Wednesday as usual.

I have to go for inspection with my client and at one point I have to check the sump pit (about 3 meters from the main road)for my product which is proudly serving one of the national power station...

That's where all the problem started, I forgotten that I was not wearing a safety boot (non-slip, heavy duty shoe), I slipped and fall 10 feet...

When I was falling, I am able to hold on the cable tray, but unfortunately, I tear my shirt and also scratched my hand and my back... and the best of all I landed on my feet and sit on the floor full with water... I was looking at my client, screaming 'are you alright?' I said I am doing okay...

I stood up and climb back up to the surface... the whole group of people is amazed that I am okay... I still tour the site after that... went back home told my parents, and almost got kill by the news.... ahahhah..

Lesson learned: Ask somebody else to do it and not you.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Jokes on works

Japanese management lecture

Four corporate presidents, one English, one French, one Japanese and one American, were on their way to an international business conference when they were kidnapped by terrorists and taken to a secret hideout.

"You, your companies, and you countries are enemies of the Revolution," screamed the terrorist leader, "and you're going to be executed! Do you have any last requests?"

The Englishman spoke first.

"Before I die, I want to honor my country and protest this barbaric act by singing "God Save The Queen" to all you men."

"That can be arranged," said the terrorist.

The Frenchman said, "And I want to honor my country before I die by singing "The Marseilles" to your men."

The Japanese said, "Before I die, I wish to honor my country by giving the lecture I was going to present on the Mapanese style of industrial management."

The terrorist turned finally to the American.

"What is your last request?"

The American replied, "I want you to kill me right now so I don't have to listen to another lecture on the Japanese style of industrial management!"


Stop being late to work


Tom had this problem of getting up late in the morning and was always late for work. His boss was mad at him and threatened to fire him if he didn't do something about it. So Tom went to his doctor who gave him a pill and told him to take it before he went to bed. Tom slept well and in fact beat the alarm in the morning by almost two hours. He had a leisurely breakfast and drove cheerfully to work.

"Boss", he said, " The pill actually worked!"

"That's all fine" said the boss, " But where were you yesterday?"


The Procrastinator's creed



1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.

2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.

3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.

4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.

5. I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my obligations.

6. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.

7. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitesmally small, is not exactly zero.

8. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.

9. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.

10. I shall always begin, start, initiate, take the first step, and/or write the first word, when I get around to it.

11. I obey the law of inverse excuses which demands that the greater the task to be done, the more insignificant the work that must be done prior to beginning the greater task.

12. I know that the work cycle is not plan-start-finish, but is wait-plan-plan.

13. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.

14. I will become a member of the ancient Order of Two-Headed Turtles (the Procrastinator's Society) if they ever get it organized.


Bosses versus workers


When I take a long time, I am slow.
When my boss takes a long time, he is thorough.

When I don't do it, I am lazy.
When my boss doesn't do it, he's too busy.

When I do it without being told, I'm trying to be smart.
When my boss does the same, that is initiative.

When I please my boss, that's brown-nosing.
When my boss pleases his boss, that's co-operating.

When I do good, my boss never remembers.
When I do wrong, he never forgets.

The constant heartaches

In few more weeks I will be making some important decisions... I may lose a friend due to it, but it is something personal and I have to do it... it is not something I wanted but it is something have to be done because it is unfair to drag on...

I know chances are I will be hated for a long long time... but I hope it is something that can be solved quickly.

What am I thinking?

Works have been pretty slow to me... I have loses the spark that once appear in my eyes, every morning... it is because of the pressures and stresses that been building up in my system... it has been like a pressure cooker....

I know I am suppose to release some of the steam... but the situation does not allowed me to... I also caused some pains to my friends and also my love ones...

Anywhere, there is 17 more days before the new year... I really a new year means a better year.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Men's rules for women

(Got it from a friend's email)

Men always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. Please note ... these are all numbered '1' ON PURPOSE!

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

1. Yes, and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.

Monday, December 08, 2008

No post since November

There are many reasons for it... but all are excuses that can't be really taken seriously...

November was a very surprising month... Obama became the first Black US president, Mumbai under attack, businesses were difficult to grasp and etc....

Saturday, October 11, 2008

3 Weddings and a Funeral

This month was the month where my wallet is practically been "massacre" ... because I attended three weddings and one funeral this month itself...

The first wedding was Hanc Wong's wedding... it was an interesting wedding because it is the first wedding that I attended that the groom was late to pick up the bride... luckily we were they to wake him up...

The second wedding was Foo's wedding...that's the wedding where there are many interesting people...

The third wedding was TY's sister wedding... we are the Best Man (last minute call)... but it was interesting because able to meet some of the old schoolmates...

The funeral, was NCS's grandma... she was 90 years old...and God Bless her soul and may her soul rest in peace... Met NCS after he went MIA for two years...

I have another wedding to attend next week.... sob sob sob.... my poor wallet...

The Hulk, Batman, Ironman, Money Not Enough 2, Painted Skin

The Hulk

It was a superb performance by Edward Norton after minus all the special effects compared to the previous attempt by Ang Lee... It is something that I can watch 2 to 3 times without feeling bored about it...

Batman- The Dark Night
In this movie, we have to give the highest points for the best performance by the late Heather Ledger as JOKER... He gave his best performance of his life... and we should remembered him as the arch enemy of Batman, the Joker.

Iron Man

Robert Downing Jr. display of Mr Starks is well performed... sometime people needed to be given second chance for it...

Money Not Enough 2
A Singapore comedy that touched the human sides - the theme of the story is - the most scary part is not you don't have money, it is when you don't have people you loved besides you... a well played comedy plus tragedy...

Painted Skin
From one of the famous Chinese Fables, it was a good 'Romeo and Juliet' kind of horror film... but needed some more narration...

Obama or McCain

Sadly speaking... for the lesser of two evils, I will vote for McCain because we have to think of the continuity policies after the BUSH ADMIN. which I am glad ended by January 2009... it is the two terms that many people see the difficulties due to miscalculation and etc...

McCain have more experiences and help from some of the Bush's old guards that will stay in to help him to multi solve the global problems that we are facing... economy, politics, health, environment and etc...

So we have to cross our fingers for the hope that McCain wins...

October Blues...

I felt betrayed when some of my workers left me after all the good treatment that I gave them... it sucks because I do felt betrayed....and it is not fun... Now, I am in a hiring process and I have to do it quickly because I do not have enough workers.

I felt overwhelm and it is sometime too hard to tell anyone... luckily I have good friends who willing to listen to my troubles and my girlfriend that is being nice to me...

She is cooking for me today and I don't know should I put a high expectation or not? But she seldom cooks and she is doing for me today, so I should said, 'shut up and eat (or swallow) ' and no complain... Tough call for me because people who knows me, knows that I make some mean food....when I mean 'mean' it is something that you will like...

Well, if I have been missing from this blog more than 6 months, I been poisoned... don't let her knows about this... shhh!!!

The month of September

The month of September runs pretty smooth, not October though...

First, I finally have a steady relationship, I meant steady... no more clubbing and such... The person is someone I met earlier, during a lunch with a old friend at Madam Kwan... she left a pretty deep impression on me... which is non-describable. Yup, I totally went gaga about it... after a few dates, we officially went steady on September 2nd, 2008, after she agreed to be my gf on the 1st... imagine few days of waiting for her answer.... I am bless with her presence... something that the previous relationships cannot give me...

Second, business was running smoothly (I will write the 2nd blog after I troubleshoot the problem), I got the big project I wanted on the mid September after a long meeting and etc.

Third, I am able to solve some of the personal problem that I was having earlier...

Monday, September 01, 2008

Seremban Crab Experience

I don't know where the people got their facts where the best crab dishes in Seremban, is Seremban Crab Restaurant... but sometimes it is the company that counts.

YL, Chin Aik, Michelle and Ah Fai showed up in Seremban due to Sophia's wedding, and they really crave for crabs. So, we went to the place and have it. As we were told by YL that she did not have crabs for a long time, we ordered 2kg of crabs, and it is finished by all of us... (YL certainly have a bigger portion of the crab, but it was sweet to see Chin Aik is taking a good care of her by giving her more crab, hahaha!)

Then, we went back home to have some drinks and watching Mummy 3. I am sorry that I made some heavy cocktail... but it is a good one because it is Japanese-Russian twist with some OJ...but with a few more beers down the 'pipe hole' everyone is good to go to sleep.

