tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31108571529363014512024-03-08T19:34:28.683+08:00Principle of UncertaintyManagement, photos, politics and others.khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.comBlogger675125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-65407445728025713022013-12-31T15:08:00.000+08:002013-12-31T15:08:41.470+08:00Vietnam in 2005 & 2013<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In 2005, I was sent by my company to Ho Chi Minh City several times.
Then, in 2006, I quit the company. After an 8-year hiatus, I finally decided to
return to Vietnam, though this time for vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What
have changed in Vietnam in these 8 years? And what have not?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What have not changed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The
Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Opera House and People’s Committee
Building in Saigon all have retained their charm. And the traffic in Saigon is
as scary as ever…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Notre Dame Cathedral</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/10846325886_02311c2184_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/10846325886_02311c2184_z.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What have changed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Vietnam’s
Highway 1A runs from China-Vietnam border in the north to the Mekong Delta in
the south. But make no mistake, this so-called highway is similar to Malaysia’s
national trunk roads, where drivers share road with motorcyclists, cyclists and
pedestrians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In
2010, Vietnam finally had a ‘real’ expressway – the HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway.
The expressway connects HCMC with the Mekong Delta region, shortening the
travelling time by about 30 minutes. The expressway still had not been extended
to Can Tho, the largest city in the Delta. But I am sure eventually it will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><span style="color: purple;">HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/11218633636_ffa1ba7428_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/11218633636_ffa1ba7428_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Between
the 40s and 80s of the last century, economy of Vietnam stagnated because of
war and communist policies. It is catching up now…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">By
the way, I saw more pretty women in Saigon than there were 8 years ago. I guess
this was because Vietnamese women could afford to spend more on cosmetics and
skincare products, yet another sign of the nation’s rising income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><span style="color: purple;">Saigon at night</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/11096561384_6c72f4e938_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/11096561384_6c72f4e938_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-11694660253538868962013-12-12T09:55:00.003+08:002013-12-12T09:55:35.047+08:00Vietnam Airlines<div class="MsoNormal">
I am back
from my vacation in Vietnam! And, as promised, I will tell you more about
Vietnam Airlines…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing
which bugs me, and many other passengers, is that Vietnam Airlines like to
re-schedule its flights. To its credit, VA does inform the passengers through
email a few weeks in advance. In my case, the KUL to SGN flight was re-scheduled
from 2:00pm to 12:30pm. This was actually a boon for me as I had more time on
Vietnam soil. But be careful if you have connecting flight. A change in flight
schedule could potentially turn your plan upside down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having flown
mostly with budget airlines in the last few years, the first thing I noticed, in fact expected, upon
entering the cabin was the much larger legroom. I no longer had to press my
knees on the seat in front of me, LOL…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During take-off
and landing, the cabin crew sat near the emergency exits. In doing so, Vietnam
Airlines sacrificed two seats which would otherwise be sold to the passengers.
I am sure the <i>kiamsiap</i> (stingy) Tony Fernandes would never do this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The food
served during the flights was just normal, certainly no match to the food I
tasted in Saigon. But at least it was complementary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a conclusion,
Vietnam Airlines is far from perfect. (I have already mentioned, in my previous post, that its online booking mechanism is not user-friendly.) But if the price is right, I would certainly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Flying over Mekong Delta</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsxAv1ZUi-Yno4CRbyxYV17L252GCqvgmaKHBubPKFiJoLqhAQypZvjAhHeV_JBaz528nguuqmWB2PIqs-_9sRPh6yMA1BxRznkbI24KYYl-8UtwEAqaVIna-4rrsoFrSbDBzLTgZ2Zup/s1600/mekong+delta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsxAv1ZUi-Yno4CRbyxYV17L252GCqvgmaKHBubPKFiJoLqhAQypZvjAhHeV_JBaz528nguuqmWB2PIqs-_9sRPh6yMA1BxRznkbI24KYYl-8UtwEAqaVIna-4rrsoFrSbDBzLTgZ2Zup/s320/mekong+delta.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-57751319836914746572013-09-17T10:13:00.000+08:002013-09-17T10:13:59.886+08:00My upcoming trip to Vietnam<div class="MsoNormal">
I will go for
vacation in Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon later this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason I
choose HCMC over other destinations is that Vietnam Airlines offers ‘Super
Saver’ fare. My round trip airfare, inclusive of airport taxes, is RM335. Had I
gone with Air Asia, the airfare, including airport taxes, but excluding travel
insurance, would set me back at least RM588.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much of a
budget airline!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, if
I booked my flights 6 months in advance, AA’s fare could still cost less. In
addition to this, it has other advantages over VA: AA’s online booking system
is more user-friendly. It has four daily flights from KUL to SGN; VA has only
two. Do note, however, that AA’s flights at ‘more convenient times’ tend to be
more expensive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will tell
you more about Vietnam Airlines after returning from my trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMv4abtci9ieBomnVhP8WnXZ6aOCa7UDnWHEFg95KNOrD6ondxX-PwhNBMUfLGOvzPPlt1JADTFpHZOXWaFcf_rbLErgR_nwBltN_Ly4s4bAHD5fu6BlvZvowdqrDdAe4leWrYFIBV57J/s1600/vietnam+airlines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMv4abtci9ieBomnVhP8WnXZ6aOCa7UDnWHEFg95KNOrD6ondxX-PwhNBMUfLGOvzPPlt1JADTFpHZOXWaFcf_rbLErgR_nwBltN_Ly4s4bAHD5fu6BlvZvowdqrDdAe4leWrYFIBV57J/s320/vietnam+airlines.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-18878517703528524282013-05-02T14:53:00.000+08:002013-05-02T14:54:41.816+08:001967 Malaysian MovieMat Bond, released in 1967...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFi0FCaVPBmRqVA-yJm5SEjUswWsSnKh6ia-gUBIZnqpPd6_JbatgUvPj-2MreUS6axmQ_CgGVsnmaT1ExI_di7n9kCIfR1tV-7Q6WZkzWVo7p_xFj1RhOwrF6O-JA9GiYYAIrSDt2I6d/s1600/matbond196706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFi0FCaVPBmRqVA-yJm5SEjUswWsSnKh6ia-gUBIZnqpPd6_JbatgUvPj-2MreUS6axmQ_CgGVsnmaT1ExI_di7n9kCIfR1tV-7Q6WZkzWVo7p_xFj1RhOwrF6O-JA9GiYYAIrSDt2I6d/s320/matbond196706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As the name implies, this is a story about James Bond - Malaysian version.<br />
<br />
Note that the two actresses wear bikini. You won't see bikini-clad women in today's Malay movies. This country has become more conservative in the last few decades.<br />
<br />
And, after Malaysia's 13th General Election on May 5, 2013, we probably won't be seeing women's hair in locally-produced movies anymore...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-39696531065661769272013-04-17T21:07:00.000+08:002013-04-19T17:20:55.380+08:00Fitness & Health<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How
to be healthy? Any sports enthusiast will tell you to exercise. Not just any
exercise, but those rigorous, heart-pumping cardio. Recently, in a Malaysian
Internet forum, a guy dismissed walking as “useless”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In
the West, some fitness experts pointed out that yoga is ineffective for weight
loss, since it doesn’t burn as much calorie as running or spinning. But they are unable to explain why long term yoga practitioners tend to have lean
figures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Which
makes me wonder: <b>Does fitness equal
health?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Okinawa
in Japan has some of the longest living people in the world. Scholars attribute
the long life expectancy of the Okinawans to their diet and active style.
