300 Wild Hogs...really!

Watched 300 last night...what at a cinema? Of course not...downloaded a screener from the Internet (that's camera version but I guess touched up a bit with a quality improvements). Video is OK but sound is not so good; mostly a bit dark, but all screeners are like that - I guess a trade-off for getting movies fast, and not paying much for a slice of entertainment.

OK, I think that the basic movie premise is correct historically, the acting is fair, and the action is stylised but acceptable. A bit too much gore in it, especially with the chopping of heads and blood-spurting, but enough to quench the thirst of most remaining cinema-goers. A lot have been said about the use of CGI in this movie, to give it the larger-than-life feel, and I agree - personally I am not too excited about it but it does give the movie an extra oomph.

Wild Hogs on the other hand is the more traditional form of movie, and being a comedy it's so so. There are its funny points but all in all I think the movie is just so so, and can be yawning at times. It will still draw it's crowds, and it's place a the box office - with the likes of John Travolta, Tim Allen - what show wouldn't? But I guess biker movies are not commonplace in mainstream US cinema, and worth exploiting?

My comment...300 over Wild Hogs anytime!

A little bit crazy

Feels like the weather had gone a bit crazy over the lat few days. Initially it was blisteringly hot; then came the afternoon and evening rains, and today - heavy rain in the morning!! There goes plans for a picnic...

Wonder whether this has anything to do with El Nino/La Nina phenomenon...or is it related to the global warming problem? Probably both...but I guess we have to endure the dampness and cold (for a change!) for the time being.

No change

Had been going through some local forums and blogs of late...actually more out of boredom than anything else; and there are a lot of pissed off people out there about this TMNet throttling of p2p sites.

Basically TMNet says that 20% of users are hogging 80% of bandwidth (something like that) for p2p use (I guess primarily torrent-ing); as a result other users experience slowdown in Internet access - hence the need for throttling the p2p access.

So the questions are:
1. Why throttle p2p access when this is the original demand that created need for broadband?
Currently throttling seems to be limited to international p2p sites (local connections are relatively
fast) and more pronounced during the daytime - less after 12 midnight until about 8 am!!
2. Why TMNet is unable to increase bandwidth capabilities?
3. Why TMNet is still promoting broadband services, knowing that they are not able to provide the
bandwidth?
4. If TMNet is unable to provide proper services, why doesn't the government allow competitive
services to the public (ie. why the bloody hell is TMNet still monopolising broadband services)?
5. And since late last year - TMNet has been including our download/upload usage in our bills: what
is that for? Is TMNet going to start imposing a limit to our broadband activities?

Personally I feel that the problem lies with the reluctance of TMNet to invest in their infrastructure (read $$$$) and increase bandwidth capabilities. I guess that most of us would pay extra if the services are reliable and consistent. And the fact that lack of competition would make TMNet sit on its laurels, a giant sloth that does not need to respond to changes in its surroundings. I don't get the promotions either; it'll lead to more complaints, duh!!

In this country, people have already accepted the fact that things would not change for the better...not by a long shot, until there is a paradigm shift in the government (change perhaps?). And all Malaysians know that this would not happen even if the fat lady sings...

So what are we to do? Live with it, and just keep complaining...at least there is still an outlet for our frustations!

Sick hospital or Hospital for the sick?

One Sick Hospital








Wah so beautiful ah...

Ahh...another attention grabbing headline in the Malaysian health scene - and the scary part is, it's nothing new! Remember Hospital Pandan in Johor? Same contactor I think. So the expensive Ampang Hospital has got major problems. And it's out in mainstream media for once. Not like my ex-hospital...whose problems are similar to that at Ampang, but has been kept under wraps. Guess it was not so 'fortunate' to be headlined.

But it does bring into light the shoddy workmanship of the contractors appointed to build the hospitals. Mind you it is not a small company, but one of the largest in this country. Speaks volumes of the ability of these contractors, and I shudder to think of their overseas projects. I guess I need not be worried about the overseas projects - I'm sure they will ensure high standards, but alas for us Malaysians as usual, we are being treated second-rate in our own country! Hmm, sounds like what Proton used to do to us locals :()

I'm sure most if not all the other new hospitals similarly constructed will have the same problems and will be swept under the carpet; after all the profits have been made, palms have been greased; what's left is for the poor souls of this country to foot the mounting repair bills year after year...

And the building is only half the problem. The not-mentioned outdated equipment is another. What people don't realise that it takes up to ten years to plan, build and commission a hospital for operation (a government hospital that is) and most of the equipments have been tendered for at the start of the project...if we include the delays into account...that would be about twelve years. You can imagine a hospital that starts operation in 2005 was planned since 1992, and it's equipment are of the mid 90s. But of course we are not so backdated; we have updated equipment, but that means additional money (in the form of variation orders) - footed by the taxpayers of this country - while the original contractor reaps the benefit of its enterprise...

Ultimately we are the losers...the rich get richer, and the people in power...no need to say lah...

Winners!

All-England Champs

So, after a 25-year wait, we finally win something at the All-England championships! Hurrah for Koo and Tan!!

From a scratch pair to world beaters and now world champions, all in a matter of six months - wow!

But they have shown the grit and determination to persevere, beating the top seeds on the way to the title.

Personally I didn't think they would win, even after their win over the Danish pair in the semis. I thought their Chinese opponenents were too strong. Well, I am surprised! They covered the court well and complemented each other; they were especially good at the net. If any, my only grouse is that they can't smash - but then all great Malaysian badminton pairs can't anyway.

This is just the beginning of their journey. Lets hope they make it all the way - perhaps dawn of a new era in Malaysian badminton...

Malaysia boleh!! For good reasons this time around....

Pop!

Well, the bubble burst on the stock market...finally!! It had to come some time anyway; what goes up must come down. In all honesty, stock markets all over the world are a bit superheated, week after week of gains without a correction in sight; something had to give eventually - so this time around it was China, and the rest tumbled like dominoes.

10% isn't that much, considering the gains the markets had made over the last 3 months. But a lot of people (myself included) were spooked that the fall came over a period of five days or so...and just at the time when the retailers were coming into the market. I guess that sent them scurrying back into their little hiding places to lick their wounds.

Personally my experience in the stock markets taught me a valuable lesson...my timing sucks, and I have to be more disciplined in managing my investments - at least I don't have to come to grief that often. But in all fairness, most of my investments are in fundementally good companies and I should not be afraid; just toughen it out and I think I would be OK eventually.

The market will recover eventually. Guess that I have to stick to my investments for the long-term. And the recent falls presented buying opportunities...so who knows? The coming elections will provide the spark.

After all, the government have to make money for the coming elections, doesn't it?

Boar-ing

OK, OK...so I was not well over the Lunar New Year. So it was quite boring for me. Didn't go out anywhere and stayed at home, hot as it was. Did have some people come over for a visit, but spent most of my time downloading stuff. I guess the only good point was that the throttling machine (??) crashed during this period (forever, hopefully) and downloading was a breeze. Otherwise I didn't get a good start to the Boar.

Well, if it starts off bad, it can only get better right?

Happy Chinese New Year

Today is the last day of the old Lunar Chinese Year (of the dog)...and tomorrow is the Chinese New Year. The coming year is the year of the pig (or boar...politically correct here of course). All the spring cleaning has been done, and tonight is the homecoming dinner. Well, I'm not in Sabah anymore so this year will be a bit low key I guess...anyway I expect my relatives to be around, so it'll be quite noisy I guess.

To me Chinese New Year celebrations are overhyped..maybe because I'm older and preoccupied with a lot of other things on my mind...but even as a kid I wasn't too into Chinese New Year. Then it means going to Pulau Ketam to my grandma's place, enduring a 1 1/2 hour boat ride, a few days without running water and limited electricity (and of course television) supply. But I guess it was a bit fun and full of memories (I think...)

Anyway Chinese New Year nowadays reminds me of sweltering hot days and times spent inside watching TV...not much visiting for me. Maybe it'll be a bit different this year, who knows?

Anyway wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!!

Full speed ahead?

Yes...TMNet seems to have lifted the throttling late last week...I'm able to download at the max speed available - by that it means around 150-160 kB/s - much faster than most of my friends. They joke that I must be hogging all the bandwidth :)

Hope this stays...

Headlines?

Crystal bead toe
No crystal beads from toe

This is so sad...as if there is no other news out there worth mentioning. Maybe the censorship and lack of press freedom in this country is worse than I though...

Obviously there are some people out there looking for cheap publicity, and the Malaysian press seems to be encouraging such news, which is more worthy of tabloid sensation than in the mainstream media...there is not even any realm of possibility where the human body can produce crystals. Or maybe I'm wrong?

Reminds me of the 'Bigfoot' discovery in Johor: but at least there is some fact to it...btw, hope it didn't drown in the floods there...

So far so good

Well, there's no throttling for the last 36 hours...thanks God...while the luck still holds I better download as much stuff to last me for another week...just in case they go throttling the torrent sites again!

Stupid?

