void of existence

Do you dream?  What are dreams?  Why do we dream? 

There are many reasons by different sources…depending if you are religious or scientifical or phychological or others. 

Its funny for me coz I can usually remember exactly what it is that I dreamt.  Once I dreamt that I was back in the old street where my grandpa had his shop.  I dreamt of all the food along the place.  The aroma and images assaulting my senses like it was really there.  It is so vivid that I woke up with the taste of food in my mouth and stomach feeling full.

I had a dream last night.

I went back to a place where I had been before….in another dream.  This time I was with a group of people.  They are people whom I know rather well, I suppose.  The only problem is I do not know who they are.  I just feel that I am supposed to know them well.

The scene was outside of Cathay building.  Not the new one but the old one.  We gathered there and we are on a quest..a search hunt of sort..a game.    We went around looking for clues in a bit.  Except that I found that my team mates are not very attentive to what we are doing.  I got frustrated behind a stadium.  The scene switch very fast.  It was not National Stadium for sure.  I had never been there.  It was just a stadium with very modern facilities.  Nice, big and airy.  It inspires to be the physical best.  Just as the main purpose of a stadium should be…. Sports. 

My team mates replied that they rather take time to do our search and have fun along the way.  Very relax and non-competitive manner. 

Since they said that, I suggested going along the place that I had been before (in another dream).  We arrived at what seems to be the old SJI building.  Only that it was old SJI from the front.  As we approached the building, we come to this futuristic cafe with a Chinese theme.  The air was misty and cool.  Like the air in the morning right after the first ray of sun hitting the ground.  The place is empty except for the waiting staff.  The strange thing is that the staff are all wearing cheongsam with very thick theatherical make up in a very advangarde manner.  Now the interesting bit is that they are all moving like those street artistes who mime and standstill (only moving every now and then or when you drop money).  They wiggle, giggle and jiggle in the most fascinating way.  And I was surprised that I am very entertained (in my own dream no less).

I suggested that we move farther into the building.  We came across an European chef sitting at a restuarant with very nice setting.  White and metallic (silver) colours.  He was discussing the menu with his lead waiter.  Looking up as we enter the hall, he invited us to sit with him and give him some comments.  Some of us stayed.  But I felt an urging towards another part of the place.  Almost a tug.  I moved towards a great hall. 

Sunshines beamed through the high glass windows.  There is now a sense of Spainish about it.  I was in Spain?  I moved off and came to a garden on the side.  It felt like a sculpture garden immitating a scrapyard.  There are flatten cars (3 of them) tastefully ‘parked’ in a corner leading up to a mount of scuplted rock.  There was a waterfall.  I climbed along the waterfall. 

Only one companion followed me.  A lady…in shorts and t-shirt.  She smiled.  I know her in the dream.  Yet I do not know who she is.  We started talking.  And the feeling is good.  Like sharing our worries, burdens, joys, happiness, sadness, and everything and anything.  There is no romantic sense of things between us.  Just a good feeling of serenity and peace.  Looking at the waterfall from midway up the rock towards the great hall.  Noticing the sculptures of cars and seeing the rest coming into view.  Who are these strangers?

I felt an urge to move on again.  And I walked into opening my eyes to wake up from the dream.

Refresh..

I stopped short of using wedding planner to not raise any alarm to anyone who may think that I am talking about my own case.  Well, I am not talking about me here.

I spoke to Florence earlier on and she apologised for returning my call so late coz she was talking to a friend who is getting married this Sunday and has asked her to be one of the ’sisters’ or bridemaids.

At this point, she asked me what do the duties of a sister entails coz her friend said ‘just follow her around on the day is all’. 

Hmm…no planning at all.  The friend didnt even mention the guest list or the table arrangement.  They have only 2 days left.  So I guess as much, its a case of a shotgun. 

Wedding is not a difficult event to plan.  Its not easy, but its not difficult either. 

The basic things are:

1)  Get the date and the venues.

2)  Get help and proper assigning.  -  Brides and Grooms are supposed to enjoy themselves and look good.  Not run around to do errands.

3)  Guestlists, invites and sitting arrangement.  – For the ceremonies and for the dinner (or lunch in some cases).  Well, in Sg at least, having a table to go to is important.  Free sitting doesnt work.  You end up with every table being used ($$ concerned)

4)  Itinery. 

5)  Gowns and Suits.

Thats it.  Oh..of course, you need money.  Lots and lots of money.

Just finished reading the book on the movie.  Overall, 3 of 10.

I didnt like the way it is written.  I didnt like the fact that there is so many deaths in the storyline. 

The summary of the prequel to Transformer movie. 

The story started with the launch of Apollo 11 and quickly adjusted to another launch pad in the artic.  A top secret agency was set up after they discovered the frozen body of Megatron, who have been nicknamed ‘Ice Man’, and an alien cube.

With reverse engineering in the base at the Artic, the humans have managed to capture some of the technology offered by Megatron frozen state to build a much more advance space shuttle than any other of its time.  This space shuttle ‘Ghost’ was launched at the same time as the world fixed its attention at the launch of Apollo 11. 