However, I doubt many of them still do karate fighting at the age of 80.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hong
Kong is another place with very high life expectancy, and scholars attribute it
to the fact that Hongkongest walk a lot. Unlike Malaysians and Americans who
are terribly car-dependent, Hong Kong people often ride train (MTR). However,
walking to and fro the MTR station is not cardio exercise. Taichi is popular in
this Southern Chinese city, but again it is not a cardio exercise. (Taichi does
have some “fast forms”, which are rigorous, but they are not commonly practiced.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZfUUVOK6NTKm7nPQEFEpHv2lLgtSMCONs50NY6qs9RQ3fqv1dQqG7qnf7LTbPl8o-H8LrasCd3RIt-7qgNgGpprM8zD_BzAKHzJWPbg50Ngw70e0H6zft1TuztxGwzvXNHAo2Vnx4Fgf/s1600/taichi+-+discoverhongkong_dot_com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZfUUVOK6NTKm7nPQEFEpHv2lLgtSMCONs50NY6qs9RQ3fqv1dQqG7qnf7LTbPl8o-H8LrasCd3RIt-7qgNgGpprM8zD_BzAKHzJWPbg50Ngw70e0H6zft1TuztxGwzvXNHAo2Vnx4Fgf/s320/taichi+-+discoverhongkong_dot_com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">(source: <a href="http://discoverhongkong.com/">discoverhongkong.com</a>)</span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Fitness
is essentially a Western concept. There is no Chinese translation for the English
word ‘fit’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Fitness
is external; health is internal. Fitness is generally associated with physical
exercise, such as running, swimming and weight lifting; health is related to
many more factors, such as diet, nutrition, therapy and mental wellness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">American
researchers recently compared data from two studies of 33,060 runners and
15,045 walkers. Their findings could surprise many of us. Results showed:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #7030a0;">The risk for
first-time hypertension was reduced 4.2% by running and 7.2% by
walking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;">The risk for
first-time high cholesterol was reduced 4.3% by running and 7% by walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;">The risk for
first-time diabetes was lowered 12.1% by running and 12.3% by walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;">The risk for coronary
heart disease was lowered 4.5% by running and 9.3% by walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/258646.php">source</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So,
would you say “walking is useless”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7vndSNZUk1I-EybRFAVi-47b5JDIXWdWeW9EvWpe_sSA4B4gZ6swhYt3iVlhL-BIJK3zSlmxqkK6bIEgqpdzhyhexU6UHVqQsXnhyphenhyphenYNiUtlKNBcG4-nxTf2nJcPXRUx23x2sCzsBol3x/s1600/meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7vndSNZUk1I-EybRFAVi-47b5JDIXWdWeW9EvWpe_sSA4B4gZ6swhYt3iVlhL-BIJK3zSlmxqkK6bIEgqpdzhyhexU6UHVqQsXnhyphenhyphenYNiUtlKNBcG4-nxTf2nJcPXRUx23x2sCzsBol3x/s320/meditation.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-29786341220120252812013-03-11T20:50:00.000+08:002013-03-11T20:50:00.870+08:00Squatting for Sexy Butt<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In
her column, Malaysian fitness expert Fiona Ho writes that the best way for a
woman to tone her butt is by squatting. (<i>Sunday
Star</i>, March 10, 2013)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mention
squatting, the first thing which comes to mind is the traditional Asian squat
toilet. I found it hard to relate squatting to beauty…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When
Hong Kongese and Mainland Chinese engaged in the locust-dog squabble last year,
a magazine </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun;">(亞洲周刊)</span><span lang="ZH-CN"> </span><span lang="EN-US">pointed out that there exist cultural
differences between the two people. One of them was that the Mainlanders liked
to squat. So, do you see many Chinese women with big, firm, round butts?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Squatting exercise</i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ3Qpb04KIVx4QJv_g_4iAL54t7Eh5V-phTK3libcuXKFaKHazBlDcHrQ1M123IJfzBlVBzOyVjr4bJE0KMvSDKuhyrsvCjOrStN1k54aWHW9c2ayhEDrFqRv7Sl3eBNLjXPzUgxbCBBc/s1600/girl-squats-bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ3Qpb04KIVx4QJv_g_4iAL54t7Eh5V-phTK3libcuXKFaKHazBlDcHrQ1M123IJfzBlVBzOyVjr4bJE0KMvSDKuhyrsvCjOrStN1k54aWHW9c2ayhEDrFqRv7Sl3eBNLjXPzUgxbCBBc/s320/girl-squats-bar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-27199936584777828092013-02-05T21:00:00.000+08:002013-02-05T21:00:08.279+08:00Myanmar, anyone?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
plan to visit Myanmar this year. As traveling in this country, which emerged
from decades of isolation just recently, is a bit troublesome, I would like to
look for a few partners to share the burden. If you are interested please
contact me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue;">A bit of background information</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue;">Myanmar
has the so-called ‘Big 4’ destinations, namely Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle
Lake. Yangon is in Southern Myanmar, while the rest are in the Central Region. Visiting all four of them would take more than a week. Air Asia flies to Yangon only.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue;">Myanmar is largely a 'cash only' economy, with very limited use for credit cards. Advanced booking of domestic travel must be done through local agents. All foreign visitors need visa to enter the country.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">My initial plan is to go there in June, and will spend most of the time in Yangon. Duration is 4 or 5 days. However, if I can find travel companions, I may decide to visit more places...</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">P/S This will be a budget trip.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNayQFkUpkyCjcSTbpNMw_2K3SKUtukFq4kV0DT0v7r6hES4hH0YHpdUThR04sBxsPCOboL_IR8TqTly0hHvoRf5P-YPFDNTQ-cz3J8z-m7DKfcVsz4yEtxjL8I4RmwV88OSeNrLj1Hqh/s1600/myanmar_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNayQFkUpkyCjcSTbpNMw_2K3SKUtukFq4kV0DT0v7r6hES4hH0YHpdUThR04sBxsPCOboL_IR8TqTly0hHvoRf5P-YPFDNTQ-cz3J8z-m7DKfcVsz4yEtxjL8I4RmwV88OSeNrLj1Hqh/s320/myanmar_map.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-85103636764470098452013-01-17T20:55:00.000+08:002013-01-17T20:55:00.258+08:00My Struggle with Yoga<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Wanting
to improve my flexibility and posture, I decided to take up yoga a couple of months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before
joining the class, I was concerned that the pretzel-like poses in yoga would be
too tough for me. Fortunately, I managed to set aside my fear. Now, having
practiced for a couple of months, I am happy with my progress. I have also realized that (almost) everyone can do yoga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As
you probably already know, there are dozens of, perhaps more than a hundred,
poses in yoga. (Poses are known as <i>asana</i>
in Sanskrit.) On top of these, there are ‘variations’ to the classic poses. If
one finds the classic poses too tough, he/she can always try the variations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">More
importantly, we should practice at our own pace. Do not try to match the other
students in your class. And guys, don’t try to impress the girls by performing <i>Headstand</i> or <i>Crow</i> before you’re ready!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Tree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This
popular pose is often seen in photos…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdEVnVxmyLUvj4-l5Q7qNiZxZ99hghALHCS7qvqTVPlEXqBH2sMbwXSj_fTcVxLfxEEZztXStdvwCq6GenCxDO86neWc3MIE0qrT5R4xt0JpkySpiPcwHF5OHL-859Hn6yfQzEZRCVltm/s1600/yoga+02.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdEVnVxmyLUvj4-l5Q7qNiZxZ99hghALHCS7qvqTVPlEXqBH2sMbwXSj_fTcVxLfxEEZztXStdvwCq6GenCxDO86neWc3MIE0qrT5R4xt0JpkySpiPcwHF5OHL-859Hn6yfQzEZRCVltm/s1600/yoga+02.gif" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Triangle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This