Well, well, here we go again: Johor CM blames Singapore for floods and DPM distances himself from Johor CM comments

Another wonderful example on unnecessary comments from a top-level government official about our neighbour; after which of course a higher official denies or rebuts the comments - a simple case of brain does not know what the mouth is saying... For those unfamiliar with our local political scene, this is actually a common occurrence.

Now I wouldn't be going so far as saying that this is another example of stupidity, is it? Don't these people check their facts or get approval from their superiors before making such comments? I guess this is the Malaysian way of free speech...

We just have to wait and see what political fallout of such a comment would be...

Achoo...the flu is coming!

You know, it's been some time coming. The flu epidemic is overdue. And it's definitely gonna come. The problem is that we don't know when. And when it does, it's gonna spread like wildfire. No region on this planet is going to be spared, except maybe the Arctic regions.

The SARS and bird flu epidemics are but just warning signs. The new flu epidemic will make SARS like the common cold...relatively speaking. And look around us...it's gonna start in our own backyard. Indonesia, Thailand, and recently Japan. The bird flu virus is spreading despite efforts to control them. It takes the highest human toll in Indonesia; and it's the second best bet (after China) to be the source of the new human flu strain.

And yet somehow there's no news about any outbreaks in the country. Strange isn't it? And there is little urgency for preventive measures. Not visible ones at least. Yeah sure there are media reprots about stockpiling of vaccines, contingency planning etc., but there's still a laissez-faire attitude. Hey look at the floods in Johor...you would think the Government is poised to do more (granted they were caught off-guard, it coming unexpectedly, place maybe but not the time of year!!) in terms of relief efforts. I shudder to think what would happen during an actual flu outbreak.

I really don't think people understand the implications: health, economic and political fallout of a flu outbreak in this country, both to us and worldwide. We better be prepared. The signs are out there.

Flu pandemic
U.S. Pandemic Flu guidelines

Something to think about...

Came across this blog from our esteemed ex-Opposition leader:
50th Anniversary Overshadowed by Race Tensions


Thought the comments would make good reading...

As a westerner who has been living for 10 years in your country, I have an unbiased view of the multi cultural Malaysia. Of course, this broadcasting on CNN and the worldwide promotion of Malaysia being a multi racial country where everybody is living in harmony is a total joke. You all races hate each other for various reasons, and as a guest here, I’m a privileged witness.

Yet, I’m not sure which race (and I don’t like to use that word in our new century) is to blame.

During the fasting month, I would throw a “party” which theme would be for non Muslims (I’m personally Christian) to try fasting for one day to better understand what our fellow Malaysian Muslims undergo and the true meaning behind this month. I would invite Indians, Westerners, Chinese and Muslims. As it turns out, only Muslims and Westerners would participate after a whole day fasting and enjoy the breaking.
Today, I just realise that all (and I say “all”) my Chinese friends were under the belief that they are not allowed to enter a mosque. The ignorance and lack of interest in other cultures/religions of your own country, that is also Malaysia bodoh.
During Thaipussam, going to the Batu Caves is one unique opportunity to mix and celebrate with Hindus. Again, I see no or few Chinese and Malays.

And I can go on and on with similar stories for each and every festive. Each race is to blame, the Muslims no more than Chinese or Indians.

I do admire your work Mr Lim Kit Siang and I read you almost every day but there is such a negativism here that is really not constructive. Can I ask you how many friends of the other race you have and how much effort you do to mix with them.
Yes, Islam is becoming scary in Malaysia but it is only the reflexion of a few stupid people which unfortunately have been given the power to show the direction. Today, I have met and count amongst my friends as many Buddhists, Christians, Muslims or Hindus
and it only takes the will to mix to make it a multicultural society, it is not so difficult and I call on you all to give it a try. You’ll be surprised how nice people ALL Malaysians can be.

Comment, from http://blog.limkitsiang.com/?p=960#comments

I do admire your work Mr Lim Kit Siang and I read you almost every day but there is such a negativism here that is really not constructive. Can I ask you how many friends of the other race you have and how much effort you do to mix with them.

Spot on, andrisoa. It is really amazing how ignorant the non-Malays, even those who call for a Malaysian Malaysia, seem to be of how little they have done to reach out to the Malays. especially blame the vernacular school system and the “national” schools which are in effect Malay schools, because they segregate our young at a very tender age, and somehow expect this to have no effect on their ability to mingle with people from other cultural backgrounds at a later age.

What is even more irritating about the issue of vernacular schools is that there is so little actual logic involved when people debate the topic. Usually, it’s just a bunch of bigoted Malays who seem to think everything can be solved by dumping vernacular schools wholesale without making national schools more attractive, and a bunch of chauvinist Chinese who seem to believe that it is a God-given right for them to use public funds to establish and support a parallel school system that segregates Chinese children from the other races. There are very few voices of reason who realise that both the national and vernacular school systems have their faults, and that the national schools need to be improved in order to attract the other races again; see this recent debate on this blog itself for example.

As a Chinese who has never had any problems interacting with people from other races, I find it extremely sad that most of the Chinese I see, wherever I go, consciously or otherwise keep to themselves. Usually, they prefer to talk in Mandarin or a Chinese dialect, which further isolates them from people from other backgrounds. (Note: I am not saying that habitually speaking Chinese is a barrier to racial integration – I know a number of people fluent in Mandarin who have no problems relating with those from other races.) Likewise, the Malays also keep very much to themselves. It is only the Indians who have been somewhat successful in integrating and being truly Malaysian.

I think in essence, the problem is that we Malaysians don’t have a single Malaysian identity yet. We disagree very strongly over what it means to be Malaysian. A Bumiputra bigot might tell you that being Malaysian means you’re either a Bumiputra who can lord it over the non-Bumiputra, or a non-Bumiputra who has to submit to Bumiputra rule. A Chinese chauvinist might tell you that being Malaysian means you have the right to discriminate against everyone else just as much as the Malays discriminate against you, by demanding taxpayer money to prop up “your” schools and siphoning money away from schools that are meant to be truly Malaysian. There are very few people who would say that to be Malaysian means, for example, being able to talk to and deal with other Malaysians on any level without any hang-ups.

Basically, most Malaysians seem to conceive of this country as a homeland for three separate and distinct ethnic groups, and as long as we all keep to ourselves, don’t mind each other’s business, and hew to the status quo, everything will be just fine. I’m sorry, but the “salad bowl” conception of multiculturalism is simply disproven. Europe is experiencing a lot of problems now because their salad bowl model has created a distinct different group of people, mainly Muslims, who view themselves as separate from other Europeans and refuse to integrate.

Being Malaysian isn’t about being Malay, Chinese or Indian. I recall a while ago (maybe a year?) there was a survey showing that a majority of Malaysians don’t even dine with people of other races on a regular basis. I found it absurd, and pretty depressing since I have always had friends from different ethnicities, and never had any issues about sharing food with them or eating at the same table.

I know I’m rambling at this point, but I feel it’s just frustrating. After 50 years of independence, we Malaysians remain so divided and so hung up about race. After 50 years of independence, we still view it as viable to fight for our own racial interests and preserving our separate ethnic identities. We still think living in our own compartmentalised, segregated worlds is possible. For most Malaysians, this is how life should be. And for that alienated minority who truly think of themselves as Malaysians, who have lunch with their Malaysian friends on a daily basis, who look at their racial-minded compatriots and sigh…we are ignored. It’s so depressing, and it’s the worst thing about this country.

People love to gripe about the government’s racist policies. But often these people don’t see how they themselves are racist. They seem to think all our problems would vanish if we just abolished the NEP and ketuanan Melayu. They don’t seem to realise that the true root of all our problems is that very few of us perceive ourselves as “Malaysian first” (as I believe the DAP slogan goes). As long as we persist in maintaining separate ethnic identities, and insist on keeping ourselves compartmentalised from the other races, no matter how equitably we are treated by the government, we will remain divided. Abolishing the NEP without tackling this basic societal problem is like putting the cart before the horse.

And the worst part is, I know I will be shouted down from both sides of the aisle for saying this. The bigoted Malays will want to keep their special sense of being different, of being “true Malaysians”. They won’t care that even if a non-Bumi had a thousand lives to give for his country, he would always coem second in terms of precedence to a Bumi Mat Rempit. And at the same time, the chauvinist Chinese will insist on preserving their special “Chineseness” and “Chinese schools”, and maintain that there is absolutely nothing wrong with insulating themselves from the rest of the country. They think it’s just fine to think of yourself as Chinese first and Malaysian second. And thanks to the way things are in this country, it’s like this’ll never change.

The problem with Malaysia, I suppose, can be summed up in this witty joke: if it’s a Malay problem, it’s a national problem. If it’s a Chinese problem, it’s a racial problem. If it’s an Indian problem, it’s not a problem. Despite all being Malaysians, 50 years after independence, our children don’t even attend the same schools, don’t even get the same educational opportunities, and don’t even get accorded the equal rights of citizens that they deserve as members of a civilised society. It’s an utter farce, and it’s what’ll lead to the death of Malaysia.

