Back in 2004, a congressional committee did a study on the mortgage industry and the need for regulation - especially the mortgage bank - "Freddie Mac/Mae"
See the politicians cry out - "No!@ No need for regulation!!!! Everything is fine!!!"
WTF???
Good grief. What were these morons thinking???? They ought to be jailed for this.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Top Ten Worse Stock Market crashes
Here's a list someone complied of the worse stock market crashes. Check it out here. shares.com.au
However, he didn't list the 1987 Black Monday crash. IIRC, the effects of that crash lasted until 1994. The Black Monday decline was the largest one-day percentage decline in stock market history. The Dow fell by over 20% in a single day. By the end of October, stock markets in Hong Kong had fallen 45.8%, Australia 41.8%, Spain 31%, the United Kingdom 26.4%, the United States 22.68%, Canada 22.5%, and New Zealand 60%.
At Number 10: The Dot.com Crash - eg. Internet/High Tech/911 crash
10th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 1/15/2000
Date Ended: 10/9/2002
Total Days: 999
Starting DJIA: 11,792.98
Ending DJIA: 7,286.27
Total Loss: -37.8%
The 10th worst market crash barely edged out the 1932 stock market crash as the 10th worst crash in U.S. stock market history. Being the most recent crash, it is the easiest for us to remember. This crash required the longest recovery time of all crashes in this list. The combination of the tech bubble bursting and the September 11th terrorist attack served a deadly blow to the stock market, but relative to markets past, this was a minor one.
At Number 9: the World War 1 Crash
9th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 11/21/1916
Date Ended: 12/19/1917
Total Days: 393
Starting DJIA: 110.15
Ending DJIA: 65.95
Total Loss: -40.1%
The War in Europe which started in 1914 drags on with no end in sight. The market suffered a 40% loss. It's difficult to break even after a 40% loss. On a $1,000 investment, your portfolio went down to $600. To get back to $1,000, it would have to go up 66.7%!
1939 to 1942 Stock Market Crash: 8th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 9/12/1939
Date Ended: 4/28/1942
Total Days: 959
Starting DJIA: 155.92
Ending DJIA: 92.92
Total Loss: -40.4%
Although this stock market crash only took the 8th spot, it was one of the most grueling. It took nearly 3 years to recover from this crash! With WWII and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the markets had a very tough time.
1973 - 1974 Stock Market Crash: 7th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 1/11/1973
Date Ended: 12/06/1974
Total Days: 694
Starting DJIA: 1051.70
Ending DJIA: 577.60
Total Loss: -45.1%
Another long market crash -one that many people still remember (think Vietnam and the Watergate scandal). This crash lasted for 694 days before bottoming out.
1901 - 1903 Stock Market Crash: 6th Worst Stock Market Crash
Date Started: 6/17/1901
Date Ended: 11/9/1903
Total Days: 875
Starting DJIA: 57.33
Ending DJIA: 30.88
Total Loss: -46.1%
This is the oldest crash to make the list (DJIA records are not available before 1900). To give you a perspective of what things were like during this time, take a look at these facts:
· Life expectancy in the U.S. was 47
· Only 14% of homes had a bathtub
· Maximum speed limit in most cities was 10mph
· Average wage was 22 cents and hour - avg salary/year was about $300
· More than 95% of all births took place at home
· Only 6% of the population had graduated from High School
· The #1 cause of death was Pneumonia and Influenza
· The American flag had 45 stars
The 5th worst stock market crash: 1919 - 1921 Stock Market Crash:
This crash followed a post war boom (Stock prices rose 51%). After the crash bottomed out in August of 1921, this decade saw tremendous growth in the stock market and the economy (often called the roaring twenties).
Date Started: 11/3/1919
Date Ended: 8/24/1921
Total Days: 660
Starting DJIA: 119.62
Ending DJIA: 63.9
Total Loss: -46.6%
At Number 4: The 1929 crash. The 4th worst stock market crash in U.S. History:
Date Started: 9/3/1929
Date Ended: 11/13/1929
Total Days: 71
Starting DJIA: 381.17
Ending DJIA: 198.69
Total Loss: -47.9%
Although this is the shortest market crash observed, it was a deadly one. Investors saw almost half their money disappear in just two months. Often this crash is the worst in most people's minds. This crash kicked off what we now know as the "Great Depression."
3rd Worst Stock Market Crash: 1906 - 1907 Stock Market Crash
This crash was called the "Panic of 1907." The U.S. Treasury department bought 36 million dollars worth of government bonds to offset the decline (and remember, $36 million translates to a much bigger number in today's dollars). It should also be noted that at this stage in time, the US was not even ranked in the top 10 of global world powers in terms of military and economic power.
Date Started: 1/19/1906
Date Ended: 11/15/1907
Total Days: 665
Starting DJIA: 75.45
Ending DJIA: 38.83
Total Loss: -48.5%
At Number Two: the 1937 - 1938 Stock Market Crash
Just when investors thought the market was finally good again, following a recovery of almost half of the great depression losses, the market plunged again due to war scare and Wall street scandals.
2nd Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 3/10/1937
Date Ended: 3/31/1938
Total Days: 386
Starting DJIA: 194.40
Ending DJIA: 98.95
Total Loss: -49.1%
At Number One: The 1932 Stock Market Crash
Worst Stock Market Crash Ever:
Date Started: 4/17/1930
Date Ended: 7/8/1932
Total Days: 813
Starting DJIA: 294.07
Ending DJIA: 41.22
Total Loss: -86.0%
This is the grand daddy of them all. Investors lost 86% of their money over this 813 day beast. This market crash combined with the 1929 crash, makes up the Great Depression.
If you had $1000 on 9/3/1929 (beginning of the 4th worst crash, it would fallen to $108 by July 8th, 1932 (end of the worst crash) or an 89.2% loss. To recover from a loss like that, you would have to watch your portfolio go up 825%! The full recovery didn't take place until 1954, 22 years later! Global economic panic sent people supporting extreme measures: like the Communist Party, or in Germany - Adolph Hitler - who had a simple solution to the whole crisis.
However, he didn't list the 1987 Black Monday crash. IIRC, the effects of that crash lasted until 1994. The Black Monday decline was the largest one-day percentage decline in stock market history. The Dow fell by over 20% in a single day. By the end of October, stock markets in Hong Kong had fallen 45.8%, Australia 41.8%, Spain 31%, the United Kingdom 26.4%, the United States 22.68%, Canada 22.5%, and New Zealand 60%.
At Number 10: The Dot.com Crash - eg. Internet/High Tech/911 crash
10th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 1/15/2000
Date Ended: 10/9/2002
Total Days: 999
Starting DJIA: 11,792.98
Ending DJIA: 7,286.27
Total Loss: -37.8%
The 10th worst market crash barely edged out the 1932 stock market crash as the 10th worst crash in U.S. stock market history. Being the most recent crash, it is the easiest for us to remember. This crash required the longest recovery time of all crashes in this list. The combination of the tech bubble bursting and the September 11th terrorist attack served a deadly blow to the stock market, but relative to markets past, this was a minor one.
At Number 9: the World War 1 Crash
9th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 11/21/1916
Date Ended: 12/19/1917
Total Days: 393
Starting DJIA: 110.15
Ending DJIA: 65.95
Total Loss: -40.1%
The War in Europe which started in 1914 drags on with no end in sight. The market suffered a 40% loss. It's difficult to break even after a 40% loss. On a $1,000 investment, your portfolio went down to $600. To get back to $1,000, it would have to go up 66.7%!
1939 to 1942 Stock Market Crash: 8th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 9/12/1939
Date Ended: 4/28/1942
Total Days: 959
Starting DJIA: 155.92
Ending DJIA: 92.92
Total Loss: -40.4%
Although this stock market crash only took the 8th spot, it was one of the most grueling. It took nearly 3 years to recover from this crash! With WWII and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the markets had a very tough time.
