5 November 2008

It’s exciting to witness the American elections. Don’t you think so? Go to Malaysiakini, go to CNN, you will be covered with the latest news of the elections 2008. 

Picture courtesy of CNN.com

With the resounding victory of  Democrat Senator Barack Hussein Obama, he has become the first African President of United States of America after defeating Republican Senator John McCain.

Not only the Democrats won the presidency, they took control of the House and Senate as well. This shows that millions of people cast their hopeful votes in this election that could reshape US politics after years of Bush’ administration. Obama is indeed a history maker for America today.

His victory speech touched me with words like this:

“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it’s been done in America for 221 years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.”

And I was thinking if Obama could win the hearts of Americans to fight for a change for the nation, what about Malaysia? When will be Malaysia’s turn?  When will democracy rule full fledge in Malaysia? Is there going to be a rising leader in Malaysia who will fight against corruption and walk with integrity? When will Malaysian elect someone who can work for the country’s progress without looking at the colour of the skin?

When will that be the day for Malaysia?

31 October 2008

What does it mean to have a succcessful career? There are some questions I throw to myself and I kept thinking how do I weigh myself in being successful in my career.

1. Is it when you earn a 5-figure salary?

2. Or when you are a director of a multi-national company?

3. Or perhaps you are managing 5 subordinates at one time?

4. You probably assist the company to earn millions of dollars a year?

5. You do not need to pay house or car instalments anymore?

6. You do not need to worry about your empty bank account??

7. You can afford to stay in suites while traveling??

8. You have the $$$ to just take a flight to London for a few days off??

9. You probably own more than 2 houses or 2 cars???

10. You have a full-time Indonesian maid who handles your domestic engineering???

I can go on and on and on with my imagination.

Nevertheless, I want to hear from YOU on what does SUCCESSFUL Career means to you. Please tell me.

24 October 2008

I had lunch at Kenny Rogers with my colleague yesterday. Upon my curiosity, I looked up the nutrition table provided in the menu.

I was shocked with the amount of calories consumed in a Quarter Meal with 3 Sidelines, a Vanilla-flavoured muffin and a glass of Ice Lemon Tea.

Quarter chicken (Black Pepper) - 554 kcal
Vanilla Muffin - 229 kcal
Macaroni & Cheese - 95 kcal
Mashed Potato - 61kcal
Fruit Salad - 55kcal
Ice Lemon Tea - 120

TOTAL - 1114kcal

Now the problem is, for every woman who’s not active in sports and exercising, they do not need more than 1800-2000kcal per day. And after consuming a Quarter meal at Kenny Rogers, they are left with only 600-800kcal to consume to maintain their holy weight. Can this be done? Even a bowl of mihun soup would carry 450kcal. A glass of orange juice may consist 150kcal.

Imagine eating 1114kcal for your lunch. Don’t forget your breakfast, tea time and dinner. Or even supper perhaps.  For that amount of calories, it would suit labourers or athletes who are burning fat every minute every second, not for office-based people who are facing the PC the whole day.

I guess it’s tough to maintain your weight these days!!!

Well if you are really on a diet, avoid Kenny Rogers. If you insist, just take the fruit salad! (Muahaha!)

16 October 2008

Almost everyone is talking about the global recession. What if it hits badly in Malaysia? Well, if it does, we just have to be prepared to face it.

I would suggest some ways to stretch your hard-earned Ringgit during the crisis. I will illustrate at least two examples for a comparison and better imagination too.

1. Say Bye-Bye to ‘R’ estaurants!

Instead of splashing our cash in fancy restaurants, maybe we should visit our nearby hawker stalls if you are not into cooking.

Example A: 3-course menu RM39.90 in TGIF (if you’re a small-eater, you’d probably share with a friend and ended up paying half the amount) and Bottomless Ice Lemon Tea for RM6.90. Total Bill will cost RM53.80 inclusive of 5% Government tax and 10% service charge (For the small eater, you will pay RM30.90).

Example B: A bowl of Wanton Mee cost RM4.00 and a glass of iced chinese tea for RM0.50, thus you only pay RM4.50 for a meal.

If you love cooking, it would be even better.

Example C: 2 eggs for RM0.60, vegetables for RM1.20, chicken fillet for RM5.20, garlic for RM0.50, 1 yellow onion for RM0.40, 2 cups of rice for RM1.00 (depending which brand u’re using) and you will be cooking for two pax. Total Bill would be RM4.45 per pax (exclusive of electricity & gas). But I am sure it will be healthier to dine at home.

2. Say Bye-Bye to Starbucks or CoffeeBean!

Example A: Ice-blended Mocha (Venti) would probably cost you RM14.00 and you would only drink it once. Even a mug of coffee in Starbucks would be draining RM8.00 - 9.00 away from you.

Example B: For a big packet of Nescafe that cost RM12-RM15, you will find 30 mini packs of 3-in-1 which you could drink for 30 times!

3. Say Bye-Bye to Cinemas, Hello to DVDs or downloads!!

Example A: A movie ticket in GSC 1-Utama would cost you RM9.00 on a weekday and RM11.00 on a weekend. For GSC Midvalley, weekend tickets are sold at RM13.00. Unless you’re free on a Wednesday to get the supersavers ticket at RM6.00 in 1-Utama or RM8.00 in Mid Valley.

Example B: If you have a strong broadband connection at home, download all you can. And exchange with friends!

Example C: Get DVD’s and do DVD’s exchange programs with your friends! In a way you save money and you probably enjoy watching lots of movies at home (without driving your car out).

4. Say Bye-Bye to Clubs & Pubs!

Example A: A bottle of beer in a pub would cost you RM28 while a glass of Jack Daniels or Vodka would probably rob you RM30. If you drink more than a glass, you can do the math yourself. Not forgetting that some clubs do ask for cover charge per entry.

Example B: For those who are living alone without families, you can always offer your home to be a host for your friends. You may get a bottle of Absolut Vodka (Duty free from Airport) cost RM40 and then share it with the amount of friends. Put on some hot music and dim lights. Yea, a Liquor Party at home would definitely save some cost! (Unless you crave for dirty dancing, example B would not be practical to you)

5. Limit Your Phone Calls and Sms

Example A: Depending which telco provider network you’re using. However most of the text messages would be charged at 5 cents per sms while your calls would be charged at 10 cents per minute. Apart from urgent and important calls, limit the chit-chatty conversations as every minute is cashing out on you.

I understand how hard it feels not to keep in touch with friends and relatives.

Example B: That is why the INTERNET was born in the world, to allow us to e-mail our loved ones. I am sure most of your friends these days check their email accounts daily. MSN or Yahoo Messenger or even Google Talk allows you to connect with your friends online. This will help to save your phone bill!!

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In fact, I would go and on and on regarding ways to stretch our Ringgit. Maybe I would love to hear from you.

What will be your ways in stretching your Ringgit?

Tell me now. I would love to compile your ideas!!