Life's Happenings: February 2007

After numerous awards in the last few months which were sort of a preview to the Academy Awards (a.k.a. Oscars), the following movies garnered the most votes to win the coveted Academy Awards:-

Best Picture - The Departed
Best Actress - Helen Mirren, The Queen (have watched this and will blog abt it soon)
Best Actor - Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Best Supporting Actress - Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Best Supporting Actor - Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine
Rest of the Oscar winners, click here.

Tags: Academy Awards, Oscar, The Departed, Helen Mirren, The Queen, Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland, Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls, Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine

Sunday, February 25, 2007

How To Write Proper Resignation Letter:-

Short But Formal

A Bit Formal

Formal One

Or this one?

Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humor, Resignation

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Medicine School

First-year students at Med School were receiving their first Anatomy class with a real dead human body. They all gathered around the surgery table with the body covered with a white sheet.

The professor started the class by telling them: "In medicine, it is necessary to have 2 important qualities as a doctor. The first is that you not be disgusted by anything involving the human body."

For an example, the Professor pulled back the sheet, stuck his finger in the butt of the corpse, withdrew it and stuck his finger in his mouth. "Go ahead and do the same thing" he told his students.

The students freaked out, hesitated for several minutes, but eventually took turns sticking a finger in the butt of the dead body and sucking on it. Each one tried his best not to puke.

When everyone had finished, the Professor looked at them and told them, "The second most important quality is observation. I stuck in my Middle finger and sucked on my Index finger. Now learn to pay attention."
Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humor, Medicine, School, Anatomy, Professor

Friday, February 23, 2007

Holiday

Will be on a short holiday down at A Famosa Resort at the historical state of Malacca on Friday and Saturday.

Tags: A Famosa Resort, Malacca, Malaysia, Travel, Holiday, Leisure

Dinner @ Chinoz, KLCC

Was relaxing at KLCC on Wed night. Decided to drop into Chinoz On The Park for dinner. My family ordered familiar food thinking it was a good meal on the way.

To our surprise, 2 dishes with the name of Scallop and Salmon in the menu was actually a serving of 6 slices on a plate respectively. Just too bad I don't have a camera phone at that point of time. Need to purchase one soon to shoot such situation and publicise it to the public.

When I shared this scenario to my friends just now while having supper at Mamak Bistro in Subang Jaya, my friends have the same feedback - that the waiter should have highlighted that the serving was small for a dinner meal. Though another friend said you can't blame the waiter as he could have assumed that you were there for a simple meal or to try out their food. Can't agree with the latter as the waiter took the order from each person and the meal was taken during dinner time at 7pm plus.

And the ridiculous small portion cost us RM30.00 for Scallop and RM25.00 for Salmon. My chicken pie meal (RM33.00) was not bad. The mushroom sauce that came with it really top it off. It could have been nice for me but have to share it out due to the shortcomings on the scallop and salmon. The waiter could have thought that this family was either stingy or do not know how to order. Yeah, true in a way we didn't understand the menu but the waiter should have been alert enough. Conclusion, he was not well-trained for such a restaurant that was trying to put itself into the map of fine dining restaurants. Even if we did order correctly, the price for that portion was still too much. I have eaten scallops/salmon with bigger portions and it didn't cost that much.

When I asked for the bill, the bill has an empty space under the base (total) amount for you to write in any tips. They still have the guts to ask for it when they didn't have a display a good service in explaining to their customers on the food that they have ordered. Why do I say that? One of those friends at the supper table that agreed with me went with us for fine dining at The Olive restaurant at Genting Hotel last year. The waiter who was assigned to us can actually described how was your order being prepared and whether the portion was enough, otherwise he would suggest something else to suit your appetite.

Do you think I will frequent Chinoz again?
Tags: Chinoz On The Park, KLCC, Food, Dinner, Kuala Lumpur, Scallop, Salmon

Visual Sharpness

There is a man's face amongst the coffee beans in the picture as below. Time yourself on how fast you can locate the face.

Within 3 secs - normal developed brain. Within 1 to 3 minutes - brain responding slowly. Additional protein intake will help to improve it. More than 3 minutes - brain reaction is too slow. You need such brain exercise more often to improve further.

Tags: Visual, Sharp, Brain

Monday, February 19, 2007

Life in Kuala Lumpur

Enjoying my time in Kuala Lumpur now. The quest for food has not taken me quite far but getting to taste what I have missed thus far while being based in Sudan. Be it at mamak, hawkers or chinese restaurant, have tried it.