1973 - 1974 Stock Market Crash: 7th Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 1/11/1973
Date Ended: 12/06/1974
Total Days: 694
Starting DJIA: 1051.70
Ending DJIA: 577.60
Total Loss: -45.1%
Another long market crash -one that many people still remember (think Vietnam and the Watergate scandal). This crash lasted for 694 days before bottoming out.
1901 - 1903 Stock Market Crash: 6th Worst Stock Market Crash
Date Started: 6/17/1901
Date Ended: 11/9/1903
Total Days: 875
Starting DJIA: 57.33
Ending DJIA: 30.88
Total Loss: -46.1%
This is the oldest crash to make the list (DJIA records are not available before 1900). To give you a perspective of what things were like during this time, take a look at these facts:
· Life expectancy in the U.S. was 47
· Only 14% of homes had a bathtub
· Maximum speed limit in most cities was 10mph
· Average wage was 22 cents and hour - avg salary/year was about $300
· More than 95% of all births took place at home
· Only 6% of the population had graduated from High School
· The #1 cause of death was Pneumonia and Influenza
· The American flag had 45 stars
The 5th worst stock market crash: 1919 - 1921 Stock Market Crash:
This crash followed a post war boom (Stock prices rose 51%). After the crash bottomed out in August of 1921, this decade saw tremendous growth in the stock market and the economy (often called the roaring twenties).
Date Started: 11/3/1919
Date Ended: 8/24/1921
Total Days: 660
Starting DJIA: 119.62
Ending DJIA: 63.9
Total Loss: -46.6%
At Number 4: The 1929 crash. The 4th worst stock market crash in U.S. History:
Date Started: 9/3/1929
Date Ended: 11/13/1929
Total Days: 71
Starting DJIA: 381.17
Ending DJIA: 198.69
Total Loss: -47.9%
Although this is the shortest market crash observed, it was a deadly one. Investors saw almost half their money disappear in just two months. Often this crash is the worst in most people's minds. This crash kicked off what we now know as the "Great Depression."
3rd Worst Stock Market Crash: 1906 - 1907 Stock Market Crash
This crash was called the "Panic of 1907." The U.S. Treasury department bought 36 million dollars worth of government bonds to offset the decline (and remember, $36 million translates to a much bigger number in today's dollars). It should also be noted that at this stage in time, the US was not even ranked in the top 10 of global world powers in terms of military and economic power.
Date Started: 1/19/1906
Date Ended: 11/15/1907
Total Days: 665
Starting DJIA: 75.45
Ending DJIA: 38.83
Total Loss: -48.5%
At Number Two: the 1937 - 1938 Stock Market Crash
Just when investors thought the market was finally good again, following a recovery of almost half of the great depression losses, the market plunged again due to war scare and Wall street scandals.
2nd Worst Stock Market Crash:
Date Started: 3/10/1937
Date Ended: 3/31/1938
Total Days: 386
Starting DJIA: 194.40
Ending DJIA: 98.95
Total Loss: -49.1%
At Number One: The 1932 Stock Market Crash
Worst Stock Market Crash Ever:
Date Started: 4/17/1930
Date Ended: 7/8/1932
Total Days: 813
Starting DJIA: 294.07
Ending DJIA: 41.22
Total Loss: -86.0%
This is the grand daddy of them all. Investors lost 86% of their money over this 813 day beast. This market crash combined with the 1929 crash, makes up the Great Depression.
If you had $1000 on 9/3/1929 (beginning of the 4th worst crash, it would fallen to $108 by July 8th, 1932 (end of the worst crash) or an 89.2% loss. To recover from a loss like that, you would have to watch your portfolio go up 825%! The full recovery didn't take place until 1954, 22 years later! Global economic panic sent people supporting extreme measures: like the Communist Party, or in Germany - Adolph Hitler - who had a simple solution to the whole crisis.
Absolute Shocking Video of the Financial Crisis
Back in 2004, a congressional committee did a study on the mortgage industry and the need for regulation - especially the mortgage bank - "Freddie Mac/Mae"
See the politicians cry out - "No!@ No need for regulation!!!! Everything is fine!!!"
WTF???
See the politicians cry out - "No!@ No need for regulation!!!! Everything is fine!!!"
WTF???
Greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression - Subprime Mess - solutions and explanations
Ye gods!!!! The US House of Reps has voted against the subprime bailout. @#$!!!!I know many of them hate President Bush and each other. But the problem didn't just occur during his tenure.
And most importantly, if they don't bail out the banks its going to cause a massive financial panic similar to the Great Depression of 1930 - where the whole world virtually became bankrupt.
This is @#$ing serious.
Just to cap it off - what has happened was thus: back in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was President, and Alan Greenspan was the Federal Reserve chairman - interest rates were kept artificially low. Banks were doing a good business in the mortgage market. There was plenty of money to loan out. Housing prices were going up.
And confident fools were saying - why not allow the banks to lower their regulation standards and loan money to (poor) people who can't afford the deposit??? Then they can buy a house, and in 10+ years time, the house price would have doubled (yeah!!!) and everyone can be millionaires.
Unfortunately, the house prices didn't double - esp. in places hit by natural disasters - Hello Katrina. And worse, the poor people - well, most of them, let themselves become bankrupt and defaulted on the mortgages.
So now the banks in effect are holding mortgages to property that's worth less or maybe even worthless. So the clever bastards then sell the debt to other banks. Suspiciously, the Rating agencies - that value and assess this debt (in the similar way as a building inspector hecks out the home you want to buy) certified that the debt was a-ok!!! So other banks and financial institutions around the world buy into this debt.
Its a bit like the children's "Passing the parcel" game. In this case, Bank X sells the debt to Bank Y who sells it to... Eventually, the music stops, and the person holding the parcel will have to open it. And he's not happy and the game comes to an abrupt end.
The problem is that innocent parties who were not involved in the scheme are being dragged into this horrid mess. And it can't be helped.
This is a major financial crisis. If the banks fail - how the hell can society operate? People's life savings and superannuations will be wiped out. Imagine going to the bank, ATM, and trying to withdraw money - and the banks has closed down. Total disaster.
The politicians (and their constituents) who voted against the bill - want revenge. Everyone is sickened by how the banks give out obscene amounts of money to their CEOs - even when they fail. Over here in Australia, the CEO of NAB resigned after making terrible financial mistakes - and was rewarded with $17 million dollars as severence pay! That's FUBAR!!!! He should have been sacked and had his stock options cancelled.
So simple. Add a clause in the bailout plan - appoint a well known politician/prosecutor - ie Rudolph Guliani - to go after the bankers responsible for the mess. Invoke draconian laws to prosecute the bastards. Jail them - or place them in protective custody. Shoot them if you have to. People want blood. Give it to them.
Greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression - Subprime Mess - solutions and explanations
Ye gods!!!! The US House of Reps has voted against the subprime bailout. @#$!!!!I know many of them hate President Bush and each other. But the problem didn't just occur during his tenure.
And most importantly, if they don't bail out the banks its going to cause a massive financial panic similar to the Great Depression of 1930 - where the whole world virtually became bankrupt.
This is @#$ing serious.
Just to cap it off - what has happened was thus: back in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was President, and Alan Greenspan was the Federal Reserve chairman - interest rates were kept artificially low. Banks were doing a good business in the mortgage market. There was plenty of money to loan out. Housing prices were going up.
And confident fools were saying - why not allow the banks to lower their regulation standards and loan money to (poor) people who can't afford the deposit??? Then they can buy a house, and in 10+ years time, the house price would have doubled (yeah!!!) and everyone can be millionaires.
Unfortunately, the house prices didn't double - esp. in places hit by natural disasters - Hello Katrina. And worse, the poor people - well, most of them, let themselves become bankrupt and defaulted on the mortgages.
