破天荒購書瘋狂

看書是我至今還存有的興趣。花錢花得值得的，我覺得會是購書，別無它的。我可以在一天内花上整整兩三百令吉狂掃書籍。

今天也不例外。

原本並沒有如此的衝動或打算。可能是約上好友，大家也志同道合一塊兒到書店逛一逛，所以才會想買幾本有益身心的書籍帶回家。今天好歹也逛了兩家書店，分別在雙威購物商場，以及梳邦購物廣場花了將近三百大元。盡興而歸。

這還不算什麽大不了的。要是遇上廠家倉庫打折扣，你會看見我手上拿著大盒子，周旋在人群中，左挑右選，好不快活！一大箱裝著自己喜愛的書以便宜的價格購得，真是大快人心，買得不亦樂乎。

其實，報章曾報道馬來西亞人的閲讀風氣遠比不上先進國。這也不然，只是我覺得是我們自己的選擇。可悲的是，大家都選擇花在衣物，或是其他不實惠的商品上罷 了。相比之下，買書是件多有意義的事。一來，書中自有黃金屋，從中獲益良多的知識；二來又可以將個人的所得稅務減少七百令吉。何不把握這個機會呢？

今年買太多了啦！這也難免，畢竟好書常年都在出版。

未來國家棟梁，加一份心意，好好開始閲讀吧！必定樂趣無窮，受益不淺。

吳彥祖

昨天終于看了成龍製作的《新警察故事》。

從此片中，感覺愛上了吳彥祖這位有天份的演員。

第一次看吳彥祖的電影，感覺很奇怪。都是因爲他那把“鬼佬”的發音腔調，很怪里怪氣似的。不過，漸漸習慣了他那獨特的個人演繹方式。他也算很上進，能夠把一口老外音調慢慢地改正過來，我實在佩服。

以往都會覺得他老是拍馮德倫的電影，或者是和楊千嬅合作的戀愛喜劇。好像都是演一些好人派的角色。這一次在《新警察故事》演反派，感覺很新鮮，也讓我漸漸看上眼了。

可能自己也是喜歡干壞事的一夥兒，所以覺得他很酷！

吳彥祖，加油哦！很期待你未來的參與作品。

歡送會

爲什麽總是要別人離開的時候才會想狂歡一番？而不是迎新的時候呢？我真的百思不解。

可能歡送是一種解脫，無論是對主辦當局，還是離異者而言。解脫=自由的解説。

歡送會，是多麽高興的事。絕對不會使悲傷的。大家當然也玩得不亦樂乎，好快樂。原本在上班時間所見不到的另一面，今天完完全全地呈現出來。真是可笑。是壓 抑已久的心事毫無保留地徹底解放嗎？今晚的怪談也真多。好色的份子也紛紛流露出他們的“情懷”； 車子掉入溝渠内，親密索吻等等的趣味事跡一一並排。好哭又好笑。

歡送既是歡樂的事，是不是應該多舉辦些呢？

忘了歡送會的傳統意義，大家一起狂歡一場吧！

當然，也祝福要跨越生活中另一個里程碑的友人，前程錦繡。

"May I be of service?" - Professionalism in service industry

The word professionalism is not something new. People now called themselves "professional" in a sense they could provide you somewhat magical solutions that works wonders, yet with dedicated professionalism and service.

Just as why Magical Kingdom of Disneyland in the U.S.A. can be so famous for, not only for its rides, but also the people that they have. Even the cleaners too can be a single-handedly be the most customer-oriented person who gives tip-top customer service. Magic!

Whenever one greets, "May I be of service?", or even "May I help you?", how often do you find these service personnel who are sincerely offering their service, or at least show the interest into your concerns? I mean in Malaysia, seldom.

When Malaysia is quoted in one of the billboard I saw, it spells "First World Infrastructure, Third World Mentality", I just can't help but laugh to how true this statement could be, yet embarrassed the same time. Professionalism in service needs first world mentality person to deal with. Seriously, we need to be educated.

Transforming from a manufacturing-based country to a knowledge-based economy would mostly indicate quality service. Courtesy and sincerity are the keys to its success.

The next time you are engaging a service provider, make sure you know that they are aware of the manner to handle you. With smile, they serve you with. Importantly, provide solutions that are win-win to both the provider and the buyer.

That's what I call professionalism.

Regulated Architects (professionalism)?

I have spoken to one Architect, C, whom he mentioned attended a seminar about regulated architect and its related professions. He mentioned that construction industry has its loop holes. Where? Yes, government is looking into regulated architects, regulated developers, regulated surveyors and what not. However, one point missing for a poor quality project would be the contractors and its people themselves, which I would say 90% are unskilled labour. It can be detrimental to the image of the company, and a confidence shaker to the buyers, as negative sentiments set in.

