Wednesday, December 24, 2008

23-12-2008 (Tuesday)

1. China, Taiwan - two giant pandas have arrived in Taiwan from China, a gift from Beijing to a self-governing island it considers part of Chinese territory.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Xian -Day 2

I didn't mention this last time, but Xian - Day 1 actually ended with another mini-event. The hotel we were staying at not only put up a banner that welcomed us (forgot to mention this also, everywhere we went we were welcomed with a huge banner), but also provided some light snacks. Too bad I didn't get to hit any of that, I was going after the ladies dressed in some form of traditional clothing.



Sweet. Also forgot to mention that crossing roads in China's pretty different to most Western countries. Pedestrians don't have right of way in China, even at pedestrian crossings.



Can be a challenge getting places at times. Especially when you're crossing huge three laned roads (so six lanes in total, three going each way). Monica and I adopted the 'shadow' strategy. We wait at a pedestrian crossing. Spot a local. Follow them across the crossing. They go, we go. They stop, we stop. It works pretty well. Over time (read: a few days) you figure out when you can go and when you can't. Well, you'd better anyway.

Breakfast. Big buffet. Lots of Chinese food. A waitress in the same garb as last night hands you a plate and chopsticks. Coolios. I, being stupid, keep shoveling down fried noodles and other 'heavy' and 'oily' foods. Would come back to bite me in the ass.

Was also going commando today thanks to the bet I'd lost last night. Honestly it wasn't that bad. But enough said.

Xian tour guide tells us we're going to see the terracotta warriors today. Awesome. Only reason for being in Xian, I thought. Rock up and it's a pretty nice place. Looks a bit like a memorial. It kind of is, really.



Should probably mention now, before I forget, that we're holding Viennetta ice blocks (popsicles for the North Americans).

For those who don't know what I'm referring to. And they, like everything else in China, are so cheap. We bought these for five yuan (0.8AUD/USD). The cheapest we got them was like, 3 yuan (0.5AUD/USD) at the Summer Palace in Beijing. Point being - go to China, go get some Viennetta. Best loose change you'll ever spend.

But we don't get to see the warriors just yet. Head into some kind of museum where we spend an hour. Dark. Two chariots on display.



This one I think is a miniature re-construction of something found in the pits where the terracotta warriors were found. Not sure if this is like a fighting chariot or not.



I actually know what this is. I think this is another miniature re-construction of the emperor's comfort chariot. Large roof to block out the sun. Windows to allow air through. Left the museum shortly after.

Pit 1 is the biggest pit. I didn't even visit the other pits. But pit 1 is huge.



Look how small the people are on the far wall for reference. Honestly, not much to say about this place cause we pretty much walked the perimeter of the thing, and took photos along the way. Lots of other tours were there that day as well.




Look closely. You knew this, but none of them have the same faces. Kind of takes handmade to a whole new level. And towards the back, some terracotta warriors were being pieced together again.



So that was essentially my experience of the terracotta warriors. Oh, and one more thing. The guy who discovered them some thirty years ago is now old and a little cranky. He works at one of the museums at the site, and charges you 20 yuan if you want to take a photo with him. We actually saw a picture of him hung up in the souvenir store, but they don't even let you take a photo of that picture of him. The government should just pay him royalties for the rest of his life or something.

Before we left, we watched a short film in the souvenir store. They have a panoramic screen in there, so it's like, 360 degrees of action. Problem is it gets a bit tough spinning around to see what's happening at every point of reference at every point in time. Still pretty cool though.

The rest of the day was pretty lame. We visited the Shanxi historical museum which was a very good museum, but nothing compared to the terracotta warriors. They have the biggest stone lion I've ever seen.




Examples of what chinese writing used to look like.



And some ancient chinese money. Like, you've probably seen this in textbooks before. And it looks pretty damn similar in real life.



ext up was the most boring lecture I've ever sat through. Like I was literally gone as soon as I sat down.



Me in the back row with the head tilted back. Got woken up by Li Lei about halfway through. Apparently I was snoring lightly. But in my defence I wasn't the only one. The camera crew couldn't film the delegation listening to the lecturer cause too many of us had dozed off. Like Monica. Who got drawn on. Pictures needed cause I can't find it :).

I was sitting next to Subrina and Carrie that lecture. I should probably introduce them more fully. You might remember Carrie from Hong Kong - Day 2. The one who was walking around with Eva with that huge camera? Quiet? HA! Apparently not. Miss Hong Kong, as she likes people to refer to her, was voted the loudest in the group by the time CSP was over. Her partner in crime is Subrina, and together, they are my two clowns.

So after I got woken up, and while Walter and Jacqie are trying to fill in periodic table, Subrina grabs my left hand and tells me to let it hang loose, palm facing down. She then flips it over, palm up. The two clowns look at it and squeal. Carrie says she has a friend who can read palms, and apparently the curvature of your thumbpad (like the bit of flesh below your thumb which forms part of your palm) is an indication of...something. I'll leave that up to you to figure out. Oh, and it's definitely not G-rated.

Tonight was the night we got for 'free time' in Xian. Get dropped off by the buses somewhere in the city and we're told we need to find somewhere to have dinner. We have a few CSP alumni with us, so they suggest we take a taxi to this restaurant. Li Lei flags one down and hop in. Pretty old thing, with a huge metal grill separating the backseat from the front seat. It's so hot that we open the window, but the air pollution is so bad it makes us want to close it. Stream through the traffic of Xian. Other cars, buses, bikes, scooters. Oh, and a common disregard for road rules. Arrive safely at the restaurant. The fare? About 11 yuan (1.5 AUD/USD) as I recall. I was astounded. Flagfall in Australia is at least twice that amount. And it wasn't a particularly short trip, maybe 10-15 minutes? I heart taxis in China.