In conclusion, in future, I will bring them to another place for food because we knew the chef pretty well and I will said they will be more crab meat in the package... and also we can go to PD or Tanjung Sepat for some nice seafoods... it is depending on them either they still dare to come to my place... and in addition, I found a new drink where I can make from dragon fruits and strawberry...

Me and my stubborn 40" waist

Lately, due to constant nagging from a good friend about my weight problem, I have take a deep tour into the 'situation'.

To start, I have listed reasons for the guts:

1.I have been to gym, well it is an 'on' and 'off' affairs because of the time problem.

2. It is the beer... back in the US, I seldom drink beers... I am a bourbon, vodka, tequila and WHISKEY guy... and not beer

3. FOODS: Well... it is the number 1 problem because the food in Malaysia are great and CHEAP.. damn it... I have to make a pledge, no more late night snacks or so called mamak...

4. TIME: Yes, some experts said that with a proper time planning, exercise should be easily fit into the slot, and I mean yeah, if you have to manage few companies at the same time... I make another pledge... will exercise more.

I have to look at my gut and tell it, you will be smaller in size because I want to look good... so sorry, if you are stubborn, I am worse!

Opposites attract: fact or myth? (taken from http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-opposites-attract-fact-or-myth/?cnn=yes)

It is something that I AM IN RIGHT NOW, because this topic is so related, I was wondering it is true or not? Any comment?


Opposites Attract: Fact Or Myth?

Posted by: Natalie Krinsky


I am not afraid to say, that it was Paula Abdul’s “Opposites Attract” that taught me my first lesson in love; if he takes the bed, and she steals the covers, they must be a match made in relationship heaven. According to Paula, a relationship could, and would, flourish if lovers found themselves on opposing sides of the Myers Briggs Indicator.

Living in an industry town, more often than not, I have found myself in the throes of passion with a like-minded comedy-writer Democrat who favors savory snacks over sweet desserts. And most of those relationships have ended in embittered feuds over (I’ll admit) “who is funnier.”

As my mother likes to say, two spoiled brats cannot inhabit the same relationship.

So as I set off on my quest to find my mate of soul, he who encompasses all things different from me, I must first understand how different is too different? What are the differences that will allow a relationship to blossom in the sunshine of love? And what are the ones that will make it rain—creating a thunderstorm of the he-said-she-said-i-hate-you variety?

A girl cannot Bob Vila a man. No one can Bob Vila a man. If you’re in it to fix it, get out—you’re already too different. This relationship is much more suited to mother/child than to boyfriend/girlfriend.

Our latest example of opposites attracting are Anne Hathaway and that hairy Italian Rafaelo. Why did a girl who seems to have it all—brains, beauty and a working relationship with Steve Carell AND The Rock—fall into a love affair with a petty criminal? (The accountant for the Vatican? Really Rafaelo? Really? Eliot Spitzer has more street cred than you.)

This type of opposite is common; the type-A girl with the mess of a guy. And this kind is a recipe for disaster. It’s what I like to call the Toad Syndrome. We believe if we kiss the Toad—if we cuddle the Toad, if we lead the Toad to water—he will drink. We think we are the Bob Vila to his Fixer-Upper Split Level Spanish style on a cul-de-sac. But let me tell you one thing, a type-A girl can get good grades. She can succeed at her job. She can treadmill and yoga her body to fitness. She can raise boatloads of money for AIDS/Africa/PETA/The Rain Forest/And Other Worthwhile Causes. She can renovate a house. But she cannot Bob Vila a man. No one can Bob Vila a man. If you’re in it to fix it, get out—you’re already too different. This relationship is much more suited to mother/child than to boyfriend/girlfriend.

Another ocean of difference too large to cross can fall under the category of “boundaries.” A relationship cannot work if two people define their idea of a relationship too differently. If one is co-dependent and the other, independent, harmony might not be in the cards. If you are ready for a commitment and he is flitting about, skirting the issue in favor of going up your skirt—I suggest you take your business elsewhere.

Then again, there are instances where opposites seem to make things exciting as opposed to complicated. Case in point, an aspiring director friend of mine, recently began dating a farmer. Yes, a farmer. She lives in urban Los Angeles, he lives in the far reaches of a southern state, in a town with the same number of people as I have notches on my bed post. They are as opposite as opposite can be—in career, in personality, even geographically they are far away—yet somehow they both envision a similar future. They value the same things. His hopes are her hopes. His dreams are her dreams. And together, they will always enjoy fresh produce.

So perhaps this is the lesson to be culled from “opposites attract.” There is an old saying that goes “two people who are in love don’t look at each other, they look in the same direction.” A similar vision for the future will keep today’s relationship together—even if she takes the bed and he steals the covers.

Eight bad reasons to have sex (Taken from CNN website, http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/08/28/tf.bad.reason.for.sex/index.html?iref=mpstory

Hmm... interesting topic, that's why I put it on the blog.



By Judy McGuire

(The Frisky) -- As I'm sure you're well aware, there are many good reasons to have sex. In fact, sometimes you don't need any reason at all -- other than, say, loving your partner.
Eight bad reasons to have sex

However, sometimes a lady finds herself doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons. That's what we're here to cover. So if you find yourself in any of the following situations, please extricate yourself as quickly as possible:

Revenge: The most popular very-wrong reason to have sex, revenge sex never ends well.

Hooking up with his best friend because you're angry at your boyfriend will get you nowhere. If you do manage to break up their friendship, then you're stuck with an untrustworthy dude (if he did it to him, he'll do it to you).

Even worse, there's always the (strong) possibility that he went right back and told his buddy and the two of them are now comparing notes over high-fives and hot wings.

Ego gratification: You must be fine if that scorching hot bartender took you home. Or not. Men have been known to do some unsavory things for physical gratification. The fact that he's willing and able doesn't say squat about your appeal.

Appliance envy: Your roommate "doesn't believe" in air conditioning. You can't afford premium cable and are addicted to "Weeds." You're desperate to try out Wii Fit. All of these desires are perfectly rational.

However, they are absolutely not worth the price of waking up next to someone you otherwise cannot stand. (Well, except for the AC, but that's only if it's above 100 Fahrenheit.)

Weight loss: Yes, you may have read those women's magazine articles about how being physically intimate can help you shed pounds. However, a 120-pound woman burns only 57 calories during 15 minutes of sex. That's less than half a Hostess Ho-Ho. The sweat could do nice things for your skin, but your waist will remain the same size.


Clarity: Ever since you were nine years old and saw that topless Kate Moss Calvin Klein ad, you've had a hunch you were same-sex oriented.

Unfortunately, the thought of sharing this with anyone scares you, so you get yourself a boyfriend. But you can't stop thinking about that ad....

Mercy: Empathy for a sad soul is one thing; holding an intimate pity party is quite another. Oh, and you know that saying, "no good deed goes unpunished?" It goes triple in this instance. Misery loves company -- good luck getting him out of your apartment.

Quid pro quo: I'm not knocking or talking about the sex professionals out there -- this is for the amateurs among us. Just because he bought you a lobster doesn't mean you need to give up dessert. Catch my drift?

Fame by association: He's famous, you want to be. Contrary to what you might've surmised from that old Pamela Des Barres book, "I'm With The Band: Confessions Of A Groupie," fame is not transmissible through intimate contact. However, lots of other things are, so watch out.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

August Frenzy

Alot of happened in August, happy one and some sad one...

But don't have time to write much... promise will be back tomorrow...

Sunday, July 20, 2008

The Sunday Night

This is a Sunday Night that I can really relate to... nothing on the agenda except watching some TV series and some latest movies. I cook some pasta in the afternoon because I did not have any meal since yesterday evening, and it turned out... how to I put it in word... not that great. I will never use a pasta sauce that I bought from the supermarket again... although I don't have time because they tasted awful.

Well, I still haven't finished my Thailand's story and it is fading away from my memories, but luckily I have photos..


I will put some time next week to finish it... I hope.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Nelson Mandela turned 90 years old

Wow, he is much older than me.... I meanby 60 more years... but he is one of my respected people list...

Taken from CNN.COM
Hollywood star Will Smith led a crowd of 46,664 in a chorus of "Happy Birthday" to Nelson Mandela on Friday at a party for the South African prisoner, president and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Nelson Mandela had a smile and a message.


