Greed, Misfortune and Arbitrage

It may appear as a regular movie depicting greed and fraud but Arbitrage has its fair share of twists and excitement.

Over-tired arbitrageur

As usual it tells us about billionaires, big deals, fraud, crooked law enforcement and loopholes in the judicial system.

Wronged wife

I think Richard Gere really played the role of the arbitrageur to the hilt while Susan appears, as usual, as the dull, cheated wife; while Brit Marling played the role of a professional caught up in a fraud.

Professional Entrapped in Fraud

Good movie if you can find the time to watch it.

Argo Way or No Way!

From the dragon's teeth

This is based on a true event in the early days of the Iranian Revolution. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, aggressive militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage.  This attack on the US Embassy saw 6 employees escaping to see refuge in the nearby Canadian embassy.

Throes of Revolution

Ben Affleck's telling of this true harrowing experience of the six refugees and an almost hare-brained ploy to take them out of Iran made the movie almost unreal yet chillingly exciting.

The Sook Acid Test

Imagine getting onto an airline which took off moments before the army took notice that they have been duped due to poor intelligence.

A Flight  to Remember

A great movie to come our way in 2013. Great movie-making.

BJFoods-A Wider Horizon and Better Future?

If you are sniffling around the board to look out for some worthy food-based stocks, there is the ubiquitous Old Town Coffee and the healthy Kenny Rogers franchise under Berjaya Foods Berhad (BJ Foods). Then there is the Sushi King outlets under Texchem and A and W under KUB. As for foods for the home, there is the heftily priced Nestle,Dutch Lady and F & N.

The food stocks that have disappeared are the food and beverage division of CI Holdings which is sold to Asahi Foods of Japan. KFC and QSR has just been privatised.

Quick  cash, quick food dispensing

Of those that remains, only BJFoods is a smorgasbord of fast food outlets. Currently, two feature well in its portfolio namely KRR and Starbucks. Coming on board soon is Jollibean, which BJ Foods swallowed whole-100% from Singapore.

Then we have Wendy's, Papa Joe's pizza  as well as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts which may be pumped into BJ Foods when the time is right.

Let us look at what BJ Foods just swallowed hook, line and sinker- Jolibean.

Bought with cash of RM18.77 million, Jollibean has 35 outlets, 14 Sushi Deli,  4 Kopi Alley and 2 Django outlets in Singapore. By March, BJ Foods will set up outlets in Berjaya Time Square, the Curve and at Sunway Pyramid.

Jollibean outlets will dispense food from a 200 to 250 square feet kiosk. Each will cost an investment of RM 200,000-300,000.

BJ Foods plans to open outlets in China, Indonesia and the Philippines. for China the target cities to start with are Shanghai and Guangdong.

The acquisition will not have any impact  on revenue and profits in FY2013 but will do so in F1Q2014.

BJ Foods have forecasted that for the next 3 years it will chalk up a robust  compound annual growth of 46%  in FY2015.

In Singapore, Jollibean will open 5 new outlets and are currently closing down 3 unprofitable ones.

AmResearch is confident that BJ Foods will go far with its regional presnce in the fast food franchise business.

So, would you invest in this counter or even accumulate them when the prices are attractive?

Beguiling Hard Selling and the 13th GE

Political Viagra Salesman

It's definitely a home run for both the BN and PKR. So say  hard-sellers from both sides as the elections looms so wafer-thin near.

So, who do you think will make it to Putrajaya?

This elections will be so keenly fought that any of the front can come in. At best it will be a hot-breath win for PKR if it makes it or a by a nose-win for BN because of the goodies it has sown and the blitzkrieg that is hammered down day-after-day by the main stream media. Remember-BN also has the advantage of incumbency,the rural vote-bank and all the governmental apparatus in its arsenal.

Elixir of political life?

But remember too, that all this hard sell, tough talk, and double speak and promises galore may not get into the mind of the voters who by now after almost a year of election postponement boredom, have already decided who they want to vote. The die is cast. The mould is set.

For the PKR, they have two issues that have to be solved which is definitely tricky and thorny. One is the hudud issue that they cannot see eye-to-eye with their other two partners in the coalition. The other is the Syura Council's interpretation for the Arabic word for God. Both these issues will not be resolved. Period. So the electorate will have to chew on this as they cast their vote. It is definitely a downer for PKR but who knows.

Vote this party!

