tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18342877905416227062024-02-21T14:16:45.153+08:00Asian ObserverJames Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-55645785295861957212013-10-07T13:53:00.002+08:002013-10-07T14:51:33.184+08:00China President in Malaysia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week when I was in Kuala Lumpur, I happened to stay at the Shangri-la KL and on the day of my checkout on Thursday, I suddenly found that many security equipment (scanners etc) had been installed overnight at the hotel entrance. After I looked at the morning papers, I realised that the President of China, Xi Jin Ping, was making his first official visit to Malaysia and he was staying at the same hotel ... although most definitely in a bigger room than mine :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUhL0NuSSJhT82OfrvwDb6Q4BaLMNc4hbGY9Tr42TkO2FduSWsJ9990chQfY6vfHHd04VPfQCU4zCuhh9YatpOcTgfVppsgCYhcQUk5VPuLU94Y4v6xDg52H0c00x2pKXAO7gyrF7zlW8/s1600/Xi+Jin+Ping+-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUhL0NuSSJhT82OfrvwDb6Q4BaLMNc4hbGY9Tr42TkO2FduSWsJ9990chQfY6vfHHd04VPfQCU4zCuhh9YatpOcTgfVppsgCYhcQUk5VPuLU94Y4v6xDg52H0c00x2pKXAO7gyrF7zlW8/s640/Xi+Jin+Ping+-3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEjlQHL37Xjngx8_5bGktg4kwXYdSEm96BhE8avwUleTj1tLjMoeWkB1W4wFEZ72m0Coiia6YrCKYF14y-VUunwdXabTYlmEVXfRHUu272DfOrh-0O3PAkq_aBbpN_3SpvgT83uA2yaR62dB/s1600/Xi+Jin+Ping+-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQHL37Xjngx8_5bGktg4kwXYdSEm96BhE8avwUleTj1tLjMoeWkB1W4wFEZ72m0Coiia6YrCKYF14y-VUunwdXabTYlmEVXfRHUu272DfOrh-0O3PAkq_aBbpN_3SpvgT83uA2yaR62dB/s640/Xi+Jin+Ping+-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems that Malaysia is in the top three as far as trade volume with China, after Japan and South Korea. In fact the Malaysia-China trade volume is expected to cross US$100 billion soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm interested to know out of this US$100 billion, how much is Malaysian exports to China vs how much is Malaysia importing from China ... Any guesses?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
President Xi had discussions with PM Najib Razak. They agreed to significantly upgrade bilateral ties, boost military cooperation and nearly triple two-way trade. Both countries would also step up efforts to promote regional stability.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFSMETGFO3bSk5bCMyF9tMkJDw-TDrZ0hcaCpqK0cflh5yQC0g9q0rDnlaUhb2Ehs-yXbrHiBUf2gZY-F3dDjNHNi6vGIsW5SLqUJQlpqoQuEw2TZlbNLs57Qp0W_rBlIBgFpqxaLaiCI/s1600/Xi+Jin+Ping+-+shakes+hands+with+Najib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFSMETGFO3bSk5bCMyF9tMkJDw-TDrZ0hcaCpqK0cflh5yQC0g9q0rDnlaUhb2Ehs-yXbrHiBUf2gZY-F3dDjNHNi6vGIsW5SLqUJQlpqoQuEw2TZlbNLs57Qp0W_rBlIBgFpqxaLaiCI/s640/Xi+Jin+Ping+-+shakes+hands+with+Najib.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Xi's trip to Malaysia and Indonesia (where he will attend the APEC conference in Bali) is seen as a "charm offensive" - an attempt by Beijing to gain some leverage over ASEAN - especially over the handling of territorial disputes and also to counter-balance Washington's so-called pivot to Asia.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With President Barack Obama needing to scrap his Asian tour due to the US government shutdown (due to his standoff with the Republican Party), Xi's meetings with regional leaders in Asia have grabbed the limelight even more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This cartoon captures the situation quite well, I thought ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcwhB5UnqHiPvGQJl_BxJwgb5Xez6Gwz0zi04G2OX7vWWp9A4yAHIR5PGkdvQGweGmelJYn-gjR0BVy1LigpjbS-LpX8vwkMV3AGAFdt6uX7Gp7s3i_tmw0Am3_rGzoVt86_PKNeyyNJ7/s1600/Xi-Obama-cartoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcwhB5UnqHiPvGQJl_BxJwgb5Xez6Gwz0zi04G2OX7vWWp9A4yAHIR5PGkdvQGweGmelJYn-gjR0BVy1LigpjbS-LpX8vwkMV3AGAFdt6uX7Gp7s3i_tmw0Am3_rGzoVt86_PKNeyyNJ7/s640/Xi-Obama-cartoon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-66132707165269551522013-08-17T17:08:00.002+08:002013-08-18T20:11:39.990+08:00Adventures in Myanmar (Part 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
More about my memorable trip to Myanmar.<br />
<br />
In Nay Pyi Taw, we stayed at Thingaha Hotel, which has a very interesting modern design (see photo).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcqj0DVjRWGw1i-oajey0u1x7qeuau_VKHDJ2ett7vUNoyVD8cNJ6bk4STTwqoI4zptBq9upw0vlyUbeDQQteXcHzc76GFl_mOLmXCIbnGRG6RSz1VxmfjP2lqdP3XQXebQyL_WXUOkqp/s1600/Thingaha-Hotel-NPT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcqj0DVjRWGw1i-oajey0u1x7qeuau_VKHDJ2ett7vUNoyVD8cNJ6bk4STTwqoI4zptBq9upw0vlyUbeDQQteXcHzc76GFl_mOLmXCIbnGRG6RSz1VxmfjP2lqdP3XQXebQyL_WXUOkqp/s640/Thingaha-Hotel-NPT.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 1: Thingaha Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As mentioned in Part 1, Nay Pyi Taw is the political capital of Myanmar. This city, created in 2005, is where all the ministries were relocated back in 2008. There have been many stories giving the rationale for this massive move - for instance, one justified that Nay Pyi Taw, being in central Myanmar, would be harder for foreign forces to invade, compared to the coastal Yangon; another reason was that because Nay Pyi Taw is so far from Yangon or Mandalay, it will be tougher for would-be dissenters to bring their protests to the capital. I don't know whether any of these reasons have any grounding in reality, but they are certainly interesting perspectives. It is possible that the leaders simply had a visionary plan to reduce congestion in Yangon and revitalise another part of the country by creating a brand new city. Who really knows?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had a session with the Speaker of the Lower House, Thura U Shwe Mann at the Parliament Building (and what a magnificent building complex it is!). Some political observers have tipped that this gent could be the next President of Myanmar. In Myanmar, the President is selected by the Parliament, not through public voting. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also announced that she is willing to be selected for Presidency, but in her case the current constitution would need to be amended to allow that. At the moment, Daw Suu is prohibited from becoming President because she was married to a foreigner.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijubLZ4DqKFJgM2kX4xcHSoOyvjFaK6UVtLYWMhoeI4gp2tH99liHKjRwIDl6TuKGTQ6XiZWRJrTgeyRJis8786aSiNFULP3hyRRrhMRZo-S2HWNBo8VW7YqeRJ-hFvgHjSkdCWFf6TA5S/s1600/NPT-Parliament-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijubLZ4DqKFJgM2kX4xcHSoOyvjFaK6UVtLYWMhoeI4gp2tH99liHKjRwIDl6TuKGTQ6XiZWRJrTgeyRJis8786aSiNFULP3hyRRrhMRZo-S2HWNBo8VW7YqeRJ-hFvgHjSkdCWFf6TA5S/s640/NPT-Parliament-House.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE_yyLOED0_F57I31KRN96a4RXcgaiV7hNqnFcmOtCmZywoOKc2tC6BkBzhRehVH1zOS09NOZmqtVtS-7Ogez3eDCJr6FK0ZsTIz5MVGBqeETo3UqNY4EGpt7iGvhpMydgX8bK00o3J8_/s1600/NPT-Parliament-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE_yyLOED0_F57I31KRN96a4RXcgaiV7hNqnFcmOtCmZywoOKc2tC6BkBzhRehVH1zOS09NOZmqtVtS-7Ogez3eDCJr6FK0ZsTIz5MVGBqeETo3UqNY4EGpt7iGvhpMydgX8bK00o3J8_/s640/NPT-Parliament-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Fig 2: Approaching the Parliament House, Nay Pyi Daw</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Here you see us in one of meeting halls within the Parliament Complex, meeting with the Speaker and other members of Parliament. It was a HUGE room. Look at the size of that painting !<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb_BRdHsq-BKt9NNFdnMY_QTWiYh03GpmxmihVKNMGrJBBXVhohDB-qLXY-z0yTB5jeYtrWRTECinZd6pDBKmKb10hR67o17Zl1ynV0xQRym2Uc2Cj9OxCaffTAcIdOc5yg7hXUBwum-N/s1600/NPT-w-ShweMann-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb_BRdHsq-BKt9NNFdnMY_QTWiYh03GpmxmihVKNMGrJBBXVhohDB-qLXY-z0yTB5jeYtrWRTECinZd6pDBKmKb10hR67o17Zl1ynV0xQRym2Uc2Cj9OxCaffTAcIdOc5yg7hXUBwum-N/s640/NPT-w-ShweMann-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KYzu2vRouu_r8fA_5iE_2w8xy1bbusRyGeRSNq65RmY7SW7IMQnesA2AuD3jqamlcd3hMXHQriJQ008Cbyb75LKEf2-bYxSR3eUHIE9FiyaC_Y_GIPeIB4hb_PSSKXTWfe7upfuI8IC3/s1600/NPT-w-ShweMann-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KYzu2vRouu_r8fA_5iE_2w8xy1bbusRyGeRSNq65RmY7SW7IMQnesA2AuD3jqamlcd3hMXHQriJQ008Cbyb75LKEf2-bYxSR3eUHIE9FiyaC_Y_GIPeIB4hb_PSSKXTWfe7upfuI8IC3/s640/NPT-w-ShweMann-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1u9wxt94tuPbHE-WtpYghMDXESXMbNxvek6f0tG_j0lgcb72OzQ8N-ABnHAj_oZxFxFTTIYomExKqcbdTsUBqvQc1GLfj_R43cxVeaJg2mP0Uvc1Jtf78aXPp8HM4ENPhw6eTK7ODvXI/s1600/NPT-w-ShweMann-10-group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1u9wxt94tuPbHE-WtpYghMDXESXMbNxvek6f0tG_j0lgcb72OzQ8N-ABnHAj_oZxFxFTTIYomExKqcbdTsUBqvQc1GLfj_R43cxVeaJg2mP0Uvc1Jtf78aXPp8HM4ENPhw6eTK7ODvXI/s640/NPT-w-ShweMann-10-group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 3: Meeting with Thura U Shwe Mann & other Parliamentarians</i></div>
<br />
<br />
The highlight for the day was having a Q&A session with "The Lady" - democracy icon and opposition MP, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OpoRbCuslnNzGBoOdoj1yenvXI0UAeVVWmiD71nx2I9vCf4Tc7DrX7aLDsm_xTbowI60Mbgz7qOzpHuugyStrXVk3CUskumd6tUoLu5qsEYCGK72uCiC7FrAhLR4B46Ex8Rczs9v908r/s1600/20130709165125-135556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OpoRbCuslnNzGBoOdoj1yenvXI0UAeVVWmiD71nx2I9vCf4Tc7DrX7aLDsm_xTbowI60Mbgz7qOzpHuugyStrXVk3CUskumd6tUoLu5qsEYCGK72uCiC7FrAhLR4B46Ex8Rczs9v908r/s640/20130709165125-135556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 4: Session with The Lady</i></div>
<br />
<br />
I got to speak briefly with her and even got an autographed copy of her book "Letters From Burma" ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8zoV72rOdOYbBCtTc80ZiBYxjVUBSfHB5FXwjGH832qOB8UT_7H3ofhKq2JrlLITHkA_lZe1n3TdL7QPkfy8qC9C8py2BnlZFOjUFwuNFZnwM74XXH5Ci2p0KRkshDyj3pPqy-R43p3m/s1600/20130709172110-128789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8zoV72rOdOYbBCtTc80ZiBYxjVUBSfHB5FXwjGH832qOB8UT_7H3ofhKq2JrlLITHkA_lZe1n3TdL7QPkfy8qC9C8py2BnlZFOjUFwuNFZnwM74XXH5Ci2p0KRkshDyj3pPqy-R43p3m/s640/20130709172110-128789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524CUj0zAQ6WharSF8VROJOV7Ec6xR1xVJdFQHM71wloEJLryEr15eL16KfZRKv0Gj29MMLw3tQNfZtF6490ibd9QKjaaF4YY-KvPBUEw4njK43K5hPk74_9stY_3Da3cegv6mG9QF99J/s1600/USABC11-ASSK10-e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524CUj0zAQ6WharSF8VROJOV7Ec6xR1xVJdFQHM71wloEJLryEr15eL16KfZRKv0Gj29MMLw3tQNfZtF6490ibd9QKjaaF4YY-KvPBUEw4njK43K5hPk74_9stY_3Da3cegv6mG9QF99J/s640/USABC11-ASSK10-e.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcwDp6gl6xIWS9syg8Gj4YEaCoZrBTJiTuY-meG67BOUEH3_OUlLM15Y632nnbwbxjNu6xzZY5Cac96P79OBiGP0cfVwg6iHoBIsCGqSJE06Uv2-qlLRKqy8wo68OfuCZwR2o-Md89kKd/s1600/My+Autographed+ASSK+Book.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcwDp6gl6xIWS9syg8Gj4YEaCoZrBTJiTuY-meG67BOUEH3_OUlLM15Y632nnbwbxjNu6xzZY5Cac96P79OBiGP0cfVwg6iHoBIsCGqSJE06Uv2-qlLRKqy8wo68OfuCZwR2o-Md89kKd/s640/My+Autographed+ASSK+Book.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, it was a memorable trip ...<br />
<br />
<br />
P/S<br />
I learnt my first Burmese word "Mingalabar"<br />
That seems to be a general purpose term meaning "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon".<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-12776345851912846402013-08-11T17:31:00.001+08:002013-08-11T17:31:44.955+08:00Adventures in Myanmar (Part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
In early July 2013, I fulfilled a long-desired wish and made my first trip to Myanmar. In this and a few subsequent postings, I intend to explore various facets of this country that I've been watching for some time now.<br />
<br />
Myanmar (or Burma, as some Western nations still refer to it) was under military dictatorship for more than five decades (since 1962) and has been isolated by Western nations (specifically US, EU and Australia) through economic sanctions for many years. Myanmar's main ally is China, which is by far the largest investor in the country, which beside being resource-rich is also of significant geopolitical interest. ASEAN countries have preferred an approach of "constructive engagement" with Myanmar, admitting it in 2000 to their premier regional club.<br />
<br />
Let's go back a few years ... This lead article from The Economist of <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">23rd July 2005</span> (which I got from my archives) laments how the different approaches had (at that point) not made much headway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMNEzZXgY1nM7sFXy7Gdlj-MsfcZp_pxuQM_T6zFWz31dsMvpIZk8IwV9iNnpwoX1mIGmZvO3CzzIXOvyFZesfum1Zajbsfs-uN9NgSNx2yYNLBNRYYzfjKQF-swSo4MknvmULFr7S-Y/s1600/Econ-on-Myanmar-2005-e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMNEzZXgY1nM7sFXy7Gdlj-MsfcZp_pxuQM_T6zFWz31dsMvpIZk8IwV9iNnpwoX1mIGmZvO3CzzIXOvyFZesfum1Zajbsfs-uN9NgSNx2yYNLBNRYYzfjKQF-swSo4MknvmULFr7S-Y/s640/Econ-on-Myanmar-2005-e.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 1: The Economist on Myanmar (July 23rd 2005)</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Of course, many will know Myanmar/Burma because the world has been constantly reminded of its existence and its plight by the democracy icon and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. More about this remarkable individual later.<br />
<br />
Myanmar started showing signs of opening up and working towards political and economic reforms in 2010 when President Thein Sein took the helm, and pushed for a more open and democratic system of government. Since then the isolationist policies of the West have been steadily easing. As a result, there appears now to be a kind of "gold rush" mentality as many Western corporations make a beeline for the country to explore the so-called "Asia's Last Frontier".<br />
<br />
In my first (and second) visits, I went to two cities, Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyQI3Pd4sxKV1wtu90E9l7BDu1LWnMmYe-Pmsb5Gwsg0DcBV3raG2DFssEia1kQhjKMMg2HZNK_6Hsluve1GhSfd7aGvivQXgVlU69Blxm6GYsNJoXb0h5IYpM1y3Fculxs2H2k6C48LR/s1600/Myanmar+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyQI3Pd4sxKV1wtu90E9l7BDu1LWnMmYe-Pmsb5Gwsg0DcBV3raG2DFssEia1kQhjKMMg2HZNK_6Hsluve1GhSfd7aGvivQXgVlU69Blxm6GYsNJoXb0h5IYpM1y3Fculxs2H2k6C48LR/s640/Myanmar+-+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 2: Map of Myanmar</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the former capital, largest city and commercial hub of country.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3BPI3tqfSO2wrVkVoXc6rtXkkS8WghbplM-lSXvpY-ZaUWy7fPh5qZDm6FWiZhsNS_40O8NXsccVfWQFF_MO2U9t7eeExqVsvfx923olsQRr6usHwa1puoIMKGV4oAKgAGY8Y-iBBZty/s1600/20130707112517-2552259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3BPI3tqfSO2wrVkVoXc6rtXkkS8WghbplM-lSXvpY-ZaUWy7fPh5qZDm6FWiZhsNS_40O8NXsccVfWQFF_MO2U9t7eeExqVsvfx923olsQRr6usHwa1puoIMKGV4oAKgAGY8Y-iBBZty/s400/20130707112517-2552259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjOHz2NUfocSGY5NZkzhrVPg8AioKhQcxnfTo1bVRpGiehB7tXxcNAMYRsDwl_O6b1HLlbcz6GENsh7O5Za-a6vrnd-4ozFWc5vnRuYd3unjJvbsRJoYc4HozfnOj_xKc94aZ73Pc_lVT/s1600/20130707112514-2588451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjOHz2NUfocSGY5NZkzhrVPg8AioKhQcxnfTo1bVRpGiehB7tXxcNAMYRsDwl_O6b1HLlbcz6GENsh7O5Za-a6vrnd-4ozFWc5vnRuYd3unjJvbsRJoYc4HozfnOj_xKc94aZ73Pc_lVT/s400/20130707112514-2588451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 3: Some street shots from Yangon as we drove past</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Nay Pyi Taw (sometimes spelt in different ways, such as Napidaw or Naypyidaw) is the political capital of Myanmar, which the generals created out of a greenfield location in central Myanmar in 2005. Since 2008, most of the ministries have been moved into this new location, and a city of more than a million people now exists. It has wide roads, large roundabouts with beautiful landscaping, with parks and new buildings springing up everywhere.<br />
