Post1.Net

China crude oil imports exceed 50% of total consumption, hits energy security alert level

Low Ee Mien — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 05:21:02 -0800

China's oil imports will continue to see solid growth this year, with more than half of the country's total oil consumption coming from abroad, industry insiders said. It is inevitable for the country - the world's second largest oil consumer - to see a robust increase of imports, as domestic production cannot keep up with rising demand. China's oil dependency reached alarming levels last year with imports accounting for 52% of total consumption, China Business News reported. Importing more than 50% is a globally recognized level for an energy security alert.

China's oil imports in 2010 are expected to grow 5% from a year earlier, and the proportion of imported oil consumed may further rise to 54% this year. China imported 204 million tons of oil last year [1495 million barrels, or 4.1 mbpd], while total production was 190 million tons [1393 million barrels, or 3.8 mbpd]. The Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific are the three main regions that supply oil for China. According to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), 64.5% of China's oil consumption is likely to be met by imports in 2020. China's crude oil production may see a decline after 2020.

- The big question to be asked now is whether the proverbial rise of the Chinese consumer will survive a looming double dip recession in the rest of the developed world. Will China's internal demand pick up enough to keep China's GDP growth rates at 8-9% when the Western consumers crash and burn (again)? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on whether the Asian consumers have picked up enough momentum for the current trends like the China car sales jump, etc. to continue in a self-sustaining cycle.

GM to wind down Hummer as Sichuan Tengzhong sale accord fails

Low Ee Mien — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 02:17:14 -0800

bloomberg.com :

General Motors said it will close Hummer, the maker of military-inspired sport-utility vehicles, after Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. couldn't win Chinese approval to buy the unit. Winding down the brand will take several months, a spokesman said. "The Hummer brand was very much a product of its time," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst at IHS Global Insight. "In today's much more environmentally conscious world, it's a brand that just doesn't fit in."

Tengzhong was "unable to obtain clearance of the transaction from the Chinese regulators within the proposed deal time frame," according to a statement from the company. The deal would have been worth $150 million. A Tengzhong purchase of Hummer would have bucked China's government policy of promoting fuel-sipping small cars of less than 1.6L. US sales for GM's Hummer unit fell 67% in 2009 as the economy faltered, GM slid into a 40-day government-backed bankruptcy and Hummer's fate was unresolved.

- No love lost for the SUV's of the world, as you might guess from my Jun 2005 blog entry aptly titled "Die SUVs Die!!". They sure took their time to go about it, as it is with any large ongoing trend, and this Hummer shutdown announcement is surely not only the latest but one of the largest nails in the coffin (if you'd excuse the metaphor-mangling).

Greece could sell islands to cut debt : German MPs

Low Ee Mien — Thu, 4 Mar 2010 06:43:16 -0800

reuters.com :

Greece should consider selling some of its islands as one option to reduce debt, two members of the German parliament, Josef Schlarmann and Frank Schaeffler said. "Those in insolvency have to sell everything they have to pay their creditors," Schlarmann told Bild newspaper. "Greece owns buildings, companies and uninhabited islands, which could all be used for debt redemption." "The chancellor cannot promise Greece any help," Schaeffler told Bild in a story under the headline: "Sell your islands, you bankrupt Greeks! And sell the Acropolis too!"

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas was asked about the idea in an interview with ARD TV. "I've also heard the suggestion we should sell the Acropolis," Droutsas said. "Suggestions like this are not appropriate at this time." Greece has launched an austerity programme designed to secure European help to tackle its crippling debt burden.

- Some kind of bad blood going on between the Greeks and the Germans. Just some days back, the Greeks had been blaming the "Nazi Germans" for their problems and now the Germans are telling the Greeks to sell off their islands to pay off their debt. I wonder how a monetary, economic and political union like the EU is supposed to hold together under such differences in opinion.

cny-2010 photos..

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:00:20 -0800

i was sick thruout CNY except the first day.. so, no mood to take photos.. only these 2:

CNY first day at EM's family..

CNY 3rd day at my sis Hong's place.. taken using my niece's camera.. ken refused to be in the photo.. wenn cried in protest..

Happy CNY 2010..

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:08:08 -0800

Here's wishing all readers, "Happy Chinese New Year"..

See also:
1. Happy CNY 2009..
2. Happy CNY 2008..

a day out..

Sim Biow Ee — Sun, 7 Feb 2010 04:15:05 -0800

Singapore Airshow 2010 photos and video gallery

Low Ee Mien — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:09:55 -0800

The Singapore Air Show is here again. Went to the Singapore Airshow 2010 twice this year, as has been the case for the past couple of rounds - once during the trade day on Wednesday where there are fewer people, and once with the family during the public day on Saturday when the crowds arrive in full force.

Here are some photos - the whole set of photos has been uploaded into my Google Picasaweb photo gallery (trade day) (public day) :

Besides the usual F-35 Lightning II mockup from Lockheed Martin (still waiting for the real one to arrive here), the Apache AH-64D Longbow attack helicopter, the F-15's and the F-16's, a new addition this year was the F-111 fighter-bomber, said to be making its last appearance ever :

Here's a video of an F-16 Falcon in the flying display :

The rest of the videos will be uploaded to my Youtube channel.

photos of Singapore Airshow 2010

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 05:18:52 -0800

It's so rare that EM will brave the crowds and the heat for this..

the soaring..

the waiting..

the crowd..

the end..