Smith introduced Mandela to the London crowd celebrating Mandela's life with the words "The one, the only, the birthday boy, Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandelaaaaaaaaaa."

London was the scene of a concert 20 years ago to celebrate Mandela's 70th and to raise awareness of his imprisonment.

Mandela told cheering fans, "Your voices carried across the water to inspire us in our prison cells far away. Tonight, we can stand before you free.

"We are honored to be back in London for this wonderful occasion.

"But even as we celebrate, let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete.

"Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all." Video Watch Mandela at the party »

As Mandela walked on stage, Smith led the crowd in a chorus of "Happy Birthday."

Proceeds from the concert in London's Hyde Park will go toward the 46664 Campaign, which Mandela founded in 2003 to raise awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and to promote HIV-prevention measures around the world.

The name of the charity represents Mandela's prison number when he was incarcerated at Robben Island. Organizers put 46,664 tickets up for sale.

The finale of the concert was scheduled as Queen, Amy Winehouse and Jerry Dammers performing "Free Nelson Mandela," a 1980s hit from the Specials that quickly became an anti-apartheid anthem, but pretty much every act joined them on stage.

Dammers was also one of the driving forces behind the London concert in 1988 to awareness of Mandela's long imprisonment by the South African authorities.

The former South African president turns 90 on July 18. Video Watch the crowd celebrate »

Speculation surrounded whether Winehouse would perform after being hospitalized with lung problems last week.

More than a dozen African artists, including Johnny Clegg and the Soweto Gospel Choir, performed.

Smith, music legend Quincy Jones and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton were among the stars introducing acts.

Other guests at the concert included British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former U.S. President Clinton, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and actor Robert De Niro.

Mandela served as his country's first democratically elected president from 1994 to 1999. In recent years, he has campaigned on behalf of HIV and AIDS awareness and has long called the battle against AIDS a basic human right.

In 1964, a court sentenced Mandela to life in prison for plotting to overthrow the government by violence. He spent the first 18 years at Robben Island Prison, off Cape Town, South Africa, and later spent time at Pollsmoor prison and Victor Verster Prison, closer to the mainland.
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While in prison, Mandela became recognized as the most significant black leader in South Africa, and he became a potent symbol of resistance in the anti-apartheid movement. Mandela consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom.

South African President F.W. de Klerk released Mandela in February 1990 after 27 years in prison. Mandela was elected president of the African National Congress the following year, and in 1994, he was elected president of his country.

Bill Gates retired on 27th of June, 2008

The man who is the self made Billionaires... and he retired.

Taken from CNN.COM

Billionaire Bill Gates, until recently the richest man in the world, is about to pass another landmark.
Bill Gates, the high-profile co-founder of Microsoft, retires from the company Friday after 33 years.

Bill Gates, the high-profile co-founder of Microsoft, retires from the company Friday after 33 years.

The Microsoft co-founder, who more than anyone else is credited with introducing computers into homes and offices worldwide, clocks off from his final day at the office Friday after 33 years.

Gates, who Fortune magazine reports has an estimated net worth of $50 billion, formed what would eventually become Microsoft with Paul Allen, a friend from school, in New Mexico in 1975.

In 1981 the company launched MS-DOS, its first commercial software, which was licensed to IDM. It was followed four years later by Windows, which Gates allowed PC makers to pre-install on PCs, creating a ready-made market for the software. What do you think about Bill Gates? Share your comments here.

Other successes since have included further applications such as PowerPoint and Excel, the launch of the X-Box gaming system and the introduction of Internet Explorer.

On the downside there have been muted attempts to crack the music download market, the delayed launch of Windows Vista and the failed $45B-plus bid for Yahoo. The company's monopoly of the PC software market has also seen it fall foul of regulators both in the United States and in Europe. Video CNN's Maggie Lake looks at life after Bill Gates »

Tellingly, most of these failures have come in recent years, as Gates has gradually divested himself from day-to-day management of the company.
Don't Miss

* Web site: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
* Microsoft ordered to pay Alcatel-Lucent $512M
* Yahoo! partners with Google

Within popular culture he has also come to symbolize the public perception of what a computer geek should be: bespectacled, skinny -- and very, very successful. To fans of the Apple Macintosh and other operating systems he has often been portrayed as a hate figure.

So what will a man who has earned around $1.5B for each of his years at Microsoft now do with his time?

As might be expected, Gates is still going to keep his hand in at the office -- he will, for example continue to chair board meetings and be on hand to offer advice to Steve Ballmer, who took over as CEO at Microsoft in 2000.

On a lighter note, a humorous video shown at a computer trade fair earlier this year showed rock star Bono rejecting Gates' pleas to join U2.

But much of Gates' free time will now be devoted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which he and his wife founded in 1994 to "help reduce inequities in the United States and around the world," according to the organization's Web site.

The Seattle-based organization, the largest charity of its kind, has asset trust endowments of $37.3 billion and has committed to grants of $16.5 billion during its 14 years. In 2007 it made grants of just over $2B in 2007.

It has enjoyed an especial high profile for its work towards malaria control and eradication, for example, contributing $650M to Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In 2005 Time magazine named Bill and Melinda Gates as its Persons of the Year for their charitable work.
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The foundation was bolstered still further in 2006 when businessman Warren Buffet -- who toppled Gates from his 13 years as the world's richest man -- endowed the foundation with more than $3 billion, as part of an ongoing plan to give away at 85 per cent of his fortune, currently estimated at $62 billion.

10 things to do before you are 30 years old

This is a list which I was happy to say that I have achieved...I can't believe that I will reach 30 years old 11 days from today...




Top 10 things to do before you turn 30 (Taken from Bankrate.com)
By Cynthia E. Brodrick • Bankrate.com

Enjoy your youth, be wild and get it out of your system; here are the 10 things you should accomplish before 30.

Sitting here on the dark side of 30, I've been looking back fondly on my wild and woolly youth -- though some might describe it as mild and cottony. Anyway, I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions on important things to accomplish in those twentysomething years.

- advertisement -

The things to accomplish during your 20s fulfill a few requirements:

* Doing your youth when you're young. There's nothing more embarrassing than some 50-year-old with his thinning gray hair pulled into a ponytail trying to re-live his youth. Get it out of your system now.
* No regrets. If you do the silly stuff when you are young, then later you won't regret what you might have missed.
* Good stories. Have some good times now, so you can regale your children with tales of your crazy youth.
* Growing up. The point of your 20s is to reach your 30s -- and by then, people will really be expecting you to act like a grown-up. So, you will need some experiences to teach you how to get there.

Don't panic: You can be hip when you're older -- it's just a different kind of hip. You'll understand when you get there.

1. Drive a wickedly cool car, even if you have to rent it. "Wickedly cool" is defined as any car that turns heads on the streets. They say life is a journey and you should enjoy the ride. Well, if that's the case, you might as well ride in style at least once. The best I ever did was a 6-year-old convertible, but hey, I was riding in style in Miami Beach.

2. Date against type. Better yet, date somebody "dangerous." Waking up tied to a bed with a person who has more tattoos than brains will give you stories to regale other members of the old-age home in your dotage. Also, dating "dangerous" types will make you realize what jerks they are -- and make you less likely to pass up a lifelong love affair with someone you're really compatible with.
Or if you already tend to date dangerous, then date someone your mother would like. What the heck, she might be right.

Similarly, I recommend dating someone much older than you. My age limit was no one older than my dad. Since he was 19 when I was born, I actually came pretty close twice. I learned a bit about mature relationships, appreciated someone with life experience ... and got to go to more-expensive restaurants!

3. See the world. It's much easier to do when you're 22 and footloose than 35 with two bawling babies in your backpack. Even if you never leave the United States, you'll see a good portion of the planet. Go cheap and travel light. This leaves you open to more adventures. Youth hostels are inexpensive and, even better, you'll meet tons of other adventurers there.

Seeing the world will broaden your horizons and make you a more interesting person. Plus interesting and funny things happen when you travel -- and remember, your 20s are your time to live the stories that you'll be telling for the rest of your life.

I still talk about the three months I spent after college driving through the Southwest United States. I worked as a volunteer at a National Park, visited the Grand Canyon twice and saw Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, slept in my car at a highway rest area. I have more memories from that short time than from the next five years of work.