<br />
My first trip was with the US-ASEAN Business Council, where a group of representatives from two dozen US companies visited senior leaders of the country. It was an eye-opening trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmvZKzzvd1AdHBs0boBgog3Ck6H_d5UqrOdfv3cmXR-qv1HNH-U7af4x7OLPoy9dzA051JKEPlepQ4gGJu95d1D5_lqX1WHMtKhCGWe9XEKfD-bXhHol2tW8pEO0xqYM4ZikmY9nVNvwi/s1600/20130707190447-2101620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmvZKzzvd1AdHBs0boBgog3Ck6H_d5UqrOdfv3cmXR-qv1HNH-U7af4x7OLPoy9dzA051JKEPlepQ4gGJu95d1D5_lqX1WHMtKhCGWe9XEKfD-bXhHol2tW8pEO0xqYM4ZikmY9nVNvwi/s640/20130707190447-2101620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 4: Travelling with the US-ASEAN Business Council members</i></div>
<br />
<br />
On my first trip, we took a six hour bus journey from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw. The second time, we flew (about an hour).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaMXgpRXBeNFrkqNVVGiv_bf3Gv_JQuDD_xNg3_dwMBhEapUQ7cq3bXf3hAByaPjNGH_mULhPC2VGGclPmZorf7jYYM-F93EF43m5sRUI-4VG5nhNViaUBBkGThPn8af-LUIFLOgC86Ur/s1600/20130709212605-721729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaMXgpRXBeNFrkqNVVGiv_bf3Gv_JQuDD_xNg3_dwMBhEapUQ7cq3bXf3hAByaPjNGH_mULhPC2VGGclPmZorf7jYYM-F93EF43m5sRUI-4VG5nhNViaUBBkGThPn8af-LUIFLOgC86Ur/s640/20130709212605-721729.JPG" width="433" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 5: Had a chance to try the local brew ... which is really pretty good !</i></div>
<br />
<br />
On the last evening in Yangon, I decided to visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Huge and very impressive especially at twilight, when the sky started to darken and the lighting came on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qw8bpPBTn5UOf26CEio8qGLq5seYyDuW0dUOEPC6mC0CczUmIrGVFNxGOEWazFQDYFfkQLaXmklX7s_HXhjaP7jmWmepTq778jSdCkHjmKOJwNLTpqw9uQfxECYOawRrFKt7LbppCmYI/s1600/USABC-Shwedagon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qw8bpPBTn5UOf26CEio8qGLq5seYyDuW0dUOEPC6mC0CczUmIrGVFNxGOEWazFQDYFfkQLaXmklX7s_HXhjaP7jmWmepTq778jSdCkHjmKOJwNLTpqw9uQfxECYOawRrFKt7LbppCmYI/s640/USABC-Shwedagon.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fig 6: At the famous Shwedagon Pagoda</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Myanmar is still in the early stages of development, compared to some of its neighbours. It will take time for it to address the various challenges it faces at this stage. The way I see it, among the country's priorities are:<br />
- building up the <b>ELECTRICITY</b> infrastructure (blackouts are still too common and only 13 percent of households have access to a regular electrical suupply)<br />
- improving the <b>TRANSPORTATION</b> sector (roads, rail, seaports and airports), which are still very under-developed, with a few exceptions (e.g. Nay Pyi Taw airport is quite modern)<br />
- a strong refocus on <b>EDUCATION</b>, which has been somewhat neglected over the past decades (I am told that some 15 percent of Myanmar children don't go to school, and the average number of years of education is 4 years)<br />
- enhancing <b>AGRICULTURAL</b> output. Some 70 pefcent of the population are engaged in agriculture, but the productivity is markedly lower than comparable ASEAN countries.<br />
<br />
<br />
Let me pause here. I will go into other aspects of my observations in future postings.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-10252267875457036192012-03-17T11:14:00.002+08:002012-03-17T17:03:35.053+08:00ASEAN Snapshots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My professional activities takes me to many of the countries in ASEAN and this is a region where I have immense interest in. ASEAN stands for Association of South East Asian Nations, and comprises the countries of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. So far, I have been to every ASEAN country except for Myanmar (a point I hope to remedy very soon :).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7IwnMTPWqLAMQiwFOSHFLMM9lX2fnNd3FVCdZz6zi1XjRSgUihX_o7PF5oMlIh7hCaT9vz8-EC8H-lxShQNnwWJ3zRpFtXs0BkyPSBFUL_ldMYTqlDL4VTCKQlx1K2v3ZiXZablyABp_/s1600/ASEAN-map-n-geography.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7IwnMTPWqLAMQiwFOSHFLMM9lX2fnNd3FVCdZz6zi1XjRSgUihX_o7PF5oMlIh7hCaT9vz8-EC8H-lxShQNnwWJ3zRpFtXs0BkyPSBFUL_ldMYTqlDL4VTCKQlx1K2v3ZiXZablyABp_/s640/ASEAN-map-n-geography.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I came across this other chart, which I thought was very interesting and gives a snapshot of ASEAN's economic matters. I will add more ASEAN related charts to this posting later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3LX-h3wekP2G3dG6uaQPtUx4W6lCreCKwtir4ERtAmV2FtRlu4_5jMQvIeSjSQErMRFXPOHNgYbtbn2gPavb1Q_vUhBpY9euTgsUaWpwcyMWzEjxdnrG95rOCq64jo-nVn2emRZOZ6TV/s1600/ASEAN-Statistics-chart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3LX-h3wekP2G3dG6uaQPtUx4W6lCreCKwtir4ERtAmV2FtRlu4_5jMQvIeSjSQErMRFXPOHNgYbtbn2gPavb1Q_vUhBpY9euTgsUaWpwcyMWzEjxdnrG95rOCq64jo-nVn2emRZOZ6TV/s640/ASEAN-Statistics-chart.gif" width="443" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Check back regularly for more info ...</div>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-21634855899390765702012-03-11T12:08:00.000+08:002012-03-11T12:08:03.295+08:00Life Lessons from an Old Boardgame<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I came across an old board game recently. It was a game I played as a child. It was called "CAREERS" and distributed by Parker Brothers. Any of you remember this game?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhz2neRDzI9gwPNbpluOLohHYn-cDA9vilk_XNtey20x55eb2Fty986q8KlgatNwsOsueZtz4boAyjA64mdPRGRAFjQOiULPl6FP1mUoNdumX6_l03Or7BU2qXmoQsaJqaCZ03VdUDCve/s1600/Careers-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhz2neRDzI9gwPNbpluOLohHYn-cDA9vilk_XNtey20x55eb2Fty986q8KlgatNwsOsueZtz4boAyjA64mdPRGRAFjQOiULPl6FP1mUoNdumX6_l03Or7BU2qXmoQsaJqaCZ03VdUDCve/s400/Careers-box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig 1</i></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L31XPAqXUYE5JBde_PsL0N-9UBJlQXWSXQ0_W828ZmkCoL919Da_nRHPJ49C8lWRtiEg08mu13Qh8gW434r0bkwpflh45NF-WxzJ0s9Pm13C5O2uBa0I0Wp_AP_UW_riTDZsjKO_wPa4/s1600/Careers-board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L31XPAqXUYE5JBde_PsL0N-9UBJlQXWSXQ0_W828ZmkCoL919Da_nRHPJ49C8lWRtiEg08mu13Qh8gW434r0bkwpflh45NF-WxzJ0s9Pm13C5O2uBa0I0Wp_AP_UW_riTDZsjKO_wPa4/s640/Careers-board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig 2</i></div><br />
<br />
Looking back at the objectives of the game, it struck me how close to real life it is, and what some of us might have subliminally learnt while playing it. At the beginning of the game, all the players need to decide on their "Success Formula" (or what they envision to be the meaning of success for themselves). The Success Formula is made of three components: money, fame and happiness, and the total should equal 60 points. For instance, a player might decide to have 30 Money points, 20 Fame points and 10 Happiness points (30+20+10=60). Another player might go for 10 Money points, 10 Fame points and 40 Happiness points (10+10+40=60). And so on.<br />
<br />
This is what the score sheet looks like ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyd5Jv6U10gLPNJ6qtyx9p6Rgubrk4G6YFxLiTTqt_u5Ey3J2IzcrNoDVU-BMHSriJGfE8Lm0KcRliWKgJG4RMBe_VN0DQqvbvxrlOLh3xJDaTxNgDUqiYAwP5FNdwCkUldwHXNjLQqRm/s1600/Careers-point-sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyd5Jv6U10gLPNJ6qtyx9p6Rgubrk4G6YFxLiTTqt_u5Ey3J2IzcrNoDVU-BMHSriJGfE8Lm0KcRliWKgJG4RMBe_VN0DQqvbvxrlOLh3xJDaTxNgDUqiYAwP5FNdwCkUldwHXNjLQqRm/s400/Careers-point-sheet.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig 3</i></div><br />
<br />
Then the game begins, and the players toss dice and move their counters around the board, picking up or losing points in different ways. There are also Experience and Opportunity cards that the players draw when they land on certain squares on the board. The winner is the one who first achieves his or her Success Formula.<br />
<br />
As a child, I played this game without thinking too much about what it meant. Now having gone through five decades of life, I appreciate how close to reality this formula (albeit simple) is. Some people value money above most else, and have focused on accumulating as much wealth as they can. Others want the limelight and strive to achieve fame at all costs.. Fame and fortune ... what more could one ask for? Yet one can't help noting that some of the richest or most famous people aren't necessarily the happiest.<br />
<br />
The basis of the Careers game, and of life in general, is that it's all about maintaining a balance. Over-emphasis on one area at the expense of another can lead to dissatisfaction and misery. How much money does one need? How much fame? And how much happiness? We may not really write down our Success Formula of our real life, but I'd guess if probed, most of us have some implicit balance that drives us each day.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Do share your views.</div><br />
</div>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-54491680411545635982011-11-22T13:59:00.000+08:002011-11-22T13:59:14.271+08:00Great Dates This Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_QsTwqDILImYbVC2ebMugm5s-lk0tThyYfXKQdJYVjwrVYSzrOONGGai8cygVMTNx53_jP5I_DpS51HiKgxqDgl31d7n7V1TU_lE-nO5xGm9TRpQ4GkOho4l52u5a226MN-mIj1pbRGl/s1600/Date-20112011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_QsTwqDILImYbVC2ebMugm5s-lk0tThyYfXKQdJYVjwrVYSzrOONGGai8cygVMTNx53_jP5I_DpS51HiKgxqDgl31d7n7V1TU_lE-nO5xGm9TRpQ4GkOho4l52u5a226MN-mIj1pbRGl/s200/Date-20112011.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
From the title of this post, I suspect some of you readers are thinking of other things. Now, now ... don't let your imagination run away with you.<br />
<br />
I'm referring of course to calendar dates, many of which have been quite interesting and special in this year 2011.<br />
<div><br />
This posting will examine some of these dates ...<br />
<br />
</div><div><br />
First there were the dates containing all 1's</div><div><br />
</div><div>1st Jan 2011 (<b>1.1.11</b>)</div><div>11th Jan 2011 (<b>11.1.11</b>)</div><div>1st Nov (<b>1.11.11</b>) and</div><div>11th Nov (<b>11..11.11</b>) ... this one is seen to be especially auspicious.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then there were the so-called "binary dates" - binary meaning 1 and 0, as anyone with a bit of computer knowledge knows. So these dates were</div><div><br />
</div><div>10th Jan (<b>10.1.11</b>)</div><div>1st Oct (<b>1.10.11</b>)</div><div>10th Oct (<b>10.10.11</b>) and</div><div>11th Oct (<b>11.10.11</b>)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then there were what I like to call "double barrel" dates, which mirrors or repeats the numeric sequence in an interesting way, like</div><div><br />
</div><div>11th Feb (<b>11.02.2011</b>) </div><div>and two days ago, it was 20th Nov (<b>20.11.2011</b>)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Dates like 11.1.11, 11.11.11, 11.02.2011 are symmetrical dates, because you can read the digits from left or right. Sentences with the same properties are called palindromes. Some famous ones are "Able was I ere I saw Elba" (supposedly said by Napolean after he was exiled to the Island of Elba) and "A man, a plan, a canal, Panama" (about the chap, Ferdinand de Lesseps, who developed the Panama Canal) ...<br />
<br />
But I'm digressing. We were talking about calendar dates. Dates have been studied by astrologers, historians, numerologists, and feng shui consultants over the ages. I'm not a believer in any special significance of these numbers, but I realise that a proportion of the world's population do, and mass behaviour have a certain way of making things happen. Those of you who dabble in the stock market will know something about this ...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, whatever the date, have a nice day.</div><div><br />
</div></div>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-22012062643249456812011-09-25T17:12:00.001+08:002011-09-25T21:21:25.750+08:00Football DiplomacyNow THIS is how neighbouring countries should settle their differences .... in a Football Match !<br />
<br />
Last Saturday in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, a friendly match was played between government officials from Cambodia and officials from Thailand. The teams were made up of Thai and Cambodian politicians. The Cambodia team was led by premier Hun Sen while the Thai team was led by former Thai premier Somchai Wongsawat. A 50,000 strong crowd assembled to watch and support the match, which was held to showcase the improving ties between the neighbours.<br />
<br />
<br />
In his pre-match speech, the Cambodian premier Hun Sen said that "the nightmare era" between the nations, who engaged in deadly border clashes earlier this year, was over. "Today is a historic event in Cambodia-Thailand relations," he proclaimed.<br />
<br />
PM Hun Sen led his side to a 10-7 victory in the match. Look at the man kick ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIpCdVWWpRM9lFNYCjHYQq9EV-KJGjEZ7Rc0VtZcXZgLhX9Lz34v83vGn7TZCshXgq-q0K9oFXbtR1ktGg50ScTNU0tTc3UelZHopduaQ8uEZ3sD7GfUysBMcFfa7coXy4AhNiD8w1OVK/s1600/Football-Match-HunSen-kick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIpCdVWWpRM9lFNYCjHYQq9EV-KJGjEZ7Rc0VtZcXZgLhX9Lz34v83vGn7TZCshXgq-q0K9oFXbtR1ktGg50ScTNU0tTc3UelZHopduaQ8uEZ3sD7GfUysBMcFfa7coXy4AhNiD8w1OVK/s640/Football-Match-HunSen-kick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hun Sen, wearing a red number "9" shirt, smiled broadly as he scored his fourth goal in the final minutes to loud cheers.<br />
<br />
The cordial game came just a week after new Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra made her first official trip to Phnom Penh, quickly followed by a visit from her brother Thaksin, a close friend of Hun Sen. Ties between the two nations have warmed significantly since Yingluck's July election win, backed by her sibling.<br />
<br />
Under previous Thai leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, the border row, which centres around the ancient Preah Vihear temple complex, twice escalated into heavy fighting this year, prompting Phnom Penh to take the dispute to the United Nation's highest court. In July, the Hague-based International Court of Justice asked both nations to withdraw military personnel from around the temple, which both sides have heeded.<br />
<br />
