Looks like you are paying someone to click your mouse for you....... Doesn't hurt that they are pretty and smell nice.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Unemployment climbs, trade deficit increases
Canada unemployment is reported at 7.7%, with 295,000 positions gone since October 2008. This brings the total to 1.42 million.
Meanwhile the US unemployment has been reported to be over 10%. Note that this figure is actually conservative under stringent unemployment criteria. For example, only jobless workers in the labor force actively looking for work are considered. So, to the extent that workers have dropped out of (or never entered) the labor force because they felt they would not be able to secure meaningful work, the official unemployment rate understates weakness in the labor market. Then you throw in the independent contractors and I am conservatively estimating a realistic US unemployment at 15%.
Meanwhile the US unemployment has been reported to be over 10%. Note that this figure is actually conservative under stringent unemployment criteria. For example, only jobless workers in the labor force actively looking for work are considered. So, to the extent that workers have dropped out of (or never entered) the labor force because they felt they would not be able to secure meaningful work, the official unemployment rate understates weakness in the labor market. Then you throw in the independent contractors and I am conservatively estimating a realistic US unemployment at 15%.
If you look at import-export figures, they are as dismal. Overall exports fell 9 per cent to $31.7-billion while imports fell 7.9 per cent $32.7-billion. According to Statscan, Exports to the United States, Canada's largest trading partner, fell by 8.9 per cent to $23.3-billion, largely reflecting drops in automotive and crude petroleum products. This outpaced an 8.4-per-cent decrease in imports.
It is hard to imagine that such severe numbers of decline can persist. I beg to differ.
The U.S. stock market has fallen 55 per cent from peak to trough, and is at essentially the same price level as it was in 1997. Volatility is extraordinarily high. But, rather than seeing how much it has fallen and how cheap is it now, it is more important to think relative to the future and how cheap it will be then. That is what the stock market is – banking on expectations of future value.
In a pessimist’s world, stocks are doomed.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Dreamers are doomed entities (Part 2)
We know the economy is suffering, but what are its implications?
Crimes are escalating, instilling fear and chaos in the public and growing ever so violent. Have you asked yourself the cause for the increase in severity of crimes? Do you realize these are crimes of desperation rather than greed? What can we do to stop them?
Desperation is powerful because it removes rationality from the equation and in doing so, make the perpetrators fearless. Without a secure job, no money for necessities, no home, food or warmth, hope slowly dissipates and desperation becomes the cheapest commodity. Everyday the news revolve around people jumping off buildings and mass family murder before suicide, robberies and kidnappings.
In a nutshell, people stop caring - because they can no longer afford to.
What happened to all these people who used to come up to me, laughing about how much they made from stocks and how great their lives are? Upon reflection, they are deserving of their downfall for over-relying on and over-exploiting the system. The innocents are those who never played with risky investments, never enjoyed a day off from hard work and still ended up dismissed from their jobs.
Life is unfair. It always has been.
Because we know equality is a myth, we have progressed into the era of dream economy, driven by consumerism and individualism. In this era, it is important to understand people including their hopes, fears and dreams.
We are the dreamers and we have failed. Failure in trusting the wrong people, selling the wrong ideas and living the wrong dreams.
This is our wake up call.
Crimes are escalating, instilling fear and chaos in the public and growing ever so violent. Have you asked yourself the cause for the increase in severity of crimes? Do you realize these are crimes of desperation rather than greed? What can we do to stop them?
Desperation is powerful because it removes rationality from the equation and in doing so, make the perpetrators fearless. Without a secure job, no money for necessities, no home, food or warmth, hope slowly dissipates and desperation becomes the cheapest commodity. Everyday the news revolve around people jumping off buildings and mass family murder before suicide, robberies and kidnappings.
In a nutshell, people stop caring - because they can no longer afford to.
What happened to all these people who used to come up to me, laughing about how much they made from stocks and how great their lives are? Upon reflection, they are deserving of their downfall for over-relying on and over-exploiting the system. The innocents are those who never played with risky investments, never enjoyed a day off from hard work and still ended up dismissed from their jobs.
Life is unfair. It always has been.
Because we know equality is a myth, we have progressed into the era of dream economy, driven by consumerism and individualism. In this era, it is important to understand people including their hopes, fears and dreams.
We are the dreamers and we have failed. Failure in trusting the wrong people, selling the wrong ideas and living the wrong dreams.
This is our wake up call.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Dreamers are doomed entities (Part 1)
I was browsing through Chapters today in awe of the shelves of books teaching people how to survive in this stressful time. You will be surprised how many people are actually reading “How to live in the chasm”. Then we have the other group pointing their fingers and pushing the blame onto others. Animals. That’s all we are. These are our survival instincts.
For a long while, we lived in a world where life was good - sometimes too good to be true. Time has eroded whatever little sense we had to think for ourselves and therefore we had fallen prey to the American dream.
For a long while, we lived in a world where life was good - sometimes too good to be true. Time has eroded whatever little sense we had to think for ourselves and therefore we had fallen prey to the American dream.
We dream. Everyone could afford cars and homes, and accomplish anything they want if they are willing. We dreamed for so long with an optimism that can only feed on our naivety. We became followers - blind and lazy. This is reflected in our self-reinforcing nature and is one of the main reasons the world has evolved into bubbles. This self-reinforcing nature has already switched gears and will continue to drive the economy down to its grave unless stopped. That is IF it can be stopped.
The market is an interesting concept, almost having a life of its own. However, like any child, it needs boundaries. The responsibility of these boundaries rest on the regulators, and let’s not forget that these regulators are also bureaucrats. It is beyond me to guess what underlying intentions exist between these regulators, but one thing I can be certain – they are children too. The world today is ruled by those who are perceived to be better than the rest, rather than those who know what they have to offer. This is our death sentence.
What is reality? We have a market system which has failed, a credit system which has locked up, financial instruments few really comprehend, loss of confidence, loose regulations and not enough accountability. Where has the money gone? They went where they came from – nowhere. These inflated values are simply being deflated into real hard value or simply put, those who have hard assets. Demand for jobs, goods and services have evaporated because they were inflated as well. Sad to say, but it is impossible for everyone to have jobs especially as advancing technology replaces human labor at increased efficiency.
Make no mistake: This is a global recession, a global crisis. For those who believe China’s growth is the key to spark a global recovery, follow my line of thought if you will. China’s total workforce is 820 million strong and 150 million migrant workforce (almost as big as the US workforce of 153.7 million). While the US’s true unemployment has grown to 13 million, just the Chinese migrant workforce unemployment is already at 20 million. That is 20 million people sent back to their homes without jobs and no income.