pose is quite challenging. My lower hand still cannot reach the floor yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFah-fPrO7dMHEd7tC_LvspHp1-fZ4AJPIBNp0PEiGBslRRiLUl_BIo1Wxjxg70yshhR9s0vHXqwRJt5BE281eEIFYQbGw_zCqKMoj7o-X5I30sfLdZKriXvdLIMtXe0xN7iDfrgaOcev/s1600/yoga+01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFah-fPrO7dMHEd7tC_LvspHp1-fZ4AJPIBNp0PEiGBslRRiLUl_BIo1Wxjxg70yshhR9s0vHXqwRJt5BE281eEIFYQbGw_zCqKMoj7o-X5I30sfLdZKriXvdLIMtXe0xN7iDfrgaOcev/s1600/yoga+01.gif" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This
pose is often practiced for relaxation. Unlike other forms of exercise,
relaxation is integral to yoga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWsEvp8Wqpp_xv6sBejsRPJqbI0OV0NM4nAqCXuvaAGDlVwKrNekLKOHMeri8lW3ABf1EbTZH8o0t-CjBYcc5MbqkuDrEc5yamO2qw45dMYTRTfVhFv1NFzkoAAwtyeHnNWhte36_gpc5/s1600/yoga+04.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWsEvp8Wqpp_xv6sBejsRPJqbI0OV0NM4nAqCXuvaAGDlVwKrNekLKOHMeri8lW3ABf1EbTZH8o0t-CjBYcc5MbqkuDrEc5yamO2qw45dMYTRTfVhFv1NFzkoAAwtyeHnNWhte36_gpc5/s1600/yoga+04.gif" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Corpse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Surely
everybody can do this. No?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g1p6APpG2FOKRPdn213FUAp9N_LgC9SnxlPI10DdJVkjXtEIl8D1MoHb4VuEVKJIS9upFdKYTOr7ZbnplZu-ttESSWsqPHaQX_ZuQ2OjbmmsDE9lQGY-b6LyJmlKVRbV1ZtodlKiy4P-/s1600/yoga+03.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g1p6APpG2FOKRPdn213FUAp9N_LgC9SnxlPI10DdJVkjXtEIl8D1MoHb4VuEVKJIS9upFdKYTOr7ZbnplZu-ttESSWsqPHaQX_ZuQ2OjbmmsDE9lQGY-b6LyJmlKVRbV1ZtodlKiy4P-/s1600/yoga+03.gif" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;"><a href="http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/">Source of images</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-25476550464115991702012-12-20T14:14:00.000+08:002012-12-20T14:14:00.312+08:00Air Purifier<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i>Happy End of the World!</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I bought an
air purifier lately. You know, the air in Kuala Lumpur is polluted. An air
purifier – sometimes called air cleaner – removes contaminants from the air,
and helps boost our health.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are
many types of air purifiers in the market. If you are shopping for one, but are
confused of the various technologies used, I give you some clues here…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>HEPA Filter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidax4avfsN9qBBeFXEH5JLmIOkIywRAlImdYQTuuG9pYElVRQko6W31zffssrvUMuWmD4jEqQXk1uGhDIaK1vV0SnwYygwA3a-iKoWCciURf8acf3u2pbGD85iHDGWPVjXfmNyIkVeDfeG/s1600/hepa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidax4avfsN9qBBeFXEH5JLmIOkIywRAlImdYQTuuG9pYElVRQko6W31zffssrvUMuWmD4jEqQXk1uGhDIaK1vV0SnwYygwA3a-iKoWCciURf8acf3u2pbGD85iHDGWPVjXfmNyIkVeDfeG/s1600/hepa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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HEPA stands
for High Efficiency Particulate Air. An air cleaner using HEPA filter removes
up to 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles. This is the most commonly used
technology.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One drawback
of this technology is that HEPA filters need to be replaced after a year or
two, and they are costly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ionizer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u5g01w2acxOR_MhMtRzIi8sNBTeAG7bfoWPfPg7TfeL4fNqcgOSWY49ZmOZPU0-gbecPZ4lQoi814YLKHPh5RxqstVs5pfAiRg2aC4o0QEpL7Rr36tlW2LXOFzFdSFDVCRFrqvxsZY8y/s1600/ionizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u5g01w2acxOR_MhMtRzIi8sNBTeAG7bfoWPfPg7TfeL4fNqcgOSWY49ZmOZPU0-gbecPZ4lQoi814YLKHPh5RxqstVs5pfAiRg2aC4o0QEpL7Rr36tlW2LXOFzFdSFDVCRFrqvxsZY8y/s1600/ionizer.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ionizers
disperse negative ions into the air. These ions attach to airborne
particulates. The electrically charged particulates in turn bond with each
other and settle to the floor or wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moisture
discharges the ions. Therefore, this technology is less effective in humid
places. In Malaysia, this essentially means ionizers only work inside
air-conditioned rooms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Another
concern is that ionizers generate ozone, a lung irritant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Water-based Air Refresher<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNGjByYpNk_2FNAcBS52rOt7N4OxW1Id8eoclwvIEZUaMTylmKLrDp3hCe99nObOq-igZ_KqVsV7bF-ZwBUHGllGUOYV17al0WTCKdzxMVSfi2oLBP7jeBeKL0zDDruVhoBqS346saf7M/s1600/thermax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNGjByYpNk_2FNAcBS52rOt7N4OxW1Id8eoclwvIEZUaMTylmKLrDp3hCe99nObOq-igZ_KqVsV7bF-ZwBUHGllGUOYV17al0WTCKdzxMVSfi2oLBP7jeBeKL0zDDruVhoBqS346saf7M/s320/thermax.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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A water-based
air refresher, like the one shown above, sucks air into the water. Presumably
the pollutants will dissolve in the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have got
one such device. I found its air flow to be quite weak, compared to a typical
air purifier with HEPA filter. While I observed that the water was dirty after
a day in use, it was not as effective as I wish to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note that I
added aromatherapy solution to the water, and the air which came out of it was
very revitalizing. This device failed as an air cleaner, but it did serve other
purposes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-69695439401475163182012-11-06T20:51:00.000+08:002012-11-06T20:51:16.392+08:00Now Everyone Can Drive an SUV<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKb_QjXAoiB0kvYQuCJl2tiqa0yxMkzujoloNeYSqkTjyafTYPN3x7snXVYEe8KMa3EG8xBTG8IvRX_7deRmdT1JhCZRAPcroN-hcTm_KfL1gM2ATQD5RYHeF5lKEAcMPYWR6y8s8N7rH/s1600/Tony_Fernandes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKb_QjXAoiB0kvYQuCJl2tiqa0yxMkzujoloNeYSqkTjyafTYPN3x7snXVYEe8KMa3EG8xBTG8IvRX_7deRmdT1JhCZRAPcroN-hcTm_KfL1gM2ATQD5RYHeF5lKEAcMPYWR6y8s8N7rH/s1600/Tony_Fernandes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;">(source: Wikipedia)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tony
Fernandes, the founder of budget airline AirAsia and budget hotel Tune Hotel,
has teamed up with Renault to produce sport utility vehicles (SUV).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I expect Tony
to give us the cheapest SUV in the market. But the base model will be without
air-conditioner, music player, power steering, power windows, air bag, cup
holders and spare tyre. You may add some or all of these items – at additional
charges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, Tony
will not appoint resellers for the SUV. You place order online and pick up your
vehicle from the warehouse. Alternatively, pay a fee for it to be delivered to
your doorstep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you
excited?<o:p></o:p></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-90860873917410456222012-09-19T20:26:00.001+08:002012-09-19T20:26:33.463+08:00Uniquely America<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many years
ago, when I was working in the US, I had a co-worker who came from China. One
day, when we were having a chat, the Chinese guy said, “The US is different
from the rest of the world.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To some
degree, he was right. Take, for example, measurement units: the world has
adopted meter, kg and Celsius for a long time; Americans stubbornly cling to
foot, pound and Fahrenheit. (I must admit that properties in Malaysia are still
measured in square feet. The developers are probably concerned that switching to
metric system would affect their sales.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back then,
mobile phones in the world mostly ran on GSM networks. American carriers used a
mix of GSM and homegrown technologies such as D-AMPS. It is worth noting that
SIM card was essentially a European invention which is absent in American-developed D-AMPS, CDMA2000 and WiMax. The Americans never quite understand why we need it. Some think
that we could simply store our PIN online rather than on the SIM card. But
beware: if someone steals your PIN, he/she could make free calls while you bear