Daily visitation at family/relatives/friends' house would be the main programme now. Normally will set visitation priority by the food being dished out especially during the lunch or dinner hours. No lah ..... just joking. More of catching up with old times.

I still do get "ang pau" (red packets stuffed with money) from a friend's parent. This is also the time where kids liked it as they looked forward to receiving those ang paus. Older kids will take this ang pau money to buy what they have been dreaming of. Younger kids portion will be kept by parents in piggy bank (nothing to do with the Year of Boar).
Tags: Chinese New Year, Kuala Lumpur

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Happy Chinese New Year

Gong Xi Fa Cai To All Readers,

In China, it's widely known as the Spring Festival. For chinese, the Chinese New Year's Eve will be a gathering of all family members for a reunion dinner. The start of my quest for food back in Kuala Lumpur.

Tags: Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Chinese, Reunion Dinner

What Is Guts?

Once during the gulf war, the President of USA, and the Prime Ministers of UK and Singapore were travelling on a warship that was cruising near Saudi Arabia. The 3 were talking about how brave their soldiers were; their discussion soon turned into an argument where each wanted to prove the bravery of their own soldiers.

The President of USA said, "Let me show u what is guts", where upon he called his Colonel and said "Jump into the sea and swim 3 rounds around this ship!". The Colonel replied "Anything for Uncle Sam, Sir", jumped into the shark infested sea and swam 3 rounds around the ship, with the sharks chasing him like mad! After the successful 3 rounds, the Colonel came up to the deck and said, "I did it for Uncle Sam Mr. President!". The proud US President replied "That's what I call guts!".

The Prime Minister of UK was pissed. He had to show. He called his 3-star General and said "General, jump into the sea and swim 10 rounds around this ship!". The General replied "Anything for the Queen, Sir", jumped into the shark infested sea and swam 10 rounds around the ship, with the sharks chasing him like gila (lunatic!). After the successful 10 rounds the 3-star General came up to the deck and said, "Long Live the Queen!". The proud UK PM replied "Hurrah, that's what I call guts!"

The Prime Minister of Singapore could not tahan (control) further. He had to show that his soldiers have it too. He called one of his Private, Ah Beng and said "Soldier, jump into the sea and swim 50 rounds around this ship!".

The Private replied "Oi, you siao (crazy) izzit? I juz bought my condo and I am paying for it through my nose. Now, U want me to jump and die? If u want to Hao Lian (show off), you jump into the sea yourself ! @#*&%F!........

The Singapore PM grinned and said "Now, that's what I call guts!"
Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humor, USA, UK, Singapore, Guts

Friday, February 16, 2007

Restricted Sports For Viewing

Recently I came across a statement by a mufti (mufti (Arabic: مفتى‎) is an Islamic scholar who is an interpreter or expounder of Islamic law (Sharia), capable of issuing fatwa) that men could still watch women athletes as long as they are dressed decently. Why this statement arose?

PAS, an Islamic political party in Malaysia, was organising a Malaysian All-Women Games this coming weekend. The PAS's state women and sports committee chairman Abdul Fatah Mahmood mentioned that men can only attend the opening ceremony but NOT the individual sporting events. Did I read it wrongly or did the press published the wrong words? (source: The Star)

I can bet for sure that the attendance for the sporting events will be real bad. I wonder how is PAS going to re-coup the money dumped into organising this sporting events then if the ticket sales are restricted to women only. Most women are either housewives or working mothers and do you think they will take time off to watch a local women-only sporting events. I'm not against PAS's view to ensure that men don't lust by watching women participating in sports. Maybe they can implement a new competition ruling that women athletes must wear certain sporting outfits rather than prohibiting men from viewing the sporting events.

I joked with my malay colleague that he would be barred from watching the following women's sporting events in the coming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games:-
1) Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo, Swimming & Diving;
2) Volleyball
3) Athletics
4) Cycling
5) Gymnastics
6) Tennis
7) Rowing
and especially 8) Beach Volleyball

To which he responded "Only can watch Archery then? Anyway, for a mufti to have said something, it's a very strong issue already"

I'm wondering whether it's intended as a sporting event or a way to tell muslims that PAS is very pious with some subliminal message too. But kudos to PAS for taking the effort in trying to organise such an event. Seriously speaking, how did they picked the participating athletes? From which qualifying events? Please enlighten me.
Tags: PAS, Islamic, Mufti, Malaysian All-Women Games, Beijing 2008, Sports, Women

In Kuala Lumpur Now

Arrived in the afternoon on 14 Feb and knocked off early in the night due to insufficient rest during the long journey from Khartoum, Sudan. As I was travelling in the limousine taxi back home (45 minutes journey), had a chit chat with the taxi driver.