More photos can be seen in my Biow's Gallery-Singapore Airshow 2010

a year older.. yikes..

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 04:19:29 -0800

I know, our wall is a mess.. too many posters/photos.. we dun hv a wall to take good photo with.. *sigh*.. anyway, happy birthday, my dearie..

Sneak peek.. Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG (Core 2 Duo SU7300 Processor 1.3GHz, 4GB RAM)

Sim Biow Ee — Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:53:22 -0800

this n that.. what is this called?

Sim Biow Ee — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 20:23:40 -0800

Singapore to consider nuclear power to improve energy security

Low Ee Mien — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:40:21 -0800

bloomberg.com :

Singapore should consider using nuclear power and depend less on foreign workers in its efforts to transform the economy in the next decade, a government-appointed panel said. The recommendations have been accepted by the government and will be addressed in the budget to be unveiled on 22 Feb 2010. Singapore is seeking ways to ensure its economy expands in a more sustained manner after three recessions in the past decade, with its most recent slump the deepest since independence in 1965. The panel announced 7 proposals to restructure the economy. They include making the city state a hub for global companies seeking to expand in Asia, improving energy security and being more flexible in land usage. The committee urged the government to study using nuclear energy as a future source of power and the import of coal and electricity. It also recommended the creation of a "waterfront city" on existing port facilities run by PSA International in the south of the island when the lease expires in 2027. The panel recommends that the government develop an "underground master plan" to create more space as there may be limits to how much land it can reclaim.

channelnewsasia.com :

The Economic Strategies Committee (ESC) on Monday [1 Feb 2010] gave extensive recommendations to ensure energy sustainability and the full optimisation of Singapore's land space, given the island-state's limited resources. Among the plans is a new waterfront city at Tanjong Pagar, currently a port area comprising Keppel and Pulau Brani. Besides land constraints, Singapore also faces energy resource constraints. The committee suggested that Singapore study the feasibility of using nuclear energy in the long term, an idea which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2008 said he "hasn't ruled out". The ESC said the option could help meet base load electricity demand as well as Singapore's energy security in the long run. In the medium term, the committee suggested Singapore should explore coal and electricity imports to diversify its energy sources. Importing energy will also free up valuable land in the country.

- This is the clearest confirmation yet by the Singapore government on its plans for nuclear power, which I have been advocating since at least 2006 (see my feedback to the government during the National Climate Change Strategy consultation). Until this pronouncement, all prior communications had been vague, along the lines of "we are not ruling it out". Of course the "coffeeshop talk" folks would murmur that once the Singapore government even so much hints at any new initiative even in vague terms, it has already been decided upon and WILL be implemented rapidly and efficiently, without so much as a peep from the rest of the people. Perhaps. But I shall leave the political pontifications to those so inclined.

Myself, I am glad that the Singapore government has decided to take a bold move towards embracing nuclear energy. As I have been saying all along, and now as the government panel itself has also said, what we need is baseload power, and with current technology we have about two choices - nuclear and coal. What *is* a little unfortunate, though, from my point of view, is that the government seems to be choosing *both* nuclear *and* coal. Now I'm sure that as a Kyoto signatory, Singapore probably wouldn't be going out building conventional dirty coal power plants willy-nilly. Or at least, we environmental activists surely hope not. The hope is that they will at least try to adopt some form of clean coal system. And while I have some reservations (some rather big reservations) about clean coal, if it is at all technologically feasible, you can trust the Singapore government to try to pull it off. Well. Like they say : you win some, you lose some.

A mixed congratulations then to Singapore. +10 points for embracing nuclear power, -5 points for considering coal at the same time. To be fair, I have tracking both initiatives coming on the horizon, plus the one about the LNG terminal, so all this is hardly much of a surprise. So keep posted, as we shall track how the execution goes on these plans.

I am a house elf..

Sim Biow Ee — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:39:12 -0800

I feel like I am one.. I'd only managed to go home "early" for the first 2 weeks of Jan-2010.. thereafter, i'm back to my grueling schedule, ie reach home when the kids are fast asleep.. meaning, after 9pm or later.. and once i'm home, silently i try to eat my dinner.. tip toe-ing around ken/wenn's room to check on Ken's homework if any, check his wallet if still have $, check his school bag, check any communication from teacher, mark the work that i give him to do.. normally i give 2 pages of chinese, eng, maths.. most of the time, he finishes 1 subject only.. *sigh*.. day in day out, such mad rush.. :(.. when can i take a break?

ST - Ingram Micro Vietnam Retreat 2010 Day 3

Low Ee Mien — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:31:29 -0800

Day 3 was "Going Back Day". We started off with a wrap-up of the conference with Koh See Kiat giving a short overview of the ST Electronics Infosoft corporate structure, after which we took a group photo. Thanks to automatic face recognition technology from Google Picasaweb, you can click on the link below and check out the names. But thanks to my being not very good with names, many of the names are not yet properly tagged - any help from the audience would be appreciated :)

After the conference it was time to check out and the first group to get ready for the return flight home. Here I am at the lobby of the Duxton Hotel Saigon, bags all packed and ready.