All this reminds me of another sport being used in high-profile diplomacy. Back in the 1970s, the exchange of ping-pong (table tennis) players between the USA and People's Republic of China led to the thawing of diplomatic relations. This so-called <b>Ping Pong Diplomacy</b> paved the way for President Richard Nixon's historic trip to China in 1972 and the much-publicised meeting with Chairman Mao Tse Tung.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubuoQ286fkh_Fwaz6nxNFZnHsVk1fM3J-xhsgxPhh9kMHBSxIcBvUXJCHyqJao-R6MLvAG3AoHIORyKTP8evDE7PlViPcD7ia1BNdzTwW6YgDF8niW0y4DSI-75jEIleV2MU6CPrV2Nc2/s1600/Ping-Pong-players-at-Great-Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubuoQ286fkh_Fwaz6nxNFZnHsVk1fM3J-xhsgxPhh9kMHBSxIcBvUXJCHyqJao-R6MLvAG3AoHIORyKTP8evDE7PlViPcD7ia1BNdzTwW6YgDF8niW0y4DSI-75jEIleV2MU6CPrV2Nc2/s400/Ping-Pong-players-at-Great-Wall.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRR9PSzRfoOlFdpOcm8jk38Hh-nx9soe872uIt0ZWHoz3Hd_6gq0eHTk0MYwI6_AwyJ6xFNFnt2MDRrRGb1QF4d6jUmJlLtVDXRDw5ClD88TAmaWiLvmyo8m5lZFaVLcTMTfKdWMEWDcW/s1600/Nixon-Mao-handshake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRR9PSzRfoOlFdpOcm8jk38Hh-nx9soe872uIt0ZWHoz3Hd_6gq0eHTk0MYwI6_AwyJ6xFNFnt2MDRrRGb1QF4d6jUmJlLtVDXRDw5ClD88TAmaWiLvmyo8m5lZFaVLcTMTfKdWMEWDcW/s400/Nixon-Mao-handshake.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yes, indeed sports should be used more to cement ties between neighbouring nations. I say "Play on" ....James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-16057136756853293942011-09-14T19:31:00.001+08:002011-09-15T10:05:12.174+08:00Asian SuperstitionsGrowing up in a Chinese family in Malaysia, I can't help being exposed to many Chinese superstitions that some of the (usually) elder folk in the family may believe in and caution us against. I still remember a few of these superstitions and beliefs drummed into me by aunts and uncles ... and I'd invite you to share what you recall from your childhood years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGignMTc2EB8MuFpcMsTHdNj1opIDsiux7DxzqIjxTvXpLV9FHsJ1Q2cw0QsaCw2L2_tj-_wu2N7K_1mhIUMvAcqBLZkXJ3laL7DI1X7FHOyXXjo8b1-LZKlmTyRLtG_W1wX1PX9QkeZf/s1600/mirror-cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGignMTc2EB8MuFpcMsTHdNj1opIDsiux7DxzqIjxTvXpLV9FHsJ1Q2cw0QsaCw2L2_tj-_wu2N7K_1mhIUMvAcqBLZkXJ3laL7DI1X7FHOyXXjo8b1-LZKlmTyRLtG_W1wX1PX9QkeZf/s200/mirror-cracked.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Anyway here's a dozen that I recall .... some may not be entirely accurate or even correct ... after all it HAS been a long time since I heard them and the old grey cells are getting a little bit rusty. Hehehe ...<br />
<br />
1. You should not point at the moon ... if you do, you risk your ear getting sliced. Yikes!<br />
<br />
2. You should not pee in a banana grove ... if you do, you may see ghosts and spirits.<br />
<br />
3. No cutting of finger or tow nails at night ... I'm not entirely sure of the repercussions. I think the clippings will either attract spirits or be stolen by spirits<br />
<br />
4. When lying on your stomach (e.g. while reading), you should not raise your legs ... Doing this risks your parents' deaths. Woah ... serious this one!<br />
<br />
5. Pregnant women should not sit on the edge of a bed and sew ... This risks the backside of the to-be-born baby being sealed. Ouch ... not a good thing!<br />
<br />
6. Pregnant women cannot make use of a hammer and nail ... this risks miscarriage.<br />
<br />
7. A cracked mirror brings 7 years of bad luck.<br />
<br />
8. If you look through a "poon kee", you can see spirits.<br />
<br />
9. When sweeping the floor, the broom must not touch anybody as it will bring bad luck to that person (or is it to the sweeper? I forget ...)<br />
<br />
10. When moving to a new residence, it is advisable to cook a pot of rice and bring this with you to the new house. This ensures you will always have food to eat at the new place. Certainly not a bad thing.<br />
<br />
11. During meals, one should not stack up the empty plates ... Doing this, you will have no end of debts. (Aiya ... like that, how in Japanese sushi restaurants?)<br />
<br />
12. When eating rice, don't leave any uneaten grains on the plate ... if so, will have pock marks on face ("mopeng" is the word, I believe).<br />
<br />
Well, these are twelve superstitions I remember being told about. Share what YOU remember. I'm sure there'll be lots more. Over to you ...James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-49553380645535941752011-09-12T19:08:00.000+08:002011-09-12T19:08:52.543+08:00The Dark Side of the MooncakeToday is the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongjiu Jie), also sometimes called the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival. This is a popular harvest festival dating back over 3,000 years to the Chinese Shang Dynasty period. The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar, which is sometime in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. It also corresponds with the Autumn Equinox when the moon is supposed to be at its fullest and roundest.<br />
<br />
During this Mid-Autumn Festival period, many Chinese and Vietnamese are likely to consume a lot of delicious mooncakes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMmAEDDFt122JXYU9tt96li6v_2UuzjNNHQEarXaBOlwjPsMov158XCGJ0n2qfEv477VL-2OWRwFEKt9wiCfdlGCmURtqUYWGgHMR5G0WyXmrh5MtdrHK8s_npsplbQ0ZNPGuBD__ERvO/s1600/mooncake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMmAEDDFt122JXYU9tt96li6v_2UuzjNNHQEarXaBOlwjPsMov158XCGJ0n2qfEv477VL-2OWRwFEKt9wiCfdlGCmURtqUYWGgHMR5G0WyXmrh5MtdrHK8s_npsplbQ0ZNPGuBD__ERvO/s400/mooncake-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
These days, the mooncakes come in all sorts of interesting flavours ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcV6qtyHsdwMyXr4SOb9AX_3uDzf3WqfjrpjUA_qesyDiJ3A31LnBTHYNOfOQCMErSFo6KPimktlg5lmmNhWfmW3e97oN7mBG1qOyxdOlayshwGdf6e6fjFhjBpMqO18Z1DLYQZnnG0jJ/s1600/special-mooncakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcV6qtyHsdwMyXr4SOb9AX_3uDzf3WqfjrpjUA_qesyDiJ3A31LnBTHYNOfOQCMErSFo6KPimktlg5lmmNhWfmW3e97oN7mBG1qOyxdOlayshwGdf6e6fjFhjBpMqO18Z1DLYQZnnG0jJ/s640/special-mooncakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
and shapes ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofE5-X7nZVKxnZjDd4l5JBdlW681xRxyWZMqbUxnYP0H07lSyn0haA0n-ODBU667OgkLXAywWX_u4T0QX5ZexTO827Ax2ldmHXJvgMCVQt9uqKLKyLlOpiuICfL7T5-o1WESZ5j_qCKu3/s1600/mooncake-2-kitty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofE5-X7nZVKxnZjDd4l5JBdlW681xRxyWZMqbUxnYP0H07lSyn0haA0n-ODBU667OgkLXAywWX_u4T0QX5ZexTO827Ax2ldmHXJvgMCVQt9uqKLKyLlOpiuICfL7T5-o1WESZ5j_qCKu3/s1600/mooncake-2-kitty.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There is also a story you might have heard about the role of mooncakes in a Chinese uprising against Mongol rulers (during the Yuan Dynasty) in the 14th century. In this tale (which I'm not sure is fully supported by historical facts), the mooncakes were used as an early form of e-mail ... the "e" being "edible" rather than "electronic" .LOL. Anyway as group gatherings were banned, it was very difficult for the Chinese to make plans for a rebellion. So one bright chap called Liu Bowen (from Zhejiang), who was a confidant of the rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang, suggested timing the rebellion with the Mid-Autumn Festival. He applied for and got permission to distribute thousands of mooncakes to Chinese residents in the city to bless the longevity of the Mongol emperor. Apparently the Mongols did not eat mooncakes, so inside each cake distributed was concealed a piece of paper with the message "Kill the Mongols on the 15th day of the eighth month". And on the night itself, the rebellion was successful and the Mongols were overthrown. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was thus born.<br />
<br />
<br />
Like everyone else, I like my mooncakes too. My favourites are tau sar, ling yun, single or double yolk and the ones with mixed nuts. Yummmmmmmy ...<br />
<br />
However doctors and healthcare professionals have always been cautioning against over-indulging in mooncakes. They say that a small mooncake may contain as any calories as a bowl of rice! As mooncakes are generally made from flour, sugar and butter, one egg-yolk filled mooncake weighing about 60 g can contain up to 270 calories. That would take an averaged sized person about an hour to walk off, says a nutritionist friend of mine.<br />
<br />
A health report from Taiwan that I read also noted that aside from moon cakes, many people also celebrate the festival by eating barbequed and processed meat, which are high in calories and sodium. Eating too much of such foods not only led to weight gain, but consuming more sodium than is recommended on a daily basis could also strain the kidneys and the cardiovascular system, the report said. Some health bureaus in China advised people to consume only moderate amounts of moon cakes and where relevant to substitute meat for vegetables such as mushrooms and green onions when having a barbeque. Pomelo, another traditional Mid-Autumn Festival food, is also recommended because of its high vitamin C content. The fruit is also known to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of heart disease.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span><br />
Well, having shared all that, I must say it's only once a year and so long as we don't go overboard with stuffing our faces with mooncake, it should be fine ... tau sar, ling yun, double yolk ... here I come !!!!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HAPPY</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MID</span>-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">AUTUMN</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">FESTIVAL </span>!</b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">!</span></b><b>!</b></span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-70560115947953709182011-08-27T22:16:00.001+08:002011-08-28T13:35:56.836+08:00Presidential Election in SingaporeOn the heels of the exciting General Election in May, Singapore is now having a Presidential Election.<br />
<br />
There are four candidates standing for the post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4YCKX5pDoeURGz5GdGVuORUECFPw2yHzCJBYeTxmTV4SPrQFHfPCw8QtATLdDc5Wyg_jX6Mb7J5cGRPJ6m4VATMybhrBhnCagqNyPqQv45fDULDZRfYLG0fci-ZDDKpXm-vxKqQfrpxY/s1600/SPE-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4YCKX5pDoeURGz5GdGVuORUECFPw2yHzCJBYeTxmTV4SPrQFHfPCw8QtATLdDc5Wyg_jX6Mb7J5cGRPJ6m4VATMybhrBhnCagqNyPqQv45fDULDZRfYLG0fci-ZDDKpXm-vxKqQfrpxY/s640/SPE-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
From left to right, you can see Dr Tan Cheng Bock (a former MP), Mr Tan Jee Say (an Investment Banker and former senior civil servant), Dr Tony Tan (former Deputy Prime Minister) and Mr Tan Kin Lian (former CEO of NTUC).<br />
<br />
Yes, by some strange coincidence, it is a battle of the TANs !<br />
<br />
Today is polling day, and the polling stations closed jut a few hours ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTlwihS6w87sXWfrCaClTODmW6YSUV-_GmB6jxsKc2AZYclGJj-OBNJcMmKQqMEkwlKnhFZCKbVje1tUZmkGSzfEcyp0jK_NolEOq6bGtwwKODFjL5Nsjlr66MxOxoIdZ2QxdXPMxq_kh/s1600/SPE-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTlwihS6w87sXWfrCaClTODmW6YSUV-_GmB6jxsKc2AZYclGJj-OBNJcMmKQqMEkwlKnhFZCKbVje1tUZmkGSzfEcyp0jK_NolEOq6bGtwwKODFjL5Nsjlr66MxOxoIdZ2QxdXPMxq_kh/s640/SPE-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It will be interesting to see how the results unfold ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>THE RESULT</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO9Mc1UyDRGkR6Uq6NmLWo0S-BSpa2HN3K88-r3KCpqMUKrmcFrrUJspmnuPkFADcev6ucr4E1x-RAnYYHT_Oog2iyhW3ssWMZYCYCC0tFXx243J_Qcdd_BzaKhhbumnmLTRG9lKzN-vF/s1600/ST-PresTT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO9Mc1UyDRGkR6Uq6NmLWo0S-BSpa2HN3K88-r3KCpqMUKrmcFrrUJspmnuPkFADcev6ucr4E1x-RAnYYHT_Oog2iyhW3ssWMZYCYCC0tFXx243J_Qcdd_BzaKhhbumnmLTRG9lKzN-vF/s640/ST-PresTT.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Singapore's 7th President ...James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-60872921043764617482011-08-02T22:55:00.001+08:002011-08-02T22:59:17.470+08:00Musical Interlude: Lex VandykeI've recently come across the very soothing latin guitar music of Lex Vandyke. The CD that I bought was called "Latin Sound of Shanghai" and it is a collection of Chinese classic tunes from the Shanghai era. Really beautiful stuff.<br />
<br />
I also see this album as a reflection of the globalised world we live in. Here we have a Dutch musician playing Latin guitar and reproducing the classic sounds of Shanghai, China ...East meets West indeed.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough words. Turn up the volume of your PC and enjoy this piece called "Night of Shanghai" ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jq1qNVLQBIY" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Do share your thoughts and impressions.James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-6657396333357568292011-08-01T01:20:00.000+08:002011-08-01T01:20:24.207+08:00An Inspiring Commencement Speech from 2006He is currently facing a tough time in politics, but I believe in this man. I think he is smart, sincere and truly has the country's best interests at heart. I think some Americans do themselves a grave injustice by not working with him.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed this commencement address he made at Northwestern University to the graduating class of 2006. He was then still Senator Barack Obama.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/2MhMRYQ9Ez8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/2MhMRYQ9Ez8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
Have a good day.James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-50155341980029725482011-06-24T10:17:00.000+08:002011-06-24T10:17:22.929+08:00Election Fever in ThailandThis is certainly a year of elections ... I was in Bangkok for work last week and witnessed political campaigning in full swing on the streets of the capital city. The Thais go to the polls on Sunday 3rd July 2011, and I think it'll be another exciting one to watch. We've all heard about the shenanigans of the red shirts and the yellow shirts, the huge protests in the heart of Bangkok, the forced closures of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the tragic crackdown of the protests by the military. One wonders what will happen after the election results are known this time.<br />
<br />
The two key parties are the Democratic party, led by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhisit_Vejjajiva"> <b>Abhisit Vejjajiva</b></a>, the sitting Prime Minister, who some ladies think is handsome, and the Pheu Thai party, led by <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yingluck_Shinawatra">Yingluck Shinawatra</a></b>, sister of ousted former Prime Minister <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaksin_Shinawatra">Thaksin Shinawatra</a></b>, who some guys think is hot (I'm referring to Yingluck, not Thaksin!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's a sample of the posters I saw on the streets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiHiEza-m1xHK1Vs2Wm0Xcr85KVWqMVb4PA6cI17NMGXyLpLGS3EB6sFuVekTybiuz4jcf2yw42zZDXVl6ur388vLPFFeyvy_WS-mtcBfAikYi0ev4nW3lV1PbApvC_UaXNl7BR3BPLl6/s1600/Thai-election-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiHiEza-m1xHK1Vs2Wm0Xcr85KVWqMVb4PA6cI17NMGXyLpLGS3EB6sFuVekTybiuz4jcf2yw42zZDXVl6ur388vLPFFeyvy_WS-mtcBfAikYi0ev4nW3lV1PbApvC_UaXNl7BR3BPLl6/s640/Thai-election-01.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pheu Thai party's poster with Yingluck Shinawatra on the right</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUB65pJKmXTIDQvsshVUCgzJTI7TW_-7Y9PbS1BETVPAalxC4iOv63MAUENxS9kajwXc1sUt5u93Mw4DCeROMceG7vRVFNd4SKHZWCZi5D6tSTh_xg6uW6yLSdnx4eubuXt_na5a-oCkam/s1600/Thai-election-02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUB65pJKmXTIDQvsshVUCgzJTI7TW_-7Y9PbS1BETVPAalxC4iOv63MAUENxS9kajwXc1sUt5u93Mw4DCeROMceG7vRVFNd4SKHZWCZi5D6tSTh_xg6uW6yLSdnx4eubuXt_na5a-oCkam/s640/Thai-election-02.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Democratic party, with Abhisit Vejjajiva on the right</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs13ddM7_fqB9J-soNFZYZJS0EPnJaqI-cBRZ99hwF2S-ZT7gatQco5TGwNDEbwLgjoGu2RSSIf92I_7YNsURU-wVDGFtNjxXS0rYEs-4MQwzy5Ymqg21qbP3ZKmpXSkDS-POIo9LG6Gq/s1600/Thai-election-03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs13ddM7_fqB9J-soNFZYZJS0EPnJaqI-cBRZ99hwF2S-ZT7gatQco5TGwNDEbwLgjoGu2RSSIf92I_7YNsURU-wVDGFtNjxXS0rYEs-4MQwzy5Ymqg21qbP3ZKmpXSkDS-POIo9LG6Gq/s640/Thai-election-03.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Can't remember the name of this smaller party ... will check later</i></div><br />
