Can monopoly spoil beauty of sport ?

MONOPOLY,,,,a word I friend with since I was a school boy. I knew it as a name of a board game in which players engage with snakes, ladder, bonus by throwing a dice on the given chart. I knew nothing more than that. But I see this word in the newspaper frequently and I realize that it has other meaning. The Oxford dictionary define it as "...the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.." The definition seem it is used only for business or trade related matters. However I see it using in other areas such as political. In this pose, I want to try this beautiful word at sport. I don't know if I can use it such way or not. If it's wrong usage, it's my fault as a result of my poor writing skill.

Lets start from world's most populous sport, football. We all have witnessed recently that Barcelona FC beat Manchester United by far superior quality in Champion league final. What matter to me then? It's good to enjoy them playing attractive football. But I see this is the sign of monopoly for football. They (Barca) seems unrival at the moment and is likely to maintain such momentum for considerable years in future because they are still a young team. To date, we have seen them taking Europe's best title twice in available three. They failed to retain their 2009 title narrowly to Inter Milan at 2010. Meaning they have progressed their flawless system since three year ago at least. It's not good for football fans seeing one team dominate by far. Hopefully the other top teams in Europe able to catch up by recruiting new world-class player to close the gap. But for sure is it's going to be uphill task for them to bridge the gap.

Lets glance other sports in which one particular nation/club is dominating above all. At table-tennis, China is taking most of gold medals available at any competition. The organizer or authorize people are not happy to see them unstoppable. We have seen all Chinese semi-final and finals in the the stage of world's famous competition. China seem becoming powerful sport nation for other sports such as athlete, swimming, skate, acrobatic, etc. Only sport I see them don't match is football. The rest, they are not far behind than any particular nation. It's the sign of China's rise and the reason why the world is paying extra attention to World's second biggest economy.

Brazil is famous for its football talents. USA is good at basketball. No other nations would be better than south Asian teams in cricket I think. Now Spain slowly become famous nation of football as they won last version of world cup as well as crown of European title. At club level, they have world's best club ever at Barcelona. In term of sport, it is disappointing to think of my own nation. My nation has declined all quality not only in sport but all sectors. Our nation's aim is probably biggest in this world. What's that? "Myanmar's sport must influence the world's sport". What a great vision is it on sign board? In fact, sadly, we are even unable to dominate within the region. It's good to know where we are as it is. The problem is our leaders never assess our position as real. They always think of unrealistic goals. It makes people put on the bay from start as they know the policy are not realistic and substantiate. But there is one thing few people can monopoly domestically. It's the power they grip and able to maintain for decades long regardless of people's will. :)

Justice seeker

I WAS telling the daily unfairness of my life to the aforesaid monk while I got a chance to talk him. I talked him with the prospect of getting a good solution as he is considered a good philosopher. He listened to me carefully and summarized my words with a few words. It's short enough but seem comprehensive. What's that? He said by referring to a famous quote which I never heard before,

"There is no justice in this world until you meet".

I suddenly didn't understand the deep meaning of it. But the more I think of it, the better understand gradually. What a worth is it? In brief, I was telling him my daily routine especially related to work. In fact, we all spend most of our time at work than home. Get back home is just to take a rest short while and sleep mostly. Let it be. What did I tell my troublesome stories? I disclosed him in general as below:-

I feel unfair at the job and gradually became loneliness man because I don't want to talk to my colleagues whom I consider unfair, irresponsible person. I found some are stealing company time, some are misconducting power, some are expecting other to do their job, some are considerably abuse to inferiors, etc. Then I asked myself that I have become too pessimist. Such practice make me feel loneliness in work environment. I told him that I always make sure my job is done in time. Since I am being assigned over load, I rarely find a free time during working hours especially on those particular week. I can't even have time to drink and go toilet at some time. I can't afford to walk slowly around office.

In this circumstance, I feel sad when I think of my computer which is irregularly slow and given wireless connection which is alternatively connect and disconnect. The jobs come to me urgent and given uneffective machines. Then how can I increase my productivity. They always talk about productivity. But they always fail to support in the correct manner. We don't have IT staff to be informed when we are exposed IT related problem. As a result, we can't work smoothly. I have to halt my job when internet connection is out. Because all printers, scanner, fax machines are link to internet connection. Beside I can't able to access outlook email. Meaning I can't receive incoming mail as well as outgoing mail. It's horrible experience while we are rushing our jobs. I informed to my senior about my problems. They always said yes but no action. Sometime they might have alternative answer that they also experiencing the same problem. Then my attempt to solve out problem meet dead end without getting wanted answer.

Everybody would come and throw at me to do their jobs. They include MD, GM, PM, FM, even admin staffs. The bad practice is they would never ask me if I am free to do their assignment. They just want to finish their job without any complain. I could do nothing but accept because I am most inferior as a foreign worker in office. I'm good enough to be senior staff in the office as I have been here for more than 3 years in service. But I can't deserve enough respect for my contribution. Never mind if things go right with me. At worse, I would be blamed if my outcome went wrong. Being given overload, it's most likely to make mistake at one point. It's inevitable. So I feel unfair in my mind and it make me silent worker. I don't want to talk other if it's unnecessary.

The monk was very much concern about my problem as he see it can lead to depression. Once it's happened to somebody, it doesn't matter he is on the right or wrong side. It will make him/her suffer. So he suggested me to relax and think of positive. Moreover urge me to find a better relationship among colleagues. He insist better relation smoother working. Without happy at job, health can be affected sooner or later. Finally he'ld recommend me to practice meditation that can calm one's mind. Without mildfulness, it's impossible to find an enjoyable life. It's unique way to make thing right. So I promised him that I'll try to watch my mind and correct it as per his advice. He said never let your mind annoyed just because of surroundings. Let them act as they like. As long as you do not accept those unfairness, it all go back to its original sources, I noted thankfully. At my return home, the words of the monk echo me

There is no justice in this world until you meet...
There is no justice in this world...
There is no justice......
There is no...
There is..
There...
xxx..xx

RSAF Thought

RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force) boasted its latest acquisitions to public on last Saturday and Sunday. They called it RSAF Open House. I went there as I'm interested in seeing latest technologies gadgets. It's amazing to witness the real warplanes, fighters, helicopters as well as missiles. In my country, those kind of things are untouchable and even considered secret weapons as public are never ever allowed to access. So I full took this chance to taste multi-million dollar world's most advanced fighter. The fighter that greet incoming public are their latest acquisition so called F16SG. Since SG refer to Singapore, the fighter seem customized for client by US Army.

