Tales of Horror ~ the Malaysian Motorcyclist Again

With a global tagline, unstable and upward moving fuel prices seems to be pushing more drivers to the two wheels option. People who traveled by car before are now traveling by motorcycle more than ever before and it is a fact that every year more and more motorcycles are registered for road use (not to mention those that are not).

This really does not augur well for those that are still using the four wheels option.

We already have on the road, motorcyclists that weave in and out of traffic regardless whether stationary or moving, cut in dangerously in front of other moving traffic, nick and dent vehicles as they squeeze thru traffic, hog the fast lane, making sudden stops and turns, underage and without crash helmets (hmm...now why do we call the helmets, crash helmets?), a minority of street racer gangs and hoods, and the like. Then of course we also have other motorist who drive around like they are half crazed desperadoes.

We certainly need more effective ways to bring order to the situation.

Not - road safety advertisements on the telly or radio telling us things like motorcyclist uses a full lane (hence they rightfully travel in the middle of the lane), or always be observant of their presence (in other words, take care not to knock into them and they should have right of way), et cetera et cetera et cetera.

Yes. I did encounter an experience with the Malaysian Motorcyclist today. No. It was not a run-in type of an incident.

It was more on part of an observer as I was caught up early this morning in the rush hour traffic traveling towards the city like so many other Malaysians who need to work for a living. I was moving and stopping on the fast lane (of a four lane highway), also known as the Overtaking Lane, that had become a Learner's Lane with vehicles moving at a speed of even below 20km/hour. For every 4 wheels vehicle that attempted, I use the word "attempted" because some were intimidated and caused to fail, the fast moving and often speeding motorcyclist that was traveling in between this lane and the next were hogging the space in between the lanes. Aggressively beeping their horns and glancing back menacingly at the drivers of those four wheels that were attempting to change lanes. It is no wonder that the mentality of people in traffic whether non-moving, slow, or moving has degraded to a point not quite so unlike the proverbial dog-eat-dog situation.

Education is the key to a better life. In this particular situation - a correct education is needed.

Love and Beauty

What is Love? What is Beauty? Love and Beauty changes with time. Enjoy and savor what you have at the moment. Be glad of what you have and always look at the bright side. Live and and live. Appreciate having once had then never at all.

Of Love, and to your significant better half, say, "If love was a highway, let me be the road that you travel upon"

China: The Scenic Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province

Jiuzhaigou Valley is probably the only place on Earth with an amazing ecosystem. In Jiuzhaigou you will come across unique narrow conic karst land formations, mountains, dense forests, colorful lakes, scenic waterfalls, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Jiuzhaigou Valley is some 600 sq km and located in the northern part of Sichuan Province. The jagged peaks around Jiuzhaigou Valley reach heights of more than 4,800 m and in the valley there is a range of diverse forest ecosystems. The breathtaking landscapes are greatly interesting with their narrow conic karst land formations and spectacular waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also make it their home here, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the "National Treasure" - the giant panda, and of course the Sichuan takin.

Lying on the edge of the diverging belt between the Qinghai-Tibet Plate and the Yangtze Plate, there are major faultlines running through the site. Seismic activities resulting in Earthquakes are common and have greatly altered the geological landscape.

The main valley is some 50 km long, and this is where Shuzheng, Qunhai, Rize, and Zechawa valleys merge. Spectacular waterfalls and streams link some 100 lakes of various sizes. SOme of the more well-known ones are the Xionguashai (Panda Lake) Fall which drops 78m in three steps, and the Zhengzhutan (Pearl Shoal) Fall, which drops 28m in a broad curtain of water, 310m wide.

The lakes in Jiuzhaigou were formed by calcium carbonate in the flowing water when the earth was in the interglacial stage. Since calcium carbonate cannot solidify, it is carried by the water. Over 12,000 years ago, when the global climate became warmer, the calcium carbonate became active and attached itself to obstacles in the water. As time passed, the attached matter became thicker, forming the milky white banks of barrier lakes.

The tranquility of the place is shattered musically to the thunderous sound of the many roaring waterfalls downstream. The most magnificent waterfall in Jiuzhaigou is the Pearl Beach Waterfall in the Rize Valley, roaring down from a sheer cliff, and flying about in all directions. The drops of water reflected in the sunlight glisten like colorful pearls.

The name Jiuzhaigou actually means the Ravine with Nine Villages, and the area was so named because there were originally nine Tibetan villages here.

When will I see you again...Jiuzhaigou

You are a natural leader

Seriously. Have faith in yourself. It may be at work or for some social activity, but when you have faith in yourself you are one of those few people who takes life seriously and will more than often succeed. Failure is only part of the equation. Add experience and determination, and of course faith you shall succeed. Have a good day.