Following are some of the conversation:-
Q: How's your business lately?
A: Just have to work starting early in the morning till evening. No choice as I have to pay off the daily taxi rental.

Q: I think this year should be good as it's Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
A: I doubted it. Already mid Feb, we don't see many visitors coming in. Most who came into Kuala Lumpur (with the main international airport here) are here for short business trips. It's the same as previous year. I have to wait for almost an hour under the queueing system for taxis at the airport before it came to my turn to pick you up. I can only do up to 5 or 6 trips per day with all those waitings. If there were a lot of tourists, we would only queue for a short while instead of almost 1 hour each time.

Q: Maybe the tourists won't come this early part of the year.
A: Well, even if they were to come, it would only be once as frankly speaking, what are there to see in Kuala Lumpur. I have heard from tourists who were caught in vice-raids on discos & night clubs in Kuala Lumpur. People would rather go to Thailand and Singapore for such night life then. Some African tourists were asked to identify themselves in broad daylight. What do you think they will tell their friends back home? The government is only trying so hard to get people come for 1 year but not long term.

When I dropped passengers at city centre hotels, I noticed the double-decker bus meant for tourists was only filled with about 5 to 8 people. You can tell from all this whether it's successful or not.

Q: Would you be going for your break during the coming Chinese New Year ("CNY") holidays?
A: Can't afford it. Have to work hard to cover daily expenses which are rising everywhere. Not so much of a CNY for me if there is no money. Not that money is everything but my family needs money. The festival is there but I don't come from a well-to-do background so I have to work hard to ensure the festival is liven up with some extra cash. For the rich ones, everyday is a CNY.

These were the words of a normal citizen, trying to survive in the capital city where his brain was not influenced by any political parties.
Tags: Journal, Life, Diary, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Taxi, Chinese New Year

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

News on EPF Nominations/Beneficiary List (II)

This is an important reminder on EPF beneficiaries. Kindly forward to your friends especially the Non-Bumi. Make sure they do the necessary to name their beneficiaries. Be a help and pass this info to all your friends. It pays not to be ignorant. Please read on and do take the appropriate action of naming your EPF beneficiaries or updating your nomination:

1) Scenario, imagine this:
A EPF contributor with a non-working wife and 3 school-going children. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He has been contributing to the EPF since he started work as an engineer about 25 years ago and have a sizeable amount of savings. However, the widow approaches the EPF for the savings she is informed that he had named his 1st girlfriend as the beneficiary and never got to update his nomination. Therefore, the widow is not entitled to a cent of the money even you have a will.

(In case of Muslims, there is still recourse under the Syariah Laws)

For Non-Muslims, however, there is real concern that your life-long savings may not reach your dependants.) The above scenario may seem unlikely to you but such cases are very common.

2) Findings of the EPF
Many EPF contributors either do not name any beneficiary or else fail to update their nomination as conditions warrant. As it stands, about 76% of EPF's 8.51 million members have not made any nomination. And out of the 24% who have, many have not updated their nomination. All your savings and the dividends accumulated over the years may not go to those who need it the most if you do not name a beneficiary or do not update your nomination.

What happens if:-
a) Failure to make a nomination.
If an EPF member has not made any nomination, his savings will be distributed in accordance to the law.

Letters of Administration (LA)
In general, when no nominee is named, the member's family will have to produce what is known as LA and submit this to the EPF in order to withdraw the savings. (The LA authorises the person appointed to act as administrator of the estate of the deceased member. This involves employing the services of a lawyer who will make the relevant petitions to court to get the LA. The whole process takes 8 to 12 months or longer if more than one person decides to obtain the LA).