While Ghost was doing its test flight, the Artic base is making preparation for the relocation of Ice Man to another more amiable location. 

The test flight of Ghost includes reaching the end of the solar system before returning.  However, Ghost and its crew went into a worm hole when it was trying to sling shot around the sun and was quickly warped to another part of the galaxy.

In the new location, Ghost’s ‘alien signaling technology was registering on the Nemesis, warship of the Decepticons, led by Starscream who was looking for the missing Megatron and ‘All Spark’, the cube containing all sparks that give life to all transformers. 

Blackout, Frenzy and Bonecrusher were actively looking for their missing leader.  However, Starscream has not been leading them to anywhere.  Barricade recognized the need for the Decepticons to be under a leader and was the only one who was giving Starscream that priviledge.  They were puzzled as to the origin of the space shuttle, which register some Cybertronian technology with very primitive operation system and weaponry.

Just as the debate by Decepticons heat up, they detected the Ark of the Autobots, who has found similar curiousity to a Cybertronian design space shuttle.  Optimus Prime decided to investigate the space shuttle even though it has a Decepticon signature all over it.  But that resulted in the crew raising their defense system.  Despite its primitive and slow activation, Optimus wanted to do no battle unless being forced into it.  Ghost started away.  A sign to Optimus that the species are not aggressive by nature.  Bumblebee was sent to scout on Ghost as it descent on a nearby planet. 

Jazz, Ironhide and Optimus Prime prepared to battle Decepticons as they approached after Starscream left. 

Starcream chases off Bumblebee and decided to deceive the crew of Ghost that the Autobots would have destroyed them.  From the scan of the space shuttle and communication, Starscream learnt about the frozen stasis of Megatron and made up his mind to destroy Ghost and its crew before it has a chance to leave the planet. 

At this time, Optimus arrived on the planet to save Bumblebee who was in trouble with a local species on the planet after sinking into a sinkhole.  Starscream and Ghost came across Optimus just as he rescued Bumblebee out of his situation.  Instead of returning fire, Optimus and Bumblebee made evasive moves to steer clear of any direct confrontation. 

This made an impact on the Captain of Ghost about his opinion of Optimus.  Ghost was trapped into the sinkhole and was sucked into the ground.  Then, Starscream revealed that he is unable to render any assistance and flew off.  Optimus made contact and his honorable character gained the trust of the Captain of Ghost.

Optimus offered to get the ship out of the danger and assistance in seeking a way to go home for the humans.

Just as they left the planet, the Decepticons have already launched another attack on the Ark.  This is after Blackout was badly injured by Starscream for questioning the latter authority.  Blackout was kept alive as he succeeded in planting Scorponok on the Ark to cause damage to their engine.   

Optimus and his Autobots managed to defeat the Decepticons as well as chasing Scorponok off the Ark (after some damage).  Ghost sneaked up behind Starscream and fired with its primitive weapons, by Cybertronian standards, on analyzed weak points of Starscream, who in turn destroyed Ghost before fleeing.  This made an impact on Optimus.  Optimus felt that these humans have a sense of bravery that they will face death knowingly to fight for the right causes.

The search of All Spark and Megatron continues… And both side knows that it is linked to the humans.

Did I spell his name right? 

I am not a fan of all those Idol shows for lots of reason.  One of them is they dun have that factor to connect.  Well, here is a person who will be able to sell me his CD.

I would say he is even better than a lot of professionals out there.

Salute!

Introducing..

 Here’s the semi

A group of guys gathering together.  What can be discussed?  I wrote some time before that guys generally talk about a few things:  Sex, Girls, Sports, Cars, Properties, Share prices.

It can be surprising to some (esp the ladies) that we do have serious conversations sometimes.

Serious conversations demands a lot of attention and research.  Thats why we dun do it that often.  But you will be surprised with the kind of information that we digged up and immense ourselves in just to have a good argument.

Did you know that the Utama guy founded this country name about 400AD?  Ok, that idiot has a moron seaman who thought they saw a lion.  Hence naming this place after it.  That can be found in primary school history book.  But did you know that this guy who founded this place has 3 wives and over 2000 concubines?  I didnt know that.  So in other words, taking into context that there is probably less than 4000 people on the island at that time, this guy is basically F*cking half the country.  Well, history lesson aside.  The current administration has learnt their lesson well.  Coz they are basically F*cking the whole country of 4million now.  You are basically F*cked if you are in this place.

I am a little bit emotional at the moment.  My dear is sick.  She is under the knife.  Its a minor thing.  Appendicitus..did I spell that right?  I know I cant pronounce that if my life depends on it. 

There are just some words that I cant get it off my tongue. 

But I am disturbed.  And I am happy as well as grateful.

I want to dedicate this to all the people who has shown a big heart and support.  Sometimes, just a simple ‘I just heard what happen.  Hope everything is alright.’ meant a long way.  There are offers of prayers from a number of people.  That meant so much.