I'm not in the field of Army nor aeronautical engineering graduate. But I could able to sense them and appreciate the way they introduce. I was amazed by their displays and persuading of new recruitment. It should be the way to attract younger generation like that. Public seems enjoy on the display and enforce their child to join such advanced army if they wanted to. I'm not doubt attracting younger people is major part of organizing this part. The show didn't end by just displaying its assorted airplanes. There are aerial display twice a day at 9:00am and 4:30pm. They showed how their soldiers have been trained to defense their skies and make sure their public's reliance. The fighting spirits of real show is peak of the display and people are eagerly awaited that time. The moderator/announcer create noisy environment and make the show more attractive.

I was really impressive upon their performance. It include parachuting by 6 soldiers, 4 fighters demonstration of bombing, Apache helicopter's war activities, Chino's performance, and how the ground based mobiles and aerial based planes communicate in the peak of war time. It really interest people and I'm sure less or more younger people will dream of doing the same despite it's hard to become a pilot. Nevertheless anybody can be part of that team. Once I return, I saw a philosophy of RSAF at the queuing building. What's that?

"World class people; first class technology"

Toothless Devil

MANCHESTER UNITED, it's better known for Red Devil among the fans of the world. It's acting look like real devil when it's playing with fellow EPL teams. Probably English media is the best in the world and it make EPL the best league in appear. Yesterday much awaited and mouth-watering Champion league final was playing and the whole world is watching at it. Of course being a football fan, I'm not exceptional. I also watched it to enjoy the best two teams in the world. Media has spoken and written overload about their opinions. It make people inpatient to watch.

It's not just a normal final match. It's repeat of 2009 final of the same teams. That's why some media wrote that Man U is likely to find revenge to its opponent. Barca is as usual on the favourite site to most of analyst and fans. Probably only Man U fans would love to think of positive result for their supporting club. Being ABU (Anything but United) fan myself, I was conditionally vote to Barca. As I mentioned in previous pose, I don't happy to watch the way they play in EPL. Unfortunately red devil still manage to get their domestic title this year. They might have been given over-credit for this particular title. In realistic, the downfall of quality among EPL teams make them go through to acquire record 19th title. Anyway Man U has rewritten the history being the most successful club in England.

So I see this final match not only a match between Man U and Barca, but between the power of English and Spanish football. As we all have witnessed the match, Man U was totally outclassed by Messi led Catalan club. The possession is embarrassing for an English football. The static shows 68% against 32%. It shouldn't be happened in the final match of world's most prestigious competition. It means the winner has far superior class to the loser. The manager of loser has admitted that they are beaten by the best team in the world. In fact, there is no room for excuses. In previous matches concern Barca, the manager would mostly point out at unjustified referees. This time, there is no such thing because it's not same class. They seem divided by different division. The consolation goal was vitually seems off-side goal but it's just a present for a host team. Sorry for crazy English and Man U fan as they have over expected from their over-achieve team. We have to be realistic in anything we conduct in life. Otherwise, we would be suffer at the end of the day.

Congratulation Barca for winning Champion league final. You are totally deserve that. You have shown the world how to play football attractively. You have constantly broken world's record. You have taken all football fan's hearts. You are exceptional in deed. You are rate as magicians. In fact, there would be no proper words to express your class. It's collective effort and you are rival-less at the moment. I don't think there would be appear rival of your class within few years time. You have shown over-estimated English club. You seem schooling them in the pitch for the 90 minutes. I was pity them seeing over running across the pitch. You are in fact a master to them. It much look like men playing against boys. Manchester United players seem neutral in the field during playing time. It's not like Devils as their nick name. Perhaps they have come cheap path to the final game. Nobody will deny with my opinion, I am sure. I sincerely hope, world's football fan will have a chance to enjoy attractive football you have introduced to the world as long as possible.

A monk I known

LAST SUNDAY, I met a prominent monk who is visiting here for a while. He usually stays away from public and I got a chance to meet him as I am close relative to his wife before he convert to a monk permanently. He was raised as a Muslim family and met my Aunt at University and married to her. Since my aunty is Buddhist, he converted to Buddhist from his Muslim heritage. As a result, he is totally dumped by his family and relatives. He is actually admired Buddhism secretly since he was young. He already started his meditation practice before he was converted to Buddhist. His reading habit make him friendly with our Buddha's teaching literature. Since he is an intelligent man, he was easily understood and converted unconditionally. After short marriage life, he realized that it'ld be better to practice Buddha's technique as a single man. Thus, he secretly walk out of his own family life that has two young baby girls whom are just 1 and 2 years old. It seem pretty cruel to leave a family behind as a man. But he did it as he totally believe in Buddha's way despite he fully converted this religion after adult.

From that day onwards, he continuously sought a good teacher who can teach him nicely as he's a good thinker as well as questioner. He fortunately found several profile monks and accumulate an excellent technique in a relatively short time. After he gathered theory, he went to a forest and started intensive meditation by applying known technique. He gained some mindfulness and calmness. He enjoyed a life of untra-ordinarily cool life by meditation way. He later joined a high profile monk who taught him in the oversea mission. By this way, he unexpectedly reached USA and tried to share his experience in the society of Christine. Since he is electronic engineer and well educated, he could able to stand out of other missionary and the locals requested his teacher to leave him when he return Myanmar. With the request of his teacher, he continue to conduct missionary for a decade.