Back to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, looking out of the terminal windows at SQ173, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200. That's our ride back to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City.

James Wong, a colleague from ST Infosoft, from the Land Information Systems department. We've got representatives from all 3 departments in the classic triumvirate of "Air, Land and Sea" on this trip.

And that's it. It was a good trip. We had a good time, and got to meet up with our partners and vendors from the various companies including Ingram Micro, IBM and Symantec, and we also got the opportunity to get to know better our colleagues from the other departments within ST Electronics Infosoft.

ST - Ingram Micro Vietnam Retreat 2010 Day 2

Low Ee Mien — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:16:32 -0800

Day 2 was the conference proper, but before that my room-mate Chan Yue and I went about taking some photos out on the street in the block surrounding the hotel.

As could be expected, at present Vietnam is still very much motorcycle/scooter country. Like some of my peakoiler friends might say, just wait till they really start buying cars. The country is still very much in development, with contrasting styles of new ultra-modern buildings rising up right alongside the existing buildings, such as this example here :

The conference itself - there's myself and Chan Yue, with the IBM folks giving the initial round of presentations.

This was followed by a "Mini Amazing Race" team-building exercise, which also served as a good way to explore the city.

A couple of games the team played :

A couple more landmarks - the Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace. In the nearby park and surrounding areas, workers were getting ready putting the finishing touches for the upcoming Vietnamese New Year 2010 celebrations.

Over at Ban Thay Market, we bought some souvenirs, and met members of other teams.

And just before dinner, Chan Yue and I went for some Vietnamese "pho", which is some kind of noodle-like strips in nice flavored soup - I tried the chicken pho.

Dinner itself was a river cruise on a restaurant-boat going up and down the Saigon River, an historic and important part of Ho Chi Minh City, serving as water supply, Saigon Port and tourist attraction all in one.

During the cruise, Vincent Lee of IBM Singapore entertained us with his keyboard renditions. And this one here is an interesting stone-based xylophone instrument thing :

ST - Ingram Micro Vietnam Retreat 2010 Day 1

Low Ee Mien — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:12:24 -0800

Day 1 of the trip was pretty much free and easy. For business continuity reasons, we were divided into 2 groups - I was with the morning group.

One of the very first impressions you get upon arrival at a country would be immigration, and it went through pretty smoothly. The officer who attended to me entered my particulars really quickly - he must have been clocking 80 wpm or better, banging away at the keyboard.

On the way to the hotel from the international airport, just snapped some street scenes.

Interesting architectural features include the pagodas dotting the cityscape.

The Opera House is one of the distinguished landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.

After arriving at the Duxton Hotel Saigon, I just did my setup and proceeded to start blogging as described here. Next item was just to wait till the second group arrived in the evening, then it was time for something apparently rather unique to Vietnam, a "water puppet show" complete with dinner. Here are a couple of short video clips on that :

By the way, I've uploaded all the videos into my Youtube channel here, and all the photos into my Picasaweb photo album here.

What is karma? Why do we chant to the Gohonzon? Where is karma created?

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:54:15 -0800

By Dr. Yoichi Kawada

What is karma? Why do we chant to the Gohonzon? Where is karma created?

Karma is in the subconscious, specifically in the unconscious part of the subconscious. The subconscious is all our dormant potential. Happiness and unhappiness arise from there. All our images of life are collected there. It is a broad and expansive place. All our past is packed in there, everything. All the images from our previous lives are stored there; all our experiences, feelings, and sounds, everything. They are in our life and in our brain cells.

Everything from the moment you were born; from when you were in the womb even, all the sounds such as your mother singing, and experiences around you are images stored in the unconscious part of your subconscious. This also includes the images stored by your ancestors 1000s of years ago, these images and experiences are carried into yourself. It is your inheritance. It continues on into your offspring etc. These images become your life and they are what you are now experiencing. For example if you tend to get into car accidents you can naturally assume that your ancestors were prone to accidents as well. Likewise if you experience longevity, many of your ancestors also experienced longevity or if illness runs in your family, this will probably occur in your life. This is family karma and it is stored in your subconscious. Because of the connectedness of you and your family, you share this karma with them. When you chant to the Gohonzon you are changing not just your karma, but your whole family's karma at the same time. When one person changes their whole family can change.

Because you carry these images, you carry the same problems; illness, the way you die, poor finances, bad relationships etc. Unless you change these images, they persist in your life and in that of your offspring.

These images come out even if you aren't conscious of them. You are not deciding, but the unconscious image is in control; who you meet, what you do, when you die, if you get sick, etc. These are all results of the images you carry. All these unconscious images have led you to where you are right now. The scientific community is just starting to recognize this. Your unconscious images are your karma.