the cost. Hardware authentication should be more secure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apple has
just launched iPhone 5. The general consensus among the techies is that the
iPhone 5 is a worthy upgrade of its predecessor, but lacks ‘wow’ factors. Yet
it sells like hot cake – at least in the US. Take a look at the pie charts
below…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpQFcNnHe6vhiepCInHtrxRMV7QwZtQiIyZGRnRxwIyAlmdKPVTXoERT7bZQ68g7-7XbeeTQRbBEHF9TLiSzt8WpQHb0o9dhQhVIgHOTK68GxPcdKa3VD_VydUkwPVLwYAxlJbr7wa2Mk/s1600/us+smartphone+mkt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpQFcNnHe6vhiepCInHtrxRMV7QwZtQiIyZGRnRxwIyAlmdKPVTXoERT7bZQ68g7-7XbeeTQRbBEHF9TLiSzt8WpQHb0o9dhQhVIgHOTK68GxPcdKa3VD_VydUkwPVLwYAxlJbr7wa2Mk/s320/us+smartphone+mkt.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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- - - - - - - - - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5hCD22hBEc9u9NXjMxXY1ZaNBCXx8tVEuLtW8qsWKl9uq-_CmscwjC7StPKsF2W7cuWzcdEu7_PYQTiBTG-Nl7PQuwsNvSuagSPk8DFsYgllp6s5xIRBAKHhyqoGYkVdODKuShF6VLTG/s1600/world+smartphone+mkt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5hCD22hBEc9u9NXjMxXY1ZaNBCXx8tVEuLtW8qsWKl9uq-_CmscwjC7StPKsF2W7cuWzcdEu7_PYQTiBTG-Nl7PQuwsNvSuagSPk8DFsYgllp6s5xIRBAKHhyqoGYkVdODKuShF6VLTG/s320/world+smartphone+mkt.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P/S: In case you
are unaware, the tagline for Singapore tourism is <i>Uniquely Singapore</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-62312618808800206942012-08-17T15:45:00.000+08:002012-08-20T10:01:16.164+08:00Apple – losing its mojo?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a
gathering with my MBA coursemates two weeks ago. There were seven of us. Aside
from one who still used an old Nokia cellphone with physical keyboard, there rest
all had Samsung. No a single one of us had an iPhone…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just two
years ago, iPhone was the must-have item among gadget lovers. Today, it is
being challenged by the Android phones in general, and Samsung Galaxy in
particular. Last quarter (Q3 FY12), Apple sold 26 million iPhones, a
significant drop from the 35.1 million in the previous quarter. While Tim Cook,
CEO of Apple, attributed the dismal sales to consumers holding out for the
next-generation iPhone, I suspect there were other factors at play.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuryoBznu56kJ6pVArqHedeYvxDapkcQ4T-Z8u2t_YBUttxzV9Nm3QHR_je7pf5jKqu1hMtaCp6DbMDIl3Xj367wtLn9hmPmUP9gjNyMuCG6Jfji72KH3Ls9JtUOhkVkI5QWOgpnfgJ3f/s1600/iphone+sales.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuryoBznu56kJ6pVArqHedeYvxDapkcQ4T-Z8u2t_YBUttxzV9Nm3QHR_je7pf5jKqu1hMtaCp6DbMDIl3Xj367wtLn9hmPmUP9gjNyMuCG6Jfji72KH3Ls9JtUOhkVkI5QWOgpnfgJ3f/s1600/iphone+sales.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course,
iPad still dominate the tablet market, and Apple will soon strike back with iPhone 5 (the new
iPhone?). Let’s see if the Fruit Empire will be able to regain its past glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-35199072183204294382012-05-29T09:06:00.000+08:002012-05-29T09:06:54.180+08:00Moxibustion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxioZFWwd1ajY_GlDi3glmQtf0RxAsiHtlQzvB58rEDkiXJ-25M1xNVKx5uF2wlAICLAFIsUv3EmkNRUHInW34-aO7U_r7ioYPrLnj2sfZYzae3C7Mm5x45QL2hZzF3sofq3b-XU0yoJh/s1600/moxibustion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxioZFWwd1ajY_GlDi3glmQtf0RxAsiHtlQzvB58rEDkiXJ-25M1xNVKx5uF2wlAICLAFIsUv3EmkNRUHInW34-aO7U_r7ioYPrLnj2sfZYzae3C7Mm5x45QL2hZzF3sofq3b-XU0yoJh/s320/moxibustion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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Some time
ago, I wrote about acupuncture in my blog. Acupuncture is effective in treating
certain syndromes, but not everyone is comfortable to prick needles into
his/her skin. There is an alternative: moxibustion (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun;">艾灸</span>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moxibustion
works in the same principle as acupuncture, except that it uses heat instead of
needle. There is subtle difference, though. Traditional Chinese Medicine is
based on the principle of yin and yang. Moxibustion is most suited for treating
syndromes caused by deficiency of yang, e.g. menstrual pain. As for whether it
can used to treat syndromes caused by too much yang, e.g. fever, the books I
read seem to give different views. In such situations, it is advisable to
consult qualified TCM doctors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Malaysia,
you can buy ‘moxa rolls’ from Beijing Tongrengtang (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun;">北京同仁堂</span>).
The moxa rolls produced a lot of smoke, and not everybody likes it. There are
also some ‘smokeless moxa rolls’ sold in China. I intend to order them online.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-83710644487824469012012-02-08T20:37:00.000+08:002012-02-08T20:37:01.133+08:00Symphony of Lights – in Malaysia!People who have visited Hong Kong must be familiar with the show known as Symphony of Lights. The show is played at Victoria Habour at 8 o’clock every evening.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In conjunction with Lunar New Year 2012, Thien Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur had staged a similar show. Though on a much smaller scale, the show was no less interesting…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">The temple…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01KuCLuIv9iwWaI5w0mGySkzKeEe4Ihv0FiEsEVpo7LFK0CkAY0umm7BYQmtGZkQVBRrfar24qDpaxa7ShKkomOeSv7zdfuL2-d_rTIergX0iZVerGdTeNonaR75ruIyFOnDs4r548XE/s1600/thien+hou+04.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01KuCLuIv9iwWaI5w0mGySkzKeEe4Ihv0FiEsEVpo7LFK0CkAY0umm7BYQmtGZkQVBRrfar24qDpaxa7ShKkomOeSv7zdfuL2-d_rTIergX0iZVerGdTeNonaR75ruIyFOnDs4r548XE/s400/thien+hou+04.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706573224010982722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Playing with zoom…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8rEjPEmi8w2fN1B-POCE9nZ2UgC_ZFTo__Q4T8T_8q0fD9n1LwgIZHEPLglaH9HyjYkxAVpr4JLTRTJbp9s2VkmXTABTSCuHa98eHVlqRAXEk2nNtCDfnddJFtSuEd8n7aOt00flP8WT/s1600/thien+hou+03.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8rEjPEmi8w2fN1B-POCE9nZ2UgC_ZFTo__Q4T8T_8q0fD9n1LwgIZHEPLglaH9HyjYkxAVpr4JLTRTJbp9s2VkmXTABTSCuHa98eHVlqRAXEk2nNtCDfnddJFtSuEd8n7aOt00flP8WT/s400/thien+hou+03.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706573340737446450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Here you go, the show of lights…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26lrKaR71CpOpdMrzOVV-AssskvyBDwMP76AWlEwvqJs0HXPSQIJ7pqfm_69kr03yW1UKEFwdeHYcivbu6tfkkNBwPF2eRqxG_jEofdnFksFR-h8MpV3eTuzadjVRvxJnWBSwJufJDdax/s1600/thien+hou+05.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26lrKaR71CpOpdMrzOVV-AssskvyBDwMP76AWlEwvqJs0HXPSQIJ7pqfm_69kr03yW1UKEFwdeHYcivbu6tfkkNBwPF2eRqxG_jEofdnFksFR-h8MpV3eTuzadjVRvxJnWBSwJufJDdax/s400/thien+hou+05.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706573593654852178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">As in the past years, Thien Hou Temple was decorated with large number of lanterns…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdqhmErtmSt7uiX_5RqxiZrDVEK80LdcsmwYkvy04O7j8p3h-akTj-g-TPYLwUnkyAkESzf0iHgCxhT6QqQiJ_0dWutfXGm4lKgRWg4Z2d-7qO53kLETfdlRFBjcfN9V8HT8BPi5Kq2et/s1600/thien+hou+01.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdqhmErtmSt7uiX_5RqxiZrDVEK80LdcsmwYkvy04O7j8p3h-akTj-g-TPYLwUnkyAkESzf0iHgCxhT6QqQiJ_0dWutfXGm4lKgRWg4Z2d-7qO53kLETfdlRFBjcfN9V8HT8BPi5Kq2et/s400/thien+hou+01.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706573785648572274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing I like about Thien Hou Temple is that devotees are told to burn just 4 joss sticks – one for the Deity of Haven, and one for each of the three in-house deities. Traditionally, Chinese burn 3 joss sticks for every deity. By burning fewer joss sticks, Thien Hou Temple is considerably less smoky. This is good for the health of the people and the environment…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-62005941030644494202012-02-03T21:38:00.000+08:002012-02-03T21:38:00.096+08:00In praise of Introverts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J5qpo6X2iYKh8_OYz8kzrGa4v-g2zvCEJqjUg9wHFzWn8YePE6-qO-sODlwy5I11l2sTps7HOsERA5m9QOBkHhqTnjPAMpaRSq3UfDxNXMtqblSRqVNo21b5j89zNdqw9avyYt0t9fZ0/s1600/time-cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J5qpo6X2iYKh8_OYz8kzrGa4v-g2zvCEJqjUg9wHFzWn8YePE6-qO-sODlwy5I11l2sTps7HOsERA5m9QOBkHhqTnjPAMpaRSq3UfDxNXMtqblSRqVNo21b5j89zNdqw9avyYt0t9fZ0/s400/time-cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704718228798865986" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The February 6, 2012 issue of Time Magazine features an article: <i>The upside of being an Introvert</i>. As I am an introvert, this article immediately caught my attention.