Grant of Probate (Probate)
If the member had made a will, the member's family will have to produce what is known as Probate and submit this to the EPF.(The Probate is an authorisation by the court to the executor named in the will to administer the distribution of the estate of the deceased member).
a) Distribution Order
If the money in question does not exceed RM600,000 (and there is no land involved), the family of the deceased can then approach the Public Trustee (Amanah Raya)! to obtain a Distribution Order.

b) Consequence of failing to update nomination If the member does not update his nomination, whoever the EPF contributor has named as his or the beneficiary in the Form KWSP 4 (AHL) will receive the member's entire savings. Therefore, the spouse and family of the deceased will receive nothing if the contributor has named someone else, his friend, as his EPF beneficiary. This friend will inherit his savings even if the contributor had named his spouse and children as beneficiaries to his property, including his EPF savings, in a will is made after the EPF
nomination.

c) Muslim contributors
They are governed by the inheritance regulations under the Syariah Laws. The term "beneficiary" does not apply to the person nominated by a muslim. The nominee in effect only acts as an executor(wasi) of the contributor's savings. Upon the contributor's death, this executor has a duty to distribute the deceased's property in accordance with Faraid (inheritance) Laws.

3) How does one make a nomination or update a previous one?
You can do it by completing the Form KWSP 4 (AHL) which can be obtained at the EPF offices. You have to fill in a new KWSP 4 with the name of the person you now want to inherit your EPF savings. The new form will automatically cancel your previous nomination...... The advantages of naming a beneficiary and keeping this nomination updated are enormous. It not only ensure that your savings will go to those who need it most, but also guarantees speedy payment to your loved ones in such a time of need. If all the documents are in order, your nominee will get your EPF savings in about a month.
Tags: EPF, Letters of Administration, Grant of Probate, Distribution Order, Malaysia

Travelling Again

Hi All,

I'm leaving Khartoum tonight at 8pm via Emirates Airlines back to Kuala Lumpur (arrival on 14 Feb 2007) to celebrate the Chinese New Year ("CNY") that will fall on 18 Feb 2007. Will eat joyfully for the 15 days of CNY.

Those of you who will expect me to visit their homes, please prepare nice food for a deprived person on the way back to real civilisation. My appetite is still the same.

Tags: Journal, Diary, Life, Travel, Emirates Airlines, Chinese New Year, Khartoum, Kuala Lumpur

World's Tallest Roses

With Valentine's Day being a day away, hotels/restaurants/florists in the whole world are capitalising on the commercial aspect of it. Wonder how your loved ones will feel if she was to receive the world's tallest roses as her gift for the day.

The roses could be imported from the country of Ecuador due to their type of land, mixture of good soil and volcanic waste as well. Cost of buying it is US$250 per dozen (excluding despatch charges which will cost a bomb). Some of you may be willing to spend that money to impress your wife or to propose at the same time to your girlfriend. Some may take the time to win the heart of his dream girl.

Maybe I'm a bit too late in posting about this roses as the shop, Organic Bouquet, that is selling this has this statement in their website today:-

NOTE: due to high demand and limited supply, your preferred delivery date may not be available. Please call 877-899-2468 to be placed on a waiting list. Additional roses are becoming available each day and will be released on a first come first serve basis.
More about the world's tallest roses.

How will you react if you were to receive a Valentine's Day's card displayed on the left?

If you are lost on ideas, you can view various ideas that people have in their mind for an ideal Valentine's Day.
Tags: Valentine's Day, Roses, World's Tallest Roses, Organic Bouquet, Ecuador

News on EPF Nominations/Beneficiary List

Some people might be wondering why did Employees Provident Fund issued this statement today:-
"EPF still maintains all nominations on record"
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which is updating its nominations record system, said all nominations made by its members for their EPF savings are still maintained on record. (source: The Edge Daily)

EPF has also clarified the situation in their own website to allay public fears. Who doesn't fear when 23% (11% by employee and 12% by employer) of your salary goes into it every month. I'm very sure that something BIG has gone very wrong this time if not EPF wouldn't have publicised such statement everywhere.

EPF's website (in Malay language or you can view it under the English version too):-
KWSP Perjelas Isu Penamaan
Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) ingin menjelaskan bahawa penamaan yang telah dibuat oleh ahli terhadap simpanan mereka masih ada dalam rekod KWSP.
Penjelasan ini dibuat berikutan timbul kekeliruan apabila ahli menyemak status penamaan mereka di kaunter KWSP atau melalui penyata kira-kira yang diperolehi pada tahun ini dan mendapati tiada rekod penamaan yang dicatatkan.