4. Live in a cool place. Maybe a loft in a trendy neighborhood "in transition," maybe just camped out on the beach in your van. I'm fond of the six months I lived on a sailboat when I was 25. Just think: no air conditioning, a lousy bathroom, mildew and lack of privacy. Yet everyone thought I was living some glamorous life. Later I lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and really appreciated the space. I still didn't have air conditioning but I was a 20-minute walk from the beach. Comfort isn't quite as important in your 20s as later –- take advantage of that fact.

5. If you're going to drink a lot, do it when you're young. Getting sick on cheap white wine after 30 is pretty pathetic. Young drunks sometimes get away with being "cute," though you may still have a lot of apologizing to do. Get this experimentation out of your system and you'll appreciate finer spirits when you get older.

6. Take risks with your job. I've noticed that most people end up changing direction in their careers after their 20s anyway, so, take the time to figure out what you want to do. There will be time enough to be a cubicle drone later.

Aim for the career you've dreamed of doing. If you have a chance to be a model or a dancer, go for it. Get the job in the big city. Volunteer to work on the big project that could make or break the company. Start up a smoothie business with your college buddy.

Or just have fun for now. You might want to be a bartender at the hottest club in town and pick up a lot of dates. Or take a low-paying job at the zoo just because you like animals. Later, when you've got the mortgage and 2.3 kids and a time share in Cocoa Beach, fun will be the last thing on your mind at the office. My husband still talks about having worked on a railroad on Mount Washington because it was a lot more fun than sitting at a desk every day as he does now.

7. Do something physically adventurous. And do it OUTSIDE! No one will ever be remembered for playing Nintendo or watching every single episode of "Friends." Enjoy your body while you're young, push it to its limits -– soon enough, you'll watch your muscles turn to flab and your rear end inflate like a rubber raft.

8. Take your parents to dinner. You'll probably have to struggle with your dad about paying the check, but this is one of those grown-up things to do. It gives you a chance to show your parents that you are an equal and that you are responsible. It's also a chance to show your appreciation for all those dinners they bought over the years.

9. Do volunteer work. You may be broke, but you can give your sweat and earnestness to a cause in which you believe. In addition to improving your world, you can allow yourself to be exposed to others in the world. Work in a soup kitchen and you'll appreciate your un-air-conditioned, one-bedroom apartment.

10. Use this decade to go to extremes. Climb the tallest mountain you can find. Picnic at midnight. Learn to sail. Talk to strangers. Road trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Take a midnight drive to the beach -– then stick around for dawn.

Sounds like your 20s are pretty fun.

But don't think this means the rest of your life will be a drag. My point is to take advantage of what you have: energy, idealism, enthusiasm, a willingness to experiment, a lack of encumbrances, a desire to learn and grow. Enjoy your 20s -- and you'll be better able to appreciate the next stage.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

The 22nd of June, 2008

My brother told me that he proposed to his long time gal friend on 12th June... we were joking about how he will be locked down by his wife and such... but I have to wish him luck for that.

Business has been bad lately due to the recession and the recent economy policies... however I kept listening the song called "I will survive" But I can see that there will be something better show up.

Anywhere the only thing I will say is hopefully everything will turn out to be good next year...

Sunday, June 15, 2008

The rising cost of Living in Malaysia

My first thinking when oil goes up in Malaysia, "here goes the neighborhood" because I knew that when you raise the price of on of the utilities, people will hate you. I know the government claimed that if is something unbearable... sorry, excuses are unacceptable because we are oil producing country and unlike Singapore or Hong Kong where they don't have oil...Then, the second bad news is raise of price in electricity... now I see raise in the price for raw food and others... and we really have to see what kind of way that we can used to reduce the cost of living .

P.S. I have to change my car to a NGV (natural gas vehicle) due to that.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Recession or Terrorism

It is an interesting subject, which does you fear: Recession or Terrorism?

My take will be neutral in this case, because if we think in a clear mind, both of them have a direct relationship with each other, in another word, if one happened, the other will follows. But, if you want me to take a clear stand, it will be recession.


What do you fear more: Terrorism or recession?
Posted: May 18, 2008 ,1902 GMT
By: Todd Benjamin

I want to ask a controversial question. What do you fear more, terrorism or a recession? Now before you think I’m insensitive or have gone off the deep end, let me explain how I came to ask this.

I was leaving the CNN building and outside, one of our camera crews had set up to do a live report. I asked the producer what the reporter would be talking about. “Terrorism,” she replied.

So I asked her, what do you fear more, terrorism or a recession? She gave me one of those looks which said, you can’t be serious Todd, suggesting that the one and only correct answer is terrorism.

But it’s not the only answer, and here’s why.

The cameraman said he actually feared a recession more. “What do you mean?” the producer asked, incredulously.

The cameraman said he figured his chance of being a victim of terrorism was pretty low, so he feared a recession more. And this is a guy who has seen death up close.

In no way am I downplaying a terrorist attack. Obviously when it happens, it has a devastating effect. We have seen the aftermath of 9/11, the Madrid bombings, the London bombings, and elsewhere.

The image of those planes flying into the World Trade Center in New York City, smoke billowing as people ran from the towering infernos, will forever be etched in our minds.

I can also remember feeling uneasy the first few days after the bombings in London in July of 2005, but then life regained its normalcy, its everyday rhythm.

Even in the immediate aftermath, I was struck by how many people went on with their daily lives, taking public transportation or standing and drinking outside pubs, refusing to give in to the fear that terrorists want to instill.

However, right now, I suspect if I asked many people what do you fear more, an act of terrorism or recession? Many would answer a recession.

I think for many of us, an act of terror is something we can’t control, because we don’t know when or where it will happen.

When it happens our hearts go out to the victims, and families, and we also feel angry and violated because innocent people die or are seriously injured and traumatized.

But as horrible as terrorism is, it could be argued that a recession affects many, many more people, millions who don’t lose their lives, but lose their jobs, their identities, homes, and possibly relationships also with devastating effect.

So is it any small wonder that the cameraman and others might fear a recession more than a terrorism attack?

As I said in the first sentence, it’s a controversial question, but in these times when there’s so much talk of recession, it’s a question I’m asking.

Tell me what you fear more, I’d like to know where you stand on the issue.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Tun M's interview with BBC back in April (Interesting interview)

BBC 'HardTalk' interview with Dr M

Posted by labisman

Saturday, 17 May 2008

For those of you who missed the interview on TV, here's a re-run....

Stephen Sackur Introduction:
Last month marked a watershed in the politics of Malaysia. The ruling national front recorded its worst election results in five decades. It's still in power but seriously weakened. My guest today personifies the power of the ruling party for 22 years. He was Malaysia's PM and one of the most outspoken leaders in the Muslim world. His critics called him a racist and a dictator. Has retirement mellowed Mahathir Mohamed?

Stephen Sackur: Dr Mohamad welcome to Hardtalk. Let's start with that election result last month, has it marked the beginning of the end for Malaysia's ruling party?

Mahathir Mohamad: Not necessarily, unless no action is taken, of course it may result in that. But if proper action is taken, including of course the present Prime Minister leaving his seat of power, it may be possible to bring back the Barisan Nasional Front in order to become again a very strong ruling party.

Stephen Sackur: You're saying that PM Abdullah Badawi has to be kicked out for the ruling party to recover?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well not so strong as that. He can step down. I stepped down in my time. It's about time that he steps down because the result of the election shows clearly that many of the former followers, supporters of the Nasional Front had decided that they would work, vote for the Opposition even if they didn't like the Opposition. They voted for the Opposition to send a message to the present government.

Stephen Sackur: Prime Minister Abdullah says that you have been one of the curses that have brought him down, because you've been sniping from the sidelines for the last two or three years.

Mahathir Mohamad: That may be so. I don't see why I should not criticise wrongdoings by him.

Stephen Sackur: What wrongdoings?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well in the first place, the government promises to remove corruption and things like that, but the government is found to be corrupt.

Stephen Sackur: You are tearing your own party apart though, that is the problem. And that is what many people inside your party believe.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well sometimes it may be necessary. I told people that I'm a doctor. If I find one leg becoming gangrenous I remove it.

Stephen Sackur: Now he has said Prime Minister Abdullah, that he will go eventually, but is your message to him that he has no time, he must go now?

Mahathir Mohamad: He must go now, because he will take time to revive the party for the next election.