After several years in US, he felt it's not good for himself and attempted to seek a way to return native land. Eventually he was able to return home land against the wills of locals. He find a good forest and resume his meditation to advancement in about mid 80s. In the meantime, he tried to share his valuable experience by writing some books. His book are strange from conventional dhamma books that are available in the market. He wrote simple and gave example by his past experience. He tried not to give century long stories that other writers used to state in their books. The younger generation are not interested in an old way. Thus his books gained popularity among audience regardless of age. The young people find his books acceptable and easy to apply. He wrote it by heart and it reflect his own past experience. So people feels they can do the same way if he can. At the same time, he suggest how to handle daily life's difficulties and problems. He explain how to start meditation in the daily life without taking certain times. People begin to understand and his books became one of best seller in the domestic market. Now he has printed out for more than 20 books and some of books has been translated to several languages such as English, Japanese, Korean, Cambodian, Thailand, etc. There is one book written originally by English. That's why his audience goes beyond border and he became famous by time. But he keep staying away from public and he remain difficult to meet.

He occasionally goes to abroad for some missionary purpose. Whenever he went out of south east asia, he used to transit in island state and I had a chance to meet him. Every minute he talk is worth priceless. People want to meet him but don't know how. He never held dhamma talk show like other famous monks do during visit. But public are allowed to meet him for a certain time (mostly from 11:00am to 12:00am) at the flat he temporarily stay. He used to talk people by Myanmar and English alternatively. So some locals who know him and met got benefit from his words. I feel lucky to have known him and relate him so far.

A Nation of Millionaire Ministers

SINGAPORE is so small to locate in a world map. However it has been one of major upfront countries in this planet. So it proof size really doesn't matter as long as it's going well. As a tiny island with no natural resources, it's a mission impossible to be a successful state without a good reason behind. Once we glance their 46 years old history since independence, we may able to easily find an outstanding state-man at Lee Kwan Yew. But I don't believe it has been developed because of one man's perfectness. I must give credit to their 3 generations PM and its cabinet ministers. It's an effort of an extraordinary people who has well laid strong foundation and maintain it. So today generation should give their senior citizens enough respect because whatever they enjoy today is because of them.

Without having able leaders, a country might not even have a dream to develop a nation today. It can be easily understand if we look out in the region. Within ASEAN family, all other nations has been struggling to build stability and development together. It may expose to them by different way but the end result is likely to be the same. Singapore has been unique in integration of its major races and laid effective policies to suit the demand of globalization. They warmly welcomed to MNCs and grab foreign investments in this tiny island with limited work forces. But their leaders are smart enough to take full advantage of region's talents by letting them working here. It's just a matter of policy to attract talented people. It granted MNCs to forget about the worries of labour shortage. Meanwhile, they constantly keep their education system up and converted their younger generation to a good assets. Finally the nation become prosperous with full of well educated people.

Unfortunately, its young people seem didn't learn how to appreciate senior's effort in building this nation from fish-village to a metropolitan city state. Probably, they are not well learn their history during their school days. Otherwise they must be easy to forget their memory which they have learned in school days. In this year election, they voiced out the loudest ever and let ruling party down by voting 40% to its opposition parties. The PAP only could manage to grab about 60% of its eligible voters. But the government listen the voice and changed its cabinet ministers significantly. As a most significantly, MM Lee and SM Goh stepped down from the cabinet to pave new and younger ministers. Nobody might have thought them step down such early especially to SM. Also few senior ministers resigned and new bloods entered cabinets and offices. People are likely to see new ministers with fresh ideas and from this year onward, they will see the value of change.

Moreover, the Minister's pay are being reviewed to cut back. At the post-election period, this salary review has been one of the hottest button among locals. As for me, they are well deserve for world's highest salaries for their performance. I'm not sure if the new ministers are good enough to deserve those good pay. But I believe the old ministers are well deserve it and city state's continuously progress had showed that. As constantly MM pointed out, how do they persuade talented people from the private world without having a nice carrot? Nowadays we can see around highly paid CEOs at the MNCs and minister's jobs are not less important than theirs for sure. Don't compare with the salaries of other country's leaders such as Obama. The nature of background is different and every country is unique. There is no such thing to be same in politic. As some analysis said, politic cannot be compared with business. It's not about profit or lose. It's a service. It's making law in order. It's enforcing things to be appreciated. It's quite macro. Their salaries together is less than a F-15 fighter which cost US$30 million, told by MM Lee on his recent interview. Beside it's less than 1% of GDP gain. I don't know about economic nor business. But I can feel it's fair or not.

Hopefully the ruling party could able to maintain its talents if the top salaries might face a cut in near future and keep Singapore going. Otherwise we, being migrant workers, too will have to be showed exit doors sooner than later.


Pay at a glance (All annual salaries by SGD)

President = 4.05 million
PM = 3.87 million
Cabinet minister = 1.57 million

Am I a good loser?

Being defeated twice for one particular thing is too much for a person who has clear ambition, I think. It's a bitter taste to experience unwanted result in any participation. I have come across countless exam in my life and never failed. I well prepared to get wanted result in advance when I approach a contest. However this time I am completely beaten by a one paragraph paper that bring my application is not successful. As a young couple with a few months old baby, it's been our dream to live together here. No parent would love to let their babies grow up in the hand of others. That's why we tried our luck again in the chase of a permanent status 2 years after our first application was rejected.

In the first time, we were given explanation for unsuccessful by citing shorter resident period and financially instability. That time, we were not much affected as we were just married. But this time, we were upset to see second time reject letter because we hope to get a positive result. We have been here for more than 3 years and our household income is more than average local median family. Moreover we have been a family life and raised our wages within 2 years time. I upgraded my career skill at government link academy. By taking them into consideration, my wife and I thought we'll able to persuade ICA officer to get green this time. For the sake of our daughter's future, we are seriously apply on this blue card. We knew that it's not going to be easy because we submitted our application form just before election period. But we keep to be optimistic. Once I read a news that show some 500 PRs converted to SCs at a ceremony and I was happy by thinking of vacants left by them. I shared my wife that news and we think of a good result in the wake of election.