Sometimes it is quite easy to spot which politician some people don't like ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw204cNH36S4nKldXB1Vo0XYb3vre23qfHh8NFjoWHbQeJFcD5nHg10oUYk65KjZGxpuIhgc0bim-W9DJnpOIWD4ZqnVsGN_P7dnc-KIgdD0KKPsVKeVV-nCuDMMywCDpreRA-UpnlReO/s1600/Thai-election-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw204cNH36S4nKldXB1Vo0XYb3vre23qfHh8NFjoWHbQeJFcD5nHg10oUYk65KjZGxpuIhgc0bim-W9DJnpOIWD4ZqnVsGN_P7dnc-KIgdD0KKPsVKeVV-nCuDMMywCDpreRA-UpnlReO/s640/Thai-election-04.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Horny politicians take on a different meaning here</i></div><br />
Interesting times ...James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-59440068579545799572011-06-06T11:01:00.000+08:002011-06-06T11:01:42.213+08:00Asian Milestone in Sports History<strong><span style="font-size: large;">June 4th 2011. Roland Garros stadium, France.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">More words are not needed ...</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir4C3CHDugtiVRmx0QBqMjd6Yf_ESEagKo2iHc-XijinZZgEFvbE1Stn-kRU2cNsfTzaqW9misQnIOtCSCQhOzC-Z-rBRzgnoVVAhr5f1leysz0jD4gDmzdz6JEfgu9N0JWa6KxZCJhEq/s1600/Li-Na-wins-French-Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir4C3CHDugtiVRmx0QBqMjd6Yf_ESEagKo2iHc-XijinZZgEFvbE1Stn-kRU2cNsfTzaqW9misQnIOtCSCQhOzC-Z-rBRzgnoVVAhr5f1leysz0jD4gDmzdz6JEfgu9N0JWa6KxZCJhEq/s640/Li-Na-wins-French-Open.jpg" t8="true" width="640px" /></a></div>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-1021479935601638902011-05-03T09:27:00.001+08:002011-05-03T22:58:01.079+08:00Manila - Old and New (Part 1)I've visited Manila several times over the past six months as part of my work. The country is going through a period of much optimism under the new leadership of the President Benigno "Noy Noy" Aquino III (also called PNoy). PNoy's stated priorities on reducing poverty and fighting corruption have been much welcomed by the people. Admittedly, the process has not been easy or smooth (remember the HK tourist hostage crisis?). However in my dealings with various politicians and senior officials, I've met many smart and committed individuals and I'm hopeful that there will be significant national progress.. Many global companies have also stepped up their exploration of new opportunities arising in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Manila (or more strictly Metro Manila, since it is made up of many different cities, of which Manila is just one) is a culturally rich and vibrant metropolis. There are many interesting places to visit, and also a sharp contrast between different cities.<br />
<br />
For today, let me share one place in Metro Manila which is OLD, and another place relatively NEW .<br />
<br />
I've been doing some reading up on Philippine history. I believe that a good understanding of what happened on these islands in the past will make my encounters and explorations of various places in and around Metro Manila more meaningful.. Take for instance the walled city called <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Intramuros</span></b> ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtkBNHSEFsPAZ6ywROr24cx5wimSPZ-nmlhP89ra5NCRVVtdDBmYXSCPDO35xXsJymo07MDFLcu-o7oXxAOLZ493aciB__4d0OKGTvWuI0mzlZYfteVMUx6t48C5PIO8awiQs3Socri6n/s1600/Intramuros-1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtkBNHSEFsPAZ6ywROr24cx5wimSPZ-nmlhP89ra5NCRVVtdDBmYXSCPDO35xXsJymo07MDFLcu-o7oXxAOLZ493aciB__4d0OKGTvWuI0mzlZYfteVMUx6t48C5PIO8awiQs3Socri6n/s400/Intramuros-1898.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 1</i></div><br />
Intramuros (which literally means "within the walls") was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. The Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Lagaspi first arrived from Mexico (then under Spain) landing at Cebu in 1564, and at Luzon in 1570. After discovering the rich resources and location of Manila, Legazpi declared the area as the new capital of the Spanish colony in the Philippines in 1571.<br />
<br />
One impressive structure in the heart of the Intramuros is the <b>Roman Catholic Cathedral of Manila</b>. Originally built in 1591 by the Spaniards, it has undergone destruction by fires, earthquakes and other calamities, but each time it has been rebuilt (see Pic 4).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18lf-f86a7a8aiG-U6McSqo8VmPvUbq5upO4PFChpWMgYPrUnUz8pir2S40oeDST-mNCOeXehDMFonEsre-KykTCnSKtLGcAa_m2amz4rI-XtXb0MuVNNVAlGoyq5xNf-K8R57-CIeTI/s1600/RCCOM-x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18lf-f86a7a8aiG-U6McSqo8VmPvUbq5upO4PFChpWMgYPrUnUz8pir2S40oeDST-mNCOeXehDMFonEsre-KykTCnSKtLGcAa_m2amz4rI-XtXb0MuVNNVAlGoyq5xNf-K8R57-CIeTI/s640/RCCOM-x.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 2</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO97jZJ4e5a548SQglzpg4SM_qiKFZn9nrYSDylJig0BrKbqRX-mIyiYx_WjHeT0dgZO_TCrqswoET3NdiNavrmWMaDwcA0QkZ_dUOypkH1Q9fJZpYoukB7mQaKuqzNB6IxRCf0SPfabo/s1600/RCC-of-Manila-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO97jZJ4e5a548SQglzpg4SM_qiKFZn9nrYSDylJig0BrKbqRX-mIyiYx_WjHeT0dgZO_TCrqswoET3NdiNavrmWMaDwcA0QkZ_dUOypkH1Q9fJZpYoukB7mQaKuqzNB6IxRCf0SPfabo/s640/RCC-of-Manila-01.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 3</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsY5ZORMagrPPYDcR6cI_a12sY5WJos9KyjgfCk3ZD7A0GbFHIGXI4a7QwOflLCNAH8u4WyPW-Y8sCMEmlO4tn72rsVuwrp-KWfvzoF5aCCko-zwg-cfCtDF42S4EmNOWokdb1qL45W6c/s1600/RC-Cathedral-of-Manila.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsY5ZORMagrPPYDcR6cI_a12sY5WJos9KyjgfCk3ZD7A0GbFHIGXI4a7QwOflLCNAH8u4WyPW-Y8sCMEmlO4tn72rsVuwrp-KWfvzoF5aCCko-zwg-cfCtDF42S4EmNOWokdb1qL45W6c/s640/RC-Cathedral-of-Manila.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 4</i></div><br />
Not far away is the Church of San Agustin. Completed in 1607, this is apparently the oldest church still standing in the Philippines. No other surviving building in the Philippines has been claimed to pre-date St Agustin Church. This building is also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEe8FX-p6e17rCn5XhhDTbPRjy4_JDYUDS_HCsrYVFMXg0RxwiBw2d4jbAfPOdnFLUdrSF6iGDz20KynOcsgTllFfEjVGtbyObQGNXNMywqHVn5Kmg4o51LbOEvelbfEdHiSuvKYSTnPZ/s1600/StAugustine-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEe8FX-p6e17rCn5XhhDTbPRjy4_JDYUDS_HCsrYVFMXg0RxwiBw2d4jbAfPOdnFLUdrSF6iGDz20KynOcsgTllFfEjVGtbyObQGNXNMywqHVn5Kmg4o51LbOEvelbfEdHiSuvKYSTnPZ/s640/StAugustine-01.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 5</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8VhSFEeVgtK2QWNsigsBWwgjeRakwSu2SrKY6LSz7DBRL2DbFw_-0UohHtZXUHpLl2UJsD7FAVFgUMLZ2xEZEI7UyssdePXKKBpnkcbtnmzz-kNguXYG9TlvBw-Wjs9He-uKiUl4i-Bk/s1600/StAugustine-02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8VhSFEeVgtK2QWNsigsBWwgjeRakwSu2SrKY6LSz7DBRL2DbFw_-0UohHtZXUHpLl2UJsD7FAVFgUMLZ2xEZEI7UyssdePXKKBpnkcbtnmzz-kNguXYG9TlvBw-Wjs9He-uKiUl4i-Bk/s640/StAugustine-02.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 6</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">At another part of the Intramuros, beside the Pasig River, stands a wall which commemorates the maritime expeditions between Mexico and the Philippines. This place is called <b>Plaza Mexico</b>. This apparently was the actual port of call of the fabled galleons of the past. Indeed the galleon trade which lasted almost three centuries was one of the economic engines driving the Spanish Empire of the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6CtOAaOqm9AGN07KYwXTVFfIind3koQJjVSwtBKJWdMtz-MfekjaOCQv01p-g3yXhRKUF6lYjZafwn9lgoLvre5LJR_-i8O9Q7oLDTHlVxUzBd5ZZl8qvKHtjX5tGMiYR9NiQ2t-Ww9V/s1600/Manila-Mexico-wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6CtOAaOqm9AGN07KYwXTVFfIind3koQJjVSwtBKJWdMtz-MfekjaOCQv01p-g3yXhRKUF6lYjZafwn9lgoLvre5LJR_-i8O9Q7oLDTHlVxUzBd5ZZl8qvKHtjX5tGMiYR9NiQ2t-Ww9V/s640/Manila-Mexico-wall.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 7</i></div><br />
Another notable site within Intramuros is <b>Fort Santiago</b>, a 16th century defence structure which has borne testimony to the valor and bravery of the Filipino through the centuries. Originally, what stood on the site of Fort Santiago was a wooden fort of Raja Sulaiman, a Muslim chieftain of the pre-Hispanic Manila. It was destroyed by conquistadors when they arrived in 1570. The Spaniards rebuilt the fort (as well as the rest of the Intramuros) in 1571. Much of the fort was destroyed during the Spanish-Chinese War (1574-75) and rebuilt again. It became the main fort for the spice trade to America and Europe over the next three centuries.<br />
<br />
There are various interesting spots within the fort, but the centrepiece must be the Rizal Shrine, dedicated to the national hero Jose Rizal who was executed by the Spaniards on 30th December 1896. Here one can see some of the books written by Rizal as well as the cell he spent his last nights before he was executed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mQKm59MDlzWVtjR6JDHBYJM7D5gqV8z0KhtbaxvuOEJQ146Vo5EdufB9-0VZ884N0i7_ALyDVQjG31b9rE4pHyUYjEwmDavCzwfhv74DmuoxpST92SphPSekGRuyoYmCT8egIoigL4mM/s1600/FortSantiago-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mQKm59MDlzWVtjR6JDHBYJM7D5gqV8z0KhtbaxvuOEJQ146Vo5EdufB9-0VZ884N0i7_ALyDVQjG31b9rE4pHyUYjEwmDavCzwfhv74DmuoxpST92SphPSekGRuyoYmCT8egIoigL4mM/s640/FortSantiago-01.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 8</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ7eOXsAJ8jLQZ3f8PrxgkyDlhyI0SXPYXOuOXaklTiSUl6_dihMj2Kywi8tVYu6T8SLKdeWIXaza_tRK-x7AlLXZQ0y1M8tphPQXLlp8wTsZWrTKp8JUlXyFCbI7d-JkKKae3RiblRnw/s1600/FortSantiago-sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ7eOXsAJ8jLQZ3f8PrxgkyDlhyI0SXPYXOuOXaklTiSUl6_dihMj2Kywi8tVYu6T8SLKdeWIXaza_tRK-x7AlLXZQ0y1M8tphPQXLlp8wTsZWrTKp8JUlXyFCbI7d-JkKKae3RiblRnw/s640/FortSantiago-sign.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 9</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4R1lel_wM15U6k666AiQQLTmaneanO9E1Da6P9JQs0pIWd1Py3za5JSOJt5bmfLNuPWXTA5gwHU07PWL8V91bjFx_0Py0iP11GPkPLd4E8VvAIghtO0oaBz-a2TMWa4Tk4MMt8J7JcnZ/s1600/Rizal-exhibits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4R1lel_wM15U6k666AiQQLTmaneanO9E1Da6P9JQs0pIWd1Py3za5JSOJt5bmfLNuPWXTA5gwHU07PWL8V91bjFx_0Py0iP11GPkPLd4E8VvAIghtO0oaBz-a2TMWa4Tk4MMt8J7JcnZ/s640/Rizal-exhibits.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 10</i></div><br />
Next let's move to something relatively NEW in Metro Manila.<br />
<br />
The <b>SM Mall of Asia</b> is reputedly the 3rd largest mall in Asia and the 4th largest in the world. It was built in 2006 on 19.5 hectares of reclaimed land and has a gross floor area of some 390,000 sq metres.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCSJVSwZ9d23tH2yzhiJV9v2XSd3KZ951JYxizCezIY9K4yZ4dNZvKUTqJoDouyzpcoJermFCwAkvjTWNrpdKPGLI2Ah3Ky-pq_gi2szNrTvCsCM653R9GcX0mXfUIdKsyHKbJy-FklP9/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-PH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCSJVSwZ9d23tH2yzhiJV9v2XSd3KZ951JYxizCezIY9K4yZ4dNZvKUTqJoDouyzpcoJermFCwAkvjTWNrpdKPGLI2Ah3Ky-pq_gi2szNrTvCsCM653R9GcX0mXfUIdKsyHKbJy-FklP9/s640/Mall-of-Asia-PH.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 11</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8wnz4vFx_qcKu58HcXH7r2h92EHFsTFTyLJK3IcgXG5hC1AUJpjsoXMb2y5PF8UkEd3rllcayOpG8TZChnIYZhZXSPKGrPHeF6CNcQMq13BHvHNf1nG5RXyWY72-gx3QSMTL34XFmo6L/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8wnz4vFx_qcKu58HcXH7r2h92EHFsTFTyLJK3IcgXG5hC1AUJpjsoXMb2y5PF8UkEd3rllcayOpG8TZChnIYZhZXSPKGrPHeF6CNcQMq13BHvHNf1nG5RXyWY72-gx3QSMTL34XFmo6L/s640/Mall-of-Asia-01.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 12</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTHYo-q9pqDUuB_4q1DTLI0IKgIV2q5yIMfkfEoY3cn9BkKE3CsPakFnDftMt3i1LopxUgbrYT0MVgU0gH_KX6NJ0yE0ctT_Cjep0-MnCm5o3eTafyawscYzO8x4NF8MrdjPpwkMFuARN/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTHYo-q9pqDUuB_4q1DTLI0IKgIV2q5yIMfkfEoY3cn9BkKE3CsPakFnDftMt3i1LopxUgbrYT0MVgU0gH_KX6NJ0yE0ctT_Cjep0-MnCm5o3eTafyawscYzO8x4NF8MrdjPpwkMFuARN/s640/Mall-of-Asia-03.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 13</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3dEk4xBAEd23MX3dfGMrmcKeCR3f6zxTrp8u25e0H6XWohipGkn6YzKj0BgXcXC1Wbd1zhileM8fcgG6SU-qhA5j9jFJYwgbQOApMeMcZXJusUQ3x6bPmtLlSDcgLhw_RRmt7VmvyoHj/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3dEk4xBAEd23MX3dfGMrmcKeCR3f6zxTrp8u25e0H6XWohipGkn6YzKj0BgXcXC1Wbd1zhileM8fcgG6SU-qhA5j9jFJYwgbQOApMeMcZXJusUQ3x6bPmtLlSDcgLhw_RRmt7VmvyoHj/s640/Mall-of-Asia-04.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 14</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg554MgipuZO7BvhYwWcHj0bQ0IMJu2FxGdkQUxiphtp1Rxw4j-P1tf4DmevRsj7IXqR0jtzAsdSvCmJ9zYxqHTrGIRAs89N4gfbI1di6kfWRTEK3hJoshfFaJ-WswamI6-UlcmuY_H72uH/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg554MgipuZO7BvhYwWcHj0bQ0IMJu2FxGdkQUxiphtp1Rxw4j-P1tf4DmevRsj7IXqR0jtzAsdSvCmJ9zYxqHTrGIRAs89N4gfbI1di6kfWRTEK3hJoshfFaJ-WswamI6-UlcmuY_H72uH/s640/Mall-of-Asia-05.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 15</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyhFojKA7aqoXp5Q1joNFlIjijrEql8SK4pX4c183XurejoyOCy_lGgBxIwRhOcnWUofYwbhjgH_end7IfRhjf4A3dQjnaY9H8Sq0cNO1vmXiM9k6_45pS1FktGVYs67_I3FeV9aWemOf/s1600/Mall-of-Asia-06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyhFojKA7aqoXp5Q1joNFlIjijrEql8SK4pX4c183XurejoyOCy_lGgBxIwRhOcnWUofYwbhjgH_end7IfRhjf4A3dQjnaY9H8Sq0cNO1vmXiM9k6_45pS1FktGVYs67_I3FeV9aWemOf/s640/Mall-of-Asia-06.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic 16</i></div><br />
<br />
Well, that's it for Old and New Manila ... for now anyway. Enjoy and do share any comments.James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-24928711379161908582011-04-15T15:57:00.000+08:002011-04-15T15:57:08.471+08:00Quotations on Democracy and Government<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNiVa87oTe3jm8Jtz8ZNoYnLvAzLPJE3awFYAfaYc1NHUZDHFnmPZfO7pJDz8theVFmMXPNH7fKi4A8q-Tfqf8yusDcvHgFeKjmNhxvBXzWx51z5WiqGtyf7fsymegPE1ww4ybcyFEDbY/s1600/democracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNiVa87oTe3jm8Jtz8ZNoYnLvAzLPJE3awFYAfaYc1NHUZDHFnmPZfO7pJDz8theVFmMXPNH7fKi4A8q-Tfqf8yusDcvHgFeKjmNhxvBXzWx51z5WiqGtyf7fsymegPE1ww4ybcyFEDbY/s320/democracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's one day before the state of Sarawak goes to the polls (for those who don't know, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, and where I grew up). Those who have been following this election would have observed the high and growing tension - fiery speeches, huge crowds and all kinds of snipes in the media. It is also rumoured that the Malaysian GE will probably come not too long after this. Other countries in Asia, such as Singapore and Thailand, are also having elections this year.<br />
<br />
With all this happening, I felt it might be interesting and useful for us to take a few minutes, still our minds and reflect on a variety of quotations on the subjects of Democracy and Government, since that's really what all this is about. Some of the quotations are wise, some are cynical, some humourous. Think about them in the context what it is you are about to do or not do ...<br />
<br />
And if by chance, some aspiring political candidates may be reading this, it might also serve as food for thought on what kind of government leader you will be if indeed you are elected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.1</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time"</span></b><br />
<b></b>(<i>Sir Winston Churchill, former British PM</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No 2</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve"</span></b><br />
(<i>George Bernard Shaw, author & playwright</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.3</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting"</span></b><br />
(<i>Tom Stoppard, author</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.4</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear"</span></b><br />
(<i>Alan Coren, British humourist, writer & satirist</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>No.5</b></u><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb"</span></b><br />
