Thursday, June 26, 2008

Sometimes, somewhere in the past

Remembering the past,
living the present,
expecting the future.

Resentful,
Regretful,
Repent.

Too much has been said,
Too little has been done,
and for all that little things that have been done,
too much of it is wrong,
and for all the many things that have been said,
too little of them is right.

Posts of the past should never be relived,
Mistakes of the past should never be repeated,
and with all my heart I sincerely apologize for the wrong I have done, said, and typed,
in this blog, through my words, and shown by my actions.

And with all my heart,
I am sorry,
and with all my sincerity,
I am sorry.
for all the wrong I have done,
I am sorry.

It has been my fault,
all the screw-ups, all d messed up,
all the suffering that I've caused,
and all the pain that I've inflicted.

The past,
with its sweet, and bitter memories,
with happy, and sad moments,
is the past.
and I, who keep longing to live in the past,
is perpetually stuck in a world that no longer exists.

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This apology is directed to everyone that reads my blog, that has been written about in my blog, and especially to a someone who has always been, and will always be, important to me.

Logging off,
Lawy3rz

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Memories

Memories brings time to a halt.....

 

Logging off,
Lawy3rz

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Pheonix

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Water & iPhone

Hmm pardon me for lousy metaphor, but it just suddenly popped it into my head and I was abit sick of studying so I decided to blog...

at 4.30am.

Don't some of the things we want in life sometimes feel like water? We can try to grasp it, to reach out for the things we want, but it slips through our fingers and out of our reach.. Yet we try and try again to pick it up, to reach out for the things we want - but yet it slips out over and over again. A never ending repetition of never getting the things we want out of life..

Anyway, the iphone 3g is OUT! Omg I stayed up 5-6am just to watch the keynote live..

the time difference be damned.

I'm so going to get the iphone now, its even cheaper than my own nokia phone!

Can't wait for July 11th. just come already.

Picture shows old 2g iPhone - couldnt really find one on google.. or too lazy to just find so I took the first one watever came up..


P.s. - check out the photo gallery. I promised over and over again to revamp the photo section. Now you've got it! I'm still in the midst of uploading more photos, so check often! I'll be sure to post updates notification here too!

Logging off,
Lawy3rz

Monday, June 09, 2008

I spoke BM!

For what would seem like the first time since... since... high school? I spoke Bahasa Malaysia!!! muahahahhaa and its on a phone call back to malaysian ptptn.. I can still speak!! wahahahahahhahaa... okay i think equities and investment analysis is getting to me head already..

adios.

Logging off,
Lawy3rz

Saturday, June 07, 2008

My Voice on Fuel Prices

Have malaysians overreacted to the fuel price increase? Their reaction, anger, and frustration is to be understood, but is the govt really to blame?

Before I continue, understand that this is my opinion as a malaysian, not some analyst. All statistical measure here were just of general understanding and taken off mainstream media, which should undoubtedly be correct. You might agree with my views, but I expect many to disagree, and some being ah bengs being vulgar. You might call me naive, and maybe I am, but I'm entitled to my own views, so either you comment on it with some civility or don't comment at all.

In a instant move last wednesday the government raised the fuel prices from RM1.92 to Rm2.70, also adopting a float system using market price less a subsidy of 30c per litre subject to review every month. That jump alone of over 40% means that a full tank of petrol that has previously cost Rm75 would now cost RM105. Assuming drivers pump their petrol once a week, thats RM133 higher than before. Ouch.

So being simple minded malaysians, seeing a bigger hole in our pockets we all vent our anger full out. Facebook hate groups pops up like hot cakes, hundreds, if not thousands of angry bloggers, comments, opinion letters is seen everywhere, photoshoped pictures of the PM, some with less civility than others, opposition turning this unrest into their advantage - still promising cheaper fuel.

Am I being supportive of the fuel price increase? No, as needless to say, it affects me as badly as it affects any driver. But world fuel prices that has jumped from $US40 per barrel to US$130 in 18 months, an increase of close to 225%, is not a thing that should be taken lightly.