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our society has not been very kind to the introverts. People don’t pay so much attention to us; and we are less likely to be successful salespersons – that is, unless we sell online. However, according to the Time article, introversion is not all bad. Throughout history, there have been many great people who are introverts. See the list below:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#7030A0">Introverts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Mohandas Gandhi</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Joe DiMaggio</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Moses</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Hillary Clinton</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Warren Buffett</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Manmohan Singh</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Bill Gates</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Mother Teresa</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Barack Obama</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#7030A0">Extroverts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Bill Clinton</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Margaret Thatcher</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Steve Jobs</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Boris Yeltsin</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Marie Antoinette</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Muhammad Ali</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">Winston Churchill</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160); ">George W. Bush</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is worth noting that America’s two richest men – Bill Gates and Warren Buffett – are both introverts. Among athletes, Joe DiMaggio (baseball player) was an introvert, while Muhammad Ali was an extrovert. Former President Bill Clinton is extroverted, but his wife Hillary is introverted.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The author also says that introverts often prefer to express themselves in writing. Maybe that’s why I am blogging here…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-2473487540571068752012-01-18T19:47:00.000+08:002012-01-18T19:47:00.226+08:00How to Pick Stocks<p class="MsoNormal">In one of my previous posts, I wrote about the <a href="http://2point8.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-up-on-klse.html">investment strategy of Peter Lynch, an American fund manager</a>. Some of you are probably interested in it, and want to learn more.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I recently bought the stocks of Padini, an apparel maker. I made the purchase based on the guidelines given by Lynch. Now I will tell you how I came up with this decision:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>In the past few years, Padini’s revenue has been growing at about 9% annually, and profit has been growing at more than 20% annually.</li><li>P/E ratio was about 9.5, which wasn’t too expensive. (According to Lynch, if the profit growth doubles the P/E ratio, the stock is a bargain.)</li><li>The company has more cash than debt.</li><li>PADINI is not a hot stock. (Hot stocks tend to be riskier.)</li><li>We buy clothes even when economy is bad.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of course, I am not an investment guru; I may be wrong. The picture is not all rosy. For one, Padini’s brands are relatively weak. Uniqlo, the Japan-based apparel maker, has a much stronger brand. Then again, Uniqlo may not pose a serious threat. Clothes sold by Uniqlo are often too warm for Malaysian climate.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Note:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">P/E ratio is short for Price/Earning ratio. We compute P/E ratio by dividing the stock price with earning per share.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><br /></span></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-84688400851879776172012-01-05T20:51:00.001+08:002012-01-05T20:51:00.246+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (VI)<b>Recycling in Hong King</b><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Recycle bins are common sight in Hong Kong. Here are some…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#C00000">In Ocean Park…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u04gOpBqTPECLAFiPt1hXuHWX-DpxN3N-TPuKyT9-H3-5T6xJNHlhbucmhrPsDq5rdSg_uhf1Mpiq9aS2KojEmrR6CSA6Duuau238R49-BqwaffIqmxcsgibMzgU-VNibDRzoRmWCfua/s1600/hk_22.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u04gOpBqTPECLAFiPt1hXuHWX-DpxN3N-TPuKyT9-H3-5T6xJNHlhbucmhrPsDq5rdSg_uhf1Mpiq9aS2KojEmrR6CSA6Duuau238R49-BqwaffIqmxcsgibMzgU-VNibDRzoRmWCfua/s400/hk_22.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693202202919954946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#C00000"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#C00000">In Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Wanchai…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGspOwt-MbVlWZGclmxlqkWxmEBMsr7n13d_fvaXpygwIC5ImxzIlcCvjNU1wFJjDwOhyphenhyphenHcza_YqneGDHedHqRC8CVBEMP2-DJd5CMpGXEsC0JiqTULiBgOEpXm3oYgSeAUlcT80FykhAM/s1600/hk_23.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGspOwt-MbVlWZGclmxlqkWxmEBMsr7n13d_fvaXpygwIC5ImxzIlcCvjNU1wFJjDwOhyphenhyphenHcza_YqneGDHedHqRC8CVBEMP2-DJd5CMpGXEsC0JiqTULiBgOEpXm3oYgSeAUlcT80FykhAM/s400/hk_23.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693202541969347682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Foreigners in Hong Kong<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before visiting Hong Kong, I already knew that there were many Filipino workers in the Chinese territory. It turned out that there were plenty of Indonesians too.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Filipinos congregate in Central on Sunday, Indonesians do so in Causeway Bay, not far from my hotel. I later learned that Thais meet at Tsim Sha Tsui.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0); ">Indonesians in Causeway Bay…</span></i> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBGN4fxVKIX4j7vtDQXGpj4FRv472kew0V29NrEU_jYiPGJnkJPVVEcv954BEJRnLzrnrYGqt13uIKV9sWQEjIsUie1g1oUpPJPeqeVmQks18mHFf5p1UvcDeGoYLVR6sbUDTRS_IndpQ/s1600/hk_24.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBGN4fxVKIX4j7vtDQXGpj4FRv472kew0V29NrEU_jYiPGJnkJPVVEcv954BEJRnLzrnrYGqt13uIKV9sWQEjIsUie1g1oUpPJPeqeVmQks18mHFf5p1UvcDeGoYLVR6sbUDTRS_IndpQ/s400/hk_24.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693202676089984178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Hong Kong Girls<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t see many pretty girls in Hong Kong. Which came as a surprise, given that the SAR was an affluent and trendy city.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Occasionally I came across pretty girls. But chances were, they were Mandarin speakers…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>No Clear Sky<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As an avid photographer, I like to take landscape photos with blue sky. Unfortunately, during my 8-day trip to Hong Kong, the sky was almost always shrouded in haze. The wind had blown the polluted air from Mainland China to the SAR.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Colonial Era Place Names</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Unlike Malaysian Government who wasted no time to rename most of the streets after independence, Hong Kong still retains many of the colonial era place names. We came across such names like Jordan, Nathan Rd, Wellington St, Shelter St...