Stephen Sackur: Isn't the truth of what we see in Malaysiatoday that the real discontent isn't so much with Prime Minister Abdullah, it is with the system and the ideology that you bequeathed to your country?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well the system and the ideology have been there for the last 50 years. It's worked very well we had always won elections, people always supported us and the country has done very well during that 50 years with that system.

Stephen Sackur : But the indications are and the opposition succeeded by saying to the public, we no longer want this racially defined system inside Malaysia. And it was the racial defined system that was the platform upon which you succeeded in running Malaysiafor 22 years.

Mahathir Mohamad: I think that's wishful thinking on the part of foreign critics. But the fact is that this election result was due to disaffection on the part of the ruling party's supporters, with the present leadership.

Stephen Sackur : Well let me just quote you the words of the new head of PenangStateand let's not forget that these results saw five very big and wealthy states go to the Opposition. The new head of Penang State Mr Lim Guan Eng, he says 'we want a new state administration that is free from corruption and cronyism, we are here to build a PenangStatefor all.' You didn't build a Malaysiafor all did you?

Mahathir Mohamad: I did. If you look at Malaysiatoday. Everybody is enjoying, has enjoyed, a very good life. They have become very prosperous. Malaysiawas one of the fastest growing countries in the world. If you look at the different races, you can find that they all benefited from that government. So it is of course, necessary for Opposition parties to make remarks like that.

Stephen Sackur : But they are not making it up are they? Let's look at your new economic policy which you pursued for so long. It favours ethnic Malays, in so many different ways, from public sector appointments to university places, to advantageous acquisition of stocks, discounts on housing, I don't know where to stop. There are so many different ways in which you ran an unequal system.

Mahathir Mohamad: No this was a policy which was initiated by my predecessors, it was necessary to...

Stephen Sackur : But you ran it for 22 years, you had ample opportunity to change it.

Mahathir Mohamad: Yes I had ample opportunity to implement in a way that will correct imbalances that existed in Malaysiasince the British days. And unless these imbalances are corrected there's bound to be another race riot, as happened in 1969.

Stephen Sackur : But the point is that 80 thousand Indians for example, were on the streets protesting long and loud last November, because they are no longer prepared to live with the racial division that you set in the stone.

Mahathir Mohamad: Why now? Why not during my time? They were quite free to demonstrate. Many of the people who disagreed with me demonstrated...

Stephen Sackur : But many of the people who disagreed with you, I'm afraid ended up in prison.

Mahathir Mohamad: Who?

Stephen Sackur : Hundreds of them, read every Amnesty international and human rights watch report for the years in which you were in power..

Mahathir Mohamad: The western press, the problem is that you make up these stories and then you take this as the truth, it's not the truth. Tell me who are the hundreds of people who ended up in prison.

Stephen Sackur: I'll discuss human rights a little bit later. I just want before we get distracted from this question of racism in Malaysia, I just want to put to you this final point: Anwar Ibrahim says that he is going to push and of course he your long time friend who became, your political enemy, he is going to push for a colour blind Malaysiawhere affirmative action is open to all who need help.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well this opportunism for him, now that he is out of the government, he was in the government for a long time, he never made any complaints, he never did anything to.

Stephen Sackur : He certainly made a complaint when you locked him up.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well that was not the reason why he was locked up, he was accused of sodomy, he was accused of abuse of power, he was tried in court, nine months and he was defended by nine lawyers and he was found guilty...

Stephen Sackur : Trumped up charges.. trumped up charges.. says not just Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International but I've been looking through the record, the Canadian government, the White House, the International Commission of Jurists, all of them expressed grave and deep concern with the way in which your judicial system treated Anwar Ibrahim.

Mahathir Mohamad: Yes you're free to say so but...

Stephen Sackur : I'm not saying it, I'm just quoting to you all the people who did say it.

Mahathir Mohamad: But what is the record of these countries? These people, these same countries arrested people without the law, and detained them in GuantanamoBayand even in Britainhere, you arrest people and detain them without any sanction by law.

Stephen Sackur : So does that make it okay that you did it for 22 years?

Mahathir Mohamad: We did it under the laws of the country, but it is not the way...

Stephen Sackur : You used the laws which went back to colonial times, the internal security act, emergency procedures, you feel satisfied to tell me that that was entirely legitimate?

Mahathir Mohamad: No we find that the situation in the country is very very fluid and it is very likely that there will be racial riots, unless we prevent precise people who are promoting racial hatred from talking about it.

Stephen Sackur : Put it this way, Dr Mahathir, you've had several years out of power now to consider your record and what you did, I wonder whether you are now ready to say that you regret what you did to Anwar Ibrahim?

Mahathir Mohamad: Why should I regret? He was arrested under the laws of the country, he was tried in the courts of the country and he was sentenced by the court. If he was not wrong, I don't think, no matter what you think about our judiciary, I don't think he would have been
sentenced to prison.

Stephen Sackur : It damaged your reputation though didn't it?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well that's something I have to accept.

Stephen Sackur : You may also find it comes back to haunt you? Anwar Ibrahim is now leading the opposition coalition. We are led to believe that there are certain MPs in the ruling party who may defect to him, in which case he could very soon be running the government. And he's made it plain that he wants to have you answer for all of the things you do while you were in power.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well he's welcome to do that if he becomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia, but if he wins over members of the ruling party to his side, it is the prime minister, the present leader who should be blamed, because he couldn't even get the loyalty of his own members.

Stephen Sackur : It wasn't the current prime minister who was in power when Anwar Ibrahim was savagely beaten during his time in detention?

Mahathir Mohamad: Savagely beaten? I know he was slapped and he had a black eye which was very useful for election purpose...

Stephen Sackur : Why you think he hit himself maybe?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well I don't know what happened..but the police the IGP admitted that he assaulted Anwar, but that wasn't me that was the IGP.

Stephen Sackur : But how do you respond, if Anwar comes to power and he as he said on this programme and elsewhere, that he wants a full and thorough public inquiry into all of your, Dr Mahathir's misdeeds, how will you respond to that?

Mahathir Mohamad: He is welcome to do so, but I hope that he finds people who are neutral, who are impartial, probably foreigners, because I don't trust the people that they put after people they don't like.

Stephen Sackur : Interesting that you say you don't trust people who are currently or maybe in charge of any inquiry, do you trust the integrity of the Malaysian judiciary?

Mahathir Mohamad: I do, at times I do but...

Stephen Sackur : is that because you appointed the judges?

Mahathir Mohamad: I didn't appoint the judges, the judges were recommended by the Chief Justice and my duty is to check whether he has any records or not and after that he is presented to the king who will then appoint the judge...

Stephen Sackur : Dr Mahathir, you know as well as I do, that the hottest political topic in Malaysiatoday, is the state of the judiciary, the integrity of the judiciary and that a video has been playing in Malaysiafor a long time now which shows a top lawyer talking to a top judge going back to 2001, in which the lawyer says to the judge 'believe me in the end all of the positions going all the way to the supreme court are fixed by the politicians', i.e. by you who were the prime minister at the time Dr Mahathir?

Mahathir Mohamad: Did he say that? Did he mention my name?

Stephen Sackur : He didn't mention your name he said this will be fixed, this goes through the political system. You ran the political system.

Mahathir Mohamad: I'm not so sure about that. But the fact is that this man had his video taken because they intended to blackmail him. He happens to be my lawyer, defending me at this moment for libel against Anwar and this tape came from Anwar. Anwar had these things
recorded in order to blackmail the lawyer.

Stephen Sackur : But the point is the current government led by Prime Minister Abdullah who is nominally or despite what you have said on this programme, is of your party. Prime Minister Abdullah has now essentially apologised, he said both to the supreme court justice that you removed and to other judges that were suspended or removed during your time in power, he's said sorry to them. He's said that he wants to offer them monetary compensation

Mahathir Mohamad: Fine but it's a political move. Something a man who is very unpopular at the moment, wanting to show that he's going to do something right.

Stephen Sackur: And that Dr Mahathir is my point. The Malaysian people no longer want to live with the system you created. That's why Prime Minister Abdullah is essentially dismantling the system that you created.

Mahathir Mohamad: No no no he's not dismantling the system, he is making use of the system in a worse way. Nobody can say anything against him, he has newspapers which only reports about him and how great he is. And he was mislead by his own supporters, into believing
that if he holds the election now, this is one and half years before the end of the term, he would win, he would have a clean sweep.