Moving On

Before you think of switching jobs, ask yourself are your pursuing the right career currently? Does it celebrate your strengths, creativity and leave you feeling fulfilled and enriched at the end of the day? Are you reaping the financial rewards you deserve? If the answer is yes with a resounding two-third positively - stay where you are.

Britney Spears, I grew up at the same time with

Oh Britney Spears you've gone and done it again. Britney Spears the girl I grew up with watching MMC Disney has failed again to perform.

Her latest showing at the MTV Video Music Awards, 25th annual installment on Sunday was very mundane and a bit vomit inducing to say the least. I feel her pain. While she is trying hard to get her life back together, her ex-husband has full custody of their two sons, and her father has control of her business affairs. Talk about luck.

This much promised hype fizzled out when Britney took stage and that was it. Nothing spectacular and certainly not worth watching the few minutes of it. Well at least the next act was fun. Rihanna sang next.

Oh Britney please do good...soon

Monday Living

Take it easy. Just sit back and watch the day unfold. Focus on breathing and let the energy and warmth of that flow thru you. If that seems impossible take care of small tasks and errands, after all it's a Monday...

Do and Grow Rich...Albeit Slowly

Disclaimer: Whatever you do, please don't quote me on this... ... ...

Many rich people made their millions as entrepreneurs. They worked hard in business. The majority of us however prefer to be wage-earners working for rich people and buying lottery hoping to strike it rich (I know because I do, the lottery buying part at least). There is no secret behind getting rich but only the fact that it will take time (a whole lot of precious time). The solution is to maximize your income on the job (and knowing when to move on and cut your losses) and use all the extra money to invest smartly and profitably. The Chinese love the number 8 and the luck associated with it, so please enjoy the following 8 "tips" for doing and growing rich (although luck is not a factor here). The following deals with your income as a wage-earner and the income from investments. Am I rich? Hope so.

1. Work Smart. Brush up and improve working methods. Become more efficient and knowledgeable by having a checklist and a streamlined process for work. Save costs and even volunteer your services whenever the opportunity presents. This makes you an important and valuable asset to your company. In time, you may even be in line for that much awaited promotion, bonus or even pay increment.

2. Always negotiate. Do not be comfortable and accept your salary at the first instance. You may be paid more if you negotiate. It is likely as well if you don't negotiate, you may be paid that salary level for a long long time.

3. Market rates. Be aware of your self worth. Never be content. Have a goal to be paid and much more than your actual worth. Make sure the boss is aware of your value to the company as well.

4. Be Prepared. People move on when they FIND better career prospects elsewhere. Weight the long terms benefits against your current job prospects and if you find yourself better elsewhere, all the more to move on and don't look back. Update your work resume periodically and keep it ready. Do the usual networking rounds to let know of your interest for a better job and do not just rely on the job classifieds.

5. Invest as much as possible. With all the extra money or a minimum allocation if none, make plans and act for your future by investing in fixed, deposits, mutual trust funds, and equities. You will find that the earlier you do this, the earlier you will start seeing your savings grow.

6. Minimize you Taxes. Invest in insurance. Medical and Hospital Insurance that will cover healthcare. Life and Personal Accident Insurance to cover unexpected loss and guarantee a sum for your loved ones. All these insurance types are tax deductible and you will find yourself paying less tax and getting benefit from having the value of such insurance cover. Go for the maximum premium allowed under the tax deduction.

7. Get your Tax refunds. Immediately. Money with the Income Tax Department does not earn interest. Get a refund immediately.

8. KISS. Keep it smartly simple. Do not go for get-rich-quick schemes or complex investments, while the returns may be higher so is the associated risks. Accumulate your wealth with long term plans by having a regular investment plan and sticking to it.

Working with Friends

I'm all for working with Friends (not Family - tell you later why). Ever felt or wondered why working with people is so much different than working for them? My affliction started when I first joined the workforce, people tend to work better with me or me with them when we developed a working-friendship relationship. At the same, people I regarded as friends didn't do quite so well as working associates. The difference here that I'm trying to say is that as the relationship is built and fostered at work it gets better. However, if that someone is known to us prior to us working together, the results are most likely to fare less better.

A classic example is John (a close friend of mine who shared his experiences with me),

From Employer to Friend - John started working with a pharmaceutical factory after completing college. Armed with his diploma qualification, he tackled many interviews for job openings before finally receiving an offer to join this company. When John first joined the company, he did not know anyone in the company nor did he know any other person in that industry. John struggled hard to prove his capabilities and attempted to excel in his position as a Marketing Officer. He enjoyed working although it seemed like an uphill task working absent of support from his peers. But things changed soon after his company director noticed him and they became friends. John's work also became much easier because he now had a friend to relate to at work and he continued working there until today.

