BOMBA! Highly Irresponsible!

Yes, these people have no brains!

BOMBA people - these nuts!

Trouble Makers-Numbskulls?

Frightened me out of my wits this morning.

Here, we were happily parked in E-Curve this morning at 9 am.

We had an hour or so to get ready to leave the building as I had to ferry my missus to One Utama to take the Aeroline bus to Penang.

Horrors of horrors!!

All the parking exits where shuttered.

No way out!

Anxiety syndrome sets in.

E-Curve guards were clueless when these nincompoop BOMBA idiots will finish their sudden spot checks!

Irresponsible Bunglers?

Coordination among the guards to let us out was almost an exercise in futility!

We had about 25 minute to make for the bus station.

Will the bus leave us? What can we do do then?

Nothing but to pray to God.

Thank God, our prayers were answered.

From the Curve we hit the Bukit Utama route and short cut through Ferringham.

Traffic was good and we arrived at One Utama with about less than 10 minutes to spare.

A day of suspense turned jubilant.

Praise the Lord!

Death in the Family

Hardly 59.

This morning she was gone even before her son reached the hospital.

Sepsis-the clotting of the blood that restrict blood flows to all limbs and organs and then death.

She was my sister, Shaline and she left us in the wee hours of the morning on 27 April 2016.

She was my flesh and blood.

I lost Donny in 1988.

Some 27 years later, I lost Shaline.

Reflections of Shaline.

Mild-mannered and sometimes very simplistic in thought.

Procedural and generous to a fault.

My sister, Shaline.

Tomorrow will be her wake at Guanyin in Kampung Tunku.

On 29 April, there would be her last rites and thence, cremation.

On balance, though her life was full of challenges, Shaline never buckles.

She is my dear, dear sister. Always, will be; even though she is now with God, the Almighty.

I pray that God will bless her soul and put her on the right hand side, where his favourites sit.

Amen.

Presents from Janice and Kian Ru

The impressively designed card cover

25th December is a very well celebrated day fore whatever reason.

For me, this year it took added significance because two former students, Janice and Kian Ru (two sisters) gave me a Christmas present each.

A Caricature of me teaching literature...

They were lovely presents-indicative of life itself.

Kian Ru gave me a box of Ferraro Roche-reminiscent of the movie, Forest Gump -"Life is like a box of chocolate-you never know what you are going to get".

The Heartfelt Message from Kian Ru

Janice's present was a box of Danish cookies-again, reminding me of life being similar to the wise saying of likening it  to life ---- how will  the cookie crumble for you.

Great Christmas gifts for one with a sweet tooth such as I.

While Janice is an intern doing some work in design and intending to pursue a degree in it, Kian Ru has now decided to take the CAT route to an Accounting career.

Sisters Two

I thank them for their presents.

Most of all I love the Christmas card, the sisters sent.

The design and drawings were likely by Janice (it was professional!) while the heartfelt message was from Kian Ru.

Both are daughters of Jesslyn whom I taught pro bono at DUMC Adult English class.

Believe me, I have taught English to Kian Ru from Std 4 up to Form Five.

I hope it will pay off with her getting a good grade possibly a distinction in English 1119.

All's in the hand of Almighty God but privately it will be good for my feelings of achievement!

Amen.

A Red Letter Day for My Family

God Blessings!

I praise the Lord. For He has answered my prayers.

Today is a red letter day for my family.

I feel the burden taken off from my weary shoulders onto His yoke.

My son commenced his working life today (16 December 2015).

He is hired as an accounts assistant by a leading ICSA firm.

With my daughter working for a PLC, my cup runneth over.......

Praise be to the Lord again.

Amen

Connie passes on

Well, I must post about this hardy woman that cross path with me during the last three years.

A very down to earth lady, Connie was unmarried.

She does odd jobs and was quick to seize upon nay opportunities to make money or to get a free lunch or two.

I was told just two days ago that She passed on, on September 7th, 2015 of cervix cancer.

An affable lady, she was undoubtedly ambitious and has even invested in a house. It is fully paid and rented out in Taman Medan in the vicinity of Kg. Dato Harun.

I chanced upon Connie at some company AGMs possibly in 2012.

She was bery enterprising an operated proxy-ship to get door gifts from acquaintances.

Hit the Road, Jon!

Aceing the dreaded papers finally

Today, it is  1st August 2015.

A red-letter day.

Well, Jon made it.

My son made the cut.

As he has aced the last two professional papers- the dreaded Auditing and Taxation papers, he is now closing one chapter and opening another.

Hit the road, Jon!

Today is the day that provided you with the gateway to the Big 4s.

So, get ready to rumble, my son!

Praise the Lord. Amen!

2 Months and Close to RM 8,000 Gone!

Yes, it was finally over.