In anger, in frustration, in hate, in spite, in bitterness and in short-sightedness, the people couldn't care less about subsidies, global economic slowdown, uncertain future, depleting reserves, and all of that - what is seen is that there's a bigger hole in our wallets right now and people are simply unhappy. On top of that- electric tarriffs jump 11-28% at the very same time.

So where does this leads us now? Inflation - at least in the short run is guaranteed. Suddenly literally everything goes up in prices, except salary of course. Businesses force to cut costs will find themselves off loading extra staff, unemployment soars. Some businesses will die, especially the small to medium ones exposed to high risk associated with fuel and electric costs. Food becomes more expensive, and malaysia's obesity problem will all but vanish. Everything from the things we eat to the tissue paper we wipe our rear ends with will go up in price - everything has to get to you somehow and that somehow uses fuel.

NST reports that inflation is supposed to increase by 1% by this move without citing the source (Al Jazeera English News, 2008), but I wonder where the logic comes from. You increase fuel prices by 40% and electric tariff by 28% but expect a 1% inflation rate? Being donkey optimistic, aren't we now? Don't kid yourself and don't kid the people.

Seems pretty bad, doesn't it? Suddenly everyone's eating less, everyone's using less toilet paper, everyone's becoming healthier as they eat less and walk more..

What can be done? Frankly I'm tired of hearing 'ubah gaya hidup', especially a hilarious video clip circulating around on that (watch it at the end of this post). Frankly it seems unfortunately true and we probably have to just wear slippers to work from now onwards.. On a less extreme terms, things have to change.

What now? the money the government has now taken away from subsidies must be channeled to bloody damn good used if it was to do any justice to itself. And by that I mean real changes that must be seen, not empty promises and words. Food prices must go down with more money allocated to food subsidies. Public transport must improve - there's never enough emphasis on that. This will, make or break, the current government in the next elections.

Public transport now, or at least the way it was a year ago when I last taken it, is bordering absurd. Buses without proper signs or numbers stopping just about anywhere they like, coming at times up to the whim of bus drivers (normally an hour once or 2 hours for a bus in subang), with some buses in condition as bad as though it has gone through war carrying soldiers through crossfire shootouts, and at times passengers hanging on to their lives as the bus makes its rounds. KTM is no different- whatever time is shown as 'remaining time until the train comes' - multiple that by 3 and thats when the train will probably come. And by the time it comes, the people that has gathered at the platform waiting for the moving tin can to come is tremendous, and get pushed around as everyone pushes their way into the train, not even allowing passengers to step out of the train. Malaysians at their best.

If the government is going to remove the subsidy practically safe for a 30c per litre subsidy, it shud also remove taxes on cars except for a RM30 tax. its ridiculous how much we pay for decent foreign cars, not cars like BMW or Mercs but just basic standard size sedan. I'd rather it removed the taxes on cars than to just give me Rm600 rebate every year, or both would be the best case. Here's an opinion which I agree to: Click here .. For those who are too lazy to open the link, what this person is saying is that by paying ridiculous amounts of tax on buying a car, we have already 'pre-paid' our subsidies in advance, and therefore we are deserving on the subsidies - which is very true. I recommend that u read the original article.

Anyway back to topic, is the government to blame? Probably not - at least I wont be one who will. I never believed subsidies worked in the long run, for the economy in whole.

Will the opposition, if it ever takes over as federal govt, be able to keep its promise to reduce petrol prices? Probably not - unless it wants to throw the country into bankruptcy and debt. if they say they can do it, I would definitely like to know how.

Will petrol prices ever come down? Probably not in the near future - and I'm not sure about this - but a global recession is due around this time again, judging from past historic events, and it could be what the world needs right now to stop this spiral of inflation.

What could the normal people do now? "Ubah Gaya Hidup".. carpool more often, walk and cycle to nearby shops instead of drive, save electric where possible, cut extra spending on luxury items.. and.. consider changing your car if it drinks more petrol than you drink water..