We can have the world greatest architect to design the grandest structure of the world, but with the downliners doing shoddy work, it can end up being a third-grade product.

It is always easier said than done.

Government regulated policy is to ensure that all the necessary planning stage is at its top most performance, but forgotten that ultimately it's still the labours that needs to be taken care of. Training - train, untrain and retrain is the key success factor in turning unskilled labour to skilled personnel.

This is just one example.

被耍

YFK，你干嘛要找我麻煩，我得罪你了嗎？還是要耍上我幾個月的時間，太氣人！

真的好不爽！

那天被我用了加重語氣的聲音告誡了YFK，看來應該不會再給我添麻煩了吧！可是被耍得團團轉後，心裏也不是滋味。我當時真的好生氣，簡直是滿臉通紅，紅得比張飛還要厲害。

都怪自己太容易上當，原本一心想幫他回點本，不用他虧損這麽多，反而遭到陷害。 真是好人遭雷劈（粵語），好心沒好報！

要是和這種外表斯文敗類有任何生意來往，千萬要小心，被他騙了可要自負。我看，到時慾哭也無淚吧！切記，切記！

Travelling

I was chatting with a dear friend of mine yesterday night, about a trip that we might embark together next year. I am so excited, for a trip does energises my soul as well as lifting my spirit to work harder.

Where to?

So many places, and so little money and time to pursue. That won't deter a strong-will girl like I do.

As for my dear friend, he and our mutual friends are looking forward to a trip to Hong Kong next May, where it has just opened up the Disneyland on 12th September 2005. That could be an option.

I am tempted to participate in our sports club's trip to Shanghai this year, but again, wrong timing. Reading it more from my friend, Beautiful Andrew about Huangsan and Shanghai just give me that extra push for making Shanghai and Huangsan my next destination in the near future.

Another dear friend has also been travelling with few friends to Europe since June this year, and has yet to see everything there. She is still discovering European lifestyle there before she will ever be home. I just wish I could do the same. I think I can and will before I turn 30.

What's my nearest future plans?

I also have agreed to venture into a foreign land in South America and the Carribean with my friend in Texas. Nothing has been drawn up just yet, as Hurricane Rita is currently setting foot in Houston that made my friend to put on hold of our plans.

In 2007, a great Accountant friend of mine has asked me to join her to New York trip. 2007 seems to be in a distant future which spells uncertainty. But I can tell that this friend of mine is determined to step her foot at this Land of Thousand Dreams.

I am glad that I have taken the first step to the Land of the Rising Sun this year. It's breathtakingly beautiful. I want my future travel and discovery to be as interesting, if not, far more exciting than this one.

Get my sleeves rolled up and plan, care to join me?

My Aunt is Coming!

I heard a great news from mom and bro that our dear Aunt Eng will be here by end of this month from Australia, which in actual fact, with her family is still touring China. Can't wait to meet up with her.

She is the youngest sister in my mom's family tree. They have been really close as the age gap is not that wide apart. They seem to share everything together as I know, but have totally different character. That's what sisterhood is about I guess, which I will not be able to understand as I only have two brothers myself.

We are planning to head to Perak for a hotspring dayout and might arrange another day to Kuala Selangor longan farm plus the seafood dinner in midst of the fireflies experience. Can't wait that myself. Talking about these places, I have only gone to witness the beautiful fireflies in complete darkness along the stream of Sungai Selangor. It's magically wonderful.

Together with my cute cousins, I am sure it will be fun to just see them and hug these cuddly little ones.

Welcome back!

Ironic

Life is full of surprises, well, ironic most of the time.

I realised that things are getting more and more annoying as the days gone by. From the news, we read about Datuk becomes a killer, Ah Pek who drives a Mercedes, pretty faces becomes sluts and what not. The unexpected of the expected, won't you think?

I once met a beggar on the street one evening. He was really in horrible state, I would say, unbearable condition. From far, it triggered my sympathetic emotion, and I started to dig my pocket deep enough to get a one-dollar coin. In split seconds afterwards, I saw to my horror, that the said beggar was well enough to leap around with joy by end of the day, as if the job for the day was over. My Gosh! Believe me, these people could earn more in a day than one would get in charitable organisation. Isn't it ironic?

C'est La Vie!

Just because life is so ironic, that it adds flavours into life. In the end, it becomes the Rojak in life - so full of colour with mixed taste.

Ironically, the expectation of this article is just what you have suspected - nothing much. Haha, got'cha! Share with me your ironic moments then, would you please?