If you look at the records, he made statements that he would win the election, with zero for the Opposition.

Stephen Sackur: The more I listen to you talking about Prime Minister Abdullah, the more I wonder why did you choose him to be your successor?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well these people are very smart in hiding their true character. He was known as Mr Clean and I thought I would appoint a clean person to succeed me. Although he was not the one with the highest votes in my party. But I thought that he was older and I
appointed him thinking that he's not going to do anything very wrong. But this man gives priority to his family rather than to the country.

Stephen Sackur: So it was a fundamental lack of judgement on your part?

Mahathir Mohamad: Yes I'll admit that. But we all make mistakes. The British people voted in people like Blair, who told lies, so did the Americans. Lots of people make mistakes.

Stephen Sackur: We all make mistakes you say, was it also a mistake for you to define yourself so clearly, as anti-western and anti-democratic, in the sense that the West understands democracy?

Mahathir Mohamad: No that's the problem, I am not anti-Western, I am against the bad things that were done by the Western countries.

Stephen Sackur: You're not anti-western and yet in June 2003 before you left office, you said anglo-Saxon Europeans are essentially proponents and I'm quoting here: 'proponents of war, sodomy and genocide.'

Mahathir Mohamad: Which is true, you must admit.

Stephen Sackur: But you're not anti-western?

Mahathir Mohamad: I'm stating the fact. This is their character and I will continue to say so.

Stephen Sackur: So when you come here, you sit in the Hardtalk studio, in the heart of London, you regard yourself do you, as in one of the Headquarters of war, sodomy and genocide?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well I come here of course expecting to be lambasted by you, because that is the way you work.

Stephen Sackur: Well I'm not lambasting you at all. I'm trying to tease out whether you believe it was a mistake for you to use this sort of language. Because you clearly cut yourself off, from any sort of meaningful dialogue with the West when you use these words.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well the Europeans used to call us the lazy Malays, incompetent Malays, untrustworthy Malays, we couldn't say a thing about you. So when I was in a position to say what we think about you, and I did and you don't like it. When you said it to us you expect us
to like it. We didn't like it, but we had no way of making our voices heard.

Stephen Sackur: I am just wondering how you feel about democracy. Of course in the world since 9/11, the United Statesand the coalition of partners led by the United Kingdom, have talked a lot about spreading democracy, do you believe in democracy?

Mahathir Mohamad: If you look at the history of the west, they come up with all kinds of ideologies, they use it for sometime and then they found it defective and they dropped it and start on another. One day they are going to forget about democracy because in some countries
democracy actually ended up with anarchy. And there were practically no governments. It's not a system that can feed everybody. You must have a certain understanding of the limitations of democracy, in order to make it work.

Stephen Sackur: Is that why you were not a democrat, why you in the end did behave like a dictator?

Mahathir Mohamad: Well that is something that the West would like to say about me, I am a dictator.

Stephen Sackur: Well I'm just quoting your own words from 2002. You said it's good governance people need, you said, feudal kings even dictators have provided and can provide good governments.

Mahathir Mohamad: Well that's very true, that is very true. The great civilisations of the past did not have democracies. And yet they became great. It's not necessary that the system will work for everybody. But if we have a bad leader, even the democratic system will fail.

We must remember that it is a democratic country which dropped atomic bombs, killing 200 thousand people.

Stephen Sackur: How do you think the Malaysian public will respond to you saying, look you know what democracy isn't the best system and in fact dictatorship can often work better.

Mahathir Mohamad: I went through five elections and I won all the elections with a majority...

Stephen Sackur: Without a free press, locking up many of your opponents.

Mahathir Mohamad: There you go again about locking up many of my opponents, who are they?

Stephen Sackur: I don't know how many times I have to tell you, that I've studied the human rights watch reports, the Amnesty International reports, studies from the state department, from the Canadian government.

Mahathir Mohamad: These are biased reports, the first thing I did on becoming the prime minister in 1981, was to release political prisoners who were detained by my predecessors, 22 or them, including many members of the Opposition.

Stephen Sackur: Under the 1984 Press law which required newspapers to get a new licence every single year. It made it very easy for you to quieten them down, didn't it?

Mahathir Mohamad: No it has always been there, the press law has been there...I didn't do that...but the fact is that we have a multi-racial country and if we are not careful, there will be racial flare-ups. And you look at most of the countries with multi-racial population, they are never peaceful, even Northern Ireland, it took you such a long to stop the war in Northern Ireland.

Stephen Sackur: Talking of peace, you did worry about the stability of your country, didn't you? That's why you were very strong, very tough with Islamist extremism inside Malaysia.

Mahathir Mohamad: Yes it is necessary.

Stephen Sackur: Well I just wonder in that case then why just before you left office, in October 2003, why did you tell the Islamic Summit Conference that and I'm quoting again a very famous speech, it's a little bit long but '1.3 billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews,' you said. 'We're actually very strong. The Europeans killed six million Jews out of 12 million but today Jews rule this world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them.' You went
on to say: 'But the Jews have become arrogant. And arrogant people like angry people will make mistakes and there may be a window of opportunity for us.'

Mahathir Mohamad: I'm stating facts, I am willing to say that again and again that this is what has happened.

Stephen Sackur: Anti-Semitic and racist that was called by many governments and people around the world.

Mahathir Mohamad: Anti-Semitism is created by the Jews themselves. We cannot say anything. In fact journalists have been arrested for saying something against the holocaust and jailed for three years. Where is the freedom of press?

Stephen Sackur: So those words I quoted in your view, are not anti-Semitic?

Mahathir Mohamad: No they are not anti-Semitic? I am just quoting facts. The fact is that the United Statesobeys what Israelwants it to do.

Stephen Sackur: You call them facts, let's leave that aside for the moment. I am trying to understand your logic. Here you are a man who says that your own country is potentially destabilised by Islamic extremism and then you go out in an Islamic Conference and you use
words which could have been used by Osama bin Laden.

Mahathir Mohamad: There's no contradiction, no contradiction at all. I don't want Islamic terrorism any more than I want Jewish attacks against Israel, or American bombs on Baghdad. It is not incompatible.

Stephen Sackur: Do you feel confident that people still listen to your message?

Mahathir Mohamad: I wouldn't be able to say. Why should people worry about me?

Stephen Sackur: In Malaysiapeople say, and I'm talking about the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition: it's time for you to be quiet.

Mahathir Mohamad: Why should I be quiet? You mean to say when they are doing something wrong, to my country and I should not say anything? I would be irresponsible if I were to do that.

Stephen Sackur: Dr Mahathir Mohamad thank you very much for being on Hardtalk.

Mahathir Mohamad: You're welcome.

Do you want some Caffeinated chips? (Taken from Gizmodo.com)



"Pardon me while I pander to a stereotype and assume that you, dear reader, are interested in these caffeinated chips by Engobi. Coming in Xtreme flavors like "Cinnamon Surge" and "Lemon Lift," each bag of this snack has 70% more caffeine than the average energy drink. Using Red Bull as a metric, that puts Enobi chips at 136 milligrams of caffeine—or right on line with a cup of strong coffee. Seeing as most of us can down two or three cups for breakfast, that means all those Engobi-eating, Red Bull-drinking X-gamers have been posing for glamor shots at amateur night. Their cute haircuts, tats and piercings can call us when they switch to diesel."

Blogger's note: Looks like someone went overboard with their Cup Of Java joke...

Gorgeous Photo of Microwaved CD (Taken from http://gizmodo.com/391479/gorgeous-shots-of-microwaved-cds)


We haven't nuked a CD since the 90s either, but maybe that's only because we didn't have the right camera setup to capture the digital destruction in all of its glory. The Wacky Archives features a few remarkable shots of our ex-favorite pastime and we strongly recommend it as an opulently wasteful way to burn 3 minutes of your precious Saturday.

Gaia straits: Planetary doctor says condition terminal (Taken from CNN)

art.james.lovelock.jpg


DON, England (CNN) -- James Lovelock refers to himself as a "planetary doctor."

"Humans always think of these things in grand terms." Lovelock is philosophical about the climate crisis.

As someone who has studied his patient for over 40 years, the 88-year-old scientist and originator of Gaia theory, has reached a bleak prognosis: the world as we know it is ceasing to exist.