So dinner was in this kungfu themed place. All the food was given special names as per the theme. Or so I'm told, cause I can't read menus. It was a very humble place, but the staff there will bend backwards for you. They somehow managed to fit all thirty or so of us in the restaurant and pretty much re-did their back room to fit us on two big tables. Food and alcohol came quickly. It was a huge dinner. Highlights (not always good) included:
Camel (someone told me it was, the size of the bone doesn't suggest otherwise)



Pig's trotter. (GROSS, would've rather had river worms instead of this)




Beer. (The weakest beer ever, it was literally water).




And of course, when it comes to drinking with Chinese people, you must shout 'GAN BEI!'



But the night was not yet over.

Another ridiculously cheap taxi ride took us to a night market in Xian. We spotted a McDonald's there. Sirui, the generous gentleman, shouted everyone sundaes. Someone remind me how much they were? Again, the relative cheapness of everything in China astounds.

We hit the night market and it is a loud, colourful place. Lots of vendors with some pretty interesting wares. Inflatable t-shirts. Light emitting spin tops. Amazingly accurate cariactures. Crickets in a cage, a la Mulan. Lots of food to buy and food to try.



I don't know what they're making here.



Cars, scooters and modernised rickshaws (scooters with a backseat attached to them) keep you on your toes.



So Carrie and Subrina buy some 'nian gao' (年糕) from a hawker on the street, I think. Tastes ok. The CSP organisers tell us not to try any hawker food. I feel all right. About ten minutes later I've got a runny nose. So I think. Glistening red. Oh dear. Get Monica to grab some tissues out of my bag. Dripping blood everywhere. Gino rushes me into a restaurant and asks if we can use their toilet. Didn't think they were gonna say no. Clean myself up and head back out. Carrie and Subrina propose another reason for my nose bleed. Clowns. The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. We discover Kenny's ability to work the ladies when it comes to bargaining. A few of us buy some qi pao's.



Kenny buys a Beijing 2008 shirt. Another useless souvenir which he doesn't need.

Decided to pull off something I'd learnt in Australia.

Whoops!

Hong Kong- Day 1

Woke in the morning, something's on my mind...no, no more Mika until later in the trip. I don't actually remember what I did earlier that day. Anyway, that bit's not really important. At around four in the afternoon, I took a bus with my friends to the Baptist University in Hong Kong, nothing special. Found my way to the residence halls of the BU, saw the massive CSP logo, and knew this was it. Time to begin. But first, to say goodbye to HK city.

Stepped into the registration room, collected my name badge (swanky), keycard (so I could get into my room at the BU), and programme/delegate book. Walked to the residence building, got into the lift, got out of the lift and walked to my room. My room buddy was already there. Well, he wasn't, but his stuff was. He'd already gone down to get his CSP polo shirts and his CSP jacket (which I now affectionately refer to as the pimpsuit). But yea, he was really neat. CSP jacket hung up. CSP polos neatly folded. Hoped he wasn't a tightarse (he's actually the chillest guy I know).

I broke out the CSP delegate book, and started scanning names. Yes, I book-stalked. Kristina Ooi - Cambridge. Tina Liu - Harvard. Err...what I am doing here? They weren't joking when they labelled this a program for 'oustanding youth'. Notice a guy in my door way.

'Hey, how're you doing?' American? Nah, doesn't sound like an American.
'Not bad, yourself?'
'I'm pretty good. I'm Walter.'
'You're not American are you?'
'No, I'm Canadian.'
'Figures, if you're not American you have to be Canadian.'
I've forgotten the rest of this conversation so I'm just gonna skip to the end.
'I'll see you later.'
'See ya.'

Later, I waltzed (yes, I waltz) down to get my polo shirts and pimpsuit. Ladies distributing out the uniforms ask me for my size. XXL. They look at my information slip. It says XXL. 'At 10pm, come back here if you need to switch sizes.' I wasn't there at 10pm.

So at around 5.30pm we were separated into our groups. We each step into the circle and say something about ourselves. 'Hi, my name's ... I'm from ... so I won't be talkin' like any of you.' Smooth. Someone says we need a group name. Why do we need a group name? 'How about Fantastic Four?' says someone. Ok, it'll do. 'FANTASTIC FOUR!!!' we shout.

File into a huge lecture hall. Clara Lee, one of the leading organizers of this trip tells us about the rigours of the trip. Her first words. 'You took fifteen minutes to get into this lecture hall. That is not outstanding.' Gold.

We march up to an empty classroom. 'We have too much time,' says Connie, our co-cordinator. 'What should we do?'. I stand up. 'There's this game called Two Lies and a Truth. So I'll go first...'. Unfortunately, we never went around the entire room.

Dinnertime was an interesting affair. Met this girl called Eva.
'So you're a pro-gamer?'
'Yea, I play DotA for PMS.'
If anyone wants her msn, let me know. (Jokes jokes)
I sat across from this part African girl who kept tilting her head to the left (my left, her right). I heard a British accent somewhere nearby. I turn to the girl next to me.
'So where are you from?'
'Mear-yi-land'.
'Where's that?'
'It's close to D.C.'
Interesting bunch.


The rest of the night was pretty boring/lame depending on how tired you were. Watching Kenny and Jacqie trying to advertise a packet of tissues (somehow they made a tissue bikini set) was pretty funny.



The first day ended pretty uneventfully for me. Some of our group went out clubbing. I was gone.

CSP-Introduction

This is a retrospective weblog on the amazing seventeen days I had on The 9th China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth - I will never forget the experience. To my friends from all corners of the globe: I can't wait to sing with you all again; these memories are for you.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

21-12-2008(Sunday)

1. China offers Taiwan economic aid

China and Taiwan are already closely linked economically.

China's economic growth has slowed in recent months, but its leaders still see an opportunity to be grasped.

The pledge to do more came at a meeting of politicians, academics and business leaders from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait called to discuss ways to co-operate in the financial and service industries.

2. US- Seatle
A winter storm is continuing to sweep across large swathes of the US, with heavy snow and strong winds disrupting transport and power.