Almost two months' of nerve shattering pain  that have to be endured plus a substantive hive off of my meager savings.

Imagine having two second hand cars in value in my mouth!

I am definitely going to the poor house with bowl in hand in no time.

Got the permanent bridge of 7 crowns fixed permanently on 28 May 2015.

Two abutments,three crowns and two pontics.

Still trying to get used to it. Testing the under bite and overbite.

No hard biting in the area of the bridge.

Need to buy a special floss to clean the bridge.

Will buy it later.

The Most Expensive Dental Investment Ever!

A Typical Chart Explaining A Dental Bridge

As the canine on my right was badly in need of care and attention, I could no longer delay its treatment. So I went to a neighbourhood dentist to explore remedial possibilities.

Dr. Diane suggest that I re-do my current bridge. What does it entail?

I would firstly have to do a root canal treatment for the right hand side canine which to my good fortune was broken but the upper part remains intact. It will serve as an abutment for the bridge. As for the current two crowns, they will have to be filed out to be re-crowned.

The new bridge will have 6 crowns and one pontic-an empty tooth that takes the place of a missing tooth.

Two of the crowns will act as abutments for the new dental bridge. The right abutment will now anchor a post that will hold the new bridge up from its end.

The whole process will take 8 weeks as it takes 2 weeks for the permanent bridge to be moulded for it to be cemented into place.

The difference it makes to your smile!

I have spent about RM 3, 200 so far with another close to RM 3,000 to be paid within the next two weeks.

After that my top front teeth will look so much better. Hopefully, with less teeth and gum problems too!

Paying My Last Respects to Au Leck Chai

Au's Obituary from THE STAR

On 30 April 2015, together with Tan Swee Yeong and Lim Kah Kheng, I visited the late Au at the Nirvana Memorial Park at Sungai Besi.

The body was kept on Level 1 Hall No: 12 and solemnly we approached the coffin to have a glance of his remains. He looked peaceful and serene in his suit.

Talking about the circumstances of his demise with Michael, his brother in law from Seremban, I pieced together the last remaining days of brother Au.

He coughed blood after treatment in Singapore. So, he went in and out of University Hospital. He passed on at 11 am or so in the morning of 28 April 2015.

I said my prayers, floated a white flower in a bowl of water; had one long last look at his demeanor and bade him good-bye.

After a cup of coffee and ground nuts, we bade our farewell to Michael and we left Nirvana.

This morning (1 May), Prof Thiru went for Au's interment at the Nirvana facility in Shah Alam.He felt sad and dedicated two songs to Au Leck Chai. These are Tears in Heaven and Forever Young.

Goodbye good friend. Missed but not forgotten!

The Passing on of Au Leck Chai

Farewell, my friend

Yesterday, 28th April 2015 was indeed a sad day for me. My good friend, Au Leck Chai passed away.

He was in Australia when he detected a growth on his chest. A biopsy confirmed it was malignant and he was put on treatment in Malaysia.

He did another heart operation while back home and got the infected malignant issues surgically removed. Then he was on chemotherapy.

When I met him way back in 2012, he told me he was fine and playing golf regularly. He also could travel to Australia annually to visit his children.

Au has been instrumental in getting my on-off writing career started when he gave me a three year-stint in writing the Annual Performance Reports of Furniture Industry in Malaysia and World-Wide Projections.

His wake will be observed today (29 April) and tomorrow (30th April) at the Nirvana Memorial off Sungai Besi Road. On 1st May, his remains will be cremated at the Nirvana facility in Shah Alam.

The last time I met him was in Tropicana Mall about seven months back for coffee and biscuits at Coffee Bean..

Sad times for me for the passing of a monument of a friend.

Always etched in my memory with lovely thoughts.

Victim of a Clamped Car

Humbled by the Clamp

Yesterday, I parked at a corporate  designated park at Surian Tower at The Curve by sheer mistake.

There was a hanging sign above the lot.

As we parked from behind, we did not see the sign.

After returning from our trip at the shopping mall, we were shocked that the driver's side front wheel was clamped.

These Nepalese guards and park administrator cannot be convinced.

So, we paid up RM 100 to free ourselves.

Lousy feeling but a lesson to really learn.

Ong Lai Yuen-Gone to be with the Lord

Lai Yuen Departs

She was one of the closest to our family from the ex-CG Group of DUMC.

I remembered her fondly especially with her loving husband Eric Wong who brought her to eat the best food in the Klang Valley. They were one happy loving couple!

She was blessed with two children, Raymond and Wayne.

While Raymond was able to move forward and become a successful businessmen, Wayne who had "health problems" all his life  devoted himself to the church.

Confronted with much challenges, Lai Yuen fought cancer for some ten years before finding remission.

Not the best of health, she oftentimes found herself at UH.

