The most beautiful and timeless song of all time in appreciation of love and life
I see trees of green........
red roses tooI see em bloom.....
for me and for you
And I think to myself....
what a wonderful world.
I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.
The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin......i love you.
I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
Theyll learn much more.....than Ill never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
HOLIDAY IN INDIA
I was in India a few months ago. Well, in October to be exact. I wanted to check out the local scene in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur ,Punjab and Manali. I remember arriving at Delhi airport. The customs people were good considering I had heard all the nasty horror stories by some friends and relatives that travel regularly to India. I was expecting a full search and opening of my bags. None of this happened. I travel in small group including my wife and two of her best friends since their days at University. What can I say about my travel buddies? They are such a wonderful people; from there I believe that we must travel with the right buddies to make the whole trip worth. Unlike my previous trips, I had some bad experiences. What can I say about Shamini and Christina, they are such a wonderful person. They can tolerate with anything and in short I would say that they are my best travel buddies so far and of course not to forget my wife. Im really looking forward to arrange another holiday with them but unfortunately the economic situation is not so kind at the moment. So need to spend wisely on every single penny I spend, and furthermore planning to send my mom for Umrah this year. I learned something from this trip. In order for you to make the entire trip enjoyable, you need to treat and mingle with every individual in the group equally. Let say a friend of you brought his girl/boy friend to join the trip where the person is still anonymous to you, you need to treat him or her equally, not by being isolated with your old buddies and make the person feels awkward. Although this is the first time im traveling with both of them, they treated me so well and those days with them will be treasured in my heart forever.
The Taj Mahal was simply everything I imagined it to be. On arrival at mid night in Agra, we decided to relax at the hotel after a full day journey from Kuala Lumpur - Delhi-Agra. After freshening up on the next morning, we headed to the Taj's gate. Security is pretty tight. Men enter one security line and women on another due to the very thorough pat-down. “The gate symbolizes the entrance to paradise, representing the transition between the outer and inner world”, said my guide in Agra. For the first time, I tried my SLR in India capturing the magnificent Taj. I’m speechless for a while. I was stunned to see the white diamond. I lean on the Taj, showed my appreciation on entire manufacturing and the architecture. It was a crowded program and was pretty hot.
Jaipur. Arrived in Jaipur in the middle of the night as usual. Jaipur looks much more organized and well planned town compare to Agra. We walk over to the City Palace, an amazing collection of buildings, and the home of the Maharaja. The flying flags suggest his highness is in residence. Lucky we had our driver John Ming cum guardian and adviser, he advised well on where to do our shopping’s at the lowest bargain. Amber Fort and other ancient fortresses. It forms an Indian version of the Great Wall of China. Enjoy the life time experience through the hilly scape to famous Amber Fort in Rajasthan. Visited Choki Dhani at night and real experience of a rural and rustic feel of the village life of Rajasthan. But we didn’t eat the food provided there due to unpleasant ambient and hygiene. The next day we went back to Delhi and spent a night there.
Manali. Now I want to continue my writing on my own experiences in the Manali trip. We headed to the Delhi Railway station just to experience the Indian train. Our journey is from Delhi to Chandigarh. It’s approximately a 4 hours journey and met Gupta Ji in the train (were sitting next to me) an aIT consultant from ST Technologies India. We had a lot of things to share since both of us from the same industry. He gave a good advice on where to do the shopping and the girls really made use of his advice. I still remember the name of the shop, Rajen Sarees in Ambala. John Ming was waiting for us at Chandigarh Railway station. Not to forget that I had to carry Shamini’s Vinayaga from Delhi. It was like 12 hours journey by road from Chandigarh to Manali. Along the way we had the opportunity to see the greatness of a mountain
We started from Manali at 8:30, the route from "Manali to Rohtang Pass" was simply superb but at places the road was not good and, there’s a bit of fear also as the roads are very slippery at that time. Rohtang Pass is not to be missed destination of Kullu Manali tour in Himachal Pradesh, India. It offers splendid and spectacular views of lofty snow capped Himalayan mountain peaks. Both destinations are very popular among tourists who are interested in adventure and sports activities. That is the first time im experiencing snow in my life. Rohtang Pass at an altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level, is an adventure site where you can get chilly even during summers. The place is lack of oxygen and I had shortness of breath at one point of time Enjoyed drinking the apple juice provided at hotel that we stayed. It was uncountable glasses.