</p><p class="MsoNormal">I suspect Hongkongese miss the days when they were ruled by the Brits, especially when the two SAR chiefs, Tung Chee Hwa and Donald Tsang, disappoint them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-56200394889556902342012-01-01T20:55:00.000+08:002012-01-01T20:55:00.677+08:00One Up on KLSE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDrlOpq10cBK5YhHqHFCXEX9dKMTEQamLHzLYioYaP_doq98xWL-6UPU6um18ROTgKvIVB13RC-fLDfU-JK2QpA1vPS-agqOKFY7kyw7vUZSjgWAdUkKHNAnIdllhIDE2tARveuUtgBbC/s1600/peter+lynch.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDrlOpq10cBK5YhHqHFCXEX9dKMTEQamLHzLYioYaP_doq98xWL-6UPU6um18ROTgKvIVB13RC-fLDfU-JK2QpA1vPS-agqOKFY7kyw7vUZSjgWAdUkKHNAnIdllhIDE2tARveuUtgBbC/s400/peter+lynch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690234504956010914" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I am learning to invest in stock market, and I have just finished reading this book:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#D60093">One Up on Wall Street</span></i><span style="color:#D60093">, by Peter Lynch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lynch is a former fund manager. He shares many similarities with Warren Buffet – both of them are long term investors who ignore short-term market fluctuation; both of them invest in companies, not in the market.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, Lynch differs from Buffet in some other ways. Buffet likes to invest in companies with <b><i>durable competitive advantages</i></b>. Such companies would have very good track record; they would have been profitable for many years. The problem is: stocks of such companies won’t come cheap.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lynch, on the other hand, groups companies into 6 categories – <b>slow growers, stalwarts, fast growers, cyclicals, turnarounds, and asset plays</b>. He has devised a strategy for each of these categories. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lynch likens a potential fast grower to Harrison Ford. The Hollywood superstar was a carpenter before he joined the cast of <i>Star Wars</i>. A stalwart, on the other hand, is like a lawyer. A lawyer’s wagers, while high, don’t come close to Ford’s income.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In his book, Lynch guides on how to pick a winner, when to buy, when to sell etc…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After reading my post up to here, some of you are probably getting excited, and want to get a copy of this book. Those who have read this book may want to resign from your job and become a full-time investor. But let’s be realistic, can you become a millionaire by investing in stocks?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s say your initial capital is RM10,000, and you invest in just one security. (Few people put all their eggs in one basket!) Within five years, the price of this stock rises by 10-fold. Your investment now values at RM100,000 – not bad at all! Even so, you’re still just a 0.1 millionaire.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have invested in a few stocks, but I still can’t retire, yet…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-2325547130263576132011-12-20T21:38:00.000+08:002011-12-20T21:38:00.491+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (V)<b>Eating in Hong Kong</b><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Hong Kong is foodies’ haven. During my visit to the SAR, we had a meal in the famous <b>Yung Kee Restaurant</b> (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">鏞記酒家</span>).<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yung Kee is most famous for its roasted geese. Unfortunately, I haven’t got the picture to show here. I am not that kind of people who would say, “Don’t eat! Let me take some pictures and upload to Facebook.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I managed to snap a few pictures before we picked up our chopsticks…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Outside the kitchen…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUza5ulcuSLXXwHtiSz-C1pn_-G-w1cUakfxSpAklToZ2GYB2euyNOWoYhKapHOdyVzzltiNeNbIpv8bO8O0fNlRCkvGgy3tEvjF2bzzu2zsUxegRuG7hc78EFKmg3BDIz8juSMCkhAyO/s1600/hk_19.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUza5ulcuSLXXwHtiSz-C1pn_-G-w1cUakfxSpAklToZ2GYB2euyNOWoYhKapHOdyVzzltiNeNbIpv8bO8O0fNlRCkvGgy3tEvjF2bzzu2zsUxegRuG7hc78EFKmg3BDIz8juSMCkhAyO/s400/hk_19.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687725269581846194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Preserved eggs…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLqP3dtXfpvHkzqCXr1R4N1rxvTtfT3sYWzRho3-9fTahhMQUvnnNQotXmhr8umPzf33aYJQyuTYwNLEtU8r2P2cOA0B7RAuKwY387vmZYf2KgIBvvhGgT6fjgjF-vNVxPDzCR2TbbWkx/s1600/hk_20.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLqP3dtXfpvHkzqCXr1R4N1rxvTtfT3sYWzRho3-9fTahhMQUvnnNQotXmhr8umPzf33aYJQyuTYwNLEtU8r2P2cOA0B7RAuKwY387vmZYf2KgIBvvhGgT6fjgjF-vNVxPDzCR2TbbWkx/s400/hk_20.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687725462430934082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Roasted meat rice…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoADSlxsWU9oOziouXYSL7GB70neqRHnR2W87WgOrjdwcEP8YCzl_NGKRUq7Vz3RQEABZItLbivWY1wWU1a6Jqg4TEjE3rb_1gUXxvWGcwptm0MKjxfXoHc2tcWThik390AGd4WKLngWm/s1600/hk_21.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoADSlxsWU9oOziouXYSL7GB70neqRHnR2W87WgOrjdwcEP8YCzl_NGKRUq7Vz3RQEABZItLbivWY1wWU1a6Jqg4TEjE3rb_1gUXxvWGcwptm0MKjxfXoHc2tcWThik390AGd4WKLngWm/s400/hk_21.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687725607559594658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yung Kee Restaurant is located at:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hong Kong is also famous for, what else, dim sum. And we also had a dim sum meal during our trip. Here is one picture…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyLIDEv6wUzZh7v7S3sEkitdeGCJnWGRoaBgAdipSVBQxEi7KEZIy8dPrCKD0KnHpQuEfhKu4C5Jw_waUBp69d2t5Gy0X_s89Tism8OxVllJYtBxV5v6YpEUXc1FaVWgbj3UgVTxa0-Fy/s1600/reflector_01.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyLIDEv6wUzZh7v7S3sEkitdeGCJnWGRoaBgAdipSVBQxEi7KEZIy8dPrCKD0KnHpQuEfhKu4C5Jw_waUBp69d2t5Gy0X_s89Tism8OxVllJYtBxV5v6YpEUXc1FaVWgbj3UgVTxa0-Fy/s400/reflector_01.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687725758346680194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But wait a minute… These are not real dim sum, but fridge magnets! We bought a few as souvenirs. I took picture after we returned to Singapore…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR58Z3MyaZLeYC4e1XXDRNENFtawXR-GssnZbDKQspCSDjanmZA6hY5MkULsuVx9DqEidR2ClZcueQ1cbLKpHdcGSm8JEhELYmNKhugqaPF1SBDFHWYjDzFf86s2zuN6SEQhU9bvrx5XS/s1600/reflector_03.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR58Z3MyaZLeYC4e1XXDRNENFtawXR-GssnZbDKQspCSDjanmZA6hY5MkULsuVx9DqEidR2ClZcueQ1cbLKpHdcGSm8JEhELYmNKhugqaPF1SBDFHWYjDzFf86s2zuN6SEQhU9bvrx5XS/s400/reflector_03.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687726051441102594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-77053285217145603042011-12-16T20:02:00.000+08:002011-12-16T20:02:00.546+08:00Free, with Terms & ConditionsBlogger SK wrote about a <a href="http://sk0617.blogspot.com/2011/12/16122011.html">promotion campaign of KFC in Malaysia</a>. The fast food giant offered free Zinger burgers for a month. Within a few hours after the promotion started, however, KFC had to discontinue the offer ‘due to overwhelming response’.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Is it possible for a business to offer some free goods or service, and still make money?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, AirAsia, the budget airline, has been giving away ‘free seats’ from time to time. But the passengers have to pay for everything else, from ‘convenience fee’ to baggage free to check-in fee.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In Japan, there is this kind of eateries called <b>tachi-soba</b>, literally ‘standing soba’. Patrons of these eateries are required to stand while having their meal. No seats are provided. See pictures below…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKLUy8WiNRQsFf2sU9BCq3ThVhpbbWVJuHS7v2_iSyTP0PK0KdXN4tF2dcCY7XGQfCAAGLLX4AGbsa6WOw1DHojVsjmPW9u1XEXo3Dhlq7FntGkxymkR7H2lHUfoOqeoV960OHDX9WyO2/s1600/tachi-soba.