Comment, from http://blog.limkitsiang.com/?p=960#comments

Just thought I’d leave some comments:-

First of all, i accidently bumped into this site and seriously enjoying alot of the articles here. Great Job.

I’m a malaysian chinese but lived overseas, travelling alot since i was young. I loved it everytime I come home, the food, etc.. I’m now permanently living back in KL and my bunch of frens are mostly indians and malays, have a few chinese friends. I’ve been to a mosque, minimarts in brickfields and seriously, places you wont find a chinese fella. I’ve also brought my bunch of frens around to temples and cheras/kepong pasar malams, etc.. Do you all have any idea how awkward it is when you enter a mosque, or be in a place you are not suppose to be in a way? Everyone looks at you like its wrong, even bringing my indian friends to pasar malam with full of chinese seems to be awkward to a certain extend.

So Andrisoa, i guess in a way, it is not socially accepted yet in this country to be multi-racial?? Haha.. how ironic.. But anyway, my bunch of friends and i are always still challenging this issue. We enjoy our company around each other, there are a number of malays and indians in my group, but weird enough, very little chinese. We laugh, share and depend on each other alot of the time. Sometimes when i go out to mamaks and see a bunch of mixed cultures on one table, i’m always glad to see it.. I believe the younger generations are slowly moving to be one.. But mind you, these younger generation that are mixing together are mostly not locally educated, we all come from very different backgrounds. So maybe there are issues with how the kids are socialising at school? Is it what their parents teach them? Even my parents are at times racists to a certain extend but i know better myself.

I know there are others out there who are fine with socialising with other races, but there are too many out there that keep away with other races as well. The indians are the ones that socialise around the most, the malays the second and the chinese are the worst bunch (Again sad but true..) They just have so much generalization on a certain race that they just have negative thoughts about them. Eg. Indians are drunkards, Malays are lazy and Chinese are sleazy. My indians frens say i’m not chinese and i’m actually indian and my malay frens call me a mat-salleh and all these for the apparent reason that malaysian chinese usually dont mingle around the way i do??

In the end, I believe it all boils down to the ‘mentality’ malaysians have. I’ve seriously given up on the current generation, older generation and the younger generation(babies) of malaysia on being multi-racial, i see some comments here like ‘not being able to develop a relationship with malays/indians/chinese’, i do get confused with statements like that? . Maybe the govt should start looking at the educational system and how our kids are mixing around at school cause it starts from there, then maybe there might be a slight chance at our 100th anniversary to realistically announce that we are a multi-racial country.

PS: I noticed alot of malaysians on this site complaining about malaysia and all. If you have travelled overseas to more developed countries like the US, UK, OZ, etc and come back to complain, stop complaining!! Try travelling to bangkok, jakarta, hanoi, medan, phnom phen, etc etc (Thanks to Air Asia), you will realise that your ‘home’, Malaysia is a great country!! In terms of all the countries around south east asia, i love it back home! Singapore is different by itself, but then again, you dont get things like mamak and pasar malams in sgp like you get them in kl.. RIGHT?

Comment, from http://blog.limkitsiang.com/?p=960#comments

Throttled

OK. The gist is this. Ever since the undersea earthquake that disrupted Internet traffic to other parts of the world, we Malaysians have been having problems with downloading and file-sharing. While the former has been rectified, the latter is still a problem. Personally I haven't been having much problems until last week: I could only download my torrents on Thursday, and even then for 12 hours...thank God I managed to download four series and two movies...not bad for 12 hours eh? Then zip...until last night, but downloads were really slow.

Main Entry: ¹throt·tle
Pronunciation: 'thrä-t^&l
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): throt·tled; throt·tling /'thrät-li[ng], 'thrä-t^&l-i[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English throtelen, from throte throat
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to compress the throat of : CHOKE (2) : to kill by such action b : to prevent or check expression or activity of : SUPPRESS throttle creativity>
2 a : to decrease the flow of (as steam or fuel to an engine) by a valve b : to regulate and especially to reduce the speed of (as an engine) by such means c : to vary the thrust of (a rocket engine) during flight
intransitive verb : to throttle something (as an engine) -- usually used with back or down throttled back>

From The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

So, this is the new word I learned from an Internet forum site. With regards to how our broadband service provider treats us on p2p downloads. With p2p downloads I mean Bittorrent and other movie/music downloads. I guess there are frustrated people out there...voicing out opinions which they can really do on mainstream media.

For one it's illegal. Well I admit to that, but the alternative is to wait for it on terrestrial television, or pay inflated prices on the Internet or original CD/DVDs. Or as they say here in bolehland go to the nearest pasar malam and make your pick (err, pirated vcds etc). So much for throttling the Internet download activities...it's just shifting one illegal activity to another. But I guess the authorities don't get greased so much by illegal Internet downloads than by money-making pirate distributors or peddlers. Well it's just a matter of time they find a way to make money that way in bolehland.

So what are we paying our broadband for anyway? Most people do not need broadband unless they need to download huge files or need to be online 24 7...and we are paying RM 88 (myself anyway) for shared bandwidth space (btw it means that we don't really get 1Mbps as advertised...should I sue our broadband service provider for false advertising?) It is frustrating for most people, although I use boadband for other stuff apart from movie downloads. But of course all this whining is not going to stop the monopolistic company to do anything about it...because it's all monopoly, and there's no way the people on the street is going to make a difference.

And to another point: why are new customers being offered RM 77 (promotional) while existing customers (read me!) still have to fork out RM 11 more? I think this happens only in bolehland...again because of the monopoly. That a few steps backwards for business in this country.

But I think I must stop here...just in case they find grounds to sue a poor blogger like myself...uhm, then maybe I'll be famous for a change, who knows?

I quit!

I've finally had enough!! Just submitted my 24-hour notice of resignation. Calling me back to work during my leave when there are others available really was the final straw. And to think that I was contemplating withdrawing my resignation letter. Hmmph... But at least they made the decision for me!!

So I'm officially done with Government service. But I guess no one will miss me...life will just go on as usual. And what am I to do for now? Hmm...I have no plans to work yet - I can concentrate on the stock market for now and cross the bridge when I come to it. I have little expenditure, and I think my finances can withstand the strain for a few months; after all, it's not like I have nil income - the stock market holds opportunities, although a salary would be nice. I'll see how it goes.

The year is still young after all...

Resolutions

Ahh...it's that time of year again, to look back on the year gone by and to look forward on the year to come. I guess I have been pulled into that same whirlpool of self-reflection and resolution making that characterizes the end-of-year behaviour of most of humanity.

Well I'm not the kind of person who makes many notes, so I'll try to make a brief one here, for posterity's sake:

1. Huff and puff, I'll blow the house down
I guess I have to start being less of a couch/mouse potato and more physical-activity friendly. To me that's the euphemism for: exercise!! Well, being a doctor I know the benefits of exercising. To the death believe me. But working in the Emergency Department is exercise enough! And also stressful. And I suppose the need to breathe in fresh air now and then. And hope I don't get bitten by the Aedes mosquito during the evenings (but wait! there's no fresh air then - danged it...it means I have to get up early!). Which bring's me to...

2. Early bird gets the worm
Oh I wake up early enough...but this means that instead of lying awake on the bed, I get off my behind and do something useful: like reading the newspaper, doing some housework etc. Yeah right...

3. Just Do It!
No, no, I'm not going to buy a Nike outfit (I'm not into designer labels anyway). There's a lot of things I wanna do but haven't have the time to do it: going on holidays, meeting old friends, striking up new ones, looking for another job etc. So I feel this is going to be the year to do so... Whoa! Looking for a new job you say??

4. Sunset and sunrise
Oh no, I'm not going up Mt. Kinabalu to watch the sunrise (hey I was there for six years and never did that...do you think I'm gonna do it now??). I feel that this is the year I'm gonna quit from the civil service, which is something I wanted to do for a long time, but never got around to doing it. What am I gonna do after that? That's the thousand ringgit question (err, I'm not worth any million anytime soon you know) but I fancy something totally different. Yeah, it may not be suited to my personality - trying something new - but there's a time for everything right?

Rats...only four? Well it's better than none. It is said it's better to make a few resolutions you can achieve than make tons that you can't. Perhaps...so I'll start off small and go along from there. Wish me luck!!

Happy 2007!!

Well a belated happy 2007 to everyone out there...belated being this posted 3 hours late. As usual I find myself working on a public holiday, despite all the best-laid plans; but I guess that's the life of a doctor. Fireworks and celebration? Hmm...the only fireworks and celebration tonight is the gunshot victim I handled just now (err, that's as close to fireworks as I can get!). Phew!

So who know's what's in store for 2007. But in any case I wish people all over the world peace and prosperity and good luck for this coming year.

Here we go!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone out there. It's the last holiday of the year and guess what, I'm on leave. A short break from the hectic daily schedule. Not that I'm planning to go to church or some Christmas party anyway...just to relax and enjoy the day.