On 19th March, she checked into UH as she was unwell.

Slowly, her internal organs started shutting down and she went to the Lord at 6 am on 26 March 2015.

I got the news almost at midnight on 26th March.

On 27 March, along with Jon, I went to the wake. I spoke on the kindness of Lai Yuen in my eulogy.

We contributed RM 50 pakam before leaving for home after the wake service.

Lai Yuen was 72 when she left us. She was cremated today, 28 March 2015.

I know she is now in a better place with the Lord.

A Midnight Gift

What a friend!

My benefactor called me just before midnight. He had something for me.

So he came by the house and gave me a smart-phone-a Lenovo.

I guess I owe him a fat obligation to learn how to use Whats apps and  to be more technology-savvy from now on.

My Old Jalopy

A Bundle of Woe!

If you read literature, you would know the four stages in a play.

There is firstly, the exposition. Setting the stage so it seems with its background,place and time. The main players are introduced particularly the protagonist and antagonist.

Then, there are the events and issues that set the story moving forward-which is the second stage. It moves frenziedly upwards and hots up until a climax is reached-a breaking point-where your heart is in  your mouth-the third stage. Slowly the issues find some form of mitigation or solution and the excitement starts to dissipate-falling action-fourth stage. Finally we plateau off at the end--on the same level ground as the exposition which is the resolution stage. It's the all's well that ends well-so it seems.

But how does this relate to my car-this old jalopy that has started to be cranky-cranking up maintenance bills the likes I have seen in a long,long time.

The exposition is obviously when I bought this little baby from the shop. Then it purred like a cat as it took me on fun rides and to places ever so conveniently. It was economy in fuel and maintenance. That was the rising action. The climax is when it starts bringing mechanical problem and hit the pocket hard. Falling action is when you decide to dispose of it before it becomes an albatross around the neck. Resolution is purchasing a new car with some of the money when you sold the old jalopy. So,it's happy days again. (Even though, you have taken on a new debt!)

But, not for me.....

This old jalopy is estimated to fetch only RM 3,000 if I sell it.

But the bills for maintenance is horrendous. About 8 months ago, I bought 4 new replacement tyres, Four months back, I paid for major repairs amounting to RM 850. Last month the battery kaput!

Today, I serviced the car at RM 168 and was for-warned by my mechanic to get a stand-by cash of RM 1,100 to do major replacement of my-steering parts and its housing as well as both the front suspension-for my safety and convenience. Also its time to change the automatic transmission oil which has gone pretty dirty. This will cost another RM 200.

At the rate, I am repairing this car, it will only eat me out of home and house!

Is there already an albatross around my neck hanging like a millstone?

MOSTE Dinner 7th March 2015

Extra Supertanker Restaurant at The Club Bukit Utama

Though we had a long lead time for planning this dinner, the fall-out could be felt. From 14 persons who answered in the affirmative, we had three 'casualties' during the 24 to 48 hours.

First casualty was Ooi who came down with some health problems. Then Prof Thiru had some social engagement. Today, at the 11th hour, Daniel text that he just could not make it at the last minute.

Thank God, Boon Khee managed to whittled down the  food to  11 persons.

The food was ordered by Siok Eng and Boon Khee and it was a fresh spread suitable for our palate.

The first dish was a plate of grouper fish which was cooked to just the right texture. Taste was excellent.

Next came the tiger prawns and they did not disappoint.

Chive leaves and mushroom was next on the menu.  Taste was also up to expectations.

The venison cooked with a slight pinch of pepper was magnificent.

The braised pork that was  served subsequently was singularly great.

The kungfu chao of noodles and vermicelli was also up to the mark.

Dato' Leong brought some bottles of red wine and we all hade a swell  time enjoying the fullness and goodness of it.

Before we left, we tipped the waitress  RM 20 and promised to meet again in three months' time.

Those who attended are:

Tan Choo Lan
Lily Hor
Cindy Tan
Dato'Leong
Dato' Cheah
Loh Koh Fook
SK Soo
Teo Boon Khee
Heng
Kam Teik Beng
Dato Dr. Yap

Being 63

By the Grace of God!

Time sure flies!

And what do you know?

Today, I turn 63 on the Gregorian calendar.

Sharing  blessings of the day with me are my elder sister and a close friend, Lena.

I received an angpow from my Mother as well as another from my sister, Shaline.

Looking back, there are days of goodness and days I just want to forget.

No great feats though and really no calamitous occasions to fret too!

Generally, my life continues to be blessed by God Almighty.

I thank him for His Grace,Provision and Favour.

May 2015 be a great year for me and my family!

Buying a New LapTop

Our new HP with  Pre-loaded Windows 8.1

A few days ago (to be precise, last Wednesday-11 February 2014) my lap-top finally gave up the ghost.