So now the banks in effect are holding mortgages to property that's worth less or maybe even worthless. So the clever bastards then sell the debt to other banks. Suspiciously, the Rating agencies - that value and assess this debt (in the similar way as a building inspector hecks out the home you want to buy) said the debt was a-ok!!! So other banks around the world buy into this debt.
Finally, someone wises up to the whole scheme - and the whole house of cards falls down.
The problem is that innocent parties who were not involved in the scheme are being dragged into this horrid mess. And it can't be helped.
This is a major financial crisis. If the banks fail - how the hell can society operate? People's life savings and superannuations will be wiped out. Imagine going to the bank, ATM, and trying to withdraw money - and the banks has closed down. Total disaster.
The politicians (and their constituents) who voted against the bill - want revenge. Everyone is sickened by how the banks give out obscene amounts of money to their CEOs - even when they fail. Over here in Australia, the CEO of NAB resigned after making a terrible financial mistake - and was rewarded with $17 million dollars as severence pay. That's FUBAR!!!!
So simple. Add a clause in the bailout plan - appoint a celeberity politician/prosecutor - like Rudolph Guliani - to go after the bankers responsible for the mess. Invoke draconian laws to prosecute the bastards. Jail them - or place them in protective custody. Shoot them if you have to. People want blood. Give it to them.
I hate Mondays
The financial crisis in the US takes a suicide dive. This is serious. If the US financial system doesn't get this cash injection. Its like withdrawing much needed blood from a patient. But rather than issuing the order, the doctors are busy squabbling over how the patient got there.
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Moderate Republicans were furious at their fellow party politicians criticizing them “immature brats who have put ideology before country”.
“We’re at a point in our nation’s history when they need to grow up. If McCain can’t get the House Republican leadership to give him 100 votes to do something that the Presdent wants, the treasury secretary wants, the Fed chairman wants, then he doesn’t have a set of nuts that’s worth a damn.”
Pat Buchanan, the former Republican presidential candidate, claimed that the crash of 2008 will usher in a more sober and much diminished America, branding the credit crisis “a Katrina-like failure of government, of our political class, and of democracy itself. The party’s over. What we are witnessing today is how empires end.”Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Some thoughts on Asian culture
For some reason Japan, and all Asian societies prefer the indirect approach to solving things. I think its the way power is wielded and used in society. Obsequious behavior is required from followers. Dissent is seen as rebellion. Rationale civil debate and thought is seen as an affront to rulers - as people dare to question the status quo. We've got a lot to thank the ancient Greeks for in that regard.
Going back to church
Its been awhile since I attended church. I guess its cos I let the small things bother me too much. Anyways, I felt the need to attend church again. And besides, its a beautiful day to go out. The air was so fresh and fragrant after we had that massive storm last night.
Christianity is an intensely personal religion. But at the same time, its essential also to be together with other Christians and worship God.
In the morning I attended the Full Gospel Assembly church at Surrey Hills. ... There are some really beautiful houses in that area - with sweet details and touches. Lush green trees with delicate leaves, bluestone paving, cute little ornamental garden statues, long wide windows, set behind solid brick walls, exquisite old world charm. Gotta take some photos of that area one day. My cousin who lives in that area keeps a beehive to harvest honey. I should pay him a visit one day!
Later in the evening I attended the Australian Christian Fellowship church down at Rowville. One thing I especially love about ACF is their praise and worship is really really good. Outstanding. You sing and you feel your soul uplifted - its like being in the presence of God... and you probably are. That was actually the only reason why I made sure I was there on time. haha.
It was good to be back at Rowville. I missed the services. I think I'll go back again next week.
Saturday Night Live - Couric / Palin Open
Sarah Palin - US Presidential VP candidate talks to Katie Couric - comedic skit
I hate Mondays
The financial crisis in the US takes a suicide dive. This is serious. If the US financial system doesn't get this cash injection. Its like withdrawing much needed blood from a patient. But rather than issuing the order, the doctors are busy squabbling over how the patient got there.
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Moderate Republicans were furious at their fellow party politicians criticizing them “immature brats who have put ideology before country”.
“We’re at a point in our nation’s history when they need to grow up. If McCain can’t get the House Republican leadership to give him 100 votes to do something that the Presdent wants, the treasury secretary wants, the Fed chairman wants, then he doesn’t have a set of nuts that’s worth a damn.”
Pat Buchanan, the former Republican presidential candidate, claimed that the crash of 2008 will usher in a more sober and much diminished America, branding the credit crisis “a Katrina-like failure of government, of our political class, and of democracy itself. The party’s over. What we are witnessing today is how empires end.”Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
I hate Mondays
The financial crisis in the US takes a suicide dive. This is serious. If the US financial system doesn't get this cash injection. Its like withdrawing much needed blood from a patient. But rather than issuing the order, the doctors are busy squabbling over how the patient got there.
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
Some quotes:
Bush: “If money isn’t loosened, this sucker could go down.”
Moderate Republicans were furious at their fellow party politicians criticizing them “immature brats who have put ideology before country”.
“We’re at a point in our nation’s history when they need to grow up. If McCain can’t get the House Republican leadership to give him 100 votes to do something that the Presdent wants, the treasury secretary wants, the Fed chairman wants, then he doesn’t have a set of nuts that’s worth a damn.”
Pat Buchanan, the former Republican presidential candidate, claimed that the crash of 2008 will usher in a more sober and much diminished America, branding the credit crisis “a Katrina-like failure of government, of our political class, and of democracy itself. The party’s over. What we are witnessing today is how empires end.”Well, maybe, but Pat also believes in some damn ridiculous stuff too.
Are we seeing a decline in the US? Well, hasn't it been happening for the last 40 years ever since the last great oil crisis in the 1970s? The US was literally brought to its knees by OPEC, a bunch of Arab (nations), who refused to sell it oil. Seeing the US fascination with SUVs and monster trucks, I don't think they've learnt anything AT ALL from that experience. Today, the American economy is driven by consumerism. How the heck can you run a economy by citizens buying foreign goods on their credit cards?
The Bluestone
The redgum fences in the garden were falling apart and getting rotten. We decided to replace it with bluestone granite. Looks good. Some more work needs to be done on the steps at the back. Unfortunately, my Uncle who was doing the work has had to go back to Tasmania and left me to do the job. I don't know how to do concreting or mason work; gotta learn now I guess.
Going back to church
Its been awhile since I attended church. I guess its cos I let the small things bother me too much. (ie. The church is too far. I don't feel like going. Some aspect of the service sucks. etc...) Anyways, I felt the need to attend church again. I felt the need to worship God together with other believers. Christianity is an intensely personal religion. But at the same time, its essential also to be together with other Christians and worship God.
And besides, its a beautiful day to go out. The air was so fresh and fragrant after we had that massive storm last night.
In the morning I attended the Full Gospel Assembly church at Surrey Hills. ... There are some really beautiful houses in that area - with sweet details and touches. Lush green trees with delicate leaves, bluestone paving, cute little ornamental garden statues, long wide windows, set behind solid brick walls, exquisite old world charm. Gotta take some photos of that area one day. My cousin who lives in that area keeps a beehive to harvest honey. I should pay him a visit one day!
Later in the evening I attended the Australian Christian Fellowship church down at Rowville. One thing I especially love about ACF is their praise and worship is really really good. Outstanding. You sing and you feel your soul uplifted - its like being in the presence of God... and you probably are. That was actually the only reason why I made sure I was there on time. haha.
It was good to be back at Rowville. I missed their praise and worship sessions; it brought me closer to God.
I think I'll go back again next week.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Going back to church
Its been awhile since I attended church. I guess its cos I let the small things bother me too much. Anyways, I felt the need to attend church again. And besides, its a beautiful day to go out. The air was so fresh and fragrant after we had that massive storm last night.
