Good one for the times...

Classique ! Financial Crisis explained , how about that?

One day, a plain-looking man came with a pretty-looking OL (Office Lady) to the LV store in Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island). He chose an LV bag worth HKD 65,000 for the OL. When it came time to pay, the man took out a checkbook and wrote out a check. The salesperson was hesitant because the couple hadn't shopped there before. The man discerned what the salesperson was thinking and he said calmly: "I sense that you are concerned that this check may bounce, right? Today is Saturday and the banks are closed. Let me suggest that I leave the check and the handbag here. When the check clears on Monday, you can deliver the handbag to this lady. How about that?

The salesperson was reassured and gladly accepted the suggestion. In addition, he waived the delivery charges. He promised that he would personally make sure that this gets done. On Monday, the salesperson took the check to the bank. The check bounced! The irate salesperson called up the client, who told him: "What is the big deal? Neither you nor I have suffered any loss. Last Saturday night, I went to bed with that girl already! Oh, by the way, I thank you for your cooperation."

This story reveals the nature of the sub-prime mortgage crisis. When people have high hopes for huge future returns, they lower their guard about the potential risks. This pretty girl thought that the HKD 65,000 LV bag was going to come home on Monday, and so she lowered her guard. Therefore, she believed that her investment in the ONS (one night stand) was worth it even though it was based upon huge and highly uncertain risks. Investment companies are great with packaging high return (but high risk) deals. The stock speculators are like this pretty woman. As such, they deserve to lose money. Without people like these, how are people going to make money from the stock market? As
for the media and the stock analysts, they often play the role of the LV salesperson.

From an email sent by Nesa.

A most colourful house

A most colourful house in its final stages of construction. Bright cheerful (garish ?) colours adorning the walls and floors. Purples, reds, pinks, yellows and orange. Such a gamut for the senses.

Fortunately, it has a lot of potential in its surroundings. Great vistas right out of the balconies and windows, to soothe in contrast to all the warm tones. I'm certain that those who dwell here will be content and happy.

The Mac & I

I had the opportunity to play around with the new 2008 Mac book for about a month or so. Beautifully engineered. The physical construction is excellent and I really liked it. However, personally, I just don't have the time nor patience to switch from Windows to Mac.

It does almost all the things that I have been doing in Windows well except for the part on managing my photos. Basic things done in windows i.e. resizing becomes a chore (my ignorance may be the cause...). Since I don't have the patience, its back to windows. Though quirky, it works for me.

I loved the slot loading media player which caused me to discover VLC - to override the region code restrictions on DVD's - which is a crap policy. The notebook is used to travel, your travel may bring you to different regions of the world. The region code basically says that if you want to view a DVD bought in say region 1 then you need to buy a notebook from region 1 !!! Idiots. BTW, VLC also have a version for windows which so far works well. No need to flash the drive to free your notebook from this stupid policy.

I absolutely adore the mag save power charger, so elegant.

Even the charger is well designed and a thing of beauty. Alas, the Mac is not for me...

Night shots - twin peaks

Twin Peaks Resort, Kuah Langkawi.

Masjid Jalan Othman

Some internal shots of the newly refurbished mosque on Jalan Othman, PJ.

KL - Langkawi by night

The journey from Bukit Jalil began at 2300hrs. The first stop was somewhere in mid point, to pee actually. But then might as well get some coffee and the cold sour sop ice cream perked me up. Probably the only person having ice cream in the wee hours of the wet cold morning.

Another pee stop at one of the petrol stations provide indications that we are fast approaching the end of our drive. Where else would you get offer for "Insurance Thai".

We arrived at the Kuala Perlis jetty at 0530hrs. The coffee shop was just starting its operations. Unload at the jetty, parked the car and rushed for tickets. The first ferry leaves at 0600hrs.

The crowd rushing for the first ferry. About the ferry, if you have to board one of these early morning ones, make sure that you have an extra layer of clothing or a blanket. The air conditioning is freezing. Literally. It felt like being in a cold room.

Ah, finally a breakfast of "putu mayam" on the island itself. Fresh from the steamer. Gorgeous, a pleasant ending to a 500km journey through the night.