But exactly 54 days after we submit our application, we received a letter from ICA that bring unwanted result for us. Once I see ICA logo on envelope and letter is so thin, we already understood that it's not a favourable reply. What can we do then? Nothing but accept as there is no room to complain for. It's our destiny. This result bring our life further apart to live together as a complete family life. We are desperate to live together with our daughter. In realistic, we can't bring her in without being PRs. On the other hand, we can't resist to lose a job here so that we all go back our country and live together with our very own daughter. That's life. It goes as it is. We have to adapt it. We have to adjust our lives so that it can be a good life. In real life, we can't be winner at all time. Sometime we win and lose in another time. Let it be happen and we have to make sure that our ambition won't disappear due to certain temporary failure. We'll try to keep going and win some day in the future.

At the moment, we have to try to accept sudden loses with dignity if possible. Thanks ICA for making our life tough and we hope we can take a good lesson on it. We'll come back to you again when the right time surfaced. What I can say to you for sure is "we'll never surrender easily". This time you are on the driving seat and who else can surely say we'll never be on your seat in the future time?. But our attitude won't be swayed due to your decision on our latest attempt. We'll be happy to contribute your country's moving forward and will integrate as a fraction part of efforts. Hopefully we all would be recognized by your people sooner or later in future. I will remind myself repeatedly that

Tomorrow will never ever die.

Are we testing ground for CHINA?

CHINA once boasted for their world's largest capacity hydroelectric power dam named three gorges dam. China government regard it as a historic engineering, social, environment success. But 2 years after its fully operated, what has exposed to them from their proud dam? They are struggling to fix the consequence of their wrong doing. Their longest and useful river, Yangtze, became a victim of building this mega dam. It paved the way for a place of super dam. The dam is located on the upper steam of the Yangtze river and block effectively. Firstly they thought they'll able to control possible floods in the downstream of their river that is life blood for most of their paddy fields which are planted on the either side of few thousands long bank. Moreover, the dam's capacity at 22,500MW in full capacity is hugely satisfy Chinese to go ahead and they are proud of moving green energy. Beside they want to show the outside world how they are taking care of environment.

However, now the Yangtze river start to show sign of drought along its river bed. Since the dam blocked its source at upstream, the river got limited water and farmers became victim of water shortage in their daily life as well as their cultivation. The government knows they are being panalized by global warming and artificial wrong doing. So their environment minister are being rushed to ease the problem. In fact they want to cover the consequence of their proud dam. Yesterday the government official ordered the dam management company to release 5 billion cubic meter of water immediately so that the Yangtze river can relief somehow. It show the urgent difficulties of their nature as a result of their development. It's fine to do in what the ruling party wants to do with their own land. The problem is they are investing in the poorer countries for developing hydroelectric power dam.

Being neighbouring country, my country suffer most of their energy-hungry attitude policy. My country is well known for its natural resources rich. Unfortunately, our government is not wise enough to cover our irreplaceable nature gift. Since independence in 1948, my country has been ruled by soldiers and they misconducted our natural resource. China has learned a good lesson from their proud dam that how such development can effect environment. How does it cost to its people. They needed to displace 1.3 million residents to pave a way for dam construction. The dam stretch to 2335m in length and 181m height. I'm very angry to see our Irrawaddy river is suffering for water shortage. It became drought historically worst. The media show the reason indirectly as the media censor is highly controlled by government.

Recently, our government signed agreement with China company to build a hydroelectric power dam at the upstream of our longest river, Irrawaddy. Our river is made of two small rivers at the upperstream. The dam is going to be built on the junction of those three rivers called May Kha, Malikha and Irrawaddy. What a stupid development is it? Nobody from country except few leaders agree with this. The locals of course suffer most first as they are being displaced by authority. Second, our beloving river suffer for unable to get enough water supply. We all are not happy to see dying river because it gave us clean water, help river transport, help cultivation, etc. But our people can't do anything but seeing it in regret because it's done by government.

Why China are doing the same mistake in our soil? Is it because their people won't suffer consequence of this dam development? They have cut all the forest in that province. Even they shifted our century age trees alive and replant at their territory. Eventually our land become plain and their land become greenery. Why our government is allowing this kind of thing happening in our soil? Why our people are not deserving to protest this project? Why China can do almost everything in our country? I want to remind our leaders that we are not Chinese colonial country. In reality, they, China, are treating us like its colonial. They took all advantages of us by pretending they want to see us developing. Some ethnic rebels are attacking this dam project as they dislike seeing their own local people suffer. But it is unlikely to see them success as it's up to government. The government will do everything if there is something block in their way.

I'm just feeling sad to think of it. China is saving their river, Yangtze while they are trying to kill our Irrawaddy. Hello, Chinese, are you systematically spoiling our future? Please respect our environment and our future if you are a good neighbour. You have taken most of our natural resources such as oil, gas, mine, jewellery, forest, human resources, raw agri-based products, etc. Then why are you still trying to kill us by doing something you don't like? Since you have taken a good lesson from your own Three Gorges Dam, please stop doing the same mistake in our land. I believe you can make energy from somewhere else. You have enough money to buy enough energy from all over the world. Let me beg you this thing that

Please do not kill our life-blood river, Irrawaddy. I beg your mercy, pleaseeeee.

Home Sweet Home

Dear my daughter,
I'm pleased to tell you that I have been granted 2-week leave to attend your one year Birthday celebration this morning. You know it's always good to return home regardless of time. Of course, we are not exceptional. However, bad news is your mother won't accompany with me in this trip as she has just joined new company and under provision period. I believe you'ld be happy to learn this news despite this is not a perfect one. They said, something is better than nothing and it'll always apply to everybody, my dear. In fact, your mum is very much desperate to return and meet you. She dreamed you every night and used to share how was is it in the following morning to me. Sometime she was happy while sad on the other time. She'ld be considerably sad when you are not recognizing her as a mum in the dream. I would have to console your mum by reminding that it's just a dream and we have to take it by opposite. Anyway she would like to dream as a happy family life.