China can only produce 8 to 9 million jobs per year so at least for the next two or three years, the unemployment rate will remain extremely high or climb even higher. This is a clear indication that while China still enjoys a strong economy based on its GDP and resources, it is a matter of time before recession hits.
It is also important, however, to keep things in focus. In the US, unemployed have heavy debt (house, car, credit cards) and are not able to meet their obligations long term if they are out of work. Most Chinese have savings and little or no debt, live frugally and can more easily withstand loss of wages in both the short and medium term. Yet the size of the population suggests that if recession hit China, it will hit harder than it has struck the US. Now that is a scary thought.
The underlying problem is a public mentality – exploitation for personal benefits. With exploitation, there comes a price. You also have to realize it is no longer enough to rely on governments, leaders or supernatural religious power. The recovery has to begin with changes on the personal level.
(Part 2 to follow tomorrow: Now back to work.)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dwayne Wade
After watching Wade hit the game winner against Chicago yesterday, I have to come out and say that he is the best player this season and my 2009 MVP.
Here are some of his amazing highlights.
Here are some of his amazing highlights.
Stocks climb as CitiGroup profit in 2009
The headlines can really be misleading....
Tuesday morning, bank stocks took off with CitiGroup leading the way with a 25.7% increase. The stimulus is CitiGroup’s news that they have posted operating profits for the first two months of 2009. This does seem to bring a sigh of relief to many until one listens closely to what they are telling you.
Did they so conveniently forget to disclose how much bad debts they had written off in these two months? CitiGroup made $19 billion in January and February but if you recall that since October 2008, they had received two federal bailouts, $45 billion of capital from the Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program, and a government agreement to cap losses on $300.8 billion of troubled assets, you have to ask how much can $19 billion fill the deep hole CitiGroup is in.
Judging from market reaction, I am dumbfounded whether people are genuinely that naïve or perhaps they are simply willing to settle for any glimpse of optimism and hope.
In any case, may I remind you that 1929 Depression had such dire consequences that it took the market up to 1954 to recover. Globalism has magnified the effects of gobal economic crisis surpassing standards set by the 1929 Depression. Recovery will be slow. Dead slow. Think about it.
Did they so conveniently forget to disclose how much bad debts they had written off in these two months? CitiGroup made $19 billion in January and February but if you recall that since October 2008, they had received two federal bailouts, $45 billion of capital from the Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program, and a government agreement to cap losses on $300.8 billion of troubled assets, you have to ask how much can $19 billion fill the deep hole CitiGroup is in.
Judging from market reaction, I am dumbfounded whether people are genuinely that naïve or perhaps they are simply willing to settle for any glimpse of optimism and hope.
In any case, may I remind you that 1929 Depression had such dire consequences that it took the market up to 1954 to recover. Globalism has magnified the effects of gobal economic crisis surpassing standards set by the 1929 Depression. Recovery will be slow. Dead slow. Think about it.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crazy and confused!! Snow in March and the CAD $
This will be a crazy day and you know it when you wake up in the morning of March and find yourself in midst of a snow storm. On my way to work, there was a Fed-Ex truck stuck to a pole, cars slipping along and a lineup that seems to move stationary. Somehow, I managed to make it to the office.
Call me confused as oil is up and over $47 but the Canadian Dollar is falling and once again testing its resistance at a four year high of $1.3064. I doubt that today’s news of lesser housing starts in February weakened the Canadian Dollar to such extent. After failing to break the resistance the fourth time since October 2008, the Canadian Dollar has climbed back to $1.2930 and trying to break the support.
Call me confused as oil is up and over $47 but the Canadian Dollar is falling and once again testing its resistance at a four year high of $1.3064. I doubt that today’s news of lesser housing starts in February weakened the Canadian Dollar to such extent. After failing to break the resistance the fourth time since October 2008, the Canadian Dollar has climbed back to $1.2930 and trying to break the support.
This will be a busy week of Canadian economic data with substantial volatility for the Canadian Dollar. The Net Change in Employment report coming out on Friday will likely be the key to turn the tides in either direction. Fourth quarter GDP results showed a near-universal contraction in major sectors of the Canadian economy signifying further employment and real estate market deterioration. Combined with clear downtrends in domestic consumer spending, these effects will continue to weigh on Canadian labor markets through the foreseeable future.
However, I remain confident that with the promise of a coming hyper-inflation, the Canadian economy which is heavily reliant on commodities will get a major boost. The only question is when.
Warren Buffett predicted there will be a sharp inflation quick to follow this recession. I think he will probably be right with the US extravagantly printing money for futile bailouts. Normally, it would make sense to anticipate and prepare for the hyper-inflation but this has become quite a dilemma for the governments.
Pick your poison - Stagflation or Hyper-inflation.
Warren Buffett predicted there will be a sharp inflation quick to follow this recession. I think he will probably be right with the US extravagantly printing money for futile bailouts. Normally, it would make sense to anticipate and prepare for the hyper-inflation but this has become quite a dilemma for the governments.
Pick your poison - Stagflation or Hyper-inflation.
Well, if stagflation does not kill the global economy, hyper-inflation should finish the job nicely.
It is a crazy world. You better get used to it.
It is a crazy world. You better get used to it.
I took the silver lining from the clouds.
I drank from the other half of the cup.
I stole the light from the end of the tunnel.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Real Estate Construction/Development Risks
When everything seems like an unsafe bet nowadays, I would still turn to real estate as a hedge against inflation. It is what it is, no more, no less. If you want an investment above inflation, then you need to get into development projects which usually involve rezoning and a higher level of risk.
There are two basic risks involved in a construction or development project – construction and market risk.
Construction risk mainly involves cost of construction and pace which directly translate into profit margin. Or you can look at it as two basic criteria – On time and on budget. The construction itself depends on efficiency and good management.
To better understand market risk, we look at the time for a project from drawing of plans, city approval, land clearing, construction and sales which range from 3 to 5 years. A regular cycle is only about 7 years which means each project will take up almost a whole cycle. It is therefore very important to time your project such that you can catch the peak of the bull cycle.
Take for example, if you are working on a project in the midst of the current global economic crisis, then like so many projects have, you will be facing the dilemma of either completing the project even though sales will be difficult and pricing will be compromised, or halt the project construction but continue to pay loan interests. In either case, you will be in a slow and painful ride.
Welcome to the real world, greed is just a price to pay.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon
THE BIG BANG THEORY: Sheldon's quotes
Leslie: Hello Sheldon.
Sheldon: Leslie Winkle.
Leslie: Yeah Leslie Winkle. The answer to the question, who made Sheldon Cooper cry like a little girl?
