Seriously, UN needs to take over this situation. It's like genocide from refusal of aids. Can't the world do something besides sitting and watch them die?
UN: Myanmar forcing storm victims from camps
US sharply skeptical of Myanmar constitution
As quoted from Yahoo News:
Myanmar's ruling junta lashed out at foreign aid donors Friday, saying cyclone victims did not need supplies of "chocolate bars" and could instead survive by eating frogs and fish.
Read the truth here before you decide where to put your $ (on building smooth roads leading to the junta's mansion perhaps).
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
How the world curbs inflation
Well with a one week reprieve of more cheap petrol from the north, our neighborly Malaysians will be introducing a ban on foreign vehicles from purchase of subsidised petrol. This is an effort to allow the Malaysian government to still continue to subsidise their citizens with cheaper fuel.
Vietnam introduces 16 measures to curb inflation while ensuring growth.
The government basically will suspend stagnated projects as well as imposing serious fines on any individual or organisation speculating and causing essential goods’ prices to rise, these are from directives from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. He has in early April, ordered a halt to increased commodity prices until the end of June, a move aimed at cooling inflation which shocked many at 11.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Food cost registered the highest rise with 22.19 percent in May. Fuel subsidises were starting to stress on government spending which might lead to a widening in fiscal deficit.
India has imposed the export duty of 5-15% on steel and rice. The state government has waived off cess charged by the market committees on all the transactions of farm produce, which include grains, fruits, vegetables, edible oil etc.
The Chinese President Hu Jintao has vowed "forceful measures" to curb rising food prices and address a booming real estate market to curb rising housing prices to help low-income families and to provide them with better health care benefits. The central government has made arrangements to speed up the low-rent housing system, improve the affordable housing system and ease the housing difficulties of urban low-income families.
And you might wonder how the Middle Eastern countries whom are making tons of money from US$135/barrel of oil, deal with the rising inflation. The Saudi Kingdom gives sufficient welfare to their people by reducing tariffs on food items such as frozen poultry, dairy products, and vegetable oils from 20 to 5 percent. The Saudi Government has also decreased levies on building materials and has introduced subsidies and welfare payments.
Hmm now I wonder how my wonderful rich bought-Shin Corp-UBS-Citigroup-Westin Tokyo-Taiwan Bowa Commercial Bank-I give up-read here on their purchases-I wonder where they get their $$ from-government will be dishing out welfare or subsidies to the citizens. Oh wait.. our MM recently mentioned "Subsidies will not solve Singapore's problems"
I think I prefer calls to readjust travel routes, buying cheaper house brand foods, and probably eat more $1.50 chicken rice; than telling me to be grateful to excessive fees, taxes, monopolized profits of GLCs, and purchases of "long term" screw ups investments. Seriously would you as a Singaporean prefer a lively, beautiful city littered with homeless, can/cardboard picking old folks? Surely we can do more for them or do we need to hold charity shows akin to those for overseas calamity aid funds to raise awareness for our own citizens?
Vietnam introduces 16 measures to curb inflation while ensuring growth.
The government basically will suspend stagnated projects as well as imposing serious fines on any individual or organisation speculating and causing essential goods’ prices to rise, these are from directives from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. He has in early April, ordered a halt to increased commodity prices until the end of June, a move aimed at cooling inflation which shocked many at 11.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Food cost registered the highest rise with 22.19 percent in May. Fuel subsidises were starting to stress on government spending which might lead to a widening in fiscal deficit.
India has imposed the export duty of 5-15% on steel and rice. The state government has waived off cess charged by the market committees on all the transactions of farm produce, which include grains, fruits, vegetables, edible oil etc.
The Chinese President Hu Jintao has vowed "forceful measures" to curb rising food prices and address a booming real estate market to curb rising housing prices to help low-income families and to provide them with better health care benefits. The central government has made arrangements to speed up the low-rent housing system, improve the affordable housing system and ease the housing difficulties of urban low-income families.
And you might wonder how the Middle Eastern countries whom are making tons of money from US$135/barrel of oil, deal with the rising inflation. The Saudi Kingdom gives sufficient welfare to their people by reducing tariffs on food items such as frozen poultry, dairy products, and vegetable oils from 20 to 5 percent. The Saudi Government has also decreased levies on building materials and has introduced subsidies and welfare payments.
Hmm now I wonder how my wonderful rich bought-Shin Corp-UBS-Citigroup-Westin Tokyo-Taiwan Bowa Commercial Bank-I give up-read here on their purchases-I wonder where they get their $$ from-government will be dishing out welfare or subsidies to the citizens. Oh wait.. our MM recently mentioned "Subsidies will not solve Singapore's problems"
MM Lee says giving subsidies will not solve Singapore's problems
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 25 May 2008 2021 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's problems cannot be solved by giving subsidies, but by having a dynamic economy, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Speaking at the Tanjong Pagar Day celebrations at the Queenstown Stadium on Sunday, Mr Lee drew lessons for Singapore from how countries in the region are tackling their problems.
The world has moved into years of high prices for food and oil, said Mr Lee. But Singapore does not have agriculture, so people have to earn enough money by working hard and smart to pay market prices for food.
He made it clear that Singapore cannot go the way of welfare systems in Europe, which have lowered incentives to strive and excel.
The minister mentor said: "I read many letters in the press urging subsidies for all manner of things – seat belts for school buses, food for the poor, medical fees and so on. Singapore must remain a competitive society to generate growth year after year.