Fortunately she changed her job about one month ago and supposing to join new job in the 1st day of June. Meaning she has no chance to get any leave within first 3 months. She knew that she is going to miss you for at least another one year if she join new job. But she chose it painfully because it's a good paid job. She tried to swallow incoming painful things so that she can grab a good job and save money as much as we can. Living together with you become our first priority, my dear. We realize that we can't reunite without having enough saving. So we tried not to spend in unnecessary items and save as much as possible. We do hope you'll able to understand when you reach the age eventually.

At the moment, I can tell you now is your dad will come and see you in less than 2 months from now. Lets celebrate you one year anniversary together with me. I hope we'll get a good time together and it will last forever. We'll try to visit you alternatively so that you can't completely forget us. Being parent, it's most unwanted thing to be forgotten by their own child, I think. Please do not forget your parent for being stay away while you are very young age. It's inevitable and we do so because we want to give you a better life. See you baby in 2 months time. Take care.

Your beloving Dad.
25/05/2011

Water conscious woman 6

DOOM, BENG, VOON,.......
The sound used to come out at the night time and it's due to mouse and rat playing around the kitchen area. They are as big as a cat and don't even afraid of people around. They are nesting on the ceiling and they'll run through the whole night time. At first, we were surprised to heard it and even thought of ghosts. Later we realize this is because of mouse. At night, we are supposed to switch off the light of kitchen. The toilet and bathroom is next to kitchen and we need to go through kitchen. When we switch on the light, we can easily see the mouse everywhere on the table, sink, stove and dish shelf. They are finding foods from the unwashed pan and plates that are put in the sink purposely to save water. As I said before the landlord lady used to wash the whole day used plates and pan on the following day early morning. This habit make mouse and rat easier to find their favorite foods without necessary to go neighbour houses. It's disappointing to heard noisy sound on the ceiling of our room because we cannot sleep soundly. But we have to live in such situation until we moved out for new place when my wife got pregnant. Thanks newly incoming baby girl for making us move from this hell.

In term of hygiene view, this is not only case to be solved out. There are another awesome case in the same house. This is rain water containers that are stored for several months. Some months everyday raining and Aunty need not to use her storage rain water put in the corner. The problem is these containers are not properly covered. So Mosquitoes could able to egg in those containers and it dramatically became the heaven of mosquito. I was shocked to see them alive in those plastic containers. One of my friend is working in the sub-contractor who provide transportation to officers of NEA when they regularly check within communities to make sure there are not such practice. I understand from my friend that there are strict law in place to fine those who are not complying NEA rules and regulations. He shared me that officer can fine the owner of flat/house if they find even 5 nos of mosquito embryo in the flower pots of shrine room. It seems so strict for resident to follow. But it's good practice for community and the reason of why Singapore is famous among the countries of world.

I wonder why NEA officer never come our quarter to check such things. During my staying in these bungalow house for 1.5 years, I never seen them come and check. May be they came when I was out of room. But I am sure they will easily fine them as all containers are put in front of house. One reason I can find is that this bungalow is situated within the opposition ward. It's likely to consider that ruling party is not taking care enough to its opposition wards. People from my home town were hard to believe when I told them that Singapore has no mouse, mosquito because everywhere is so clean and beautiful. They were looking at me with their surprise eyes and some suspicious on my words. I shared them my experience in oversea when I return home for visit. But the house I stayed for over 1 year do not worth to follow Singapore standard. But it's really happen to this city state and don't know who will take care of it to rid of such bad living condition.

The PAP reclaim this area in the May 7 election and hope the ruling party will start to take care this former opposition area. At some places of oppositions are not much different from my country's view. I positively enjoy that because it make me relax in homesick. So I want to laugh when somebody is telling that Singapore is so unique to live in and flawless because of my bitter experience personally not very long ago.

49 against 50

TODAY is much awaited day for a small challenge that I prepare for about 2 months. It started me with the coincident of wanting a new job. Nowadays bosses prefer to employ multi-tasker and I tried to make myself better marketable person by doing so. It is beginning of a journey to online registration for basic theory test. It cost me S$12.65 and affordable. I feel boring 6 months after my specialist diploma exam is finished. So I put myself under pressure by registering this driving licence exam. I don't know when will I be given a car to drive in the island state. But I do believe getting ready on whatever areas we can improve is time worthy practice.

I read 2 types of basic theory books and 1 Q&A book which has 300 questions and answers and seemingly cover all the basic theory that all drivers are supposing to fully understand. From page no.1 to the end, I don't remember how many time I read it repeat. One of my friend said it's a snap and another told me that it took him 3 times to pass. So I prepare my best to get a result I want. I left my room at 9:00am as exam will start on 10:30am. There are row of seats just infront of exam room. We need to wait until one official announce to enter classroom. He checked our IC card and gave a piece of paper that show our name, IC no, password to open computer and station no. On the reverse page, there are some rules to be read and follow.

Just before start, the official explained some useful information with regard to exam and he open projector in which a lady explain by demonstration at computer screen. It's easy for young generation who are used to computer. But old people who are not IT savvy are exceptionally allowed to sit exam by writting. There are four language to be selected as usual, English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Being foreigner, I use English version and found it user family and comfort to answer like that. This is first time for me to sit an exam by computer but I found it's quite effective.

The participants are given 50 questions and all must be answered within 50 minutes time. So we have 1 min allowable time for ever single question. In fact we don't need to take 1 min to answer the question because it's just a touch away. I noticed that some people finished after 10 min. For me, it took me 24 min to complete first round. The computer announce that I have no more question to answer and ask me if I want to submit answer paper or not. As a result of hard studying, I could able to answer all questions smoothly except 2 Qs. So I reverse back and check one more round as there are 26 minute left. I confused on 2 questions and tried my luck for these question as we can make 5 mistakes to pass. I excitedly submit and the result come out immediately. Imagine how I would be nervous. It show the way I expected and appear as follow:-

PASS (score 49/50).