Sheldon: Yes well I am polymerised tree saps and you are an inorganic adhesive so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns on its original trajectory and adheres to you.
Leslie: Oh, ouch.
Sheldon: Your robot is inferior and it will be defeated by ours because ours exceeds yours in both design and execution. Also, I'm given to understand that your mother is overweight.
Raj: Oh, snap.
Sheldon: Now of course if that is a result of a glandular condition and not sloth and gluttony, I withdraw that comment.
Raj: What difference does it make, fat is fat!
Sheldon: There are boundaries!
Sheldon: Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors.
Sheldon: Are you upset about something?
Leonard: What was your first clue?
Sheldon: Well there was a number of things. First the late hour, then you demeanors seems very low energy plus your irritability...
Leonard: Yes I'm upset!
Sheldon: Oh... I don't usually pick up on those things. Good for me.
Leonard: Yeah good for you.
Sheldon: (walks away and then turns back) Oh, wait. Did you want to talk about what's bothering you?
Leonard: I don't know... maybe.
Sheldon: Wow! I'm on fire tonight.
Penny: I always say that when one door closes, another one opens.
Sheldon: No it doesn't. Not unless the two doors are connected by relays or there are motion sensors involved. Or if the first door closing creates a change of air pressure that acts upon the second door.
Penny: (gives Sheldon a long look) Never mind.
Sheldon: What part of an inverse tangent approaching an asymptote don't you understand?
Sheldon: A fear of heights is illogical. A fear of falling, on the other hand, is prudent and evolutionary.
Sheldon: You bought me a present? Why would you do such a thing? I know you think you're being generous, but the foundation of gift giving is reciprocity. You haven't given me a gift, you've given me an obligation. The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as that represented by the gift you've given me. Ah, its no wonder suicide rates skyrocket this time of year. Oh, I brought this on myself by being such an endearing and important part of your life...
Penny: I’m a Sagittarius, which probably tells you way more than you need to know.
Sheldon: Yes, it tells us that you participate in the mass cultural delusion that the sun’s apparent position relative to arbitrarily defined constellations at the time of your birth somehow affects your personality.
Penny: (puzzled) Participate in the what?
Sheldon: Given the reaction to my costume, this party is a scathing indictment of the American educational system.
Kurt: You're a zebra, right?
Sheldon: (aside, to Leonard) Yet another child left behind ...
Leonard: For God's sake, Sheldon, do I have to hold up a sarcasm sign every time I open my mouth?
Sheldon (intrigued): You have a sarcasm sign?
Leonard: Sheldon, why is this letter in the trash?
Sheldon: Well, there's always the possibility that a trash can spontaneously formed around the letter, but Occam's Razor would suggest that someone threw it out.
Leonard: I guess we'll just take [a TV cabinet] up [the stairs] ourselves.
Sheldon: We don't have a dolly, or lifting belts, or any measurable upper-body strength.
Leonard: We don't need strength. We're physicists. We are the intellectual descendants of Archimedes. Give me a fulcrum and a lever, and I can move the Earth. (Trying to move the box) It's just a matter of... I don't have this. I don't have this. I don't have it!
Sheldon: Archimedes would be so proud.
Sheldon: (to Leonard, who has decided to give up on Penny) Well, at least now you can retrieve the black box from the twisted, smoldering wreckage that was once your fantasy of dating her and analyze the data so you don't crash into Geek Mountain again.
Sheldon: I can't believe he fired me.
Leonard: Well, you did call him a "glorified high school science teacher whose last successful experiment was lighting his own farts."
Sheldon: In my defense, I prefaced that with, "with all due respect."
Sheldon: (Knocking on Penny's door early in the morning). Penny, Penny, Penny!(Penny opens the door).
Sheldon: Good morning.
Penny: Do you have any idea what time it is?
Sheldon: Of course I do, my watch is linked to the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado. It's accurate to one-tenth of a second, but as I'm saying this it occurs to me once again your question may have been rhetorical.
Sheldon: I need your help in a matter of semiotics.
Penny: What?
Sheldon: Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols as a branch of the philosophy related to linguistics.
Penny: Okay, honey, I know you think you are explaining yourself, but you're really not.
Leslie: Hello Sheldon.
Sheldon: Leslie Winkle.
Leslie: Yeah Leslie Winkle. The answer to the question, who made Sheldon Cooper cry like a little girl?
Sheldon: Yes well I am polymerised tree saps and you are an inorganic adhesive so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns on its original trajectory and adheres to you.
Leslie: Oh, ouch.
Sheldon: Your robot is inferior and it will be defeated by ours because ours exceeds yours in both design and execution. Also, I'm given to understand that your mother is overweight.
Raj: Oh, snap.
Sheldon: Now of course if that is a result of a glandular condition and not sloth and gluttony, I withdraw that comment.
Raj: What difference does it make, fat is fat!
Sheldon: There are boundaries!
Sheldon: Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors.
Sheldon: Are you upset about something?
Leonard: What was your first clue?
Sheldon: Well there was a number of things. First the late hour, then you demeanors seems very low energy plus your irritability...
Leonard: Yes I'm upset!
Sheldon: Oh... I don't usually pick up on those things. Good for me.
Leonard: Yeah good for you.
Sheldon: (walks away and then turns back) Oh, wait. Did you want to talk about what's bothering you?
Leonard: I don't know... maybe.
Sheldon: Wow! I'm on fire tonight.
Penny: I always say that when one door closes, another one opens.
Sheldon: No it doesn't. Not unless the two doors are connected by relays or there are motion sensors involved. Or if the first door closing creates a change of air pressure that acts upon the second door.
Penny: (gives Sheldon a long look) Never mind.
Sheldon: What part of an inverse tangent approaching an asymptote don't you understand?
Sheldon: A fear of heights is illogical. A fear of falling, on the other hand, is prudent and evolutionary.
Sheldon: You bought me a present? Why would you do such a thing? I know you think you're being generous, but the foundation of gift giving is reciprocity. You haven't given me a gift, you've given me an obligation. The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as that represented by the gift you've given me. Ah, its no wonder suicide rates skyrocket this time of year. Oh, I brought this on myself by being such an endearing and important part of your life...
Penny: I’m a Sagittarius, which probably tells you way more than you need to know.
Sheldon: Yes, it tells us that you participate in the mass cultural delusion that the sun’s apparent position relative to arbitrarily defined constellations at the time of your birth somehow affects your personality.
Penny: (puzzled) Participate in the what?
Sheldon: Given the reaction to my costume, this party is a scathing indictment of the American educational system.
Kurt: You're a zebra, right?
Sheldon: (aside, to Leonard) Yet another child left behind ...