As for the BN, the immediate issues that they face are truly itchy and need to be scratched at source; at all cost. The RCI in Sabah has unearthed unspeakable undoings of the government apparatus especially the tainted Election Commission and the National Registration Department. Fears abound that what took place is currently being foisted onto the current PKR-run states. As this citizenship issue and the phantom voters debacle cannot be resolved in the short term,it is a downer for BN. The Arabic word for God issue is coming up at the wrong time and may impact Christian votes as well as decimate the precious fixed deposit in Sarawak and Sabah. More harm will be seen in Sabah.

The shocking price increase for food is killing the budget of the voting populace. Even before the Chinese New Year, things are just spiraling up for no rhyme and reason. The economy is key. No about of statistics and gobbledygook gimmicks can impress the man on the street if the pocket in his pants gets larger by the month! The perception that the government is not doing anything against inflation, high profile corruption cases as well as measures to alleviate street crimes will also dent the BN's chances of victory particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

At this juncture, do not listen to surveys carried out by so-called neutral organisations. Their sample and timing is always suspect and just like the investor write ups of investment banks, they fail to materialise.

There is a saying, you may be misled if you are "standing too close to the board". Like the proverbial saying," Miss the forests for the trees", these hard-sell evangelists and tough talkers will  fall short of their predictions as they do not want to see the things that matters and like the ostrich, their heads are now  hidden "deep in the sand" while the predators are ready to pounce on the other parts of its body. No amount of Viagra can save them!

So, election date is near; and do vote wisely.

What a Great MOH Lunch Meet!

Old Ties Reunited

As expected, we have lunch casualties; not like those that occurred in wars or border skirmishes.

Reflections of Better Times?

After promising that they will come, they have come out with the best excuses I have heard for a long time. None of them acceptable but certainly amusing as these excuses are absolutely unbelievable.

Those were the Days, My Friends

After fetching Mrs Chen to Bibi Chik Nyonya Restaurant, we awaited for the ex-colleagues of the Ministry of Housing to step into the restaurant.

Older and Wiser?

See cam first and plomped himself in front of us and helped to fix Mrs Chen's hand phone that was rendered in-serviceable after it fell this morning. Then came in Cheng Hong, Loi, Peng Seng, Check How, Lai  and Francis. Soon  Eng Koon appeared followed by David and Chai. Suraya came next. Sue followed. Yau Lee came in as the food was being served. Joyce was last to come.

Here, this is my e-mail

Those who did not turn up included Chee who is in the thick of  renovation works, Cindy who cannot be contacted, Chan who is having quality time with his two children. SY Tan  who had reasons to stay away. And one other friend who must take time off to teach his son how to drive.

I Can Draw This, You Know!

Be that as it may, those who came had one great bonding exercise. Even for those who do not know each other, they got engaged in animated conversation. I was truly surprised to see Suraya playing court to people that she met for the first time at lunch today.

Didn't I draw the airport design?

For Lai, it was definitely down memory lane taking with David. I was equally happy to see Eng Koon and Chai blending in and really be at home. Sue and Yau Lee from the Planning Department could certainly fit in with this crowd, I must say.

I have Popeye's arms

We split the bill which came to RM 603.50 between 16 attendees. Government tax alone came to
RM 26.00+

Food for me to chomp on

On the way back, Mrs Chen suggested that we have at least 2 gatherings such as these. We need not get everybody but if we could, that would be wonderful!

This meal is well-planned!

Most of us are looking forward for more time to exchange stories or even to discuss current controversies be it about  the current sterile civil service,mega rogue politicians or about the education system that has gone way, way down deeper than even the Marina trench!

This is your report card!

Photos of the lunch will be posted once Francis gets them processed.

Oh, yes. I remembered

Let's yum seng!

This chicken must taste good

David, a sen for your legal thought!

It was like this!

So, what have you been doing?

They tried to do me in. They failed

They respected me finally

This is good food

So, it happened?

In animated conversation

Suraya and See talking shop

Yes, I have heard this before!

Hear! Hear!

Don't just look,let's eat

Organising a Lunch or Dinner-Issues

Nyonya fare

In some ways, getting old friends and colleagues together annually to re-bond can be gratifying.

The organiser, with the best of intentions, emails,phones and sms his colleagues to get an indication of  attendance.

He then scouts for a good restaurant and then selects the menu.

Then on  the day itself, he hopes there will be an ardent photographer at hand, to capture the memories of the fleeting moments of camaraderie.