Kilim Geoforest Park

The Kilim jetty from where the tour began.

The "guardian", they say if you look closely a human face seems etched on the rocks.

The entrance. Tranquil and pretty as a button.

One of the caves. This is Gua Kelawar or bat cave except Batman wasn't in...

Eagle feeding.

Macaque's...

... another common species to be sighted in the area, errr of course the younger well endowed ones are more pleasant to the eyes he he he

The fish farm & floating restaurant.

All the sightseeing activities takes a lot or energy which should be replenished...

Finally, the person who made the trip a truly pleasant one for us, En. Mohd. Hafiz Abdullah (looking pensive..), the owner of Zuna Travel and Tours. From car rental to island tour to accommodation, the whole works. He does it well too, catering to our every whim and fancies. Highly recommended. If you need his services in Langkawi call +604-9671025, better still get him on his mobile at +6017-4119642.

Village Park - Damansara Uptown

The Village Park Restaurant, run by a Chinese Muslim couple was introduced to us by Is. Its a very popular breakfast spot especially on weekends. The crowd literally spills out onto the street and walkway. The food was good but the thing that really impresses me is the cleanliness (the floor is mopped using steaming hot water) and fast service that they provide.

Kueh tiaw fish ball soup. Refreshingly tasty.

Mee rebus.

Crispy fried chicken to go with the nasi lemak.

Roti sambal - am curious, ordered it and discovered that its a piece of egg, sambal ikan bilis and cucumber slices between two slices of toast.

Washed down with my favourite drink in the place, sweet, sourish kedondong juice.

Sighhhhhh haven't got the white balance right....

Wendy's @ Jaya One

The Caesar's Salad with crispy chicken. Hmmm, just leaves with croutons, bits of cheese and dressing topped with a piece boneless chicken.

The baked potato with cheese and broccoli topping. A bit bland for my taste with an overpowering taste of broccoli. Should have tried the other topping.

The burger with square patty. Unique but quite tasty.

The common shoe string fries which was lukewarm. Prices are a tad more than Mc D or BK. Given a choice, I would rather opt for Carl's Junior (a wee bit more expensive).

Lloyd's MIU Handbook of Maritime Security

A parcel containing this book arrived yesterday. Marked "complimentary copy for author". A collection of articles and papers themed on maritime security.

Review - (Amazon.com):

Although maritime security has received a significant amount of attention in recent years, this has not been reflected in literature on the subject. This is rectified by this excellent collection that covers the subject thoroughly from A to Z. Edited and compiled by prominent experts in the area, the Handbook provides the first clear, substantive and practical analysis of this complex subject. It is bound to become required reading for all in the shipping industry, as well as those with an interest in international security.Professor Edgar Gold, AM, CM, QC, PhD, DSc, FNI, The Nautical InstituteThis Handbook provides a broad overview of current issues in maritime security. It is crisply written, well organised and includes contributions by leading authorities in maritime security. The Handbook is strongly recommended to those involved in policy making on security issues, students of maritime affairs and industry professionals.

Ambassador Barry Desker, Dean, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

With the inescapable importance of maritime trade to the integrity of the global economy, maritime security remains of vital interest to commercial and governmental practitioners alike. Wide-spread criminal trafficking, piracy and terrorism compound the vulnerability of infrastructure, vessels and supply-chains within this vast environment. As a consequence, navies and coast guards are adapting themselves to confront asymmetric and criminal threats in the maintenance of their pivotal role in helping to ensure maritime security. They regard an in-depth appreciation of the threats and vulnerabilities within this environment as the central pre-requisite for conducting Maritime Security Operations. In reflection of the above realities, the editors of the Lloyd’s MIU Handbook of Maritime Security have drawn together a range of professionals, experts and academics from around the world. The handbook offers an important collection of thoroughly-researched and impressive essays that examine a diverse range of maritime security concerns. These essays will be of interest to all, whether commercial, legal, military or governmental, in ensuring the security of the world’s shipping, ports and sea lanes of communication.

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE Commander-in-Chief Fleet

Its available for USD89.95 here.