I have received an email (posted below) 3 days ago on this matter as well where a couple saw their beneficiary list being wiped off from EPF's records. Did plan to drop by at EPF to check on my records too to ensure it's proper and the same as what I wanted. Just in case. I'm sure there are many more 'victims' but most people won't check on it thinking that it's safe. Remember, EPF is still government owned and lackadaisical attitude is still prevailing in government offices. Wonder who can verify that EPF is really in the midst of updating their records that caused all this 'disappearance of records'.
-----------------------------------------
>Hi Jennifer, Good morning
>I wish to express my sincere thanks to you for advising me to check
>with EPF, went yesterday with my wife and shock to find out that both
>our a/c's do not have any beneficiary. We are very sure that we had
>personally gone to EPF office together and updated our record and now
>all the records are gone. Reason given by the officer was "Saya pun
>tidak dapat jawab lah, munkin sudah sampai masa kamu check sendiri".
>
>Two of my friends went to check after receiving my e-mail also found
>the same answer - No record.
>cc. to friends & colleagues - Strongly advise to check your EPF records.
>Thanks
>
>Dear All,
>Just to share with you my recent experience with EPF nomination of beneficiary.
>
>Years ago I nominated my beneficiaries but when I checked on my EPF
>status yesterday I discovered that my beneficiaries were not
>registered. In fact according to EPF records I do not have any beneficiaries listed.... blank!!
>
>Subsequent enquiries showed that I am not the only one experiencing this.
>One possibility why this happened could be the migration of data when
>EPF upgraded their system some years ago.
>
>For your family's sake, suggest you clarify with EPF to ensure that
>your beneficiaries are updated.
>
>Better safe than sorry.......
>
>P/s.........does not apply to our Muslim frens cos' they are under Syariah laws.
-----------------------------------------
So far, I only knew of the following EPF offices:-
* Menara Komtar, Paras 47, Penang
* Wisma KUWASA, Ground Floor, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur
* Bangunan Yayasan Selangor, near AMCOP Mall, Petaling Jaya
* Wisma Peransang, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan
* Wisma Emerald, Jalan Meru, Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
* Bangunan EPF, Johor Bharu (center of the city, opposite Wisma Imigresen)
(pls provide info on other EPF offices if you knew under the Comments section)

Pass around my blog website address (http://johnny-ong.blogspot.com) to all your family members, relatives & friends so that they can read about this issue and know what's happening.

Will post tomorrow on the consequences if you fail to have a proper nominations/beneficiary list if you pass away. And if this did happen to you, kindly comment and share with us what happened and the remedy.
Tags: Employees Provident Fund, EPF, Nominations, Beneficiary, Malaysia

Monday, February 12, 2007

Farmer John and His Chickens

Farmer John lived on a quiet rural highway. But, as time went by, the traffic built up at an alarming rate. The traffic was so heavy and so fast that his chickens were being run over at a rate of three to six a day.

So one day Farmer John called the sheriff's office and said, "You've got to do something about all of these people driving so fast and killing all of my chickens."

"What do you want me to do?" asked the sheriff. "I don't care, just do something about those crazy drivers!" So the next day he had the county workers go out and erected a sign that said:
SLOW: SCHOOL CROSSING

Three days later Farmer John called the sheriff and said, "You've got to do something about these drivers. The 'school crossing' s! ign s eems to make them go even faster." So, again, the sheriff sends out the county workers and they put up a new sign: SLOW: CHILDREN AT PLAY

That really sped them up. So Farmer John called and called and called every day for three weeks. Finally, he asked the sheriff, "Your signs are doing no good. Can I put up my own sign?" The sheriff told him, "Sure thing, put up your own sign." He was going to let the Farmer John do just about anything in order to get him to stop calling everyday to complain.

The sheriff got no more calls from Farmer John. Three weeks later, curiosity go the best of the sheriff and he decided to give Farmer John a call. "How's the problem with those drivers. Did you put up your sign?" "Oh, I sure did. And not one chicken has been killed since then. I've got to! go. I'm very busy." He hung up the phone.

The sheriff was really curious now and he thought to himself, "I'd better go out there and take a look at that sign... it might be something that WE could use to slow down drivers..."

So the sheriff drove out to Farmer John's house, and his jaw dropped the moment he saw the sign. It was spray-painted on a sheet of wood: NUDIST COLONY! Go slow and watch out for chicks!!
Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humor, Chickens, Chicks, Farmer, Sheriff, Nudist

Movie Awards

More awards for past year's movies, TV series, dramas, documentaries:-

* Directors Guild of America Awards - "The Departed" won the feature film catergory.

* Writers Guild of America Awards - under movies category, "Little Miss Sunshine" and "The Departed" have emerged as winners.

* British Academy Film Awards (officially known as the Orange British Academy Film Awards) - where "Last King of Scotland" and "The Queen" won major honours.