The right side of the brain has a huge impact on how we alter these images. Appreciation has a huge impact on how we alter that image. Using the words "Thank You" has an enormous impact on changing karma. The right side of the brain is happy to hear the words "Thank You" and responds accordingly. The words Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo in Indian Sanskrit are Namu Sada Ruma Fundareka Sotalon (this is the phonetic spelling) and are translated as "Thank You So Much!"

So then what is the correct way to pray? It is not "Please let this happen to me". It is not begging and not asking for anything. But because we are saying "thank you so much" whenever we recite Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, we should always be chanting with appreciation. Our minds/emotions need to match our words. The most basic human feeling or emotion is gratitude. It is first emotion we learn as an infant. Beyond the subconscious and unconscious is a very joyful life condition or world.

When we use the right side of our brain it is much easier to chant. We find that we can chant longer using the imagination side of our brain. Never say "please" when chanting. So many other religious practices teach asking for help etc, not Nichiren Buddhism.

You have to appreciate everything in your life, including everything from your past. You need to make a conscious effort to recall as much as you can from your past and appreciate it. Even the things that you don't think you can appreciate you have to find gratitude for them. Then you have to appreciate your current circumstances as well, even if you are in the midst of a huge obstacle, such as cancer, financial ruin, a divorce, whatever the situation; you still have to appreciate it. You have to thank Gohonzon (your life) for giving you this problem, because this is your chance to change negative karma to fortune.

What is the correct way to chant when you have a problem? You have to chant with the spirit of "Thank you so much for giving me this problem. Because of this I can change my negative karma and that of my family's." Pray sincerely from the bottom of your heart to appreciate your present circumstances. Because of this you can disconnect or alter your family karma; you break it and begin to project a new image. You should also set a specific date that you will no longer have this problem.

Dr. Kawada treated fourteen people with stage four cancer. Some were not even SGI members. Their doctors had given up on all of them. One even had to be brought in on a stretcher. All fourteen people joined the SGI. They all learned to chant following this guidance of using the right side of their brain to project an image of no cancer in their bodies. In the US last stage cancer patients are encouraged to draw a white cell eating a cancer cell. Though this has shown to help, practicing Buddhism has an even bigger impact. In two months the person on the stretcher overcame their cancer. Then his doctor joined. Eventually all fourteen overcame their cancer.

You can change any illness, even allergies and skin rashes, etc. If you are an abusive relationship, you can create a new and positive image and it will change the relationship, because you are connected to that person even on a subconscious level. Your unconsciousness is linked to another's unconsciousness. It doesn't matter if they chant or not, they will change. Who ever you have a problem with; you need to chant for them to help them change their unconscious image. You have to work on it over and over and eventually your image will be projected by them as well. This is really the truth. You can impact the images for your entire family. You have to use the right side of your brain to do this. That is the purpose and the function of the right side of the brain, so use it.

You should write a diary. Not a diary of what happened to you today, but how you want your life to unfold for the next 10, 20, 30 years etc. If you do, your life will change. You can literally write your own destiny.

ST - Ingram Micro Vietnam Retreat 2010

Low Ee Mien — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:08:52 -0800

Just reached the Duxton Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where a group of about 30 folks from ST Electronics, Ingram Micro, IBM and Symantec are having a sponsored weekend conference/retreat. Here are some initial photos from today. Here I was at the departure gate at Changi Airport T2 :

Inside the airplane cabin of the twin-engine Boeing 777-200 :

Arrived at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport :

The Opera House :

My hotel room :

Wasted no time setting up the equipment, up and blogging within 5-10 minutes of arrival :

The rest of the initial set of photos has been uploaded to my Picasaweb album here.

Birth Announcement: Welcome Joshua

Sim Biow Ee — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0800

Announcing new baby to my lao phng you gang.. so handsome..

nice shot.. i didn't take ken/wenn shot like this..

aww..

See also:
1. Cookie n Eggy

Japan Airlines (JAL) files for bankruptcy in $10 billion turnaround plan

Low Ee Mien — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:08:19 -0800

bloomberg.com :

Japan Airlines (JAL) filed for the country's fourth-largest bankruptcy under a 900 billion yen ($10 billion) turnaround plan after four government bailouts failed to revive Asia's most indebted carrier. Asia's largest airline will shed staff, cut unprofitable routes and retire older planes as it restructures. The airline, worth more than $6 billion as recently as March 2009, will be delisted following the bankruptcy, wiping out shareholders. JAL, which flew at least 45 million passengers last year, will continue operations. Kazuo Inamori, the 77-year-old Kyocera founder, has been named to oversee JAL's restructuring as CEO. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have made rival offers to invest in JAL or a restructured company to access routes in China and Japan.

JAL, Asia's first major flag carrier to seek bankruptcy, filled less than 65% of seats on domestic routes in each of the last 6 fiscal years. The airline suffered a 16th straight drop in overall passenger numbers in Nov 2009 as the global recession sapped travel. Worldwide international air travel likely fell 4.1% last year, causing industrywide losses of $11 billion, according to the International Air Transport Association.

- You could have pointed your finger at various factors like lack of management judgment, prolonged government support, rising oil prices, the global economy, or the unfolding trend of Peak Oil, Peak Airlines. There are plenty of reasons to choose from. But well, that was it. Now to see how they fare after the turnaround plan.