(<i>Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the USA</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.6</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"The most important political office is that of the private citizen."</span></b><br />
<i>(Louis Brandeis)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.7</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people."</span></b><br />
<i>(Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>No.8</u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of."</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">(<i>Confucius</i>)</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Choose well. And have a good day.<br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-51396761316312973992011-02-17T18:02:00.001+08:002011-04-15T15:51:31.049+08:00Remembering "Thrilla in Manila"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span><br />
I've been to the Philippines for work a couple of times over the past year. I usually go to Metro Manila. Recently I got to thinking about one of the most exciting sporting events that happened there back in the 1970s. How many of you remember the spectacle that the media called "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrilla_in_Manila"><b>Thrilla in Manila</b></a>"?<br />
<br />
Yes indeed, this was the World Heavyweight Championship boxing match between <b>Muhammad Ali</b> and <b>Joe Frazier</b> on 1st October 1975. It was fought at the <a href="http://www.aranetacoliseum.com/2006/index.php">Araneta Coliseum</a> in Quezon City, Metro Manila.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qN8bHjcizcyJwxeqBzXh78y1TAUqkShTC9BMQdBGMiFCb6Yz9kO6ZUutUihUZgca59RlNs8pJaX3pI_zBVcPQxkYJp0Scm5oH7XzziVDHCwS-0s961z7hhuEl0ULIXls3FfSHVdKwHuK/s1600/Poster-Thrilla-in-Manila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qN8bHjcizcyJwxeqBzXh78y1TAUqkShTC9BMQdBGMiFCb6Yz9kO6ZUutUihUZgca59RlNs8pJaX3pI_zBVcPQxkYJp0Scm5oH7XzziVDHCwS-0s961z7hhuEl0ULIXls3FfSHVdKwHuK/s400/Poster-Thrilla-in-Manila.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I went pass Araneta Coliseum on one of my recent visits. It's still looking good and hosting big shows. In fact in February and March, <a href="http://www.taylorswift.com/">Taylor Swift</a> and <a href="http://www.don-mclean.com/">Don McLean</a> are performing there. I believe Araneta Coliseum is still one of the largest indoor facilities in South-East Asia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbS889b1-d839_TXI-P3jty_9gTGXgjGpohUZej7UYCtkTWITsxCIYdwDY2XtRcyuRh3axI2MK9Ka_-FckUw0TkwY_FTwKmCN-N0FxHLGcBD_gbi_NKZWpKX5OZkTkAnPDXrFQAUEWvU/s1600/araneta-coliseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbS889b1-d839_TXI-P3jty_9gTGXgjGpohUZej7UYCtkTWITsxCIYdwDY2XtRcyuRh3axI2MK9Ka_-FckUw0TkwY_FTwKmCN-N0FxHLGcBD_gbi_NKZWpKX5OZkTkAnPDXrFQAUEWvU/s400/araneta-coliseum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KyU9f9uD4f5U4Ga-3ECHwnf4QLRoyP-ncbC8fShCOEowvlM0kAvqAIEhdwma-jiThY6ziQWA0zjaXYRNsImPxIPIzV67bQNGK79L9st3skte8tj_O1NAtFba7Q0KMWffg0X6ZT7IHgy3/s1600/ARANETA-indoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KyU9f9uD4f5U4Ga-3ECHwnf4QLRoyP-ncbC8fShCOEowvlM0kAvqAIEhdwma-jiThY6ziQWA0zjaXYRNsImPxIPIzV67bQNGK79L9st3skte8tj_O1NAtFba7Q0KMWffg0X6ZT7IHgy3/s400/ARANETA-indoors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the World Heavyweight Championship match ... The bout is often regarded as one of the greatest fights of 20th century boxing. It was the climax to the long-standing rivalry between Ali and Frazier <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">over who was the legitimate Heavyweight Champion. What happened before was that Ali (or Cassius Clay as he was previously known) had been </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">stripped of the title in 1967 for his refusal to join the Army when drafted during the Vietnam War.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> Some years later, Frazier petitioned President Nixon to restore Ali's right to box, thereby bringing about a classic Trilogy of Fights </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">between two undisputed heavyweight champions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fight #1 (Madison Square Garden, NY, 8 March 1971)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vdd_t1JmmrwSvvS892S2sKW5tkuhXjTJrTkoOY350XAVqM-HoMJziDzKeH9qfAQbuulgxKPv5bmlfTeRrriInB2DB4HFGyoNi-cWW04xsJyPK30iUb7y-muKMt_lQQgIC76LEkpwpOGv/s1600/1971-ali-frazier-mag-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vdd_t1JmmrwSvvS892S2sKW5tkuhXjTJrTkoOY350XAVqM-HoMJziDzKeH9qfAQbuulgxKPv5bmlfTeRrriInB2DB4HFGyoNi-cWW04xsJyPK30iUb7y-muKMt_lQQgIC76LEkpwpOGv/s200/1971-ali-frazier-mag-cover.jpg" width="151" /></a><br />
<br />
Both men were offered USD 2.5 million each, the biggest payout up to that time in boxing history. Anyone who was anyone was there. Even Frank Sinatra was ringside taking photos.<br />
<br />
The bout was very brutal and ended with Frazier winning on points. Both men had to be taken to hospital but Frazier spent a little longer in hospital which allowed Ali to boast bout how much damage he had done, even as the left side of his own face was swollen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fight #2 (Madison Square Garden, NY, January 1974)</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyNSmI0jloOkZcZXDj-8n4u_Y-xrPBdSk2hqTB635bTTw_Yz5dZDZcPIMfn_CmXBUzI0wUzAFT6tdxECeY5jRYYorX4nhgkfYvm6blKtAwEA_dwVOFTn7ibp1GYyvRcoWIzM5QdEkBxr8/s1600/Ali+-frazier+-1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyNSmI0jloOkZcZXDj-8n4u_Y-xrPBdSk2hqTB635bTTw_Yz5dZDZcPIMfn_CmXBUzI0wUzAFT6tdxECeY5jRYYorX4nhgkfYvm6blKtAwEA_dwVOFTn7ibp1GYyvRcoWIzM5QdEkBxr8/s400/Ali+-frazier+-1974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Although the rematch was a non-title fight, Ali put on one of his best performances and almost stopped Frazier in Round 2, but the referee Tony Perez stepped in thinking the round had ended. Ali won by a unanimous decision, thus earning himself the right to challenge <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Foreman">George Foreman</a> (who had beaten Frazier in 1973) to try to regain the Heavyweight title.<br />
<br />
Ali did beat Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire in the so-called "Rumble in the Jungle" in Oct 1974. The bout ended in a very convincing 8th round knockout.<br />
<br />
<b>Fight #3 (Araneta Coliseum, Metro Manila, 1 October 1975)</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
This time Ali got USD 4.5 million and Frazier USD 2 million. In his taunting usual way, Ali promised that it would be"a killa and thrilla and a chilla when he got the gorilla in Manila". About 28,000 people packed the area, and 700 million more watched the match on TV worldwide.<br />
<br />
Ali started attacking Frazier for the first 3 rounds. In Round 5, there was a change in momentum when Frazier backed Ali into a corner and began pounding him. Ali rallied in the 11th, 12th and 13th Rounds and Frazier's eyes and cheeks began to puff up.Ali kept up the pressure in Round 14, trying his best to put Frazier away. Both men were exhausted but Frazier was clearly the worse off. His trainer, fearing a fatality as Joe had been taking countless punches in the head, decided not to allow Joe to come out for Round 15. It was all over.<br />
<br />
Ali sensing the fight was done stood up to celebrate but almost collapsed in exhaustion. He later said of Joe Frazier, "He's the greatest fighter of all time ... next to me".<br />
<br />
Here's a video clip of the last rounds of the fight ... enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yRth-5w0Lt8" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-54331768384023198192011-01-27T09:23:00.004+08:002011-01-30T20:52:50.408+08:00The Year of the Rabbit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next week, millions will celebrate the Lunar New Year. It marks the end of the Year of the Tiger and the start of the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese Zodiac. As usual, the Lunar New Year celebrations will involve much feasting, merry-making and visiting of family and friends.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBjqgkzzY4TWiXbE69GdCy9WMm5UX0OdiQNFeojupKZoWekKb8jPUMaVwPPCSbubn_z6fOxKjbW0lpg8wdoQe8dxSBnJSBJouk2RslAlHYi45o1xgAWiJyjqWnrpFp4Vis1t7km3NyCeu/s1600/rabbit-cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBjqgkzzY4TWiXbE69GdCy9WMm5UX0OdiQNFeojupKZoWekKb8jPUMaVwPPCSbubn_z6fOxKjbW0lpg8wdoQe8dxSBnJSBJouk2RslAlHYi45o1xgAWiJyjqWnrpFp4Vis1t7km3NyCeu/s1600/rabbit-cutting.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it might be interesting to take a cursory look at where the RABBIT features in popular culture around the world. I have recorded whatever I can think of ... I'm certain it isn't complete so please do jump in (no pun intended) with what you think I might have missed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Easter Bunny</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElJAxHvxTOo1_ejOVADHnyPs7LYRsttMOBHybwMm6UaNWI979kKEvPFANRGoGpNmuH-cAOl6r4ALKr5r7ok0ihaqIvDLhVCcgf_ziWCYdevrIPsOd-kdvP8LdJgAl__QN3Xu9yY647i2u/s1600/EasterBunny-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElJAxHvxTOo1_ejOVADHnyPs7LYRsttMOBHybwMm6UaNWI979kKEvPFANRGoGpNmuH-cAOl6r4ALKr5r7ok0ihaqIvDLhVCcgf_ziWCYdevrIPsOd-kdvP8LdJgAl__QN3Xu9yY647i2u/s200/EasterBunny-pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.</span></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Studies suggest the bunny as an Easter symbol originated in Germany, where it was first mentioned in local writings from the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany in the early 1800s.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch coun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">try during the 1700s.</span></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In legend, the Easter Bunny brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and even toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The creature will either put the baskets in a designated place of hide them somewhere in the house or garden for the children to find when they wake up in the morning.</span></div><div style="color: #3a5e0a; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Lucky Rabbit's Foot</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOv88Amq7Ul5LYvIi29VaUR3y2GBftfWyWbl1z_5LQDAXJKGM9Va9fjZkzZLStVuTRTzNVo5PTLkHHPo-VUDOuL3IMQP6fyUDCa2xOGG2d9i9zTj_wLXscfnY5M22UYlkVfA9QrHudnOQ/s1600/Lucky-rabbit-foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOv88Amq7Ul5LYvIi29VaUR3y2GBftfWyWbl1z_5LQDAXJKGM9Va9fjZkzZLStVuTRTzNVo5PTLkHHPo-VUDOuL3IMQP6fyUDCa2xOGG2d9i9zTj_wLXscfnY5M22UYlkVfA9QrHudnOQ/s200/Lucky-rabbit-foot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In some cultures, the foot of a rabbit, carried as an amulet, is believed to bring good luck. This belief is held by individuals in many parts of the world including Europe, China, Africa, and the Americas.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Western Europe, prior to 600 BC, rabbits were considered to be sacred, as spirits were thought to inhabit the bodies of animals, and since rabbits spe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nt a lot of their time in underground burrows, it was further believed that the rabbits' bodies were inhabited by <i>numina</i>, underground spirits with whom they communicated at very close proximity! The</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Celts also held the rabbit to be sacred because of their prowess in reproduction. They believed that the <i>numina</i> intended for rabbits should be put upon pedestals and revered as symbols of rapid procreation, health and prosperity.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the rabbit itself was considered lucky, it follows that any of its body parts would also be lucky. People selected the rabbit's foot to tote around for good luck, because of its capacity to dry quickly, its small size, and perhaps the fact that it makes a nice key chain!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Note</u>: Just because this blog is reporting on the lucky rabbit's foot does NOT mean that this blogger is supportive of the practice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bugs Bunny</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UE_BRjPkhvHL0u_khcLnRWgvpsiWAz8NfwetStJNPz7BJdd8HCPY0owa1-Wji2Qvoe6T1DXTr4HoBcHwUJBisUpfYqVcmBKTz0pIk-kOAXo-Il-x5zL9-kG1n_NJMrZUghd6yuhdeWut/s1600/bugs-bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UE_BRjPkhvHL0u_khcLnRWgvpsiWAz8NfwetStJNPz7BJdd8HCPY0owa1-Wji2Qvoe6T1DXTr4HoBcHwUJBisUpfYqVcmBKTz0pIk-kOAXo-Il-x5zL9-kG1n_NJMrZUghd6yuhdeWut/s320/bugs-bunny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one needs hardly any introduction. Many of us grew up reading comics or watching TV shows featuring the rascally rabbit, whose catch phrase is "Eh ... what's up doc?".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This highly popular cartoon character first appeared in the <i>Looney Tunes</i> and <i>Merrie Melodies</i> series by Leon Schlesinger Productions, which became Warner Bros Cartoons in 1944. Mel Blanc voiced the original Bugs Bunny, and continued to do so for 49 years till he passed on. Contrary to popular belief, Mel Blanc's last words, while on his death bed, were not "That's all folks!" .</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other cartoon characters that Bugs Bunny is often seen with are Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watership Down</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many of you remember the book and later movie from the 70s, entitled "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Watership Down</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" ? Written by English author Richard Adams, it was the story of a group of rabbits living in a warren, when one of the younger rabbits named Fiver, who is a seer, receives a frightening vision of the imminent destruction of their precious warren. Fiver and his brother Hazel then try to persuade the chief rabbit of the danger, but are ignored. They then set out on a journey to find a new home, facing various trials and tribulations along the way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The movie was an impressive work of animation, and featured the beautiful theme song "<i>Bright Eyes</i>" sung by Art Garfunkel. Here is a videoclip so that you can enjoy the scenes and song.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zkirtbpz5h4" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="640"></iframe></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Watership Down</i>" was one of my favourite animated movies of the 70s. I believe this seemingly simple story can be appreciated at different levels. At the most basic level, it is simply a story of a bunch of animals and their struggles. However many people have offered different shades of interpretation of this tale, which has elements of exile, survival, bravery, political responsibility and "the making of a hero and a community". Some have even compared it to the epic Greek poem "The Odyssey".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Energizer Bunny</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember the television ads for Energizer batteries? There was this cute, pink bunny who could go on and on and on and on ..... :-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz_s2QwnOYymCHuXqaas2SOWPmJQP6bFTyFJyXv0pz7c1fhVDuwPegWLQt3fc4iMcA6IBhUBg3LBZ7M8KeHgI07HIiseYcvYcLIDs0SjH4myREb8JxgLgIdyTNupYkuf39bqfg9UJEeWe/s1600/energizer-bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz_s2QwnOYymCHuXqaas2SOWPmJQP6bFTyFJyXv0pz7c1fhVDuwPegWLQt3fc4iMcA6IBhUBg3LBZ7M8KeHgI07HIiseYcvYcLIDs0SjH4myREb8JxgLgIdyTNupYkuf39bqfg9UJEeWe/s320/energizer-bunny.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>White Rabbit sweets</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a popular brand of candy manufactured in China, that many of us have enjoyed in our younger days (maybe even now!). It is white in colour, has a chewy, sticky texture and is wrapped by an edible rice paper wrapping.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCRIjxXcVvns59X90Eooq582l8n0h5FHrVye7DJj2mKtqM1tpj8NTgeNqA6JGinq1G_XrzizPkGnYgZVwd0lB7JDPQGSsoQaZ1YFvAxWV7AXFxZYpXcv7EoET8VGIbk9doiA1RUhqMpOe/s1600/white_rabbit_sweets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCRIjxXcVvns59X90Eooq582l8n0h5FHrVye7DJj2mKtqM1tpj8NTgeNqA6JGinq1G_XrzizPkGnYgZVwd0lB7JDPQGSsoQaZ1YFvAxWV7AXFxZYpXcv7EoET8VGIbk9doiA1RUhqMpOe/s320/white_rabbit_sweets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Playboy Bunny</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, we have the famous Playboy Bunny, symbol of quality reading for discerning gentlemen over generations ... LOL .... 'Nuff said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3iFX2La1LAztBadr5RHGHi-QyUKxP01iSW4uID0tMk5Brqjyw-Ed7-n8e_CeW7cq1aaBWyFuvEeEUTY59OvfHzVcEsZ82NoSZS1g2LO1mgqUx7F_5VnUR2NrVWsXRmdT9SBAUKXtaEkJ/s1600/playboy-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3iFX2La1LAztBadr5RHGHi-QyUKxP01iSW4uID0tMk5Brqjyw-Ed7-n8e_CeW7cq1aaBWyFuvEeEUTY59OvfHzVcEsZ82NoSZS1g2LO1mgqUx7F_5VnUR2NrVWsXRmdT9SBAUKXtaEkJ/s200/playboy-logo.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirARq6wyBeKG5K90StTWIsGXvmRRmg9pLqV9J8pkwUBbDjA55VWY881Vtc6LGiABAh3-Cb84uaDloVNrLMbEDBvcFYVHUxJZ2R3G1yLWzOwvtficU-oMo4MNIVf_iS5f4DtIwVtI5dygtH/s1600/playboy-bunnies-six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirARq6wyBeKG5K90StTWIsGXvmRRmg9pLqV9J8pkwUBbDjA55VWY881Vtc6LGiABAh3-Cb84uaDloVNrLMbEDBvcFYVHUxJZ2R3G1yLWzOwvtficU-oMo4MNIVf_iS5f4DtIwVtI5dygtH/s400/playboy-bunnies-six.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, look at this recent news snippet I found ...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">London Playboy casino set for 2011</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">The iconic brand is due to return to London with a massive club and casino.</span></span><br />