Apart from a flat battery, the battery charger which had been given a short lease of life of something like two years by some handyman work of my son,also decided to call it a day. It was double jeopardy!

We bought that HP unit some 7 years ago when I was doing some project. Since then, except for some minor issues, it hasn't failed me at all.

So, we went to Plaza Low Yat last Thursday. Believe me, there are all kinds of smart-alec oil salesmen who will do their corniest best to influence you to buy from them.

For instance, there was this one Pakistani fellow who promised to take in my old set for RM 400 as a trade-in if we would buy a new HP laptop from him. He told us all we needed  to do was pay him  RM 1,700 for the new HP.

Today, after doing plenty of research, my son decided to give this Pakistani computer salesmen his business.

He went to Plaza Low Yat this morning again.

However, the Pakistani changed his tune. As far he was concerned, the price of a new HP unit has just gone up by RM 200 and the trade-in will now only be RM 100. What a crap!

So, we scouted around and bought it from another merchant. It cost me RM 2, 099 with up to date features and capacity. They also took in my old lap-top at RM 150.

I do hope the new lap-top will last us for another 7 years.

Another Hurdle Surmounted!

Praise The Lord!

It was certainly with the greatest trepidation that my son got up at the anxious hour of 7 a.m. this morning (8 Feb 2015).

He clicked on the lap-top and went onto the web to find out what was the outcome of the two ACCA papers he sat sometime in early December in 2014.

At 8.00 am or about, the results were flashed into his mail-box.

He whooped with joy, I hugged him in celebration.

With that, another hurdle has been crossed.

What remains is the final two option papers-Audit and Taxation.

As Timothy said, We must fight the good fight. We must have a good finish!

For my son, this is the home-stretch and with God on his side, he may yet excel.

Praise the Lord!

MOH Dinner on 7 February 2015

Nien Nien Yu Yee!

I must say this time it's really one small do as many could not attend.

Loi had to do a training stint in Alor Star while Cheng and Cindy could not turn up the last minute.

Similarly Francis has a church retreat.

Chee has a business appointment, so it seems!

See could not be located. Possibly outside the country.

As for Tew Swee Tong, despite his positive answer, he must have just just forgotten!

So, we chose an entry fare.

But things are really expensive these days.

Last year you could get a suckling pig on the selection for RM 500.

This year--Nada! You will get that delicacy only with a RM 600-RM 700 menu!

Whatever it was, we still had a nice time.

Joyce brought a red wine. We are obliged to her for her thoughtfulness.

Mostly, we thank Kooi Ming for playing host by footing the bill.

The attendees-

Joyce
Michael
Kooi Ming
Janet Chen
Peng Seng
Leana Goh
Yau Kok
Cheng Hong
Heng

Perhaps, we can arrange a bigger do sometime mid year.

Hopefully, more will be able to attend.

Shale and Innovation-The Tectonic Shift of Oil

Shale up your alley!

I have edited Guy Bechor’s Opinion Piece on the Shifting of the focal point of  crude oil beginning 2015. 

I do not know how much of this is based on facts and how much on conjecture but it makes interesting reading.

Stones and Rock Flakes?

If you read this piece and believe it so based on one singular fact, then it must be that in 2014 the USA lifted its oil export embargo  technically causing a mayhem in world markets beginning in January 2015 with the phenomenal slump of world crude oil  prices. 

Mountain of Oil

This can be described nothing less than tectonic!

And the conjecture part? 

Minting Oil Money

Bechor tells you that this will be the likely scenario.

I will put them in bullet points.

New Black Gold

• The new innovative technology has flung open the doors to extract shale oil economically which will potentially produce 12 million barrels of oil per day within a year. 
• Minusing domestic consumption, a million barrels a day will be available for the USA to export! In contrast, Iran today only manages to produce 1.5 million barrels a day. Also, as of today, the USA has become the single largest crude oil producer to the world eclipsing even the oil lord, Saudi Arabia.
• Bechor expects oil to keep on dropping in price with little reprieve. 
• His scenario is Arab oil exporting nations will begin to lose their shine. Politically, deprived of the oil largesse they are used to, there will be internal shocks in the form of political and social turbulence and upheavals. The sudden cutbacks will also curb their development and their influence on world politics.
• Non-OPEC nations will also enter the export market along with the USA. These include Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria.

Innovation-Driven Process for Shale

2015 is a brand new world powered by a revolution of information, innovation and inventions.

Every USD Spent will bring in USD2

So,if you do not have a creative mind, you will so be relegated to be fossilized!


PS:

Latest figure of oil production in USA from Commerzebank of Germany on 22 January 2015:

" The USA now produces a good 9 million barrels of crude oil per day,the largest volume in 28 years. Never before were crude stocks in the US as ample at this time of year than at present."-Reuters