Toyota to double global production of hybrid vehicles by 2012

Low Ee Mien — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:20:00 -0800

channelnewsasia.com :

Toyota plans to double its global production of hybrid vehicles in about two years, positioning such fuel-sipping cars as a core profit earner. The automaker recently notified parts suppliers that it intends to roll out about 800,000 hybrids domestically in 2010, with the figure to be raised to around 900,000 in 2011 and 1.1 million in 2012, the Nikkei reported. Toyota's 2009 hybrid vehicle output was estimated to be around 500,000.

Toyota also plans to sell an additional 10 new hybrid models from minivans, subcompacts to luxury cars within a few years, on top of its current lineups such as the 2010 Toyota Prius, Sai and Lexus HS250h. The world's biggest automaker now makes about 90% of its hybrid vehicles at home in Japan. In 2011, hybrids will likely account for about 30% of all vehicles that Toyota manufactures in Japan, up from the projected figure of about 20% for 2009, the Nikkei said. The petrol-electric Toyota Prius hybrid car was the best-selling car in Japan in 2009, becoming the first hybrid to top the annual rankings, with sales almost tripled from the previous year.

- In spite of the global recession, it looks like Toyota is on a roll with its hybrid line-up. And these plans are not new. The Asians including the Japanese and Chinese are reputed for long-term thinking. Back in 2005, Toyota announced plans to go to an all-hybrid vehicle model line-up. And this paragraph quotes from a 2006 entry : "Toyota Motor said that it would double the number of hybrid models it offers to 14 by the early years of the next decade as part of its effort to meet higher demand for fuel-efficient vehicles". I'll be looking out for Toyota to continue to execute on its plans to bring the next generation of lithium-ion powered hybrid, plug-in and EV technology to the rest of its line-up.

NYMEX crude oil prices drop below $79 as Euro falls against USD on Greece concerns

Low Ee Mien — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:05:42 -0800

bloomberg.com :

The Euro declined the most in almost a month against the US dollar on concern Greece's struggles to reduce its budget deficit will damage confidence in the region. The EUR/USD forex exchange rate fell as much as 0.8%, the biggest decline since 17 Dec 2009. Oil prices fell for a fifth day, the longest losing streak in five weeks, leading declines in commodities prices. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet's warning that no member nation can expect "special treatment" fueled concern Greece's debt won't be eligible as collateral at the central bank. Rating downgrades sparked a rout in Greece's bonds in Dec 2009 as the budget deficit headed for 12.7% of GDP, more than 4 times the European Union limit.

Feb 2010 NYMEX crude futures fell to $78.95. The S&P GSCI Index of commodities fell for a fifth day, the longest losing streak in a month. Corn declined 0.9% to $3.7775 a bushel in Chicago trading. Wheat and soybeans also declined. Copper fell 0.5 percent to $7,455.50 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, leading a drop in industrial metals.

- It looks like we could be headed for a slight pause in the commodities rally powered by crude oil and gold prices coming into the beginning of 2010, or at least a consolidation situation in the commodities markets before the next directional movement can be discerned. The threat of a China slowdown with the central bank starting to make noises about tightening credit and reining in the runaway property boom does not help the bullish case very much either. Hence I am now looking once again at support levels with that for crude oil prices being around the $75 level and for gold prices it is around the $1100 level, with the advice being to watch for either support holding or breaking down below these levels.

Japan Airlines (JAL) to cut 15600 jobs under turnaround plan

Low Ee Mien — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:44:02 -0800

channelnewsasia.com :

Troubled Japan Airlines (JAL) is expected to cut 15,600 jobs, or about 30% cent of its group workforce, in 3 years under a rehabilitation plan. The layoffs, coupled with cuts in benefits and wages, will be carried out together with the sale of JAL's subsidiaries including JAL Hotels Co., Kyodo News reported. The carrier's workforce will be trimmed to about 36,000 by the business year to March 2013. The state-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. (ETIC) plans to decide on its bailout package for JAL as early as January 19, the same time the airline is expected to file for bankruptcy protection. The ETIC estimated JAL's consolidated operating loss to expand to about 265 billion yen for the current business year to March 2010, compared with a year-earlier loss of 51 billion yen, due to a drop in passenger numbers.

- Like the GM bankruptcy case, the long decline of Japan Airlines has been noted by outside observers for a long time (see earlier posts dated Feb 2006 and Aug 2006). Traditional airlines have been finding it rather difficult in challenging business conditions in recent years, with increasingly volatile oil prices and a global recession. The rising competition from budget airlines didn't help either. Airlines like JAL and their like will need to revamp and re-invent themselves in order to stay relevant in the economic environment ahread.

Japan Airlines set to file for bankruptcy on 19 Jan 2010

Low Ee Mien — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:23:39 -0800

channelnewsasia.com :

Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to file for bankruptcy on 19 Jan 2010, the first step in a court-led rehabilitation process for the debt-ridden Japanese carrier. The decision came as its creditor banks dropped their earlier proposal for an out-of-court reorganisation of the troubled airline. The state-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp will provide 300 billion yen (US$3.2 billion) investment so that it can continue operation.