On the downside, do expect this.

Some of these colleagues, perhaps been cocooned for too long in their own lives and having a 'separatist mindset' , will get cold feet and come up with an array of flimsy excuses like house renovation and even teaching their kids driving, to get in the way of attendance.

Surprisingly, you also have to attend to those "warring" factions who are insistent of not attending if so and so attends.

Then there is the bill settlement issue.

It is alright if someone sponsors.

If not, expect the possibility of some non-payment.

So, for large gathering, best to get a buffet offering and collect the money up front.

These are some of the trials and tribulations of being an organiser.

So, watch out for them and do not expect full attendance.

Then you would not be disappointed.

Koon Yew Yin-A Life of Joyful Discipline

Living a Life of Joy

This man has exhibited a healthy life well lived thus far.

We should learn from both his physical and mental discipline to enjoy the best that life can offer us.

Here is Mr Koon's testimony and legacy.

Koon Yew Yin

1st Jan 2013

On 28th Dec 2012, I celebrated my 80th   birthday. A few guests asked me how I have managed to live so long and happy. I am sure all of you would like to know how I did it. Even my cardiologist said that I may be holding the Malaysian record for being alive after inheriting a blood cholesterol disease and having undergone heart bypass surgery in May 1983. Moreover, I do not have aches and pain which are common for elderly people.

This is what I do:

1. Every day I walk for around 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. When there is rain, I walk about in my house.

2. I must remember that physical movement will reduce stress which can shorten my life. As I spend most of my time on the computer, reading, writing or watching TV, I must not sit down for more than one hour at a time. I must stand up and walk a few steps.

3. I have developed a habit of taking a few deep breaths whenever I remember. I can do it at any time, while sitting, driving or waiting for something. I always take a few deep breaths before I go to sleep.

4. When I wake up I usually drink 2 glasses of water. I eat only fruits and drink a cup of coffee for breakfast. Pineapple is my favourite fruit. I do not eat anything until lunch. In between I may drink some water. In this way I can keep my weight down.

5. I drink one glass of wine with my lunch and I have a nap for about an hour. I also drink another glass of wine before I sleep every night. Wine will improve blood circulation and reduce stress.

6. After my afternoon nap, I make a pot of Chinese tea which keeps me awake so that I can enjoy the rest of my day.

This is what I do for my mental health:

Always keep your mind occupied by reading, writing, playing computer, managing my  share investment or watching TV. This will slow down the loss of memory.

1. Although I have completely retired from executive work as company director for which I was paid, I am now working harder and longer hours than before and no one pays me a salary. I find working is the most wonderful entertainment and I enjoy doing what I am doing.

2. After having lived for so long, I accept human weaknesses and forgive those who irritate me. Why should I feel angry just because someone misbehaves? I have only a few close friends and they do not mind if I do something stupid.

3. Avoid working more than an hour at a time, have a short break. Take a holiday once a week. Occasionally go for longer holidays for a change of environment.

4. I must mention my wife’s important contribution. She takes care of my daily needs without which I would not have lived so long and happy.

5. I love my wife, I love myself and people in general. I enjoy all the good things in life.

6. I also love music, especially classical music. It keeps me calm and smoothen my life. I think it also keeps my blood pressure down.

7. I frequently see my doctor to check my blood pressure which is most important if you want to live a long life.

Attitude:

I always try to create happiness . I must always remember that when I die I cannot take anything with me. I will spend almost all my wealth to help poor and needy people. I concentrate my charity in helping poor students to complete their tertiary education. I believe education is the best way to help poor families.

Those students whose family income is less than RM 2,000 per month can apply for my scholarships as advertised in website: Lim Kit Siang blog or cpiasia.net. I have given scholarships to more than 100 poor students. I frequently I receive letters informing me that they have passed their final degree exam and I would feel so happy and satisfied.

All my scholarship recipients do not need to repay the money I spent on them. Instead, they have to promise me that when they are in a good financial position, they must remember that when they needed help, I helped them and that they must help other poor students. I will die happily knowing that this change effect will create more charity workers.

The key to my success:

The biggest obstacle to success is fear. The greatest failure is lack of faith and the root of all failures is egotism.

You are in control of your life. You can choose either to be happy or sad. One very easy way to be happy is to appreciate what you already have and that you do not need any more. Always count your blessings.

I wish you and your family a happy new year.

Koon Yew Yin