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKLUy8WiNRQsFf2sU9BCq3ThVhpbbWVJuHS7v2_iSyTP0PK0KdXN4tF2dcCY7XGQfCAAGLLX4AGbsa6WOw1DHojVsjmPW9u1XEXo3Dhlq7FntGkxymkR7H2lHUfoOqeoV960OHDX9WyO2/s400/tachi-soba.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686600193679457890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm88KtANgm15biaaYb_xn_ylSH8RHO3EH6fPUmIioYu_Btj2j9sYBG2hRkyrXOFEXg9ic_JK6ya_QQ2GrpDPV9hf7v9udzVISDKUXpM4W24xMGftY66tJfEpYL3-yTSgR9504KAbZF6Vh/s1600/tachi-soba+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm88KtANgm15biaaYb_xn_ylSH8RHO3EH6fPUmIioYu_Btj2j9sYBG2hRkyrXOFEXg9ic_JK6ya_QQ2GrpDPV9hf7v9udzVISDKUXpM4W24xMGftY66tJfEpYL3-yTSgR9504KAbZF6Vh/s400/tachi-soba+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686600299500305266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><a href="http://aihide.blog42.fc2.com/">Source</a></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now, combining the concepts of AirAsia and tachi-soba, I am thinking of starting a restaurant which serves free noodles, but with terms and conditions…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Noodle – free</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Service charge – RM5</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Bowl – RM1 (you can bring your own bowl)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Chopsticks + spoon – RM1 (you can bring your own chopsticks)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Drinks – various prices</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Chair – RM1 (you may stand)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Use of restroom – RM1</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, I would increase my revenue by selling ads space in the shop…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, anybody want to join my new venture?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-20381366551093062302011-12-13T21:00:00.000+08:002011-12-13T21:00:11.479+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (IV)<b>Ngong Ping Village</b><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">In my last post, I wrote about the cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After getting off the cable car, we arrived at Ngong Ping Village. This was a theme village with traditional Chinese architecture. There were shops selling souvenirs and eateries. Ngong Ping Village was very touristy, but I must say that it was quite interesting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >The square...</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IL68-GZGg1FoDthRHcVn4XEWvYylip3K8BaJY_nq3GnfwoK-WXhxKaJCcyQ5URmJ0lW5078tH59cF_5Gg1oB179_6omhrCrkMe4vU56iVDl00MD1SdVWUnS207RuNoIG-vP1DCxDPIG/s1600/hk_12.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IL68-GZGg1FoDthRHcVn4XEWvYylip3K8BaJY_nq3GnfwoK-WXhxKaJCcyQ5URmJ0lW5078tH59cF_5Gg1oB179_6omhrCrkMe4vU56iVDl00MD1SdVWUnS207RuNoIG-vP1DCxDPIG/s400/hk_12.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685411724255102610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Bubbles!</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3EDfJ0z5lJ-IRzMwEzRMIbMUuZePrVoG2ZpoTvRFlgZSaSpvOshYlV30Nm3uYBEBoun7xjOJedHcCGOA6RJ8cniTPvjVHcdABu3pd7n2wBWwdKNEQt9QyWSUX6ixfhRctpNHqoHULh5h/s1600/hk_13.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3EDfJ0z5lJ-IRzMwEzRMIbMUuZePrVoG2ZpoTvRFlgZSaSpvOshYlV30Nm3uYBEBoun7xjOJedHcCGOA6RJ8cniTPvjVHcdABu3pd7n2wBWwdKNEQt9QyWSUX6ixfhRctpNHqoHULh5h/s400/hk_13.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685411967361873522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Distances to the world, with the Giant Buddha at the background...</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2NIImgEqHhnw18-H4wuXJ9UI4TCrCUHI_eVxPZu6mOXNj8MjG8YDh6BGdQYwxQPK4DliHOBubC58OtyQSWYt6JDSotgwKJ9NJ_qm7WWeLqR5UsbgB5IivCcufl4jTHwo03nfFdY1ON2R/s1600/hk_14.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2NIImgEqHhnw18-H4wuXJ9UI4TCrCUHI_eVxPZu6mOXNj8MjG8YDh6BGdQYwxQPK4DliHOBubC58OtyQSWYt6JDSotgwKJ9NJ_qm7WWeLqR5UsbgB5IivCcufl4jTHwo03nfFdY1ON2R/s400/hk_14.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685412095532594722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Po Lin Monastery<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next to Ngong Ping Village was Po Lin Monastery (寶蓮禪寺). The monastery was famous for the Giant Buddha, the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue. The Giant Buddha sat atop a hill. Surrounding the statue was several smaller statues in the shape of fairies (?) A stair of 268 steps led one to the complex. If you don’t feel like making the climb, you can still appreciate the view from below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >268 steps...</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNO7X0sKea3Ii2A_w1gStuADWAsdWRFyJEF9aMo-DpnGjQcxAKfhDZ33KXJj9spqr0x81bG1lqE-jb63D6Bea1KLKspqBv6oPofNdlEkvWpWRdynLjOAldoCLpC2Ev4DKB0KBsSk-v5kF/s1600/hk_15.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNO7X0sKea3Ii2A_w1gStuADWAsdWRFyJEF9aMo-DpnGjQcxAKfhDZ33KXJj9spqr0x81bG1lqE-jb63D6Bea1KLKspqBv6oPofNdlEkvWpWRdynLjOAldoCLpC2Ev4DKB0KBsSk-v5kF/s400/hk_15.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685412435675179634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Fairies?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uItG9N35mmfOVg4aWZMqjri58ZBPsiaFRF_Jd0jq0x_0P81hrJm2KetB0WpDJzWkjCtCM97Rew9JtRaUmZCyqH8XvN4TJC6U1F9xn04Dm-mM9kkbPgdGsJLWbqM8_QIapF3KpxoIfHO9/s1600/hk_16.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uItG9N35mmfOVg4aWZMqjri58ZBPsiaFRF_Jd0jq0x_0P81hrJm2KetB0WpDJzWkjCtCM97Rew9JtRaUmZCyqH8XvN4TJC6U1F9xn04Dm-mM9kkbPgdGsJLWbqM8_QIapF3KpxoIfHO9/s400/hk_16.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685412575029730386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >The Buddha & the flags...</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHihM74s2ZnBS9-12OHBNKsp3Bxmik959yXYV4QUsGb79VEcAVXlzM-5Sz9GwyKXmxrPzQpD4KS_qWkd-ROZZYtCdithk2hWt-kJG7L-MPutO26VvG5mLJ9_6d5Yu1cA4e2PXinR2xus5q/s1600/hk_18.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHihM74s2ZnBS9-12OHBNKsp3Bxmik959yXYV4QUsGb79VEcAVXlzM-5Sz9GwyKXmxrPzQpD4KS_qWkd-ROZZYtCdithk2hWt-kJG7L-MPutO26VvG5mLJ9_6d5Yu1cA4e2PXinR2xus5q/s400/hk_18.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685412698873616146" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Joss sticks...</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtysNvxkqp0mDNZfPaexMBBJ38sMbub-yB6NQ7B4OUGNQQHaep2P2utzex4uJi-5YLgIi2VjTwhyphenhyphen0cYd3YRh1uUcinRFa-vPZH852vZEJBy30vz6RUHO_6tTDzQzidPzZRSPi9V9yGSJR/s1600/hk_17.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtysNvxkqp0mDNZfPaexMBBJ38sMbub-yB6NQ7B4OUGNQQHaep2P2utzex4uJi-5YLgIi2VjTwhyphenhyphen0cYd3YRh1uUcinRFa-vPZH852vZEJBy30vz6RUHO_6tTDzQzidPzZRSPi9V9yGSJR/s400/hk_17.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685412810824197602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-44268961567324398582011-12-08T20:56:00.002+08:002011-12-08T20:56:00.555+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (III)<b>Ngong Ping 360</b><br /><p class="MsoNormal">On the second day of my Hong Kong trip, we went to experience Ngong Ping 360 (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">昂坪</span>360) at Lantau Island (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">大嶼山</span>).<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ngong Ping 360 consisted of 2 parts – the first of which was the cable car journey which connects Tung Chung (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">東湧</span>) to Ngong Ping. When we reached Tung Chung cable car station, there was already a long queue. We waited for half an hour to purchase the tickets, and another half an hour to board the car. Many of the tourists came from Mainland China. Hong Kong was hugely popular among Mainlanders. We would see a lot more Mainland tourists in the subsequent days.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our patience paid off. The cable car ride was exhilarating. There were two types of cabins – regular and Crystal. Crystal Cabin had glass bottom, which allowed one to see the landscape beneath. As you might have expected, the fare for Crystal Cabin was higher.