Las Vegas- Las Vegas hit by rare snowfall, race december snow has fallen on Las Vegas and southern California.

Buses hang over highway, wintry driving conditions caused two commuter buses to veer to the brink of a busy US highway.

20-12-2008 (Saturday)

1.Macau - 9th Anniversary of Macao and Republic of China, where Macau return to China.

2. Taiwan - Taiwan spread H5N2 disease.

3. US- Multi-billion dollar aid package for US carmarkers. The US government is to provide 17.4bn in loans to help General Motors and Chrysler survive.
The US government will use part of the $700bn originally pledged to rescue US banks to aid the car industry. It has set a deadline of 31 March for the firms to become viable.

General Motors will get $9.4bn and Chrysler $4bn before the end of the year. A further $4bn will be provided later to GM.

Ford has said it hopes to get by without government help.

Bush said "in the mist of financial crisis and the recession, allowing the US car marker industry orderly to collapse is not the responsible cause of action"

Obama said "the car industry must bring all the stakeholders together, including labors, dealers, creditors and suppliers, to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability."


The US government will use part of the $700bn originally pledged to rescue US banks to aid the car industry. It has set a deadline of 31 March for the firms to become viable.

19-12-2008 (friday)

1. US- 3 big car manufacturing companies in US waiting for US government rescue plan, but white house plan to let these 3 companies scheduling bankrupt.
finance director said that he will avoid these companies bankrupt, if there is no other alternatives, will let them scheduling bankrupt. "If the right outcome is reorganization or bankruptcy, and is better to get there through the orderly process or every afford to make to avoided, and if cannot be avoided, everyone prepare for it."

Some researcher said that if US car manufacturing companies bankrupt, Japan and China will make their step in to US market.

3. US- Las Vages having the strongest storm in 30 years time. Airport close due to heavy storm.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

15-12-2008 (Monday)

1. China-Taiwan- China and Taiwan have launched direct flights, cargo shipping and mailing the first time in nearly 60 years that such direct transport links been allowed.

2. Thailand - Thailand's opposition leader, Abhist Vejjajiva, has been confirmed as the country's new prime minister after winning a special vote in parliament. He is the youngest PM in Thailand history.

3. HK- some foods (sushi) contains the amount of bacteria is overdose. Doctors advice elderly people and children should not consume too much of these kind of food.

4. HK - There is an organization where several small-medium enterprise sign a contract that they wouldn't cause employee resignation.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

14-12-2008 (Sunday)

1. HK- HK chief executive Donald Tsang visit the accident place in Kwanloon HK for the case of "acid" bottles being throw into the busiest street last saturday causing nearly 40 people injured. His representative said Chief Executive very concern on this case.

2. Oil price in HK reduce by HKD 1.

3. Taiwan - Taiwan ex-president involved in corruption, including his son wedding dinner.

4. China, Taiwan - Staring tomorrow, the direct flight from Shanghai Pudong to Taiwan will start first flight. This including direct postal services and shipping service. They said that this measurement taken not only boost the economic, but also recycle environmental friendly.

5. HK - Due to global financial crisis, the emotional patients in HK increases.

6. Thailand - Parliament is voting on Monday for a new PM to succeed his brother-in-law (Somchai). Mr Soomchai was forced to resign by a court ruling earlier this months. Thailand;s ousted PM Thaksin has called for an end to interference in Thai politics.
An estimated of 40,000 people filled the stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The protest culminated in a week-long occupation of Bangkok's main international airport that left 300,000 foreign tourists stranded.

7. Miss World 2008 was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Initially the pageant was held in Ukraine, but changes due to the crisis and security purpose. Miss Russia was crowned as Miss World 2008 by former Miss World 2007 winner, China, Zhang Zilin.

12-12-2008 (Friday)

1. HK- HK government plan to increase the welfare from HKD9,000 to HKD 10,000 for a family of 4 members. Some said that it shouldnt be added at this moment where global financial crisis.

2. Share price in HK drop due to US Senate fail to approve the plan to rescue US three carmarker.
"and this vote, the Yea are 52, the Nay are 35." Thus the plan is not approved.
Some members said that "the boil to the country confident, and capabilities is beyond the economic terms. and i pray to see this not going to happened. "

13-12-2008 (Saturday)

1. HK - Two "acid" bottles were throw from a high-rise building into a busy street (Tong Choi Gai) in HK causing forty-six people were injured. Police searched the building, but no arrests were made following incident late on Saturday.

2. China, Japan, South Korea - The leader of three of Asia's biggest economies have vowed to work closely together during a meeting in Japan to reduce the damaged caused by the global financial crisis. Mr Wen, Japanese PM Taro Aso, South Korean Presiden Lee Myung-bak in southern city of Fukouka.

The countries planned to increase amount of money to swapped between them.
It is a move which benefit South Korea especially, as the won has lost a third of its value since the start of the year.

3. Taiwan - former president of Taiwan, Chen Sui-bian is released from jail. Ex-president and his wife were charges include forgery and money laundering. Chen was jail since 12 november while prosecutors probed his affairs, was later released on bail.
He denied any wrongdoing, and he said that his is being persecuted by his successors for his anti-China stance.

4.US - The White House says it is considering using money earmarked to rescue the US banking industry to bail out the country's struggling carmakers.

president-elect barack obama said he was disappointed that the Senate failed to act. millions of jobs rely directly or indirectly on a viable auto industry.

The big three -Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, employ more than 250,000 people directly and many more indirectly, in companies making auto parts and car dealerships.

Shares fell sharply around the world after the bail-out was rejected - with carmakers among the hardest hit.

the three US auto companies need to be seriously restructured in order to survive.

Friday, December 12, 2008

11-12-2008 (Thursday)

1. HK- HK government plan to ask China to give more border to China tourist to come to HK starting next year in order to boost up HK economy.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

10-12-2008 (Wednesday)

1. HK- The authorities in Hong Kong say they have found the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus on a chicken farm. It is the first outbreak in GK in more than 5 years.