Christianity is an intensely personal religion. But at the same time, its essential also to be together with other Christians and worship God.
In the morning I attended the Full Gospel Assembly church at Surrey Hills. ... There are some really beautiful houses in that area - with sweet details and touches. Lush green trees with delicate leaves, bluestone paving, cute little ornamental garden statues, long wide windows, set behind solid brick walls, exquisite old world charm. Gotta take some photos of that area one day. My cousin who lives in that area keeps a beehive to harvest honey. I should pay him a visit one day!
Later in the evening I attended the Australian Christian Fellowship church down at Rowville. One thing I especially love about ACF is their praise and worship is really really good. Outstanding. You sing and you feel your soul uplifted - its like being in the presence of God... and you probably are. That was actually the only reason why I made sure I was there on time. haha.
It was good to be back at Rowville. I missed the services. I think I'll go back again next week.
Common Sense - a virtue that seems lacking in some Govts
You'd think that some amount of common sense - a realization that children are not adults and have to be treated accordingly - that discipline, sometimes physical but not excessive, has to be used for children - would be something social workers and politicians would understand.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Common Sense - a virtue that seems lacking in some Govts
You'd think that some amount of common sense - a realization that children are not adults and have to be treated accordingly - that discipline, sometimes physical but not excessive, has to be used for children - would be something social workers and politicians would understand.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Common Sense - a virtue that seems lacking in some Govts
You'd think that some amount of common sense - a realization that children are not adults and have to be treated accordingly - that discipline, sometimes physical but not excessive, has to be used for children - would be something social workers and politicians would understand.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Apparently not.
Recently a grandmother who was foster caring her two grand children - had the kids taken away and separated to different homes. The reason? She smacked the little boy because he wanted to climb the fence. Someone reported her - and she lost custody.
Anyways : read the horror stories here.
Friday, September 26, 2008
You can't make this up: Australian justice in action
I reckon the man deserves a good beating for his attempt at his legal brief. But that's just me.
The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
Charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Sydney man Jason Hall appears before Magistrate Hillary Hannam. At which point Mr Hall offers his considered legal opinion on proceedings:
How about I just plead guilty to the whole ****ing lot and just send me to gaol? I’m guilty on the whole lot. Send me to ****ing gaol you piece of ****. It’s **ing wrong. look, you’re a female . . .Of course you’re going to charge me. Of course you’re going to go against me because you’re female. ***** brief nothing. Just – I’m pleading guilty on the lot. Don’t worry about it. Change it right now, pleading guilty on the **ing lot. When I come back here in a week I don’t want to see you, you putrid ****. I would too if I was you, you **@# ***, @#$%ing dog, @#$% moll.
Later he had a change of mind - perhaps seeing his jail cell - and wrote a letter of "apology"
To the magistrait
I realy don’t know whot to say to you. I don’t remba much at all about the hole thing. All I can remba is going to hand my self in that day at Macfelds Police. Thay sed to me that I would get bail. So that’s wot I did handed myself in so I could sort this mes out.
Eneyway from that morning I was verey heavley on speed I was that high I did not no who I was that day and night frome court cells thay took me to Campbeltown Hospital. I don’t remba why. I whent thair for from hospital thay took me to Campbeltown cells it was to late to go into court when I got back to cells thay gave me my Azansa plus some other pill.
Arfter that I don’t have much memrey of it but when my girl frend red it to me I was verey discusted in whot Ive sed to you. Ive never told a juge of ever befor and Im verey sorry for whot I sed to you that day I realy am. I have a 2 year old girl and a 8 month old boy and one due in October 18 that will be three kids. My girl frend would not be able to 2 cope with 3 kids if Im put back into goal.
My father has only got 1 to four months to live as well Ive only just found this out about one munth ago.
I do not do drugs no more. I have bean of drugs for about 16 months. I am a lot betta since Ive bean of them. I hope you can understand my righting and speling as Ive had little schooling. I all so have hep C and liver problems Ive bean told that I have to go on Intafurone it is the same thing as keymo therpey. If Im jailed over this matta I carnt go on the program.
So pleas take my apolergey and sorry that is all I can remba of it. I carnt say its not my voice becouse it is but I did not mean to upset you in eney way at all or leav the court room. I was only gelty on one charge. That’s why I fort the other charge and beat it. I was more upset about whot Ive sed to you and Im verey sorry and I hope you take my apolegee. As I don’t whont to go back to jail.
As Ive bean out four 18 months and haven’t bean in trouble for eneything so pleas take my apolergey it is from my hart. Im verey sorry.The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
Officer Barbrady style of justice
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24398194-5001021,00.html
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who was stalked by a stranger had her identity revealed by police who were forced to hand it over to the pervert when he was granted bail.
The teenager told friends she feared for her life in the incident on Tuesday, which is one of a staggering spate of attempted child abductions around Sydney in recent weeks.
The young woman's alleged attacker, a 27-year-old man from Greystanes, had no idea who she was. But within hours of his arrest at Rooty Hill, in Sydney's west, he was free on police bail and had her name handed to him on a charge sheet. Now, only a bail condition ordering the man to stay away from the distressed girl is protecting her.
Police said their hands were tied...Thursday, September 25, 2008
You can't make this up: Australian justice in action
I reckon the man deserves a good beating for his attempt at his legal brief. But that's just me.
The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
Charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Sydney man Jason Hall appears before Magistrate Hillary Hannam. At which point Mr Hall offers his considered legal opinion on proceedings:
How about I just plead guilty to the whole ****ing lot and just send me to gaol? I’m guilty on the whole lot. Send me to ****ing gaol you piece of ****. It’s **ing wrong. look, you’re a female . . .Of course you’re going to charge me. Of course you’re going to go against me because you’re female. ***** brief nothing. Just – I’m pleading guilty on the lot. Don’t worry about it. Change it right now, pleading guilty on the **ing lot. When I come back here in a week I don’t want to see you, you putrid ****. I would too if I was you, you **@# ***, @#$%ing dog, @#$% moll.
Later he had a change of mind - perhaps seeing his jail cell - and wrote a letter of "apology"
To the magistrait
I realy don’t know whot to say to you. I don’t remba much at all about the hole thing. All I can remba is going to hand my self in that day at Macfelds Police. Thay sed to me that I would get bail. So that’s wot I did handed myself in so I could sort this mes out.
Eneyway from that morning I was verey heavley on speed I was that high I did not no who I was that day and night frome court cells thay took me to Campbeltown Hospital. I don’t remba why. I whent thair for from hospital thay took me to Campbeltown cells it was to late to go into court when I got back to cells thay gave me my Azansa plus some other pill.
Arfter that I don’t have much memrey of it but when my girl frend red it to me I was verey discusted in whot Ive sed to you. Ive never told a juge of ever befor and Im verey sorry for whot I sed to you that day I realy am. I have a 2 year old girl and a 8 month old boy and one due in October 18 that will be three kids. My girl frend would not be able to 2 cope with 3 kids if Im put back into goal.
My father has only got 1 to four months to live as well Ive only just found this out about one munth ago.
I do not do drugs no more. I have bean of drugs for about 16 months. I am a lot betta since Ive bean of them. I hope you can understand my righting and speling as Ive had little schooling. I all so have hep C and liver problems Ive bean told that I have to go on Intafurone it is the same thing as keymo therpey. If Im jailed over this matta I carnt go on the program.
So pleas take my apolergey and sorry that is all I can remba of it. I carnt say its not my voice becouse it is but I did not mean to upset you in eney way at all or leav the court room. I was only gelty on one charge. That’s why I fort the other charge and beat it. I was more upset about whot Ive sed to you and Im verey sorry and I hope you take my apolegee. As I don’t whont to go back to jail.