Sometimes how I wish there was snow here...then we can really enjoy Christmas. Snowball fights, making snowpeople, things like that which is fun that you see on television. Sure we have different things here, but how I wish I can be somewhere different. Hmm, maybe I'll go somewhere next Christmas.

But till then I have to live with the cloudy and rainy time this Christmas. Sad, but different...

Water, water everywhere!

So what's the big deal about floods this time of year? Yeah it always happens in the East Coast...with the monsoon season and all...but it's not the East Coast which grabbed the headlines. Off all places it was Johor, on the southern part of the country!!!

Well it's not limited to the east coast either...it's all over the state, including parts of the state capital. Thousands were forced to flee their homes and stay at makeshift relief centres. Talk about disaster. And Johor is the target for the next big Malaysian plan: Iskandar Development Region...unless they find out what the problem is and take steps to correct it, the IDC will probably drown in it's own filth...literally.

But that does not take anything away from the efforts of the Government, Civil Defence, volunteer organisations out there tirelessly working to help the flood victims. Kudos to you guys and keep up the good work. As to all the generous people out there waiting to help the victims, kudos to all of you too. And let's hope that this time the money, food, clothing, etc really gets to the people who need them and not to some parasite waiting in the wings...

Hah, like that's gonna happen in this country...

Resignation

Have finally decided to resign from Government service. I am giving the required three-month notice. OK lar...since I've got almost a month and a half worth of leave to take.. Things are really not going down well with me. And with most of my colleagues as well.

My main grouse? Having to work the noon the following day after a night call is really too much. And to think that this is the only Emergency Department that I know with such requirements! I do not want to be a party to human error that will lead to death to a patient! Our Head-of-Department can't do much as this is the Hospital Directors prerogative. Combined with the fact that I have to be at home to help look after my father didn't leave me with much of an option. I guess this has been a long time coming...but the first step is always the hardest!

The coming year would be very interesting one for me indeed...

Up, up and away!

Well, I guess it's been a long time coming. An increase in the road toll rates, effective 1st January. Just that the quantum of increase had not been announced yet. Reason being that the government cannot afford to compensate the toll operators further, and stipulated increases had been set into their existing contracts. But I guess that is life then isn't it? Increases in cost of living, which is unfortunately not offset by increase in salary. No wonder people have so many grouses...

My beef is this...an increase in the toll rates should be accompanied by efficiency of the toll operators. As it is a lot of the tolled roads are suffering from massive jams caused by a teeny weeny insignificant accident (most of the time anyway), as much as narrow roads (not fit to be called a highway...read Lebuhraya [that's highway in Malay], Damansara-Puchong, which is a two-lane road) leading to traffic congestion. Sure, in their defence they will mention the rise in consumer spending leading to increase in the number of cars on the roads, which exceeds their projections then. But I think they can manage other reasons better.

1. Like towing away accident-involved cars away as soon as possible
2. Managing the congestion at toll booths (read LDP, again!!) by directing traffic there properly (um,
those who use LDP during peak hours would understand this - drivers cutting in to the paying
lanes from the Touch N' Go lanes because of haphazard driving, possibly because of
poorly-placed lanes)
3. Increasing the width of roads (well, this is subject to land space)
4. Providing alternative exits to users (God-forbid, that is not an option!!)

Having said that, traffic jams are a common occurrence and will in the future, get worse. That is why the integrated transport system here, if done properly could relieve much of the congestion. The key word here is properly. Because private companies always think of profits...and previous attempts failed because of that. A transport system, in my opinion should not be privatised until it in in place...to ask a private company to come up with a proper transport system without solid financial backing is doomed to failure.

Until then we again have to stomach the increases and weather the pain...so it means less road-travelling for me and more on the Internet highway...and that is cheaper and free of jams (most of the time anyway!)

One more to go!

Hey it's nearly the end of the year now!! And you know what that means...the holidays are here! So this year is a bit different...there's Christmas as usual, and then the year end Hari Raya Haji and New Year holidays. So a lot of people get the chance to partayyy...

But unfortunately not for us poor doctors. Holiday or not, we still have to work. But I guess that's our line of work, and we are resigned to this fact. Well as for me I'll be working over the long year-end holidays, and I'll probably take leave after that. I guess it's in my nature to allow people to party and me to suffer...ha, ha...

Oh, well it won't be for long now...the suffering will end some time. Till then just have to stomach and endure the pain. Who knows, when the pain ends, it may be for the better?

Complaints, complaints

I think we Malaysians complain way too much. I guess it is part of our human nature, but it is something we can control. Unfortunately for Malaysians, we have lived the good life for way too long, and when the crunch comes now, we are unable to adjust to it...so we complain our hearts out.

Some complaints are valid: long lines at Government agencies, bureaucracy when dealing with the civil service, favouritism/cronyism among public servants (blatant in this country I tell you) etc. and should be taken into account or given further thought. I am glad that the Government has already started steps to manage such complaints at best they can. In the end, there will be certain aspects that we are still not happy with, but that is part of life: you win some, you lose some... So at least in those respects I can still live with.

Other complaints are not so valid...borders on the whiny, in my opinion. Let me give you an example. Lately there has been a lot of buzz on raising of the prices of essential services such as electricity, petrol and water. Come on...we all know that such price rises are inevitable. As long as these rises are associated with improved efficiency in services, we should all be happy and thankful. For my part, the area I live in has not had a power disruption for a year now (compared to once a month two years ago). The tap water hasn't been cleaner in years, and less frequent water cuts. We have to compromise on these facts, and not whine about them. But I truly hope that money saved from the reduction in petrol subsidies is put to good use and not wasted on lining the pockets of those in power (that IS something to complain about).

So today the issue of raising air fares by our national carrier takes center stage. As usual there is the chorus of complaints: fares are too high, putting profits ahead of national interest etc. But the fact is that Malaysia Airlines is a business...and businesses needs to make profits to survive. So what's the point of making losses...with the Government (and ultimately tax payers like you and me) bear the losses...all in the name of national service (and oh, this incidentally has been happening all this while). How does that put us in better light with investors overseas? And people here are scratching their heads why Indonesia draws more foreign direct investments than our country, sheesh...

And speaking of subsidies: I gladly await the day when medical subsidies are to be lifted. Now healthcare, admittedly or not, is a big drain on the Government's finances. Imagine paying RM 1 and get medications, blood tests and x-rays...where else in the world does this happen? It's about time they lift this subsidy and put the money to better use. Sure there'll be the usual chorus of disapprovals, but I'm sure some compromise can come about it. It WILL not burden the poor if executed properly. It is all for the betterment of our society, in the end. Makes us less dependent on the Government and more on our two feet. At least I can say that, but not for the 60% so population of our country...

It's time people tighten up their belts and make do with what they have. They have to be more discerning with spending, and save more. Unfortunately this is not to be...I guess with all the advertisements on spending, sales, credit card promotions etc. Well spend today and there'll be less (if not none) for tomorrow. The good times have to stop some time...

Well I've more things to gripe about, but I'll leave that for another day.

Struck again!

Now who ever said lightning doesn't strike twice at the same place? Danged it, my computer is struck by lightning (err, more to the point: electrical surge) for the second time in two weeks. Sad thing is I wasn't even using it at the same time. So again I will be offline to the world for a few days. Thankfully I still have a distraction in my worldly affairs...namely work.

I wonder how much damage it'll be this time. It took out my monitor and modem too. Came back from work on Friday night and nothing works after a loud pop. Ddin't have the time to do anything yesterday...will try to get a new modem today. Sigh...and that means more money. Maybe I should sue Tenaga Nasional for my losses...

Well, I'm gonna go off shift soon. Had been a relatively quiet night, but a busy day...hopefully things will improve. Wish me luck!!

Where's the Aftershock?

As predicted, the drama of our Datuk Z has quietly faded into the mist, drowned out by other more interesting, juicy stories. How quickly the Malaysian public (and media for that matter) gets distracted by the stories around him. He has virtually disappeared from the scenes, and I guess, free to enjoy the fruits of his labour, in peace now...

Well, a run through of the exciting events that has managed to eclipse his sizzling story!!

Model Death
Wow, we have our own real mystery thriller here in this country, this time involving a beautiful foreign model, complete with body parts, high explosives and most of all, a corrupt politician looking to silence his lover. Is that true? Well, we'll leave it to the conspiracy theorists to write that one up...and I'm sure it'll be hot.

Money, money, money
Everyone's glued to the big screens nowadays...I mean the ones at the Stock Exchange. The market has been running up of late, and people are making money again. So everyone's rushing to invest, and I wouldn't want to be the fool caught with my pants down when the music finally stops. The million ringgit question is: when WILL the music stop?

Day In, Day Out

I never thought being a doctor could be so routine. Well, if you look at the big picture it is: you get up, go to hospital, see patients, treat them, leave, and go back home. But I guess any other job is routine.

But lately the routine-ness have been getting out of hand. Even when working in the Emergency Department. I guess it probably have to do with the large numbers of patient not needing emergency care...these are probably the most irritating and routine part of the job there. Imagine seeing innumerable cough and colds, sprains and backaches, headaches and sore throats...it can drive you crazy. At least it puts your brain to sleep: and work on a spinal reflex level. Trust me, I am working at this level.