The impact of humanity has set in train processes that, according to Lovelock, are irreversible.

Pollution, overpopulation and carbon emissions have already pushed the earth's delicate regulatory systems beyond the point of no return, he says, and steps to address the climate crisis can do no more than slow down the inevitable.

"What we did was to pull the trigger in all of those things and set in course a motion, a change in the Earth, which is to all intents and purposes unstoppable," he tells CNN.

The legacy for future generations is a world where droughts and extreme weather are commonplace, large portions of the planet are turned to uninhabitable desert and billions of people destined to die off.

He has predicted that by 2040 the Sahara will be encroaching on Europe, and by 2100 there will be only 500 million of us surviving close to the poles.

It is a grim account of what's in store, and at odds with a large portion of scientific opinion that contends that if we take action now to cut carbon emissions, we can at least mitigate some of the worst effects of climate change.

So why should we take notice of him? Well, for one thing history is on his side: The British scientist's seemingly fanciful assessments of our world have proved right in the past.

In the 1960s he came up with a revolutionary understanding of how the world works. All living things, he theorized, have a regulatory effect on the Earth's environment, working together as one complete "superorganism" to sustain life.

In other words, life itself creates the conditions for life.

This holistic view of the planet he named Gaia after the Greek goddess of the Earth on the suggestion of his neighbor at the time in the English county of Wiltshire, William Golding, the author Lord of the Flies.

At first embraced by the New Age and environmental movement but almost totally ignored by the scientific community, the essential truth of the Gaia hypothesis -- that the Earth regulates itself -- has since been adopted by the scientific mainstream.

"It's a top down view of the planet looking at it as a whole system, and science unfortunately in the last century divided [the study of the earth] up into numerous specialties," he says.

According to Lovelock, this is why his predictions on climate change are more extreme, but also more accurate than those of leading scientific bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which he claims is limited in its assessment because it is made up of specialists whose focus is too narrow.

"The IPCC is made up largely of atmospheric physicists who are good at predicting the weather, but I'm not so sure that they are very good at predicting the future of the Earth.

"Likewise, the biologists who should be working with them are working separately and have produced the Millennium Ecosystem Assessments Commission's report and that's quite different from the IPCC and it's mostly concerned with biodiversity and things like that."

Although he offers some points of light -- putting an aerosol layer of fine particles into the stratosphere to reflect back sunlight may, he says, could buy us some time by slowing down the rate of decline for a decade -- his projections are on the whole brutally pessimistic.

Oddly however, he insists that he is himself an optimist by nature.

Listening to Lovelock it is easy to see why his theories caught on with New Age thinkers -- there is a strain of spirituality in much of what he says.

He's philosophical about the extinction of the human race, for example, viewing it as just another stage in the Earth's life cycle.

"Humans always think of these things in grand and big terms, rather than as part of the natural course of events. There are all sorts of organisms that have evolved on the earth in its long, long four billion years of history.

"For example, organisms like the photo-synthesizers appeared and, ultimately turned the atmosphere into one with lots of oxygen in it ... all sorts of dreadful things must have happened when that change took place.

"What we're doing is small beer compared with what has happened in the past, and that's why the earth is so robust and strong and will cope with it."

As an environmentalist, he is also surprisingly upbeat about humanity in spite of the apparent mess we've made of the planet.

Without realizing it, he says, humans set into motion a train of events we didn't realize we were in no position to control.

"We're a wonderfully valuable species to our planet," he says. "You see the great system has existed all those years and for the first time ever it's had people talking about it, and we're part of it, you see. So it's beginning to understand its position in the universe."

Humans may face an uncertain future but Gaia, it seems, will live on.

(Anyone that is interested for more Dr. Planet's theory and articles, please visit his website

http://www.jameslovelock.org/)

Blogger's note: At the end of the day, if we don't do our part correctly, we may ended to be extinct... and remember we are not doing for anyone but one's self.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

The morning after the Ten Years Anniversary

It has been a crazy night for me, because AL was there. We been having too many drinks that caused me having a bad hangover the next morning... but I am glad that it was over... I have got it out of my bloody system, thank you.

Ah Long Pte Ltd

I watched this movie with my brother yesterday and I found it was a movie made by our Singapore counterpart to embarrass our government... how low can we sink?

I was wondering if it okay for us to make a movie about Singapore's government? About the Temasek Group? About the Lee's family? I bet the answer is 'NO'.

I was still surprise that there is no one protesting about this movie...

10 things not to say...to a fellow lady from MSN

Here are 10 things most women don't want to hear:

1) "What did you do to your hair?"
Unless we've cut our own hair—this is not common—someone else did something to our hair. It wasn't us. And most likely we've gone to a lot of trouble and expense for it. "I like your new haircut" is infinitely better, and shows you're paying attention. It's also far superior to the generic "You look different," which tells us you're as clueless as ever.

2) "They both look the same to me."
We understand you care a lot less than we do about the outfits or the registry dishware we're asking you to compare. But they can't possibly look exactly the same, can they? Give us something. Anything. Mentally roll the dice and pick one, so we don't worry about your vision—or worse, that you don't care.

3) "Relax."
A kissing cousin to "Don't get so worked up," this generally creates the exact opposite effect you're shooting for. When you say "Relax," what we hear is that you think that we're being irrational over nothing, and this makes us do anything but relax.

4) "I've got it all under control."
Ha! Famous last words. Refrain from using them if you don't want us to take fiendish delight in your getting lost because you won't stop for directions (if we're late, there will be fiendish fuming), or because you're missing a piece to your flat-screen television because you said you didn't need to read the assembly instructions.

5) "You're not one of those feminists, are you?"
Yikes. Chivalry may be nearly dead, but saying this will drive the last spear through its heart. Feminist or not, a woman is likely to be offended by the question. Just be yourself. Be kind, open the door, offer to pay, and go from there. We can choose to accept or share in your generosity.

6) "When are you due?"
Take one second to imagine a woman turning to you and responding, "I'm not pregnant," or "I had the baby six months ago," and you'll understand why you should eradicate this question from your vocabulary. In one nanosecond, innocent—even considerate—curiosity can turn to deadly, if unintentional, offense. And there's just no way to recover from this one.

7) "You're being emotional."
In the heat of the moment this may be true. But unless you want your partner to become more emotional or get angry, you're better off keeping this observation and its off-limits follow-up question—"Is it that time of month?"—to yourself.

8) "You're acting just like your mother/my mother/my ex-girlfriend."
All three are problematic. An ex should be mentioned sparingly, and never in comparison. Why would we want to remind you of a person you broke up with? And come to mention it, why are you thinking about her? You see the slippery slope. Conjuring an image of our mother or your mother can be equally grating. We want you to treat us as individuals and not as mere products of your (or our) upbringing.

9) "You complete me."
We've seen "Jerry Maguire" and most other romantic comedies far more often than you, and while we may (or may not) like cheesy movie lines, they usually fail in real life. We understand that the possibility of romance makes inexplicable things come out of a man's—and sometimes a woman's—mouth, but keep the compliments real and honest and sincere and say you love someone when you mean it.

10) "Do you really think you should be eating that?"
Yes. She should be eating it. Even if she told you she's given it up.




I found that most of them are right? It is true?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

THE TEN YEARS

It has been 10 years since I broke up with my first ex-, and after many exes later, does it really matter? Yes it does because the first cut is the worst cut...I will elaborates on this later ... it is the best night out tonite.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

The surprising relaxing Sunday

It has been a while that I do not have a relaxing Sunday... I woke up at 7am this morning, I make myself a good breakfast this morning, some oat meal, a cup of espresso and some fresh sesame bun which I got from Tesco. Then, I did some cleaning at the kitchen... and my brother called me at 9:20 to have breakfast with my dad. Although I already have a good breakfast, there is no harm to have a cup of Java at the club. On the way back I grabbed some books and some fruits for a week. Watch some movies and took an afternoon nap. Finish reading a book that I have put a side for a while, and later have dinner with my bro and my mom.

Soak myself at the tub with some green tea and I am going to call a day now because I know it will be a hectic morning tomorrow because it is Monday tomorrow...

Malaysia Politics NOW!

I am not siding to any parties because I don't think the people are ready for changes... the latest election result send a cold wind over my back bones and a cold sweat break on my forehead because I knew that Malaysians are not ready for such changes and why do they vote at the first place.