我媽哭了

今天，把媽給弄哭了。

感覺有點不孝。

我最怕我媽哭的時候。每一次都是因爲我的關係，心中雖有點過意不去，也是改不了我的這個惡習。真是死性不改。這一次也不例外。都是我不好才讓我媽哭得如此傷心難過。

媽，真的對不起。是我不好。請你也別難過了，好嗎？

我會努力做好我的本分的，請相信我。

Letter to my friend

Dear Friend,

How are you?

I finally realised I am so lost without you, your support, your smile, or even your hugs.

Did you miss me? I surely am.

From the time that we have departed, good byes have been exchanged, so did hugs and kisses, I have been like a lost soul looking for comfort, the comfort of knowing when you will be back again to rekinder our long-lost sweet relationship.

Will there be a chance to even ask? Or would there be just hope?

I am glad that things have been good for all of us. Just like the feeling of sharing something so personal with you. I can be so emotionally attached to the touching stories told easily. Touching one's heart seems so easy and yet so hard to manage. I maybe to naive to think just a slight of it.

"Grow up", you might say. I just shyed away.

I still love the way I am now. Though without your support, your love and your smile, even your hugs, things will still be the same, the sun will always shine in the morning.

Take care and keep in touch.

With lots of love...

但願人長久，千里共嬋娟

聽見王菲的歌《但願人長久》，心中不禁想起以往的一切。

眼淚有點不聽話地流下了。

“人有悲歡離合，月有陰親圓缺”，和友人分別，既是中秋時分，難免會想起共享過的快樂時光。

更何況是月下品茶的美好之夜。

中秋的來臨，大家又再次聚集在一起，分享了生活的點點滴滴。

時間真是不留人，快樂的時光很快地又過去了。有點不捨。

得悉你要走了，更加不捨。

你會回來嗎？

為遠方的你祝福。

但願人長久，千里共嬋娟。

The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell

I was introduced by my brother on a recent read by Malcolm Gladwell, titled "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference".

I found the book to be very very interesting as it covers on how small changes could bring about a significant effect in our lives.

The major point of the book covers on the essentials to bring about irresistable change:

The Three Rules of Epidemics:
i) The Law of the Few - Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen
ii) The Stickiness Factor
iii) The Power of Context

The book also illustrated some examples from Hush Puppies, Sesame Street, to Airwalk success in capturing the market, and New York crime rate plunge. Real life stories taken place in the States by applying these three simple rules of Epidemics.

Highly recommended read for you. Enjoy!

世界的問題

我自己不是什麽知識分子，但是倒是喜歡看看世界各地的精彩事跡。友人曾問我：地球的另一端，好像和你扯不上關係呢。說得倒也有他的道理。

難道要莫不關心嗎？

世界角落一一發生的事件和我們地球的每一個深呼吸的角落都是息息相關。例如：石油的價格起落，恐怖份子襲擊事件，美國外交人事變動，都會影響我們生活上的規律，改變生活節奏。

所謂"家事國事，事事關心”，可能就是這個意思吧！

Unite to take on global fight

Opinion - The Star Sunday September 11, 2005

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/11/focus/11909296&sec=focus

Unite to take on global fight

BY RITA SIM, GUEST COLUMNIST

BY 2020, Malaysia will be plugged into the globalised world. Our newspapers will be edited in India; our mobile phone problems will be sorted out in Thailand; our X-ray films will be read in Fiji; and our illnesses diagnosed in Cuba.

Meanwhile, we Malaysians will be busy with activities like arranging car rental services for tourists arriving in Florida and Ulan Bator.

The world is changing dramatically and barriers are coming down, even as governments try desperately to keep protectionist policies in place. But it is inevitable that trade and other cross-border dealings will be conducted on a “flat” playing field.

Cheap, ubiquitous telecommunications are making this possible. We will be connected, wherever we may be, via e-mail and SMS.

Rumours, like the recent one concerning the health of the Prime Minister’s wife, spread rapidly. It took a public announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, and the circulation of a photograph taken in her Los Angeles apartment to reassure the people.

Globalisation is a reality. Connectivity has overcome borders. Global supply chains have meant a redistribution of wealth. Nations must now compete successfully or fall behind.

The global stage demands a new script. At centre stage is the individual, empowered by IT, suddenly able to transcend geography and time through the use of the Internet and mobile phone technology.

But the new script that is being written cannot only consist of random individuals, empowered as they are. Such a story line lacks depth. There must be organisations, institutions, and communities mediating, supporting, and structuring the evolving relationship between the individual and the forces of globalisation.

The 21st century is certain to be a very challenging time for nation-states. The key question for governments is how they can create fertile environments to best nurture citizens and companies who can compete and prosper in the global arena. There is no other option.