Once in a while however the lightbulb up in my head shines brightly...the occasional case that needs a spark to put it all together, but these are far and few in between. It is these cases that makes me cherish and love being a doctor, not listening to grovelling 'sick' patients most people are...(sorry if I actually offend the truly sick). Compassion is certainly in short supply in the Emergency Department, especially if you work day in, day out.

Well I guess there are other ways to spice up one's life: change departments, move to the public health sector, or be a specialist and mix around with the big boys (?!). But i'm not into these things...too bad ain't it? Oh well, that's what you get for being a lowly-paid civil servant these days. Things will get better, but how we wish that it would happen faster than it's snail pace currently...

Anyway, it's back to the daily grind and run-of-the-mill stuff...at least my spinal reflexes work for these boring days...and let's hope for at least, an occasional fireworks...

Double Standards

Abuse of power. Disregard for the written law. Serving their own ends than constituents. I guess that sums up the political drama in Selangor. Guess most of you know what I'm talking about.






For those who don't it all started like this:

A few weeks ago it was reported that the Klang Municipal council elected three members of the same family to the council (obviously something is very wrong here, although the council denied any wrongdoing). Soon after there was a 'witchhunt' against one of the council members Datuk Z, from which it was splashed all over the available media:

1. He erected an illegal house (err maybe mansion) without submitting the proper building plans to the very council he was sitting on (sic),

2. His satay restaurant being built illegally on state land (apparently, he had a compettitor's restaurant torn down for the very same reason)

3. And the fact that his new house sits on a land in his wife's name which was purchased at a great discount to the maket price.


Enter the Sultan of Selangor which summoned this Datuk to his palace and gave him a good talking to...followed by the Prime Minister's astute advice for him to relinquish his post as not to tarnish the good name of the country. Well it did not end there as he gave a teary-eyed press conference to explain his actions; this was followed by the Selangor Menteri Besar's explanation that his illegal house would not be torn down (for the strange reason that it would also lead to the tearing down all other illegal houses, factories etc. and cause great distress to the people and the economy). And oh by the way, it was also reported that he had not paid his assessment as well as his tzaxes (how true is that?) for a few years now. And this from a councillor - and obvious abuse of power in front of our eyes. But of course things like this have been happening - open secret as I would call them - but this is something that is bound to happen in this country, with its lax enforcement and unwillingness to punish.

Then again the Selangor Menteri Besar has had previous gaffes with the media, but that's another story. It leads the common folk to believe that people in power are immune to such trangressions, and need not be punished fully for it; sure Datuk Z has had to resign from his post, now he has to have his satay restaurant torn down, but not his newly-built house. Oh well I guess we can't have everything. How about the other two councillors who had similar illegally built houses (hah, you think he was the only one??!!)? Sure as hell they won't be torn down...but I wonder what action would be taken against them, apart from fining them a measly RM 25,000 (for house that costs millions to build - which begs another question: where do they get the money to do so!!??? Another open secret...)

In his defence I'm sure he'll say that someone is out to get him, or like in his press conference: he needs a bigger house for his extended family (yeah right, as if all his sons and daughters and respective families would stay with him!!), or he's a scapegoat of sorts...but that does not detract from the fact of the matter.

So what are we going to do about this apparent double standards at work? Well, we'll leave that to the government...I'm sure there will be some more drama to be played out in the near future...and then it will all quietly go away.

Until the next time that is...

A Week Away

Wow, what a week...by away I mean being away from the Internet!! Well I guess I learn not to use the computer during a thunderstorm. The power surges here are mean!!!! Fried my power supple as well as my ADSL modem. Imagine the feeling of not being wired to the outside world: I had withdrawal symtpoms just by not being able to follow my regular series online, not to mention the tons of email that was left unread.

Anyway got a new ADSL modem over the weekend...and then down to the grind of setting up the system all over again. Not to mention the problem I had with my LAN connection: probably screwed but still able to function respectably. Hmm...maybe when I have the time I'd need to get a PCI Ethernet card and install it, to be on the safe side.

Well at least I'm back online...slow as the connection is, it sure beats being totally disconnected. Hope to write more as my wired life gets back on track.

Till then....

Selamat DeepaRaya

It's that time of the year again: Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa occurring within a span of one week!! Means rest and relaxation for most people, but not me.

Of course the Emergency Department cannot be closed, but there is a noticeable drop in the number of patients. Well at least the non-urgent ones mainly. Thank God for that, because this group of people are the ones distracting us from providing proper care for emergency cases: with all their whining and complaints. Sheesh...go to a private hospital then!!!

Sorry, I've gone off course...anyway good wishes to all celebrating this double celebration!!!
Happy holidays too!!

Blurred Vision

Well the annual haze is back...although it's later in coming this year...guess we can't miss the choking burning sensation, teary eyes and pungent assault to our senses, now can we?

So goes the blame game again: as usual Indonesia is the culprit. But I really wonder whether they can help it...with the rural population depending on the slash-and-burn technique to clear land for farming, guess the government is helpless to prevent burning of large areas of jungle; however what they can prevent are large oil pam plantations doing the same to clear the forest for planting season - fine them, and fine them severely. However I doubt the government, or local government has the backbone to do this. And oh, it's the same here in the country. I can see at leat two open burning sites going on in the outskirts of the city, but no authorities around to put a stop to it...must be the fasting month, or the lack of a spinal vertebra...

Oh we Malaysians have gotten used to this...we'll complain and rant about this now, prepare ourselves for next year, and forget all about it once the haze disappears; and do this all over again next year. Hey it's so annual it's like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or even Merdeka...maybe the goverment should make it into an annual holi-month...now wouldn't that put a lot of smiles on to the faces of Malaysians (I guess there's plenty of unhappy faces with the price rise and failure of a salary increase currently!!)

So much for the 20/20 vision. Anyway today the air quality appears to be better, and I guess we better take advantage of it...maybe go and jog later in the afternoon...as the saying goes, enjoy it while you can!!!

A Quiet September

Wow...I didn't realise that is was already the end of the month!! Guess that I didn't have very much to write this whole month.

I just watched Flight 93: a short movie to remember events of 9/11: well as expected it glorified the efforts of the passengers in preventing the suicide attempt of the fourth plane on White House/Capitol building, but a fairly good movie nonetheless. I remembered that day: I was getting ready to go to work when I switched on the news on CNN - they were already reporting the crashes into the World Trade Center. I remember thinking initially that a fire broke out, until I saw the footage of the planes crashing into the towers. I was glued to the TV set since I got back from work and stuck for a few days there after. I guess those events set in motion everything that happened till today: the war in Afghanistan, then Iraq, the oil price rise etc. and who knows what's next.

So the PM said that they would not raise the salaries of civil servants. Well I guess it could be because that the government is spending more on the constuction projects being rolled out. However it is inevitable that the salaries would have to go up sometime soon. It was 14 years since the last review; true that there are a lot of allowances, but most are based on the base salary - if the salary go up, then the allowances go up as well - so it's about time. Maybe next year...when the election draws near, and cost of living continues to increase. And the fact that next year would be the 50th anniversary of the independence. Not a bad time to increase the salary!!

Anyway, life goes on...for now.

A very sad, sad fact

The death of the House Officer who was killed two weeks after an accident which happened when she was escorting a patient to Hospital Selayang brought to light a very important fact: we doctors as well as other medical staff which performs transfers of patients everyday between the various health centers are not insured against accidents!!! Worse off if we have not been confirmed in service!! We are not 'eligble' for compensation. What in the world does the Health Ministry mean by this?? Are we serving the people without adequate coverage as to our safety as well as the future of our families? How sad this is...

This occurred in an urban area with good roads. We have heard of accidents involving medical staff in rural areas where roads are much worse, or even without proper roads. There are cases of flying doctor helicopter services which crash in Sarawak killing medical staff but hardly brought to light. In all these cases, the medical staff hardly got any compensation for their accidents. It is a very sad fact which had not changed all these years.

Somehow this makes me think twice about getting onto an ambulance and going out there to provide a service for the profession I love. Well, you may say that it is selfish of me, but if something happens, who is going to care for my family? Judging from the Health Ministry's response...no one but myself!!

So should I risk my life for it? Not yet...the ball is in your court Mr. Health Minister!!

Wishes are still wishes...

Oh well, it's good to dream and wish. But as expected the wishes did not come true.

But at least we got our yearly bonus: as expected one month only. Well, I really did not expect any increase in the salary or the increase in the bonus amount; on the flipside we should be thankful that we got a bonus. At least it would help to alleviate the increase in cost of living we are all experiencing: petrol price increase, vegetables, sugar etc.

We must look always look on the bright side!!!

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes... #1

My wish list this coming Budget 2006 (hey, everyone is entitled to his/her wish):

1. Salary increase
Yahoo! A salary increase for all civil servants. We know civil servants are poorly paid for the amount of work we do (I'm strictly speaking of health staff), but sadly I can't say the same for the rest of the service. Maybe it'll be a motivation for a better working environment and discorages corruption to a certain extent (am I kidding myself??) It's been a long time coming you know...