Water conscious woman 5

I don't know how stingy you are in spending water in your daily life. But I found her extra-ordinarily strange woman. How is it? She never push flushing button after using toilet. But she would pour rain water by hand. It's not bad enough for urine but for solid, it's disgusting for following user. I could tell it because I had experienced such bitter experience during my year long stay there. She used to carry rain water from outside home to toilet room. There are big plastic container in the bath-room. She won't mind to to up rain water by hand.

It's not easy for an old woman like her. But she seem never bother for that if she can save some $ from PUB bill at the end of the month. In fact, sadly, no tenants would love to use rain water when they are showering because the rain water she brought in are usually not fresh. They are cold and dirt in color. To be honest, I pump it out before I take a shower. But I have to do it silently as I don't want to disappoint her. I think everybody would do the same I did. She intentionally disable the shower head not to use as usual. So tenants must use shower host as a water pipe for container and have to shower by manual collecting by plastic cup which is provided by landlord.

Beside that, there is another big plastic container on the kitchen sink. She purposely put there so that tenants can use rain water less or more. Again we pretend to use by the time she is in the kitchen. We used it as a first course followed by tap water for final touch because rain water are not hygienic. There is one piece of clothes attached to a water tap so that people cannot open fully. She allows tenants to use her dishes and tell them not to wash after using as she afraid of wasting water. She used to was dishes on the morning for previous whole day usage. She would put all used dishes in the rain water plastic container one after another and use minimum tap water. She is really incredible when it concern to water. If LKY water prize has a category of water consumer price, I am sure she is the one to take the price. It's not funny. I am serious, my friend. To be optimistic, I at least learnt something special from her during my stay.

Thanks Aunty for showing us the way to save our world....You are really environmental friendly woman and I respect you in the prospect of this.. The Singapore government might have happy and want its people to follow your step if there is a way ..:)

I love you, mum

LAST SUNDAY was international mother day and people are celebrating this special day worldwide. It's a good practice to honour mother such a way. Everybody has a mother and without mum, we couldn't have been in this planet. One might have exist as a fatherless child but there is no room for a baby being dump as a motherless. There is a Myanmar proverb that "A hand that sway cradle rules the world". I am not sure if it is copy from other language's proverb or our own one. But it clearly highlight the important of a mother. A hand in this proverb must be a hand of mum, not dad. It's not likely to be a dad's hand since he is solely breadwinner in the household in our culture. A mother used to manage household works and take care children to be grown up properly.

Our mothers in the history were not working and they are deemed a pioneer teacher of their biological child. So we widely accept that parent are responsible for the and misconduct of their child in social circle. So our parent take full responsibility not only being a parent but a teacher who teach their children how to live in the society. Since fathers are responsible to do business and ensure getting enough foods for family, mother are naturally close to child. The bonding between child and mum gradually up by time as our mum only breast-feed to their child after birth. This is only one option for a poor country people and also recognized by elder people. She would happy to take care and seeing her child grow by time.

The teaching path start even the baby is unable to understand the meaning words by music. Our mothers used to sing in the effort of making their babies sleep quickly. The babies seem pleased to sleep by listening music sung by their mothers. Luckily we have so many poems and children stories written and composed by our famous writers and poets. When the baby begins to speak and react well, our mother would tirelessly tell bed-stories to make their babies enjoy and impress the character of actors in story. As usual, the story characters are brave, honest, smart, intelligent, loyal, patriot, and so on. By familiarizing this, we were growing up with the dream of becoming a good person like a character in those stories we listen when we were young.

Moreover our mums would nurture us before we reach school age because there are no preschool culture in a country of poor. So they became a teacher of us before we are exposed to teachers from government schools. At the rural area. we don't have schools to educate ourselves and our mum will take a role of full time teacher. Most of villages from rural area would rely on local monasteries to learn literature. There is at least one monastery a village because we are a buddhist country. Our monks are well educated and they'ld kindly offer their knowledges to the childs of the village. We learnt extra curriculum from our monasteries not only modern literature but ancient literature such as religious, cultural, martial arts, etc. Since our mum also need to do house work and family cultivation works, they can't afford to take care their childs for long time and usually send their child either schools or monasteries when they reach enough age.

Unfortunately my mum passed away when I was young and I badly miss her loving kindness. But it still feel warm whenever I recall the days we spend together. I still remember she told me a lot stories when I was a child. I still please the sound of her singing before I sleep. I still remember her teaching to deal with this cynical world. She is non-educated woman but she still can read, write and able to share something special. She was born during colonial period and no chance to educate during her younger days. Her good period of life was spent by fleeing from wars. This is not her problem at all. She knew the important of education and sent me school despite she was poor. She tried to pretend me not to worry for school fees. She struggled her old days of life by doing little business as vendor. Now I am able to work in a developed country as a white collar worker despite I was born in a rural village of a poor country. It's crystal clear the consequence of my mother's long term sightness. Without her effort, I could have spent my life in the farm land of my village like most of my childhood friends today spending poorly.

In this background, how can I able to forget my mother despite she died for decades? Mum, I want you to see my daughter who is your grand-daughter. I am sure you'll love to see her as all our neighbour people and friends love her so much. I am not a good parent like you. I failed to sing my daughter. I absent to stay with my daughter as circumstance needs me to find dollar at oversea. I failed to tell stories my daughter like you did me when I was my daughter's age. I think you won't be pleased to see me like this if you are able to understand from another world. Will you scold me for being un-dutiful father for your grand-daughter if you can? But mum, I promise you that I'll give my daughter a better education and life than ours. I promise you that I'll try to reunite family life sooner than later. This is only thing I can promise you at the moment. My life belong to you and I have to give enough credit to you for being a good mother in my life. I have missed your quality loving kindness since you leave us and it'll never reach the end. Let me tell you, mum though you may not able to heard my words. It doesn't matter for me but.

I LOVE YOU, MUM.