How should Malaysia deal with globalisation? How should our civil servants and politicians reposition to create a relevant role for themselves? And how can the government facilitate and equip individual Malaysians and companies to participate on this stage?

On this global stage, there are no longer any purely domestic issues, as domestic policies will determine whether Malaysia boleh.

Historically, the Government’s national development and economic policies have been predicated on wealth redistribution. But Malaysia can no longer afford to continue on this path. We cannot continue to be governed on the basis of policies whose shelf life has expired, not because they were bad, but because they have achieved their goals.

To continue policies based on bangsa is to wrap ourselves in a time warp. It is time to think of us as rakyat or citizens so that we can become stronger and more united against the competition.

The concept of bangsa and rakyat has been interwoven into the Malaysian script. Some policies have emphasised the importance of bangsa. The NEP was a policy based more on the concept of bangsa. The objectives included the development of a bumiputra entrepreneurial class, among other things.

There are also examples of how the Malaysian Government has emphasised the concept of citizenship. The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) is open to all businesses – local and foreign – engaging in the IT business. Companies wishing to seek listing on Mesdaq are not required to follow the 30% share quota for bumiputras as a prerequisite for listing.

Globalisation demands that we de-emphasise bangsa and give great prominence to the concept of rakyat. We must move from selective to universal, from protection to competition, from the group to the individual. All Malaysians must learn to compete because globalisation is an extremely challenging process.

We want Malaysians – regardless of race – to be confident, not averse to taking risks, capable of thinking on their feet, and with the ability to speak two or more languages. Malaysians must become resilient and street-smart.

Therefore, government policies must make this a reality, not just hope. We must celebrate success against odds. We must believe in ourselves. We must conserve our energies to fight the global fight and not fight among ourselves.

In other words, in writing a script for Malaysians to assume a successful role on the global stage, politicians and government officials must have the courage and the vision to be ambassadors for a new paradigm.

They must diminish hindrances to the inflow and outflow of capital. They must eliminate obstacles to companies and institutions in attracting the best people, regardless of race.

Flexibility is the key. On the new global stage, the workforce must not only be well-educated, they must be continually educated. The government role in education will have to change as schooling changes from becoming a process which individuals pass through at a certain early stage of their lives, to becoming a far less centralised, or even institutionalised, process.

The focus must be on preparing each individual, to the best of his or her ability, to find employment in a constantly shifting job market.

Let me elaborate on the concept of rakyat with an example from India.

The Internet-wired the world and massive digital information was carried through fibre optic cables. Bangalore became a suburb of Boston. It became synonymous with Indian IT. Few of us know – or care – which state Bangalore is situated in.

On the global stage, Bangalore is simply identified as Indian. India’s well-known techies, those that populate Silicon Valley, and Boston, and New York and London, seldom use an ethnic label.

We do not know – or care – if they are Bengalis, Tamils, Sindhis, or Punjabis. India has succeeded in branding itself as a country, not according to race, but to citizenship. Perhaps there is a lesson we Malaysians can learn from India.

The Government is rewriting the script for positioning Malaysia on the global stage. Policies are being crafted and legislated, to best facilitate the process. This is a critical moment in our history as a nation. But let us not rush if it means we will fail or falter halfway.

Let us all as individuals or as rakyat be allowed to contribute our thoughts freely to get the best policies which aim to nurture creativity and freedom of thought. Whatever script we may come up with, let it be a Rakyat Malaysia effort.



o Rita Sim is the deputy chairman of Insap or the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research. She can be reached at simsh@tm.net.my

May the Mega Sale Save Malaysia! - Adapted from The Star

I read this article yesterday in The Star and find it most interesting. Facinated by the way how Andrew Sia wrote about Malaysian lifestyle by using the carrot approach, a.k.a. Mega Sales technique, which is true in many facade of Malaysian life. Read on.

The Star, Lifefocus Saturday September 10, 2005

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/10/lifefocus/11957002&sec=lifefocus

May the Mega Sale Save Malaysia!

TEH TARIK by ANDREW SIA

It’s confirmed. The Mega Sale Mentality is what makes us distinctly Malaysian. After all, what could be more patriotic than a Special Merdeka Discount, from the police no less, of 50% on saman trafik? And, in true Shoppersaurus Spirit, the counters to settle the fines have been conveniently set up even in shopping complexes.

Similarly, forget about getting us to apply for the Mykad early with growling threats of fines or high-minded appeals to do our citizens’ duty – just offer people a chance to win a Myvi instead. Done deal, kau tim!

Want to get Malaysians to contribute an hour of their time to, say, a Save the Forests or a Recycling campaign? Not so easy. But when certain giveaways are offered, whoa, watch the crowds come, witness how people are willing to spend an hour or more queueing up. For what? Two free movie passes worth RM18.