2. China- China has reported a fall for the first time in 7 years times. China's trade surplus rose despite decline both in export and imports.

3. US- Barack Obama has called on Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to resign following his arrest on charges that he tried to "sell" Mr Obama's Senate seat.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

03-12-2008 (Wednesday)

1. Thailand - Bangkok airport resume working.

2. US- 3 car manufacturing companies request US government for help due to financial crisis.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

29-11-2008(Saturday)

1. Thailand - Anti-government protesters continue to occupied Thailand international airport.

2. US- A shop worker has died after being knocked to the ground by bargain-hunters who stormed into a superstore in New York's suburbs as it opened.
The day after the Thanksgiving holiday is seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Friday, November 28, 2008

28-11-2008 (Friday)

1. Thailand - Thailand's national police chief is demoted by the PM amid growing tensions over protests paralysing Bangkok's airports.

2. India - Indian commandos in Mumbai battle for control of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It was said that this attacks is similar with US 911 terrorist attacks. It happened in last Wednesday night. Currently there are total 140 people die and total 10 famous spot being attack include hotels, train station. They said the gunman have connection with Pakistanis.
Researcher said: " the mumbai attacks had gone up to number of different target, transportation, the commercial center, going off to westernizes, is trying to get as many publicity from the International media possible."

27-11-2008 (Thursday)

1. India- Mumbai rocked by gunmen, who have carried out a series of co-ordinated attacks across the foreigner spot in Indian city of Mumbai, killing at least 101 people. mostly are foreigner (American and UK).
Numbai's stock market stop for one day.

India had several bomb attacks in India 2008. the most incident was blasts in Delhi.

2. Thailand - Protesters have been occupying the international airport amid an escalating political crisis. On Wednesday Mr Somchai rejected a call by army leader Gen Anupong Paochinda for new elections to end the political deadlock.
The prime minister says his government is legitimate and that he will continue to work for the country.

3. India and Thailand airport close due to current crisis. Many visitors was stuck. Government advices citizen not to visit or business trip these two countries.

4. Taiwan - Taiwan ex-president cheng sui bian, start to consume food after a long period of time.

5. HK- HK weather now drop to 14 degree Celsius, so doctors advice citizens to take care of health issues especially heart disease.

26-11-2008 (Wednesday)

1. China - China's economic growth "to slow". The World Bank says China's economy will grow by less than expected next year.
A few months ago, before the global financial crisis, China's economy is expected to grow by about 9%, but now is expected to grow by 7.5% in 2009.

China will still do well enough to avoid the worst effects of the global recession, and could still help others developing countries.

2. Thailand - Thai protesters shut down airport. Flight from Thailand's international airport have been suspended after hundred of anti-government protesters stormed the building outside Bangkok.
The head of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said his group will only talks if PM Somchai resigned.

This accident has damaged Thailand's reputation and its economy beyond repair.

3. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, member of the State Council, will represent the People's Republic of China for France meeting on 1st December 2008.
But now, this trip cancel. Rumors said that the relationship bad.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

24-11-2008 (Monday)

1. HK - HK government will create some job opportunity.

2. US- US government help Citigroup. US government's rescue plan for the bank.
Citigroup has lost more than 20bn in the past year because if the global financial crisis, suffering four straight quarterly losses.
The rescue plan was announced after emergency talks over the weekend between the bank and the treasury department, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Citigroup is one of the leading US banks and has operations in more than 100 countries.

3. APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a forum to discuss the regional economy, cooperation, trade and investment.

Friday, November 21, 2008

20-11-2008 (Thursday)

1. Ombudsman :
A man who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students and an institution or organization.

Office of Ombudsman

2. shoddily
fake material

Some parents who lost their children have called for investigations into whether schools were shoddily built. Sichuan, China.



1. China - Peru and China have concluded a free-trade agreement during a visit by the Chinese president, Hu Jintao.



US global dominance 'set to wane'

US economic, military and political dominance is likely to decline over the next two decades, according to a new US intelligence report on global trends.

The National Intelligence Council (NIC) predicts China, India and Russia will increasingly challenge US influence.

It also says the dollar will no longer be the world's major currency, and food and water shortages will fuel conflict.

However, the report concedes that these outcomes are not inevitable and will depend on the actions of world leaders.


The US will remain the single most important actor but will be less dominant
Global Trends 2025

US Global Trends report: Key points

It will make sombre reading for President-elect Barack Obama, the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says, as it paints a bleak picture of the future of US influence and power.

"The next 20 years of transition to a new system are fraught with risks," says Global Trends 2025, the latest of the reports that the NIC prepares every four years in time for the next presidential term.

Nevertheless, it concludes: "The US will remain the single most important actor but will be less dominant."

Nuclear weapons use

The NIC's 2004 study painted a rosier picture of America's global position, with US dominance expected to continue.


NIC REPORT

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World (33MB)
Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader
Download the reader here

But the latest report says that rising economies such as China, India and Brazil will offer the US more competition at the top of a multipolar international system.

A world with more power centres will be less stable than one with one or two superpowers, it says, offering more potential for conflict.

Global warming will have had a greater impact by 2025, triggering food and water scarcities that could fuel conflict around the globe.

US military vehicles in Iraq - 9/9/2008
There will be greater potential for conflict in the future, the NIC says

And the use of nuclear weapons will grow increasingly likely, says the report, as rogue states and terrorist groups gain greater access to such weapons.

But the NIC does give some scope for leaders to take action to prevent such scenarios.

"It is not beyond the mind of human beings, or political systems, [or] in some cases [the] working of market mechanisms to address and alleviate if not solve these problems," said Thomas Fingar, chairman of the NIC.