After the election, many defeated BN members think: " Where did we went wrong?" IT IS THE ECONOMY DUMMY! When your local Politicians did not listen to the people grumbling about the oil price (edible or not) to a simple cup of JAVA, they failed. We did not wanted to listen to the government advertise on how much we subsidize for this and that... we just simply cannot. Look fix the economy and be more transparent, people will be more willing to come back to you.
BN also needed a better PR and don't change your candidates when the election is near because people can smell your insecurities and people also wanted a familiar face. You also needed to be more informative to your people, like the SMART TUNNEL... educate the people about it because I don't think even the opposition knows what the tunnel is for, they only asked why you close the tunnel during floods, HELLO, we needed some good PR and information here.

Congratulation to the Opposition, but know this the people voted you not because you are better than the BN, but because you are the not BN, you are not even on the same par... but you have 4 years to prove yourself. I am just hoping that you are not sitting on you 'rear' just to punish the BN... BECAUSE WE KNOW WHERE YOU AT!!! and we know with the current economy, you can't cash in the promises that you made.... but we shall see.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Don't judge a book by it's cover: A blonde joke

A very wealthy blonde woman walks into a bank in NYC and asks the banker for a $5,000 dollar loan. She exclaims that she has to go out of town on urgent business and needs the 5 grand right away. The banker regretfully tells her that they'll need to run a background check before just giving out a loan to someone. She begs and begs but to no avail. The woman says that there's no reason, since she's one of the wealthiest people in New York. The banker, not sure whether or not to believe her or not, says that the only way they can skip the background check is if she has something of value that's considerably worth more than the 5 grand. The blonde says well how about if I give you the keys to my Porsche. The Porsche, having been all paid for, was enough to persuade the banker to give her a $5,000 loan. After twenty minutes or so, the lady walked out of the bank and flew overseas on her business trip.

A week later she returns and tells them she's like to pay off her loan. The banker tells her with interest accumulated that she owes $5,021.19. She pays in cash for it and begins to walk out the door. As she's leaving, the banker stops her and says. "I can't help but wonder. We did a background check on you anyways and indeed, you are one of the wealthiest people in New York. May I ask why in the world you would you need a loan for a measly five thousand dollars?"

The blonde looks back at the banker and replies: "are you kidding me, where else in New York city could I find a place to park my car for the week for $21.19?"

TOP TEN THINGS YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR IN SURGERY

1 Don't worry. I think it is sharp enough.

2 Nurse, did this patient sign the organs donation card?

3 Damn! Page 84 of the manual is missing!

4 Everybody stand back! I lost a contact lens!

5 Hand me that...uh...that uh.....thingie

6 Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy.

7 "Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness"

8 Whoa, wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that?

9 "Ya know, there's big money in kidneys. Hell, he's got two of'em

10 What do you mean "You want a divorce?"

(Taken from http://www.comedy-zone.net/jokes/)

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Cursing Guideline at office (Contributed by Justin)

Dear Employees:

It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals
throughout the company have been using foul language during the course
of normal conversation with their co-workers.

Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily
offended,this type of language will no longer be tolerated.

We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to
accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative 'TRY SAYING' phrases have
been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can

continue in an effective manner.

Number 1
TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.

Number 2
TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing bit__.

Number 3
TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

Number 4
TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

Number 5
TRY SAYING: Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me!

Number 6
TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with...
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

Number 7
TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project.
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem.

Number 8
TRY SAYING: That's interesting.
INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

Number 9
TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented.
INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.

Number 10
TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that.
INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner?

Number 11
TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues.
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.

Number 12
TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

Number 13
TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

Number 14
TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm on salary.

Number 15
TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

Number 16
TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

Number 17
TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

Number 18
TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive.
INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.

Thank You,
Human Resources

Letter to the PM



For the past 10 years, we did not any progress in the term of economics sense, except for a few international recognized company to set up in Negeri Sembilan, where I can count Wah Long and Samsung, other investors is packing and leaving NS to other places such as Vietnam... I am sad of that. This leaves many youngsters to leave NS for a better life such as KL. Which is a fact, because 9 out of 10 of my friends is working out of NS... so I wrote a letter or warkah to out PM and see what will happened for the next five years... and this is one of the response.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Thailand Trip Part 2

Day 2 - Bangkok to Pattaya

The morning call was set at 6am due to the busy traffic in Bangkok. So, after having breakfast at the hotel, which again, 'Ain't great', we met at the lobby with our luggages for the bus. We were taken to the central river of Thailand which is the Chao Phraya, also known in Thailand as Menam (“Mother of Waters”) Chao Phraya. Yes, we are taking a boat to circle around Bangkok. On the boat ride, we were told about how people live off Menam.



Along the river, you can see many interesting landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Royal Navy Pier and etc.



We also visited Wat Arun or the so called Temple of the Dawn.According to the MSN Encarta, "The temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, is among the most famous of the more than 400 Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city. Commonly known as the Temple of Dawn, the Wat Arun displays the prang style typical of the architecture of the former kingdom of Ayutthaya (1350–1767). The central prang rises 104 m (340 ft) above a temple compound pavilion that contains images of Buddha’s life."









Then we have lunch at the largest restaurant in the world: The Royal Dragon (Mang Gorn Luang) restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, opened in October, 1991, and can seat 5,000 customers, served by 1,200 staff. It has over 1,000 dishes that are offered on the menu to suit all tastes: Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Western. The building architecture itself takes on the appearance of Chinese architecture, with sloping roofs of orange-red tiles. When it opened, the restaurant employed 1,200 staff, including 541 waiters and waitresses, and 322 chefs. The waiting staff wear roller-skates in order to ensure a speedy service. But, overall, the foods at the restaurant sucks... the food is under expectation.


Then, from there we went to the Sri Racha Tiger Park. (Taken from: http://www.bestdaytoursthailand.com/day_tours_thailand_sriracha.html)

"SriRacha Tiger Zoo is an exquisite zoological garden on over 100 acres where you can get a glimpse of many tigers. Sriracha Tiger zoo has over 200 Bengal Tigers and 100,000 crocodiles. SriRacha Tiger Zoo Thailand is the greatest tiger zoo in the entire world. It is said as soon as you step in, you are bound to feel the natural atmosphere and watch hundred of tigers in the natural tiger playground. Hold the tiger cub in your arms, feed them with milk and take a memorable picture to make your holidaying in Thailand the most memorable one.

You can also witness and learn about how the sow plays the role of the tiger cubs' nanny. Learn more about how she feeds them with her own milk along with the piglets and if you are lucky you can even get to see a practical demonstration of it. This SriRacha Tiger zoo also houses camels, deer, wallabies, rabbits, elephants, ostriches and especially the tiger cubs that were born in the zoo. You can also learn more about the elephants by strolling through the “Elephant Museum”. “Crocodile Eggs Breaking Festival”, a unique and fantastic event organized in this zoo is a surprisingly interesting event that you should not miss. The event is the first ever in the world and is held every year in between May to August. You can also enjoy varieties of animal shows in “Amazing Circus”. Wrestling Show with Crocodiles by lady performers is an added attraction. This SriRacha Tiger Zoo has impressed many tourists with the intelligence of pig in the Pig Racing Ground and Swimming Pool and with the exhibition of “SCORPION QUEEN” – a lady with hundred of poisonous scorpions.

Taking memorable photos with the tiger cub, baby crocodile, and various other kinds of animals. Witness the kind-hearted pig feeding the tiger cubs with her own milk along with the piglets. Crocodile and elephant shows, S&R Restaurant serves Thai, Chinese and Western cuisine for. Visitors can try exotic dishes of crocodile meat that are specially prepared as well as fresh seafood

The tour includes all entrance fees and show fees."






However, from my view point, it is pretty sad to look at condition of the animals kept in captivity...

Next, we go to Pattaya. We went to a hotel called the Royal Orchid. It is a four star hotel. We rest about 1 hour then left the hotel for dinner and some shopping. I went to see the 'tiger show'... pretty degrading show...and waste of time. Then at 9pm, we were back to the hotel. I sneak out and went to Hard Rock Cafe, Pattaya. It was a blast. The rock band, can't recall their name... did a very good rock and roll and the girls in the place is 'D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S.'

Went back to the hotel around 4am...