How we grab food like starved refugees at VIP open houses. Actually, it’s required by law that every one of these functions must have several jokers who will grab 30 or more sticks of satay the moment they arrive from the grill, leaving everybody else waiting and fuming. Selamat Hari Raya my friend.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid announced that Mykad applicants stand to win a Myvi. —Starpix by RAJA FAISAL HISHAN
We see retirees spending hours attending boring corporate AGM’s just to get goodie bags and KFC boxed lunches. And some property marketing staff cleverly use their flourescent markers on blueprints to show how a condo project is “almost sold out, last few units available!” when it isn’t really. Wahlau, better grab-lah before all finish . . .

And remember the incident at Nilai, Negri Sembilan in Dec 2003 when a State-level launch of the Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival saw ordinary Malaysians turning into looters?

Branded 29-inch television sets, DVD players, washing machines and air-conditioners were on sale at rock-bottom prices but the crowd of 10,000, some assembled since 3am, began climbing over grilles and pushing their way through to grab items. In the frenzy, almost everyone walked off with some RM100,000 worth of goods without paying.

You can call it greed, gluttony, tamak or kiasu (I prefer that lovely Mandarin phrase tan xiao pianyi, literally: greedy-small-cheapness) but you gotta admit, there’re nothing like freebies and sweeteners to get us Malaysians Moving!

A VIP Hari Raya open house. What has happened to us-lah? — Starpix by MUSTAPHA AHMAD

Perhaps the communists failed because they had too much stick and not enough carrot. What chance did penalties and stiff idealistic songs have against the onslaught of sexy pop music and sugar-loaded Coca Cola?

Even stern and staid PAS is loosening up. As Kota Baru celebrates becoming an Islamic City later this month, PAS is doing an image makeover and some political soft-selling with a concert by Akademi Fantasia winner Mawi and even a fashion show. Good Heavens!

Well, not really. It’s just Good Old S&M – Sales and Marketing. The bottom line is: pleasure gets better results than pain. We’ve tried scoldings, lectures and lofty exhortations but our record on stemming dadah, AIDS, city floods, crime, corruption and dirty public toilets speaks for itself.

Rightly or wrongly, inducements and rewards tend to get better results and perhaps the government has recognised this with the Myvi-Mykad promotion and Merdeka Saman Special Offer thing.

So I say let’s bring on the Mega Sale Mentality big time. Here are a few suggestions on how some basic JUALAN MURAH!!! PROMOSI HEBAT!!! Clearance/Renovation /Expat-Going-Home Sale strategies, to be implemented by the relevant Ministries, can help the country.

# BRAND NEW Perodua Myvi for the restaurant with the cleanest toilet. Add metallic paint, alloy rims, ABS and airbags if no shoe marks are seen on toilet seats.

# GRAND PRIZE of Free Sabah Tour for everybody in a neighbourhood if they win a National Recycling (and Garbage Reduction) Contest. Consolation Prizes: Water Filters, Hotel Hi-Tea Vouchers or CD Giveaways for everybody if they can reduce garbage by 50%.

# SHOPPING DISCOUNT COUPONS for retirees if they spend time visiting and chit-chatting with residents of old folks homes.

# VOUCHERS for Insurance, Petrol, Wheel Alignment and Driver Re-Balancing (Aromatherapy Spa) for bus companies if none of their vehicles break down on the road in six months.

# BUY-ONE-FREE-ONE luxury home offer for relevant leaders in Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) if they can keep the city free from flash floods for one year. Buy-One-Free-Three for relevant state leaders if illegal logging (which leads to floods or alternatively water shortages) is stopped. Yeah, free three. No choice-lah . . . you know how much money there is in logs?

# SMS VOTING for the most efficient Government Department. Attractive Prizes, Vouchers, Coupons and Bonuslink Points up for grabs!

# TWO CHOPS on a Coffee Bean-type Loyalty Card (redeemable for various free gifts) for Municipal Council staff who attend to complaints on potholes within 24 hours.

A VIP Hari Raya open house. What has happened to us-lah? — Starpix by MUSTAPHA AHMAD
# PROTON SAVVY for all police officers if burglaries, snatch thefts and rapes in their area of jurisdiction are reduced by 80%.

# GENUINE RM300 TRADE-IN VALUE (no false mark-ups!) for any old mattresses of garbage collectors if there are zero public complaints in six months.

# COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIP of Million-Ringgit-Square-Table (Rosewood), Double Platinum Diamond Circle or whatever-they-call-it elite, peak performance Multi-Level-Marketing clique (various perks complete with shimmery-haired, air-brushed photos in glossy magazine) for Sports Association committees if they can stop favouritism, mismanagement and politicking. And please, Double Datuk-ships for our football players if, by some miracle, we qualify for the World Cup.