And, adds our correspondent, it is worth noting that American intelligence has been wrong before.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

19-11-2008

1. HK- Cathay Pacific, didn't give 1 month bonus which is 2008, SAR in 2003, US 911 in September 2001.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

18-11-2008 (Tuesday)

1. HK - HK unemployment rate is 3.5% (increase 0.1% since world financial crisis)
Since September and October. The unemployment rate is high in 97, and 03 (SARS) and October 08. HK government predict that the rate will increase.

Labour Department Job Center said the vacancy of job increase to 3%.

2. CitiGroup plan to cut off a total of 50,000 employee worldwide.

3. Taiwan - Shopper in Taiwan will be handed more than $100 in redeemable vouchers in a government bid to beat the global credit crisis.
The government has prescribed some retail therapy for the economy. It follow japan step in 1999 where japan government also handle redeemable vouchers.
However, some feel that this will not curb in long term as most people use the vouchers and save own money.

3. China- China's president Hu JinTao has signed a series of trade and investment accords with Cuba during a landmark visit to the island.

Monday, November 17, 2008

14-11-2008 (Friday)

1. HK- HK economic slow down. ATV cut off employees.

2. US - US economic down turn, in month November and December, Christmas present is cut off.
One of the US citizen in Washington DC said:" Well, the economic is down, so spent in every wisely."
"Actually I just find out 3 hours ago that I was lead off, is very bad, especially when you have 2 kids in school, you are single parent. Now I have to look for another job and is kind of frightening. just before Christmas, is really bad"

"No sales, peoples actually scare to buy, because they think that economy is going to be so bad because of the taxes. "

Taxi drivers feel the worst because most people prefer to walk to reduce spending.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

15-11-2008 (Saturday)

1. HK - Tailan electrical shop bankrupt. Those

2. HK- a lot constructor/ civil engineer lost their job due to most construction stop down.

3. US- Bush said "As we persuade this objective, what we archive together so far

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

11-11-2008 (Tuesday)

1. Taiwan's ex-president Chen Shui-bian, who faces corruption allegations, has been formally taken into (Taipei Civil Detention Center) custody.

10-11-2008 (Monday)

1. HK - HK government increase the loan for small and medium enterprise from 50% to 70%. However, the final decision is on the bank. This measurement is taken to curb the world financial crisis.

Social Security Field Unit in HK plan to increase the welfare fees due to high inflation rate. Some said that in this moment of world financial crisis, they should not consider increase the welfare fees.

2. US- Bush will meet Obama in White house. Obama said starting next year, he will make some changes on policy,
Obama consultant said: "Energy transformation, improving health care, research, there is a lot that president can do using his executive authority without waiting
the congress ion. We will see the president do that."

Michelle Obama said:" as president and vice president, barack and joe will change Washington, so that of instead of just talking about family value, we actually have policy that value family."
44 years old, is a lawyer.

US citizen said:" different from the woman who have previously, previous first lady. and I think it show doesn't matter what you wear, what is in your head."

Monday, November 10, 2008

09-10-2008 (Sunday)

1. HK- HK government will not increase the tax in short term. HK government will take some measurement to curb world financial crisis, to stabilize and maintain the financial market.
a. to make sure the financial loan have sufficient loan,
b. increase the speed of project construction to increase job opportunity.

2. HK government used 1 million for helping small and medium enterprise and encourage oversea buyers to HK. Will give subside (4,000 wan) for HK enterprise to exhibit in HK in online advertisement and decorate exhibition area purpose. They target on Russia, middle east, north Africa. (This is because this countries are not affected much as compare to europe and america, they have some buyer potential)

3. China products egg contaminated with Melina. HK egg price increase due to shortage of egg supply. Some restaurant said that the price of egg will decrease after the contaminated issue is over.

4. China- China's president make a phone call to Obama. both china and america relation is important in future. Obama have a phone call with Russian president.

5. Russia- Russia investigates sub disaster. Twenty people have died on board a Russian nuclear submarine during trials in the Sea of Japan.

6. Canada - A Chinese Canadian CBC TV journalist has been freed in Afghanistan four weeks after being kidnapped in Afghanistan.
Canadian Prime Minister asked : "you have been chain you?" "Just hand and legs, at the first three week, they have somebody with me the whole time"

Saturday, November 8, 2008

08-11-2008(Saturday)

1. Macau - Sheraton Hotel, Sands Las Vegas Sands Corp. lots of construction work stop due to main company Las Vegas Sands Corp. in state facing financial company, lots of workers jobless. Aedas contruction company also cutting down 85 number of employees.

2. HK - HK government remind most company don't cut down employee. Standard Chartered bank in HK will re-manage their department. DBS bank will cut down total 900 employees.
Finances, Tourist, Consumers will be affected the most due to financial crisis.

3. Ngong Ping 306 cable car in HK does not effect much. HK will try to attract more Taiwanese tourist to overnight in HK rather than transfer flight.

4. US- US employeement rate increase to 6.5%, lowest for 16 years.
Obama's first news conference in Chicago.
US president-elect Barack Obama said: "We need a rescue plan for the middle class that invest in immediate afford to create jobs, and provide relief to family that watching the pa trick plan and live saving disappear. Particularly urgent priority is further extend of the unemployment insurance benefits."
Obama having a meeting with financial people. He didn't immediately announced the treasure department team, he added that "and I think is very important in all this keep position both the economic team, and the national security team to get the right, and not to be so rush and end of making mistakes."
He also thanks to Bush for being co-operate in rescuing the financial crisis.

5. UK had revokes former Thai PM, Thaksin's visa and his wife.
An e-mail sent to airlines from the British embassy in Bangkok told them not to allow the couple to board flights to Britain.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

4-11-2208(Tuesday)

1. China and Taiwan in landmark deal on items:
a: direct flights will increase from 36 to 108.
b: route will be shortened and private business jet flights will be allowed
c: direct cargo shipments will be allowed in Taiwan sea port and tax free china
d: sixty direct cargo flights will be allowed per month
e: direct postal link
f: food safety alerts between the countries.