If you are into music, Grammy Awards have just announced the winners yesterday.

Tags: Movies, Film, Directors, Writers, Academy, Entertainment, Directors Guild of America Award, DGA Awards, Writers Guild of America Awards, British Academy Film Awards, Music, Grammy Awards, Awards

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Tempting Phones

When I first saw the Sony Ericsson P990i at end of 2005, I have decided to get that mobile phone. Sent an email to Sony Ericsson and enquired on the lauching date. I was told that it could be launched during the 3rd quarter of 2006. Almost bought in Oct 06 when I went window shopping but was thinking that I'll be bringing the phone to Sudan for what. Held the purchase then.

Towards end 2006, Nokia gave a preview on one of its upcoming mobile phone model, Nokia N93i. After reading its specifications, my heart was moved as well. A good 3.2MP camera plus a dedicated video camera. My my my.

That was not the end as news soon leaked out that a Nokia N95 could even provide even better features.

This is going to be neverending. This waiting game caused me more headache. In a dilemma now, to buy the Sony Ericsson model or hold on till mid-year when the other 2 Nokia models will be available.
Tags: Sony Ericsson, P990i, Nokia, N93i, N95, Mobile Phone

Panda Bears

Thought this was a cute picture of the panda cubs drinking milk at the Giant Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu, China (AP via Yahoo! News)

Tags: Panda Bear, Chengdu, China

Cost of Living in Sudan

Friends have asked before on what is the cost of living like in Sudan. The exchange rate here has risen a lot against the US$ Dollar. From a low of Sudanese Dinar 265 to a US$1.00 during October 2004 to a current high of Sudanese Dinar 201 to a US$1.00.

We do purchase our usual groceries / foodstuff around the Khartoum city centre. We have to go around to look for a reasonable price. See below a copy of a supermarket receipt for the normal foodstuff we bought and then you can compare it with the cost of living at your place. (please note that the receipt is denoted with the old Sudanese Pound rate which is 100 Sudanese Dinar equivalent to 1000 Sudanese Pound so the actual bill is actually 19,559 Sudanese Dinar).

The old Sudanese Pound was used by the country until the government changed it to the Sudanese Dinar some years back. Some shops still display their pricing under the Sudanese Pound rate.

The government of Sudan is changing its currency in stages starting with the smallest denomination note of 100 Sudanese Dinar to 1 Sudanese Pound (same name but under a different rate) as below in the picture below.

It will move to change other Sudanese Dinar notes of 500, 1000 & 5000 to Sudanese Pound as well.

Picture shown here is the 1000 Sudanese Dinar note (front & back).

When you look at the supermarket receipt, I think you could say that the purchasing power here in Sudan is really weak. Imagine 1000 Sudanese Pound is equivalent to US$5.00.
Tags: Journal, Life, Diary, Currency, Sudan, Sudanese Dinar, Sudanese Pound, Cost of Living, Purchasing Power

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Difference Between Problem & Solution

Case 1
When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (ink won't flow down to the writing surface). To solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million.

They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.
And what did the Russians do...?? They used a pencil.

Case 2
One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soapbox, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soapbox that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soapbox went through the assembly line empty.

Management asked its engineers to solve the problem. Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soapboxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent a whoopee amount to do so.

But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, he did not get into complications of X-rays, etc., but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line . He switched the fan on, and as each soapbox passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.

Always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problems. Always focus on solutions & not on problems.

Tags: Problem, Solution

Virtual Flower

Time to get those presents/flowers for your girlfriends/wives for the coming Valentine's Day. There is still time to order. Click the brochure below and you can order your gifts online from my friend's virtual shop.

Tags: Valentine's Day, My Virtual Flower, Flower, Online

Casino Dealer Training Course

With Singapore having approved two major tourism projects, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World, that will materialise from year 2009 onwards, the country has prepared itself to supply the skilled workers to support such tourism industry.

The International Club Games Training Center in Singapore has a Casino Dealer Training Course that will issue either a Certificate in Casino Management / Certificate in Dealing Casino Games / Certificate in Table Games Supervision after a 6 months stint with them. The training centre is equipped/styled after a real casino and filled with dozens of baccarat, roulette and blackjack tables.