What should the normal people not do? Whine and bitch about it. or worse, make some photoshop pic of the third finger and put in on someone's face. like that even helps anything. Hitting the streets and protest is no different than a kid wailing and thrashing to get something he wants. Don't play the blame game without at least knowing the general situation. Don't start a name-calling war - it just highlights immaturity and an ah beng mentality.

What about businesses? I forsee that the first thing they'll do is to pass on the costs to consumers. But the people will reward those who can absorb as increase in cost as they can, passing extra cost down only when its not possible to absorb any more costs.. Find ways to improve efficiency in processes, especially in logistics and supply, manufacturing processes. I know its easier said than done, but its still possible. This applies to small n medium businesses - big fellas have big professionals to do it for them.

Farfetched benefits? Now that people eat less, drive less, carpool more, walk and cycle more, use less electric, suddenly everyone's healthier - and greener. less medical bills, no nid for gym membership, and malaysia suddenly becomes a greener place without the need of any tough laws. Roads are less likely to be frequently jammed with cars.. And it goes on and on. Sounds stupid? it probably is when what everyone only cares about is that extra cash they have to fork out every month.

Bottomline? Make changes. RM2.70 may be alot to pay for petrol, but understand that these are market forces beyond the control of any nation. If the government does as it says it will do - there is still hope for a brighter future. Hope hard.

Lastly, I stress again that these are just my opinions. I believe it is still my legal right to make opinions. If you notice, I'm neither at neither two ends of the extreme. I obviously am not very happy to pay more for petrol and goods, but neither am I venting vulgar hateful words at the govt for raising prices.

Oh one very last thing.. Link to story - Hahaha...

Picture of the post:


First Video posted in my blog! - this is the "Ubah Gaya Hidup Vid" mentioned in my post.. Let's see if your malay still hold up good enough to understand it.. ;)




Logging off,
Lawy3rz

Friday, June 06, 2008

The adventures of a poor dude..

I've officially screwed up financial accounting exam..... *Opens paper* *GASP* *Die*

1 paper down, 3 more to fail coming right up.. on top of that more depressing news from home, on the petrol, on electric.. first there was political instability, and now its economic instability - our currency will never appreciate against the Aus Dollar now - and that means wtfeverythingisnowdamfrigginexpensivetobuyanythingwhenitsconvertedbackintoringgit..

So need to find a job. work work work! Nid the money - slightly regretful I m going on holidays in these times where money is so valuable.. Wonder if I can make profits off ebay *wonders*

*Wondering* If I can cancel my holidays?
*Wondering* How do I get a job?
*Wondering* How I should get on top of my fear to commit in the case of a job..
*Wondering* If I eat indomee everyday, I could probably reduce food expense by 90%

*Wondering* *Getting desperate*
*Wondering* Maybe I could stop printing lecture notes, tute solutions to save buying paper/printer toner..
*Wondering* Turn vegetarian (meat is expensive....)

Random Picture: This is really.... random...


I'm sure I'll think of some ways to add on to this list.. until then,

Logging off,
the poor dude,
Lawy3rz

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

RM 2.70

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday announced price hikes for petrol, diesel and electricity.

He said the new price for petrol is RM2.70 a litre, effective midnight tonight. The price goes up by 78sen from the current RM1.92, a hike of 40%.

Abdullah also announced that the price of diesel would be increased by RM1 from RM1.58 to RM2.58.

He also said that Tenaga Nasional Bhd would be raising electricity rates by 18% for homes and 26% for business users.

The announcements are part of the new fuel subsidy plan.

Abdullah also announced a RM625 annual cash rebate per vehicle, for owners of private vehicles with engine capacities of up to 2,000cc, as well as pickup trucks and jeeps with engine capacities of up to 2,500cc.

Owners of private motorcycles with engine capacities of up to 250cc will receive RM150.

Payment will be made via Money Order upon renewal of road tax, from July 1.

For owners of private vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2000cc, road tax will be reduced by RM200.

Owners of private motorcycles with engine capacities above 250 cc will get RM50 reduction in road tax.

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Walau-leh.... there goes the petrol prices in malaysia.... and here I thought we were so lucky to have still low petrol prices in malaysia...... It was inevitable i suppose....

Logging off,
Lawy3rz