The government body will also ask JAL's creditors to waive a further 350 billion yen in loans to the airline, while speeding up its restructuring, including massive trimming of its international routes. The carrier is seeking its fourth government bailout since 2001. The airline, which lost about US$1.5 billion in the 6 months to Sep 2009, has said it plans thousands of job cuts and a drastic reduction in routes.

- The airline industry is an obvious case of hyper-sensitivity to oil prices, and with crude oil futures rising and breaking through the $80 resistance level, the peakoiler community has been rumbling about airlines hurting again. In any case, if (/when) oil prices rise further, JAL's case may not be the last we hear about airline bankruptcies either.

Invictus

Sim Biow Ee — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:56:05 -0800

Invictus - William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of fate
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years finds
And shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

First day of primary school for Ken..

Sim Biow Ee — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 05:09:58 -0800

All ready at home.. so eager..

look at my still half asleep face..

With EM at school foyer..

Ken's form teacher..

Can you spot Ken?

In the canteen..

After food, Ken proceed to gargle his mouth..

Am so proud of Ken today.. we parents get to see the kids go to the canteen to buy food and eat.. I saw Ken just walked to the canteen table, placed his water bottle.. and then, proceed to buy food.. the buddy with him is from P2.. i see the buddy followed behind Ken and didn't really help Ken.. but Ken proceed to buy food himself and eat.. And, he also drink from his water bottle while eating.. i've reminded him not to buy drinks from school.. ahh.. with his new uniform and all.. he's so smart and cool.. well, a real milestone for him.. a new beginning.. let's hope his high spirit will remain throughout his education life and future..

See also:
1. Ken's First Day in School (N2)

First day of school for Ken tomorrow..

Sim Biow Ee — Sun, 3 Jan 2010 02:42:05 -0800

Can't believe how fast time flies that tomorrow, Ken will attend Primary 1 in Singapore.. seems like yesterday that i was struggling with him as my first born baby.. and now, he's all ready for Primary 1.. oh, I'm so NOT ready.. how am I able to supervise his work? His school is morning session. He is encouraged to be in school by 7:15am for silent reading. Their assembly will be at 7:25am.. that means, we have to leave our house before 7:00am.. and Ken has to wake up at 6:00am.. Those of you who know me well enough will wonder.. how will I wake up?!?!.. i'm such a sleeping beauty.. only my mom can wake me up that early!..

To be able to wake up early also means that Ken needs to sleep by 9:00pm.. For the past months, I reached home earliest at 8pm.. looks like i have to adjust.. my work performance will definitely affected.. already, for ken's first day in school, I'm taking 3 days leave to accompany him, whereas, my colleague from my team with her child starting P1 as well, only taking HALF day leave.. go figure.. *sigh*.. this is a dilemma for working moms, i guess..

Below, 6 and a half years ago, we welcome Ken to the world.. arggh.. time really goes by in a blink of an eye..

Just before ken sleep, he said he wanted to draw a picture of us..

Also, sidetrack, we balik-ed kampung during december and i bot a pair of school shoes from Bata.. Look what they included.. a timetable!.. EM said he never seen before.. meaning, Bata shops in singapore don't give out these i guess.. ahh.. this make me miss school very much..

Commodities prices post biggest annual gain in four decades on China demand

Low Ee Mien — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 18:24:02 -0800

bloomberg.com :

Commodities prices posted the biggest annual gain in four decades, led by a doubling in copper, sugar and lead prices, as Chinese demand compensated for the longest slump in the global economy since World War II. In 2009, the S&P GSCI Index of 24 raw materials rose 50%, the most since at least 1971, and commodities drew record investment of $60 billion, Barclays Capital estimated.

The CRB Index of 19 raw materials advanced 23% in 2009, the most since 1979. Among industrial metals, lead posted the biggest gain, more than quadrupling since end-1999. Copper also doubled in 2009, climbing almost fourfold in the decade. In 2009, gold futures in New York rose 24%, the 9th straight annual gain. The US dollar slump spurred demand for precious metals as an alternative investment. Crude oil prices advanced 78% in 2009. OPEC, which accounts for 40% of global supply, implemented production cuts in response to the global economic recession. Sugar futures more than doubled in 2009, trailing only copper's advance in the CRB index. Cane harvests in Brazil and India, the biggest producers, were hurt by adverse weather.

- It has been pretty good going for commodities prices ranging from gold futures to crude oil to agricultural commodites such as corn and wheat and sugar. It's been a great run even taking into account the Aug-Sep 2008 near global economic collapse. And of course taking into account how the economic system works, governments everywhere do not have much choice but to run the money printing presses, and fast. Which has led us to where we are today, with price inflation looming, the trillions in additional money supply having had the time to work through the economy and finally start appearing where most people least expect, and with economic fundamentals being nowhere near where they should be had this been a real, actual, bona fide economic recovery.