"The government must ensure that everyone has the highest paid job he is qualified to do. If his salary is below the minimum for a decent life, the government will top up with Workfare. When everybody knows the cost of what he consumes or uses, he will spend his money more to his benefit."
Mr Lee noted that countries in the region have taken different approaches to worldwide problems.
His call to Singaporeans is to be grateful that the nation has long-term stability, continuing high-value investments and good growth. Mr Lee said he is confident that in five years, Singapore will be a more lively and beautiful city.
I think I prefer calls to readjust travel routes, buying cheaper house brand foods, and probably eat more $1.50 chicken rice; than telling me to be grateful to excessive fees, taxes, monopolized profits of GLCs, and purchases of "long term"
Pig personality
From my recent posts, some of you now know how "airworm" came about. Just for new visitors who do not read archived old posts, I made a few changes to my header so that visitors understand why my nick is airworm and why I chose airworm23.blogspot.com to host the blog (besides the fact someone already took airworm.blogspot.com...argh!). So made some changes and did some crappy personality tests in the wee mornings of a Friday..TGIF, though it seems like a short week!
Anyway go ahead and draw a pig..and check out your personality! Seems true for me..
My pig!
My results!
Anyway go ahead and draw a pig..and check out your personality! Seems true for me..
My pig!
My results!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Quotes for myself?...
Reflecting on my previous post, I wonder in the state that I am in, how could I still give advice to, or help someone else when I do not even know how to apply it to myself.
What would you say to a seemingly happy-go-lucky bochup optimistic guy, who has fallen into a state of being jaded over life and relationships; where meeting over 20 dates already, doesn't seem to have helped one bit. Distractions they might have been, but to look happy and smile but realised that for the past 10 months, there have been many ups and downs and perhaps more downs, which today happens to be a down. I also soon realised that perhaps it might lead to an unfair treatment of many friends and loved ones around me.
Today I came to know that I have been a "plastic cover", cold person to a colleague who just joined about 9 months ago. She told me thats how she thought of me till I stood up for her one day - an incident that I cannot recall. That's when she changed her opinion of me and I guess made me more approachable. I guess then it hit upon me how unfair it has been for some, that I got into this jadedness, and became the person I am not. And only some close friends know the "real" me.
I do apologise but its a lot harder than a simple ruckus that has happened and until I've reached the plateau where I find what I have lost, the preferred mode of travel would be cycling... alone.
What would you say to a seemingly happy-go-lucky bochup optimistic guy, who has fallen into a state of being jaded over life and relationships; where meeting over 20 dates already, doesn't seem to have helped one bit. Distractions they might have been, but to look happy and smile but realised that for the past 10 months, there have been many ups and downs and perhaps more downs, which today happens to be a down. I also soon realised that perhaps it might lead to an unfair treatment of many friends and loved ones around me.
Today I came to know that I have been a "plastic cover", cold person to a colleague who just joined about 9 months ago. She told me thats how she thought of me till I stood up for her one day - an incident that I cannot recall. That's when she changed her opinion of me and I guess made me more approachable. I guess then it hit upon me how unfair it has been for some, that I got into this jadedness, and became the person I am not. And only some close friends know the "real" me.
I do apologise but its a lot harder than a simple ruckus that has happened and until I've reached the plateau where I find what I have lost, the preferred mode of travel would be cycling... alone.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Quotes for a friend...
You know who you are...
John Bach
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Walter Scott
Whitney M. Young
airworm
Oh and to those who do not know who or what airworm is..
Behold the Nike Air Worm Ndestrukt (1996) ... ... ....
That's the origin of the nick I've held since 1996, 12 years - waiting patiently for Nike to release the remake.
To the timid soul, nothing is possible.
John Bach
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
To the timid and hesitating everything is impossible because it seems so.
Walter Scott
Support the strong, give courage to the timid, remind the indifferent, and warn the opposed.
Whitney M. Young
Could it be possible to live one's life timidly with no regrets whatsoever? We all have our regrets, we just need to know when it's time to stop them.
airworm
Oh and to those who do not know who or what airworm is..
Behold the Nike Air Worm Ndestrukt (1996) ... ... ....
That's the origin of the nick I've held since 1996, 12 years - waiting patiently for Nike to release the remake.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Medical expenses - thank God I am employed! Part 2
So that's my farking repackaged Thai pills. With freaking expensive rheumatism cream, and my X-rays in the background. Strangely, I realised if you ever have to wait for X-rays for a couple of days, its bullshit. I got it immediately and if you see a private consultant a Mt Alv or Mt Eliz, you can almost quickly jump queues at the radiology. And you get the X-rays within 5 mins. Anyway from dating someone from medical sales line, I came to know why doctors repackaged your cough mixture into bottles (which are sold cheaply by bulks like those cheap chilli sauces you get in squishy bottles at hawker centres instead of individually packed ones), and also pills which actually have their own boxes but repacked to you because some of them actually came in boxes that are labelled:
Imagine this. My doctor charges me $200 for a referred consultation for 10 mins. (If you came in without referral or in an emergency, the rates go up 50% more). That's $1200/hr!! Excluding the medicine he makes ripping me off with samples (ok fine samples basically means reduced pricing, so you buy 20 boxes of pills, and the sales rep throw in 5 boxes free, dropping their costs and effectively charging me at a 300% premium) ; I would say he makes easily $1300/hr. So compared to my lawyer whom charges me $400/hr ++, doctors are the men! And me being a employee of an engineering firm, draw a middle income sort of pay - that's what the govt stats listed pay percentile as. This pay basically suck as I put in more after office hours, and given that I work 12-16 hrs a day, I am effectively only earning $20/hr.. that is so lame and depressing.