Delhi. But by the time we reached our hotel in Delhi it was almost 9 pm. It’s at the Karol Bagh. The same place was bombed 1 month prior to my visit. The next morning we headed to a few places of interest and tourist attraction namely Qutib Minar, India gate, Red fort, Gandhi Memorial and Bahai worship place or much more famously known as the Lotus Temple. All the places were good but I was especially impressed with Qutib Minar for its architectural brilliance and simply an amazing piece of engineering. The girls did a huge shopping in the entire trip. I just got a bangle for me as a remembrance. The whole trip was simply mind blowing and especially with the best travel buddies it is definitely one of the best journeys I ever made & a nice memorable one and will be treasured in my heart forever. Looking forward to have another trip with my travel buddies soon.
Manali. Now I want to continue my writing on my own experiences in the Manali trip. We headed to the Delhi Railway station just to experience the Indian train. Our journey is from Delhi to Chandigarh. It’s approximately a 4 hours journey and met Gupta Ji in the train (were sitting next to me) an aIT consultant from ST Technologies India. We had a lot of things to share since both of us from the same industry. He gave a good advice on where to do the shopping and the girls really made use of his advice. I still remember the name of the shop, Rajen Sarees in Ambala. John Ming was waiting for us at Chandigarh Railway station. Not to forget that I had to carry Shamini’s Vinayaga from Delhi. It was like 12 hours journey by road from Chandigarh to Manali. Along the way we had the opportunity to see the greatness of a mountain
We started from Manali at 8:30, the route from "Manali to Rohtang Pass" was simply superb but at places the road was not good and, there’s a bit of fear also as the roads are very slippery at that time. Rohtang Pass is not to be missed destination of Kullu Manali tour in Himachal Pradesh, India. It offers splendid and spectacular views of lofty snow capped Himalayan mountain peaks. Both destinations are very popular among tourists who are interested in adventure and sports activities. That is the first time im experiencing snow in my life. Rohtang Pass at an altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level, is an adventure site where you can get chilly even during summers. The place is lack of oxygen and I had shortness of breath at one point of time Enjoyed drinking the apple juice provided at hotel that we stayed. It was uncountable glasses.
Delhi. But by the time we reached our hotel in Delhi it was almost 9 pm. It’s at the Karol Bagh. The same place was bombed 1 month prior to my visit. The next morning we headed to a few places of interest and tourist attraction namely Qutib Minar, India gate, Red fort, Gandhi Memorial and Bahai worship place or much more famously known as the Lotus Temple. All the places were good but I was especially impressed with Qutib Minar for its architectural brilliance and simply an amazing piece of engineering. The girls did a huge shopping in the entire trip. I just got a bangle for me as a remembrance. The whole trip was simply mind blowing and especially with the best travel buddies it is definitely one of the best journeys I ever made & a nice memorable one and will be treasured in my heart forever. Looking forward to have another trip with my travel buddies soon.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Recession or Depression
In economic terms, recession means the reduction of a country's gross domestic product (GDP). Depression means terrible economic slump. To distinguish between recession and a depression in a simple word is “A recession is when your neighbor loses his job”, “A depression is when you lose your job” The previous depression was started in 1929 and ending in the early 1940s. Most of us including our parents didn’t feel the pain during this period since many of us are not in this world yet. Are we going through the same cycle now? Yes, it’s complicated. and even economists and other experts can’t agree on just how bad it will get. At this point in time, there's nothing but a big-fat-gigantic depression coming through the front door and everyone but the most naive and "true believers" knows it. Its gonna be very, very bad this time compare to 1997 and 2001. Im working with one of the leading semiconductor company in the world. As of now, in Malaysia it self 2000 contract workers were already lay off. It’s very painful for you to see your collogue and friends leaving the company due to unavoidable circumstances. I read the internal bulletin from the CEO and Vice President of the company that there will be 3400 jobs cut in my company worldwide very soon. It’s is depression for us in our company thinking when will be our turn. From where the latest crisis started? Interest rates were lowered immensely. This made cheap money available encouraging many to buy a house, perhaps also because they believed that a house was, compared to stocks, a safe investment. Due to a lack of regulations came into existence banks could now sell on mortgages in large bundles. For example im a bank, if you are only entitled for 200k loan to own a house, but I will release you a loan of 500k without checking whether can afford it. I will just sell the loan to you of course with a mortgage. Later people will not afford for any mortgage. Those who bought the mortgage from banks will understand that its were worth nothing. Then they need money to settle that with the banks and need to pull money from the stock market. On the other hand the banks also couldn’t sell the plenty of mortgage that they bought. So they will stop lending money and the people had to stop buying, lower demand for everything and its go on. In a simple word it’s a chain reaction and it will hit everyone in the world. But most of the time, the most impacted party will be the manufacturing group which im am in.