As Ive bean out four 18 months and haven’t bean in trouble for eneything so pleas take my apolergey it is from my hart. Im verey sorry.The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
You can't make this up: Australian justice in action
I reckon the man deserves a good beating for his attempt at his legal brief. But that's just me.
The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
Charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Sydney man Jason Hall appears before Magistrate Hillary Hannam. At which point Mr Hall offers his considered legal opinion on proceedings:
How about I just plead guilty to the whole ****ing lot and just send me to gaol? I’m guilty on the whole lot. Send me to ****ing gaol you piece of ****. It’s **ing wrong. look, you’re a female . . .Of course you’re going to charge me. Of course you’re going to go against me because you’re female. ***** brief nothing. Just – I’m pleading guilty on the lot. Don’t worry about it. Change it right now, pleading guilty on the **ing lot. When I come back here in a week I don’t want to see you, you putrid ****. I would too if I was you, you **@# ***, @#$%ing dog, @#$% moll.
Later he had a change of mind - perhaps seeing his jail cell - and wrote a letter of "apology"
To the magistrait
I realy don’t know whot to say to you. I don’t remba much at all about the hole thing. All I can remba is going to hand my self in that day at Macfelds Police. Thay sed to me that I would get bail. So that’s wot I did handed myself in so I could sort this mes out.
Eneyway from that morning I was verey heavley on speed I was that high I did not no who I was that day and night frome court cells thay took me to Campbeltown Hospital. I don’t remba why. I whent thair for from hospital thay took me to Campbeltown cells it was to late to go into court when I got back to cells thay gave me my Azansa plus some other pill.
Arfter that I don’t have much memrey of it but when my girl frend red it to me I was verey discusted in whot Ive sed to you. Ive never told a juge of ever befor and Im verey sorry for whot I sed to you that day I realy am. I have a 2 year old girl and a 8 month old boy and one due in October 18 that will be three kids. My girl frend would not be able to 2 cope with 3 kids if Im put back into goal.
My father has only got 1 to four months to live as well Ive only just found this out about one munth ago.
I do not do drugs no more. I have bean of drugs for about 16 months. I am a lot betta since Ive bean of them. I hope you can understand my righting and speling as Ive had little schooling. I all so have hep C and liver problems Ive bean told that I have to go on Intafurone it is the same thing as keymo therpey. If Im jailed over this matta I carnt go on the program.
So pleas take my apolergey and sorry that is all I can remba of it. I carnt say its not my voice becouse it is but I did not mean to upset you in eney way at all or leav the court room. I was only gelty on one charge. That’s why I fort the other charge and beat it. I was more upset about whot Ive sed to you and Im verey sorry and I hope you take my apolegee. As I don’t whont to go back to jail.
As Ive bean out four 18 months and haven’t bean in trouble for eneything so pleas take my apolergey it is from my hart. Im verey sorry.The court actually bought this apology. And the judge wrote back:
I note the apology of the defendant and the evidence that he gave. Both indicate contrition and remorse. I accept that the imposition of any further punishment upon him will in his particular circumstances be harsh. There is also the prospect that a reasonable and reasoned result from a court system with which he has had such unfortunate experiences may itself have an educative and rehabilitative effect upon him.
Honestly, how do you show respect to a system that is so utterly fubar?
Osama is Saruman in disguise!!!! says Joe Biden, Obama's VPee
Joe Biden, the Democrat Vice Presidential candidate, reckons that Osama has the power over the weather. Why, like SARUMAN!!!!!
Here's the excerpt from his speech:
Why... like Saruman!!!
Here's the excerpt from his speech:
"If you want to know where Al Qaeda lives, you want to know where Bin Laden is, come back to Afghanistan with me," Biden said. "Come back to the area where my helicopter was forced down, with a three-star general and three senators at 10,500 feet in the middle of those mountains. I can tell you where they are..."
Biden said he would ask Palin about "The superhighway of terror between Pakistan and Afghanistan where my helicopter was forced down...John McCain wants to know where Bin Laden and the gates of Hell are? I can tell him where..."
In February 2008, Biden — along with Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb. — was on a chopper that made an emergency landing in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Why... like Saruman!!!
Officer Barbrady style of justice
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24398194-5001021,00.html
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who was stalked by a stranger had her identity revealed by police who were forced to hand it over to the pervert when he was granted bail.
The teenager told friends she feared for her life in the incident on Tuesday, which is one of a staggering spate of attempted child abductions around Sydney in recent weeks.
The young woman's alleged attacker, a 27-year-old man from Greystanes, had no idea who she was. But within hours of his arrest at Rooty Hill, in Sydney's west, he was free on police bail and had her name handed to him on a charge sheet. Now, only a bail condition ordering the man to stay away from the distressed girl is protecting her.
Police said their hands were tied...Officer Barbrady style of justice in Australia
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24398194-5001021,00.html
The young woman's alleged attacker, a 27-year-old man from Greystanes, had no idea who she was. But within hours of his arrest at Rooty Hill, in Sydney's west, he was free on police bail and had her name handed to him on a charge sheet. Now, only a bail condition ordering the man to stay away from the distressed girl is protecting her.
Police said their hands were tied...
(Seriously Australian justice is pretty fucked up. First I blame the Judges and lawyers for perverting the law. Second I blame the Politicians who make the cock rules . Third I blame the fucking voters for not giving a damn about tougher laws.)
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who was stalked by a stranger had her identity revealed by police who were forced to hand it over to the pervert when he was granted bail.
The teenager told friends she feared for her life in the incident on Tuesday, which is one of a staggering spate of attempted child abductions around Sydney in recent weeks.The young woman's alleged attacker, a 27-year-old man from Greystanes, had no idea who she was. But within hours of his arrest at Rooty Hill, in Sydney's west, he was free on police bail and had her name handed to him on a charge sheet. Now, only a bail condition ordering the man to stay away from the distressed girl is protecting her.
Police said their hands were tied...
(Seriously Australian justice is pretty fucked up. First I blame the Judges and lawyers for perverting the law. Second I blame the Politicians who make the cock rules . Third I blame the fucking voters for not giving a damn about tougher laws.)
Economic Comment
The market can never be a "free market". Some form of regulation and independent corporate governance has to be around to make sure things run smoothly.
In the same way, in a civil society - we have a police force, fire department, ambulance system, and court system. We are bound by laws. If you have some quark selling "get rich" property schemes which are in essence - fraudulent you'd expect the proper authorities to step in and smack the duffer down. And hopefully put the conman in jail.
So in effect we are not living in a 110% "free" society.
That seems like common sense really.
Too much regulation, of course, leads to strife. Same goes for too much salt in the soup.
In the same way, in a civil society - we have a police force, fire department, ambulance system, and court system. We are bound by laws. If you have some quark selling "get rich" property schemes which are in essence - fraudulent you'd expect the proper authorities to step in and smack the duffer down. And hopefully put the conman in jail.
So in effect we are not living in a 110% "free" society.
That seems like common sense really.
Too much regulation, of course, leads to strife. Same goes for too much salt in the soup.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Osama is Saruman in disguise!!!! says Joe Biden, Obama's VPee
Joe Biden, the Democrat Vice Presidential candidate, reckons that Osama has the power over the weather. Why, like SARUMAN!!!!!
Here's the excerpt from his speech:
In February 2008, Biden — along with Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb. — was on a chopper that made an emergency landing in the mountains of Afghanistan.
A snowstorm had forced them down.
Why... like Saruman!!!
Here's the excerpt from his speech:
"If you want to know where Al Qaeda lives, you want to know where Bin Laden is, come back to Afghanistan with me," Biden said. "Come back to the area where my helicopter was forced down, with a three-star general and three senators at 10,500 feet in the middle of those mountains. I can tell you where they are..."
Biden said he would ask Palin about "The superhighway of terror between Pakistan and Afghanistan where my helicopter was forced down...John McCain wants to know where Bin Laden and the gates of Hell are? I can tell him where..."