Anyway do note that not all clinics in Singapore charges you at that premium pricing of each pill you take. You just need to check out the doctors' ride. If its a humble Toyota, your doctor has a conscience. If its a Porsche, and he just runs a normal clinic..well let's just say, it ain't from peddling fake sex drugs or DVDs..
I remember when the NKF fiasco came to light, we realised that they sold subsidise drugs to patients at a supposedly subsidise rate. Well, we soon came to know it meant, its not at cost price, but just that its cheaper than market rate and they still make a good 30-50% margin. So fine, everyone should make some $, but for a charity organisation, it just so sucks because they gather > $70 million in their coffers from public donations and still want to make a margin off their farking "subsidised" medications.
Anyway from this experience, I realised the government can actually defray the increasing healthcare costs easily, by controlling the price of medication instead of allowing profit margins to furnish Ferraris and Porches to doctors akin to Golden taps and first class flights of Charity CEOs.
Oh and another revelation...I start to earn more per hour by working less hours a day!! No wonder recent news showed a decrease in productivity! Inflation up, so we feel poor, so work less to earn more!
And yeah you are farked if you earn < $20/hr in "Sunny" Singapore!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Medical expenses - thank God I am employed! Part 1
Well a follow up to my fractured finger led me to more revelation on how lowly paid I am, and it's silly to pay to $ for silly fractures if you are unemployed and earn less than $20/hr.
Seriously I did not know private healthcare is so expensive. Luckily I am employed and have excellent medical coverage paid by my company. My bill came up to $388, out of which I detected $10 overcharging, and bargained away another set of inflammatory medication which was charged to me over 300% the selling price to doctors. I refused to pay that (strange b'cos I get full coverage, but the frugal side of me just think its absolute daylight robbery) and also because I still have some at home, so cutting the bill down to $315 of which $200 was for the 10 mins of consultation to tell me repeatedly "don't worry, you will get better" and that I am now suffering from volar plate tear injury.
Anyway how I know I was overcharged is because I used to date a medical sales rep. And what I am about to reveal here will soon allow you to understand why healthcare is so expensive in Singapore. So stay tuned.
Oh yeah and I was prescribed some cheap Thailand shit (which costs under about $0.67 each) and I get billed $1/pill for don't know what reasons I should be taking it for. Because I used to take the set of inflammatory medicine without this cheap Thailand shit which the doctor now prescribed and the receptionist over the counter said it is a must to prevent my tummy from going bad...duh..I think I just got conned.
Anyway the medication is called Xanidine and it is supposedly used for treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcer, oesophageal reflux, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ok so why am I taking it? Damn, I hear someone shouting idiot in the background.
Gotta head out soon, so return for more of Part 2. With pictures and update on my freaking finger fracture and more inside news of medical care in Singapore.
Seriously I did not know private healthcare is so expensive. Luckily I am employed and have excellent medical coverage paid by my company. My bill came up to $388, out of which I detected $10 overcharging, and bargained away another set of inflammatory medication which was charged to me over 300% the selling price to doctors. I refused to pay that (strange b'cos I get full coverage, but the frugal side of me just think its absolute daylight robbery) and also because I still have some at home, so cutting the bill down to $315 of which $200 was for the 10 mins of consultation to tell me repeatedly "don't worry, you will get better" and that I am now suffering from volar plate tear injury.
Anyway how I know I was overcharged is because I used to date a medical sales rep. And what I am about to reveal here will soon allow you to understand why healthcare is so expensive in Singapore. So stay tuned.Oh yeah and I was prescribed some cheap Thailand shit (which costs under about $0.67 each) and I get billed $1/pill for don't know what reasons I should be taking it for. Because I used to take the set of inflammatory medicine without this cheap Thailand shit which the doctor now prescribed and the receptionist over the counter said it is a must to prevent my tummy from going bad...duh..I think I just got conned.
Anyway the medication is called Xanidine and it is supposedly used for treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcer, oesophageal reflux, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ok so why am I taking it? Damn, I hear someone shouting idiot in the background.
Gotta head out soon, so return for more of Part 2. With pictures and update on my freaking finger fracture and more inside news of medical care in Singapore.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Moving people, enhancing profits
SMRT's new motto : Moving People, Enhancing lives Profits
Do you know how much profits Singapore's public transport arm SMRT earned last year? S$135, 790,000, that's pure profit after taxes etc... That's a 31% increase from 2006. Not sure if the increase came from the fare hike last year based on higher operating cost. But looking forward that we have more schemes to catch/deter fare cheats and the fact that it was announced today SMRT plans to add 700 extra train trips a week, costing it S$5m annually. That's 3.7% of your profits last year. So to maintain that margin, we probably would see a corresponding or more in increases likely to come. As you know how the usual Singapore entities functions - you complain, they deliver and you Pay And Pay!
So it was indeed not surprising to see comments such as this :
Err..what you expect..things for free?