# FREE FACIALS every week for all Immigration Officers (or their wives) if they smile consistently when greeting us at the airport.

# FOUR DAYS/THREE NIGHTS stay at a posh overseas hotel for Telekom managers if 75% of public telephones in their area are working.

# 25% COMMISSION to be split up among relevant enforcement personnel for every director jailed for sucking dry company funds.

# 15 MINUTES or your pizza free – the response time by police to emergency calls; otherwise, you can call up for a free pizza delivery on their account.

If implemented, wow, it will give real meaning to one of the Mega Sale slogans – the Whole of Malaysia is on Sale! Sure, we can argue that these things should have been done anyway as part of our duty. But hello, we are only human, and we need extra “incentives”.

Why is it that women’s groups point out that certain enforcement officers seem to be more interested in staking out courting couples and catching them for indecency rather than ensuring divorced wives’ maintenance payments are made regularly by ex-husbands?

Or why do people nowadays need to pay top dollar for “24-hour security” in “gated communities”? Why is there a perception that certain other officers are more often seen catching traffic offenders rather than patrolling neighbourhoods for burglars and snatch thieves? Yes ah? I dono . . . that one you say one, I only newspaper cannot say too much one ?

It’s time to face up to the fact that we are a Consumer Society whose True Temple is the Shopping Mall. Detractors may point out that this culture of Perpetual Special Offers induces people to shop – or pay their traffic summonses – only during “sales”.

Maybe. But that sure hasn’t stopped the never-ending flurry of discounts and promotions. Like it or not, all this stuff – the freebies, the offers, the little luxuries and perks – get our juices flowing. Rewards, monetary or otherwise, are powerful motivators. It works!

There’s no right or wrong about that. It’s just the way it is, the sheer power of S&M to tap into human desires. So why don’t we harness it in the right way for the betterment of the country?

Yes . . . ALL HAIL the the Mega Sale Mentality! It may just solve most of Malaysia’s problems. W

TehTarik is an occasional column that appears when something “khau” is brewing in the writer’s head. Comments and suggestions are welcome at pulltea@yahoo.com.

舞臺劇

我越來越看不明白本地舞臺劇表演。爲了慎重起見，還是上網查看舞臺劇的定義。

• Theater (American English) or Theatre (British English and widespread usage among theatre professionals in the US) is that branch of the performing arts concerned with acting out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle — indeed any one or more elements of the other performing arts. In addition to the standard narrative dialog style, theatre takes such forms as opera, ballet, mime, kabuki, classical Indian dance, Chinese opera. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre
  

• The imitation or representation of life performed for other people; the performance of dramatic literature; drama; the milieu of actors, technicians, and playwrights; the place where dramatic performances take place. http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/thglossary.asp
  

既然是這樣，怎麽近期觀賞的幾部劇藝表演好像沒有達到我預期的期待？真的有點失望。會不會是我個人的問題，例如：看不懂，劇藝的欣賞還不到家，共鳴感被抹煞， 等等。。。
我本人認爲即使演員陣容多麽熟練，劇本的呈現以及製作的單位將會是決定戲劇的好壞。這也是純粹個人的意見。自從看了《折翼天使》，《白蘭曲》，《美少年》，《花樣年華》等的好劇，其他的好像沒留下什麽深刻的影像， 也不被我青睬。

可能是我比較偏愛有故事性質的舞臺劇吧。所以，其他古靈精怪的劇本好像引起不了我的興致。我算是被動型的，也或許是想從故事中寄托一些希望，尋找失去某些生活中的重要情節。

舞臺劇，是寫實，還是虛幻；是夢境，還是事實。

唯有觀衆才可明瞭的那種心情，我又怎能夠確定呢？

考試的一回事

那一夜入睡前，和弟弟聊了起來。

從我們的談話中，我終于開竅了。考試原來並不難。只要掌握適當的技巧，就可以應付自如。

這樣的解釋，對一年到頭努力的學生是不是有點過分？反觀，從不努力的一夥子，反而成績名列前茅，感覺上很矛盾。終結是，不管你多麽努力，只要方法不對，也是白費的。話説回來，我也替這些白讀而不思考的人感到擔憂。不是他們笨，只是沒用腦力去思考而去作答，白白浪費一個機會，有點可悲。

以馬來西亞的教育政策來説，有點填鴨式，有點不符合現今國際社會的要求。那麽，怎麽能夠和世界頂尖的國家並駕齊驅呢？我也很憂鬱。

當然，我也不能以一蓋全的説法。馬來西亞也出現了許多優秀的才子才女，能為社會貢獻一番，也證明了他們的確有思考的能力以及生活上應變的計謀。

是努力考試的換回來的嗎？不完全是，也不是完全錯。

終之，靠努力也有它的結果。只要細心留意制勝的竅門，才是真正的大贏家。以上的例子不是最好的見證嗎？

有待思考。

8 Deadly Marketing Skills

Had attended a workshop by Dr. Ali on "8 Deadly Marketing Skills".