2. Reduction in personal tax
Actually at approx 12-15% for most people, the tax rates are quite low, but based on actual take home income it's quite high; so there's a possibility of it being lowered. maybe certain allowances such as on-call allowances can be made tax-exempt as well. Hey, I'm a nice guy (since I won't be able to pay tax next year...that's how low my salary is, and hence #1), I can wish for others too can't I?

3. Tax rebates for more purchases
Now limited to computers (once every five years, sheesh!), books and magazines. Maybe it should be widened to other electronic equipment, cars, houses etc. Would really promote domestic spending, I think...

4. Higher sin taxes
Increase the taxes for cigarette and alcohol companies. You look at the people around you and you know how much these two are generating in terms of revenue. Especially cigarettes. Nowadays more and more people, especially the younger generation are smoking. And since smoking and alcohol consumption is associated with a lot of diseases, increasing taxes and hence raising the selling price would deter consumption wouldn't it? Nah...but at least the government will earn a bit more...

5. Bonus time
It's about time the government gives a bigger bonus than the regular one month bonus...maybe two months bonus this year, in view of the price increases we have to tolerate. And keep it up for the subsequent years, unless they increase the basic salary for us civil servants.

And that's my wish this year. Hope it comes true...

Memories #1

Well I was a bit nostalgic this week, thinking of my childhood. It's a bit sad because I can't remember very much of my early childhood; but I do remember somewhat the later years.

Lets see: was in kindie in 1980s, was a kindergarten near where I live: it's called Joy Kindergarten. I remember going there from 9 am to 12 pm everyday, by bus. Yellow-coloured mini-bus (which incidentally I used until Standard Six) - well I called it Auntie bus. Guess I enjoyed kindie a bit, used to get a lot of stars for my work. It's how they reward our work (A's and B's were not there yet). I used to have some of the work until a few years back; did some house cleaning and threw most of the stuff away. Looking at it brings back a bit of memories. I didn't remember much of kindie though.

Primary school: SRK Seaport. Was there for six years. Met a lot of people; but they come and go. Met my best friend there too: now he's in UK as a physician. Yeah I remember the first time we met: he helped me tie my shoelaces. Since then we remained best of friends, though we may have lost contact a bit, but we still met together. Well, we had a few friends, but the years passed very fast. I remember this hopscotch game and this marble game (guli: we used to dig a small hole, each of us had a marble ball which we used to put the marble into the hole, or smash our opponent's marble to bits in order to prevent them from going into the hole!!) I also remember the bottle cap game, card games (that was trying to flip as many cards using palm power), frisbee and chopping (similar games, trying to hit another person using a frisbee [wasn't a real frisbee: we used the plastic milk can covers] and tennis ball). I was first bullied then, Std Four I think. Cried all the way to the headmistress' office. Brings back memories... And in Std Six, classmate asked me what masturbate was (because my English was good); I thought it was master-bed and told him so...was a bit miffed when he laughed, so I got back and checked the dictionary: that was the end of my innocence.

Hmm, guess the 80s were prime days for me. Remember Beat It (MJ) and Every Breath You Take (Police) very well. Also a lot of songs by Cyndi Lauper. Oh those pop songs were wonderful. Then came Phil Collins, New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul. Sports wise, I remember the 1985 Heysel disaster (actually I woke up to see the match and saw a lot of smoke, and found out that the match was delayed, so I went to sleep, and didn't find out about the disaster till the next morning!!). Selangor were kings of football then. Otherwise nothing much about sports other than that.

TV shows: Greatest American Hero, A-team, McGyver, Knight Rider, Airwolf and Blue Thunder. The period was great for family sitcoms: Gowing Pains, Silver Spoon, Full House, Alf and there was this series about a robot girl VICKI. Sci-Fi: hmm, I remember V, the old Battlestar Galactica. Cartoons: Transformers of course, parts of Robotech, things like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Visionaries, Voltron, and i think many others. I went for my first cinema screening in 1988: sad, isn't it...guess what show? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, har...har...

Well, I'll continue my memories later.

Cuties #1

Snapshots

EPL Away!!
OK, OK so Liverpool didn't do too well in their opening game...so what? They're slow starters, and there's the Champions' League Qualifiers on Tuesday to worry about. But at least they showed some fighting spirit in the second half. Will need to give time for the midfield and new attack to gel. The EPL is a marathon and not a sprint. Let's hope the stamina is there this year.

Merdeka!
Just under ten days to go to our country's 49th birthday. Nothing special I guess. Patriotism? I don't fly the national flag. But then again I don't see that many of them flying in the wind this year. Silent protest against price increases? Who knows? And I don't get this flying-the-Jalur Gemilang-to-show-your-patriotism thing the leaders cry out yearly. I still work like a dog for the government and have no plans to leave; I pay my taxes in full and on time; I defend the country when people make disparaging comments against it. Isn't that patriotism enough? Outward show of does not always cut it; it's what you actually do in the sidelines that really counts. I guess we laymen have a different interpretation of patriotism.

Early Budget
It's a bit odd that the Budget tabling is due right after Merdeka Day on Sept 1. Is there something special waiting in the wings? Especially after all the price increases we have to suffer this year. Hmmm...hopefully it's a pay rise and not the one-off bonuses we hear year after year (err, that would be good too, in addition). The Government can afford a pay rise, and it will certainly boost morale in the civil service, I think. Tax cuts maybe...but I'm not hoping much. Otherwise I don't see anything other incentives the Government has too offer. If not this year then maybe the next, seeing that next year is the 'Golden Jubilee'...

Senseless muders
Deaths which have rocked the country. Senseless murders that borders on insanity. Snatch thieves. Why would anyone kill for a few ringgit? Are society getting so impoverished that we need to steal for a few ringgit? Junkies we say...maybe, and who knows? And where is the safety and security we once cherished? Can we afford to walk in the night, even in the bright lights of the city and feel safe nowadays? We are becoming more modern as we speak. It's a reality of life.
Next: shooting and guns in the schools; freely available drugs in the streets; underage abortions shooting through the roof; unemployment rising. Sounds familiar? It happened to the once most powerful economy in the world. You know what I'm talking about. The price we pay for modernisation and urbanisation. Our 2020 vision is fast becoming a nightmare.

Red Storm Rising?

Well here goes the football season. By that I mean the English Premiership season 2006-2007!

The Community Shield match started off this season's proceedings: the game between the Reds and the Blues were up to expectation. As expected Liverpool won the match 2-1, with Crouch and Riise scoring the goals. Rafa tried some new players in new positions while resting the old; Chelsea came with their strongest squad. Yet that was not enough. Sissoko was a rock in midfield, while the Carragher-Agger pairing akward as it was, held firm against Schevchenko and Drogba; Zenden, Riise and Gonzales terrorised the Chelsea defence; Crouch and Garcia could do no wrong. But it was 1-1 only at halftime. Rafa injected some urgency into the Reds attack bringing on Gerrard, Alonso and Bellamy into the attack: this paid off with Bellamy producing the cross of the match for Crouch's winning goal. Chelsea were in tears...but in all fairness Mourinho was outsmarted by Rafa, and his team outplayed by resurgent Liverpool.

So what will we expect of Liverpool this season? More of the same I hope. Consistency is the key. Sisoko should hold the fort ala Hamann; Alonso, Gerrard, Gonzales, Pennant and Zenden rotating in midfield; but the attack pair of Crouch-Bellamy should provide the punch lacking last season. Defence? Carragher and Hyppia would be the rock they were the last two seasons, and with Paletta, Agger in the wings, Liverpool finally has the depth they lacked so much.
Liverpool would be the team to watch.

Next week, Sheffield United. We wait for the storm to come ashore...

Control freak

It befuddles me how our government tries to control every facet of our lives. There are certain areas of national importance which I fully understand, but there are areas which I certainly do not.

Broadband has really made a difference in our lives. But wait a minute. Why would a regular day-to-day user like want to use broadband, unless I want to access the Internet and need high download or access speeds? There lies the crux of the matter. TMNet (almost the only Internet service provider out there) has decided to regulate the amount of access speeds to certain sites. I mean in my case torrent sites (for the uninitiated, torrent sites are sites where individuals may download programs, music, movie etc. for free - granted that the sites may be illegal) and P2P file sharing sites. Downloads are awfully slow recently. A TV show of 350 MB takes me about 18 hours instead of the usual 2 1/2 hours to download. Imagine downloading movies of 1 GB...

Their excuse is that these sites take up the bulk of the bandwidth available. Of course it does, and it's about the only reason why we would pay RM 88/month for Internet access: so that we can see and download our favourite shows/movies, which we could not get here (or wait for it to arrive here)!!!

Changing service providers is not the option, since the only other competitor is being priced out of the game. In short, we are at the mercy of TMNet.