Reading their annual reports, its really their goal to move forward
So do note it never mentioned affordable..just safe, reliable and friendly. So with SMRT, I Can ...expect nothing but fare hikes, inconsistent arrival times, etc!
Interesting to note, I have been to Tokyo since 2000, I noticed their subway fares never increased till last year 2007...incredible..maybe SMRT should hire those people.
Do you know how much profits Singapore's public transport arm SMRT earned last year? S$135, 790,000, that's pure profit after taxes etc... That's a 31% increase from 2006. Not sure if the increase came from the fare hike last year based on higher operating cost. But looking forward that we have more schemes to catch/deter fare cheats and the fact that it was announced today SMRT plans to add 700 extra train trips a week, costing it S$5m annually. That's 3.7% of your profits last year. So to maintain that margin, we probably would see a corresponding or more in increases likely to come. As you know how the usual Singapore entities functions - you complain, they deliver and you Pay And Pay!
So it was indeed not surprising to see comments such as this :
However, a few commuters were concerned that fares would go up with the increased trips.
Err..what you expect..things for free?
Reading their annual reports, its really their goal to move forward
Established in 1987 and listed on the Singapore Exchange
in 2000, SMRT has a market capitalisation of more than
$2.0 billion backed by total assets amounting to $1.4
billion. Our annual turnover stands at $743 million.
In our core transport business, we are committed to
offering a safe, reliable and friendly travel experience on
our trains, buses and taxis supported by retail amenities
conveniently located within our stations. In our non-fare
business, we aim to grow our diversified revenue streams
from our taxi operations, rental of commercial spaces,
advertising, operations and maintenance services,
project management and engineering consultancy.
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we hope to make
life fuller and better for all we serve by opening up
a world of opportunities to them through our varied
business and community initiatives.
With SMRT, I Can.
So do note it never mentioned affordable..just safe, reliable and friendly. So with SMRT, I Can ...expect nothing but fare hikes, inconsistent arrival times, etc!
Interesting to note, I have been to Tokyo since 2000, I noticed their subway fares never increased till last year 2007...incredible..maybe SMRT should hire those people.
Monday, May 19, 2008
X-rays
Do you see it? Apparently it is small avulsion fracture at the 4th middle phalanx. Well I don't see it...I squinted my eyes till they popped - I still don't see anything!
So what the hell is that? So need to read up more so I can figure out when I can start balling or wakeboarding again...
What is an avulsion fracture?
An avulsion fracture is an injury to the bone in a place where a tendon or ligament attaches to the bone. When an avulsion fracture occurs, the tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of the bone.
What is the treatment of an avulsion fracture?
Most often, an avulsion fracture is treated as a soft-tissue injury. If the fracture is small, it is usually sufficient to treat with rest and support bandage
So I can't do anything about it but rest and keep wearing my finger guards. WTF!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Take off your blouse!..
I need to charge my mobile/laptop! Women Bra power!
“Photovoltaic-Powered Bra” during an unveiling in Tokyo May 14, 2008. REUTERS
“Photovoltaic-Powered Bra” during an unveiling in Tokyo May 14, 2008. REUTERS
Ouch!
It has been more than a month since I injured my finger, and I have to be constantly on a finger guard, even at home. So finally finding some time to get some rest from a flu and get some medicine and some scolding from my doctor. The doctor sent me to have an X-ray on my right ring finger, and even called me when they immediately have images that I have dislocation + mild fracture(Will post up my X-rays once I get it). This is my 2nd time trying to act brave; the other time was when I was 18 and I fell down hard on my wrist, thinking it was nothing wrong for 3 months, I had permanent ball joint stress fracture. Which led me to my downgrade in Army from Pes A to Pes C1 - many have said it was my Karma from laughing at the "chao keng" soldiers. Bummer, and my lunchtime trainings for 1 year in JC was futile. It wasn't easy building up to 20+ pull ups at a go!! Argh
Anyway will have to undergo physiotherapy at a hospital nearby my place soon, and no more bball for months to come as well as my newly picked up wakeboarding. No wonder I found it hard to grip the cable and do a 180degrees flip turn (YEAH RITE! - excuses).
Looks like I can finally indulge in more cycling and blogging crap for now. Oh yeah and back to partying...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Settle for less in love
Interesting read from a colleague sent out to ladies in the company...hehe
The sub note says :If you want a family, find a man and marry him. Don’t waste time waiting for the one, says this 40-year-old singleton
Full article is here.
Don't flame me..it was written by a woman!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Senseless debating..
Seriously I do not understand how we can spend $ debating on something which is absolutely senseless. At 18, we can watch R(A) shows, go to casinos, carry an M16 and kill but we cannot vote till we are 21. But it is an even more absurd fact that more than half of our population can't vote due to many known reasons...such as smart zonings and many other restrictions/rulings.
So it seriously shouldn't matter, at my age when I should have already fathered 2 children, and attended 5-10 Reservist In Camp Trainings; I have yet to vote. And I seriously do not care if I ever get to vote before age 65 unless I move to some crappy zone where upgrading is unheard of, and lifts still open at some floors. So be it 18 or 21 or even 65..does it really matter?
So it seriously shouldn't matter, at my age when I should have already fathered 2 children, and attended 5-10 Reservist In Camp Trainings; I have yet to vote. And I seriously do not care if I ever get to vote before age 65 unless I move to some crappy zone where upgrading is unheard of, and lifts still open at some floors. So be it 18 or 21 or even 65..does it really matter?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Save the Sharks by Slowing down
Had an interesting discussion with my folks today over dinner about sharks fin as my cousin's upcoming wedding will not be featuring the dish; and it was also all over the local newspapers today.
