Welcome to the Year of Earth Ox!

Well CNY this year is pretty wet and hot. It seems that this is the first memorable CNY where the weather is rainy. A first of many kinds. Perhaps its signalling great changes in the world. Whatever it is, I hope that the changes are good and beneficial to mankind.

In Chinese culture, each year is determined after a zodiac sign which is taken from a composition of 12 Animals. Namely, the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig and Rat. The Rat is actually the first zodiac sign according to list and since its the rota cycle of the Ox this year, its placed first here.

People born in the Year of the Ox are believed to be hard and tough, strong and silent, a planner who plots his stratagem. Someone who thinks before speaking and is very sure and clear about life. At times, they may come across as unfeeling and the sense of disdain for others too apparent. Their serene composure and modest exterior makes others misjudge them, as they are brilliant and easily able to assume leadership mantle. They are however not very chatty, less flashy and visible though intelligent enough to understand. For them, actions speak volumes.

Ho Chak on Malaysia 8TV

I enjoy watching Ho Chak. It's a foodie documentary aired weekend on the best places to eat. Typically a show and tell of what's good for the palate. Yoon (吳家潤) female host of the show is so cute and watching her antics on the show makes it even enjoyable for a non-foodie like me. I mean as in a person who loves food but not to desire the same.

The show's namesake Ho Chak is Hokkien (a Chinese dialect) for “Tasty”.

Kudos Yoon...I'll be watching out for more of you.

A Sincere Wish for this Chinese New Year 2009

I wish you all a Happy, Wonderful, and Prosperous New Year come this 26th January 2009. May we all be in the best of health and wealth starting this Chinese New Year. Happiness starts with you.

On the international scene, I would like to see:-

1. President Obie take office and show us the changes he looks set to do positively,
2. Wars and bloodshed a memorial of the past and never to recur,
3. A unification of trade organizations to protect and not fleece the consumers,
4. A China of greater reforms and with proper regulatory systems,
5. A Taiwan that maintains its own sovereignty,
6. Governments of more developed countries helping countries that are not, and
7. Peace and Prosperity.

Locally, I hope to see:-

1. Less Talk and More Action (LTMA) from the Pakatan Rakyat government which is still sluggish,
2. A stop work and demolition order for a Chinese Temple that is in the ending stages of construction despite opposition from local residents in Bandar Mahkota Cheras (not to mention the highway saga),
3. Proper decorum from Members of Parliament whenever they carry out their duties, whether in debates or so,
4. A ceiling price capped for petrol and a reflective showing in the same when the CO price per barrel is down,
5. Malaysians think of themselves more of a single race, the Malaysian Race, instead of by ancestral roots. Here I think our forefathers were even more friendly and united back then than we are now. If we cannot move forward then look back and learn from our past,
6. The total eradication of the Mat Rempit menace and an end to the lack of public safety, and
7. That we all Malaysians regain our pride and love for this land where we were born - Unity is Strength.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.........many times over