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We often perceive Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan city, but Lantau Island was heavily forested…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">The crowd at Tung Chung…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfunOuqkoANHPVCeuNpUu-u5TA0USigeL2TfjQbmSj-xVzq0UfRzrcvSFzI_OrGCg0WDsIo0bxiNvkoyxMspf-vOV_nxLQrgapavDOSmTH6Dby-PiT44PLgaEmI6ERtchX4BClksiCoJXj/s1600/hk_08.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfunOuqkoANHPVCeuNpUu-u5TA0USigeL2TfjQbmSj-xVzq0UfRzrcvSFzI_OrGCg0WDsIo0bxiNvkoyxMspf-vOV_nxLQrgapavDOSmTH6Dby-PiT44PLgaEmI6ERtchX4BClksiCoJXj/s400/hk_08.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683601657751124370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">The ride…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIq5RUJiQ3nhaiK91u27rdjIbQDl9F8ASxoZZQepEfdPwttpkmou_1o4VHGx5wTMs3U-ngOObFjTA9-LdvvVL7Ejvk1aHj8z5wsWWMXyjDYwhU1Pj4GenIGYfMYoHdd0HO4kYF3erV-o0/s1600/hk_09.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIq5RUJiQ3nhaiK91u27rdjIbQDl9F8ASxoZZQepEfdPwttpkmou_1o4VHGx5wTMs3U-ngOObFjTA9-LdvvVL7Ejvk1aHj8z5wsWWMXyjDYwhU1Pj4GenIGYfMYoHdd0HO4kYF3erV-o0/s400/hk_09.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683604456179923570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Hong Kong International Airport is at the background…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz06gIcoPZGFdnwHC4CSZAfhywizNHE3mTSsm-Fvko-2wkcQZ7B3XoVkzBhh0bnMKNUhuKImH9N_zSCZc4Y8QOFKSow9oMzGNL3an-eqj5Yg87eTWrKAV0IDAosjK7-TIw0ee2TSg7M7Dn/s1600/hk_10.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz06gIcoPZGFdnwHC4CSZAfhywizNHE3mTSsm-Fvko-2wkcQZ7B3XoVkzBhh0bnMKNUhuKImH9N_zSCZc4Y8QOFKSow9oMzGNL3an-eqj5Yg87eTWrKAV0IDAosjK7-TIw0ee2TSg7M7Dn/s400/hk_10.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683604560195877970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:#7030A0">Crystal Cabin, with glass bottom…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhipoW5VfGAeFXpFPEp92HvSJsx8j1qj9d_7VRjc9bTeXVW9xZJvpVOm7oeK2QAD-5S7a3MUn1tYgzQpME3pSI4BL4epf6T-KRCowSj5cCUmaAYd_v5ZWCn6QZb21611iuXiF5jYmKTtJ/s1600/hk_11.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhipoW5VfGAeFXpFPEp92HvSJsx8j1qj9d_7VRjc9bTeXVW9xZJvpVOm7oeK2QAD-5S7a3MUn1tYgzQpME3pSI4BL4epf6T-KRCowSj5cCUmaAYd_v5ZWCn6QZb21611iuXiF5jYmKTtJ/s400/hk_11.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683604883967154690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-15519733771214687422011-12-05T20:21:00.000+08:002011-12-05T20:21:00.565+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (II)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQFeoJg54X_X6x3k1L75dev4JxiHp48IWoMFVUdStk73hX4tQsoy2GXXthAEtsNxzEwjkjQralaLBPxwE0OP6ukbwTO-jwfLuC1lcJ0Afr0ZoFIdV2zjMRXBSo3AFdhmjJDSrA1zmyEwP/s1600/hk_07.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQFeoJg54X_X6x3k1L75dev4JxiHp48IWoMFVUdStk73hX4tQsoy2GXXthAEtsNxzEwjkjQralaLBPxwE0OP6ukbwTO-jwfLuC1lcJ0Afr0ZoFIdV2zjMRXBSo3AFdhmjJDSrA1zmyEwP/s400/hk_07.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681350669405395634" /></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ding Ding<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the more interesting modes of transport in Hong Kong is tram.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Known as Ding Ding (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">叮叮</span>) by Hongkongese for the sound they make, trams run only in North Hong Kong Island. Ding Ding is slower than bus, and must stop for traffic light. In a city with highly efficient MTR (Mass Transit Rail) system, it is hard to imagine that Ding Ding survives into 21<sup>st</sup> century.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A trip on Ding Ding costs HK$2.30 for adults, or HK$1.20 for children under 12, regardless of distance. Ding Ding fare is really, really cheap. But my complaint is that the air at tram stations is choking...<o:p></o:p></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-85667413941776165392011-12-01T21:09:00.003+08:002011-12-01T21:09:00.456+08:00My Hong Kong Trip (I)<b>From Singapore to Hong Kong</b><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I joined my parents and sister in Singapore. We flew from the Lion City to the Pearl of the Orient in Singapore Airlines’ double-decker Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I often thought Airbus A380 was mainly used for long-distance, trans-continental flights. I was surprised to learn that SIA deployed this plane for its Singapore-to-HK route. Every A380 can seat more than 400 passengers, including those in business class. That is more than double the capacity of A320 used by AirAsia. According to SIA’s magazine, A380 was the most efficient aircraft. Perhaps that’s why we managed to get a relatively cheap airfare. However, due to the large number of passengers, boarding time could be slightly longer. So there are pros and cons with this plane.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We landed in Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">赤鱲角</span>) after 3 hours and 15 minutes in the air.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Changi Airport Terminal 3…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gxHfXkj56nmJFNxDcMZ2fTvdFPFXodVHc2pJVxKMd0AyM0TfE6Xn-32TgWD2RGwJpD_frf_2kaq4H5BbuNijLdSbo90Jxeq7K0tIKIlfW1xIgEtvWC15IOUG__S4BjkCx6LedLLpK-gI/s1600/hk_03.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gxHfXkj56nmJFNxDcMZ2fTvdFPFXodVHc2pJVxKMd0AyM0TfE6Xn-32TgWD2RGwJpD_frf_2kaq4H5BbuNijLdSbo90Jxeq7K0tIKIlfW1xIgEtvWC15IOUG__S4BjkCx6LedLLpK-gI/s400/hk_03.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680960942887070914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Airbus A380 super jumbo jet…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkOsQZQA7YTKIr89NXj2AhyZKiR1iKkY8q081MwEK7XhwZsp3ZobjVHD4yt8i2qsqIg6TemoaVnvNYqH7VVxIVz6HzJ6u0uAr4Kja6EGSEHEIoYtzKjMbe_kFQHMwOdI9XWID0acWoDp6/s1600/hk_04.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkOsQZQA7YTKIr89NXj2AhyZKiR1iKkY8q081MwEK7XhwZsp3ZobjVHD4yt8i2qsqIg6TemoaVnvNYqH7VVxIVz6HzJ6u0uAr4Kja6EGSEHEIoYtzKjMbe_kFQHMwOdI9XWID0acWoDp6/s400/hk_04.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680961074736260402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Interior of the A380…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjconMwPGn00iHvCkZMnGPmPlVvsDh0YEGkUJ5amJSFFFxCLb-QQBBWfLSLfq7iTIRaqe3fMapUHzcUpSiD81oVomEJVS-iAiBDnFcdz-FjmfVYw4ie5kLEeGXVa_DGC-09ef_xLu6x7xQZ/s1600/hk_05.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjconMwPGn00iHvCkZMnGPmPlVvsDh0YEGkUJ5amJSFFFxCLb-QQBBWfLSLfq7iTIRaqe3fMapUHzcUpSiD81oVomEJVS-iAiBDnFcdz-FjmfVYw4ie5kLEeGXVa_DGC-09ef_xLu6x7xQZ/s400/hk_05.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680961204853626194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0">Hong Kong International Airport…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#7030A0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0peMi7JubRuEmxJQLmNjTGHof2EJ3E6_0iCy027KDvPkHuSLGzNYAY2PmXN6lcmW2Ezpp-8DxxuEVc6OZBYDl3xRmhyO08TA3JZiIMjAHb2p2hk9Ug1hvoJ_ps-NRsLfVhFuwluexvTT/s1600/hk_06.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0peMi7JubRuEmxJQLmNjTGHof2EJ3E6_0iCy027KDvPkHuSLGzNYAY2PmXN6lcmW2Ezpp-8DxxuEVc6OZBYDl3xRmhyO08TA3JZiIMjAHb2p2hk9Ug1hvoJ_ps-NRsLfVhFuwluexvTT/s400/hk_06.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680961586006794146" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110857152936301451.post-47947314079822301982011-11-30T20:26:00.001+08:002011-12-01T09:22:44.756+08:00My Hong Kong Trip - Preview<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA-VqY8kBK0PEMqJuYq3-klyDTjVziVASTRQfj-oqqMTVp9HlDWXiql4pwMFuOS85odCURnSGB9wORM_OH8dHWqsEEybaKSWtfXjO7I_zA59E-9Qw9R2_IpLfpyi4LOyYNDWdh_SqAsLR/s1600/hk_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA-VqY8kBK0PEMqJuYq3-klyDTjVziVASTRQfj-oqqMTVp9HlDWXiql4pwMFuOS85odCURnSGB9wORM_OH8dHWqsEEybaKSWtfXjO7I_zA59E-9Qw9R2_IpLfpyi4LOyYNDWdh_SqAsLR/s400/hk_01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680702850207439682" /></a><br />Shot taken at Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣), Hong Kong...<div><br /></div><div>For high-resolution pictures, please check out my Flickr...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamera-otoko">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamera-otoko</a></div><div><br /></div>khengsionghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388168568808671784noreply@blogger.com9