Another example this time from Joann,

From Friend to Employer - Joann had been working for a few years when a childhood friend of hers called her. Her friend wanted Joann to join her in his food services company as the company was expanding and needed more staff. Thinking it was ok, Joann resigned from her company of 3 years and started her new working life in her friend's company. 5 months later, Joann threw in the towel and resigned from her position as Regional Marketing Manager. Although the pay was good and she had the support of her subordinates, work with the friend was no bed of roses. He would call her in the middle of the night to talk work and insult her at meetings although she had no wrong. He would humiliate her and had no qualms about talking about her personal details of her life behind her back to her peers in the company. Joann had enough and it was sweet relief for her when she left. Funny thing is they became friends again and even joked about the whole incident.

What was that saying again? Being too familiar with someone will only breed contempt? Very true to a certain extent. Proceed with caution my friends. Perhaps work if you must but at all times maintain a level of professional distance and make it known earlier your expectations if its a friend.

Classic Inspiration, Happiness

Happiness now available with only a minimum effort of a smile. Yes that's right. How does one still not be happy when they smile. Think of it. When you smile you light up life itself, yours as well as those fortunate enough to be around you at that time. At any place and at any time, a smile is all you need to cheer yourself up and put things in perspective. Go ahead, smile.

All for only the cost of a frown (that negative condition that is exactly the opposite), all you have to do is smile. Serves one and benefits many. A smile brings happiness and happiness gives joy. The beauty of it is that is valid for as long as you determine it to be. Your smile is your long term and long time asset. Take care not to lose it. Carry out regular maintenance with use.

Be happy, don't worry, and keep reaching high...

Life, Change

We have been discouraged and encouraged over and over again in our life. It seems like life is like the sea with its hi-tides and lo-tides. Hi or lo may it be, it is our life. Although it may seem that every time some powerful transits are settling down, we are faced with another. We are constantly undergoing profound change and yet we may not yet understand where the current transitions will take us. Our attraction to the unknown will forever drive us on. Life is about change. Change is what brings about life.

Great Wall, The

The Beijing Olympics 2008 was one of the most spectacular shows that I have ever witnessed in my life (to date). I can only place it next to the other astounding experience and feeling I had during my last trip to China where I visited one of the 7 Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China.

The most amazing view can be seen from the top of this wall and when you finally walk the furthest length capable of your stamina, you will absorb the beauty of the most amazing structure. I strongly recommend that the uninitiated travel to this great place of wonder and history for a first hand dose of the most amazing feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when you finally make it.

I'll admit that it was good exercise and my legs were basically aching and wobbly at the end of it, but I would no doubt do it again. A lifetime experience that's for sure..

Love is a four letter word

Your lover's heart is a delicate thing, so handle it with care. Watch your words and actions. If you are feeling a bit sassy, consider the impact your words will have.

All About Me

My mood swings are pretty unpredictable. One moment I'm upset and the next I'm all sunshine. Maybe that's what being born under the horoscope of Pieces brings. All otherwise, I'm almost an optimistic individual. I love to see the good side of things, or at least that's what I would like to think so. I love traveling a lot, exploring new places and the culture of the people of those places. I guess I'm a sucker for new and wide variety of experiences.

I have this natural ability to draw people out of their shells and they naturally drop their masks and talk to me as a person in the true sense. I would like to add that I have a sympathetic ear and this helps too quite a lot. People find me easy to relate to, unpretentious and straightforward. Sometimes, maybe a bit to direct.

As an individual, I'm always open to challenges and a bit of a perfectionist. While looking and seeking out solution to problems and challenges I tend to overdo it at times making others think that I procrastinate too much. Fortunately I'm self motivated most of the time and will not let this partly negative attribute of my character bog me down. Thriving on chaos and loving every second of it is my outlook on such matters.

I tend to look out for wrongs to make right and sometimes not to the best interest of the "wrong" party, but heck everyone is entitled to their own; so I'm trying hard and learning to take things as they are and let things be.

I'm proud to say this of myself, I'm an original no matter how others take me to be. Life is meant to be full of joy.

Right or Wrong ~ who has the "right" to say?

Who can actually say?

Over the centuries, people have been led (misled) and governed by beliefs, customs, and rules that were set by the majority. Sometimes by the select few. But then again, those few are normally and commonly regarded as regimes or dictatorships.

A monk may be believed to be religious and a Datuk (a title bestowed locally to those who have contributed to the public, state, and nation) to be respectable. But are they always what they seem to be or made out to be? I believe that a person IS ALWAYS RIGHT as long as he THINKS himself to be; unless of course its an undeniable factual truth. An example of an undeniable factual truth is a stone will free fall by gravity pull to the ground when thrown up in the air and no matter how hard the mind alone thinks otherwise, it will still fall.