<div class="AMC11 AMC" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 440px;"><div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playboy Enterprises Inc. announced plans to open a new Playboy branded club and casino in London in early 2011. The planned venture will sit in the exclusive Mayfair neighbourhood of the capital and feature a restaurant, lounge, table games area and high-limit private casino gaming rooms. It's not the first time Playboy have set up such a casino in the UK, having run venues in London, Manchester and Portsmouth in the 60s.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The iconic brand currently owns only one club and casino, situated in Las Vegas, and the new Mayfair premises will certainly have a touch of the Las Vegas glamour to it. With private gaming rooms and casino table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker, as well as the lounge and restaurant, the club will certainly attract high rollers and casino fans.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Playboy casino and club in Las Vegas is situated in the Palms complex, which houses ten restaurants and six bars and nightclubs, as well as a 95,000 square foot casino. The Playboy casino itself has nine blackjack tables and one roulette table inside the club.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Certainly well timed for the Year of the Rabbit ... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS LUNAR NEW YEAR to all who celebrate it, and for all others HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-15730491106853207172010-12-27T11:02:00.004+08:002010-12-28T20:36:12.580+08:00Julian Assange and WikiLeaks - Before the Current Hoohah<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBOrW-F5_PQfq9X5TcYdKxkM_to8ny1A0EFp6I15mIdi7CqwjqcYy3joWnrmM-b5xvBAoVdbSFDEPGfbb88yTpVztcZMNP8hGJU0F21Ih6olZgdkAo26XUXRo5N-RKRk4-RVPlJdH2pBT/s1600/wikileaks-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBOrW-F5_PQfq9X5TcYdKxkM_to8ny1A0EFp6I15mIdi7CqwjqcYy3joWnrmM-b5xvBAoVdbSFDEPGfbb88yTpVztcZMNP8hGJU0F21Ih6olZgdkAo26XUXRo5N-RKRk4-RVPlJdH2pBT/s200/wikileaks-02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There's been a lot of global attention on WikiLeaks these days. Various authorities are positioning Julian Assange as a villain and a threat to national interests. I am not sure that this is a complete assessment of the man and what he has done.<br />
<br />
Let me state clearly that at this point I am neither for nor against Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. I'm just an observer who believes that every story has two sides, and I for one would like to hear both sides so that I can make up my own mind.<br />
<br />
Here's a series of videoclips from a Security conference held in KL in 2009 ... way before the Dec 2010 revelation of US diplomatic cables. I believe this talk gives us a better sense of the man and his thinking. Take a look and judge for yourself ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xpWo1_-QI6Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xpWo1_-QI6Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 1 or 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLpOI6I3Ink?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLpOI6I3Ink?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 2 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SzHyDAMDS6s?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SzHyDAMDS6s?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 3 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m4606tsq5KQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m4606tsq5KQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 4 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zpdUa3GP9Uk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zpdUa3GP9Uk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 5 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Rca9sPXlZY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Rca9sPXlZY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 6 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4AZulY3HP3w?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4AZulY3HP3w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 7 of 8</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V2uu8Fnp1BM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V2uu8Fnp1BM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Videoclip 8 of 8</div><br />
<br />
I hope you made it through some if not all of those videos. These and more like them are readily available on YouTube. I certainly learnt a lot from watching them. I feel it helps me to think through what the whole controversy is about. Is what Wikileaks did right or wrong? Is it legal or illegal? Why did Julian Assange do it? What are the implications on political reform and public sector reform? What are the implications for Asian governments?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-54896409058823161132010-12-22T09:39:00.002+08:002010-12-26T14:40:26.374+08:00The Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b>The </b></span><br />
The Norwegian Nobel committee decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize 2010 to <b>Liu Xiaobo</b>, a Chinese political activist who is currently serving a 11-year prison sentence in China for trying to push for human rights for the Chinese. There was an angry reaction from the Chinese government when this award was announced.. They went on to boycott the award presentation held on 10th Dec in Oslo and pressured some other countries to do the same. China hinted at souring diplomatic relations with Norway and even launched their own alternative prize to the Nobel. You can see some of the details in the videoclip below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UF9K-T1OalY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UF9K-T1OalY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
I for one think it is rather sad how this whole thing unfolded. Being of Chinese origin, I am proud of what China has achieved in the past decades in economic and social development. The rise of China clearly reflects the ascent of the East to balance the dominance of the West. Which is exactly why I think the Chinese leadership needn't have taken such an extreme position. If they had simply stated that they disagreed with the Nobel Peace Prize this year and stayed away, the whole thing would have blown over very quickly. But their reaction actually called more attention to the award.<br />
<br />
Of course, I also believe the Norwegian Nobel Committee is fully entitled to choose whichever recipient they like. And I must say they have been rather good at picking controversial candidates ... like in 2009, they chose Barack Obama as the Peace Prize recipient - a thinly veiled rebuke of George W Bush's regime.<br />
<br />
But let me hasten to add that this blog is not meant to be a political commentary. What I really wanted to highlight here was the musical extravaganza of the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Cisco has been a global sponsor to this event for the past decade, and in conjunction with our Public Services Summit, we invite senior level customers to attend this.<br />
<br />
The hosts for the 2010 Concert, held on the evening of 11th Dec at the Spektrum arena in Oslo, were Denzel Washington and Anne Hathaway. And the artistes performing included: Sivert Hoyem, Florence + the Machine, Colbie Caillat, India Arie, Jamiroquai, Robyn, A R Rahman, Herbie Hancock and Barry Manilow.<br />
<br />
Here I was just before the concert started ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF5cSZHgmJVrlYnlMcWfBzS9C1hCKrGUdPvPZhM-qEZifgH_GBwvyScxXxPJ2gLo4PQegxKsUZXs_o79t3hKfWFkyXWy5te3aZ9LYbSzOjgImNmn4S39tN-S_z46K48RD67rvmhmx1maz/s1600/Oslo-03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF5cSZHgmJVrlYnlMcWfBzS9C1hCKrGUdPvPZhM-qEZifgH_GBwvyScxXxPJ2gLo4PQegxKsUZXs_o79t3hKfWFkyXWy5te3aZ9LYbSzOjgImNmn4S39tN-S_z46K48RD67rvmhmx1maz/s400/Oslo-03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Other shots of the audience before the concert ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3WemAJG_5tfFFf_HsOeVYiWdeHXCQOrvoRLORRhxwWHb_KPQqOWfktCUpm3kdoJqjfl7l4MSEFR3AphiwE5ZXQNJMWz7ann6EADbqcjA8naSi-g4zgYRTu5RC9Q0pqz-7-icYy1JN_Ai/s1600/Oslo-10-concert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3WemAJG_5tfFFf_HsOeVYiWdeHXCQOrvoRLORRhxwWHb_KPQqOWfktCUpm3kdoJqjfl7l4MSEFR3AphiwE5ZXQNJMWz7ann6EADbqcjA8naSi-g4zgYRTu5RC9Q0pqz-7-icYy1JN_Ai/s400/Oslo-10-concert.JPG" width="400" /></a></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/AVvXsEjGuVCiQgSSID8uiIoRrUL3W8xeQd4l0HPn7hwmp4f1OigV5doEkhHmyby12nhUdIKyp7jg8Z-D48ivyjczIIREXADi9iSIFBBs-sKd6IQBfY6-4db_7694SB75MHqvqzRQsZDIWMT527gc/s1600/Oslo-11-concert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuVCiQgSSID8uiIoRrUL3W8xeQd4l0HPn7hwmp4f1OigV5doEkhHmyby12nhUdIKyp7jg8Z-D48ivyjczIIREXADi9iSIFBBs-sKd6IQBfY6-4db_7694SB75MHqvqzRQsZDIWMT527gc/s400/Oslo-11-concert.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Norwegian royalty arrive, together with the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges6myqx_tZB1-oBYIje_y-If8nbMe1KomaqiSFImVKPi-BymtMtsJrDYOUhOBIwwr-u2ru0bsAtEfZfrHZAXv9ZQs4WxhjeqatTzVnA0pj_RtgUpYDLZVulrK5rfYT0FxvSAAgHB3og8t/s1600/Oslo-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges6myqx_tZB1-oBYIje_y-If8nbMe1KomaqiSFImVKPi-BymtMtsJrDYOUhOBIwwr-u2ru0bsAtEfZfrHZAXv9ZQs4WxhjeqatTzVnA0pj_RtgUpYDLZVulrK5rfYT0FxvSAAgHB3og8t/s400/Oslo-04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then came the two superstar hosts, Denzel and Anne ... let the show begin !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kyTnMtV_e7OvN4qQEXUZ6sCsub1vNl0DywSk9gBt4RIYyGMzq42FcXAb8sHR9c6Q_T5wYI5PrlXwg5T4PNu9tE9vCOBDDIO8g5Wi47L8UKQwKc_8xTd7tc-ybqtkG4JHY7qjgYPBHeTm/s1600/Oslo-06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kyTnMtV_e7OvN4qQEXUZ6sCsub1vNl0DywSk9gBt4RIYyGMzq42FcXAb8sHR9c6Q_T5wYI5PrlXwg5T4PNu9tE9vCOBDDIO8g5Wi47L8UKQwKc_8xTd7tc-ybqtkG4JHY7qjgYPBHeTm/s400/Oslo-06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here are a few videoclips showing a few of the performances I liked ...<br />
<br />
<br />
First <b>ROBYN</b> ...<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXYpSHNkPIs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXYpSHNkPIs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Next we had <b>FLORENCE + THE MACHINE</b> ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/11_DVeXz7NU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/11_DVeXz7NU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
Then we had <b>JAMIROQUAI</b> ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Utr1kXaJtXY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Utr1kXaJtXY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
Then <b>A. R. RAHMAN</b> with his "Slumdog Millionaire suite" ... I love the energy of " Jai Ho" !<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/20Iuo2n-MQw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/20Iuo2n-MQw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
Finally the highlight by <b>BARRY MANILOW</b> ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NXHnMIkDSrE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NXHnMIkDSrE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
and another one by Barry ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g39zhNAgEAQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g39zhNAgEAQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
Well, hope you liked those as much as I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o8ov7IfAIvx6waT4E0qhNfCesdMoeT2WfBKTvOYcGEyy2k3ZSAO2qSK7Lxma93I2QnEviRO9EOjEtr8XYOmcHTtcwQVYmoAh5ubwbxEyXkHe1BKctPPsdgoXw6HeBrWtEReiEmRSioVh/s1600/tux-01bw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o8ov7IfAIvx6waT4E0qhNfCesdMoeT2WfBKTvOYcGEyy2k3ZSAO2qSK7Lxma93I2QnEviRO9EOjEtr8XYOmcHTtcwQVYmoAh5ubwbxEyXkHe1BKctPPsdgoXw6HeBrWtEReiEmRSioVh/s320/tux-01bw.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">...</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-53592095369113415592010-07-18T14:28:00.003+08:002010-07-19T10:04:57.649+08:00Scenes from Hanoi, Vietnam<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
This week I've been back in Hanoi for meetings. Thought I'd just post some random shots from this charming capital city of Vietnam. The photos have been taken over the space of many trips. <br />
<br />
Mind you, June and July aren't the best months to visit Hanoi. The temperature can go up to 45 degrees C. Fortunately I have been going between one air-con building and another, so I haven't had to bear the full brunt of the heat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRqxQUnsDNC-OnIYJzFmH5kkjMoWtSaDX3XbQ0ktTnE57SNiOezHCbxxlKNFbP_o1SPIppLwVsLs52ltQy1OQGmQ9Psc5qpvNLauFvqLPoAgGS-mwACsrVPYLsltgXxkVP2IoeEKdP-w/s1600/IMG_5549p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRqxQUnsDNC-OnIYJzFmH5kkjMoWtSaDX3XbQ0ktTnE57SNiOezHCbxxlKNFbP_o1SPIppLwVsLs52ltQy1OQGmQ9Psc5qpvNLauFvqLPoAgGS-mwACsrVPYLsltgXxkVP2IoeEKdP-w/s400/IMG_5549p.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