So, what's next? Believe it or not, the inflation vs deflation debate still rages on, though there are some signs that the inflation camp may just get their day in the sun, as long as the central banks especially those in the Western world keep up their monetization thing going, and the Eastern nations continue to follow suit, not wanting to hurt their export-oriented economies. According to the contrarian community and elsewhere, there is a danger of "something" happening in Q2 2010, what it is exactly, and what the impact may be, we have yet to see. Barring that, and of course perhaps a black swan event or two, we could have continuing rising prices alongside with asset inflation going into 2010. We shall see.

Happy New Year 2010..

Sim Biow Ee — Fri, 1 Jan 2010 03:15:00 -0800

let's recap my life for year 2009..

Wenn starts schooling, N2 (nursery 2) for the first time in his life..
Wenn able to cycle his bicycle with trainer wheels on..
My 10th granduncle, Datuk Sim Mow Yu passed away..
Great list of 2009 Summer Movies..
I've worked for a decade..
my maid of 5 years went back on her home leave and I survived!!
all jittery just from Singapore Primary 1 registration exercise for Ken..
picked up bead jewellery making..
Ken's first milk tooth fell off today..
met up with my usm friend after 10 years..
Ken's graduated from K2..
Primary School Admission for Ken..
10th wedding anniversary, with just a makan as celebration..
my lao phng you got married.. the last in my circle.. we went back all the way from being classmates since Std 2..

Come to think of it, not many events actually.. and a lot of decade event.. work, met up with old friend and wedding.. for the whole of 2009 i just remember working very hard at work.. spending hours and hours.. fortunately, i'm rewarded with a good grade, not the best though.. but, a least compensated somewhat.. Looking at my slogan for 2009, "A Year of Thrift and Kids", i think i did accomplish them.. towards the later half of the year, i try to date Ken and Wenn out every Fri.. so, i'd been leaving office on time on Fridays.. reach home, take my dinner, and then I will be off to Compasspoint with Ken and Wenn.. i know it's not that healthy.. but we will browse the shops and end up having supper before heading home.. and, I've been doing quite well at NOT shopping for toys.. good discipline in me and the kids.. the kids didn't pester me to buy them toys.. they are contented just browsing the toys at the shops.. So, i guess overall I did live up to my 2009 slogan..

Which brings me to think, what should my slogan for 2010 be? Seriously, I'm so busy in 2009 that my life just whirl by in a haze.. so, in 2010, my slogan should be, "Stay Calm and Level-Headed".. the kancheong spider in me is taking a toll in the quality of my life.. i find i'm so stress out throughout 2009.. for 2010, i want to take a different approach.. I know with Ken starting P1 and with me clueless of the expectation, and not to mention I have to adjust my schedule, ie wake up earlier, reach home earlier so i can guide ken with his homework, etc.. i need to stay calm.. i can already imagine myself being stress out and lashing my temper on people around me, esp EM.. it will not be a pretty year.. and also to be level-headed.. i'm such an emo person.. hence, VERY temperamental.. i wish i can improve on this as well..

So, one year from now, i will re-visit this post of mine and see how much I've accomplish..

Lastly, here's wishing all my dear readers.. "May 2010 be a year of happiness and good fortune." (good fortune in buddhist term here means blessings)

See also:
1. 2009, the year ahead of us..

Lenovo S12 Nvidia Ion netbook not coming to Singapore?

Low Ee Mien — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:32:46 -0800

I mean, what is it with Lenovo. Went down to Sim Lim Square and asked a couple of retailers and both of them confirmed that the Lenovo S12 Ion-powered netbook is not going to be imported into Singapore. What is Lenovo thinking, not wanting to make money or something? I didn't see the equally Ion-powered Samsung N510 as well, and the retailers had no clue on that one either. So one might think, okay, perhaps if Lenovo doesn't want to make money, so be it, but Samsung too? That cannot be. That would be unbelievable.

Found a couple of links talking about this. We seem to be suffering from the same problem that our American friends endured during the introduction of the Canon SX1IS Powershot : manufacturers dividing the global market into arbitrary zones and making arbitrary decisions on product introduction, perhaps afraid that it might cannibalize their sales in another area, or maybe it's a case of over-inventory of one type of product, fears of over market segmentation - or something. Hence, out of 3 possible netbook models with the Nvidia Ion graphics chipset, over in Singapore we're just left with the HP Mini 311, with which I have a few issues with the design, colour and keyboard layout (nothing really wrong, it's just a matter of personal preferences). Not so much of a choice, is there?

Well, of course I'm voting with my dollars. If it's not exactly what I'm looking for, I don't buy it. Heck, I have enough computers at home already that it is becoming something of a management issue with all the regular security patches, application updates, backups, stuff like that. Sure I can wait, hold out, and save my dollars for better things. Or perhaps it's just early days yet and we'll see what transpires in the local Nvidia Ion netbook market as we head from 2009 into 2010. We'll see.

Public announcement for m4m

Sim Biow Ee — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:58:03 -0800

~~m4m domain name expires, ratna will be renewing soon.. check back tomorrow..~~ it's up

Kopitiam Square opens today in Sengkang

Sim Biow Ee — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:24:09 -0800

and so, the new Sengkang wet market and food centre at Sengkang Central is opening today.. it's called Kopitiam Square..