Leonard: For God's sake, Sheldon, do I have to hold up a sarcasm sign every time I open my mouth?
Sheldon (intrigued): You have a sarcasm sign?
Leonard: Sheldon, why is this letter in the trash?
Sheldon: Well, there's always the possibility that a trash can spontaneously formed around the letter, but Occam's Razor would suggest that someone threw it out.
Leonard: I guess we'll just take [a TV cabinet] up [the stairs] ourselves.
Sheldon: We don't have a dolly, or lifting belts, or any measurable upper-body strength.
Leonard: We don't need strength. We're physicists. We are the intellectual descendants of Archimedes. Give me a fulcrum and a lever, and I can move the Earth. (Trying to move the box) It's just a matter of... I don't have this. I don't have this. I don't have it!
Sheldon: Archimedes would be so proud.
Sheldon: (to Leonard, who has decided to give up on Penny) Well, at least now you can retrieve the black box from the twisted, smoldering wreckage that was once your fantasy of dating her and analyze the data so you don't crash into Geek Mountain again.
Sheldon: I can't believe he fired me.
Leonard: Well, you did call him a "glorified high school science teacher whose last successful experiment was lighting his own farts."
Sheldon: In my defense, I prefaced that with, "with all due respect."
Sheldon: (Knocking on Penny's door early in the morning). Penny, Penny, Penny!(Penny opens the door).
Sheldon: Good morning.
Penny: Do you have any idea what time it is?
Sheldon: Of course I do, my watch is linked to the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado. It's accurate to one-tenth of a second, but as I'm saying this it occurs to me once again your question may have been rhetorical.
Sheldon: I need your help in a matter of semiotics.
Penny: What?
Sheldon: Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols as a branch of the philosophy related to linguistics.
Penny: Okay, honey, I know you think you are explaining yourself, but you're really not.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Market Update
Last Friday, Citigroup had turned the table on its preferred shareholders by forcing them to convert their holdings into far riskier ordinary shares, after suspending dividend payout.
Then this morning, HSBC Holdings, the premier bank in Hong Kong, suspended trading of its shares, before the announcement of its full-year results. HSBC Holdings PLC, Europe’s biggest bank, is abandoning U.S. subprime lending six years after a $15.5 billion expansion that led to record loan losses.
A.I.G. will get as much as $30 billion in new government capital and relaxed terms on its bailout after posting the worst loss by a U.S. corporation, $61.7 billion in the fourth-quarter.
Today, Oil has plunged more than $4 or 9.68% to $40.44 and last time I looked, Dow Jones was down to the 6800s level as it is becoming more evident that this bear global market is only just warming up.
Then this morning, HSBC Holdings, the premier bank in Hong Kong, suspended trading of its shares, before the announcement of its full-year results. HSBC Holdings PLC, Europe’s biggest bank, is abandoning U.S. subprime lending six years after a $15.5 billion expansion that led to record loan losses.
A.I.G. will get as much as $30 billion in new government capital and relaxed terms on its bailout after posting the worst loss by a U.S. corporation, $61.7 billion in the fourth-quarter.
Today, Oil has plunged more than $4 or 9.68% to $40.44 and last time I looked, Dow Jones was down to the 6800s level as it is becoming more evident that this bear global market is only just warming up.
Canadian Lending and Credit Score
For Canada, the much anticipated 0.5% rate cut will come tomorrow putting more deflationary pressure on the Canadian Dollar. Uncertainty has already been reflected as today’s Canadian Dollar dropped to $1.289 against the US Dollar.
At present, it is increasingly difficult to find financing in the conservative Canadian market. Most lenders have an appetite for Industrial (single & multi tenant, investment and owner occupied), Retail (strip malls, big box, anchored and non-anchored retail), Office (class A, B and C) and Residential (low, mid and high rise apartment buildings). Properties without income equates to lack of cash flow which is risky in this market.
Floating rates mortgages are limited to 1-2 years and are reserved for stronger clients. Most lenders are more inclined to quoting a fixed rate as opposed to a spread over Canada Bond, a floor rate or quoting based on their "cost of funds".
LTV range from 60% - 70% investor with owner occupied and CMHC insured multi-residential capped at 85%.
The credit score is used often to determine the credibility of a client based on past records. Essentially the following is the relative weighing of factors determining the credit score: Payment history (35%), outstanding debt (30%), length of credit history (15%), recent inquiries(10%), types of credit (10%).
So make sure you repay your debts on time as promised, borrow well below maximum limits, have an established history and avoid numerous credit enquiries in short time periods. Also if you have a property to mortgage, it is much easier to obtain financing by leasing or renting out first.
Hope this has been helpful.
At present, it is increasingly difficult to find financing in the conservative Canadian market. Most lenders have an appetite for Industrial (single & multi tenant, investment and owner occupied), Retail (strip malls, big box, anchored and non-anchored retail), Office (class A, B and C) and Residential (low, mid and high rise apartment buildings). Properties without income equates to lack of cash flow which is risky in this market.
Floating rates mortgages are limited to 1-2 years and are reserved for stronger clients. Most lenders are more inclined to quoting a fixed rate as opposed to a spread over Canada Bond, a floor rate or quoting based on their "cost of funds".
LTV range from 60% - 70% investor with owner occupied and CMHC insured multi-residential capped at 85%.
The credit score is used often to determine the credibility of a client based on past records. Essentially the following is the relative weighing of factors determining the credit score: Payment history (35%), outstanding debt (30%), length of credit history (15%), recent inquiries(10%), types of credit (10%).
So make sure you repay your debts on time as promised, borrow well below maximum limits, have an established history and avoid numerous credit enquiries in short time periods. Also if you have a property to mortgage, it is much easier to obtain financing by leasing or renting out first.
Hope this has been helpful.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
GuLi(古力) wins LiShiShi(李世石) in LG Cup
天下英雄谁敌手---古李争霸LG杯
In what is one of the most anticipated Weiqi matchup in history, GuLi destroyed LiShiShi’s legend and won 2-0 in a best of 3 series. Both youngsters are known for their superb fighting skills and violent styles, and both are arguably the best in their own countries, China and Korea respectively. It is the divine match destined from birth. Yet there can only be one winner.
I must admit I was a little disappointed that they did not get to play the third match especially when LiShiShi would have won the second match and made it 1-1, had he only played out the endgame normally. Instead, he chose to fight aggressively, perhaps hoping to get the win convincingly and carry that dominance over to the next match. But, a win is a win and GuLi deserves it this time.
This is the new Weiqi era and these are the two leaders. There will be more memorable games to follow and I can hardly wait.