On 10th Oct 2010, the city (Thang Long-Hanoi) will be celebrating its 1000th year history as the key capital. It was founded in 1010 as a city called Thang Long (Flying Dragon). In fact, throughout its dramatic history, Hanoi has borne many names: Giao Chi (Remote Land), Tong Binh (Proper Home), An Nam (Pacified South), Dai La (Great Belt, as in the dyke surrounding the city), Dong Do and Dong Quan (both meaning Capital), Dong Kinh (Eastern Capital) - which the French priests later interpreted as Tongkin. The name Hanoi, or more strictly Ha Noi, only appeared after the Nguyen Dynasty attained power in 1802, shifted the capital to Hue and renamed the city in 1831. Ha Noi literally translates to City in the River, City Surrounded by Rivers, City in the Bend of the River, or more romantically City in the Embrace of the Rivers. Despite the name change, even well into the 20th century, people still like to call the city Thang Long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMe3k6Iy5LnIdokpU-H2hyujHSPGJMpJ9MnfwrNn0cJ0JOs_Ir00hGFg70azaLG4cCpzevP_QfWfC6m8Fuoe6shlfwdXR_P_R8fPpKWpVi-4ubxLbWUOox8x7NBRheYSgJhyZ6s_N868/s1600/IMG_5547p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMe3k6Iy5LnIdokpU-H2hyujHSPGJMpJ9MnfwrNn0cJ0JOs_Ir00hGFg70azaLG4cCpzevP_QfWfC6m8Fuoe6shlfwdXR_P_R8fPpKWpVi-4ubxLbWUOox8x7NBRheYSgJhyZ6s_N868/s400/IMG_5547p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Sunset scene on Hoan Kiem lake in the centre of Hanoi</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXtRCiGFEa9RodQ1Ct7uR7hP6a9KFE5He38Jk8kMUafXH-VLDsliHKdHAcU1W4WQx5hxT_sSDZlQ7wr_FUlH89NWcXbDnB2Y86q7VJ9Hm_Gr_bfTKRcgwbcAseLQDZz_S1l5KRxx5WeU/s1600/HAN+017p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXtRCiGFEa9RodQ1Ct7uR7hP6a9KFE5He38Jk8kMUafXH-VLDsliHKdHAcU1W4WQx5hxT_sSDZlQ7wr_FUlH89NWcXbDnB2Y86q7VJ9Hm_Gr_bfTKRcgwbcAseLQDZz_S1l5KRxx5WeU/s400/HAN+017p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Opera House, Hanoi</em><br />
<em><span style="color: white;">.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi7G9KfU38kUTge-_Z4PJ6T0QTQMi3bJyPD-aSjEcYyjaNjCK3XpcW1v0brEAOQ66H4ORzEwRu1uR8VJ3yvjc5H6iWDUPAPq04zVIZXlX66PYHI_qOD2ZTJsvX2VQV5pHaipGRAZ5rS0/s1600/Recreating+masterpieces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi7G9KfU38kUTge-_Z4PJ6T0QTQMi3bJyPD-aSjEcYyjaNjCK3XpcW1v0brEAOQ66H4ORzEwRu1uR8VJ3yvjc5H6iWDUPAPq04zVIZXlX66PYHI_qOD2ZTJsvX2VQV5pHaipGRAZ5rS0/s400/Recreating+masterpieces.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Art in the streets of Hanoi</em></div><br />
Want a "Mona Lisa" or "Sunflowers" painting in your living room? Want yourself standing next to the Mona Lisa? All can be done through the talents of these copy artists in the streets of Hanoi.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D5KwDc2YYZb0Xa62WGmhyM7Osqp3eFPc5X9EK3C85kF_tGozLvcy7aKxBSyIFOl_IB0PZkYbsiGMQHW1IPbfLC9kItLDu8MyWgtQWu-cKFhzpVQzIan0X2rIahciwBGJt1Q3upJMulQ/s1600/HAN+048p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D5KwDc2YYZb0Xa62WGmhyM7Osqp3eFPc5X9EK3C85kF_tGozLvcy7aKxBSyIFOl_IB0PZkYbsiGMQHW1IPbfLC9kItLDu8MyWgtQWu-cKFhzpVQzIan0X2rIahciwBGJt1Q3upJMulQ/s400/HAN+048p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>A candid shot into an alley way</em> </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vewgCE76I-ZpotI4Lm3WyQIrsAGUBVCKavVndNSzzrKdgeMWxiLY7WeIw34m7W0c5HmZaMOjQcY7J25cuZVwUFIaWFWFl09pDIylqfdO2J2KfOLBzQQZmqOlXAPbdehPKyxkkS2uHJo/s1600/HAN+049p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vewgCE76I-ZpotI4Lm3WyQIrsAGUBVCKavVndNSzzrKdgeMWxiLY7WeIw34m7W0c5HmZaMOjQcY7J25cuZVwUFIaWFWFl09pDIylqfdO2J2KfOLBzQQZmqOlXAPbdehPKyxkkS2uHJo/s400/HAN+049p.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Outside a souvenir shop near the Old Quarter of Hanoi.</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUwHQ57cZCzRfm4EakSP8dtfKVaL0o4cNLzmRYmHl29eiRUcowdpYcW6m3CzKAFxqDQLq3KZ2oS7g3mTe9bzcvaqR8lTC21vMfSMrcpGV3zbzsvSbavz8lPewc64i0_R5WXxA31AQGuEa/s1600/Old_Quarters_community1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUwHQ57cZCzRfm4EakSP8dtfKVaL0o4cNLzmRYmHl29eiRUcowdpYcW6m3CzKAFxqDQLq3KZ2oS7g3mTe9bzcvaqR8lTC21vMfSMrcpGV3zbzsvSbavz8lPewc64i0_R5WXxA31AQGuEa/s400/Old_Quarters_community1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Evening in the Old Quarters of Hanoi</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The above photo by Jemima Yong (<a href="mailto:jemimayong@hotmail.com">jemimayong@hotmail.com</a>) really captures the community feeling among the residents of the Old Quarters. I'd encourage you to click to enlarge the picture and try to tell the story yourself. I am firmly of the opinion that in transitioning to "modern" city living, we have lost much of this community feeling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNVOG20mF_B9j-9K5X94z9VhWEvfhveGnw2PZubpShMIN2E6RUSK4-sbPrmdBwKCM3zIkxPT8qPX5Wdq7U_QvmuKb1dOIdSY2-FvXIAEMpi89Sl3PrIfz5n43-xfnfAsQ0a28hBq8-dE/s1600/HAN+051p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNVOG20mF_B9j-9K5X94z9VhWEvfhveGnw2PZubpShMIN2E6RUSK4-sbPrmdBwKCM3zIkxPT8qPX5Wdq7U_QvmuKb1dOIdSY2-FvXIAEMpi89Sl3PrIfz5n43-xfnfAsQ0a28hBq8-dE/s400/HAN+051p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>A roadside fruit seller arranges her ware</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE0sl0FLFoB1BneIScuyXcoRw-kS7UMfy-fj-qqf_ZIVux09vxq3LK6nWfhc0Ce6L0a50qg_8LrhmNc31nMGc2St1zMEq-i8uicfQYmXUAhIp3Zvg4WEN9y9O9420vXkdFjmJd_1e8y8/s1600/Hanoi-Water-Puppetry-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE0sl0FLFoB1BneIScuyXcoRw-kS7UMfy-fj-qqf_ZIVux09vxq3LK6nWfhc0Ce6L0a50qg_8LrhmNc31nMGc2St1zMEq-i8uicfQYmXUAhIp3Zvg4WEN9y9O9420vXkdFjmJd_1e8y8/s400/Hanoi-Water-Puppetry-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>The unique art form of Water Puppetry in Hanoi</em></div><br />
<br />
Ok, more on Hanoi later. I now have a plane to catch ...<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-69121655134883652962010-07-12T10:58:00.004+08:002010-07-12T11:01:27.371+08:00On Top of Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Recently we decided to explore the newly opened Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR) facilities in Singapore. This was the second IR to open on the island state, the first one being the Resorts World Sentosa, which opened its doors on the Lunar New Year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nD9S2FiIMsU9JrjIZT9YZypUYGCnVKH_9TK2N7lz9aghyphenhyphenQUtNSCHQ0Afo-sy1abbcqy9zEt0JkGTfPsKLNtDQHtak-ndhdckrSzL8oQe_7e7jWZlLFgiKbZvA2OwqjwIFCYVIxztcNM/s1600/MBSands_Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nD9S2FiIMsU9JrjIZT9YZypUYGCnVKH_9TK2N7lz9aghyphenhyphenQUtNSCHQ0Afo-sy1abbcqy9zEt0JkGTfPsKLNtDQHtak-ndhdckrSzL8oQe_7e7jWZlLFgiKbZvA2OwqjwIFCYVIxztcNM/s320/MBSands_Singapore.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
The MBS buildings are certainly impressive structures, and for the past year we had been observing the three towers growing higher and higher, and finally the horizontal boat-shaped structure was put on top. I have no doubt it was quite an engineering challenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJarmR1QJD1JAb_h1MWJ1uaz814R3S7kCbdE3KTIzZyxlKwd_pMbkObzalh2y6A-Uh7Dia3JWdzRVU4HqSi5WRL89tn_6A4yc-v8iltVgLS9y0MJjCHUFaEaKzXTA6gHiRCVqkvFrFIyE/s1600/marina-bay-sands-detaila.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJarmR1QJD1JAb_h1MWJ1uaz814R3S7kCbdE3KTIzZyxlKwd_pMbkObzalh2y6A-Uh7Dia3JWdzRVU4HqSi5WRL89tn_6A4yc-v8iltVgLS9y0MJjCHUFaEaKzXTA6gHiRCVqkvFrFIyE/s400/marina-bay-sands-detaila.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Well, here are some photos from that day ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYkh3LhG-bDgJIhJNmLlwYlBYVP87v6kELRmJ5Vi9S8q2XazTmB8rFUREcb5_93X77kcLvORXBQiuGMHCJMpPlSu9pfhaSzOeSUPRCWGzfwFI3f0UhnnqeYg0PThMCC3xHPmMH5jt9as/s1600/MBS-01-Canalp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYkh3LhG-bDgJIhJNmLlwYlBYVP87v6kELRmJ5Vi9S8q2XazTmB8rFUREcb5_93X77kcLvORXBQiuGMHCJMpPlSu9pfhaSzOeSUPRCWGzfwFI3f0UhnnqeYg0PThMCC3xHPmMH5jt9as/s400/MBS-01-Canalp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The above was on Level 1 of the mall & casino building, where a canal had been constructed to give short rides to the visitors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBhuQuFw0Rm4iJ3OpyC4xQlYwG5yK_9UxRWk-V40YwdkT9TvnNOhncjnN7QSVKFpAmH9vB7F2eBtG5Lw0lux-rZkTRmrdOlCm8mtJdMiDwP_XtgwROcTaAmxzL6aygaYaDhzZRnbLDlM/s1600/MBS-02p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBhuQuFw0Rm4iJ3OpyC4xQlYwG5yK_9UxRWk-V40YwdkT9TvnNOhncjnN7QSVKFpAmH9vB7F2eBtG5Lw0lux-rZkTRmrdOlCm8mtJdMiDwP_XtgwROcTaAmxzL6aygaYaDhzZRnbLDlM/s400/MBS-02p.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Next we bought tickets to take the elevator to the Sky Park, as they call it. It cost S$20 per adult, with discounts for children and senior citizens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmaFKMX6uKb0O7yzt2GbUAo2ewHMOeIeSHvJUsE1xrHGjBxEozIjC21EUBokXJ9XwcMvGy6oCwuHGzXuA5Nu3JfHqYgBMxI1knQjYupmLA70VjBfb5Ow7OP6UhV2cSruJRWvyvzsKj2k/s1600/MBS-04p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmaFKMX6uKb0O7yzt2GbUAo2ewHMOeIeSHvJUsE1xrHGjBxEozIjC21EUBokXJ9XwcMvGy6oCwuHGzXuA5Nu3JfHqYgBMxI1knQjYupmLA70VjBfb5Ow7OP6UhV2cSruJRWvyvzsKj2k/s400/MBS-04p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The picture above shows the two orbs making up the Esplanade theatres, while on the right, you can see the seating and performing areas that will be used for the annual National Day celebrations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmZ4F66CyTXlvf2-__xMlPn03n1FlEkSBSr_wxrI3PbB6P78JYaqLlAwjB_LxJJiEexy_3beNmgtJB8XvdVtmPFeCGnKTm7ThDaouqfqRO6sL-L0bIJG2O56D8kjlMygL9VpVloZMQuc/s1600/MBS-07p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmZ4F66CyTXlvf2-__xMlPn03n1FlEkSBSr_wxrI3PbB6P78JYaqLlAwjB_LxJJiEexy_3beNmgtJB8XvdVtmPFeCGnKTm7ThDaouqfqRO6sL-L0bIJG2O56D8kjlMygL9VpVloZMQuc/s400/MBS-07p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I must admit the view from the Sky Park was much better than from the Singapore Flyer, the big wheel that I visited about 1.5 years ago. You can get a sense of the relative size of the Flyer as compared to the MBS tower in the photo above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GBREcvNyMYDqQ-ed3USCfFsqpg61zDNWOPJSHGwu6A76V51rFdRpJNjx-V88IR4nIsl0hDfi6kRdHUsJhZyb-wg_UmZDMMCN0krXjMN_RSRDOKUzH1aSAqFIXJfLqqV8fcLZSlsZHGA/s1600/MBS-05p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GBREcvNyMYDqQ-ed3USCfFsqpg61zDNWOPJSHGwu6A76V51rFdRpJNjx-V88IR4nIsl0hDfi6kRdHUsJhZyb-wg_UmZDMMCN0krXjMN_RSRDOKUzH1aSAqFIXJfLqqV8fcLZSlsZHGA/s400/MBS-05p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This view above is overlooking Clifford Pier and the Financial district. The thingie around my neck is the audio guide they provide visitors with such that when you press the number corresponding to different view stations, you get a narrative of what you are viewing. Quite useful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lF7w5ujpBWI2KvNsa-BeBRhoRfICWa9RxSRAYdlfMEud6fBbSvQ1BHLl7xdSkqe1mQHzPM2TV7JrqEnzOoMHxuOsRBGhnorO2KIXNRvo6tdfGRPK-Xwotvgk0BGhMWVNA45g1TSghYM/s1600/MBS-06p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lF7w5ujpBWI2KvNsa-BeBRhoRfICWa9RxSRAYdlfMEud6fBbSvQ1BHLl7xdSkqe1mQHzPM2TV7JrqEnzOoMHxuOsRBGhnorO2KIXNRvo6tdfGRPK-Xwotvgk0BGhMWVNA45g1TSghYM/s400/MBS-06p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And this one shows the Marina Barrage in the background.<br />
<br />
The other section which was interesting was the swimming pool. As you can see, the pool goes almost to the edge of the building, and gives the impression that if one is not careful, it's a long drop down to earth. Looks scary but it doesn't seem to bother the swimmers and sunbathers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdsy_udgQD5sRusYOw22UFtN_0LZRlGWfVtMfIp9lb_ZLt6nCbdmP5mgwOD4JPFdX4M7ArCTIIVgVKpb9kEcyI7IAUCV27faJ05DsOin9fkQP9ic2utJHoEDeruIefDc25JEBlCEA-98/s1600/Rooftop-Pool-01p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdsy_udgQD5sRusYOw22UFtN_0LZRlGWfVtMfIp9lb_ZLt6nCbdmP5mgwOD4JPFdX4M7ArCTIIVgVKpb9kEcyI7IAUCV27faJ05DsOin9fkQP9ic2utJHoEDeruIefDc25JEBlCEA-98/s400/Rooftop-Pool-01p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tixUvYYUT0O9rWrhv3uuPRqZKx8TU79nvMKV5iD09-vu25GFudNUUmHpjCs-vOqUJZdDFLQeb_sikfTs4baX27AHfBeHrsSd_SfaDtLjEGpvFkXtk716UcO7Hz9nvISzhcXAI_HMKNk/s1600/Rooftop-Pool-02p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tixUvYYUT0O9rWrhv3uuPRqZKx8TU79nvMKV5iD09-vu25GFudNUUmHpjCs-vOqUJZdDFLQeb_sikfTs4baX27AHfBeHrsSd_SfaDtLjEGpvFkXtk716UcO7Hz9nvISzhcXAI_HMKNk/s400/Rooftop-Pool-02p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Anyway, enjoy the scenery ...<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-82898533871685207652010-07-08T09:40:00.000+08:002010-07-08T09:40:49.879+08:00World Fairs and the Shanghai Expo 2010<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
Let's begin with a bit of history ... The names "World's Fair", "World Fair", "Universal Exposition", and "Expo" have all been used to refer to the various large public exhibitions held in different parts of the world. The first Expo was held in The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom in 1851 under the title "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations". <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7I44fiac-HrTAjdVvcy-9YXiW2PyEt4XJuZ2LW4mZDnod7jIWXFucNKoax1vmSDuES89H21aAVAzkNwowTXAQTxlk6uWGzw0xcIcNN8dotTE6NS_YMeRMl0gz0cdYzfTxj68aMRwzKl/s1600/great-exhibition-london-crystal_palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="283" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7I44fiac-HrTAjdVvcy-9YXiW2PyEt4XJuZ2LW4mZDnod7jIWXFucNKoax1vmSDuES89H21aAVAzkNwowTXAQTxlk6uWGzw0xcIcNN8dotTE6NS_YMeRMl0gz0cdYzfTxj68aMRwzKl/s400/great-exhibition-london-crystal_palace.jpg" width="400" /></em></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Photo (1) : Crystal Palace, London in 1851</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It was supposedly the brainchild of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, and was the first international exhibition of manufactured products. As such, it influenced the development of several aspects of society including art and design education, international trade and relations, and even tourism. It became the precedent for the many international exhibitions, later called "World's Fairs", which were subsequently held to the present day.<br />
<br />
The second World's Fair, held in 1855, was in Paris. The third went back to London in 1862. Subsequently it was Paris (1867), Vienna (1873), Philadelphia (1876), Paris (1878), Sydney (1879), Melbourne (1880), etc. In 1970, it was held in Osaka, Japan. I remember because I was there as a child with my parents. The last few Expos have been held in Hannover, Germany (2000), Aichi, Japan (2005) and Zaragosa, Spain (2008).<br />
<br />