How can you get there? See below:

of course, EM must go visit.. how can don't go, right?

right after parking our car..

roof top view..

roof top view of Sengkang town..

view of Sengkang Kopitiam Square from the overhead bridge..

the carpark is at the roof..

bustling with people..

view of Kopitiam Square..

and lastly, my favorite hangout..

The Chicken Rice Shop in VivoCity, Singapore

Sim Biow Ee — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:39:06 -0800

So, I found a shop that caters to both very different palette of Ken and Wenn.. the former loves western, the latter loves asian.. it's hard i tell ya..

2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV to comprise first batch of 50 Singapore electric cars arriving in Sep 2010

Low Ee Mien — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:55:06 -0800

channelnewsasia.com

Singapore will receive its first batch of electric vehicles (EVs) next year as part of a national EV test-bedding programme. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) said 50 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars will make their way here from Sep 2010. EMA deputy CEO David Tan said the authority is now looking for companies to participate in the programme and be an early adopter of EVs in Singapore.

Mr Tan said a multi-agency EV Taskforce will also be rolling out a small network of charging stations. A competitive tender will be launched in 2010. On top of that, a study will be carried out to determine the number of EV charging stations and their specific locations. Most of the charging is expected to be done overnight in the car parks of the EV users' homes or offices. The deployment of these EV charging stations will be timed to coincide with the actual take-up of EVs under the testbedding programme for Singapore electric cars.

- A slight departure from the Renault-Nissan combo mentioned earlier, but nevertheless it is good to know that the first *real* electric cars are coming over to Singapore finally. Ok, let me define "real" here as an actual electric car you can look forward to buying from a showroom soon, something that is a mass production model, not a one-off thing, and not something so high-end that you get movie stars and government officials on some kind of a waiting list.

It's something that the "Average Family Man" might want to buy, and just as importantly is able to afford. Something from a well-known, trusted car-maker brand that would benefit from the same distribution, dealership and service network that would be required to support the entire lifecycle of the car, without you having to register your own one-man dealership to import *one* special electric car into the country (yes, I do know someone who almost had to do that). All the above, that to me, makes for "real". Now it may not be *your* definition, but it's just *my* definition

And finally, not to forget that in Singapore, over 80% of the population stays in high-rise apartment buildings, so having our folks trying to haul 100-feet electric power cords down from our homes to the carpark to plug into our EV's or plug-in hyrbids is pretty much out of the question. So we will also need a "real" EV charging network to match, and it's good to see that the Singapore government is working on that as well.

favicon ico generator, icon generator to be displayed in the address bar of every browser

Sim Biow Ee — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:19:33 -0800

I always find it bare for the forum i administer.. today, finally decided to create a favicon for the site.. what is favicon?!?

A favicon is a small, 16x16 image that is shown inside the browser's location bar and bookmark menu when your site is called up. It is a good way to brand your site and increase it's prominence in your visitor's bookmark menu.

Some of my "creation" below.. i know i lack the creative part.. BUT my strength is to google for the RIGHT tool to serve my curiosity / needs.. heh.. so, head over to create your identity for your blog / site.. have fun!

Biow Tutorial: Set header and footer as an Excel template Tutorial

Sim Biow Ee — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:24:44 -0800

Question: Each time I launch MS Excel, I want it opened with my personal/customized/preferred formatting?
How can I do that?

Answer: follow the steps below..

Step 1. Launch MS Excel

Select all cells by clicking on top left corner.
Change font / font size to your preference
Optional: delete all other worksheets and left with Sheet1

Step 2. Change settings on Page Setup

File > Page Setup...
Settings for Page tab:
Settings for Margins tab:
Settings for Header/Footer tab - Header:
Settings for Header/Footer tab - Footer:
Let's Print Preview to ensure the final look and feel:

Step 3. Save as default template

Save As... Book.xlt to folder C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office 11\XLStart\
Save As... Sheet.xlt to folder C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office 11\XLStart\
This is so that when you need to Insert worksheet, the same preferred formatting will be preserved. In case you can't save to
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office 11\XLStart\
due to some company's policy, you can save to
C:\Documents and Settings\biow\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART\
where biow should be replaced with user name to Windows.

Step 4. Let's try it

Close the MS Excel window.
Launch MS Excel.
Taa-daa.. your new Worksheet's formatting is as you've set above.

That's it. Great tutorial, ya? keke.. *pat myself*..

See also:

Stuck for a few days

Low Ee Mien — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:42:26 -0800

Hi all, this blog will be "stuck" for a few days without updates because I am involved in 3 projects and talking to 6 vendors. It's a bit of a mess, but it should be sorted out one way or another hopefully before Christmas. In any case, Season's Greetings in advance, and keep posted for the next entry. Thanks for all your support.

Lost in A.N.JELL.. You're Beautiful..

Sim Biow Ee — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:06:11 -0800

And, my absolute favorite..Shin Woo!!!

ANJell - Promise.mp3

presenting Mr Strong and Mr Cool..

Sim Biow Ee — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:32:08 -0800