Graduates will learn the following skills in the course:-

* swiftly gathering the scattered casino chips from the green roulette table into her cupped palm in stacks of 20

* calculate pay-outs at the roulette wheel, where the winnings depend on the placement of a chip and require quick-thinking math skills

* schooled in theoretical situations such as how to spot a cheat

* how to remain calm with aggressive customers (source: The Star)

Tags: Casino, Singapore, International Club Games Training Centre, Casino Dealer Training Course, Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, Training Course

Friday, February 09, 2007

'Doomsday' Vault Design Unveiled

What Doomsday? Something's happening that I have not heard of?

Norway has designed a vault to house seeds from all known varieties of food crops. I like this country as they do really plan so far ahead. This vault is built in anticipation of future catastrophes, such as nuclear war, asteroid strikes and climate change.

Construction for this vault shall begin in March and the first seeds shall be in by year 2008.

The vault's location has been examined and climate forecast has been made up to 200 years ahead. The Norway government has begun its contribution of US$7.9m with Germany (US$9.5m) and Ireland (US$3.8m) following their footsteps. The collection and maintenance of this vault shall be done by The Global Crop Diversity Trust, a foundation for food security.

More info on the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Reading: Food crops in a changing climate - The Royal Society

Reading: What is a genebank and how does it work? - The Global Crop Diversity Trust

Tags: Food Crops, Doomsday, Vault, Norway, Svalbard International Seed Vault, The Global Crop Diversity Trust, Climate, Environment, Seeds

Pan-Asian - UnMalaysian?

The recent ban on Pan-Asian looks in advertisements are not going to be accepted by government-owned television stations. Now let's see, RTM1, RTM2, TV3, NTV7, 8TV & Channel9, all these channels are government-owned and they are the only free TV channels available in Malaysia. Pan-Asians can only be involved in advertisements that will run in the only private television channels (other than those mentioned above) under the Astro station.

Why the non-acceptance? Even though if the Pan-Asians are having full & legitimate Malaysian citizenship? Reason? Discrimination Again?

Reading: Models with Pan-Asian look not happy with proposal
Reading: Malaysian models defend the mixed look
Reading: Move seen as giving others a chance
Reading: Ad agency explains why Pan-Asians are preferred models
Tags: Pan-Asian, Discrimination, Advertisement, TV Channels, Malaysia, Models

English Gone Foreign

With the latest transaction done for the purchase of Liverpool by both George Gillett and Tom Hicks, there are now 7 English football clubs in the English Premier League that are owned by foreign owners:-

Manchester United - Malcolm Glazer, owner of American football's (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chelsea - Roman Abramovich, owner of Sibneft, a Russian oil company

Portsmouth - Alexandre Gaydamak, interest in financial and real estate businesses

Aston Villa - Randy Lerner, owner of NFL's Cleveland Browns and MBNA Corporation, bank holding companies

Fulham - Mohamed Al Fayed, owner of Harrods Department Store, with further interest in aviation companies, casino, real estate and hotel

West Ham - Eggert Magnusson, Icelandic businessman

Liverpool - George Gillett, owner of NHL's Montreal Canadiens, with interest in resorts, golf courses and food industry and Tom Hicks, owner of NHL's Dallas Stars and MBL 's Texas Rangers

The above owners are multi-billionaires/millionaires in their own capacity. They bought football clubs due to their 'want to win' attitude and that's the trait that brought them to where they are right now. On the other hand, the foreign owners see these investments simply as a business opportunity or a personal plaything.
Tags: Sports, Football, English Premier League, Manchester United, Malcolm Glazer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, Sibneft, Portsmouth, Alexandre Gaydamak, Aston Villa, Randy Lerner, Cleveland Browns, Fulham, Mohamed Al Fayed, Harrods, West Ham, Eggert Magnusson, Liverpool, George Gillett, Montreal Canadiens, Tom Hicks, Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, NFL, NHL, MBL

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Wealthy Gourmands

During 6 Feb to 9 Feb 2007, Bangkok will be hosting an event where food being served is fit for the king. The food fits me as well just that the price is way too high. This event is known as the Epicurean Masters of the World II.

If you were a famous food connoisseur or a wealthy person famed for visiting high class restaurants, you would have been invited as one of the 25 guests. Otherwise, you would have to pay up to 1m Thai Baht (about US$29,000 or £15,000) for a one-off meal!!!! So far 15 persons (who is rich and crazy about food) have reserved their place. The diners are coming travel from around Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US, and include shipping, real estate and gaming magnates.

The venue is at the Dome Restaurant, 65th floor of the State Tower in Bangkok. Top Michelin Star chefs from France, Italy & Germany have been flown in to prepare the excellent dishes. Each dish will be accompanied with different vintage wine.