What will be next: other sites? It will never end. It's about time that the government grow up and trust us, or provide us with alternatives (which are currently not available).

In the mean time, please be a good and understanding big brother...

Gotta write something

Yeah I know, it's nearly two weeks since I blooged about something...so here's my two cents worth about last week.

Well, was quite sick last week. Started off with a scratchy throat which turned into pretty high fever, nearly 40 degrees. Had to go out with a friend who came nack for holidays from the UK, despite the fever. You can imagine how that turned out... Wednesday's was the worst. Couldn't get outta bed, and had to go to work nonetheless. Was like a zonked out zombie at work...thanks god I didn't kill any one.

Fever finally broke on Saturday I think. Now I feel a bit better, but tired from the after effects of the infection. Will probably take a few more days before I'm finally up to speed.

The Israel-Hizbollah conflict is hogging the limelight so far...but it is a piece of distressing news. I guess the Israelis played right into the terrorists' hands by bombing and targeting civilians. Guess it's bad publicity all over again... We'll just have to wait and see what happens, and whether the International community can force a cease fire, and more importantly what they are gonna do about Hizbollah, and similar terrorist organisations.

I guess that's all for now. Have to pace myself you know...

One month older

Hey I'm a month old now...look how strong I am!!

Well, the pic's a bit blurry because he's moving a lot!

A month of crying non-stop at nights...mainly because of infantile colic. Sleepless nights for the whole family, myself included...but that's baby life isn't it?

Lost in Translation...

Phew...didn't realise it was already nearly a week since my last blog. Was a blur of a week, with work and sleep, work and sleep, work and sleep...

Hmm, for starters patients at the hospital are really a pain. You know when you work at Emergency Department, you expect emergencies, not 'cold' cases. It's takes a lot out of you if you are busy trying to sort out the wheat from the chaff if you are busy. I had two cases 'bounce' back because I was trying to be quick about it...and I hate this about my job. But life still goes on...

Had been trying this Yahoo! Answers thing...has anyone out there been trying it? It's pretty interesting and weird at the same time, a learning and unlearning experience. Think it's an experiment on how the society would take on to this open book experience...but it's going astray. Hey, just look at the amount of rubbish questions out there, as well as the weird answers...and oh, I'm guilty of some of it too :))

My weekends gonna be dominated by the Stargate series...gonna be a long tenth Stargate season as well as third Stargate Atlantis season. Just waiting for the new CSI seasons to start, and I should be a very busy mouse potato. Meanwhile I'm just downloading whatever comes to mind...

Well, till the next time around...Yahoo! Answers!

Me...a mouse potato?

Mouse potato: "Someone who spends an inordinate amount of time using a computer. An interactive couch potato."

Hmmm...I've been thinking a lot about that lately. Do I spend an inordinate amount of time in front of a computer? Gee, I may surf the Net 18 hours a day, download gigabytes of movies, rarely move out of my room, and lately, eating IN, but no, I don't think I spend an inordinate amount of time in front of a computer. Hey in fact I think in this interactive world everyone is in a way, mice potatoes!


Btw, what does inordinate mean? No biggie...I'll just check it out online!

Human interaction is not my strongpoint. Huh? And I'm a doctor you say? Well it's true...I don't have that many friends, and the ones I do I don't spend much time with. Sure there's the IM availability, but only if they're online. And talking to patients and talking to another human being aka person may not be the same. I feel more comfortable talking to patients on an impersonal level rather than talk to a friend on a deeper personal level. I guess people do not understand me. Or is it because I read too much into the body language of a person I talk too? Too confusing? Aaah...that's why I have decided to become a mouse potato.

Err...I'm not fat, but I did put on some weight. Guess about 15 kg now, and with a waistline to flaunt. It's about time I get out and get bigger sized pants, but I'm too lazy. Hmmm...if only buying stuff online was that easy here in this country.

In the future I hope to work out of my room. Ha...ha...fat chance. No human touch my esteemed professionals will say. But it's true. Being a doctor one has to use all six senses. Six you say? Yup, the sixth sense to know when a frigging patient is lying to you. I worked that sense up pretty good so far.

Gee I think I better get back to my surfing. And clear off my movies on the hard drive. Stargate and Stargate Atlantis new seasons will be starting tomorrow. And there goes the plan to the beach. But nothing beats sitting in front of my comfy seat, wide inch LCD monitor and trusty desktop to watch the latest entertainment has to offer.

Life is good...and I love being a mouse potato.

Click and off...

A Year Older

I am writing this post World Cup blues. Actually didn't really have the chance to get much of a hangover, as work is really heavy. But I did manage to scrape in a two-day rest and relaxation.

Well it's official: I am a year older now. Gee still feel like a kid though. Spent the morning at the mall: think the last time I went to a mall was three months ago. Didn't miss a thing though. Everything looked the same. Got a shoe for myself. Rest of the day spent sleeping and watching Disney channel movies. Told ya I was still a kid at heart.

What does the new year hold for me? Hmm...maybe I'll think of quitting my job and retire early. But then I'll have to find a new job. Aargh...life is so tough, especially when it involves money. Sad isn't it? A girl? That'll be a dream...but a dream is a wish your heart makes isn't it? Well, I'm not dreaming it just yet...

Baby nephew is two weeks old now. Oh I didn't blog it as we were in midst of the World Cup. looks a big bigger now. Maybe around 3 kgs. Quite a feedee and crier, but doesn't wake me during the nights. Thank God I have insensitive ears, to crying of course...

Ok, ok...he's crying again. Need to go to see what's the bother. And then figure out what to do today. Life is Ruff...

Final Hurrah!

So the World Cup Finals are over. Italy are champs for the fourth time, admist the scandals that rocked the football mad nation. Was a so-so match; turned out less boring than most have expected. But oh how I wished that it was the quality of the third-place playoff. Now that was a match worthy of the finals.

Zizou's last stand ended shamefully...and to think that it took the referee (with help of his assistant) a full five minutes (?!) to send him off!! Speaks volumes of the standard of refereeing. But a sending off it had to be. For a player of his stature, no amount of taunting would warrant such a behaviour. I expect further suspensions/fines? Or maybe not... And despite that he was named Fottballer of the Finals? Must have been a boring finals.

Now life must go on. I look forward to 2010 in South Africa. First finals in the continent...let's hope it's a better one.

Germany Schwein-song

Brilliant third place playoff game. Out and out football, end-to-end attack and defence, and four goals. Wow! Burst into life in the second half, I think the game was never in doubt once Germany scored. Two brilliant goals by the man-of-the-match and the game was virtually over. Portugal in tears once more.

A new Michael Ballack? Maybe. A bright future awaits Schweinsteiger. And playing for the numero uno German team would only help to further his prestige. Probably playing alongside Ballack some time in the not-so-near future? Time will tell...

Now the finals are up. France are favourites, Italians the underdogs. It promises to be a great match. Referee Elizondo? Hope he is not aiming for another record-breaking match.

See ya tonight!

Crocodile Tears?

Boo...hoo...










Aaah...a failed attempt at diving?

So the knives have been sharpened against poor old Ronaldo. Oh, not Ronaldo of Brazil, but Ronaldo of Portugal. English press have launched scathing attacks on him, so much so I wonder how he could come back to perform at the Theatre of Dreams without fearing for his life. His antics against Wayne Rooney...feigned or not may cost him dearly...aka some certain South Korean in 2002?

But coming to his defence is his national coach. I do not disagree that he is a great dribbler and wonderful football player; and I agree as well that there are worse 'simulators' out there than him. Then again he is in the spotlight now for what he has done. It may have gotten Portugal a place in the semifinals, but cost them their place in the final instead.

Great footballer, with skills or not, he is a well-known simulator. During the match with England I counted at least three theatrical dives, feigned injuries etc. I wonder how these players live with themselves. It's bad enough to deceive a referee; worse to try to get fellow players sent off. They should be punished for their attempts.

Simulation is a rampant behaviour nowadays. I remember the days in the early Premier League: there were hardly any diving and players played their hearts out. It all started when foreigners started coming into the Premier league, and once it took hold, it spread like wildfire. Foregone conclusion. And it is even more rampant in the Spanish and Italian leagues. Wonder whether it has anything to do with the presence of South Americans...

Here in lies the beauty of video evidence. The authorities should use it to good effect. Punishment should be heavy, both in terms of suspensions and monetary fines. Would serve as a deterrent against future budding simulators.

At least then we may not see so much crocodile tears...

Hurrah Les Bleus!

So in the end we have a Italy-France final.

This morning's semis showed that Portugal gamesmanship would never work against French resolve and finesse. The Portuguese players tumbled and rolled to their utmost, and credit to the referee, ignored them. Probably the theatrics of their two previous matches worked against them. But they actually are able to play good football if they set their mind to it, but unfortunately they don't always do.

On the other hand, the French rarely were troubled by the Portuguese, and had for most time, contained the Portuguese to ineffective dribbles and set pieces. The penalty won by Henry was probably fair, and Zidane showed the English takers how to score one with the goalkeeper diving the correct way. After that the likes of Makelele and Viera just stifled the creativity of Ronaldo and Deco to the death.