No words would amount to my appreciation, so I will keep this short .. Thanks. 

Sleep is important.  I read an article some time ago that people sleep better when alone, as in alone in the bed.  According to that article, human beings are meant to sleep alone as that will allow them to properly rest without any disturbances.  The thing with having someone next to you is that you will be subconciously aware and therefore the mind will be wary to find out why is that person doing.

Interesting article.  I do not agree with it though.  How would kids rest in the same bed of their parents coz they are scared of the unknown..like u know…

Its just the matter of getting used to. 

 NETS…we all use it, we may not know how it functions (IT, fee charges, etc) but we all use it.  No one will start out a business which doesnt make money.  No one is that charitable.  Non-profit organization also doesn’t mean that they dun make money.  Any business or organization that doesnt make money is one that doesnt exist. 

Thats a fact.  NETS have to be able to survive.  But at what cost to the consumers?

NETS has virtually a monopolistic control over cashless transactions.  That means they can dictate their fees as they see it.  Its like a government with absolute control.  As long as the government is good, then its ok.  But when the government turns bad, everyone may be persecuted.  Thats the danger of absolute…the ways of the Dark side.  Think of all the transactions in retail shops, petrol stations, post offices and (the more invisible one) ERP for motorists.  Think of the volume that NETS is having.  Does any other debit company has the possibility of even smelling the money of those transactions?

NETS wanted to raise its fee charge to merchant.  For every dollar spent, NETS charges the merchant a 0.55 fee.  This will be raised to 2cents for every dollar.  Although we dun see it, it may mean retailers raising their price to cover that 2%.  That means we as consumer get to hold the bucket.  Maybe if we put ice in the bucket, we can even chill a bottle of champagne.  The effect on this raise will truly affect those who are unable to get a credit card.  Thats your students (no income) and the lower income group. 

NETS said that they have to remain competitive in view of international debit/credit cards.  These international debit/credit cards will give a higher fee to issuing banks, so NETS has to anticipate the banks coming to ask them for that fee.  Its ‘Anticipation’.  Firstly, the local banks own NETS.  Ask them not the raise prices then.  Ok, the banks want more money as well and you cant tell your owners not to raise their fee. 

But its pure bullsh*t that NETS has to match international competitors.  How many of the people use international debit cards?  Please dun compare credit cards, thats a whole different ballgame.  Unless NETS like to play soccer in a water polo pool.  Anyways..1)  You dun increase your competitiveness by raising prices.  Pure economics.  2)  International competitors pay higher fee coz they have less volume of transaction, NETS has the volume working for them.  Which bank will charge you a higher fee for a higher volume?  If no bank recognize the benefit of this volume game, then I just need to go kick all my banker friends behind.  3)  And if NETS cannot negotiate a lower fee with the kind of volume that we are talking about, then NETS should seriously fire all their staff and hire someone who can actually negotiate.   

Then NETS also said that there are cost in using cash coz retailers need to close 30 to 45mins earlier to count money.  Please lor.  1)  That cost is sunk cost.  The staff is just expected to work til the normal closing time and the staff will then be expected to count money.  Earlier the staff finish, earlier they can knock off.  So what cost is there to the boss? All you did is extend the working hours of the working people in the retail business.  Again, cost passed on to the lower rank…sigh  2)  NETS transactions also need time to tally.  Its just easier by 15mins (if the staff is experience enough in handling cash). 

Further to that, the issuing banks are owners of NETS.  That means that they are already making money from NETS transactions.  Thats a double income increase.

The way I see this play out is NETS said that they will reconsider and they drop their rising fee to a lower %.  Then the opposition will say ‘See we are better than Fantastic Four, and we make them not increase their fee so drastically.’  NETS will still have more money per dollar charged. 

The fee hike should be ZERO. 

 Well, I say STOP USING NETS TIL THEY WAKE UP FROM THEIR IDEAS.  *pui*

Went to Malacca yesterday with my dear bro and our respective partners…Now that sounded gay, doesnt it?…Well, its his wife and my girlfriend. 

Never been to Malacca before.  On a saturday, the place is pretty crowded..on one road.  It seems that if you want to go to any good or famous place in Malacca, you just have to follow the most busiest road.  Coz all other road is empty except that one that led us to where we wanna go.  Strange, isnt it?  =P

We had Famosa Chicken Rice ball upon arriving to the city limits of Malacca.  Everything seem to slow down here…the people, time, activities, air-con (it was blardy hot).  I wasn’t that much of the chicken rice ball fan.  B2 and his wife enjoy it, so that makes it all worthwhile.  We also tried the cendol (no..i didnt spell it wrongly), bought some freshly made pineapply biscuits and walked around the old city.  It was fun. 

We also found a ideal cafe to have a puff in Geographer’s cafe.  Alas, we have no smoke on us.  We literally tore the whole place apart looking for one place to find some.  But luck is not with us.  They only had phillipinos ones.  We are not that desperate yet.

Malacca…nice town.  I may just go there for lunch again soon.