Rent a car for $1 a day
Well, you can't leave town and you have to drive a minimum of 30 Km a day, but that doesn't take away from this bargain. Heck, this ride is not shabby by any means.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Devin Harris's Buzzer beater
As the NBA season went on, there has been plenty of spectacular highlights. I went and picked my Fav 3 so far, all buzzer beaters in excitingly close games.
#1 Devin Harris's half court buzzer beater
#2 Brandon Roy's 32 Ft Buzzer Beater vs Houston
#3 Lebron James game winning buzzer beater vs Golden State
#1 Devin Harris's half court buzzer beater
#2 Brandon Roy's 32 Ft Buzzer Beater vs Houston
#3 Lebron James game winning buzzer beater vs Golden State
Obama promises brighter future for America
He could be the most ambitious leader of America. In his first address to a joint session of Congress, Mr. Obama offered a distant promise of a brighter future, a theme deeply rooted in American political mythology.
“If we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then some day years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, 'something worthy to be remembered.' "
He renewed his call for investments in all areas, particularly finding a way to create energy resources that do not rely on foreign sources of oil.
“Let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year,” claiming the budget he will release on Thursday will make a down payment on the goal of “quality, affordable health care for every American.”.
Perhaps what truly outlines his ambitious goals in his term, Mr. Obama pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term, saying his administration had “already identified two trillion dollars in savings over the next decade.” including reduced spending on the war in Iraq and higher revenues from letting the Bush administration’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans lapse after 2010. He would also eliminate education programs that did not work, end excessive payments to large agribusinesses and overhaul the military budget “so we’re not paying for cold-war-era weapons systems we don’t use.”
Sparing no specifics, Mr. Obama called for stricter regulatory reforms of the nation’s financial institutions. He also mentioned creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans.
“My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we’ve inherited — a trillion-dollar budget deficit, a financial crisis and a costly recession,” Mr. Obama said. “Given these realities, everyone in this chamber, Democrats and Republicans, will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me.”
If he can fulfill his promises, Mr. Obama will surely go down in history as the most ambitious and successful leader.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How is your imagination tonight?
How is your imagination tonight?
With playful thrusts of guts and wit,
Tat for tat and tit for tit.
ON GUARD!! Take this, worthless foe!
Your blood is dried and your humor cold.
Bouncy banters and badinage
flirt with blithe counters of love and hate.
There will be NO MERCY spared.
Vulgarities, obscenities and other foul air.
You took your best shot, it was close.
Of all my adversaries, I fear you most.
As words fall silent, lights dimly glow,
the music sings mute and thoughts flow slow.
This night, drunk with mischievous fun,
this battle will not be lost or won.
The mind is no match with the heart in persuasion;
I stand no match for imagination.
Do you want to go to Heaven?
Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'
The man said, 'I do, Father.'
The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'
Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?''
Certainly, Father,' was the man's reply. '
Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.
Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and said, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'
The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'
The man said, 'I do, Father.'
The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'
Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?''
Certainly, Father,' was the man's reply. '
Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.
Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and said, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'
The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'
Monday, February 23, 2009
Time to hope, time to kill, time to reflect
Well, the February 21, 2009, 48 Million lottery numbers were revealed:
11, 20, 33, 34, 37, 39 Bonus number 22
Wow, 4 numbers in the 30s column? That is unusual indeed.
In any case, that was the topic around these days. People are turning to the lottery for hope in this financial turbulent time.
It is interesting to note that there has been increasing crimes around the city - kidnappings, gunfights and killings. As desperation spreads, crime rates will rise.
Yesterday, a small misunderstanding caused my family to be extremely worried for me because of how bad the public security has been. It made me realize how inconsiderate I have been.
For that, I am truly sorry.
11, 20, 33, 34, 37, 39 Bonus number 22
Wow, 4 numbers in the 30s column? That is unusual indeed.
In any case, that was the topic around these days. People are turning to the lottery for hope in this financial turbulent time.
It is interesting to note that there has been increasing crimes around the city - kidnappings, gunfights and killings. As desperation spreads, crime rates will rise.
Yesterday, a small misunderstanding caused my family to be extremely worried for me because of how bad the public security has been. It made me realize how inconsiderate I have been.
For that, I am truly sorry.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Forgotten
Days like this hurt the most.
You return to give me a glimpse of hope
where the sparkle is back in your eyes
and your voice is euphonious.
Then with the winds of change,
you will softly drift away.
I call your name begging you to stay,
but you will have forgotten mine.
You return to give me a glimpse of hope
where the sparkle is back in your eyes
and your voice is euphonious.
Then with the winds of change,
you will softly drift away.
I call your name begging you to stay,
but you will have forgotten mine.
Should I shed a tear for you?
So it may break your loneliness
And remind of a love so true.
Look, your family and friends are here
to bid farewell. And me.
And Me, my sweetest dear.
I will always be by your side.And Me, my sweetest dear.
Sometimes, I wish I can be angry
from tears of watching you.
My heart is bleeding, drained and weary,
but it stays patient for you.
My heart is bleeding, drained and weary,
but it stays patient for you.
My silence will keep yours company.
It matters not you will never know;
how much I want to hold you
And never let you go.
It matters not you will never know;
how much I want to hold you
And never let you go.
Days like this hurt the most.
As your eyes lose its glimmer
And time forgets to hurt,
hands in hands, I sleep as you sleep.
As your eyes lose its glimmer
And time forgets to hurt,
hands in hands, I sleep as you sleep.
Friday, February 20, 2009
World in chaos - Back to Communism
The news yesterday that Vancouver will buy out $750 Million Olympic Village loan led me to question how the Canadian government is managing our budget. I was not naïve enough to believe that hosting the Olympics would cost us nothing but at the time, it was a good move to promote Vancouver to the rest of the world. Now, I have to question whether it is even worth it to carry through all the obligations which would fall back on the shoulders of the taxpayers (Canadian tax already among the highest in the world).
The Canadian government has been sheltering us from reality that recession will hit Canada hard. The BC Budget is based on the assumption that the unemployment rate will not exceed 6.2% for 2009. January unemployment is already standing at 6.1%. Whether it is job losses in the manufacturing, construction or collapsed businesses, the unemployment rate will continue to rise for most if not all of 2009. How is this bogus budget supposed to help us prepare for the upcoming storm?
Moving to the US. Today, Dow Jones hovers around 7,300 levels and gold at 997 pushing to break 1,000 which mean confidence is still dropping and people are turning back to gold as a safe haven. Will Obama’s call for unprecedented accountability in stimulus package inject new confidence in the market? Unprecedented accountability, whatever does it mean? With bankruptcy protections, human rights and what’s not, accountability continues to be a myth buried in the foundations of democracy which America is all about.