But the impact for this time is going to be huge. There are plenty of manufacturing plants were shutdown due to softening in demand. I was shocked to read the news, the #1 semiconductor INTEL shut down two of their plants in Penang and caused 6000 of their people lost jobs. Few days back Panasonic shut down their plant in Melaka. But the major players in the world market has to come out with good approach in getting rid of this recession. Was shocked to read in one article that projected 50mil people will lose their job by end of May 09. But there are other experts were saying that the world economy will be back to normal on 3rd Q this year.
Malaysian government has to come out with some good policies as well. Provide accessible credit for business. Business should be encouraged by the government to compensate for unemployment. More businesses mean more jobs for the people. Control the unnecessary expenditures in other fields such as – military, politics and huge construction. Im just fedup with Malaysian politicians, read the news just now that two assembly man from the opposition party in Perak resigned and going to have a by election soon and waste the people money again . I think they use their balls to think most of the time. No matter the national line up or the opposition, they are the same. Coming to politics to benefit themselves and their family. I didn’t hear any good policy was introduced so far to battle the current economy crisis. They are more interested in seeking justice of lock up deaths which is not the priority as of now. Lets the human rights committee takes care of that. It’s sad to see a person who’s holding a high rank position burning the American flag for no reason. If they want to condemn the war in Gaza this is not the correct way. Wonder why every politician forgot that Malaysia is a dependent country in terms of economy and provoke the poor uneducated Malaysian to go and boycott the American products. If they are really genuine, they must ask the Malaysian from stop working with American company and lets see how many hundred thousands will lose their job. Can the government feed them? What will happen if America pulled out all their investment in this country and banned Malaysian products.. Can Malaysia survive? I bet you, with an immediate effect Malaysia will be the next Indonesia. I just hope that the current economy crisis will over very soon. We can’t afford keep on going like this. Let us stand together and get the economy recover soon.
But the impact for this time is going to be huge. There are plenty of manufacturing plants were shutdown due to softening in demand. I was shocked to read the news, the #1 semiconductor INTEL shut down two of their plants in Penang and caused 6000 of their people lost jobs. Few days back Panasonic shut down their plant in Melaka. But the major players in the world market has to come out with good approach in getting rid of this recession. Was shocked to read in one article that projected 50mil people will lose their job by end of May 09. But there are other experts were saying that the world economy will be back to normal on 3rd Q this year.
Malaysian government has to come out with some good policies as well. Provide accessible credit for business. Business should be encouraged by the government to compensate for unemployment. More businesses mean more jobs for the people. Control the unnecessary expenditures in other fields such as – military, politics and huge construction. Im just fedup with Malaysian politicians, read the news just now that two assembly man from the opposition party in Perak resigned and going to have a by election soon and waste the people money again . I think they use their balls to think most of the time. No matter the national line up or the opposition, they are the same. Coming to politics to benefit themselves and their family. I didn’t hear any good policy was introduced so far to battle the current economy crisis. They are more interested in seeking justice of lock up deaths which is not the priority as of now. Lets the human rights committee takes care of that. It’s sad to see a person who’s holding a high rank position burning the American flag for no reason. If they want to condemn the war in Gaza this is not the correct way. Wonder why every politician forgot that Malaysia is a dependent country in terms of economy and provoke the poor uneducated Malaysian to go and boycott the American products. If they are really genuine, they must ask the Malaysian from stop working with American company and lets see how many hundred thousands will lose their job. Can the government feed them? What will happen if America pulled out all their investment in this country and banned Malaysian products.. Can Malaysia survive? I bet you, with an immediate effect Malaysia will be the next Indonesia. I just hope that the current economy crisis will over very soon. We can’t afford keep on going like this. Let us stand together and get the economy recover soon.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Save the Panda
The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of all pandas at only 1,590.
