Deaths in Myanmar Crackdown

This is not a right post for this blog, but I have to post it anyway as I believe it is important for more people to know about this.

Buddhist monks in Myanmar has led a protest against the government, and the latest news is that there were clashes and the first death has occurred. As much as we hope that the fight for democracy doesn't claim any lives, it seems that no war can be won without sacrifices. And the monks being the conscience of the country are doing their part to speak on behalf of the people in the country. They are very vulnerable because their are taking a non-violent approach.

On the other hand, Burma's blogger are using the Internet to tell the world what is happening in the country. It is a very powerful tools to raise the awareness of the issue among those outside of the country. I suggest that you visit Ko Htike's blog to keep track of the updates if you are interested. (Due to high volume of visitors on the blog, do expect glitches during access).

Let's pray that all the sacrifices will bear fruits.

Japan got a new PM

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Fukuda installed as Japanese PM

As I had covered the news on Abe's resignation as Japanese PM, I think it is only fair that I cover this: Yasuo Fukuda has won majority votes to be the new Japanese PM. Fukuda at the age of 71 is Japanese oldest PM since 1990s.

My concern is, given the age, will Fukuda end up like Abe?

World's Top 10 Polluted Places

The Blacksmith Institute has voted the World's Top 10 Polluted Places. Out of the 10, China, India and Russia each have 2 places voted. The rest of the 4 are located in Azerbaijan, Peru, Ukraine and Zambia. The site comes with Google maps showing a small description of the place.

To many, it may be a good thing that the worst polluted place is not somewhere they live, but bear in mind that if we don't stop abusing our resource, one day our world will become those places. It is just a matter of time.

Chewing gum for Singaporean?

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | 'Virtually non-stick' gum created

Well, it seems like there is a new kind of chewing gum created. It is supposed to be non-sticky and degrade much faster. It is a very good thing as every year, cleaning up chewing gums that costs a lot of money to the government, and those embarrassing moments caused to individuals having chewing gums sticked on their shoes, clothes or even hair.

Currently it is waiting to pass the EU heath and safety tests. If everything goes well, it can be on the market as early as next year.

It may be a very good news to Singaporean, who knows?

A guy's experience of the Indonesia earthquake

I found this interesting video on how he shows the aftershock of Indonesia earthquake. Basically those staying in Singapore and Malaysia are not affected, but only feel the aftershock of the earthquake itself.

Well, I didn't feel anything when it happened.

Abe admitted to hospital

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Japanese PM admitted to hospital


A days after he announced his resignation, the Japanese Prime Minister was admitted to hospital for a stomach complaint. This may be caused by extreme stressed as he had been under pressure ever since his party lost the upper house elections in July.

His condition is unknown at the moment. He is supposed to continue his duties until end of September, but with him admitted to the hospital, the situation may not be that clear at the moment.

Abe quits while Estrada gets life

Something that caught my attention for today is the latest fate of two Asian politicians: Shinzo Abe resigns as Japan prime minister while Joseph Estrada, the former Philippine president has been sentenced for life for corruptions.

Most of the time, we just feel how great it is to be someone important, like the leader of a country. However we almost certainly oversee the challenges coming. There are great resistance on things that you want to push through and temptations everywhere to lure you in.

Of course, it takes a great man to accomplish something big. For normal people like me, the most suitable lifestyle might be finish the work of the day, sit back and read some news about the highfliers. I might be earning peanuts compared to them, but I can do away with all those nonsense and have a good night sleep at least(?).

Imsonia

Well, I am not really sure about this, but I have not been able to sleep until 2 a.m. recently. I do hope that I am just messed up with my biological clock somehow and it is nothing serious. That doesn't really affect my daily life, frankly, I just need to make sure that I have a cup of coffee before I start to work. I have been trying to reduce the "dosage" though, replacing more and more coffee with chocolate.

Some people says it might be caused by pressure. As much as I want to deny it, it is true to a certain extend. There are things in life which I hope I have already done but keep procrastinating due to timing, money, priority............ I am not really sure. I just keep pushing them aside whenever I have the chance.

Sometimes I wonder, should I just left everything behind and move to country side and start things over again. But then, I am so attached to the Internet... =(

Refinancing?

I have been thinking: should I refinance my housing loan?

Well, definitely I will be saving a few hundred bucks, but what is holding me back is the hassle. I have to shop around, talk to a lot of bank officers, compare all packages and offers, etc. Worst of all, I have to read, and reread all small prints to make sure that I didn't overlook anything before I commit for at least a few years.

Besides that, I have to consider the quality of service each banks are providing. It might not be worth the savings if the service is not good. Some might say that all you need to do is to pay every month, so there is no need for any services. However, I know from past experience that I _do_ need the bank's help some times. So far, my bank has been keeping me happy. That's another reason why I am quite reluctant to switch to another bank.

Is there any good way to evaluate housing load offer?