In February 2008, Biden — along with Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb. — was on a chopper that made an emergency landing in the mountains of Afghanistan.
A snowstorm had forced them down.
Why... like Saruman!!!
I love big snow flakes!!!
I love the mountains
I love the clear blue skies
I love big snow flakes
I love the great white rides
I love the whole world
and all its sights and sounds
Boom de ya dah boom de ya dah...
Economic Comment
The market can never be a "free market". Some form of regulation and independent corporate governance has to be around to make sure things run smoothly.
In the same way, in a civil society - we have a police force, fire department, ambulance system, and court system. We are bound by laws. If you have some quark selling "get rich" property schemes which are in essence - fraudulent you'd expect the proper authorities to step in and smack the duffer down. And hopefully put the conman in jail.
So in effect we are not living in a 110% "free" society.
That seems like common sense really.
Too much regulation, of course, leads to strife. Same goes for too much salt in the soup.
In the same way, in a civil society - we have a police force, fire department, ambulance system, and court system. We are bound by laws. If you have some quark selling "get rich" property schemes which are in essence - fraudulent you'd expect the proper authorities to step in and smack the duffer down. And hopefully put the conman in jail.
So in effect we are not living in a 110% "free" society.
That seems like common sense really.
Too much regulation, of course, leads to strife. Same goes for too much salt in the soup.
Corrupt fubar
Imagine losing 1 - 100 - 900 million dollars of someone else's money. Anyone who does that ought to face some form of severe punishment.
Unfortunately the corporate world doesn't think like that. And it seems pretty cool with CEOs who totally ruin the show. The morons who ran corporate America - made like 20 billion dollars in pay and bonuses - and in return - they totally ruined many good companies.
How do you value performances - by the rise in the stock price? by this year financial statement?
The problem with those measures is that - it often results in manipulation by the top brass. All the leaders do is to lay down some creative accounting or cost cuttings... artificial means to jack off the share price and thus multiply their bonuses. Nevermind the effect.
Even if the moron get sacked from the job - they still manage to walk away with a considerable lump sum payment. One idiot CEO from one national australian bank here - resigned after one of his plans went awry costing the company millions of dollars - his reward?
He left with 14 to 17 million dollars in severance pay. Whhhhaaaaaaat????? WTF?? $17,000,000.00 dollars?????
He ought to have been thrown from his office on the 35th floor with a no parachute clause.
Here's a simple solution: the top management of a public corporation - should have their pay mainly derived from future share options with long expiry dates, ie. they can't immediately cash out their shares after they get sacked or resigned from the firm. And the amount of cash they get is directly linked to the long term future of the company's performances. Financial disasters related to them - ought to result in severe financial penalties, ie., the canceling of stock options etc..
This should be enforced worldwide. Good luck with that though.
Anyways - read this and scream.
Unfortunately the corporate world doesn't think like that. And it seems pretty cool with CEOs who totally ruin the show. The morons who ran corporate America - made like 20 billion dollars in pay and bonuses - and in return - they totally ruined many good companies.
How do you value performances - by the rise in the stock price? by this year financial statement?
The problem with those measures is that - it often results in manipulation by the top brass. All the leaders do is to lay down some creative accounting or cost cuttings... artificial means to jack off the share price and thus multiply their bonuses. Nevermind the effect.
Even if the moron get sacked from the job - they still manage to walk away with a considerable lump sum payment. One idiot CEO from one national australian bank here - resigned after one of his plans went awry costing the company millions of dollars - his reward?
He left with 14 to 17 million dollars in severance pay. Whhhhaaaaaaat????? WTF?? $17,000,000.00 dollars?????
He ought to have been thrown from his office on the 35th floor with a no parachute clause.
Here's a simple solution: the top management of a public corporation - should have their pay mainly derived from future share options with long expiry dates, ie. they can't immediately cash out their shares after they get sacked or resigned from the firm. And the amount of cash they get is directly linked to the long term future of the company's performances. Financial disasters related to them - ought to result in severe financial penalties, ie., the canceling of stock options etc..
This should be enforced worldwide. Good luck with that though.
Anyways - read this and scream.
Bible verses for today: Don't Quarrel
2 Timothy 2
23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
"Gleeful allusions to the stock market crash of 1929"
Europeans, well some of them" are making gleeful allusions to the economic crisis in America to the stock market crash of 1929.
Being happy when your neighbor has fallen on hard times - and who in the recent past helped you - seems to be a particular nasty trait.
But really why the references to 1929? If I was a European I wouldn't be gleeful at all about that. What happened after the crash of 1929? A worldwide economic meltdown which led to global poverty - which badly affected Europe. Eventually it led to the rise of Hitler and National Socialism which led to the death and virtual destruction of Europe. Millions of people lost their lives and countless others had their lives totally ruined (not too mention the amount of property damage).
Guess who bailed the Europeans out of that mess?
The Americans.
Yeah, sure, you could argue that the Soviet Russians did most of the hard job. But you're a moron if you wanted the Russians instead of the Americans (British/Canadians) to "liberate" you in 1945. Because once the Russians liberated you, you somehow lost all your personal liberties at the same time. And you couldn't kick them out afterwards. Ask the Hungarians and Poles, East Germans, etc..
Being happy when your neighbor has fallen on hard times - and who in the recent past helped you - seems to be a particular nasty trait.
But really why the references to 1929? If I was a European I wouldn't be gleeful at all about that. What happened after the crash of 1929? A worldwide economic meltdown which led to global poverty - which badly affected Europe. Eventually it led to the rise of Hitler and National Socialism which led to the death and virtual destruction of Europe. Millions of people lost their lives and countless others had their lives totally ruined (not too mention the amount of property damage).
Guess who bailed the Europeans out of that mess?
The Americans.
Yeah, sure, you could argue that the Soviet Russians did most of the hard job. But you're a moron if you wanted the Russians instead of the Americans (British/Canadians) to "liberate" you in 1945. Because once the Russians liberated you, you somehow lost all your personal liberties at the same time. And you couldn't kick them out afterwards. Ask the Hungarians and Poles, East Germans, etc..
Bible verses for today: Don't Quarrel
2 Timothy 2
23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Bible verses for today: Don't Quarrel
2 Timothy 2
23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tina Fey does Sarah Palin
lol. Tina Fey, a comedian from SNL, does a remakable impersonation of Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate.
Its not Goldilocks
So get this, a robber busts into a family's home, raids the fridge, eats the cheese, and then falls asleep in the child's bed.
I know the bleeding hearts will just laugh this off - and send him to a rehab farm or for some psyche hospital. But honestly, this guy ought to be fed to three hungry bears. End of story. Move on.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425606,00.html
I know the bleeding hearts will just laugh this off - and send him to a rehab farm or for some psyche hospital. But honestly, this guy ought to be fed to three hungry bears. End of story. Move on.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425606,00.html
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tina Fey does Sarah Palin
lol. Tina Fey, a comedian from SNL, does a remakable impersonation of Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate.\ For some reason, the shock wave flash script did not work.
I had to register my username - so that it could get attached to my blog. So see the next post.
Tina Fey does Sarah Palin
lol. Tina Fey, a comedian from SNL, does a remakable impersonation of Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate.
Its not Goldilocks
So get this, a robber busts into a family's home, raids the fridge, eats the cheese, and then falls asleep in the child's bed.
I know the bleeding hearts will just laugh this off - and send him to a rehab farm or for some psyche hospital. But honestly, this guy ought to be fed to three hungry bears. End of story. Move on.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425606,00.html
I know the bleeding hearts will just laugh this off - and send him to a rehab farm or for some psyche hospital. But honestly, this guy ought to be fed to three hungry bears. End of story. Move on.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425606,00.html
Financial Casino
The stock market = capitalism casino. In essence people are placing bets on the future direction of companies. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. Thats the nature of risk.Of course, taking on extreme levels of high risk is ... well risky and stupid. People are suppose to be thinking carefully about investing in these companies - based upon their earnings, and net worth, etc.. and directing the right sum of funds to them. Most people know of this subconsiously - its just plain common sense. No one goes and pays their entire lives' savings in a single lottery. But the stock market gives the veneer of respectability. Putting large sums of money in crap stocks or not heeding warning signs is just the same as gambling at the casino and leaving your kids in the carpark.