The latest political storm in Malaysia is about the Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail. Ahmad was questioned by local police over his alleged seditious remarks on the Chinese community. During a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25, Ahmad was alleged to have said that the Chinese community were "penumpang" (meaning: squatters) and thus were not entitled to equal rights in Malaysia. The label he allegedly used in his speech on the Chinese community in Malaysia was definitely not "right". An apology from UMNO is not required. Why should UMNO apologize over the fault of one person unless they agreed with Ahmad's shallow thoughts and still consider him as one of their many leaders?

However, an apology from Ahmad is just not enough. If he had actually used that word "penumpang" whether in context or lack of understanding (which is unlikely given the fact that he is a prominent politician and what more a Datuk), he should be charged in court for making a seditious statement. The party may also withdraw all support and take disciplinary action against him.

If he had used the word "immigrant", it would at least be a partial truth as the forefathers of the Chinese community today were indeed immigrants who came from China to seek better life in the then Malaya. Many were foreign labour brought in to work in the tin mining industry and were the expatriates of that era - returning to China after their contract expired. But those who stayed, stayed back to start a new life in the country. Are they so different? Why should skin color or the origins of our ancestors matter? Whatever the Chinese are, they are definitely not "penumpang" as they have contributed immensely to nation building in their course of life in Malaysia. Some say, "born and bred" in Malaysia. I don't just see and listen. I think as well and I love this country we call Malaysia.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival ` The Red Turtle

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kow Ong Yah) is a festival celebrated by many and mainly Chinese to commemorate the return from heaven to earth of the Nine Emperor spirits.

The festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Devotees congregate at temples throughout the country for the festival.

The Nine Emperor Gods are known locally as Jiu Hwang Yeh. These nine deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven.

On the eve of the ninth moon, temple committee members and followers of the deities hold a ceremony to invite and welcome the nine emperors. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await the arrival of their excellencies.

The Red Turtle "Pau" represents longevity and is used as an offering during prayers. Devotees are known to inscribe chinese wordings representing safety, health, good business, wealth, and prosperity in the belief that the "turtle" will carry their wishes to the gods.

A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, many of them volunteers who help with the various activities and tasks at the temple, they eat vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. Normally it will rain throughout the nine days of celebration.

Mahkota Cheras Chinese Temple...and the Saga continues

It simply cannot be understood at all why the new but fast becoming old state government in Selangor has failed to take any action to determine whether any wrongdoing in this matter. Moreover when the good people who own houses in that particular section brought their plight to the dailies.

I do believe that there is a planning guideline where such matters are concerned.

The plot of land which is situated along the main road leading to Jalan Permaisuri 1/6 of Section 6 in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, used to be fully occupied by a jogging track, badminton court, and childrens' playground.

Not wishing to comment on the apparent neglect of upkeep of the facilities mentioned before it was ceremoniously taken over by a group of people claiming to be the committee for a Chinese Temple, and I do say ceremoniously because the kick-off party was very colourful and loud with trafffic guards, Karaoke, and the like, the fact that remains that this temple is in the midst of construction already and located on a land reserved for recreation.

Over 6 metres high walls and the temple structure are being erected on the spot where the playground once stood in entirety. Liau, a retiree, laments that the MKAJ is not doing their work in safeguarding the interests of the residents in the area by allowing the work to go on as long as it has. He and many others banked on the capability of the new government to step in correctively and audit the whole process for any wrongdoing.

His gaze lingers on the outline of the newly erected temple brick walls and the site where his grandchildren would play during the weekends they would visit him and his wife. "A temple they can build again. Do I have to move? I'm retired and my life savings went into buying this house. The people building this temple are an inconsiderate lot. Although I share the same religious faith, this is more than just money, this is about proper governance and location. Look at it. When it is fully done, it will block the view which I have enjoyed for years," he says.

The construction of the temple is a blow to the local residents. My only hope is that it does not turn into a political fiasco. Hmm..maybe that's why there is a declined effort to act...

BEIJING 2008 and Beyond

First of all let us give tribute to our Muslim brothers and sisters who started fasting for this entire holy month. I wish you all the strength and will to carry out your resolve and may you achieve those virtues that is desired.

Back to the Beijing Olympics...definitely with much fanfare and excitement this chapter of the Olympics is undoubtedly the best and grandest of all. From the opening right until the end we have seen how well China has managed the show. As many would agree, a good start is already halfway to success. A grand success, the Beijing 2008 opening ceremony and the closing event is.

Negative incidents aside, the whole theatrics was as magical as it was spectacular; way to go China! To me the Beijing Olympics captured and exudes the true spirit of the Games.

I will really be looking forward to the Olympic relay to London 2012 and hopefully be as amazed.

The Games represents a venue for respect, a hope for friendship and a pinnacle for excellence and endurance. It is not about winning or the lack of it. It is the coming together of a world divided by borders, land, sea, and air as one. A coming together of people of multiple cultures and united behind the Olympic ideal.

Beijing 2008 One World, One Dream.