Last month I had the opportunity to spend a day at the <strong>Shanghai Expo 2010</strong>. We got there just as it opened at 10am. Most of the expo is on the Pudong side, with a smaller section on the Puxi side (Pudong and Puxi represent respectively the areas to the east and west of the Huangpu, the river that cuts through Shanghai). <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdodJQklCapaAjR1FdP1xNqBEOXsEjwD9siaxi3laVAxKWYmUkfs1bt745QC9MTsolbN2oWSQ-F4mwLZwItntcdJUI31YcweAq7SAdeG6rmfrWPZgvjIXr5PaHjY2FPllbSiC667N0s_s/s1600/Shanghai-Expo-2010-map-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdodJQklCapaAjR1FdP1xNqBEOXsEjwD9siaxi3laVAxKWYmUkfs1bt745QC9MTsolbN2oWSQ-F4mwLZwItntcdJUI31YcweAq7SAdeG6rmfrWPZgvjIXr5PaHjY2FPllbSiC667N0s_s/s400/Shanghai-Expo-2010-map-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Photo (2) : Map of Shanghai Expo 2010</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Overall a very impressive showcase, with throngs of people visiting. I reckon this could become the most visited Expo ever! Here's a selection of photos from our day at the Expo ...<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXx7AXThVJ_biTa5UHY_jopeQaGjn66CS4mvaRTqixdJDQEute7loJj2lpuPcXdF8C_VkxlWK1vXwA8FdnkhLUymk6_E1O0KspTjNzFa1L_picvkuuSY0C6vDhMTvgF9jYL3PgN7od_Y/s1600/JY-at-China-pavilion-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXx7AXThVJ_biTa5UHY_jopeQaGjn66CS4mvaRTqixdJDQEute7loJj2lpuPcXdF8C_VkxlWK1vXwA8FdnkhLUymk6_E1O0KspTjNzFa1L_picvkuuSY0C6vDhMTvgF9jYL3PgN7od_Y/s640/JY-at-China-pavilion-p.JPG" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (3) : At the China pavilion (I didn't go in as the queue was about 4 hours long)</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJDIJG1NF4g8eXdiFNGt8nEZ9Rnc_bNUM1SF8hg1aXmOK5a7NbwWTnLfEq5zPlo58qipf-Qa-TCN_D5S5CfF0gk1SSOPtb2DhHlsfERO1v7Rn4AQdGFgXvyML8YqZFfEuqVpl5h9BV90/s1600/JY-spiral-vortex-design-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJDIJG1NF4g8eXdiFNGt8nEZ9Rnc_bNUM1SF8hg1aXmOK5a7NbwWTnLfEq5zPlo58qipf-Qa-TCN_D5S5CfF0gk1SSOPtb2DhHlsfERO1v7Rn4AQdGFgXvyML8YqZFfEuqVpl5h9BV90/s400/JY-spiral-vortex-design-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (4) : I love the architectural designs !</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiAczPCvX_vecreciADUgXz8tIJohM9-eXMT7dRBdvm_kkSrWHH1SX_uivQy3YtKcUiDKN6Q_ZoIzYx-Ez_dWJOeuFX-IoEVVSAX8y6E6J1jprarq-xo6sDakFNJPPgcGfhNcnkQyvQ8/s1600/JY-at-Malaysian-pavilion-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiAczPCvX_vecreciADUgXz8tIJohM9-eXMT7dRBdvm_kkSrWHH1SX_uivQy3YtKcUiDKN6Q_ZoIzYx-Ez_dWJOeuFX-IoEVVSAX8y6E6J1jprarq-xo6sDakFNJPPgcGfhNcnkQyvQ8/s400/JY-at-Malaysian-pavilion-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (5) : At the Malaysian pavilion. Negara ku .......</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDQ-9aVhAaRYbbJfGSNT9TBktxUd4FZS7N5cNuM3bg7HhSaSH-QjKjhdtUnpUVGfgpj7YXNao98nvOHMj7GiJkR87myepzPTHx_DmOP9B-TCCaK8-OfV86XsVgINHoFeY3Oz7bsUb78Q/s1600/JY-at-Malaysian-pavilionX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDQ-9aVhAaRYbbJfGSNT9TBktxUd4FZS7N5cNuM3bg7HhSaSH-QjKjhdtUnpUVGfgpj7YXNao98nvOHMj7GiJkR87myepzPTHx_DmOP9B-TCCaK8-OfV86XsVgINHoFeY3Oz7bsUb78Q/s400/JY-at-Malaysian-pavilionX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (6) : Some shots with the Malaysian dancers performing outside</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9L12MgOGVOUE6sLSZI6ucWiJYZNX-9XZDVl96qfvPMjCShdbvLOkWwzcfxWI-dgtmLTXBrs6Y8qnsVPUBqhgujTS_Ta6QnKcJwgcz8nHrS7SBowJPxH-C9J2MnnO-LRDJe5KgP605vWE/s1600/JY-at-Singapore-pavilion-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9L12MgOGVOUE6sLSZI6ucWiJYZNX-9XZDVl96qfvPMjCShdbvLOkWwzcfxWI-dgtmLTXBrs6Y8qnsVPUBqhgujTS_Ta6QnKcJwgcz8nHrS7SBowJPxH-C9J2MnnO-LRDJe5KgP605vWE/s400/JY-at-Singapore-pavilion-p.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (7) : This is the Singapore pavilion, supposedly shaped like a music box</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijadrsI9xKiGuPqsNWkY4uo3Ijec2L32YRwv23-HEE7g3nc4U_Ch9uOhxwVXnejvp_3Ea7tbQ4YFNlmJtO3_6etQI3f1qZIUrCs4L2Ld4k2s1BRaqguiRfRYaMtvG4zvlzl2D-STUCZgI/s1600/JY-Cambodia-pav-01-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijadrsI9xKiGuPqsNWkY4uo3Ijec2L32YRwv23-HEE7g3nc4U_Ch9uOhxwVXnejvp_3Ea7tbQ4YFNlmJtO3_6etQI3f1qZIUrCs4L2Ld4k2s1BRaqguiRfRYaMtvG4zvlzl2D-STUCZgI/s400/JY-Cambodia-pav-01-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (8a) : This realistic looking tree roots lie within the Cambodia pavilion.</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0eise-LcFVGvekkGA0HQoDntK3vLLIejnSPxebE_gYtG9QLXkxJxz_jxD2VEz7POF7OKcc9l6YoSVWnwiQ_HVO6optEYU2EgLLvSsp76a_hqZ-S7COGg_aqKvps7Ls6xGgZUgGaqR0A/s1600/Cambodia-pav-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0eise-LcFVGvekkGA0HQoDntK3vLLIejnSPxebE_gYtG9QLXkxJxz_jxD2VEz7POF7OKcc9l6YoSVWnwiQ_HVO6optEYU2EgLLvSsp76a_hqZ-S7COGg_aqKvps7Ls6xGgZUgGaqR0A/s400/Cambodia-pav-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (8b) : The Kingdom of Cambodia pavilion</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry6GoZ-68ke529GPvg7R1SuWrHrSrOUYPPSzq_HcCmB3YeZFZ4JCiiPfwPSpt3ZT7Tr9HawlDUxnn7TfNHh1lD0LLDuZGeFMkBlGBPQJ2xCf0jKKacJ1J1Mf-xNhCLKXRxX1O_w3ihXI/s1600/Australia-pavilion-01-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry6GoZ-68ke529GPvg7R1SuWrHrSrOUYPPSzq_HcCmB3YeZFZ4JCiiPfwPSpt3ZT7Tr9HawlDUxnn7TfNHh1lD0LLDuZGeFMkBlGBPQJ2xCf0jKKacJ1J1Mf-xNhCLKXRxX1O_w3ihXI/s400/Australia-pavilion-01-p.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (9) : G'day mate, here's the Aussie pavilion</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIj436w82I6MdNnNzgKzdNr_eTXptrTuyFSU5F8Chl38voeKOi_sy22WQj7kdXUupmsZHHlv5PF_rkxirqE3L8JFkHLcjaVxooEzxnj2ZAW-hirte2zwPCbKm8IjWr67hZ5t51RuQAV0/s1600/James-Greg-Joseph-EstoniaPavilion-Jun2010p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIj436w82I6MdNnNzgKzdNr_eTXptrTuyFSU5F8Chl38voeKOi_sy22WQj7kdXUupmsZHHlv5PF_rkxirqE3L8JFkHLcjaVxooEzxnj2ZAW-hirte2zwPCbKm8IjWr67hZ5t51RuQAV0/s400/James-Greg-Joseph-EstoniaPavilion-Jun2010p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (10) : With colleagues in the Estonia pavilion</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01se8xT0uLzYtDWSnSrpTXYcJeE5T7cEYXtL0uxPFuhhKJ-6RRztKwTQBIERBS0sheeE0_5O_JkXMSLoaEhMxpliJYQ2o0tQii4xQ3BdruChKM6oITWvjtYo13l0MeIYP5qKGZBKItF8/s1600/James-Greg-Joseph-Outside-LatviaPavilion-Jun2010-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01se8xT0uLzYtDWSnSrpTXYcJeE5T7cEYXtL0uxPFuhhKJ-6RRztKwTQBIERBS0sheeE0_5O_JkXMSLoaEhMxpliJYQ2o0tQii4xQ3BdruChKM6oITWvjtYo13l0MeIYP5qKGZBKItF8/s400/James-Greg-Joseph-Outside-LatviaPavilion-Jun2010-p.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (11) : In front of the Latvia pavilion</em></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9rby49oJd_WOKrQnostjV3BVWeFfwlEH3EPfZGa9g__kqvKY840FT1-25esOLsZt108vVFElTrRoPY-7X617J2GHA6uyNO3I1XWHtZ9PRz_YjXOEK8ZMJXoPLRojcGSh6jLPFyVc98/s1600/UK-pavilion-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9rby49oJd_WOKrQnostjV3BVWeFfwlEH3EPfZGa9g__kqvKY840FT1-25esOLsZt108vVFElTrRoPY-7X617J2GHA6uyNO3I1XWHtZ9PRz_YjXOEK8ZMJXoPLRojcGSh6jLPFyVc98/s400/UK-pavilion-01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (12) : UK Pavilion</em><br />
<em></em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbulND5MBKm03fDeN-cjhDcvCAk1329uxyf0wBY6PUYwamVIX69u2TWCdxJxVgSlOi_USYXULR4LVWUKTvdQ4TQ5Ap9KNnsm3uqS6INSMKDQ666iheScS2zt2hfgetySpCnJtrfuiizsg/s1600/Joseph-James-CiscoPavilion-Jun2010-p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbulND5MBKm03fDeN-cjhDcvCAk1329uxyf0wBY6PUYwamVIX69u2TWCdxJxVgSlOi_USYXULR4LVWUKTvdQ4TQ5Ap9KNnsm3uqS6INSMKDQ666iheScS2zt2hfgetySpCnJtrfuiizsg/s400/Joseph-James-CiscoPavilion-Jun2010-p.JPG" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo (13) : With a colleague outside the Cisco pavilion</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, there are obviously many, many more pavilions and sights that I won't be able to show ... so if you do have a chance, go visit it yourself. The Shanghai Expo 2010 is open until the end of September 2010. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: white;">.</span></div>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-56259460727184345242010-04-25T00:56:00.002+08:002010-04-25T16:32:37.542+08:00On MOUs, Marble and Music<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
The recent drought of postings was because I've been busy travelling. This week I was back in Vietnam - two days in Hanoi, two days in Da Nang (where I am right now) and half a day stopover in HCMC.<br />
<br />
Da Nang was the key focus of this trip. It's still one of my favourite cities in Vietnam and I've been engaging with various government agencies there for a number of years. The purpose of this trip was to oversee the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the People's Committee of Da Nang and Cisco. I had been working towards this for quite a while, and believed this to be a significant milestone in our partnership. More on this event can be read <a href="http://www.dtinews.vn/news/news/headlines/da-nang-heads-towards-an-economically-viable-city.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuSO7JKmIsUEgnFXQsqcRiRFMvhPVOPINm7_u6QgdSGzxBJ1P0TwxrEh4YSSC8GlubnnQkkKXHD01GM8f5kXRp8QQO1IpLkUvd4XLKPw1NSrper7fuyuWfvlDxFh5vgaDJfwG1MFugLk/s1600/IMG_5578x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuSO7JKmIsUEgnFXQsqcRiRFMvhPVOPINm7_u6QgdSGzxBJ1P0TwxrEh4YSSC8GlubnnQkkKXHD01GM8f5kXRp8QQO1IpLkUvd4XLKPw1NSrper7fuyuWfvlDxFh5vgaDJfwG1MFugLk/s400/IMG_5578x.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vihHVkRmArDTQF1Y21Ka0WvfqVrSLC1Yxq2DdvHChUIgFNziFBKIA6Z_7vPuvfK_wijuoDvHI5rBExN0pLzkAN1Js2uQ0A8w72gUB87R2ObzJ00bC6w5nngV9wRZafIMxU3HobOaiHY/s1600/IMG_5590x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vihHVkRmArDTQF1Y21Ka0WvfqVrSLC1Yxq2DdvHChUIgFNziFBKIA6Z_7vPuvfK_wijuoDvHI5rBExN0pLzkAN1Js2uQ0A8w72gUB87R2ObzJ00bC6w5nngV9wRZafIMxU3HobOaiHY/s400/IMG_5590x.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38XW_wjRvYBpEyenevIlHDD_HsK8dIAzW5XZQynX8egwZ2AMxBKY_V2zPeewxfMTJYonkxSNq1wQVEqzQXKwm0iJBLr5keauBc91JFxFrZzlpV_2R6ogXgD5Rxc5JjXKSQ2BJgYOiAXM/s1600/IMG_5604x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38XW_wjRvYBpEyenevIlHDD_HsK8dIAzW5XZQynX8egwZ2AMxBKY_V2zPeewxfMTJYonkxSNq1wQVEqzQXKwm0iJBLr5keauBc91JFxFrZzlpV_2R6ogXgD5Rxc5JjXKSQ2BJgYOiAXM/s400/IMG_5604x.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After the official work was over, I had a chance to pay a visit to Marble Mountain, one of a cluster of five marble/limestone mountains located a few km south of Da Nang, that stretch from the coast inwards (in a westerly direction). The mountains are named after the five elements; Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). There are many caves and tunnels in the mountains and I read that they were used quite a bit during the Vietnam (or American, depending on which side you are on) War. The area is now famous for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts.<br />
<br />
Here's a shot of the area where the Marble Mountains are located. You can see three out of the five mountains ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK-5eIhLDq4ZgfuPDC0IS2-MzhTi5igKPlPb6xJkz7AgnjY8GpcPnxYEXN88B-Oq7I0kI7rTJvgdvSXwXhpDnCs-MAIAzHCunGxJdWZEoDpwhKixSXd0UC707GdJXA8fJ5lrC4qAVEUA/s1600/MarbleMountain-04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK-5eIhLDq4ZgfuPDC0IS2-MzhTi5igKPlPb6xJkz7AgnjY8GpcPnxYEXN88B-Oq7I0kI7rTJvgdvSXwXhpDnCs-MAIAzHCunGxJdWZEoDpwhKixSXd0UC707GdJXA8fJ5lrC4qAVEUA/s400/MarbleMountain-04x.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here are some shots taken at one of the many stone sculpture shops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemeAZRJer1R3i9Bh0qfbX786O_QA4ZzWuRGJ5Zrn9dLQVl7hfocKcIoZ9xx9TWJXxFrIpoFdcHmj5QQBqNc1q95QlM25OnxrrbLMi2ol_ZkZDEx4svz5Z7vO3le_WSiu-boVotP14nKc/s1600/IMG_5624x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemeAZRJer1R3i9Bh0qfbX786O_QA4ZzWuRGJ5Zrn9dLQVl7hfocKcIoZ9xx9TWJXxFrIpoFdcHmj5QQBqNc1q95QlM25OnxrrbLMi2ol_ZkZDEx4svz5Z7vO3le_WSiu-boVotP14nKc/s400/IMG_5624x.JPG" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffn-jAQKAWZiOs8rKHQsoFMOrlKgk_ohgODDL8-Dt4Pl24pOKGCXiuIIUmvGnHfegF0Gbjhw-6Ws9gDocpvdXuVNRTGOPaZCSkR0LWOyp4ssVMO8lgcl4G-s2_FYhcv8A7vmUPG6L948/s1600/IMG_5626x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffn-jAQKAWZiOs8rKHQsoFMOrlKgk_ohgODDL8-Dt4Pl24pOKGCXiuIIUmvGnHfegF0Gbjhw-6Ws9gDocpvdXuVNRTGOPaZCSkR0LWOyp4ssVMO8lgcl4G-s2_FYhcv8A7vmUPG6L948/s400/IMG_5626x.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So remember .... if you want to order some marble lions or dragons or deities or nude maidens or fountains for your grand mansions, you can place an order with me. Shipment to all corners of the world provided. I'll give you some good rates. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally after dinner last night, I was invited to a music lounge to enjoy some traditional Vietnamese music and modern pop hits. I was impressed by the quality of the musicians (the white-haired violinist you see in the photo is particularly good!). And of course, there was a variety of singers doing everything from Vietnamese ballads to Lionel Richie's "Say You, Say Me". Alas, none attempted "Nobody".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5CKO2ssEtXT33rub6qadAMl9hoWp0LcwtEFbODGH3Dze_lJAx7XL4RzH4c_owIDQz5ruPxOVsV-02IGLjwrwrUEjRHdlyfpGIrUbZw-YdhHfpB4h1hyKafRe3gcIPMLiT8LNpPzhbUs/s1600/IMG_5635x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5CKO2ssEtXT33rub6qadAMl9hoWp0LcwtEFbODGH3Dze_lJAx7XL4RzH4c_owIDQz5ruPxOVsV-02IGLjwrwrUEjRHdlyfpGIrUbZw-YdhHfpB4h1hyKafRe3gcIPMLiT8LNpPzhbUs/s400/IMG_5635x.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All the lady singers I saw were lovely and had extremely powerful vocals. This was evident as each lass belted out soulful numbers one after the other with ease.<br />
<br />
Da Nang and its surroundings are indeed fascinating places - ideal for relaxation and for exploring the real Vietnam. It is clean, safe, scenic and the people are mostly friendly. I have quite a number of friends in Da Nang and I'd certainly recommend it to all.<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834287790541622706.post-59360833915123337342010-04-02T15:13:00.000+08:002010-04-02T15:13:19.003+08:00April Fools' Day - Jokes and Pranks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC8LXBkvwPw234o7dnoPAic9jgU_T1SWRvyAO39DS9BZ5EsuDLULRdI0-xY6pPWYikjyvhBq-B2mZat9P-3fnzer7TA_YgQP5p6QxkhyE3YafqrF88kjiP3nyneKzQ9pDsul2y4anTtM/s1600/AprilFool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC8LXBkvwPw234o7dnoPAic9jgU_T1SWRvyAO39DS9BZ5EsuDLULRdI0-xY6pPWYikjyvhBq-B2mZat9P-3fnzer7TA_YgQP5p6QxkhyE3YafqrF88kjiP3nyneKzQ9pDsul2y4anTtM/s200/AprilFool.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
Yesterday was 1st April, which most people know as April Fool's Day or All Fools' Day. The day is marked by the creation of hoaxes and other practical jokes and pranks of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is simply to have some fun and to embarrass the gullible or unsuspecting. Most of these jokes are small but some are pretty big scale. Some can be quite hilarious (except perhaps to the victims of the prank) and still memorable after many years.<br />
<br />
I remember one April Fool's Day back in the late 70's when I was in London, the BBC's "That's Life" program announced that a new species of creature had been discovered. They showed footage of something called the <strong>Lirpa Loof</strong> which looked somewhat like a cross between a small monkey and a koala. They even showed the stool of this strange creature to be purple in colour and glowed in the dark (making good use of colour tv technology obviously). The announcer said the creature was now in captivity at the London Zoo. As a result hundreds of people called in and crowds flocked to London Zoo hoping to catch a glimpse of the creature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGsTwVjtwn446Fw21PfX9nQx0c0s4ymvqfHd1Q8pjOHigrrFtqYJC5F_oh5vM25J4rtou_YHHFXF6wTfzC8n14JKbkrA_5HeYmtChyB5m6k6BgotFPEPHUDoBfFHpWFBbNBgfiF9Qe7Y/s1600/1957spaghetti-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGsTwVjtwn446Fw21PfX9nQx0c0s4ymvqfHd1Q8pjOHigrrFtqYJC5F_oh5vM25J4rtou_YHHFXF6wTfzC8n14JKbkrA_5HeYmtChyB5m6k6BgotFPEPHUDoBfFHpWFBbNBgfiF9Qe7Y/s200/1957spaghetti-tree.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another joke I read about was when the BBC programme Panorama ran a famous hoax in 1957, showing Italians harvesting spaghetti from trees. They had claimed that the despised pest, the spaghetti weevil, had been eradicated. A large number of people contacted the BBC wanting to know how to cultivate their own <strong>spaghetti trees</strong>.<br />
<br />
Another one is about <strong>Decimal Time</strong>. This has been repeated several times in various countries. This hoax involves claiming that the time system will be changed to one in which units of time are based on powers of 10. So in the "new" system, 100 seconds will make 1 minute and 100 minutes will make 1 hour. Hmmm ... this could have interesting implications for clock & watch makers, exam-taking students or runners trying to break sporting records.<br />
<br />
Over to you ....<br />
<br />
Are there any good April Fool jokes you remember from your life? <br />
<br />
Did you play any jokes yesterday and were they successful?<br />
<br />
Did anyone get you yesterday with their April Fool prank?<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span>James Yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037545336734058125noreply@blogger.com0