China seems to be the only country that is still standing strong. However, they are also facing several challenges. Their underlying social issues continue to build up with their corruption causing natural disasters to be much more destructive as in the case of SzeChuan’s earthquake. Their economic growth depends heavily on foreign trade and investments which are both severely affected by the global recession. Their growth has not been one built on creativity and breakthroughs; instead it has been the product of multiple bubbles building. If you are guaranteed a three-fold profit in a year or two, why should anyone even be working?
Singapore has always been the tower of stability in SE Asia. If you had taken a SIA flight recently, you would have noticed the loads of empty seats especially in the business and first class. Depending on the type of aircraft, SIA would need to fill from 50% to 70% in order to break even. As a leading indicator of how bad conditions have become, Singapore Airlines is shelfing 17 planes. It did not even do that at the heights of the Sars crisis six years ago when people were scared to fly for fear of catching the deadly virus.
Taiwan's economy shrunk more than 8% in the fourth quarter 2008. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter decline reflecting on the suffering economy and Taiwan dollar. Industrial production and export orders fell in January 41.7% and 43.1% respectively. Creativity and diligence cannot undo the damages corruption has done.
The world is in chaos. It will take an unprecedented global effort to achieve stability. If you want accountability, you better start with severe repercussions for greed. Then again, that would mean the demise of capitalist system which has been good to boost competitiveness and inflate bubbles. Bubbles are not healthy no matter how you look at it. They will eventually blow up like a volcano, burning anything in its path.
The Canadian government has been sheltering us from reality that recession will hit Canada hard. The BC Budget is based on the assumption that the unemployment rate will not exceed 6.2% for 2009. January unemployment is already standing at 6.1%. Whether it is job losses in the manufacturing, construction or collapsed businesses, the unemployment rate will continue to rise for most if not all of 2009. How is this bogus budget supposed to help us prepare for the upcoming storm?
Moving to the US. Today, Dow Jones hovers around 7,300 levels and gold at 997 pushing to break 1,000 which mean confidence is still dropping and people are turning back to gold as a safe haven. Will Obama’s call for unprecedented accountability in stimulus package inject new confidence in the market? Unprecedented accountability, whatever does it mean? With bankruptcy protections, human rights and what’s not, accountability continues to be a myth buried in the foundations of democracy which America is all about.
China seems to be the only country that is still standing strong. However, they are also facing several challenges. Their underlying social issues continue to build up with their corruption causing natural disasters to be much more destructive as in the case of SzeChuan’s earthquake. Their economic growth depends heavily on foreign trade and investments which are both severely affected by the global recession. Their growth has not been one built on creativity and breakthroughs; instead it has been the product of multiple bubbles building. If you are guaranteed a three-fold profit in a year or two, why should anyone even be working?
Singapore has always been the tower of stability in SE Asia. If you had taken a SIA flight recently, you would have noticed the loads of empty seats especially in the business and first class. Depending on the type of aircraft, SIA would need to fill from 50% to 70% in order to break even. As a leading indicator of how bad conditions have become, Singapore Airlines is shelfing 17 planes. It did not even do that at the heights of the Sars crisis six years ago when people were scared to fly for fear of catching the deadly virus.
Taiwan's economy shrunk more than 8% in the fourth quarter 2008. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter decline reflecting on the suffering economy and Taiwan dollar. Industrial production and export orders fell in January 41.7% and 43.1% respectively. Creativity and diligence cannot undo the damages corruption has done.
The world is in chaos. It will take an unprecedented global effort to achieve stability. If you want accountability, you better start with severe repercussions for greed. Then again, that would mean the demise of capitalist system which has been good to boost competitiveness and inflate bubbles. Bubbles are not healthy no matter how you look at it. They will eventually blow up like a volcano, burning anything in its path.
With Capitalism on its way down, Communism may end up being the best idea some days in the future. Then again, it will strike China first and will only happen when the proportion of the poor heavily outweigh the rich.
At the present rate, communism does not seem that far.
At the present rate, communism does not seem that far.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bubble Nebula
The Bubble Nebula, ten light years in diameter, a mere eleven thousand light years away.
The smallest of three bubbles surrounding the massive star in the constellation Cassiopeia and part of the gigantic bubble network S162, created with the help of other massive stars.
As fast-moving gas spreads out, it pushes surrounding sparse gas into a shell. The energetic starlight then ionizes the shell, causing it to glow.
Strikingly beautiful. Magic.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What do you want to do with your life?
A young man went to a fortuneteller. Gazing into her crystal ball, the old lady asked, "What is your dream, young man? What do you want to do with your life?"
"I want to become a great writer."
"How do you define great?" she asked.
"I want to write things that the whole world will read, things that people will react to on a truly emotional level, things that will make them scream, cry, wail, howl in pain, desperation and anger."
The fortune teller reassured him, "It will be so."
He now works for Microsoft.... writing error messages.
"I want to become a great writer."
"How do you define great?" she asked.
"I want to write things that the whole world will read, things that people will react to on a truly emotional level, things that will make them scream, cry, wail, howl in pain, desperation and anger."
The fortune teller reassured him, "It will be so."
He now works for Microsoft.... writing error messages.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fool
What is a fool?
I know one.
His senses left him and took all his money.
I know one.
His senses left him and took all his money.
His loyalty cheated him with his cheating wife.
His friends wanted him as a contrast.
His parents called him a genetic defect.
He scared himself in the mirror every morning.
He bangs himself to sleep at night.
He walks on all fours and eats with his face in his food.
I know another.
He wrote a paper and forgot the pen.
I know another.
He wrote a paper and forgot the pen.
He was hungry so he ate the paper.
He was still hungry so he went to the library but forgot his library card.
The only free book is the bible. He ate it and thought he was God.
I know plenty.
People believed him.
The only free book is the bible. He ate it and thought he was God.
I know plenty.
People believed him.
Patience on the economic crisis
Today on the radio were news of the bankruptcy of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. just days after Trump said he would resign from the board. Trump who has most of his assets in real estate has been hit hard with the US RE market in a mess though he still offers plenty of advice and insight in his blog, Trump University. At least he acknowledges how bad things are and can be, and focuses on ways to ride the storm. When you look at this man who has seen the worst of times and the best, you have to understand that he learns to take what life throws at him and make the best of them. Different times require different qualities for success and this time, it is patience.
Forgive me if I have not been putting up many posts on the economic crisis. There is simply a lack of compelling topics or anything that has not been said before. In any case, we are clearly no where near the bottom as of yet. Instead of writing about repetitive topics and analysing useless/misleading charts, I have decided to focus on other aspects of life as I wait for the right time to come.