03-11-2008 (Monday)

1. China and Taiwan have signed landmark agreements to improve direct trade and transport link. Chen Yunli's visit has prompted some small pro-independence protests.
Chen is the highest-level Chinese visit Taiwan for decades.

Mr Chen arrive "Tai Yuan" Taiwan Airport. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949.

Thousand of police were deployed to ensure Mr Chen's safety. His deputy Zhang Mingqing was jostled and knocked to the ground by protesters during a visit to Taiwan in October.

2. Recycle items price in HK reduce due to world financial crisis.

3. US General Election 2008- (1 day)
Obama said: We cann't afford in this last two days, to slow down, or sit back, or let out one minutes, one hour, one second, not now, we got to go out and said win this election.

McCain: We will succeed, we will win, win this election and get our country economy go again.

Will Obama become the first black president? TVB news reported choose Chicago.
"They look at Barack Obama, not by the color of the skin, but the content of his character, and so he is a ethic American character , that can connect with America no matter what color or ethic who they are.

McCain age 72, he talk about Sarah Palin, "She exactly who I need, she exactly what a country need, who help me flight, "
Sarah Palin said " I will be honor to accept the nomination of the vice-president of United State. "

Formal HK president being interview and he said " if anybody blame donald tsing or HK government for what is happening in the next year or two, and then they don't understand the global politic. I am sure he know how to what need to be done to guide HK through the period of life ahead. "
He also support Obama and said that "I think he is extremely capable, intelligent politician, i think he has, could be a generally transformation of figure in America politic, and i think he will be extraordinary represent American to the rest of the world and leading the international community dueling with the global problems.
I think President W. Bush being the the worst president in my lifetime."

2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp in Gwangju

I was away for 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp in Gwangju (Hub city of Asian Culture), South Korea from 30th October to 2nd November.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

24-10-2008(Friday)

1. The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM7, Beijing 2008)

2. Japan's Instant noodles detected insecticide. Two large Japanese food manufacturers company triggering a food scare. The incidents are the latest in a series of scares that have shaken the confidence of Japanese consumers.

3. Obama said: "What we need is honest leadership. what we need is real change."
"The New York Times" newspaper support Obama and criticize McCain.
Mc Cain said "We never give up, we make history."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

21-10-2008(Tuesday)

1. ShenZhen, 1 toy manufacturing company bankrupt. the products is sell to US.

2. Obama went back to Hawaii to visit his grandmother.

Friday, October 24, 2008

23-10-2008(Thursday)

1. US- Google release G1 mobile , similar to Apple, iPhone3G. New York Time Square shopping lot sell at least 10 G1 mobile since release.
Some researchers said that G1 mobile features is more attractive than iPhone.
Customer said:" love the keyboard, because I am big text-er. and the camera, is a very good camera, i love taking pictures, so"
But as compare to iPhone, G1 is bigger in term of size, but can operate different kind of software provided by numerous companies, and have wireless WI-FI facilities, music, online.

Cost USD179, is cheaper than iPhone by USD20. But G1 need sign contract with company for 3 years.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

17-10-2008(Friday)

1. HK- 2 company(U right and Tai Lam) bankrupt, Dong Guan, China (Smart Union) many toys' manufacturing company bankrupt due to world financial crisis. It is expected that many unemployed workers.

So many small and medium enterprise facing financial crisis due to bank strict loan rule.
"We guarantee deposits in the bank, so they get more even in spread in term of deposit and at the same time, they give them liquidity so that they can lend to the small and medium size industries. This is exactly what we are trying to do. "

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

14-10-2008 (Tuesday)

1. HK- HK Deposit Protection Board proposed lifting the minimum stage guarantee on bank deposits from 100,000HKD to unlimited (100% guarantee) until year 2010. This measurement is taken is not due to HK's bank facing crisis. They are confident that they do not need to use foreignes' money. This measurement is to create confident among citizens.
Deposit Protection Scheme: XX Bank is a member of the Deposit Protection Scheme. Eligible deposits taken by this bank are protected by the Scheme up to a lomot of HKD100,000 per depositor.

It happened to Germany,Australia and Iceland etc.

2. Asian market retreat after rally. Most Asia stock markets have fallen following two days of dramatic rises.

3. Recycle Industrial facing crisis as US stop taking demand. and the price for recycle items drop almost 90%.

4. Star cruise ship/Cruise Terminal-Cum-Tourism Node
Customer said "This is the first stop where we have to use tanker transfer, so we were surprise by that such a big city like HK.
Is okay but I would like much better where we could pull up the pill."

5. US 2008 General Election
Obama, Change We Need: Is the plan begin with one word that was everybody mind, and is easy to spell J-O-B-S, Jobs."
He added that any middle-industrial create job opportunity will have tax free benefits.

McCain, Country First: You can't spend that much without raising your taxes and tagging further to the doubt. I will going to make government live in a budget balance.
He added that the main measurement is reduce taxes.

Obama 51% McCain 41%


6. US use 1250 million dollar from 7000 million to rescue Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Bank of America, since 1903, US gov largest measurement taken on financial.
MorganStanley is the largest company after Lehman Brothers.

7. US- General Motor company need cut off some worker, need fire around 2700 people.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

1-10-2008

1. Wall's street
Bush said: dramatic drop on stock market that we saw yesterday will have a direct impact on the retirements' accounts, pansions' fund and personals' saving, it means to our citizens.
And if our nation continue on this cause, the economic damage will be painful and lasting.

Friday, October 10, 2008

I am very happy today!!!

I am very happy today. I sincerely hope my happiness today would not bring bad luck to me coming days.

Maybe just coincident.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

04-10-2008 (Saturday)

1. US - US approve use 7000billin to resue the current financial crisis. increase to 8500bullin

2. US bank 10,000USD increase to 25,000USD.

"We still got the problems, this doesn;t solve all of them, but i think it by sometimes until the next election, let the next president bear underline problems."