Congratulation PAP

SINGAPORE's unique generation election has finally finished on last Saturday. I am interestingly reading the local news and situation of campaign despite I have no right to vote. But I don't think that it is non of my business because I am currently working in this country. Changing government can effectively lead to change existing policies that favor foreign workers. That's why it's indirectly concern to me as a foreign worker. I am not a political analyst and try to understand it by reading various news and comments done by experts and locals. It's really interesting me to keep guessing the result. I watched local channel TV as well as read newspaper and internet. The more comprehensive news I read, the more worry happening to me for PAP because I could able to sense the concern of ruling party's MPs. Their sound seems mixing emotion and lacking some confident in competing opposition candidate in their respective wards especially on the area strongly held by opposition parties.

The hottest area became Aljunied and Marine parade. The PAP fielded strong member candidates to compete at that areas and the result come out win-lose situation. PAP lost 5 members GRC Aljunied ward and able to maintained Marine parade area by SM Goh. I thought NSP could able to topple the existing GRC members at the marine parade area because their star attraction, 24 years old, Nicole Seah has done well in campaign and she is magnet among voters. No wonder they lost by a considerable margin in that area despite they are new comers. It's alarming result for ruling party and hope this GE2011 able to show the weakpoint of ruling party so they can win vote in next election.

The static showed that PAP won 60.1% of total eligible voters and the remaining 40% vote went to opposite direction. It means nearly half people don't like ruling party and it's bitter taste for ruling party to learn, I believe. At worse, PAP lost its foreign minster being defeated by WP at Aljunied GRC. I don't think WP have an equal quality that PAP can offer in realistic. But we have to respect people's choice. Let people enjoy different taste for next five years so that they can realize the different. The time is ever changing and so does people's will. It's inevitable.

Being foreign worker myself, I'm pleased to see PAP won this latest election by 81 seats of 87 seats available in parliament. It's overwhelming result as a general. PAP lost Aljunied but they pull back Potong Pasir which is formerly opposition ward. Despite winning back ward is single seat, it's positive result and PAP should proud of this. I don't really understand duties and responsible of elected party to fulfill their promises during campaign. But it's interesting to learn how will it go during next 5 years under WP. Luckily I'm working in a local SMEs which is located in the Aljunied area and it's going to be easy to experience without much effort.

Congratulation PAP for winning last term and wish you able to find a suitable replacement for losing candidates and pull out the best of WP since you all are servants of this unique country. We'll gladly make ourselves to contribute your country as long as you all need us in progressing and moving forward together with you. We all really faith in your ability to move forward with the best of PAP's endeavour.

Have a great another 5 years PAP as you deserve to manipulate this tiny land.

Water conscious woman 4

THERE are three refrigerators in the kitchen. Two are big and one is extra small. The landlord use 2 big one and allow all tenants to use extra small one. I would even cannot find the model of this small one in my country because it's so old. The size is about 3 ft height and 2 ft wide. There are two compartment. The upper deck is about 2 ft x 1 ft and it is always full of frozen ice. Only less than 25% of space is available to use at any given time. The outer body shells are rusted and dirty. There are about 12 tenants in the hostel and the refrigerator is not good enough to facilitate people's needs. Luckily most of tenants don't use kitchen and they are enjoying outside foods except us.

Since we cook regularly, we use the most space in this small refrigerator. Aunty is old enough to become our mother and we always paid her respect. Nobody talks her at home and she would be always busy with something. She only one do all sorts of house keeping work as well as cooking for the whole family. We are only one couple who help her doing house work. I helped Uncle cutting fence plant regularly. Every weekend we used to sweep and mop the kitchen area because we are using kitchen. But we are disappointing to be scolded by her for some unfair things. Sometime she claimed us for failing cleaning and moping. She would say us her husband is doing house keeping work. Then I'ld respond her that it's your business and you are responsible for that. You don't have a right to claim us to do it because we are not staying here for free. We paid for your room here. When I said like that, she would hold back her temper as she scare to lose us.

There are always incoming and outgoing tenants because people are not happy after they understand the behavior of her. During our stay for more than 1 and half year, we saw a lot people come in and go out very much frequently. Every time she gets new tenants, she will need to pay agent fees as she rely on agent to get new tenant to fill vacant rooms. We are generally less complaint people and pay rental fee regularly. She know it well and she always asked me to tell my friends to stay her house. I encouraged some of my friends who are trouble in finding rooms and let them stay in her house. In total, I helped her get my fellow citizen tenants for about 7 people. But she never favor me for my help. However she would give us old curry when there are extra and she knows it's going to be expired. We acknowledge her generous without complaining. She is such woman for us. At some good feeling time, she used to tell me about her younger days life in Indonesia because I am only one she can talk to. I can speak a little her language and able to understand her halting English. By this way we two are staying under the same ceiling by quarreling or arguing or complaining.

My GE 2011 Wish

TODAY is last day for all parties to campaign and they are gearing up to highlight their intention and attract possible voters. The campaigning news has been taken headline news in the various local newspaper. Also candidates are busying with their respective programme to fulfill. I see a lot MPs and MP-elect greeting and distributing their party's brochures to passer by at every MRT station. At 34 years in my life, this is first time to experience such event in my life. Because my country has been ruled by army since we got independent in 1948 January 4. I was born in 1977 and never got a chance to witness such experience in past time.

As my background is like that, I am surprising to see people freely voice out their dislikes to ruling party. I have been working in this island state and noticed that all media are handled by state own companies and media censorship is not much different from other communist countries, I think. So I never thought the ruling party will allow its opposition parties to do like that. All parties are formally allowed to campaign freely after nomination day on April 27. It mean they all have 9 days to battle before entering to polling day. Polling day is due on May 7 which is tomorrow. Being foreigner, we are just onlooker and wonder how Singapore's political landscape is going to change.