Yes guys, life goes on.
If I can imagine the future based on the facts on hand, protectivism seems inevitable meaning that global trade and diplomacy will be severely reduced. There will be more and more excuses made for war which history has shone to be a catalyst for economic recovery due to the mass job opportunities and increase in production. Deflation will be followed with aggressive rebounding inflation as the market will become flooded with oversupply of money.
It is not hard to deduce that are probably still at the first stage of the crisis. There is really no quick solution to the crisis and changes due to follow. I encourage all to exercise caution in all endeavours and develop patience in times of chaos. Opportunites are aplenty but so are traps.
That is not to say you just wait and not stay updated. You can check out "The Big Picture" which features many intriguing and stimulating economic topics. Some of you might even appreciate his sarcastic humor.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Melatonin - Prevention of Jet Lag
As people ages, the effects of the strain of adjusting to different time zones become more obvious. But fear not, there is an effective hormone medicine that can induce sleep when you need. Just be careful to use discreetly.
Below is an extract taken from "The Cochrane Collaboration"
Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag
Jet lag commonly affects air travellers who cross several time zones. It results from the body's internal rhythms being out of step with the day-night cycle at the destination. Melatonin is a pineal hormone that plays a central part in regulating bodily rhythms and has been used as a drug to re-align them with the outside world.Melatonin is remarkably effective in preventing or reducing jet lag, and occasional short-term use appears to be safe. It should be recommended to adult travellers flying across five or more time zones, particularly in an easterly direction, and especially if they have experienced jet lag on previous journeys. Travellers crossing 2-4 time zones can also use it if need be.
NBA All Stars game 2009
Though disappointed the East lost in yesterday's All-Star matchup against the West, there were plenty of highlights that made this game special.
Lebron was unstoppable going to the basket finishing with a wide array of moves finishing with 20 points.
Shaq was highly efficient playing 11 minutes and scoring 17 points mostly on dunks.
Kobe was hot and scored 27 with a wide array of jumpers.
Shaq and Kobe reunite to win co-MVP honors.
Shaq throwing a no look pass cross half court. a Shaq playing the give and go with Chris Paul to perfection starting with a bounce pass between Dwight's legs. That is sick!!
Sorry Kobe, Shaq outshine you on this one and should have taken the trophy for himself.
Lebron was unstoppable going to the basket finishing with a wide array of moves finishing with 20 points.
Shaq was highly efficient playing 11 minutes and scoring 17 points mostly on dunks.
Kobe was hot and scored 27 with a wide array of jumpers.
Shaq and Kobe reunite to win co-MVP honors.
Shaq throwing a no look pass cross half court. a Shaq playing the give and go with Chris Paul to perfection starting with a bounce pass between Dwight's legs. That is sick!!
Sorry Kobe, Shaq outshine you on this one and should have taken the trophy for himself.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tang Li 唐莉 - No. 1 Weiqi Beauty
Tang Li 唐莉
Height: 1.74米
Weight: 57.5kg
Birthday: 27 July, 1982
Horoscope: Leo
Profession: Weiqi围棋, Host, Actress
Birthday: 27 July, 1982
Horoscope: Leo
Profession: Weiqi围棋, Host, Actress
Website: 糖炒栗子
Tang started learning Go when most kids in China did, at the young age of 6. It wasn't until 1998, when Tang was 16, that'd she'd become a professional. In that same year she won 2nd place at the National Youth Women tournament, along with 2nd place at the National Sports Meeting tournament. She is considered one of the most beautiful Go players in the world, along with Umezawa Yukari.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Will you be?
You are ....
Rava avis. One of a kind.
You are my only reason carrying heaven’s sign.
You sparkle so like a star in the night,
Always shining bright.
If I am a map, you are my compass guiding me home
to a place safe and protected like my mommy’s womb.
Drawn to a flame, this a love-sick moth
Realizes that you are my true North.
I am devil incarnated with sly and unrivaled wit.
You are the goddess dancing with a whip.
With tears, I had to hide the scars with a tan.
And confess you make me want to be a better man.
The irony lives in you and me,
A certain reflection I hate to see.
That smile breaks my defence and spreads around.
In your sea of love, I willingly drown.
A million and one questions I had to ask,
"Will you be my empiternal wanderlust?".
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Song Hye Kyo - 宋慧乔
Birthday : 26, Feb 1982 ( Friday ) Zodiac Sign : Pisces
Blood Type : A
Height : 161cm
Weight : 45kg
Measurement : B34":W24":H35"
Hobbies : Shopping, watching movies, listen to music, stitching-knitting and perfumes collecting
Other Talents : Grade 10 in Piano and had undergone formal training as a figure skater
Hearts on Fire
Hearts on Fire are the “World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond”, as they are cut under 100X magnification, rather than the industry standard of 10X. The right cut is vital to a diamond, as that is what makes the diamond reflect light properly.
Along with the brand, you get an inflated price tag which often raises the debate whether it is worth it. The good thing is that they never compromise their price which guarantees you are getting the best deal for the HOF diamond.
Valentine’s day is coming up, guys. Make it count.
Along with the brand, you get an inflated price tag which often raises the debate whether it is worth it. The good thing is that they never compromise their price which guarantees you are getting the best deal for the HOF diamond.
Valentine’s day is coming up, guys. Make it count.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fickle comet Lulin makes millennial passing
Comet C/2007 N3, aka comet Lulin, is an icy remnant from the primordial solar system that on Feb. 23 will pass within 38 million miles of Earth.
Just how bright it becomes, however, is anyone’s guess. Comets are notoriously fickle. They can flare up unexpectedly, or fizzle and go totally unnoticed by the average stargazer. As noted comet hunter David Levy likes to say: “Comets are like cats. They both have tails and they both do what they want!”
Right now, comet Lulin is drifting across our midnight sky and you can see it if you know just where to look. Your best bet will be to observe from a dark, un-light-polluted wilderness area. Scan your binoculars in the region of the comet and, when you spot something that appears like a faint, fuzzy star with a stubby tail, you’ve found it! …
Within only days, it will become even brighter and begin to slip into the early evening sky. On the night of Feb. 23, it will pass slightly southwest of Saturn. Now the comet will be moving at about 5 degrees per day - fast enough for stargazers observing through binoculars or small telescopes to actually notice within minutes its drift against more distant stars.
For some who consider the stars as part of the abode of the Gods, Lulin can be interpreted as a sign for disaster.
You have been warned.
You have been warned.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Yes Man
I know this movie has been out for some time but I finally got around to catching it in the big screen.
Some people tell me that the “Yes Man” is like an epiphany. Some people tell me it totally changed their lives. Well, I liked the show. This turned out to be the one show in a long while Jim Carey’s humor came through.