Overwhelmed by their magnificence and fearing for their survival, Pandas International was formed to aid in saving the Giant Panda from almost certain extinction. Pandas International is devoted solely to saving the panda through research and preservation efforts.
The mission of Pandas International is unique as it is exclusively devoted to the Giant Panda, unlike other organizations, which serve many animals. Pandas International supports panda nature reserves in their native China through medical research, breeding programs, veterinary care, medicine and medical equipment. Pandas International also focuses on habitat preservation and education programs to increase public awareness of the panda as a highly endangered species.
Their survival is in extreme peril. Saving this species is truly a race against time.
Overwhelmed by their magnificence and fearing for their survival, Pandas International was formed to aid in saving the Giant Panda from almost certain extinction. Pandas International is devoted solely to saving the panda through research and preservation efforts.
The mission of Pandas International is unique as it is exclusively devoted to the Giant Panda, unlike other organizations, which serve many animals. Pandas International supports panda nature reserves in their native China through medical research, breeding programs, veterinary care, medicine and medical equipment. Pandas International also focuses on habitat preservation and education programs to increase public awareness of the panda as a highly endangered species.
Their survival is in extreme peril. Saving this species is truly a race against time.
Photography
My interest in photographing grew after I came back from Bali. I consider myself an amateur photographer. Eventually I had this interest since I was a kid. My first camera was Nikon RF10, my father bought for me 18 years back in Kuala Lumpur and im still keeping it with me. Then later I bought Canon Ixus 850 in 07 and I bought my first Canon SLR last year few days prior to my travel to India. Although im new to the SLR world, I enhance my photography skill by taking plenty of pictures in India with different modes as I believe it’s the best and unique place for you to take variety of pictures.I learnt a lot from internet, especially from photography forums. I learn and share knowledge from friends too. It's a fun process on how I started learning my camera until being able to make better picture. Im a lucky enough since im married to a very supportive wife. She always encourages me and she is the model for most of my shots. Last month she got magazines for me to learn more about the machines and enhance my photography skills. I dream to be a better photographer one fine day.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire, This movie was one of the best movies that I have seen so far in this year. Using 3 children under the age of 7 to tell the early part of the story plot. It begins with Jamal Malik an 18-year-old call-centre tea boy making his way on to the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire” Here, though uneducated, and patronized by the show's host Prem Kumar (Anil Kapoor) , he gets through round after round of questions to stand on the brink of winning the top prize.
While the squeeze is put on Jamal we are inundated with flashbacks to his childhood to see how he came to his current predicament. As a child Jamal grew up with his brother Salim and mother in the slums of India and the boys underwent harsh treatment largely sometimes because of his faith. Unspeakable horrors confront both boys and those images and pent-up fears have a clear impact on their teen years and adult lives.
AR Rahman did a very job as far as this movie is concern . Being one of India's best known composers, he has just won a Golden Globe nomination for his score in this movie. Really enjoyed watching the climax. It’s really touched my heart. Would like to have more quality movies like this in KollyWood.
While the squeeze is put on Jamal we are inundated with flashbacks to his childhood to see how he came to his current predicament. As a child Jamal grew up with his brother Salim and mother in the slums of India and the boys underwent harsh treatment largely sometimes because of his faith. Unspeakable horrors confront both boys and those images and pent-up fears have a clear impact on their teen years and adult lives.
AR Rahman did a very job as far as this movie is concern . Being one of India's best known composers, he has just won a Golden Globe nomination for his score in this movie. Really enjoyed watching the climax. It’s really touched my heart. Would like to have more quality movies like this in KollyWood.
Friday, August 15, 2008
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