With recent commodities surging ahead and governments warning of further daily staples such as rice and bread to increase in prices. And to think that oil producing countries are raking in billions due to crazy record oil prices. It is unlikely that retail prices for necessities will soon reverse, or incomes rise faster than food and fuel inflation (since our government will always be exploiting that), consumers will stay on the defensive. Consumers will continue to cautiously reduce discretionary spending and thus pressure the overall economy to slow down. 2008 will be a slow year ahead, so better adjust and learn to be patient. Although a fire sale is still not in the horizon as I still see lots of R8s and GTRs on the roads, perhaps when everyone's holding power has dwindled.
No I did not eat this, shamelessly stolen online.
Interestingly Singaporeans appetite for Shark's fins have increased from 182 tonnes in 2006 to over 470 tonnes last year. Let's hope that the impending stagflation will throw caution to the wind and save many more sharks.
With recent commodities surging ahead and governments warning of further daily staples such as rice and bread to increase in prices. And to think that oil producing countries are raking in billions due to crazy record oil prices. It is unlikely that retail prices for necessities will soon reverse, or incomes rise faster than food and fuel inflation (since our government will always be exploiting that), consumers will stay on the defensive. Consumers will continue to cautiously reduce discretionary spending and thus pressure the overall economy to slow down. 2008 will be a slow year ahead, so better adjust and learn to be patient. Although a fire sale is still not in the horizon as I still see lots of R8s and GTRs on the roads, perhaps when everyone's holding power has dwindled.
No I did not eat this, shamelessly stolen online.
Interestingly Singaporeans appetite for Shark's fins have increased from 182 tonnes in 2006 to over 470 tonnes last year. Let's hope that the impending stagflation will throw caution to the wind and save many more sharks.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Being busy is not TAO
It has been a hectic period of traveling, working and doing things such as cycling, wakeboarding, basketball etc. And as usual, I hardly have time for my folks and even friends find it hard to get me. Many have actually given up messaging or calling me, since my schedule can be packed till weeks later. But this being so, I hope my friends should know, that this is not TAO. I still find time to update FB, blogging, answering to IT queries, fixing PCs and laptops, and even teaching blading! Now I understand why my friends maintain their blogs and FB - to keep their friends abreast of what has been going on in their lives, but of course, not many people out there bother to read!
So hope I haven't offended anyone from the fact that it has been a busy period for me.
So hope I haven't offended anyone from the fact that it has been a busy period for me.
New lessons
Lately with the markets being so volatile, I started to lose about 5% of my overall portfolio on a Facebook application called FSX, which allows me to trade on US markets using "pretend" money. Though I am still up 6-8%, I have yet to master the arts of losing $, and making it sound good. Well our local newspapers always have something for me to learn.
If you think you bought cheap into some powerfulbanks companies which you think might be worth something in the future, its called "foresight and business acumen in seizing opportunities".
If you then realised thatGIC, Temasek a group of EXTRAORDINARY men took just eight days to decide on investing billions of public $, they must be pretty smart. But then again the company's stock tanked 10-20% months later, a new learning statement was issued by a even more EXTRAPOWERFUL man - Long term investment; 20-30 years.
And then I wonder about this other investment which many have lost billions on, some going in thinking of getting a bargain, and perhaps calling it a seizing opportunity, only to find his wealth almost halved.
When billionaire Joseph Lewis started buying into Bear Stearns last year, most thought he was bottom feeding. It turns out that Lewis was getting in near the top. Lewis holds 11.1 million shares of Bear Stearns. He paid about $1.2 billion for the stake. Its value was only worth $22.2 million when announced to sell to JP Morgan at $2/share. Prior to the Bear Stearns meltdown, Forbes estimated Lewis is the world's 368th-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $3 billion.
And ain't UBS and Citigroup also powerful banks? I just hope they can last longer than other powerful banks.
For now I will stick to "pretend" money and buy more AMD shares trading at $6-7 bucks and they were worth $40 a couple of years ago. Perhaps this engineer with no finance background can make or claim to have 600% returns with about a month of analysing of my "hard-earned" "pretend" money and maybe start using long term investment as an excuse; that is if before Facebook gets obsolete in 20-30 years or when USD is no longer in circulation.
Oh by the way, do you think I can apply for a job at GIC or Temasek? Hear the bonuses are good, but then again, I take too long to decide even with "pretend" $. Maybe I should retake a course on Ethics and Public Responsibility; but then again, its my own "pretend" $, I can do what I want - screw transparency.
Anyway these new terms can be used in our daily lives.
Come Saturday and Sunday - Wah never open...buy for next week!
If still never strike after months..
If you think you bought cheap into some powerful
If you then realised that
And then I wonder about this other investment which many have lost billions on, some going in thinking of getting a bargain, and perhaps calling it a seizing opportunity, only to find his wealth almost halved.
When billionaire Joseph Lewis started buying into Bear Stearns last year, most thought he was bottom feeding. It turns out that Lewis was getting in near the top. Lewis holds 11.1 million shares of Bear Stearns. He paid about $1.2 billion for the stake. Its value was only worth $22.2 million when announced to sell to JP Morgan at $2/share. Prior to the Bear Stearns meltdown, Forbes estimated Lewis is the world's 368th-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $3 billion.