As a man from LDC, I rate this government extraordinary one in term of the global position they stand today. Nobody will refuse if I say this country is a successful and developed country. However its people seem still not satisfy with the treatment given by their government. They would argue with me for comparing their state with severely chaos country of mine as they aim highest. At one point, one opposition party told media that "Towards first world parliament". It's up to them if they satisfy on their life or not. For me, it's just strange manner by a few percentage of people. Since PAP ruled this country even before independent as at 1959, today generation should give enough credit to this party because everything they enjoy today is coming from the efforts of first 2 generation whom are belong to PAP.

Without a good government and system, Singapore won't have been here today. Likewise, without a good education, today Singaporean would have been less precious workforce. There is no perfect government in this world. Even US government is not being liken by its people. In fact the more educated people, the more they demand. As MM Lee told, Singapore has no enough talents to set up two parties politic. If his thought is considered right, how come opposition's makeshift candidates has enough quality to hand over power from current leadership? With my tiny brain, I sincerely agree with MM Lee opinion and don't believe on opposition's serial promises on whether they are able to fulfill after they are voted.

To be honest, being foreign worker myself, I am grateful to PAP for letting us working here and standing our side every time against its people's will. No matter how PAP explained to its complained people, they won't satisfy with answer. I feel not welcomed by residents whenever I read their concern. Why can't they think that we are coming here to help them? Why can't they think of positive while the government keep progressive? They should have understood if they are educated well and selfless. I won't say all locals because I have come across very genial residents. So I am sure it won't be fair to locals to say all Singaporean are not fair and not practical. As government continuously ensure you all, we all surely go back home when the time come right.

May PAP win in tomorrow polling by landslide.

Water conscious woman 3

DESPITE we made prior agreement for cooking allowance with extra S$10 penalty for cooking gas, we are never free whenever we are in the kitchen. We are always put under watchful eyes of Aunty and it's even better than a surveillance camera. We would be constantly checked by walking around us and being given how a curry could be done without spending much water and gas. In fact she is overly stingy on water & gas and can't even hide her temper when people are utilizing her kitchen. One month after we moved in, she asked fore another S$10 for our cooking habit by citing the way we spend water & gas won't cover she initially claim s$10. We paid S$20 without arguing as we can't afford not to cook at home. Second month, she again asked for another S$10 by citing her increased PUB bills. In fact, that month, PUB bill was up temporarily due to world's fuel rate up record high. But the media state that it'll affect about S$4.00 to 5-rooms HDB. We knew she take advantages from this news and she gain S$10 from us alone. I am sure she'll also ask other flatmates by citing the same reason.

When I went to enquire the vacant room and related terms, she explained me that tenants are allowed to use air-conditioner from 8:00pm to 6:00am the next morning. Since we both are working adults and don't like cool environment so much and didn't bother that rule. She used to give remote controller to ever room and take back at the early morning. So she is supposing to distribute just before 8:00pm at evening time and collect after 6:00am next morning. In reality, she mostly forgot to give remote controllers to room until somebody go and ask for. But wonderfully, she never failed to collect them early next morning during my stay there for almost 2 years. Her husband is a newspaper distributor and he needs to go newspaper factory 3:00am to collect paper and distribute his customers. So Aunty needs to wake up and prepare for Uncle something to drink and doing necessities. Therefore she used to wake up about 2:30am and she'ld take back all remote controllers from rooms. It's quite distracting for those who are soundly sleep that time. She don't allow every room to lock from inside so that she can collect remote controllers at morning and clean the rooms. It's quite amazing experience for you? Stay in tune for next pose. I still have something to share with you.

(To be continued)

When professionalism lack dignity ?

I WATCH football match as a solely entertainment because I can't afford to hang out outside my home & work. As we all know, football significantly become a big type of entertainment in this world. It clearly surpass other types of sports and activities because it can give people joyous, excitement, nervous, sadness, cry and so on. Fans usually express their opinion by doing either cheers or boos. It's their right for paying their hard-earn dollars. Likewise, today fans around the world enjoying football match through several media also have a right to do the same though players and manager can't hear them. It's just psychological effect and people including me seem a bit relax after shouting at what they like and dislike. Nowadays people are so busy and struggling under hectic lifestyle and they try to find a place to explode their stress as well as depression which are accumulated by time in jobs. So watching football together with other friends and other fans at beer pub or night clubs become a new culture of modern world, I think. For me I enjoy them playing at home together with my flatmates.

Original purpose to watch football is to entertain ourselves but it used to end up sadly rather than feeling good. It can be different reason why we are left such feeling after watching soccer match. Some matches are spoiled by match official as he seems favor of one team. Some matches are destroyed by bad professional who lack respect each other. Some matches are degraded by team Managers who continuously complain to official's decision. Some matches would be ugly due to some inconsiderate fans who throw something at pitch and use abusive words to dark-skin players. Some famous players are unbelievably celebrate after they score a decisive goal which is not suitable for young fans around the world. It doesn't matter how they are penalized by governing body, they'll never hesitate to repeat offense.

The managers are supposing to wear in gentleman formal suit and sitting/standing at the designated area. They are always gracious to see at the beginning of the match. By time their action would change according to the match's action. They would say it's part of professionalism, but I think some action are inappropriate. Being loser, they will always seek the excuses for losing the game. They'll always find official's mistake. They seem forget that official are human being like us and likely to make wrong decision because they need to decide instantly. It's not going to be easy for a human despite they are trained to do so. I see some referees are not suitable to handle high profile match. Such bad selection surely lead to unnecessary argument and at worse fighting between players.

In brief, they all professionals are wearing in gentleman suit and sometime their action is not far from a gypsy. Why are they reacting like that while they are highly paid? Why can't they be role model of young people who are watching them all over the world. If it's part of professionalism then I don't want to be a professional. I would like to be a man of dignity rather than such professional man if I have to choose of two. I hope people able to mind their action in order to match the duty they perform. It could apply not only sportsmen but politician who are the most responsible person to fulfill their promises during campaign. As a country man from a least developed country, I couldn't see our leaders fulfill their words and it is disgusting. If a politician can't keep their words, how can we trust on them in the long run. Eventually, this too shall pass away.