Now all eyes are on the Finals on Sunday. Italy and France are two well-oiled defensive teams, with France probably holding a slight advantage in the attacking field, especially with Zidane and Ribery, and the spectacular Henry in the wings. For their part, the Italian midfield of Gattuso and Zambrotta have their hands full to support the Italian defence. It'll probably be a battle of wits. Who will prevail? Odds on, France.

But I hope the Italians will give them a run for their money!

Italy In, Germany Out

What a match! The ideal football game, end-to-end, with a lot of action. Perhaps we could have done with more goals, but it took a while in coming. Italy started off brightly, but as expected Germany took control for much of the game but could not find the net. As expected the Italian defence held out firmly; so much so that the German forwards couldn't make much inroads. Schneider had the one clear chance in full time, but blazed over the bar. For the Italians, they sat back and soaked up the pressure, and when it mattered most, they struck.

So when you don't take your chances...the opposing team will. Two beautiful goals when everything seemed set for a penalty shootout. Delightful chipped goal by Grosso, and finished off by del Piero...breaking the German hearts out there in an instant.

But gracious in defeat, Klinsmann paid tribute to the Italian team...as do I. Wish them well in the finals. As for Germany, see you for the third place match playoff.

Chivalry dead?

Read this: Uncommon Courtesy

Wow, did this article brew up a storm here in KL and nearby PJ! We Malaysians pride ourselves as being kind, polite and courteous, as well as having all the 'Eastern Ideals' we show to visitors to our humble country. To all you KLites out there, you really believe that? You really believe that we deserve to be ranked higher than the lowly 33rd we have been accorded? Then come forward and prove me wrong!

Granted that the tests performed to assess our 'manners' were crude, narrow and woefully inadequate in number, but I think that it actually tests our spontaneity to a situation, which I agree is a better measure of our manners than a questionnaire of sorts (something akin to our Moral exam papers, hah...even a five-year old boy can pass that crap!!)

Before we browbeat others into submission, deny the facts of the survey, and flood the newspapers with excuses, hang on for a moment!! Do we actually, hold the door open for others behind us, or stoop to help a person picking up their fallen belongings, or say thank you to a customer? Do we? We have to be honest about ourselves...

I think we would probably do best in the third category, and last in the first. Most of us do get a 'Thank You' when going to a shopping complex, fast food joint etc. but less if we go to a government department, especially in the LHDN (read Income Tax Dept!!) I guess the former two are just not in our blood. Like some of the excuses given by particpants questioned: afraid of being mugged, need to rush off for work, or just plain simple 'Why should I?'

Some would say that the younger generation has lower tolerance for courtesy compared to the older generation, but not simply true. I have seen the 'older generation' shout obscenities, show the finger, cut in line, much to my chagrin. So much for being a good example. But we do not let the young ones off the hook either. There is a definite deterioration in the values of young ones today, and we have to stop the rot at the root of it all: the family core.

Luckily they have not expanded the survey to things peculiar to the ugly Malaysian: like giving way to oncoming cars, standing in line to get on a bus or God forbid, allow others a chance at the food during an open house. Now with that survey, I wouldn't be surprised if we rank so low that even the esteemed Reader's Digest would blush at publishing...

So over the weeks there are many opinions: from the man-in-the street to the top politicians, but there is one unescapable fact: we are that uncourteous. And we need to admit that, before we can move forward and improve ourselves.

Or are we too proud to admit to the obvious?

Semi-Finals Up Next!

So the World Cup semis are upon us. Gonna start in just under six hours.
I'm sure the people are there are already partying: Germans, Italians, French and the Portuguese; each willing their team onward to Sunday's finals!

Most of the World Cup news still hogged by England's loss and the Argentinian-German fisticuff, not much news about the teams preparing for the semis. I guess many were expecting the likes of Brazil and Argentina to be in them, thus are hastily preapring new notes for the unexpected semifinalists.

Germany-Italy (Germany 2, Italy 1)
So later we'll start off with Germany-Italy. Think many do not expect either of these to advance so far into the tournament, but they are here nonetheless. Germans have really caught our eye with vibrant attacking displays, especially Podolski and Klose although I don't think they have been really tested in defence. Tonight will be their big test, in a way. Will Mertersacker and Metzelder match up to the likes of del Piero, Toni, Totti? Conversely, the Italians have a strong defence marshalled by the outstanding Cannavaro and Materazzi. Guess the battle will be won and lost as usual in midfield: Ballack vs. Gattuso, Schwensteiger vs. Zambrotta. Ballack has not scored yet...as woeful as his-team mate-to-be Lampard. But lampard has no further chances, Ballack at least one. Will he score and bring Germany to life? Or will Luca Toni, scorer of two goals the last time out, score again? Penalties again? I think the match will be settled before that. Lehmann would have the advantage over Buffon, having done wonders in the Argentine shootout, as well as in the Champions League semis - he knows all about the pressure cooker of a shootout. I think Germany will come out ahead, only if they have home ground advantage, but I really think that they would make a good champion.

France-Portugal (France 2, Portugal 0)
A tough one to call. Again I don't think many expected either to make it this far. Both teams having to go through two classy teams each. Portugal will have Deco and Costinha back from suspension, and look the faster and classier team. But I think this will be their shortcoming against an experienced French side. Likes of Ronaldo and Deco against Makelele, Thuram and Gallas. The Portuguese are in their first quarterfinals since 1966, hoping to emulate that team of greatness, but with Zidane and co. in their way, I don't think they stand a chance. The French still have their ace in the pack...no not Zidane or Henry...but Ribery. If he plays well the team has a chance especially with his bursting runs and passing. Of course with a player of Henry's quality in the team, you only need one moment of brilliance to turn the course of the game. One aspect of the game the French need to be aware of: the playacting finesse of the Portuguese, well maybe not up to par yet, but highly effective as we saw against England. For one I support the use of on-field cameras to catch there crooks, but that's wishful thinking this World Cup...maybe the next? And penalties? Again I don't think it'll go that far, but of course Ricardo and Portugal will have the advantage if it comes to that. But penalties as they say are a lottery, so the Portuguese may not be the lucky team on the night if it comes to that, yes?

So we have the matchups, everyone's raring to go. Finals is only five more days away, and we will have a new World Champion. Which of the four teams? I certainly hope Germany. See you in the Finals!

Sob...Sob...England is out!

Ouch!!











Sob...sob...it has happened once again! England are knocked out on penalties yet again. And surprisingly France has knocked Brazil out of the tournament.

England-Portugal: 0-0 (FT), 1-3 (pen)
It's a sad, sad day for all English fans all over the world. Failure to win on penalties again!! But they made a gallant effort in denying the Portuguese a full time/extra time success. Only if they had taken the chances that came their way before the penalties... Truthfully the game was already gone by the time Rooney was sent off. Personally, I don't think there's anything to the challenge, or the so-called' pushing incident' between Rooney and Ronaldo. I guess the Portuguese managed very well to dupe the referee. Anyway, neither team made much in terms of chances. It was rather a drab match. Good luck to Scolari and team; the French are waiting.

France-Brazil: 1-0
Didn't watch this match, but it wasn't the best of matches either. Guess throughout the whole tournament Brazil was playing below par, and one wonders when and where it would end. The road ended with the Henry goal (who else would you expect to score for France?), and Les Bleus are through for an appointment with the Portuguese.

So we have a Germany-Italy and France-Portugal semifinal in two days. My thoughts on those matches next time around. Meantime, I would need to go and mourn the loss of England...

Quaterfinals Half-time

So the quarter-finals have started. Germany and Italy are through for a semifinal match up. Tonight we have England-Portugal and France-Brazil. Who will meet? Time will tell...

The Germany-Argentina match is not the classical match we hoped for. Stifling for most of the time, and eithr side hardly had any chances during the first half. Even after the Argentines scored the opening goal, the Germans hardly mustered anything. Think the German equaliser was the one clear chance they had in the whole match! Extra time was drab as well. Penalties are, well, a lottery and it was unfortunate that the Argentines failed this time. Pekerman's gamble to try to hold the lead failed; the time when they needed a spark in midfield and attack, they lacked the quality that Riquelme and Crespo would have possessed. No wonder he resigned after the match.

The Italy-Ukraine match? The outcome was never in doubt once Italy scored early on. The Ukranian team, even with Schevchenko in attack, was hardly inspired. Didn't help with their most famous player well off form, and at most times, singled out for attention. So the Italians enjoyed a relatively comfortable game, and a chance to get to the finals since 1982 I think.

Tonight are the two big games. Damned Eriksson: will he get rid of Beckham for an attacking England side or not? Probably not, and that may prove the undoing of the English side despite a weakened Portuguese team. Brazil and France may be a bit close to call after a largely uninspiring Brazil performance so far and French heroics against the Spanish. But I still expect the holders to go through...with Ronaldinho exploding into action tonight.

More after tonight's matches. Good luck England and Brazil! Adieu Argentina and Ukraine.