The collapse of one of Wall Street’s most powerful banks has deepened concerns about the stability of the financial system.
And ain't UBS and Citigroup also powerful banks? I just hope they can last longer than other powerful banks.
For now I will stick to "pretend" money and buy more AMD shares trading at $6-7 bucks and they were worth $40 a couple of years ago. Perhaps this engineer with no finance background can make or claim to have 600% returns with about a month of analysing of my "hard-earned" "pretend" money and maybe start using long term investment as an excuse; that is if before Facebook gets obsolete in 20-30 years or when USD is no longer in circulation.
Oh by the way, do you think I can apply for a job at GIC or Temasek? Hear the bonuses are good, but then again, I take too long to decide even with "pretend" $. Maybe I should retake a course on Ethics and Public Responsibility; but then again, its my own "pretend" $, I can do what I want - screw transparency.
Anyway these new terms can be used in our daily lives.
Wah, accident again...wait (slowing down the car to be concerned and see if any assistance needed) SCD4567X, wah new car, $2 big $2 small- foresight, this weekend sure strike! ..seizing new opportunities
Come Saturday and Sunday - Wah never open...buy for next week!
If still never strike after months..
Long term investment; 20-30 years, sure make back one!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
NBA playoffs is here!
Spiting the stupid Sports channel on Starhub, me and my friends have mostly canceled our sports channel..we can afford it, just hate the fact it is covering more soccer than anything else!
Anyway NBA playoffs is here..was watching double header games everyday while I was in China, HK, Macau, which is the the reason why I did little touristy stuff, half the day spend in hotel room glued to the TV yelling.
In all aspects - go PISTONS!
Damn I need to find a job in China or US, just to get more basketball!
Anyway NBA playoffs is here..was watching double header games everyday while I was in China, HK, Macau, which is the the reason why I did little touristy stuff, half the day spend in hotel room glued to the TV yelling.
In all aspects - go PISTONS!
Damn I need to find a job in China or US, just to get more basketball!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
You are what you drive? - Cycling is the way to go!
Akin to you are what you eat, I guess taking care of your ride shows the personality of the driver? I beg to differ. Driving a car you desire over what you can afford is probably the deciding factor instead of the specs under the hood or aesthetic reasons. Especially in Singapore where the cost of driving any vehicle is ridiculously more expensive than most parts of the world...which leads to a totally unrelated piece of serious information.
Increasing fuel prices have driven many to alternative fuels such as CNG or biofuels. And the rush to biofuels which in turn have driven prices of commodities like grain up. George Bush wants 15 per cent of American cars to run on biofuels by 2017, which will mean trebling maize production. Europe has a set a transport fuels target of 5.75 per cent from biofuels by 2010. As a result, the price of corn has begun to track that of oil quite closely. And because cattle and chickens are fed on corn – it takes 8kg of grain to produce 1kg of beef – the price has risen as well for meat. So riots are occurring all over the world as most vulnerable people are facing starvation as food shortages grow and cereal prices soar. It threatens to become the biggest crisis of the 21st century. All because of the need to drive.
How did a simple question of are you what you drive lead to such a serious topic of increasing food costs and possible worldwide famine? Well, I guess what led me to this serious post was that I wanted to indicate that my car is getting dirty, 2 weeks of neglect from being too busy and traveling, and the sunny days of May are here, it is covered with dirt and bird poo. And indeed if the car represents the driver, I am indeed a dirty boy! :P But what's more important is to drive safe and to drive less.
Which leads to the fact that Singapore should build more bicycle tracks for alternative mode of transportation other than for recreation - which will then show that the government is understanding and serious about world peace. As the Singapore government has so declared back in 1971 at the Commonwealth meeting.
So effectively by allowing alternative modes of transportation, we will cut down usage of petrol and the dependence of oil which will lower the need for biofuel which will then drive the price down...blah blah..which will lead to world peace.
So gahmen - DO YOUR PART!
Increasing fuel prices have driven many to alternative fuels such as CNG or biofuels. And the rush to biofuels which in turn have driven prices of commodities like grain up. George Bush wants 15 per cent of American cars to run on biofuels by 2017, which will mean trebling maize production. Europe has a set a transport fuels target of 5.75 per cent from biofuels by 2010. As a result, the price of corn has begun to track that of oil quite closely. And because cattle and chickens are fed on corn – it takes 8kg of grain to produce 1kg of beef – the price has risen as well for meat. So riots are occurring all over the world as most vulnerable people are facing starvation as food shortages grow and cereal prices soar. It threatens to become the biggest crisis of the 21st century. All because of the need to drive.
How did a simple question of are you what you drive lead to such a serious topic of increasing food costs and possible worldwide famine? Well, I guess what led me to this serious post was that I wanted to indicate that my car is getting dirty, 2 weeks of neglect from being too busy and traveling, and the sunny days of May are here, it is covered with dirt and bird poo. And indeed if the car represents the driver, I am indeed a dirty boy! :P But what's more important is to drive safe and to drive less.
Which leads to the fact that Singapore should build more bicycle tracks for alternative mode of transportation other than for recreation - which will then show that the government is understanding and serious about world peace. As the Singapore government has so declared back in 1971 at the Commonwealth meeting.