I must say this workshop is great as it reminds me of a certain traits that I have lost focused on. I should put these skills into practice anytime now. Thanks to Dr. Ali.

Let me share with you on the 8 "Deadly" Skills (sure-win if put to proper practice).

Skill 1: Identify and understand your customers' needs
Skill 2: Adoptive of IT, Staged Customer Management (SCM), Customer Relations Marketing (CRM)
Skill 3: Strategic customer care via careful technology implementation
Skill 4: Strategic implementation plans/ branding & performance monitoring
Skill 5: Create Knowledge-based organisation & improve customer satisfaction
Skill 6: Strategic Partnership/ Synergism, R&D
Skill 7: Leadership Skills with efficient communication skills
Skill 8: Believe, Learning, Love, Action

How you managed to close a deal really it's about focus on what you are delivering, foster a bonding or relationship building, have a proper team work, and add value to your customers.

Value, Value, Value PLUS Focus!

So, the formula which I could think of is:

Value + Knowledge + Speed of Response + Dedicated Partnership / TEAM* = Loyalty

All spells "SUCCESS"!

*TEAM = Together Everyone Achieve More

Learn --> R&D --> Development/ Knowledge --> Action

千里：Xenri Restaurant Farewell Lunch

Had missed the supper together with Zheng last week over Mamak, which represented by my brother then, by the way. So, to make up for the one-year missing in action of Zheng, I had called for a lunch gathering at Xenri Restaurant located at Old Klang Road. I would strongly recommend this place.

The address is as follows:

No. 9, Wisma Elken,
Lorong 4/137C
Batu 5, Jalan Kelang Lama,
Kuala Lumpur

For reservation: 03-7783 8118

It is delicious.

To know more about this, please read the following links:

http://allmalaysia.info/services/printerfriendly.asp?file=/2004/12/13/eatingout/9589419

http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=1905

I first read about this place in the China Press not long ago and decided to give Zheng a treat for Oriental food before he leaves for the Westernisation. The ambience is great and the atmosphere in an air-conditioning room can't be much better than this, especially outside the door is the killing heat.

Too bad, we didn't get any goodbye hugs or farewell speech from Zheng to end this wonderful and sumptious meal.

Bon Voyage my friend! Will meet again soon!

Sudoku

I have recently addicted to this game, Sudoku.

It was first noticed by my always inquisitive brother in the local dalies, The Star. He started off trying it, and you know what, it got addicted.

I can't understand what this 3x3 boxes with 9 numericals could have so much impact on someone. I think it can measure up to a person's IQ for problem solving.

To understand it, I play it myself.

It is really addictive. I began playing whenever I lay my hands on it.

Luckily, my brother had downloaded a PC version so we could play anytime we want. Yippie.

For the benefit of you people, I am uploading this for your pleasure too --> Sudoku Download, Sudoku Official Website for Downloads.

Try it!

人之初，性本善

人之初，性本善。

這句話好深奧。

如實這樣，爲什麽大家都會勾心鬥角，以惡欺善？我真的不明白。可能自己還是個單純的傻小孩，無知的完美想法而已。

最近身邊發生的一切給予我很大的啓示。

人，本是有弱點，使之完整的一體變得有缺陷美。那麽，人，又怎麽會是十全十美的性本善呢？不是怪人才怪呢！

世界本是一個競爭的大舞臺。每個人都想上到舞臺上打鬥一番，拼死命似的。要是每個人都是秉持著為善最樂的心態，世界固然是美麗了些。可是，不是少了點東西嗎？是什麽呢？

對！是一份刺激，一份精彩的搏鬥。大家都愛看的掙扎求勝的鬥志。也因爲這樣，我們才會嚮往一個和平的烏托邦，尋求並期待著那一片綠茵茵的桃花樂園，以平衡著老是拖著疲累身心的不安感，不是嗎？

無論是哪一門的哲學，我還是相信這句話： 人之初，還是性本善的。

Integrity

Today's weekly meeting, my boss has brought up an issue on integrity. When I was listening closely, knowing something is amiss here. Something really wrong has definitely happened.

No speculation perhaps, but it truly had happened. So, the earlier rumour was true. I can't believe a person I have trusted at one point of time would do such a thing. What a disgrace!