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Saturday, September 27, 2008

26-9-2008 (Friday)

Taiwan - Pizza Hut cheese pack contaminated with melanine.

25-9-2008 (Thursday)

1. China - Chinese astronaut walks in space. China's Shenzhou IV rocket blasts off.

2. HK- the bank of East Asia (BEA) has recovered from the a run.
Hong Konf Deposit Protection Board - HKD 100,000. There are discussion to increase to HKD 200,000.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

24-9-2008(Wednesday)

1. HK - Customers queued to withdraw their saving at The Bank of East Asia, after they receive rumours that the bank facing financial problem. The Bank of East Asia has denied the romours. Thereafter, the bank's share price down by 11% (the biggest drop in recent 2 years).


2. China's premier Wen Jiabao speaking in New York, he said that China government will take the measurement and learnt the lesson from the milk scandal in china.


3. Google release G1 phone, similar to iPhone (Apple)

Reporter said "I know there are some analysis predicting that this is going to take 4 percent market share by the end of the year. And, i dont know, i have to see, it really have to come down how cool the software is, and the functionality of the phone"

The G1 phone will first sell in US for the price of USD 179 = HKD 1300. The G1 price is cheaper than iPhone, but G1 need to sign contract with mobile internet for 2 years.

23-9-2008 (Tuesday)

1. Typhoon magnitude 8 stike HK island and Macau at late evening around 6pm. Thus, most of the office workers able to go back to home around 3pm. All the transportation including flight, ferry are going to stop service after 7pm.

2. Due to the milk scandal in China, share price of mengniu drop the most in these recently 3 years.

3. Due to the milk scandal in China, Singapore and Malaysia government had already stop importing China's product milk. Philipines and Indonesia continue this step. Japan government said they have lost condifent on china's products.

4. US 2008 General Election in Nov 4, left 40 more days. Both party have their speech mainly on economic issues. when ask to give comment that US uses USD 7000million to save the current financial crisis in US,
McCain said "Never before in the history of our nation, has so much power in money concentration in hand of one person, this arrangment make me deeply unconfortable. And we are talking about trillian tax payer money.

Obama said "Washington has to recognized the true economic recovery require addressing not just crisis on wall street, but the crisis on main street."

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, Obama 51%, McCain 46%

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

22-9-2008 (Wednesday)

1. China - More and more cases of milk powder scandal. The head of China's quality watchdog, Li Changjiang has resigned from his post. Yili, 35 product tested and only 1 fail; Mengniu, 28 tested only 3 fail to quality government standard.
China Prime Minister Wen Jiabap apologised for the contamination of milk powder.
At least 22 companies involved in the scandal, including Yili, Mengniu.

2. HK - HK government prepare some medical check-up in several hospital in HK. Parents can bring their children age below 12 to have a free medical checkup due to the milk scandal.

3. Typhoon going to strike area around HK and Taiwan and Philippine.The fourth typhoon of the season in the South China Seas.

4. Some citizen in HK claim that they had buy some investment product related to Lehman Brother bank company.

5. Shenzen - Police have arrested 13 people who is involved in a south china nightclub fire. The nightclub is illegal and dont have proper licenses.

6. Aso selected for the new Japan Prime Minister. Some political researcher said that Ako dislike China policy, he support Taiwan to be independent country.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

17-9-2008(Wednesday)

1. China Milk powder crisis continue, found 4 milk powder company also contaiminated.

2. Thailand new prime minister, Mr. Soomchai. He is married to Mr. Thaksin's sister/

3.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

16-09-2008 (Tuesday)

1. China - Continue parent's anger over the Sinlu milk powder. Beside it also found that one of the ice-cream product from china also contaiminated with toxic chemical melamine.

2. Lehman Brothers bankrupt, AIG America Insurance company may not have enough to dispel the gloom. Researcher said that AIG impact is bigger, and this time financial crisis is the biggest since 1929.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

15-9-2008 (Monday)

1. China - Sanlu baby milk powder contaminated. China government had arrested the
China's health ministry says the number of babies died will increase,

2. China Bank reduce interest rate for the first time.

3. Lehman Brothers bank bankroup.
Bank of Ameri

Saturday, September 13, 2008

12-9-2008(Friday)

1. China - Contaminated Sanlu baby milk powder, more than 430 chinese babies are ill with kidney stones. It is said that the milk powder contained the industrial chemical which added in to increase the protein of the powder.Sanlu group had been ordered to halt production. Severely punish and discipline those people or workers who acted illegally.

US had urged the citizens to stop buying china product of baby milk powder.

China's economy grew slowed to 10% for the second quarter of this year. Government continues efforts to reduce the rate of growth for the fear that the economy is overheating.
To help do this, Beijing has increased interest rates and reduced the bank funds available to firms

2. HK - Tale's Calrm Tunner increase toll price
Type 1 motocar - $11 price after increased, increase of $1, increase of 10%
Type 2 car - $14, increase of $2, increase of 17%
Type 3 HK bus - $21, increase of $3, increase of 17%
Type 4 single layer bus - $28, increase of $4, increase of 17%
Type 5 double-layer bus - $31, increase of $5, increase of 19%

increase/original price x 100

If increase price, more citizens will use Lion Rock Tunnel which is cheaper prices but more traffic and time consumming.



3. China-HK marrige had been increased a lot recently.and it cause a lot problems.



4. US - The US Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin atteneded her first US TV interview. In her interview, she rejected criticism that she is not experienced enough, and she is preparing to be vice-president or perhaps president.
She is confident.
"i answered him yes, because i have the confidents in that readiness, and knowing that you can't blind, you have to be wire in that way of being so committee to the mission will run to reform of this country and victory in the world. you can't blind, so i didnt blind them even when asked to accest running-mate."