The Declaration of Commonwealth Principles, 1971
Issued at the Heads of Government Meeting in Singapore on 22 January 1971
1. The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent sovereign states, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and co-operating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and world peace.
So effectively by allowing alternative modes of transportation, we will cut down usage of petrol and the dependence of oil which will lower the need for biofuel which will then drive the price down...blah blah..which will lead to world peace.
So gahmen - DO YOUR PART!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
What's right with the Slingers! - Parts 1 and 2 of the Trilogy Series
Contrary to my previous posts of what's wrong with the Slingers - Parts 1 and 2 ; I've added what's right with the Singapore Slingers based on the recent media attention it has been generating in the mainstream media. (The final installment of the what's wrong Trilogy post will come later prior to the start of the season as I observed more of what's to come).
I have been so busy recently with traveling and lots of cycling, I have yet to post much on the Slingers. But here's making up for it - so what's been making head waves lately on our shores is going right for the Slingers. They have generated the correct media attention by signing up Darren Ng #8, whom I have missed meeting and having free beer, but Jase has it all cover in his post. This is so unfair...but then I am not like the official spokesperson for Slingers and their lives should revolve around my vacation schedules..haha
Why is Darren Ng an attraction for the media?
1) He is not bad looking - and without Michael Wong this season, we needed a local face (though Darren is born in Adelaide) which the crowd can relate to.
2) Darren is hard to get - it took the Slingers 3 times before he agreed to come and you know what they say about Men who are hard to get...hahah
3) He is going to be a Doctor soon - what attracts most girls would be brains and sports and this guy has it all. Most girls I know that watch basketball have the smarts, as basketball contains lots of numbers which translate to making the game so interesting. Like the Field Goal, Free Throw percentages, what's the scoring average of the player - which leads us to
4) Darren Ng can play basketball! In my post on the game which Darren played, he was one of the reasons Slingers lost.
He averages 13.3 points per game (PPG), 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the 2008 season. You probably think you can do better, but this sort of stats translated in NBA standard, Darren will be akin to Tayshaun Prince of Detroit Pistons or Jermaine O'Neal of Pacers.
Other media coverage about Darren:
1. Channel NewsAsia - Basketball: Singapore Slingers hoping for a better season with new signings
The article highlights that Singapore's only professional basketball outfit have lined up new signings in 25-year-old Australian Darren Ng, 1.90m, and another Australian, 2.24 metre-tall Sam Harris. It also mentions the possibility of getting Filipino John Castro which would cater well to the huge Filipino community in Singapore.
2. The Straits Times, 25 Apr 08 - Slingers sign Ng on third attempt, H20
The article highlights Darren Ng as the Slingers' marquee signing for the new season, having been courted by the team for the past 2 seasons. It also states that Darren is currently a medical student, which adds credibility both to him and the team as a whole especially when Singaporeans mindset is "Study first, sports second". The article also mentions that the Slingers are also looking to sign another small forward in Jason Castro, the Philippine Basketball League's Most Valuable Player, and two American signings to form a team to compete for honours in the NBL. Lastly, the article quotes Chuck Harmison, NBL CEO, saying "the Slingers having a real bright future in the years to come."
That concludes Part 1 of the " What's right " series.
Now the start of the double header Saturday series (This is a term used for 2 back to back NBA basketball matches being shown live on TV).
Did you know that basketball is the most popular spectator sport in the Philippines, but not the USA, where more people attend professional football, baseball and bowling matches. So Philippines love basketball more than the Americans and let's not even start with Singapore which has focused on soccer way too much. Did you also know that
Philippines has won the SEA games gold medal for basketball since 1977 except for 1989 when it lost to Host country Malaysia; and Singapore actually used to play well and won once for its only basketball medal ever (Bronze) in 1979.
The Singapore Slingers have managed to sign on reigning two-time Most Valuable Player of the Philippines Basketball League (PBL) - 21-year-old sensation Jayson Castro (NOT the American Idol 7 finalist!!).
Jayson Castro (173cm-Point Guard-1986), one of the top amateur basketball player in the Philippines and many time national team player, is the latest Filipino import of Singapore Slingers. The 5-foot-8 Batang Pier playmaker became the first Filipino to play in the Australian National Basketball League.
Let's list out Jayson's Honor List:
MVP of the Philippine Basketball League Silver Cup 2006
MVP of PBL Unity Cup 2007
First Team Silver Cup ALL-PBL 2006
First Team Unity Cup ALL-PBL 2007
2006 SEABA Club championship (Jakarta Indonesia)
2006 PBL Silver Cup finalist
2007 PBL Unity Cup Champion
This is indeed good news for the basketball crazy Filipinos here. There is a reportedly large following of about 100,000-strong Filipino community in Singapore.
I used to play in the Filipino Friendly league over at Chua Chu Kang and these guys are really good. Even on the Spartan team we have 3 fabulous Filipinos who can shoot and handle the ball exceptionally well. I cannot imagine with Jayson's achievement so far as a 21 year old, how good he would be on the court. And by growing with the team, this will indeed be a step forward for the expansion team. Jayson will don his usual #17 Jersey and given the opening season game on the 17th September, this bodes as a good omen.
Jayson's average per game numbers are : Avg PPG 14.5 with 35% 3 point accuracy, 5.2 rebounds and 4 assists.
Now that's real stats similar to Darren which makes Jayson Part 2 of what's of to come...Slingers are really making the right moves and rippling the right waves.