I think it's definitely an issue of integrity.

Anymore trust would be entrusted? Anymore close bonding with the person whom given you more opportunity that you deserved? Anymore chance of getting up again? The hurt of a personality with integrity attached definitely need time to heal - to heal a broken bonding, to foster friendship again, to mend a hurting heart. So many layers of considerations to think of.

A man's best worth is his integrity, not money.

Greed, mortal's weakest can overpowered a sane mind that lead to this near-fatal outcome.

The key is - not to be greedy.

However said and done, there is always another side of a coin.

That's for you to find out~

给我远方的朋友

我非常感谢一直和我保持联络的朋友。都是从中国来的。大家也都是因为音乐的喜好而开始了我们漫长的友谊旅程。真的好奇妙！

回想起我们当初的认识，活跃的我也非常主动地邀请你成为我的朋友，心中也兴奋不已。合唱团的因缘，我们之间的投机，打开了我们的话卡子。一开始至今已有十年了。

没错，近有十年的光阴了吧？时间真的是不留人呢。我也由衷地感激你 -- 谢谢你这么多年的相随陪伴，我们也算是成为知交，是挚友吧！

大家从学校生活的点点滴滴至围绕工作的欢愉生活，一直坚持着我们的交情。真的不简单。

如今，大家各忙各的，也有好几回没联络上了，不知道你现在还安好吗？好不好也时常保持我们以往的联络呢？好想念。

可以的话，我也想再寻找你我快乐的足迹。也想亲口问你“你近来好吗？”。

无论天涯海角，希望你都过得愉快，一切都顺利。

Shabu Shabu @ Seputeh

Yesterday went to a dinner party at my friend's place at Seputeh. We were a guest to a Japanese, Mr. S, from Fukushima (north of Tokyo). It's a steamboat dinner.

Anyway, to cut the story short, I was introduced to this Sake from Nagano. Wow, believe it or not, the taste was good! But when you start to drink it over and over without realising, you will be heading to land of doom. I felt drunk after a while. Damn!

With the dinner going on smoothly, we had some cultural exchange done during our after dinner drinking sessions. Yes, sessions with the "s". (BTW, this Japanese fellow has a storage of all wines and other alcoholics). Anyway, during our cross cultural exchange, I found out something amusing which I would love to share.

Firstly, Japanese people work very hard (frankly, I am not sure whether they are genuinely working or just to pretend to stay in office, so boss presumes you work the hardest and handsome year-end reward comes after). And, that's explain why last train 11:00 pm has high traffic flow similar to the morning rush.

Secondly, because Japanese people (refers to men) work hard, and to focus on the work, 100% of their salary goes to the "Finance Minister", a.k.a. wife, who will then take care of all the expenses, including husband's pocket money. Mr. S (the Japanese friend) has about 6% of his monthly salary as pocket money, while the others are unknown to him. Where did all the money go? No wonder housewives could afford Prada, Gucci or even LV.

Thirdly, Japanese, men and women alike, are two-faced. In front, it's smiley face, but when you turn your back, the evil look is at place. So scary! A recount from my Japanese trip, a Swedes commented, "Japanese are shallow but nice, I like it!" Well, in Malaysia, there are these people too. But, at least we don't put on the smiley face all the time if we don't feel like it.

Forthly, in case of divorce, husband has to compensate everything, though all money is already with the wife.

Fifth, if you commit suicide at the rail or even fall from high building, which causes unnecessary problems to others, the family members of the dead will have to compensate to the related parties.

Interesting to know. There were so many have been discussed, but I found these few are amusing to be recorded.

After our conversation over wine, I realised I still prefer Malaysia more - a melting pot of everything in the world.

At least, we are just what we are. No wonder life is so pleasant!

Surprise!?

I had a surprised phone call on last Saturday from my friend, CW. It was indeed a surprise, as he does not call frequently, and I was with my family having dinner at Damansara Perdana.

Well, the surprise turned out to be suspicious.

Anyhow, I did not have the extra time for the meeting as I have promised to meet up with my close friend, WM, before that.

Well, guess what? The surprised call turned out to be a surprised visit from a friend who is now based in East Malaysia. What a pleasant surprise!

Sorry for putting on a stern look during my friend's surprise visit. I just don't like surprises.

My encounter with surprise definitely come with an embarassing surprise. It has been a bad experience to me, which till now, I still hate it!

Not to talk about it anymore.

Surprise, surprise, surprise! Why do surprises got to do with excitement when it will turn out to be sour? Maybe sweet, I don't know.

Maybe my experience haunt me. Anyhow, I am just not a person with a strong heart for surprises. I take calculated risks, but not surprises.