Sometime back I made comments about ANZ Bank - but the real shocker is Macquarie Bank. Check it out when you have the time. It listed at $5 back in the 1998. And it went all the way up to $100 last year. A pretty rock solid merchant bank.
Since then its gone on a roller coaster ride. It was at $50 a few weeks ago then fell 50% to nearly $25 yesterday in the horror crash. Today its risen 30 - 40%.
The chart totally broke down yesterday. All bets were off. But if you had some loose change - and I mean loose change - pennies in your pocket sort of thing - you could have made some good beer money yesterday.
Remember Pigs get slaughtered - cos they're greedy.
Robert T. Kiyosaki "Rich Dad Poor Dad" Sucks Ass
http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html
John T. Reed's analysis of Robert T. Kiyosaki's book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad. In it he debunks Kiyosaki's book and findings. Basically a few fundamental truths - ie don't drink and drive and a few more stuff thrown in to impress novices.
John T. Reed's analysis of Robert T. Kiyosaki's book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad. In it he debunks Kiyosaki's book and findings. Basically a few fundamental truths - ie don't drink and drive and a few more stuff thrown in to impress novices.
Financial Crisis - some thoughts
The US govt is pulling out the stops to help stem this current financial crisis - including halting short selling.
Over 80 years ago, the world experienced a similar crisis - the Stock Market crash of 1929 where US companies lost 40 - 90% of their value. Back then, iirc, US Banks loaned money to European companies which was struggling out of the aftermath of the Great War (World War1). There was a crisis in the 1920s and nations put up big tariffs and started an economic war (on national lines).
Kaboom!!!! Chain Reaction. Companies couldn't export - so they shut down and couldn't pay their debts. Banks shut down because they ran out of cash. People withdrew money out of banks because they were scared. Banks refused to issue out more loans so companies which needed money went bust.
Things now look pretty scary. The US currently owes trillions of dollars in debt. And to pay for it- its printing more money to pay for it. If the US debtors like China start calling in their loans - or refuse to issue more credit - the US is screwed - their cash becomes worthless - then its really the end of the world as we know it. (Perhaps thats why the Chinese oil companies seem to be getting a big chunk into Iraq's oil fields).
Its actually no surprise the US economy is doing so badly - its a consumer economy - "free bread and circuses". What does the US produce today anyhow? Most of the stuff we use - is made by a Chinese or Japanese company. On top of all that- the US is now the biggest consumer of fuel - most of it imported. Is it any surprise that with the price of petrol gone up from $20 a barrel to $140 - something is gonna crack???
Over 80 years ago, the world experienced a similar crisis - the Stock Market crash of 1929 where US companies lost 40 - 90% of their value. Back then, iirc, US Banks loaned money to European companies which was struggling out of the aftermath of the Great War (World War1). There was a crisis in the 1920s and nations put up big tariffs and started an economic war (on national lines).
Kaboom!!!! Chain Reaction. Companies couldn't export - so they shut down and couldn't pay their debts. Banks shut down because they ran out of cash. People withdrew money out of banks because they were scared. Banks refused to issue out more loans so companies which needed money went bust.
Things now look pretty scary. The US currently owes trillions of dollars in debt. And to pay for it- its printing more money to pay for it. If the US debtors like China start calling in their loans - or refuse to issue more credit - the US is screwed - their cash becomes worthless - then its really the end of the world as we know it. (Perhaps thats why the Chinese oil companies seem to be getting a big chunk into Iraq's oil fields).
Its actually no surprise the US economy is doing so badly - its a consumer economy - "free bread and circuses". What does the US produce today anyhow? Most of the stuff we use - is made by a Chinese or Japanese company. On top of all that- the US is now the biggest consumer of fuel - most of it imported. Is it any surprise that with the price of petrol gone up from $20 a barrel to $140 - something is gonna crack???
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lunch with Lucky Lucy
Steven was my next-door neighbor in Singapore til he moved to Pasir Pajang.
My friend Steven and Tania + their daughter Lucy came over for a visit to Melbourne. Lucy didn't want to eat the beef noodles - but the chocolate cake proved more persuasive.
Financial Casino
The stock market = capitalism casino. In essence people are placing bets on the future direction of companies. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. Thats the nature of risk.Of course, taking on extreme levels of high risk is ... well risky and stupid. People are suppose to be thinking carefully about investing in these companies - based upon their earnings, and net worth, etc.. and directing the right sum of funds to them. If its a crap company - put crap money in, not your kid's college funds.
Most people know of this subconsiously - its just plain common sense. No one goes and pays their entire lives' savings in a single lottery. But the stock market gives the veneer of respectability. Putting large sums of money in crap stocks or not heeding warning signs is just the same as gambling at the casino and leaving your kids in the carpark.
Once they lose their sense of perspective into these things- and its very easy to do - you get exposed to risk. Hey, maybe you might get lucky and make a fortune. Or maybe you'll just get tempted to throw more money into it and lose the lot.
I hate idiots, especially irresponsible idiots who keep on repeating their mistakes and ruin the lives of other people.
Sometime back I made comments about ANZ Bank - but the real shocker is Macquarie Bank. Check it out when you have the time. It listed at $5 back in the 1998. And it went all the way up to $100 last year. A pretty rock solid merchant bank.
Since then its gone on a roller coaster ride. It was at $50 a few weeks ago then fell 50% to nearly $25 yesterday in the horror crash. Today its risen 30 - 40%.
The chart totally broke down yesterday. All bets were off. But if you had some loose change - and I mean loose change - pennies in your pocket sort of thing - you could have made some good beer money yesterday. The problem is - people think that if they win a $1 bet - they can bet $1000 and double the profit, not realizing they are dramatically increasing their level of risk.
Remember Pigs get slaughtered - cos they're greedy. Its romantic (in the classical sense) to assume you can pick the bottom of the market and sell at the top - ALL THE TIME. You can't unless you are God. And if you try you'll end up losing the lot one day. The smart people just aim to take a big slice of the pie - and leave some for the others.
Heart Attack Grill
So eating here at this hamburger joint will increase your chances of a heart attack. But hey, check out the waitresses!!!
Financial Casino
The stock market = capitalism casino. In essence people are placing bets on the future direction of companies. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. Thats the nature of risk.Of course, taking on extreme levels of high risk is ... well risky and stupid. People are suppose to be thinking carefully about investing in these companies - based upon their earnings, and net worth, etc.. and directing the right sum of funds to them. Most people know of this subconsiously - its just plain common sense. No one goes and pays their entire lives' savings in a single lottery. But the stock market gives the veneer of respectability. Putting large sums of money in crap stocks or not heeding warning signs is just the same as gambling at the casino and leaving your kids in the carpark.
Sometime back I made comments about ANZ Bank - but the real shocker is Macquarie Bank. Check it out when you have the time. It listed at $5 back in the 1998. And it went all the way up to $100 last year. A pretty rock solid merchant bank.
Since then its gone on a roller coaster ride. It was at $50 a few weeks ago then fell 50% to nearly $25 yesterday in the horror crash. Today its risen 30 - 40%.
The chart totally broke down yesterday. All bets were off. But if you had some loose change - and I mean loose change - pennies in your pocket sort of thing - you could have made some good beer money yesterday.
Remember Pigs get slaughtered - cos they're greedy.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Heart Attack Hamburger Grill
So eating here at this hamburger joint will increase your chances of a heart attack. But hey, check out the cosplay nurses (waitresses)!!!mmm... I wonder whether they will give me the kiss of life if I fall over?