Reporter: You have meet any foreigner minister?
Sarah: I have not and I think if you go back to the history, and you ask that question, of many vice-president they may have the same answer.
When John McCain and I swarm in, we so previllage to be elected to serve this country, will be ready, I am ready.

She also agree Bush's plan.
Reporter: Do you think we have the right to go across the border with and without the approval of the parkistan government to go after Terrist
Sarah: I believe the american have to exercise all options in order to stop the terrist who are hell band on the street america and our alies.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7611625.stm

John McCain in 1973 already a joined military exerices at the age of 37.


5. Eurostar, the channel tunnel was on fire on Thursday. The Channel Tunnel (50 km, total 3 lines)has suffered several incidents since it opened to traffic in 1994. The most recent is Nov 1996.





6. Thailand - Parliment didnt vote Samak to continue in election. (Samak out of Thai leadership race)
Protesters have been demanding Mr Samak to step down for past few weeks. They claimed that he is puppet for Thaksin, the formal prime minister who military accused of corruption and ousted in 2006.



7. Miss Venezuela 2008 winner Dayana Mendoza will represent Venezuela in Miss Universe competition 2008.
Venezuela country is famous of prageant winner.

11-9-2008(Friday) Update

1. 911 New York US, place still under construction, estimated to be finish on 2011 year for 10 year anniversary. those relative gathered in a new york hotel,
"the sharing experiences, i think talking about it and reflecting people had the experiences is help for the healing proces."
"it helps me because it connecting me to another level, and i feel close to him"

2. Thailand election tomorrow. Samak will continue be elected.

11-09-2008(Thursday)

1. Campell Condensed cream of Mushroom Soup distributed to HK and Macau recalled after several customers complained that some cans emitted an "objectionable smell" (Manufactured in Malaysia)
--->it may because of during manifacturing process, some process having some problems.

2. HK share drop a lot, as well as Asia countries. Asia countries share drop the most in the past 3 years. Japan drops 1.98%; Taiwan 3.19%; Australia 1.81%; Indonesia 3.8%; Vietnam 3.39%; South Korea 1.48%; Shanghai 3%(21 months ever);


3. Two earthquakes have struck the north-easterm Indonesian (7.6-magnitude) and Japan's northern island of Hokkaido(7.2-magnitude). triggering tsunami alerts. But later they cancelled the warning.
There is no reports of casualties from either country.
Japan and Indonesia both lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Two more earthquake strikes southern Iran(6.1), killing at least seven people.
---> in short time, there were earthquake, may related to each other.

4. Taiwan ex-president continue charges, including his immediate relatives.

5. Department of The Interior US,
2000-2006 corruption charges for Oil company. Shell, Chevron contract.
"They have not only not doing their job, but they had been doing it because they are madaly in bad with the industrial they suppose to be received."

6. 9.11 7th anniversarry in New York.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

7-9-2008(sunday)

HK - Hong Kong legislative polls today

Macau - Miss Macau 2008 final tonight.

US- Hurricane strike

China - Paralympic opening ceremony successfully held yesterday

Friday, September 5, 2008

I am in love Melee-Built to last

I've looked for love in stranger places
but never found someone like you
someone whose smile
makes me feel I've been holding back
and now there's nothing I can't do

cause this is real, and this is good
it warms the inside just like it should
but most of all
most of all, it's built to last
it's built to last

all of our friends
saw from the start
so why didn't we believe it too?

now look, where we are
you're in my heart now
and there's no escaping it for you

cause this is real, and this is good
it warms the inside just like it should
but most of all
most of all, it's built to last

walking on the hills at night
with those fireworks and candlelight
you and I were made to get love right

cause this is real, and this is good
it warms the inside just like it should
but most of all
most of all, it's built to last

cause you are the sun in my universe
consider the best when we felt the worst
and most of all, most of all
most of all, most of all,
most of all. most of all
it's built to last
Added:
Sarah Palin said "there are some candidate who use change to promote their career, and then there are those like John McCain who use their career to make changes."

--->direct refer to Obama

5-9-2008(friday)

HK- HK share drop a lot
- State election. They have some survey on voters. Most voters prefer to have representative that pay more priority in
1. To make HK a more competitive global country
2. Price of the food increase, inflection
3. Reduce the gap between the poor and rich.

Thailand - in 3rd day of emergency state. Thailand PM, Samak still don’t want to step down, Thailand citizens said in long term it will hurt the economic there. a lot tourists and business to Thailand had been postpone, but will not cause stop immediately, but will be slow progress.

US- John McCain accepted the nomination of the US president while Sarah Palin as the vice-president. Sarah Palin explained about the bad rumor regarding her and her family. Those bad rumor said bad about her family. And Sarah Palin said ”no family ever seen typical, and that how it is with us, all family has it same ups and downs as any others, the same challenges, and the same joy, sometimes even the greatest joy bring challenge. I am not going Washington to see their great opinion; I am going to Washington to serve the people of this great country!"
I like her speech a lot!

US-jobless rate nearly 5 years top.

Global warning, north poles have some ice break accident, most serious ever.
Kenyan village in South Africa have slow-fall during morning, it is very usual.

4-9-2008 Thursday

HK- district election this Sunday.

Thailand – Prime Minister, Samak announced emergency state, insurance will not cover if the tourists insist to go to Bangkok for travel because government had announced emergency state in Bangkok. Protester said that current Prime Minister, follow Thaksin route. Thaksin went to Beijing opening ceremony and flied to London, which he refuse to back Thailand for corruption charges.

US- Republican, John McCain selected Sarah Palin as the vice president of America, will have US election 2008 with Democratic Obama. John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, has made a stinging attack on Democratic> presidential runner Barack Obama.

Taiwan – Taiwan ex-president Chen shui-bian having many charges of corruption. His son is studying in US(uni of viginiar), and he asked to back> to Taiwan for further inverstigation.

China- there is some mirror earthquake still happened in south part of Sichuan