I always like the guy whether it is in quirky roles such as “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask” or semi-serious roles such as “Liar Liar” and “Evan Almighty”. The past few years, Jim has been attempting to revamp himself in dramas which totally stifled his god-given comedic talents. “Yes Man” took me back to the good old Carey days. But it is no longer the silly, goofy Jim we are so used to. It looks like age has caught up with him along with a touch of maturity. His humor is more refined and hits all the right spots.
Now, a good actor needs a good script to shine. "Yes Man" will probably appeal to a lot of people because of its relatability. Who doesn't want a better life? The moral of the movie is the power lies in positive reinforcement. I must admit this is the right way to spread the message. Disguising the serious topic behind a humorous tone makes it that much easier for people to digest the message. What makes this movie so good is that it grabs you from the get go and builds up the momentum. It is a serious topic but you would not feel its weight at all.
I always like the guy whether it is in quirky roles such as “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask” or semi-serious roles such as “Liar Liar” and “Evan Almighty”. The past few years, Jim has been attempting to revamp himself in dramas which totally stifled his god-given comedic talents. “Yes Man” took me back to the good old Carey days. But it is no longer the silly, goofy Jim we are so used to. It looks like age has caught up with him along with a touch of maturity. His humor is more refined and hits all the right spots.
Now, a good actor needs a good script to shine. "Yes Man" will probably appeal to a lot of people because of its relatability. Who doesn't want a better life? The moral of the movie is the power lies in positive reinforcement. I must admit this is the right way to spread the message. Disguising the serious topic behind a humorous tone makes it that much easier for people to digest the message. What makes this movie so good is that it grabs you from the get go and builds up the momentum. It is a serious topic but you would not feel its weight at all.
As good as I think the movie is, the exaggerated effects of being positive sometimes lives on the edge of believability. Seriously, speaking from experience, there is no way a bank can make profit off loans as small as a couple of hundreds. It would not even cover the cost of the paperwork and due diligence. But nonetheless, as incredulous as it may appear, the right attitude does open doors.
From 1 to 10, I rate "Yes Man" a strong 9 because it is funny, relatable, engaging and most of all inspirational. This could make my top 10 all time favourites.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Here is another on my must watch list for 2009.
Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story of an old baby who grows younger with age. "Benjamin Button" is an affecting, philosophical, and introspective journey into love, sacrifice, and change. A timeless romance and one of Brad Pitt's deepest performance.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Back in Vancouver finally - Afterthoughts
I am back. Back from a tiresome journey. I have been to so many places I don’t even know where to begin. Singapore was nice but it is nothing compared to the time I had in Taiwan. In less than a week, I had a new appreciation for the Taiwanese culture, grown to love their creativities and humor, and forgive them for their abundance of freedom.
You really have to be impressed with the level of service which prides itself in being warm and courteous. Taiwan really has it down with greetings with every entry and exit. However, the disregard for rules and social etiquette are their undoing.
In Taiwan, traffic regulations are only for reference (except for the green and red lights). There is really a lack of productive and informative global news except for minimal headliners. Most of the news are Taiwan-related and repetitive across the many News channels. It kind of reflects on the kind of society Taiwan is.
Before the trip, I have been hammered with widespread praise for the food delicacies in Taiwan and I have not been disappointed. I especially like the two buffets I had which featured all types of gourmet foods. Japanese, Chinese, Western, Taiwanese, Korean, Italian, you name it, all for a price approximate of CAD$20. Simply put, there is so much to eat and at such convenience, I think I was constantly hungry in Taiwan.
You really have to be impressed with the level of service which prides itself in being warm and courteous. Taiwan really has it down with greetings with every entry and exit. However, the disregard for rules and social etiquette are their undoing.
In Taiwan, traffic regulations are only for reference (except for the green and red lights). There is really a lack of productive and informative global news except for minimal headliners. Most of the news are Taiwan-related and repetitive across the many News channels. It kind of reflects on the kind of society Taiwan is.
Before the trip, I have been hammered with widespread praise for the food delicacies in Taiwan and I have not been disappointed. I especially like the two buffets I had which featured all types of gourmet foods. Japanese, Chinese, Western, Taiwanese, Korean, Italian, you name it, all for a price approximate of CAD$20. Simply put, there is so much to eat and at such convenience, I think I was constantly hungry in Taiwan.
Then there is the 7-11 around every corner, 24 hour shops (bookstores and comic zones are my favs) and delivery services that really make me miss life in a busy city. I think at the end of the day, I am a Chinese and still addicted to the chinese culture.
Places like DanShui (淡水鎮) and JiuFen (九份) brings back memories of how things used to be. It has been too long since I have walked in the alleys of stores. It has been too long since I have felt so alive. YiLan (宜蘭市) was a great Hot Springs experience but unfortunately I was 2 days too early for the Taiwan Lantern Festival so I only caught a small portion of the action. YiLan is simply magical and the dream romantic/family getaway. You probably want to stay overnight and bask in its beauty and warmth. Then you will never want to leave.
A busting place, Taiwan presents many temptations to the weak-minded. Yes, I am weak. How can one not be moved by the countless cute merchandise available? I wrapped my Iphone, bought a few watches (cheap but nice) and indulged myself with some shirts. Granted that I am not a compulsive shopper, such extravagance has already worked up some guilt. After all, these are hardly essentials that I am buying.
The whole trip has been so unforgettable because I was surrounded by close friends and family. As much as I wanted to drive, I was pretty much accompanied by a volunteer chauffeur everywhere I went. I was showered with so much care and food, I think I have put on quite some weight (1.5kg). Maybe I am not that good at saying how much I appreciate what I have been given. Maybe I am not that good with showing gratitude. But deep inside, I remember. True friends are those who give unconditionally and are there for each other. I am lucky because I have made so many.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The "Fine" City
On the first day of college, the Dean addressed the students, pointing out some of the rules: "The female dormitory will be out-of-bounds for allmale students, and the male dormitory to the female students. Anybody caught breaking this rule will befined $20 the first time."
He continued, "Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60. Being caught a third time will cost you a fine of $180. Are there any questions?"
At this point, a male student in the crowd inquired:"How much for a season pass?"
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He continued, "Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60. Being caught a third time will cost you a fine of $180. Are there any questions?"
At this point, a male student in the crowd inquired:"How much for a season pass?"
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Shout out from the "Fine" City, Singapore. It is bright and warm here. Maybe because I am surrounded with family, most importantly my beloved Grams.
Well, not my whole family is here. It is my mom's birthday and she is in Vancouver with my sis.
Happy Birthday Mom!!!
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