Heart Attack Grill
So eating here at this hamburger joint will increase your chances of a heart attack. But hey, check out the waitresses!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Snow in Spring 08
Went up to Mount Hotham on Sunday - off peak snow season - wasn't expecting much snow. But got a mountain full of snow on Monday afternoon which lasted for 24 hours. 24cm of snow fell in that 24 hour period. Got a good afternoon of skiing the next day on fresh powder!!! Should have stayed longer. Next time...
Snow in September
Snow. Snow. Glorious Snow.7 inches of snow fell on Monday. (That's about 18cm)
No one expected it to be this heavy this mid Spring. Actually when we got to Hotham on Sunday - the snow levels were not so good. You could see the metal roofs of the houses, and plenty of patches of dead grass and barren ground. A lot of the snow was brown and yucky looking, tainted with dirt and dust.
I prayed that we would get snow that night.
Then on Monday, at about noon time - the snow clouds came storming in. First it rained, then ice flakes fell, and the winds blew it into our faces like glass.
(Hail or no, I'm just pleased that something happened. Its not everyday you experience this sort of thing - in Singapore or Melbourne).
Then it snowed. White fluffy soft white stuff. The wind carried them like cherry blossom petals, blowing them any which way. Initially, they melted straight away when it touched ground. Then as the temperature dropped to 2 then zero then subzero -1, -3, -5, colder and colder... and the land once again turned pure white with snow.
It just kept on snowing all through the day and night. Unfortunately, the blizzard closed down the lifts for the rest of the afternoon and we ended up in our apartment making hot bah kuh teh with Italian spaghetti noodles - fusion food.
And it kept on snowing.... in the morning we went skiing. Beautiful, this feeling of stepping onto soft white snow powder. The ground whispers sensually as you glide along it with your skis.
I got a bit crazy and went onto the snow ramps. Massive big ramps - packed snow the size of bungalows. I giggled like a school kid the first few times I went on them. It was like a roller coaster ride - except I was the ride. I took off into the air a few times. Nothing dramatic. But still a gut lifting feeling. After the 4th or 5th, it seemed quite easy. But i dared not go too fast as I haven't been trained at all in this skill. I think I watch too many horror skiing accidents videos.
Going home was a bummer, not the least because our cars were half-buried in snow. The cold temperatures also made it absolutely horrible trying to fit the snow chains onto the car tyres. Thankfully, the Mount Hotham staff were very helpful and friendly and helped to put our chains on. - you have to salute them for it - trying to untie frozen greasy metal chains with your cold bare fingers is not a happy experience.
I'll post up more photos of the trip in my photo blog later... gotta sleep now!
Run Down Hotham Summit
This section is reserved for the competitions - but they've ended - and its officially closed. As you can see from the lifts- hardly anyone is here. Anyways, no one stopped me - so I did about 10 runs on this (competition hill). I got a fair bit of speed on the first two runs - and flew off the big 2nd hill... a bit... :) but afterwards - maybe due to the strong head wind - my speed slowed down as you can see in this video. Great fun nevertheless!!! I wanted to do more - but all my friends had given up due to the cold. Wish Joy or Jensen was here- they'd be crazy enough to do a few more. But it'd be hard for them to do it now with the babies and all. lol.
It snows in Spring too
Snow. Snow. Glorious Snow. 8 inches of snow fell on Monday. (That's about 20cm)
No one expected it to be heavy as its mid Spring. Actually when we got to Hotham on Sunday - the snow levels were sub-average. You could see the metal roofs of the houses and plenty of patches of dead grass and barren ground. A lot of the snow was brown and yucky looking, tainted with dirt and dust. It was no surprise as it was the end of the season. We took the day off and went sightseeing.
I prayed that we would get snow that night. Unfortunately we didn't. We went skiing on Monday nonetheless - I found it rather slushy.
Then just before lunch - the snow clouds came storming in. First it rained, then ice flakes fell, and the winds blew the sleet into our faces like glass. Grandfather Winter came back to work.
(Sleet or snow, I'm just pleased that something happened. Anything!!! Its not everyday you experience this sort of thing - in Singapore or Melbourne city).
And then it really snowed. White fluffy soft white wonders!! The wind carried the snow flakes like cherry blossom petals, blowing them any which way. Initially, they melted straight away when it touched ground. Then as the temperature dropped to 2 then zero then subzero -1, -3, -5, colder and colder... and the land once again turned pure white with fresh snow.
At night we walked out to the bar in minus -10C temperatures. It felt like minus 20 due to the wind chill factor. Genius here decided to wear shorts. Talk about a case of blue balls. haha. But the Amber Ale draft beer tasted so delightful afterwards. Made me a bit sleepy though - wasn't much of a conversationalist after that. lol
It just kept on snowing all through the day and night. Unfortunately, the blizzard closed down the lifts for the rest of the afternoon and we ended up in our apartment cooking hot bah kuh teh soup with Italian spaghetti noodles - fusion food. Hahaha!!!!
Meanwhile it kept on snowing. And with the windy weather, I was like "PLEASE STOP!!!!". The wind was so strong that I wasn't too sure whether we could go skiing. Total blizzard. And to make matters worse, the gas mains froze up and we lost heating and hot water in out apartments. Hard way to find out when you are taking a shower.
But even if we were snowed out - I wouldn't really have been too upset. Its out of your control y'know? Main thing is that we get to experience good snow. I definitely didn't come up here to get a sun tan.
Storm blizzards nonetheless, I find it a true zen moment to watch the snow flakes fall out of the sky in the comfort of my living room. It feels like time stands still. I disconnect and enter into a state of serenity. My friends call it 'stoning out'. But really why disparage this peaceful mental state that requires no medication or un-natural means to attain? (Mmmm... I ought to hire a ski chalet and stay out there for a good week).
Mid-morning the weather calmed down. And finally we went skiing!!! OMG! Beautiful, this feeling of stepping onto soft white snow powder. The ground whispers sensually as you glide along with your skis.
I got a bit crazy and went onto the competition snow ramps (which were officially closed). Massive big ramps - packed snow the size of bungalows. I giggled like a school kid the first few times I went on them. It was like a roller coaster ride - except I was the ride. I took off into the air a few times. Nothing dramatic. But still a gut lifting feeling. After the 4th or 5th, it seemed quite easy. But i dared not go too fast as I've watch too many horror skiing accidents videos. Erin managed to get just one video of me doing the run - you can see it here.
http://ymchiam.multiply.com/video/item/44/Run_Down_Hotham_Summit
Going home was a bummer, not the least because our cars were half-buried in snow - and we didn't bring shovels. The cold temperatures also made it absolutely horrible trying to fit the snow chains onto the car tyres. Thankfully, the Mount Hotham staff were very helpful and friendly and helped us out. You have to salute them for it - trying to untie frozen greasy metal chains with your cold bare fingers in subzero temperatures is not a happy experience.
I'll post up more photos of the trip in my photo page later... gotta sleep now!
Update: costs was about $250 for the accommodation (two nights). First time I ever had a whole room (and it was big) to myself. Nice loft with walk in wardrobe.
Lift pass costs was $134 - $74 for a whole day and $59 for half a day.
Gear Hire was $88 for the two days. Got a nice discount too for having my own shoes.
Food, drinks, petrol, etc.. is probably around $50.
So altogether: about $520 for the three days, two nights stay. (250+134+88+50).
It was much cheaper because its the "off-peak" season - normally it'd be 30% - 50% more expensive. No one expected so much snow on Monday. And the place was fairly deserted - so no long ques or packed crowds!!!
(You know what I'd really love to do - go skiing in Whistler in Christmas - then go diving in Sipadan in (Aust) Summer - then go travelling in Autumn.
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