The menu:-
* Crème brûlée of foie gras with Tonga beans
Alain Soliveres (chef)
1990 Louis Roederer Cristal

* Tartar of Kobe beef with Imperial Beluga caviar and Belons oyster
Antoine Westermann (chef)
1995 Krug Clos du Mesnil

* Mousseline of pattes rouges crayfish with morel mushroom infusion
Alain Soliveres (chef)
2000 Corton-Charlemagne, Domaine Jean François Coche-Dury

* Tarte Fine with scallops and black truffle
Antoine Westermann (chef)
1996 Le Montrachet, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

* Lobster Osso Bucco
Jean-Michel Lorain (chef)
1985 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

* Ravioli with guinea fowl and burrata cheese, veal reduction
Annie Feolde (chef)
1961 Château Palmer

* Saddle of lamb "Léonel"
Marc Meneau (chef)
1959 Château Mouton Rothschild

* Sorbet "Dom Pérignon"
* Supreme of pigeon en croute with cèpes mushroom sauce and cipollotti
Heinz Winkler (chef)
1961 Château Haut-Brion

* Veal cheeks with Périgord truffles
Heinz Winkler (chef)
1955 Château Latour

* Imperial gingerbread pyramid with caramel and salted butter ice-cream
Jean-Michel Lorain (chef)
1967 Château d'Yquem

Reading: Bangkok banquet beckons for rich - BBC News/Asia-Pacific
Reading: 10 courses, 18 Michelin stars and £15,000 a head - Guardian Unlimited
Tags: Lifestyle, Luxury, Food, Gourmand, Food Connoisseur, Bangkok, Thailand, Dome Restaurant, State Tower, Michelin Stars, Chef, Epicurean Masters, Vintage Wine, Travel

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Low EPF Dividend

Employees Provident Fund ("EPF") in their press release has disclosed that they have declared a higher dividend. Compared to previous year only? What about previous years? The stock market has been hitting the high end since last quarter of year 2006.

Why did I say that EPF's dividend is low? It's when their funds/assets are compared against what Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera ("LTAT") has.

LTAT
10% dividend from a total fund of approximately RM4.72 billion.

EPF
Gross investment income for 2006 rose by 1.45% to RM13.30bil, from RM13.11bil in the previous year. Their total fund available is RM262 billion. Thereby, the ROI is around 5%. EPF's total fund is around 55 times more than LTAT's funds.

Real disappointment actually!
Tags: EPF, Employees Provident Fund, LTAT, Dividend, ROI

Love Package @ Ritz Carlton KL

I had highlighted earlier what Ritz Carlton of Las Vegas could offer for their Valentine's Day package and Malaysia's Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur has also prepared a package for the love birds in Malaysia. The best of this package is that you'll have everything prepared and they'll disappear from your sight so that the couple can enjoy the intimate time.

Ritz Carlton's In The Mood For Love Room Package includes:-
* Personalised in-room check-in
* Full butler service
* One butler-drawn Lover's Bath per stay
* Romantic turndown (chocolate cake, scented candles and bath salt)
* Romantic Valentine’s set dinner for two which has caviar, champagne, oysters in the menu
* Champagne breakfast served in-room
* Health Club access with 24 hour gym, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi

Such package won't come cheap especially with Ritz Carlton's brand name. Be prepared with at least RM1,500.
Tags: Lifestyle, Luxury, Ritz Carlton, Valentine's Day, Love, Package, Kuala Lumpur

Mysterious Death

There was this case in this hospital's Intensive Care ward where patients always died in the same bed and on Friday mornings regardless of their age, gender, medical history or medical conditions. This puzzled the doctors and some even thought that it had to do with the supernatural.

Why the death at that same bed on Fridays?

So the doctors decide to go down to that particular ward to investigate the cause of the incidents....

Come Friday morning, everyone at the hospital ward nervously waited for the terrible phenomenon to occur again.

The new unknowing patient laid there..... Some doctors holding wooden crosses, prayer books and other holy objects to ward off evils ......... waiting .... the patient was resting still. Then 8am...... 8:30am........

Just before the 'cursed' time...... the door to the ward swung open......

(scroll down)

Then Ah Soh ("old chinese lady"), the part-time Friday cleaner, comes in and unplugs the life support system so that she can use the vacuum cleaner.
Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humor, Cleaner, Mystery, Hospital, Death