Bob Turner the managing director of Slingers, flew into Philippines to watch Castro play in the PBL and I applaud Bob for the recent 2 Asian sign ups. This is indeed news worthy and a thumbs up to local/asian basketball. I hope more Singaporeans/ Filipinos will turn up to watch and in turn give basketball a chance in this soccer crazy island. For now I can't wait for September to come!
I have been so busy recently with traveling and lots of cycling, I have yet to post much on the Slingers. But here's making up for it - so what's been making head waves lately on our shores is going right for the Slingers. They have generated the correct media attention by signing up Darren Ng #8, whom I have missed meeting and having free beer, but Jase has it all cover in his post. This is so unfair...but then I am not like the official spokesperson for Slingers and their lives should revolve around my vacation schedules..haha
Why is Darren Ng an attraction for the media?
1) He is not bad looking - and without Michael Wong this season, we needed a local face (though Darren is born in Adelaide) which the crowd can relate to.
2) Darren is hard to get - it took the Slingers 3 times before he agreed to come and you know what they say about Men who are hard to get...hahah
3) He is going to be a Doctor soon - what attracts most girls would be brains and sports and this guy has it all. Most girls I know that watch basketball have the smarts, as basketball contains lots of numbers which translate to making the game so interesting. Like the Field Goal, Free Throw percentages, what's the scoring average of the player - which leads us to
4) Darren Ng can play basketball! In my post on the game which Darren played, he was one of the reasons Slingers lost.
He averages 13.3 points per game (PPG), 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the 2008 season. You probably think you can do better, but this sort of stats translated in NBA standard, Darren will be akin to Tayshaun Prince of Detroit Pistons or Jermaine O'Neal of Pacers.
Other media coverage about Darren:
1. Channel NewsAsia - Basketball: Singapore Slingers hoping for a better season with new signings
The article highlights that Singapore's only professional basketball outfit have lined up new signings in 25-year-old Australian Darren Ng, 1.90m, and another Australian, 2.24 metre-tall Sam Harris. It also mentions the possibility of getting Filipino John Castro which would cater well to the huge Filipino community in Singapore.
2. The Straits Times, 25 Apr 08 - Slingers sign Ng on third attempt, H20
The article highlights Darren Ng as the Slingers' marquee signing for the new season, having been courted by the team for the past 2 seasons. It also states that Darren is currently a medical student, which adds credibility both to him and the team as a whole especially when Singaporeans mindset is "Study first, sports second". The article also mentions that the Slingers are also looking to sign another small forward in Jason Castro, the Philippine Basketball League's Most Valuable Player, and two American signings to form a team to compete for honours in the NBL. Lastly, the article quotes Chuck Harmison, NBL CEO, saying "the Slingers having a real bright future in the years to come."
That concludes Part 1 of the " What's right " series.
Now the start of the double header Saturday series (This is a term used for 2 back to back NBA basketball matches being shown live on TV).
Did you know that basketball is the most popular spectator sport in the Philippines, but not the USA, where more people attend professional football, baseball and bowling matches. So Philippines love basketball more than the Americans and let's not even start with Singapore which has focused on soccer way too much. Did you also know that
Philippines has won the SEA games gold medal for basketball since 1977 except for 1989 when it lost to Host country Malaysia; and Singapore actually used to play well and won once for its only basketball medal ever (Bronze) in 1979.
The Singapore Slingers have managed to sign on reigning two-time Most Valuable Player of the Philippines Basketball League (PBL) - 21-year-old sensation Jayson Castro (NOT the American Idol 7 finalist!!).
Jayson Castro (173cm-Point Guard-1986), one of the top amateur basketball player in the Philippines and many time national team player, is the latest Filipino import of Singapore Slingers. The 5-foot-8 Batang Pier playmaker became the first Filipino to play in the Australian National Basketball League.
Let's list out Jayson's Honor List:
MVP of the Philippine Basketball League Silver Cup 2006
MVP of PBL Unity Cup 2007
First Team Silver Cup ALL-PBL 2006
First Team Unity Cup ALL-PBL 2007
2006 SEABA Club championship (Jakarta Indonesia)
2006 PBL Silver Cup finalist
2007 PBL Unity Cup Champion
This is indeed good news for the basketball crazy Filipinos here. There is a reportedly large following of about 100,000-strong Filipino community in Singapore.
I used to play in the Filipino Friendly league over at Chua Chu Kang and these guys are really good. Even on the Spartan team we have 3 fabulous Filipinos who can shoot and handle the ball exceptionally well. I cannot imagine with Jayson's achievement so far as a 21 year old, how good he would be on the court. And by growing with the team, this will indeed be a step forward for the expansion team. Jayson will don his usual #17 Jersey and given the opening season game on the 17th September, this bodes as a good omen.
Jayson's average per game numbers are : Avg PPG 14.5 with 35% 3 point accuracy, 5.2 rebounds and 4 assists.
Now that's real stats similar to Darren which makes Jayson Part 2 of what's of to come...Slingers are really making the right moves and rippling the right waves.
Bob Turner the managing director of Slingers, flew into Philippines to watch Castro play in the PBL and I applaud Bob for the recent 2 Asian sign ups. This is indeed news worthy and a thumbs up to local/asian basketball. I hope more Singaporeans/ Filipinos will turn up to watch and in turn give basketball a chance in this soccer crazy island. For now I can't wait for September to come!
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